My life in danger, Amaechi cries out

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61928

How Rivers crisis started — Patience Jonathan 11

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

From left: Managing consultant, Stern and Kay Consulting, Mrs Kate Iketubosiu; Managing Director, Heritage Bank Ltd, Mr. Ifie Sekibo; Dep. Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Mrs Nneka Okekearu; Chief Operating Officer, Nextzon, Mr. Augustine Edet and executive director, Heritage Bank Ltd, Mrs Mary Akpobome, at the launch of Heritage Bank Ltd micro, small and medium enterprise clinic, MSME, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

WARRI CRISIS: Seven Itsekiri communities give govt 30 days to fish out arsonists 13

My life in danger, Amaechi cries out •Police declare Chidi Lloyd wanted, summon Gov's CSO •Strange police officers, DSS operatives at Rivers Lodge •ACN, Soyinka, warn of consequences, indict Jonathan, Police

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH; KINGSLEY OMONOBI, JIMITOTA ONOYUME & DAPO AKINREFON

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BUJA—BARELY 24 hours after Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and four of his colleagues from the North, who paid him solidarity visit were pelted with stones by political opponents in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi yesterday, raised alarm that his life was in danger. He alleged that strange police-

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SENATE BIDS EWHERIDO FAREWELL •P.29

COLUMNISTS:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17 OCHEREOME NNANNA•P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

Mr & Mrs

VALEDICTORY SESSION—Mrs. Pius Ewherido (2nd left)and her children at the valedictory servivce for Late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido by the Senate at the National Assembly Abuja, yesterday. Inset: From right: Father-in-law to late Senator Ewherido and former Minister of Police Affairs Alaowei Broderick Bozimo; former Chief Justice of Delta State, Mrs. Rosaline Bozimo and Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan at the event.

Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan. More on Pages 15& 52.

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co

56& 57

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POCKET CARTOON

safety of Governor Amaechi and the peace and security of everyone in Rivers State", the SSG pleaded.

AKINKUGBE @ 80—The 80th Birthday celebration of Prof Oladipupo Akinkugbe was

held at All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, yesterday. From left: Former Chairman, Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon,and celebrant, Prof.

Oladipupo Akinkugbe at the event. Photo: Dare Fasube.

My life in danger, Amaechi cries out Continues from page 1 men and intelligence officers were deployed in his lodges in Port Harcourt and Abuja without his consent.

The governor raised the alarm on a day the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Chidi Lloyd

was declared wanted by the State Police Command even as Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka warned that this “notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged.”

The Inspector General of Police, on the other

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life —George Arliss. Life really can change. Be humble, be wise!

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

I was angry with my friend I told my wrath, my wrath did end —William Blake

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HIS line verse taken from William Blake po etry the “Poison Tree” is a fine illustration of how dangerously anger can ruin the harmonious bond in our relationships with others.

Sometimes, there are going to be misunderstandings in our relationships with others, it is inevitable in any partnership, the likelihood of conflict is a possibility, but to express one’s feelings peacefully, at such a given moment is very vital to maintaining a healthy relationship. Often the people in our lives that have the power to press the bottom that causes a lot of anger in us are really our teachers, this person is teaching you that you have not mastered yourself, that you still do not know how to choose peace when your are riled by another.

Invariably, the way to peace is to tell your friend, mate, child, parents, or anyone you have dealings with, exactly how you feel. Do this from a place of being detached and honest and watch the wrath disappear. For you would have removed entirely the possibility of nurturing and producing a poison tree. Always, try and state your feelings and make efforts with a sign of affection, even if it means losing face and subduing your ego, and when you keep an atmosphere of open honesty, your relationships will take a different meaning in a most dynamic and beautiful way.

hand, has also summoned to the Force Headquarters, Governor Amaechi’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Tony Iwelu as well as the House Leader.

Threat to Amaechi's life

On the threat to Governor Amaechi’s life, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii, in a statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja, recalled the surreptitious deployment of strange policemen and intelligence officers to the governor ’s lodges in Abuja and Port Harcourt without the involvement of the governor as was the practice nationwide.

Feyii said: “The Rivers State Government notes with distress what is now an apparent attack on the person of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

“On Tuesday, two policemen, one of them, Inspector Bawa, reported to the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge at Justice Mohammed Bello Street, Asokoro, FCT Abuja.

“They claimed to have been posted by Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to monitor the Rivers State Governor ’s Lodge.

“Earlier, four intelligence officers had been posted to Government

House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Police Command.

These postings were done without any notification or reference to Governor Amaechi.

“We are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security personnel to whom he may entrust his safety.

This is more so in the case of a state governor.

“The policemen insisted on Wednesday morning (yesterday) that they had directives to remain at the gate of the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge. Not only is the Rivers State Government uncertain of the true identity of these gentlemen, we are worried as to the true intent behind these latest postings.

“In recent times, events in Rivers State and especially around Governor Amaechi have been suggestive of deliberate nonchalance at best, and complicity at worst in the security breaches that have occurred. This trend has continued despite a passionate appeal to the highest levels of authority.

“We are worried that we can no longer guarantee the safety of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and wish to reiterate our call on all relevant authorities to ensure the

IGP on CP Mbu

The Inspector General of Police had said last week that he was yet to get a formal request by Amaechi to redeploy the state police commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu from the state.

Even before then, those opposed to Amaechi, had insisted that Mbu was the best CP and should not be moved out of the state.

But events almost got out of hands when hired youths attacked the convoy of the governor and broke some cars as he made to welcome four PDP governors to Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The quartet of Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa states, were on a solidarity visit to Amaechi, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF.

Chidi Lloyd declared wanted

Declaring the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly wanted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command (PPRO), Mrs. Angela Agabe, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said that Lloyd, the lawmaker representing Emohua Constituency in the assembly, was wanted over alleged conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful damage.

She said that the lawmaker was last seen in the assembly on July 9,

and that he failed to respond to police invitation, which she explained, elapsed on July 15.

According to her: “The Rivers State Police Command has declared wanted, one honourable Chidi Lloyd, a native of Emohua, in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State. About 37 years of age, he is the Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly. He was involved in a case of conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful damage on July 9, 2013.

“The crime is being investigated by a special team from the InspectorGeneral of Police in collaboration with the state Criminal Investigation Division, Rivers command.

“He was last seen at the Rivers State House of Assembly on July 9, 2013. All efforts to trace his whereabouts have so far proved abortive.“ Agabe urged the people of the state to give the police useful information that could lead to the arrest of Lloyd and assist the command to fight crime in the state. She said the command was determined to check crime and protect lives and property of the people in the state.

IGP summons Amaechi's CSO, others

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar also yesterday summoned the leader of the Rivers Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd, and the Chief Security officer to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Tony Iwelu to report to Force headquarters for interrogation.

The ADC to the governor, Acting ASP Debeware Semeikumo and the Escort Com-

Continues on page 58

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

20-yr-old dropout stabs school prefect to death

BY EMMA UNA

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ALABAR — A 20-yearold man Godwin Odu, has been arrested by the police in Calabar for allegedly stabbing Boniface Odinaka, a student of Army Day Secondary School, 3 Amphibious Brigade, Eburutu Barracks, Calabar to death.

Odinaka, who was the Labour Prefect of the school, was attacked for confiscating the sandals of another student, Francis Etim.

He was said to have engaged the services of Odu who was his friend and an alleged cultist.

Odu who is from Akwa Ibom State, is currently detained at the state Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Diamond Hill, Calabar.

On why he killed Odinaka, he said his friend, Francis Etim, asked him to assist him recover a pair of sandals which Odinaka seized over alleged improper dressing.

Asked if he knew the name of the Labour Prefect, Odu said they laid ambush with Etim for Odinaka at the school gate waiting for closing hour when students were returning home.

In a statement at the Homicide Unit of the state CID, Odu confirmed that he attacked Odinaka from the rear and as the SSS II boy struggled to free himself, it resulted to a fight which caused his death.

Fielding questions from the Officer-in-Charge of Homicide, Mr. Joseph Inuyashe, DSP, Odu said: “The boy Odinaka is the cause of every thing that has brought me here. My friend, Francis Etim, came from school and told me that one senior student seized his sandals."

Minutes after Odinaka was killed, Etim fled the area, but he was later arrested.

Odu who was identified as a dropout, said he attended Government Technical School, Ikot Ansa, Calabar and abandoned his studies as “some bad boys were after me.”

He pleaded that he was still a minor, claiming he was 14 years old, but when asked the year he was born, his years in primary and secondary school, he later said he was 20 years old.

A crowd during distribution of foodstuff and materials to women as Ramadan fasting assistance, in Bauchi, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Man allegedly kills, cuts off wife’s genitals, hair for ritual

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI — A MAN, Okorie Ogbafor, has allegedly murdered his wife, Ifeoma Okorie, 26, and removed her genitals and hair at Onicha-Isu, in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, for ritual purposes.

Briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Abakaliki, yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Sylvester Igbo, said the corpse of the deceased was found in a bush behind the couple’s family house adding that it had already started decomposing when a team of policemen from the state command found it.

Igbo, who disclosed that the suspect took off to Lagos State after committing the crime, noted that relatives of the suspect who reported the incident at a nearby Police station assisted in arresting him in Lagos.

He said: “On July 12, 2013, a case of murder was reported at Onicha-Isu, in Onicha Local Government Area where it was alleged that one Ifeoma Okorie, 26, wife to Okorie Ogbafor was murdered and the corpse dropped in a bush behind their family house.

“When the police team went to the place, on a closer examination of the corpse, it was discovered that the head of the woman was nearly severed from her body and it was also discovered that her private part was chopped off and parts of the hair shaved while the corpse was already decomposing.

“It was taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

“It was after three days that her body was discovered. However, in the effort to know the actual perpetrator of the act, some people were arrested and it was then that we discovered that one Okorie Ogbafor was the person behind the killing of his wife.

“After killing the wife, he ran to Lagos. All this while, he was not seen within the vicinity and as information reached his kinsmen who were living in Lagos they reported the incident at the nearest police station to where the suspect resided.”

According to the Police spokesman, a team of detectives in charge of the case were on their way to Lagos to bring back the suspect to Ebonyi State as the case would soon be charged to court after investigation.

Industrial Court upholds compulsory retirement of ex-Customsman ...orders Customs to settle his medical bills

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BUJA — THE National In dustrial Court, NIC, sitting in Abuja has upheld the compulsory retirement of Mr Kadejo Abdulhakeem, a former employee of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS. Delivering judgment, yesterday, Justice Oluseun Shogbola held that the retirement by the NCS board was in accordance with the law governing the employment of the claimant.

Shogbola held that the claim-

ant was not entitled to reinstatement since the defendant constituted a medical board that examined and declared him unfit, after he sustained serious injuries from an accident.

She also held that the defendant had the power to retire the claimant at anytime, as there was no law preventing the defendant from retiring him before he attained retirement age.

Shogbola, however, ordered the NCS to calculate and pay the

Man jailed 6 years for defiling 16-yr-old girl

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BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—AN Ikpoba-Okha Magistrate's Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, sentenced a 26-year-old man to six years imprisonment for defiling a 16-year-old girl.

The convict, Osarodion Omorogbe, was said to have forced the girl to drink a bottle of stout to enable him have unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

In his judgment, the presiding

magistrate, Igho Braimoh, said the prosecution had proved beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime as “he had nothing to say throughout the duration of his trial.”

He expressed hoped that the sentence will serve as deterrent to others.

Commenting on the verdict, counsel to the convict, Mr Dele Igbinedion expressed reservation on the jail term handed to his client.

medical bills of the claimant from when he had the accident to his hospitalisation.

The presiding judge said it was the duty of the NCS to cater for the claimant’s treatment, since he had the accident while on an official duty.

She also ordered the claimant to furnish the NCS with all the necessary documents, to enable them prepare his retirement gratuity.

She said: “The defendant has acted within the law, having constituted a medical board that examined and declared the claimant unfit to continue to work as a para-military officer and he is therefore not entitled for reinstatement.

“It is also my view that the defendant ought to have taken care of the claimant’s medical bills when he had the accident because he was on official duty.

“The defendant is hereby directed to look at the receipts of the claimant’s hospital bills.”

Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Miss Gloria Okhajaguan, commended the court for a well considered ruling.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—7

One killed, 3 wounded as policemen battle robbers

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA — ONE person was gunned down, while three others sustained injuries during gun battle between the police and suspected robbers at Ngborokpo village in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday.

Also, 17 suspected robbers were arrested by the police where three AK 47 riffles, two pump action guns, four locally made pistols, some quantity of ammunition, a television set and a teddy bear which they used in concealing guns were recovered.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Anambra State Police command, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, told newsmen at the headquarters of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, that the 17 suspects were arrested in various parts of the state for variuos offences, including bank robbery.

Among the suspects was a 16year-old Ifeanyi Onwe said to be a specialist in bank robbery. He was said to be using beautiful girls to track people that withdrew large sums of money from the banks.

According to Chukwuemeka, some of the suspects were in the habit of blocking major roads in Nawfia, Awgbu, Ufuma, Abba, among other areas where they

robbed people.

The PPRO alleged that some of the suspects were also involved in the killing of a 55-year-old man in Awgbu and another woman at Nanka four days ago, as well as in the raping of girls in parts of the state.

He said: “To the ordinary eye, the TV set and the teddy bear they were carrying were just what they were meant to be. But for this gang, what they do is to open the TV set and rip open the teddy’s tommy, conceal pistols and ammunition in them and when they enter any vehicle, nobody will

know they had guns until they begin operation.

“They invented this style to escape from the police and other security agencies, but our men were able to beat them to their game.”

Ifeanyi Onwe, the 16-year-old suspect confessed to the crime, admitting that he used to plant young girls in banks in Onitsha to give members of his gang information concerning withdrawals.

He said: “I was a student in a secondary school in Onitsha before I dropped out in JSS 1 be-

cause my parents could not fund my education. Thereafter, I met a friend who introduced me into this deal. We have carried out many robbery operations in Onitsha and its environs.”

Another suspect simply identified as Ebuka said he was arrested

by SARS operatives when he went to visit his friend.

He said: “I went to visit my friend without knowing that he was being wanted by the police for robbery. As I was still there, SARS operative broke into the house and arrested all of us. I don’t really know what I did.”

JTF arrests pastor with 124 bags of Indian hemp in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI — THE Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Order, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has arrested a Pastor, Moses Edon, in possession of 124 bags of Indian hemp at the premises of a Celestial Church of Christ parish.

Vanguard gathered that the church was abandoned last year, as its members fled due to the insecurity perpetrated by Boko Haram sect.

A statement by the JTF spokesman, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, said: “Based on information and intelligence, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Restore Order at about 9.30am on July 10, 2013 raided the premises of a Celestial Church of Christ at House of Assembly Quarters, Pompomari area of Maiduguri metropolis.

“The raid led to the discovery and seizure of 124 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp packed in three rooms at the premises of the church.

“The suspect who is a pastor of the church, one Moses Edon, admitted knowledge of the content of the bags and confessed that the Indian hemp was brought to his church from Ondo State for safe keeping by a member of the

church, one Mr Segun Oni.” The JTF said preliminary investigation revealed that the church has not been active for some time now. It has been used for safe haven for Indian hemp business from where some unidentified “partners in business” distribute the product to their customers in Maiduguri and its environs.

Some of the suspects and arms recovered, yesterday.

Two students crushed while celebrating Rag Day

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — TRAGEDY struck, Tuesday, along Mile Two/Badagry expressway, after two students of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, AOCOED, Ijanikin died in an auto accident, while observing the school’s annual rag day.

One of the deceased was identified simply as Michael, a final year student of Physical and Health Education.

Reports said the students were among others who stormed the streets to observe the rag day aimed at generating funds for the less privileged.

The unexpected happened after the two students said to have hung on a commercial bus lost grip as the driver attempted to dodge a pothole, at Cele bus-stop. They were reportedly run over by a moving vehicle which killed them on the spot.

The incident caused an uproar as some students of the institution took to the road protesting the death of their colleagues.

Reports said some vehicles were seized by the protesting students.

It, however, took efforts of policemen from Ijanikin division to prevent the students from causing more damage.

The policemen and school authorities were said to have persuaded the students from taking to the streets.

Police sources told Vanguard, yesterday, that normalcy had returned to the ever busy road, with policemen parolling the area.

The bodies of the students have been deposited at the Badagry General Hospital mortuary.

Man rapes 9-year-old girl to death C

BY EMMA UNA

ALABAR — A 20-year-old man, Chijioke Nwakor, from Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State is now in Police custody for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl to death.

The suspect who is currently detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), state Police headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar is alleged to have engaged Miss Alice Eneji in a marathon love making which resulted in the girl's death.

Chijioke told the officer heading the homicide unit of the state CID, Mr. Joseph Inuyashe, that he was born in Aniocha Local Government Area, but grew up

in Onistha, Anambra until recently when he relocated to Okuku-Yala Local Government in Cross River State where he is living with his parents.

He said since he came to Cross River State, he had abstained from women, regretting that his first attempt to make love to a girl of his desire has resulted in tragedy.

He said: “I used to see the girl everyday in Okuku-Yala, where I stay with my parents. I don’t know what pushed me last Monday to approach her.

“As I saw her playing with the three boys at Saint Patrick's Primary School, Okuku football field, I called her and asked what she was doing there. I told her to go

home and meet her mother.”

The advice took an amorous dimension as it started drizzling and Chijioke and Alice had to take shelter under one of the school buildings.

It was then he said: “I discussed with her and she accepted so I took her to one of the abandoned buildings that has been overtaken by weeds, where I told her to remove her underwears and she complied.”

Claiming there was mutual agreement between them, the boy dismissed allegation that he raped her, saying: "I did not slap her or do anything to her.

“I told her to bend down because the place was too dirty. The uncompleted building is now

used as a toilet, because most people living around there had no toilet."

Chijioke said he then went for marathon love-making but Alice started crying but he thought she was pretending.

Few minutes later, Alice slumped and became unconscious and he decided to raise alarm calling for help.

Alice was rushed to hospital while Chijioke went round the community sourcing for money to foot the hospital bill.

“I was still looking for money when somebody called me that the girl was dead,” he said.

When contacted, acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr. Hogan Bassey confirmed the incident.

8—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

PDP convention on track as Jonathan intervenes

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

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OLLOWING the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan, the special national convention of Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, has again been put on track for the previously scheduled date of August 31.

The convention date, which was cancelled by the party ’s National Working Committee, NWC, last Monday, was revived following a stakeholders' meeting in the Presidential Villa presided over by the President, Tuesday night.

The earlier cancellation followed animosity between PDP's National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and the Special National Convention Committee appointed at the meeting of the party's National Executive Committee, NEC, last month.

Tuesday night’s stakeholders’ meeting had in attendance Tukur; Chairman of the Special Convention Planning Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana and some members of the committee.

The South-West zonal congress earlier scheduled for August 24, but also cancelled by the PDP NWC, is also back on track for the same date.

Sources disclosed that the President intervened following what party insiders revealed as a complete breakdown of communication between Tukur and the Gana-led committee, which forced Tukur to influence the NWC into canceling the convention plans of Gana.

At the height of the face off, Tukur locked out Gana and his committee Cecretary, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of the Senate, when both men went to brief him on their plans for the convention.

At the centre of the dispute between Tukur and Gana were allegations that the SCPC was overreaching itself and not briefing him on their activities.

DECORATION: President Goodluck Jonathan (4th right), Vice President Namadi Sambo (3rd right), President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra-Leone (middle) and board members of West African Insurance Institute after the decoration of President Jonathan as Patron of the institute in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Al-Bashir didn't flee Nigeria— Sudanese govt Protect Africa from West, envoy begs journalists

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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BUJA—THE Sudanese government has dismissed claims that President Omar Al-Bashir fled Nigeria over fear of arrest by International Criminal Court, ICC. It will be recalled that Omar Al-Bashir was indicted

by ICC for alleged crimes against humanity. He came to Nigeria to attend the African Union, AU, Special Summit on AIDS/HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

While refuting the report, Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Tagelsir Ali, told journalists in Abuja that AlBashir had a scheduled meeting with three other presidents; President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegh and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. He said these meetings explained his absence at the panel session.

He explained that it was after he had concluded the meetings that the embassy advised him to go back as there was nothing serious in the next day’s agenda, which he said was meant for drafting of communique.

Ali also revealed that AlBashir had delegated his Minister of Health to take his speech at the panel session for Presidents, while he discussed with the three presidents in separate meetings.

He stressed that Al-Bashir never nursed the thought or raised any fear of arrest while in Nigeria.

Ali said: “We gave him the go-ahead to come to Nigeria

because of what Nigeria stands for.

“If Nigeria had succumbed to ICC, how can Nigeria then present itself as one of the leading countries in the continent?”

He called on Africans to resist another attempt by the West to colonise the conti-

nent again, stressing that ICC had become a political organ which Africa must resist.

The ambassador, who noted that ICC was only targeting African leaders, also questioned the commitment of the West in assisting the continent in the fight to eradicate

AIDS/HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

Ali, however, urged the media to join in the struggle to protect the continent from the scramble by the West.

He said: “I beg you journalists not to betray Africa. Try and stand by Africa this time. You are the people to shape Africa.”

NJC appoints new judges, to rule on erring ones today

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—NATIONAL Ju dicial Council, NJC, yesterday, adjourned till today to continue an emergency meeting it is currently holding in Abuja to determine the fate of about 69 judges under probe over their alleged involvement in acts of corruption.

This is even as the Council, at the end of its sitting, which was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar, okayed the appointment of new high court judges.

According to a source at the meeting, who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, “our meeting went very well.

“In fact, the CJN insisted that we tackle most of the issues slated for deliberation though we were not able to delve into the pending petitions against some judges.

“We decided to leave that till Thursday (today), though the council approved the ap-

pointment of new high court judges.”

The source declined to either mention the names of the persons approved for elevation to the Bench or their state, saying he doesn’t have the mandate to disclose such information to the public.

Meanwhile, the CJN, who clocked one year in office on Tuesday, had earlier expressed her determination to sack any of the judges the council will find professionally wanting after due consideration of petitions entered against them by aggrieved Nigerians.

Cases for NJC probe

Investigation by Vanguard had revealed that notable among the corrupt cases to be considered by the NJC today include those of a very senior judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who was accused of giving highly controversial judgments that had often embarrassed the judiciary.

Another case is that of a female judge from one of the Southern states, who was

said to have on many occasions abused her office by issuing frivolous injunctions to contending politicians.

The NJC will also probe the circumstances that led to the voluntary retirement of a former Chief Judge, who left office to take up a traditional title few weeks after he was summoned by the council to defend himself over his alleged complicity in acts of corruption.

A competent source had confirmed to Vanguard that NJC would consider the responses by some of the accused judges, who the source said were earlier queried over their conduct in their respective states.

The source said: “The judges, who are being investigated, cut across the length and breadth of Nigeria and NJC will spend two days looking at those that should be penalised or exonerated.

“I can tell you that the petitions against some of the judges are very strong and there is no way they can escape the wrath of NJC.”

Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—9

42.2m Nigerians buy fuel above N97/litre

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU & SEBASTINE OBASI

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ORE than half of Nigerians still buy petrol above the prescribed amount of N97 per litre despite the huge subsidy and petroleum equalisation paid by Federal Government to stabilise the price.

A survey released yesterday in Abuja, by the Finance Minister’s private agency, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, NOI Polls Limited, has shown that at least five in every 10 Nigerians bought premium motor spirit or petrol above the regulated pump price of N97.

Already, the Ministry of Finance disclosed, Monday, that about N240.5 billion have been paid for subsidy claims in 2013 alone, thus negating the policy of the subsidy regime since Nigerians still buy the product above the pump price.

ing a questionnaire to respondents.

It said: “To determine the main petrol distributors that Nigerians patronise and analyse their purchase trends, respondents to the poll were asked Where do you mainly buy petrol from?

“The responses indicate that in the First Quarter of

2013, 55 percent of Nigerians bought petrol from major marketers' filling stations.

“This is followed by 34 percent of Nigerians, who bought from independent marketers' filling stations, then 11 percent who bought from hawkers.

“The North-Central and South-West zones have the highest percentage of Nige-

rians purchasing petrol from major marketers' filling stations with 64 percent and 62 percent, respectively.

“The South-East zone has the highest percentage of people purchasing from independent marketers' filling stations with 46 percent, while the North-East zone has the highest percentage of people purchasing from hawkers with 28 percent.”

Poll findings

NOI, in its report, said: “The second quarter results for the Petrol Pump Price Monitoring Polls conducted

by NOI Polls Limited reveal that between April and June 2013, an average of 52 percent adult Nigerians (about 45.2 million) are still buying petrol above the official pump price of N97 per litre.

“This marks a five-point decline from an average of 57 percent in First Quarter 2013.

“The poll further indicates that six in 10 Nigerians (60 percent) blame the differences in petrol price on lack of government monitoring of petrol sales. These form part of the findings of the polls for Second Quarter, 2013.”

NOI said the poll findings were arrived at by administer-

ACP-EU MEETING: From left— Michele Rivasi, Acting Co-President, ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly; Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives, and Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Guelaye, Acting Co-President of the Assembly, at the 10th regional meeting (West Africa) of the Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Non-release of funds cripples Special Duties Ministry

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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ONTRARY to last Tuesday’s claim by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that N50 billion has been released for the execution of constituency projects in the 2013 budget, there are indica-

tions that the Ministry of Special Duties, which was assigned the responsibility, has been rendered redundant due to non-release of funds.

Sources within the Ministry told Vanguard that there had been mounting frustration among senior personnel of the Ministry, especially as President Goodluck Jonathan had approved N100 billion for the implementation of the affected projects.

It was gathered that the current disagreement between the Presidency and the National Assembly over the implementation of the constituency projects has made the situation more complex.

One source said that apart from non-release of funds for the execution of the relevant projects, the Ministry has been denied adequate accommodation and other facilities required for the discharge of its duties.

A senior staff within the Ministry told Vanguard, yesterday: “Some of the senior officers of the ministry don’t have offices.

“Even the Permanent Secretary has to squeeze himself into the office space reserved for the Minister.”

The source further revealed that due to the prevailing situation, several engineers and other highly trained personnel,

who were recruited or redeployed to the Ministry to undertake execution of capital projects have been idle.

It was also gathered that contrary to public perception that the Ministry’s only responsibility is the implementation of the amnesty programme for the Islamist sect Boko Haram, President Jonathan had given a firm directive to the Minister, Tanimu Turaki, to ensure that constituency projects contained in the 2013 Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly were implemented to the letter.

It was learnt that the President had decided to establish the ministry to avoid unnecessary friction between his office and members of the National Assembly, whose various constituencies are the principal beneficiaries of such projects.

Vanguard also learnt that the belief within the ministry’s top echelon was that the plot to sideline the Ministry was conceived by “a very powerful minister who has so far frustrated all efforts by the Ministry to implement constitue n c y projects embedded in the 2013 budget.”

Ecobank assures on debts' performance

BY EMEKA MAMAH, with agency report

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C O B A N K Transnational Inc., ETI, yesterday, allayed fears that debts owed by businesses associated with its Chairman, Kolapo Lawson, were performing and there was no doubt they would be repaid.

Ecobank spokesman, Jeremy Reynolds, said companies linked to Lawson owed the bank $10 million (about N1.6 billion).

Another debt of about N1.4 billion by Lawson in borrowings had earlier been sold to the state's bad debt bank, AMCON. ”So there is no question of him not settling debt,” Reynolds said by phone.

He said the debt owed to Ecobank was recently rated by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance, Corporation, NDIC, as “performing.”

Financial Times reported late Tuesday that the bank was caught up in boardroom squabbles about the borrowings and that the lender’s leadership faced a crisis of confidence among some shareholders.

FT said it had seen documents showing that Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, notified Ecobank in April of Lawson’s failure to make good on promises to repay the loans passed to AMCON. Lawson could not be reached by Reuters for comment and a central bank spokesman said AMCON and Ecobank were better placed to comment on the FT report.

AMCON declined to comment on the basis of confidentiality.

Renaissance Capital repeated its “buy” rating on Ecobank with a price target of 18.8 naira per share, saying the loan issue was insignificant compared with the bank’s fundamentals.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Father of 9-yr-old killed by policeman cries for justice

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — Father of the nine-year-old boy that was allegedly killed by a policeman last month in Ketu area of Lagos, Mr. Olusegun Ebun has described the act as outright murder, calling on Police authorities to expedite action in the investigation and charge the policeman for murder.

He made the call during the condolence visit of the Chairman , House of Representatives’ Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Abike DabiriErewa to his Ikorodu home.

Also, he said that he was aware that the policeman who allegedly pulled the trigger that snuffed life out of his son was still being detained at the State criminal Investigation Department , Yaba.

He, however, expressed hope that “ Police authority will do thorough and sincere investigations because the matter as far as I am concerned is a clear murder case. The policeman deliberately shot at my son. It is not accidental and he should not be charged with manslaughter.”

Free medical services not stopped —LASG

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AGOS STATE Government, yesterday, insisted that its free medical service for infants and the aged was continuing, stressing “its commitment to the provision of free and qualitative healthcare service to the citizenry within the scope spelt out in the State’s Healthcare Policy.”

Reacting to Vanguard’s news report of yesterday (Wednesday), ‘No more free medical services to terminally ill patients – Fashola,’ Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, described the headline of the story as misleading.

The commissioner said because of government’s commitment to qualitative healthcare it revolutionised “the healthcare system to deepen it to the grassroots level through its provision of the 24-hour flagship Primary Health Centres, PHCs, in the local councils in the state.”

The statement faulted the inclusion of “complicated surgeries’ and ‘Child birth’ as ‘terminal diseases.”

Why we won’t end strike now, by ASUU

BY DAYO ADESULU, LAJU ARENYEKA, MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI & EKEMINI EYOH

nationwide strike for as long as it took the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement reached with the union.

This came as Education Rights Campaign, ERC, staged a peaceful protest at the University of Lagos,

UNILAG, calling for total support for the striking lecturers in a bid to salvage the nation’s university education.

Coordinator, Ibadan zone, ASUU, Dr. Adesola Nassir, at a briefing in UNILAG, claimed government was not sincere in meeting ASUU’s demands.

He said: “Government has chosen to go the old odious track of trading words, blackmailing and outright peddling of lies in this matter.

AGOS — THE Academic “The government through the Staff Union of UniversiNational University Commisties, ASUU, yesterday, vowed sion, NUC, through the Executo continue with its indefinite tive Secretary Prof. Julius Okojie, has once again shown its disdain for seriousness by pretending that it does not know that ASUU is on strike, publishing certain figures on academic staff salaries and funds released to universities and also conducting a sham programme accreditation at the University of Abuja.”

Meanwhile, ERC staged a peaceful protest at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, in support of the striking lecturers in a bid to salvage the nation’s university education.

Addressing the protesters, ERC Lagos State coordinator, Mr. Lateef Adam, claimed that about one third of the nation’s revenue was spent on the salaries and allowances of political office holders, to the detriment of the nation’s education.

He urged Nigerians, stuVice President Namadi Sambo (right) welcoming member, National Boundaries Commission, dents, progressives and meSouth West, Chief Adebowale Salako (left), with a member of the Commission, North West, Dr. dia to help save the system Yunusa Dangwani (middle), shortly after a meeting, at the Aso Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: from total collapse.

Abayomi Adeshida

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Lagos Assembly probes debt profile of state

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS — LAGOS State House of Assembly, LSHA, yesterday, directed its Committee on Economic Planning and Budget to probe the debt profile of the state and report its findings to the House in September.

The House which gave the directive during the plenary where it approved the request by the executive for re-ordering of the 2013 budget on internal loans to support the Lagos Home Ownership Mort-

gage Scheme, also asked the committees to carry out the mid-year appraisal of all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, in the state.

The committees had told the House that they were unable to ascertain the true debt position of the state and recommended that the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget be mandated to probe the debt profile of the state and report its findings to the House in September 2013.

LSHA gave the approval for re-ordering of the budget af-

PUBLIC NOTICE CHALLENGE CLUB OF NIGERIA, ORAIFITE HEADQUARTER wishes to register with Ekwusigo Local Government Council, Ozubulu. Relevant documents are attached. Any objection should report to the Transition Chairman, Ekwusigo Local Government Council Ozubulu, within 21 days of this publication.

Signed:

ter adopting the recommendations of the joint Committees on Economic Plenary and Budget and Lands and Housing which were mandated to look into the request last week.

The joint committees, among others, stressed that the state government would not be able The general public is hereby notified that the original house document belonging to Mr. Emmanuel Ojo Alao of Block 55, Flat 2, Ijaiye Low Cost Housing Estate, Opposite Pen Cinema Agege, Lagos got lost in transit and all efforts to recover it proved abortive.

to realise its target on the capital receipts which was to support the capital development in the budget and that the initial N10billion Capital Expenditure of the Ministry of Housing had been increased to N17 billion.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, last week, requested for the re-ordering of the budget, noting that “budget deficit will be increase” to the tune of N7billion to address the problem of considerable housing” in the state.

He added that it would not lead to increment as it would be sourced through loans to build 600 units of houses.

The amendment did not increase the 2013 budget size as it remains at N499,605 million.

However, the breakdown of the new capital receipts is now N15.

912billion, while the new Capital Expenditure remains at N269.876 billion, recurrent expenditure also remains at N229.729 billion.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY

18, 2013—11

Ogun police arrest man, 39, for raping girl, 9

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — A 39- year-old carpenter identified as Emmanuel Ojelade was arrested, yesterday, by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old primary school pupil in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect who is a tenant in the same house with the girl’s parents at Ijeun-Titun area of Abeokuta reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, attributing his action to the Devil.

It was learnt that, the suspect whose wife and children were not at home, lured the girl into his room on the pretext that he wanted her to assist him buy food, and as soon as the girl entered the bedroom,

he shut the door and reportedly raped her.

Nemesis, however, caught up with the suspect when the girl screamed which attracted the neighbours who reportedly rescued the girl.

Vanguard gathered that the father of the raped victim, Mr. Kehinde Adebayo, thereafter reported the case to the Kemta Police Station in the town, which led to the suspect's arrest.

Ironically, the suspect who is a father of two in his statement during interrogation admitted to the crime, but said he could not penetrate the girl.

On what caused blood stain on the girl, the suspect confessed that he fingered the private part of the victim, and appealed to the authority to temper justice with mercy.

ENDORSEMENT: Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle), with the 20 chairmen of ACN in the 20 local government areas of Ogun State, after endorsement for a second term communique by the 20 LG chairmen was presented to him, yesterday. Photo: Wumi Akinola

Gowon, Shonekan, Obasanjo, others eulogise Akinkugbe at 80

BY OLA DAYO

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BADAN — FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and former Head of Interim Government, Earnest Shonekan were among other notable Nigerians that attended the Professor Emeritus, Oladipo Akinkugbe’s 80th praise and thanksgiving service at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, yesterday.

The ex-leaders who spoke in turn commended the meritorious service that the celebrant, Prof. Akinkugbe had given for the development of the country.

According to Chief Obasanjo, “The history of Nigeria would have been different and the worst would have happened, but for the interventions of the likes of Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe and the Almighty God.” He noted that when the economy of the country nosedived, it was people like Prof. Akinkugbe that came to the rescue before the challenge could be surmounted.

Gowon, at the occasion which also had the Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Christopher Kolade, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Ondo State counterpart, Olusegun Mimiko, the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, and Oba Otudeko in attendance, said the celebrant was a man

of honour and a pride to Nigeria.

Other eminent Nigerians in attendance were Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Arisekola Alao, among others.

Igbinedion said: “He has made a mark as an illustrious personality in the land.”

The cleric at the event, Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Joseph Akinfenwa, said: “We are not happy about the ongoing ASUU strike in Nigeria universities.

"The situation of education in the land is lamentable and unacceptable considering the fact that the president and the minister of education are university person.

"Unfortunately, earning a degree in Nigeria has become a journey you don’t know when it will end.”

He spoke about the celebrant, saying, “we have seven days in a week, so 80 means a new beginning for you. You have to be more relevant to people who are looking up to you. Akinkugbe has fulfilled his earthly potential. He has led such a productive life.”

Ajimobi said, “The celebrant stands for style and did creditably well in Government College, Ibadan.

This gathering is intimidating because of the presence of three former heads of state present here today. We have here two generals and a renowned industrialist.”

How Rivers crisis started, by Patience Jonathan

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BUJA — The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, yesterday, explained the genesis of the crisis in Rivers State which she declared started four years ago saying however that she had committed the ongoing crisis in Rivers to prayer.

Mrs Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the SouthSouth geo-political zone.

“Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.

“The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.” The president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated between Gov. Chibuike Amaechi and other parties in a crisis that began four years ago.

“This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should) dialogue first with the people.

“After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local govern ment) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.

“He also put my people on curfew for nine months.

I called him and pleaded with him but he refused.

Then I began to hear all sort of propaganda in the me Continues on page 13

12 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JULY 17, 2013 —13

Warri North crisis: Itsekiri communities give govt 30-day ultimatum on killers Call for urgent rehabilitation of displaced persons

BY EMMAAMAIZE & GODWIN

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OGHRE

APELE—SEVEN Itsekiri communities affected in the July 2, 2013 unprovoked attack and arson by a band of Ijaw youths in Delta State, have given the Federal, Delta State and Warri North Local Governments a 30day ultimatum to fish out the criminals or they would carry out reprisal on Ijaw suburbs in the area.

The seven Olero satellite communities at an emergency meeting in Sapele to deliberate on the mayhem unleashed on them by an Ijaw militia, Egbema Radical Group, ERG, further threatened to blow up oil installations in Niger Delta region, including the Chevron Nigeria Limited manifold in Olero creek if their ultimatum was not heeded.

They said that the killing no fewer than 12 Itsekiri and burning of seven communities should not be taken as a trivial matter.

The communities also requested the council, state and Federal Governments to take steps to rehabilitate displaced persons in the affected villages and rebuild their burnt houses without further delay, if government wants peace in the region.

Representatives of the affected villages: Mr. Orighomisan Omatsuli (Jakpa Community); Mr. Augustine Dorsu, Aja-Amitan community; Mr. Tony Oweghoro, Ebrohimi community; Mr. Taye Olekowe, Gbokoda community; Mr. Godfrey Ofeyinor, Tebu community; Mr. Augustine Fuludu Obaghoro community; Mr. David Akpere, Udo community and chairman, Olero satellite communities, Mr. Victor Awowo told Van-

DESOPADEC commissioner gets award

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GHELLI—THE Commissioner representing Ethiope East and Ughelli North Local Government Area on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, has called on students in the country to shun cultism, violence and other social vices in their academic pursuits.

Obiuwevbi, who was conferred with an award of an Ambassador of Hope and Inspirations to the Niger Delta Youths, by the National Association of Niger Delta Students, NANDS, promised to continue to do his best for students of the region.

President of NANDS, Lucky Emonefe, who spoke at the award ceremony, noted that same was in recognition of Obiuwevbi’s outstanding leadership qualities and strategies in reviving the hope of the oil producing communities.

guard that they were ready for a showdown with the Ijaw militants.

They added that relief materials should be sent by the different tiers of government to the displaced people without further delay.

The communities accused Joint military Task Force, JTF, Operation Pulo shield of being insensitive, callous and negligent to the plight of Itsekiri people, who were killed during the crisis and insisted that the JTF men stationed in Olero creek and Chev-

ron manifold facility, could have averted the carnage, if they wanted.

The people also condemned the attitude of the soldiers on duty around the Ajide Lagos Junction, where JTF has a house boat and two gun boats, saying “these soldiers would have averted the killing of five people in Eghoro community, which is just about 40 yards away from where the soldiers‘ two gun boats were stationed.

“It is the usual attitude of the

soldiers to resume duty at the Olero creek Chevron manifold as well as the Lagos Ajide Junction every 5pm and close by 6am the following day, but on the day of the killings, the soldiers resumed much later and closed much earlier, thus not having the opportunity to avert the mayhem.

“We have no other option than to take laws into our hands with actions of several and mightier consequences on oil installations that will attract attention of the three tiers of government if our demands are not met.”

VANGUARD NUJ ELECTION: From right: Mr. Aliyu Adekunle, Treasurer; Mrs. Bose Adelaja, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Wahab Abdullah, Secretary; Mr. Solomon Nwoke,Vice Chairman and Mr. Innocent Anaba,Chairman, being sworn in by Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State chapter, after the Vanguard NUJ chapel election, held at the company’s premises in Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo. Shola Oyelese.

Confusion over closure of 662 schools in Delta

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—THE recent closure of 662 private primary and secondary schools in Delta State is causing ripples as the fate of the affected pupils and students hangs in the balance.

Investigations showed that while some of the proprietors of the affected school are pleading for time to enable them move to their permanent sites at the commencement of the 2014 academic year, which is one of the reasons for the closure, some others are threatening to drag the state Ministry of Education to court over the action.

Some others interviewed, however, claimed that they were being victimised for no just cause.

But the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, dismissed allegation of witch-hunting, saying “standards must be maintained. We are out to correct things. If they comply with requirements and we go and con-

firm compliance, why not, we will re-open such schools.”

The state government, closing the schools had said “it is hereby, announced for the information of the general public and particularly parents, guardians and owners of private schools in Delta State to note that the ministry has decided to close down the 662 illegal schools in the various local government areas

with immediate effect.

“As a result of this, parents and guardians are advised to take proper note of this announcement and act accordingly in their interest. Furthermore, owners of private schools operating in temporary sites beyond the approved period are hereby, given two months deadline from the date of this day of publication to move to their permanent sites.”

How Rivers crisis started, by Patience Jonathan Continues from page 11

dia against me; this is not the way.

“I’ve never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you’ll say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.

“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

Jonathan urged the parties involved in the crisis to help to resolve issues plaguing the state and not “whip up sentiments that will aggravate the problem.

“I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.

“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. “Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.

“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever.

This seat is vanity, others sat here and left so one day I’ll also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?

“Let’s take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance,” she said.

Earlier, Bishop God-DoWell Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta Bishops Forum, who led the delegation, said the visit was significant “in view of emerging situations in our region.

“We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary.”

Suspect sues IG over alleged torture

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—A suspect, Mr. Ikedideke Theophilus, has dragged the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to court, alleging that he was shot while in custody of the police.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Commissioner of Police and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Chris Nwogu.

The suspect was allegedly arrested by the police over offences bordering on cultism.

But Theophilus in the suit before the state High Court sitting in Yenagoa, is asking the court to award him N50 million as general damages to enable him get proper medical treatment, which involves orthopedic surgery and cardiology.

He wants the court to declare that he is “entitled to the general damages for his unlawful torture, shooting and inhuman treatment he received from the police while in custody.”

The claimant described himself as a 17-year old from Amassoma

in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and 300 level Mechanical Engineering student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

Theophilus alleged that the police in their desperate bid to extract information from him “hanged and tortured me several times and in the process, shot my two legs.”

He said that the shooting occurred on January 13, 2013, adding that the police denied him proper medical treatment of the injuries they inflicted on him.

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

Gov Okorocha sacks cabinet

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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W E R R I — GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha, yesterday, sacked members of Imo State Executive Council mid-way into their weekly meeting.

Others who suffered the same fate included special advisers, special assistants and political appointees of the state government.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the sacked members of the state executive council were shocked because, according to one of them, they least expected it would come so soon.

One of the sacked commissioners told Vanguard under anonymity that: "The governor’s decision and announcement took all of us by storm. We least expected it. We were in high spirits for the week’s executive council meeting, when the governor threw

the bombshell”.

The ex-commissioner said he agreed there was the need to inject new blood into the system, but quickly stressed that “ we least

expected that our jobs would be terminated today (yesterday)”.

Vanguard gathered that the new state executive council chamber was

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officially opened yesterday, and members were barely commencing the day’s business when Governor Okorocha announced the dissolution of the body.

Workers shut down PHCN offices in S-East zone

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—THE headquarters of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Enugu zone was yesterday shut down by aggrieved workers over non-payment of staff claims and other entitlements.

Reports from other South East States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo, which are under the Enugu Distribution Zone, said business units and customer service centres were also shut down.

The officials of Nigeria

Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE in the zone, ordered the locking out of workers, following the alleged refusal of the Chief Executive Officer, PHCN Enugu zone, Engr.

Suleiman Yahaya to respond to a letter requesting him to settle the outstanding entitlements before the new owners of the company took charge.

Several customers who tried to recharge their prepaid metres were unable to do so as they met the gates under lock while some armed military men and private security guards were seen patrolling the premises apparently to

forestall breakdown of law and order.

UMINA University of Health Sciences and Technology, Mbaise, Imo State, has appointed Dr. Debe OdumegwuOjukwu, eldest son of Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu-Ojukwu, first chancellor of the University, with effect from July 1, 2013.

A statement signed by the promoter of the university, United States-based John Kemakolam, said: “Lumina University is fortunate to have your leadership as its first Chancellor at this critical time in its

Lumina varsity appoints Ojukwu chancellor development.

“This opportunity will provide a chance to enhance federal support for higher education in important ways, as well as increase influence of Lumina University in other areas that will completely transform higher education in Nigeria, Africa and perhaps throughout the world.”

Imo indigenes appeal to Okorocha over face-off with Abia govt

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA— FOLLOWING the lingering face-off between Abia and Imo State governments over closure of loading parks of their transport companies, indigenes of Imo State residing in Abia have called on Governor Rochas Okorocha to initiate peace with his Abia counterpart

and ensure that the state transport company resumed operation.

According to the the spokesman, Chief Jonathan Ikoroha, Imo indigenes in Abia State are passing through a lot of hardship commuting between the two sister states.

He said they had written a letter to Governor Okorocha, urging him to

resolve the crisis.

He lamented further the suffering Imo people undergo, especially on Aba-Owerri route, which formed one of the prime business routes for people of the states.

Ikoroha said the crisis should not have been allowed to escalate to the level of closing the loading bays of the transport companies of the two states.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—15

VALEDICTORY SESSION FOR LATE SENATOR EWHERIDO

Tears flow as Senate bids Ewherido farewell

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE Senate Chamber was cold, yesterday, as Senators wore forlorn faces following the valedictory session held in honour of their former colleague, late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, DPP, Delta Central ,who died on Sunday, June 30, 2013.

The Senate suspended its plenary yesterday and today as mark of respect for Ewherido, who till his death was Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport as well as member, Committees on Senate Services, Education, Agriculture and National Planning.

Before paying its last respect for the deceased, the Senate suspended Order 17 of its Standing Orders 2011 (as amended) to allow visitors into the chambers following a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, PDP, Cross River Central and seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, ACN, Benue North-West.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi; Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Senator Stella Omu; former member, House of Representatives, Mercy Almona-Isei, were among visitors allowed to witness proceedings, which began after a wreath was laid on his chair between Senators Olugbenga Ashafa and Joshua Dariye.

After the session, Senate President David Mark led the senators, family members, visitors and friends outside for continuation of the ceremony.

Mark laid a wreath on behalf of his colleagues on the casket bearing the remains of the deceased before the senators filed past their late colleague with their heads bowed, even as some were unable to look into it.

Senator Esther Nenadi Usman wept along with late Ewherido’s wife, the children and brothers as she filed past.

However, the casket was drapped in National colours ‘’green-white-

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green’’with another red signifying "a Senator in the Red Chambers’’ at about 1.20 pm.

As each Senator took time later to speak on personal and working relationship with late Ewherido, tears rolled freely on the faces of most of them, against the backdrop of encomiums poured on the late lawmaker.

He is not dead — Mark Senate President David Mark in his tribute described the death of Ewherido as traumatic, adding that with his achievements and legacies, the Senator was not dead.

Mark said: ‘’Each time death occurs, it tinkers with the oneness, corporate spirit, togetherness and love that bind us in this Senate.

"Death is inevitable but whenever it occurs, we are taken by surprise. Given the level of impact that Senator Ewherido made, not just in his family, home town, constituency, state and the country at large, it is safe to say that he is not dead because his legacy lives on.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere, ACN, Edo South urged the Senate to, as a matter of urgency, refer alleged cases of obsolete equipment at the National Hospital, Abuja to the Senate Committee on Health for investigation, pointing out that if the nation’s hospitals were not mere consulting clinics, Ewherido would not have died.

Uzamere spoke as his colleagues wiped their tears.

Uzamere said: "Ewherido might have survived if the consultants in that hospital were not paying attention to their private hospitals; he might have survived if the health sector was well funded.

"We are indeed under a lot of pressure from our constituents and we develop high blood pressure. Equipment at the National Hospital are obsolete and the matter must be referred to the Committee on Health.”

Others who paid tributes included, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Senate leader, Ndoma-Egba, Senators Ayogu Eze,

Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, Margery Okadigbo, Ifeanyi Okowa, James Manager, Ganiyu Solomon, Olusola Adeyeye, Abdul Ningi and Gbenga Ashafa among others.

Unspeakable tragedy — Ndoma-Egba Ndoma-Egba said: ‘’I rise to start a very sobre duty of paying tribute to a man who until June 30, was a member of this hallowed chambers.

"My driver told me that the Almighty did not consult us when we were born and has no obligation to consult us when we die.

Quoting Ray Ekpu who once asked "God, why are you like this?,’’ he further said that, ‘’Painful as his death is, I situate it in the contest of God’s immutability. Not long ago his 50th birthday began.

"It is an unspeakable tragedy".

Deputy Senate President, Ekweremadu said: "He was a quintessential parliamentarian who has taken a bow from the stage of life. He brought his experience from the House of Assembly to the Senate.

"This chamber has witnessed the death of Chuba Okadigbo, Yari Gandi, Idris Kuta and Martins-Yellowe. Pius combines the attribute of all these great men. He has bills to show that he was here.”

Also in her contribution, Senator Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, who is Ewherido’s chairperson at the Marine Transport Committee said that she used to allow the late Senator preside over meetings even when she was around, adding, ‘’He was my co-Chairman of the Committee on Marine Transport. We met and I said to him, you and I are the original Niger Delta.

He is from Delta I am from Niger. He was passionate about the transformation of the education sector in this country.

He had a stroke. He died of stroke. I urge the wife to stand in for him and take care of the children for him. The last thing he said

Continues on page 52

From left: Father-in-law to late Senator Ewherido and Former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Barrister Fred Majemite and Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe at the Senate valedictory session in honour of Late Senator Pius Ewherido at National Assembly, Abuja. Pix: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Widow of Senator Pius Ewherido, Mrs Doye (left) and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

Former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo and wife, former Chief Justice of Delta State, Mrs. Rosaline Bozimo.

Mrs. Pius Ewherido (right), her children and other relations.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Senator donates N26m food items to constituents

BY SALISU MARADUN

G

USAU—A Senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Kabir Marafa, has spent N26 million on the purchase and distribution of food items to the people of his constituency.

The food items which include rice, millet, sugar and cartons of milk were distributed to the people in four local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

Among those who benefited from the largesse include destitutes, orphans and widows, as well as other less privileged people in the society.

Marafa in a statement said that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effect of hardship on the beneficiaries during the Ramadan period.

The Senator, however, asked other wealthy individuals to cultivate the habit of assisting the needy as such gestures ‘’attract blessingsfromGod.

JTF reviews curfew hours in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

A I D U G U R I — THE Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Order, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has reviewed the 6am to 7pm curfew earlier imposed on the state following alleged ‘’tremendous improvement in the security situation in the state.’’

Henceforth, the curfew would now start from 11pm to 6am daily with effect from Tuesday July 16, 2013.

In a statement, the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said: ”The JTF observed tremendous improvement in the security situation in the state, and for that reason and in the spirit of Ramadan fast-

ing, we have find it expedient to review the curfew timings imposed in the state. ”The JTF hereby inform the general public that the curfew in the state is extended from 11pm to 6am daily with effect from Tuesday, July 16.”

The JTF, however, requested all citizens to remain vigilant throughout the Holy month.

Bayelsa govt worries over Indiscriminate felling of trees

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G O A — THOUGH the Bayelsa State Government had last year announced the ban on logging in its forests, several truck load of logs are still being transported out of the state daily.

The state deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), in Yenagoa during the flag off of this year ’s tree planting campaign, said that the government had taken proactive steps to stem the trend, lead-

ing to reforestation and conservation of forests and game reserves in the state.

According to him, government had already given approval for the upgrading of some forest reserves to become National Parks with a view to providing employment and boost eco-tourism in the state as well as approval for the recruitment of some forestry staff to boost the forestry sub-sector.

Recognising the necessity for the exploitation of trees for purposes of food, building ma-

terials, furniture, medicines, fibres and resins, he stressed the need for the people to know that trees also protect and preserve the environment, act as carbon sink by protecting the ozone layer from rapid depletion in order to ensure a balanced ecosystem to support life.

He directed the chairmen of the local government areas in the state to equally flag off the tree planting campaign in their domains and develop recreational parks in their areas.

OAU gets software engineering centre

BY EMEKAAGINAM FE—IN partnership with World Bank and Sky Bank, the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, Tuesday, commissioned Centre of excellence in software engineering.

The centre seeks to create environment for imparting knowledge in science and technology using ICT driven participatory and students centered teaching and learning approaches.

The Director of ICT centre of the university, Professor G.A. Aderounmu during the facility tour of the software park told the audience that the programmes within the centre would build national capacities through postgraduate trainings, post-doctoral researches, short term trainings, conferences and workshops in software engineering.

This, he said would be in the areas of educational software development applications, networking and the , development of internet.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 17

F

RANKLY, it is not often that I agree with Bola Tinubu, ACN opposition figure and former governor of Lagos state.

But he has been spot on this week, in his well-publicised analysis of events unfolding with at a dizzying pace in Rivers state. As a matter of fact, the title of today’s piece has been borrowed from his analysis.

Bola Tinubu has put into perspective the issues at stake in Rivers state and the analysis underscores why patriots must be worried about the events, with portents for democracy in Nigeria. It is good that an opposition figure can relate with these events with so much perspective.

Last week, the video of the infatile, couplike attempt by a handful of legislators to depose their Speaker as part of the grand agenda to impeach the state governor, went viral on the internet. It was incroyable (as the French say) to witness the level of degeneracy amongst legislators ostensibly sworn to making laws for the good governance of our society. Granted that hardly any of these chaps won a free and fair election, but to confront the fact that Rivers state has been paying for the creature comfort of thugs, pitiable coup plotters and hired guns, makes a mockery of Nigeria’s political space. But politics is

Nigeria: From an imperfect democracy to a perfect mess

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“The PDP appears to have added public brawling to its list of accomplishments. The self-proclaimed largest party in Africa has turned into a fight club that employs the police as ushers for its matches...When the interest of the nation is subjugated so that the narrow, parochial interest of a clique in power is served events like we see unfold in Rivers will soon become common place.

As a new breed of imperial rulers run amok and with impunity violate Nigeria’s constitution, the days ahead seem gloomy and uncertain”- Bola Tinubu writing on the events in Rivers State.

Democracy and its consolidation mean very little in the situation unfolding in Rivers State. A tendency must win and ensure the adversary is completely bloodied!

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the game and in the bare-knuckled setting of Nigeria, this is warfare by every means.

In truth, the gladiators are far too gone to be bothered by what a shocked nation of onlookers feel about their misconduct.

Democracy and its consolidation mean very little in the situation unfolding in Rivers

*Governor Rotimi Amaechi

state. A tendency must win and ensure the adversary is completely bloodied!

Let us be clear about the situation; in the beginning it was about the president and his ambition for 2015. And this is despite the strenuous denials to the contrary. The Nigerian Presidency must be one of the most powerful in the world, yet, there is the intrinsic weakness of its present occupant: a real political lightweight without much political antecedent. This duality jars because it disposes towards extremities in conflicts. Rivers state magnifies this nastiness for so many

reasons. It's Madam Patience Jonathan’s home state and within a ‘region’ that President Goodluck Jonathan must claim rightfully his own, in a political bragging game against other groups of the nation’s ruling elite. Rotimi Amaechi’s sins are therefore almost unforgivable. A weak presidency cannot afford an assertive governor within the presidential neck of the wood: fight with Bayelsa over oil fields; winning NGF election despite presidential objection; and never sufficiently massaging the First Lady’s inordinately domineering ego. This afterall is Patience Jonathan the “Jesus Christ” for some Legislators in Rivers House of Assembly; an unpardonable act of omission by a governor that used to be a Speaker!

As night follows day, things might end up messier, not just in Rivers, as we inch closer to 2015. Uniquely, Nigerian politics ensures that the most strident opposition shares the PDP with President Jonathan.

That rankles far more than the tilting at the windmills, by the wilderness-based opposition. The troops must forcefully rally, otherwise the big stick will be wielded to force the recalcitrant into line; there is willingness to sacrifice a few individuals for the overall agenda. Chess aficionados will recognize a gambit; sacrifice some pawns to achieve an ultimate checkmate.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s expired and feuding old men, Bamanga Tukur and Tiny Anennih, are expected to wield stick and carrot, while another old man, EK Clark leads the gung-ho division of the Sunny Kukus and Asari Dokubos. We in for a long and bitter feud; no prisoners will be taken and none will emerge without being bloodied as we approach 2015. Bola Tinubu is right; I reluctantly admit it: our imperfect democracy is threatening to become a perfect mess!

Victor Olaiya and Tuface: Across musical generations

T

HE recent collaborative venture between veteran Highlife musician, Victor Olaiya and contemporary artists, Tuface Idibia, has led to an emotional outpouring of analysis. Early this week, the internet group, NIGERIA COLLECTIVE also enthusiastically weighed in, about the bridge between musical generations. Invariably, we went into other aspects of artistic history; I am sharing with readers, one of my contributions to the more restricted forum in today ’s column: “It’s quite interesting that Siddique in Zaria remembers the fierce musical rivalry between Haruna Isola and Kasumu Adio.

It was the stuff of legend because Isola had long been the eminence grise of Apala until Adio, which was actually a two-person act of Kasumu AND Adio burst onto the scene! Kasumu was leader; a very good drummer who was said to stammer, and the other was Adio, the vocalist. So Haruna did a biting song: Akilolo to fe pe Sokoto (the stammerer attempting to pronounce Sokoto); he added: Soko- Soko- so-ko-to, koma ni ripe (he will labour in vain trying!).

* Tuface Idibia C M Y K

Rivalry seemed central to the worldview of Yoruba musicians.

There was one between Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade; while “Emperor” Pick Peters was such a perfect ‘copier’ of Sunny Ade, that the more distinguished singer, did a song: ‘Ekilo fo omode’, literally warning the upstart, Peters, the hunter’s son, because Pick Peters was said to be from a hunter background.

The rivalry extended to Dele Abiodun. These rivalries helped push sales as supporters lapped up new songs from the feuding artists. They also pushed the frontiers of musical innovation; brought ever more sophisticated instrumentation to our popular music; adapted arrangements from Congolese, Cuban and other influences; they re-arranged folk tunes; reworked classic songs and explored newer themes.

In a broad historical, political and cultural sense, the emergence of a form like Highlife was a phenomenon of the post Second World War period, with its dramatic impact on West African social life. There had emerged the urban space and the urban type, from different ethnic and social origins, w h o converged in these n e w towns and cities in search o f opportunities.

T h e y * Victor Olaiya

were clerks, teachers, urban proletarians, the Michael Imoudu-led railway workers, lumpens, prostitutes, shopkeepers, the indomitable lorry driver and his apprentice, etc. It was a hodge-podge. There was also the journalist and lawyer, providing intellectual leadership for an emergent nationalist movement. This ensemble needed diversion, entertainment and sin! Away from intimate hometown settings/sureties, the urban space was sufficiently anonymous for each one to take a bit of these colonial, often railway towns, like Zaria, Jos, Enugu, Ibadan and most cosmopolitan of them all, Lagos.

Works of Cyprian Ekwensi The works of Cyprian Ekwensi, particularly his PEOPLE OF THE CITY, were a very good reflection of the 1950s/60s. Remember that archetypal city girl, JAGUA NANA? It was also the title of a popular highlife tune of those times, by Adeolu Akinsanya ‘Baba Eto’. The evolution of urban culture couldn’t be divorced from our coming into being as an African and Nigerian people; they defined our lives and helped forge consciousness within those exciting developments. Anticolonial sentiment emerged; the railways, built to extract raw materials and take colonial manufacture into the hinterland, also facilitated the growth of towns, where Nigerians met and

exchanged anti-colonial ideas.

These urban settings facilitated various musical influences confluencing to create Highlife.

In the North, we had the Sahara Dance Band in Jos and Bala Miller’s Great Pyramids of Africa.

They did songs in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and even in minority languages like Ogori! Lagos was home to Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya and Sam Akpabot all of whom Balla Miller told me, performed at the Independence Day Ball in October, 1960.

By the 1970s, new musical trends emerged, reflecting the assuredness of the oil boom years.

Badejo Okusanya (Yomi’s father) was the first Nigerian to own a recording studio; the feat was acknowleged by Haruna Isola, in a song. Tabansi Records and Rogers All-Stars were competing against colonial outfits such as Decca and Philips, to record Nigerian artists like Prince Nico Mbarga, Super Five, Warrior and Ikenga Super Stars; The Funkees and Wings International (with the late Spud Nathans) became some of the new bands emerging from the East soon after the war. One of the great acts of the seventies was Ofege, a group of students from St. Greg’s Obalende, Lagos.

They literally turned the world upside down with songs like Try and Love; Ofege; Whizzy Labo and Mandy. After two albums they disappeared but left an unforgettable impact. Nigerian producers like Odion Iruoje and Laolu Akins also came into their own!

Osibisa was big and had

Ghanaians Teddy Osei, Kofi Ayivor, Mac Tontoh; Wendell Richardson from Guyana and Nigerians like Mike Odumosu and Laughty Lasisi Amao, who was tragically killed in America.

Can we recall Kenny St. George?

He did a song “listen to the Buddha” that was a big hit after FESTAC 77! He visits my offices regularly in Abuja today, espousing a mix of Islam, Buddhism and environmental awareness. The Nigerian saxophonist, Peter King went to live in New Zealand. Fela was in some contest with Segun Bucknor for a while, after his (Fela’s) initial tiffs with Rex Lawson. Rex was the master of the nightlife before the Civil War. He went back East and was returning to Lagos after the hostilities, when he died in an accident. Sunny Ade did a tribute to him; his songs, Love Adure, Oh Koh, and his incredible dexterity with the trumpet can still be enjoyed even today. IK Dairo was the master who did several songs in Hausa, especially his TUWO DA MIYA which told the story of his musical tour in Northern Nigerian in the 1960s. We are heirs to a rich social and cultural history. And our various cultures have added a nugget here, a punch there, to weave the complex tapestry that we (can all be proud of). It might interest that Haruna Isola took SABADA from Hausa musical culture to incorporate into Apala; while Kalangu is Hausa just as Gangan is Yoruba. We can go on and on!

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 THE United Nations declaration of 18 July – birthday of the global icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – as Mandela Day will be marked with sobriety as the 95-year-old former South African president spends his sixth straight week in hospital.

Activities lined up to celebrate the man whose resolve was central to ending apartheid, include school children all over South Africa singing “happy birthday” to him this morning, a United Nations special session, and a legacy bridge to be opened in Mveso, Transkei, near his home town of Qunu. The UN declared Mandela Day in 2010 as a special day to remind people to do good for humanity which is what Mandela epitomises.

“This year’s commemoration comes at a sensitive time for President Mandela and his family,” said Secretary-General Ban Kimoon . “He is an extraordinary man who continues to inspire the world through his example of courage, compassion and commitment to justice for all.”

Born on 18 July 1918, Mandela became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s, joining the African National Congress in 1942. He attended

Happy Mandela Da Dayy, Madiba the University College of Fort Hare and later enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg to study law.

In 1963, he was brought to trial with 10 other ANC leaders and sentenced to life imprisonment. Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years. While in prison, he earned a Bachelor of Law degree through a University of London correspondence programme.

On February 11, 1990 Frederick De Klerk released Mandela and unbanned the ANC. In 1993, Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections. Mandela was

inaugurated as the country’s first black president on May 10, 1994, at the age of 77, with de Klerk as his first deputy.

By the 1999 general election, Mandela had retired from active politics. His published works include the biography, No Easy Walk to Freedom.

Mandela made his last public appearance to date in 2010, at the final match of the World Cup in South Africa. In December 2012, Mandela was hospitalised for a lung infection. He was re-admitted in March 2013 for a lung infection. On June 8, 2013, Mandela was rushed to a hospital in Pretoria, he is still there.

He married thrice - to Evelyn Ntoko Mase (1944 to 1957), they had four children; Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1958 to 1996), they had two daughters and in 1998 to Graca Machel.

“Never before in history was one human being so universally acknowledged in his lifetime as the embodiment of magnanimity and reconciliation,” Archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu, once said of Mandela.

We wish Madiba happy birthday and quick recovery.

OPINION

BY BAMIDELE ATURU

R

IVERS STATE is on fire, literally and otherwise. But that is not really an accurate statement. It is better to say that Rivers State is the new epicenter of the fire that is slowly but steadily engulfing Nigeria. The state has, it would seem, displaced the North-East as the possible weakest link in the weak chain that holds Nigeria together as a federation.

The latest fire in that beleaguered state was ignited when on July 9, 2013 five members of a 32-member House of Assembly claimed that they had impeached the former Speaker of the House, 'elected' their own Speaker after allegedly suspending 15 other members of the House. Naturally, the act was resisted by the other members of the House and their cronies. Expectedly, the resistance led to unbelievable acts of assault and battery in which the mace was not only broken but became a veritable assault weapon. So violent was the fateful sitting of July 9 that some of the members of the House had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. The drama continued the following day. Supporters of the Governor who had converged on the premises of the House, apparently in solidarity with the members in majority, were tear-gassed for refusing to leave on the orders of the police. There are allegations that some teargas canisters found their way into the Governor's Lodge.

The latest happenings in Rivers, therefore, offer us another unpleasant opportunity to reflect deeply on some of the undying

Rivers State crisis: Issues, sense and nonsense issues that have confronted our seeming perpetual infantile democracy.

Legislative immunity and impunity Given the rampancy with which Nigerian lawmakers resort to pugilism in order to settle differences, it seems many of them believe that they are immune from criminal proceedings for violating the penal laws in the precincts of the Houses. Of course, assuming as one does, that the violent behaviour of the lawmakers is premised on ignorance is a very lenient way to view their galling acts of unrestrained barbarism. Without prejudice to a few truly honourable members of our various legislative houses, the truth of the matter is that our lawmakers are a product of a violent antidemocratic process. We cannot tire of reaching this conclusion. The evidence stares us starkly in the face. Politics in our country no matter what anyone says is dominated by people who have either failed to earn a living decently or are only interested in easy money.

We must therefore seize the opportunity to make it clear that the very law under which the lawmakers derive their limited immunity puts it beyond any peradventure that any legislator who assaults or obstructs a member or officer of the House is not immune from criminal prosecution. The relevant section of the law bears quoting extensively for the

avoidance of any doubts whatsoever.

Section 21(1) (b), (c ) and (4) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, cap., L 12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 states emphatically thus: (1) Any member of a Legislative House who: (b) assaults or obstructs a member of the Legislative House within the Chamber or precincts of the House; or (c ) assaults or obstructs any officer of the Legislative House while in the execution of his duty Shall be guilty of contempt of the Legislative House (4) Nothing in this section contained shall be construed to preclude the bringing of proceedings, civil or criminal, against any member in respect of any act or thing done contrary to paragraph (b) or (c ) of subsection (1) of this section.

I

t is therefore clear that if the Police have neglected to make arrest and to prosecute those hoodlums we saw on our television sets, it is not because they are immune, it is simply that the Police are either complicit or ignorant of the law. If the former then they are unworthy of their uniforms or commissions as the case may be, if the latter then they should be told plainly that the law does not excuse their ignorance. They could be making themselves liable subsequently for the tort

of the breach of statutory duty. The law is certain and in this instance inflexible. It is that assaulting another member of a House is a crime that is inexcusable and legally unacceptable.

How not to impeach a Speaker Another common misconception among our lawmakers is that they can at will rely on the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the various Houses to suspend the Constitutional provision on quorum. In the specific case of Rivers State can five members in a 32-member House suspend the provision of the Constitution that prescribes quorum? The answer is clearly in the negative. Section 96(1) of the Constitution that provides that 'the quorum of a House of Assembly shall be one third of all the members of the House' cannot be altered or suspended by any member of the house or faction of the House or even by all the members of the House. The reason is pretty obvious. The only procedure for altering the Constitution is prescribed by section 9 of the Constitution. Thus, any other method of altering the provisions of the Constitution is illegal, null and void. The point therefore is that it is legally impermissible and wrong for any segment or faction of a House to suspend section 96 of the Constitution. *Mr. Aturu, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013— 19

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N an earlier article ("Amaechi’s rebel war", June 3, 2013) on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, I made this observation on the Governor of Rivers State: “Chibuike Amaechi is an intelligent man. But he is not a wise man. He is action-packed, but he lacks self control.”

The dance of shame on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday, July 9 presented a prime opportunity to demonstrate this attribution. Five members of the House opposed to him had gathered early in the day and later announced they had impeached the Speaker, Otelemabala Amachree, who had the support of 27 other members.

The group’s ringleader, Evans Bipi, announced himself as the new Speaker. Later, there was a breakdown of law and order in the House and we saw videos of members trying to murder one another.

The faction loyal to Amaechi alerted him on telephone about the crisis. The Governor mobilised his security and invaded the House

chamber. Not surprisingly, his supporters are saying there was nothing wrong in what he did.

According to them, as the Governor and Chief Security Officer, he had the right to go there when things turned as ugly as they did on that day. Let us switch the picture around and assume that a similar political crisis erupts in the House of Reps or Senate and President Goodluck Jonathan goes with his security aides to quell the situation and in the process his faction, emboldened by his presence, join forces with the President’s security guards to bloody the opposition. Will there still be “nothing wrong” with it?

To the best of my knowledge, there is nowhere in the Constitution that the President is empowered to personally go to the National Assembly, or the Governor to go to the House of Assembly to quell fights. That Amaechi was for eight years a member and Speaker of the House did not confer on him any constitutional right to move his forces there in person. In any case,

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he went there to join his faction in its fight against the opposition legislators. The Constitution did not give him any such rights. His position as the Chief Security Officer empowers him to maintain law and order in the overall interest of the state and its people, and not to help himself to a factional fight.

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ut more importantly, it was not in the interest of his personal safety to go to the Assembly and join the fray, bearing in mind there was a reported large number of armed hooligans allegedly brought in by the opposition legislators. Suppose there was a shootout? He could easily have been killed either by a

State of the Nation Address

S

OME have asked: "Who wants the President to appear on national television annually to deliver one more boring speech?" Such people see the State of the Nation Address as an avenue for the President to blow hot air on us for a whole hour. We think otherwise.

The State of the Nation Address is a unique opportunity for the President to xray the political, economic and social health of the nation. It presents the President with a golden opportunity to showcase himself and his administration's policies and programmes to the world. In an election year, for instance, there is no telling how many campaign points an incumbent can rub into an address. Properly utilized, the President will soon find that the State of the Nation Address is the best marking scheme he can ever have. Rather than seeking to kill the Bill, we think the President should be the one lobbying for its passage. He needs it.

We need it.

The State of the Nation Address Bill as already passed by both Houses of the National Assembly requires the President to deliver the Address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on the first legislative day of July, every year.

The President has since refused to assent to the Bill, advancing several reasons. The President's refusal is based, in the main, on the provisions of Section 67(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which states: "The President may attend any joint meeting of the National Assembly or any meeting of either House of the National Assembly, either to deliver an address on national affairs, including fiscal measures, or to make such statement on the policy of government as he considers to be of national importance."

We must assume that we did not hear the

C M Y K

President complain that the proposed law is a duplication of the provisions of Section 67 of the 1999 Constitution. Otherwise, all other objections raised by him would simply collapse.

A combined reading of Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides: "If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void"; with Section 67 aforementioned; and the text of the Bill, will easily show that there is no inconsistency whatsoever. What we have is complementality.

If we were to accept the argument that the Bill is a duplication of the provisions of Section 67, the Constitution would not still frown at that. The Bill would be in furtherance of the provisions of Section 67.

In this particular case, the Bill would seek to give Section 67 some biting teeth by providing specific time frame within which the State of the Nation Address should be delivered.

It is instructive that the Constitution does not frown at duplications as shown in Section 1(3); it forbids inconsistencies. If the lawmakers were attempting to deny the President an opportunity to address a joint sitting of the National Assembly as provided in Section 67, then, the Constitution would have so boldly declared to prevent them.

With the full realisation that a law without sanction is not only a toothless bulldog, but it is also as dead as the dodo, possessing only moral suasion, the lawmakers went ahead to provide that in the event of the President's default in presenting the Address, he shall be compelled to appear before them to offer explanation.

We disagree with the President that the

stray bullet or a deliberately aimed shot. If that had happened, the losers will be Amaechi and members of his family sympathetic to him. His Deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, would have been sworn-in a couple of hours after he is confirmed dead. The noise in Rivers would die down after a few days and all his teeming supporters and enemies alike would quietly file behind the new Governor.

I am describing what was likely to happen based on my observed traits of the Rivers political elite.

When Dr Peter Odili was the Governor of the State, he was like a god to the men, women, youth and chiefs of the state. I remember how the House of Assembly led by Speaker Chibuike Amaechi himself unanimously endorsed his presidential ambition. I also remember how the state shut down and Rivers people, both the high and lowly, lined all the streets from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Brick House in the downtown of the city when he returned from his President Olusegun Obasanjo-sabotaged presidential run.

But as soon as he left office and the Supreme Court awarded the gubernatorial seat to Amaechi who later launched a war on Odili, virtually the entire political machine left behind by Odili lined up behind Amaechi, the new man with the proverbial knife in his right hand and yam in his left. Had anything tragic happened to Amaechi when he led that foolhardy invasion, how would it have been possible to prove who might have committed the offence if there was a sporadic shooting?

His security advisers deserve to lose their jobs for allowing him to plunge himself into harm’s way like that. There were a thousand

language of the Bill here is coercive. Our counsel is that whoever wants to separate a fight should first seek to prevent a quarrel and whoever hates the language of coercion must learn to comply in good time.

However, unless the State of the Nation

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‘Game on’ in Rivers (2)

Had anything tragic happened to Amaechi when he led that foolhardy invasion, how would it have been possible to prove who might have committed the offence if there was a sporadic shooting? His security advisers deserve to lose their jobs for allowing him to plunge himself into harm’s way like that

Unless the State of the Nation Address is to be nothing but a cruel fraud, the President must be given ample opportunity and enough time to prepare for, and deliver, the Address

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Address is to be nothing but a cruel fraud, the President must be given ample opportunity and enough time to prepare for, and deliver, the Address. This is where we are inclined to believe that the President's demand that the "Address be delivered to a joint sitting of the National Assembly within 30 days of the commencement of the legislative year" should be preferred to the lawmakers' more restrictive prescription of "the first legislative day in July".

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hat should not be accepted is the President's attempt to whittle down the effect of the proposed law by suggesting that the Address could be delivered by

and one ways of preventing the House crisis of that day with or without the help of Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu. The saddest downside of the Rivers crisis is that Amaechi is in danger of reversing all the excellent work he spent the last six years doing in securing the state.

He needs to continue to work together with the Federal Government to make the peace he contributed in fostering in the state become permanent. But by working with opposition parties to undermine the political ambition of President Jonathan, the exmilitants, armed cult groups and dangerous thugs have bounced back to ignoble relevance.

Let no one be deceived: In this ugly crisis bedevilling Rivers State, there are no saints or angels.

Amaechi and his supporters and his former Chief of Staff, Nyesom Wike and his “federal might” supporters are equally guilty of impunity. Call it war among Ikwerre-born singer, Duncan Mighty’s “Port Harcourt Boys”.

Instructively, Amaechi and Wike were eulogised in that epic rendition entitled: "Port Harcourt’s First Son".

Even though this crisis has generated a lot of bitterness on both sides, I am still hoping against hope that something can touch the hearts of the major actors to realise that without peace there will be no politics, let alone development. Unless something is done, we may see a return to the evil days of unending violence.

Between 2001 and 2009, it led to militancy in the Niger Delta and the consequences were grave for the whole nation. As the entire nation is emotionally involved in the latest crisis, we do not know where it might lead.

proxy. Hear the President: "Where the President is unable to present the address in accordance with the Act, the President shall in writing inform the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and either designate the Vice President to present the address on his behalf or transmit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the text of the address."

How did we get to the current impasse?

Apparently, by this politics of confrontation, the President has perhaps unwittingly boxed himself to a tight corner. Right from the time when the Bill was published in the Official Gazette or in the National Assembly Journal to the Committee stage where there were public hearings in both Houses, to plenary in the two Chambers, there was ample opportunity for the President to make his input.

Now the Bill has been passed in both Chambers. It is too late in the day to retrieve it and begin to incorporate the amendments sought. The Rules of the Houses would frown at that. An escape route must be sought. There are possibilities: Either the President assents to the Bill as passed by the National Assembly or the National Assembly should take the President's objections as a veto of the Bill, in which case, they should override the President's veto so that the Bill can become law. Immediately after that, the President's observations should be submitted as amendments to the Act. The State of the Nation address is an idea whose time has come!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 —21

APMT, Customs on warpath over filthy examination bay

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

A

PM Terminals and Apapa Area1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are set for serious confrontation over filthy working environment, which was raised by the Minister for National Planning, Shamsudeen Usman.

Similarly, top management staff of the company last week visited the terminal for first hand assessment.

The high powered team from APM Terminals includes former Head of State and Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Ernest Shonekan and visiting global Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kim Fejfer.

Both outfits are locked in counter allegations over the condition of the examination bay. Management of APM Terminals recently accused the Customs of refusing to utilise the N640 million ultra-modern physical examination facility it built and handed over to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 2010, while the Customs described the accusation as false.

While efforts to reach the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Charles Edike, on phone proved abortive, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Emmanuel Ekpe, said he could not comment on the issue until he consults with his boss.

However, a source in the Command told Vanguard that the claim of the private

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154.76 233.4245 202.8904 163.9407 1.5573 0.288 231.2175 25.2228 41.2638 27.2029 232.7745

Recall that Hampton had said that the facility was specially built by his company three years ago to provide decent and conducive office accommodation to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and also serve as facility for the physical inspection of containers and for related administration of Customs operations at the terminal.

GIABA to sensitise judges on money laundering, terrorism financing

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he would be forced to call a press briefing on the issue.

He, however, lamented that despite the huge investment of $4 million (about N640 million) made by his company in building the facility, Customs has refused to use it preferring rather to use a make-shift open area thus subjecting importers and their agents to harsh weather conditions.

VISIT: From left: Tawanda Gumbo, Transitional Leader, Deloitte Nigeria; Deji Olatoye, Partner, THELODT law offices and 2013 Deloitte/International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) Scholar and Bisi Adeyemi, Managing Director, Deloitte Corporate Services Limited, during Deji’s visit to Deloitte headquarters in Lagos after receiving his scholarship certificate in New York.

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

terminal operator is not only false but a publicity stunt which is intended to rubbish the minister, who declared the examination bay as filthy and inhuman.

The source said that the CAC last week Friday visited APM Terminals and charged them to show him the N640 million facility.

He asked the firm to make the necessary amendment or

SELLING 155.76 234.9328 204.2014 165 1.5673 0.308 232.7115 25.3867 41.5305 27.3787 234.2786

CBN Exchange rate as at 17/07/2013

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE InterGovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA, has announced plans to sensitise judges in Nigeria, as well as judges in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone on the legislative framework of corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing.

According to a statement announcing its five-day Regional Capacity Building Seminar, GIABA said it intends to examine the role of judges in

implementing targeted financial sanctions pursuant to the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

It added that sensitisation programme will be geared towards examining the role of judges in responding to international freezing requests and consider ways to ensure effective and speedy adjudication of economic and financial crime cases.

According to GIABA, the objective of the seminar, scheduled to hold July 22 to 26, 2013 in Accra, Ghana is to bring together judges who are involved in the adjudication of corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing cases, in order to foster experience sharing with counterparts in West Africa, with a view to promoting

better understanding of the international legislative framework related to these phenomena.

It disclosed that the seminar is targeted at superior court judges that handle or are likely to handle economic and financial crime cases particularly, terrorist financing matters.

“Seminars organised by GIABA in the past focused broadly on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

However, in view of the growing incidence of terrorism and its financing in the region, it has become important to place more emphasis on the terrorist financing component and address the knowledge gaps in this area.

China blocks GSK executive from leaving country

B

eijing is preventing GlaxoSmithKline’s head of finance for China from leaving the country, as police accuse the British drugmaker of bribing officials and doctors, a spokesman for the drugmaker said yesterday.

The travel restriction on Steve Nechelput was imposed at the end of June, since when he has continued to carry out his work and remains free to move around the country. He has not been questioned, arrested or detained by police, the spokesman added.

Police have accused GSK of transferring up to 3 billion yuan ($489 million) to 700 travel agencies and consultancies over six years to facilitate a campaign of corruption. In response, GSK said it was deeply concerned by the allegations, which it called “shameful”.

The action against Nechelput, a British national, underscores the pressure on GSK, which came under attack in the People’s Daily newspaper yesterday as China launched a crackdown on the pharmaceutical sector.

A British foreign ministry spokesman said it stood ready to provide consular assistance.

Stanford establishes Africa entrepreneurial centre

I

N recognition of the fact that entrepreneurs in Africa need to contribute their quota to the reduction of poverty on the continent, Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (SEED) is set to provide the necessary facilities to help build small businesses into mega b u s i n e s s e s .

This, it intends to achieve by linking businesses with each other, encourage regional raw material sourcing and assist them to access more capital.

SEED was set up in 2011 with an initial endowment of $150m

by Standford Alumni, Dr. Robert King and his wife, Dorothy.

The Executive Director of SEED, Dr. Tralance Addy speaking with journalists in Abuja said most of the businesses on the continent cannot compete in a global economy because they are fragmented.

He added that any gains recorded by the MDGs are not really felt on the continent due to the high level of poverty.

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Failed banks: NDIC wants payment of depositors insulated from legal action

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE Nigeria Deposit In surance Corporation (NDIC) is seeking an amendment to its enabling Act that would guarantee prompt payment of failed banks’ depositors in spite of pending legal/ court actions.

The NDIC Managing Director/Chief Executive, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim stated this in Lagos at a retreat organised for the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions on the proposed amendments to the NDIC Act 2006.

He said that the proposed amendment of its enabling Act would provide a robust legal framework that will empower the corporation to take prompt actions in protecting depositors’ interest and contributing towards the safety and soundness of the financial system.

Speaking at the retreat, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Bassey Edet Otu pledged that the Committee would work relentlessly towards ensuring the passage of the proposed amendments to the NDIC Act, given the

importance the Senate attached to the soundness and stability of the nation’s banking system.

Otu, further said the committee would make wide consultations with relevant stakeholders in the financial sector

and members of the public toward securing well-informed position in carrying out the amendments, adding that other policy-making organisations and individuals would in due course be consulted in processing the amendment

bill.

Ibrahim said although the National Assembly had earlier repealed the NDIC Decree No. 22 of 1988 and enacted the NDIC Act 2006 to address some of the identified weaknesses in the corporation’s

TREE-PLANTING: From left: Executive Director (Lagos and South-west) of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Femi Bakre; Divisional Head of Human Resources & Change Management, Felicia Obozuwa; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Deputy Managing Director of FCMB, Mr. Segun Odusanya and actress, Mrs. Lanre Hassan (Aunty Awero), during this year’s Lagos State Tree Planting Day, in Agege, Lagos.

High cost of lending hinders SMEs borrowing from banks — EY

By PETER EGWUATU

T

HE high cost of lending in Nigeria has been attributed as one of the reasons why banks are reluctant to lend to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), even as lending to the real rector remains minimal.

Ernst and Young (EY) disclosed this at a media parley shortly after its Bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) forum in Lagos on Tuesday.

Speaking, Financial Service Sector Leader for West Africa ,EY, Mr. Dayo Babatunde, said, “ Most of the SMEs do not have the collateral to back up lending from the banks hence most banks would not be willing to take the risks associated to this scale enterprises. Also, most of the SMEs cannot borrow at high interest rate since cost of lending from banks is high. However, the banks are not to be blame for the high cost of lending because they provide virtually all the infrastructure needed for banking transactions. The banks buy in short instruments and if they must sell in long instruments, it has to be at a high cost. We should

note that the banks are in the business of buying and selling of money.”

In his own remark, Managing Partner, EY ,West Africa, Mr. Henry Egbiki, said, banks in Nigeria have not been lending to the real sector that are catalyst to economic development.

He stated the need for banks to lend to the real sector of the economy, saying it will have a multiplier effect.” What we are seeing is that banks are not lending to manufacturers and that is why we are holding forum in the banking sector to engage the CEOs on the need to lend to the real sector. Meanwhile, in his presentation on a survey carried out on 10 Rapid Growth Markets (RGMs), Mr. Steve Lewis, Director, Banking and Capital Market, EY said, “out of the 10 countries namely : Chile, Columbia , Egypt , Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam, South Africa is the most consolidated of our RGMs, with top five banks accounting for over 90 per cent of total assets. Indonesia, which has around 120 banks, is the least concentrat-

ed market, with the top five banks accounting for just 48 per cent of industry assets.

Foreign banks play a leading role in Mexico. Although only 16 out of 42 banks are foreign owned, they account for over 70 per cent of industry assets. Malaysia is the largest banking market, with industry assets valued at US $561 billion. Nigeria has the

smallest banking sector, with just over US$118 billion in assets.”

In its findings on the survey, Steve explained that most interviewees expressed strong optimism amongst Nigerian bankers. According to him, “Nigerian banks are strongly optimistic about prospects, with 75 per cent expecting strong growth.

law, a lot of inadequacies had since come to the fore in the implementation of the 2006 Act which now underscored the need for the proposed amendments.

He listed some of the legal challenges confronting the corporation in discharging its mandate, including excessive litigations on its role as liquidator of failed banks, lack of proper understanding of the distinction in the legal status of the NDIC as a corporate entity and its role as liquidator, execution of court judgements against the assets of the corporation for the liabilities of failed banks and difficulties associated with the recovery of judgement debts owed to failed banks.

He expressed concern, with regard to some of the legal challenges which had hindered the ability of the corporation to promptly settle depositors’ claims: “The experiences garnered from previous bank closures were that the corporation was unable to refund depositors’ fund trapped in some closed banks, not because there was no money to pay, but because the legal framework which enabled needless litigation by erstwhile owners of such closed banks underscored the need for further review of the corporation’s enabling statute to facilitate prompt settlement of depositors”, he said.

He commended the two chambers of the National Assembly for their commitment towards the proposed amendments, saying that the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency had earlier assured their support towards the proposed amendments, to enable the corporation discharge its mandate.

Asia Pacific banks likely at cyclical peak— Moody’s

B

ANKS in the Asia Pacific may have reached a cyclical peak despite their resilience in the wake of the global financial crisis and having the highest ratings globally, Moody’s Investors Service said on Tuesday.

“Borrowers’ leverage has increased, asset prices have materially appreciated and, in the process, both borrowers and banks may have become more susceptible to asset quality deterioration, especially if the interest rate cycle turns,” Stephen Long, managing director for Moody’s Financial Institutions Group in Asia Pacific, said in a statement.

The ratings agency noted that the Asian banking systems have been operating in a favorable operating environment for an extended period—low interest rates, robust economic growth and strong loan growth.

But the possible tightening of monetary policy and exit from quantitative easing in the

US may trigger a turning point in banking cycles.

“In this context, Moody’s notes that the exit from loose monetary policies in the developed economies will test Asian banks’ asset quality during the next two to three years,” Long said.

Other factors that may pressure credit conditions include the effectiveness of Japan’s new policies in attracting investments and accelerating growth, China’s economic rebalancing, and Asian regulators’ stance with regards to bank resolution regimes.

Specifically, banks in Southeast Asia are seen to be resilient on the back of higher profit as customer wealth increases.

“And with the ASEAN banks, while we expect them to remain resilient by and large, we note that downside risks are increasing, and these growing risks to economic and financial stability are driving diverging outlooks for the region’s banking systems,” said Long.

Vanguard, THURSDAY , JULY 18, 2013—23

Nigeria joins ISO 26000 social responsibility countries

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

N

IGERIA has joined the ranks of countries that have adopted the ISO 26000 social responsibility.

Based on this, Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has challenged public and private firms in the country to go beyond spending billions of naira on host communities and diligently apply the seven tenets of ISO26000 in their operations.

The seven core tenets are: Organisational gov-

ernance, community involvement and development, human rights principles, labour practices, the environment, consumer issues as well as fair operating practices.

ISO 26000 is an Interna-

tional standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) to guide organisations on Social Responsibility.

It is a consensus guidance document that pro-

vides support or a reference for all kinds of organisations in both private and public sectors both in developed and developing countries.

In Africa, the standard has been adopted by

BoI tasks Kano govt on moribund factories

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

T

HE Bank of Industry (BoI) has called for the revival of moribund factories in Kano State as it signed a N2 billion counterpart funding scheme with the govern-

ment for the promotion of industrialisation in the state.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the state governor, however, made it clear that his administration will not take loans to finance development

projects but will welcome grants and counterpart funding arrangements towards economic development of the state.

BoI is providing one billion naira while the state government is providing

SUMMIT: From left: Dan Hanover, Editor and Founder, Event Marketer Magazine (USA); Carol Abade, CEO Exp Group; Olu Akanmu, Thought Leader in Strategy, Management and Policy and Kim Skildum-Reid, Sponsorship Author & Consultant (Australia) at 2013 African Experiential Marketing Summit (AEMS) held in Lagos.

Dangote embarks on road, immunisation projects

BY NAOMI UZOR

D

ANGOTE Cement Plc, Ibese, has commenced the construction and rehabilitation of concrete roads in fourteen host communities within the Yewaland in Ogun State.

Also Dangote Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kano State Government, have signed a partnership agreement to eradicate polio in all the 44 local governments of the state.

However, the manager in charge of the Ibese road project, Engineer Auwalu Halliru, disclosed that the hard concrete road being constructed by the cement arm of the group is the first of its kind in the South West.

“You know we are campaigning for use of cement concrete road and we want to use the Ibese road as a test case so that the whole

countries such as Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe Ghana, and now Nigeria.

ISO26000 provides

world would see how good the concrete road is and the quality it is made of. Anyone who passes through the Ibese road when we finish the job would commend us for a job well done”, he stated.

He said that the construction is in three phases and that the commencement of the Ibese plant to Ilaro junction marked the first phase.

According to him, the second phase of the road would be the 25 km ItoriIbese road while the third phase would be the IbeseAbeokuta road which will be interlock stone paved.

He pointed out that both interlocked stone and the concrete would survive any weather and that is why they are better than bitumen asphalt.

On the polio issue, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, called for a regular meeting of the stakeholders to assess the strategy and to accelerate the pace of

progress recorded so far.

Chairman of the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, said he was elated over the

progress recorded so far, and that his Foundation would provide all necessary supports to make sure the programme succeeds.

the balance.

Ms. Evelyn Oputu, the Managing Director of the bank, lauded Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the state governor for having made the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) a reality.

Oputu pointed out that there are a lot of moribund factories in Kano as against what obtained 30 years ago, and urged the governor to strive for their revival and discover more “Dangotes” in his state.

Governor Kwankwaso said his government has created more businesses aimed at growing SMES, especially in the area of processing, manufacturing and production.

He explained that an Entrepreneurship Standard Committee to be supervised by the State Ministry of Commerce had been set up to look into all loan applications and has a prominent entrepreneur, Mr. Mohammed Bello Yakasai, as member.

He said his administration is partnering with the bank towards setting up more SMEs in the state, assuring that the government will facilitate loans for entrepreneurs wishing to access such facilities in the state.

guidance on how businesses and organisations can operate in a socially responsible way.

This means acting in an ethical and transparent way that contributes to the environment, health and welfare of society.

Globally, it is aimed at all types of organisations regardless of their activity, size or location.

Speaking during the launch in Lagos, Odumodu said that the standard was introduced in 2010 following five years of negotiations among different stakeholders across the world.

He said that over 400 experts and 200 observers from 99 countries including Nigeria and 42 international organisations were involved in the development of ISO 26000.

Robert Okiyi, Head SMEs/ International Standard, said more than 56 countries have adopted the standard globally, and 42 more are in the process of adopting it.

Vanguard learnt that 33 organisations in Nigeria have adopted the standard for use in their operations even before it came out. They include Etisalat Nigeria, lead sponsor for the launch of ISO 26000. Others are Nigeria Breweries, Guinness,FIRS, Nestle, Unilever; Ashaka Cement, Keystone Bank, First Bank, Access Bank, Diamond Bank, Thistle Praxis Consulting Ltd, among others.

India’s chemical exports to Nigeria grows by 5.6%

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

E

XPORTS of chemi cal items from India to Nigeria have increased to about 5.6 percent from 2012 to 2013.

Also, the total items covered under the purview of ChemExcil (Export Promotion Council, set up by Indian government) to Nigeria in the period stood at $90 .3 million as against $85.5 million of the corresponding period of 2012, said Executive Director, ChemExcil, Mr. Suhas Bhardi.

Bhardi gave these figures during the Indian Chemical and Cosmetics Exhibition,

organised by ChemExcil in collaboration with Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) and the Indian High Commission, Lagos.

According to him, the basic sector which consists mainly of petrochemicals accounts for over 70 percent of the total chemical market in Nigeria.” I am happy to note that the upstream petrochemical sector is well established as Nigeria is the highest oil-producer in Africa.

“The purpose of this Exhibition is to strengthen/expand existing business, pro-

mote india’s chemical exports and to create a positive brand image of Indian products. This would also result into many more joint ventures and technology transfer,” he said.

On the other hand, President of PMFAI, Mr. Pradip Dave, said that the African region offers most potential for improvement in productivity of crops and therefore African governments have given priority for development of Agriculture in the region.

Dave, noted that there is good market for agrochemicals in Nigeria, stressing, “It is estimated that the private

sector agrochemical companies supply about 70 percent of the total CPP demand of approximately $120 million.”

He said, “Most of the African countries are now concentrating on development of irrigation projects and with modern irrigation system by optimising and conserving water resources and also introducing drought resistance varieties. The drought resistance and high yielding varieties will definitely boost the agricultural production in the African region which will also help in boosting agricultural exports from Africa.

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Solar sailing: Green boats keep air air,, water clean

A

NYONE who has ever scanned the sea’s horizon for a fuel station recognizes the key advantage of solarpowered boating:. Solarpowered (or green) boats eliminate boaters’ dependence on gasoline. Solarpowered boats are better for the environment, quieter and potentially safer.

Though a boating safety course from Boaterexam would still be beneficial for newcomers, personal solar-powered boats travel much slower than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them less prone to accidents.

The Technology Roof or side-mounted solar panels power these boats, generating up to 1300 kilowatt-hours of clean energy, according to Scientific American.

Smaller boats can be run with as little as 140W generated by six cells.

Culled from World Maritime News

NIMASA insists on continued human capacity devt

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

N

IGERIAN Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has stressed its commitment to the development of human capacity in the maritime sector, even as it disclosed that it had commenced placement of cadets onboard Cabotage vessels for the necessary experience.

Disclosing this in Port Harcourt, Director General of NIMASA, Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, noted that the goal of the agency was to facilitate qualitative employment within the Cabotage regime.

The NIMASA boss, who was represented by the agency’s Executive Director in charge of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Barr.

Callistus Obi at the recently concluded seafarers’ day celebration, appealed to stakeholders in the industry to encourage Nigerian youths to seek careers at sea.

According to a statementby Isichei Osamgbi, Akpobolokemi said the Agency’s investment in the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP, was a clear testament to the commitment to build capacity for the industry.

Terminal operators, agents trade blames over operating cost

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

T

ERMINAL opera tors under the ae gis of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) and freight forwarders in the country are at war over who is responsible for high cost of doing business at the nation’s ports.

While STOAN through its chairman, Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup, recently called on the Federal Government to beam its searchlight on the activities of shipping agents, freight forwarders and operatives of government agencies at the ports, freight forwarders are accusing STOAN of slamming chargies above international industry standard.

The STOAN chairman who is also the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium, operators of Terminals A and B of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), said if government was desirous of bringing down the cost of doing business at the ports, it must focus on the units mentioned above.

She said that despite reduction in terminal handling charges by terminal operators in 2006; cost of doing business at the ports remained high because the activities of shipping agents, freight forwarders and operatives of government agencies had not been regulated “At the ports, there are so many factors that can militate against bringing down costs of operations.

We have so many people who operate within the port system. We have the concessionaires, the shipping agents, clearing agents and numerous government agencies.

“The concessionaires are not responsible for the increase in the cost of operations at the ports.

There are shipping agents; clearing agents and others. Who’s looking into their activities?

Shipping agents’ tariffs are even higher than terminal operators’ charges but nobody talks about that. There are a lot of charges that the ship agents are not supposed to charge but they do.

Who’s looking at those things?” Haastrup asked.

Responding, National

From left: Managing Director, APM Terminals Apapa, Mr. Dallas Hampton; former Head of State and Chairman, Board of Directors, APM Terminals Apapa, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Global Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals, Mr. Kim Fejfer after a tour of the ports

President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, described the accusation as unfortunate because they were the ones actually driving up the cost of port operations.

The NAGAFF boss explained that the absence of a commercial regulator and the fact that government listen to STOAN makes made act

as if they are above the law. He said what STOAN charge as port and terminal charges is above the international industry average.

Nweke pointed out that STOAN was blackmailing them by its claim because there is no commercial regulator and that until government responds to the need of stakeholders, terminal operators will continue to take laws in their hands.

Similarly, Pastor

Babatunde Shittu, Managing Director of Shiba Services Limited, who described the accusation as “ very funny ”, explained that it takes three days or more for terminal operators to position containers for examination or scanning while they also charge freight forwarders and their importers for the delay. He also claimed shipping company charges and collection of Debit Notes from shipping companies take a

day. He pointed out that it is a transaction that should not take an hour through the internet.

He also blamed the leaders of both freight forwarders and clearing agents for not coming out to say the true position of things at the ports.” He stressed that until the leaders do the right thing, such laughable accusations would continue, he concluded.

Cus Custtoms agents decr decryy operating licence’s blockade

BY GODWIN ORITSE

S

OME licensed Customs agents w h o were affected by the recent clampdown on operating licences of brokers involved in activities against the Customs Excise and Management Act (CEMA) have decried the unjust blockade of their licences.

The agents said they were being victimised because of their stand against alleged obnoxious moves by the Nigeria Customs Service to introduce measures that are not in line with international best practices.

Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Mr Kayode Farinto said that his own licence

was blocked by verbal instruction as the decision to block his operating licence was not taken by the management of Customs.

He accused the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Trade and Tariff, Mr. Julius Wogu of masterminding the blocking of his licence.

Farinto alleged that management of the Customs service had been looking for opportunity to punish him because of the stakeholders meeting he convened to discuss the review of the new Customs Excise and Management Act which he alleged the current leadership of Customs had doctored.

He further explained that

the Customs management accused him of using a company named Honey Wealth as against Weathy Honey Investment Nigeria Limited that he has been operating with over the years. At a point, the Customs management had to use his licence as a factor to stand for election adding that he was asked to wait until the big man at the Customs headquarters gave his nod.

“At that point, I began to suspect some foul play in both the forth coming election and renewal of licence.

“Up till this moment, I was not allowed to stand for election, I suspected it, I saw it coming and because of this I went to court

and got a court summon restraining them from going ahead with election.

“Despite the court order, they still went ahead to organise the elections and ensured that I was excluded from the entire process” Mr Frank Uko, president of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, said that some used his license to clear goods and refused to pay the correct duty. Uko also said that when the culprint was caught by Customs officials, he was given a Debit Note and was made to pay the actual duty and hiis goods released, only for the Customs management to clamp down on his licence.

VANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8 , 20 1 3 —25 ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18 201

I N S I D E

Al-Mustapha: Temporary or permanent legal victory?

Let Governor Amaechi be — Page 28 — Emeka Ngige

— Page 26

Public outrage may arise against verdict's misplaced expectations

BY AWA KALU, SAN

B

Y ‘Those Verdicts,’ I mean the verdicts that have at different times caused public umbrage and outrage thus giving the impression that a Judge’s verdict (or the Jurors’ as the case may be) was at variance with what the public thought would be the case. By coincidence, the verdict in a Florida Court came almost at the same time with the Court of Appeal’s acquittal of Al Mustapha, General Abacha’s ex Chief Security Officer who was incarcerated for several years for allegedly masterminding the execution in public of late Kudirat Abiola by Police Officers.

The Florida Court acquitted one George Zimmerman who was arraigned and tried for the fatal shooting of an African-American teenager, Martin Trayvon.

That acquittal provoked riots across the U.S. and once more, has brought to the fore the cross fire and opprobrium that arises from the intervention of the criminal justice system in alleged racially induced crime. For the purpose of backgrounding, I have made a fairly lengthy excerpt from Johnnie Cochran’s Autobiography, A Lawyer’s Life, in which he meticulously documented his lifelong struggle to redress what he considered as Police bias against ethnic minorities such as blacks and Hispanics.

Johnnie Cochran, as you may recall, was the Lead Counsel of the ‘Dream Team’ – a crack multi-racial team of lawyers that defended the famous American football hero, O.J. Simpson who was charged with the brutal

•Awa Kalu, SAN There seemed to be an unspoken acceptance that the police were permitted to kill or maim a few innocent black kids if it made the streets safer for everybody else. One of the most outrageous cases of my career was the killing by two policemen of twenty-three-year-old Philip Eric Johns. Philip Johns was asleep in his own bed in his own apartment in Inglewood. He was a hardworking African-American; he wasn’t bothering anyone. He was sleeping and they broke into his apartment and shot him. They killed him’ continuing, Cochran noted that: ‘A fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United Sates is that the citizens of this country should be secure in their own homes. But two plainclothes policemen got a tip that a man accused of committing several robberies was hiding out in that

An accused person is entitled to a trial in which the relevant law is correctly explained and applied and the rules of procedure and evidence strictly followed

,

murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Simpson and a young man, Ron Goldman. O.J. Sampson’s acquittal in what was dubbed ‘trial of the century’ did not amuse a huge section of the American public. Johnie Cochran, in a Lawyer’s Life wrote that ‘sometimes it seemed like it was actually easier for an African-American to get justice in the criminal court than on civil litigation.

The civil courts in Los Angeles just didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with police officers shooting and choking black kids.

,

apartment. It is so reminiscent of the killing of Amadou Diallo decades later. These cops quietly broke into the apartment- with their guns drawnand stood over Philip Johns. Guns drawn. This young man was asleep, one hand tucked under his pillow. To these policemen a young black man sleeping with his hand beneath a pillow seemed very suspicious; they claimed he appeared to be feigning sleep and hiding a weapon. The fact that the sleeping man might be innocent, might not have had any-

thing to do with the robberies, apparently never occurred to these police officers’ Cochran urged his readers‘Just put yourself inside the mind of Philip Johns. You’re asleep in your own bed, knowing you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, not feeling guilty about anything. Maybe you’re even dreaming. Suddenly someone shakes you awake. The police claim they indentified themselves, but there is no credible evidence to verify that.

So you wake up and it’s the middle of the night and you’re groggy and the first thing you see is some guy wearing a regular shirt and pants standing over you, holding a gun inches from your face.

Grabbing the intruder's gun What the …. of course you react, just like Philip Johns did. He probably grabbed the intruder’s gun and tried to pull it away. The police officer fired.

Philip Johns continued to struggle, fighting for his life. The cop fired again. Again. The second cop, standing at the end of the bed, opened up.

He shot him once. Twice. Bullets hit Philip Johns in his temple, in the middle of his back, the back of his upper right arm– and in his heart. He died on his own bed, never knowing he had been killed because two cops had broken into the wrong apartment.

After a brief investigation, the LAPD decided it was a tragic accident, blaming it on the informant– an Inglewood police officer– who supposedly gave them the wrong address.

According to Police Chief Parker’s

successor, Police Chief Ed Davis, there wasn’t enough evidence to take any disciplinary or criminal actions against the police officers. The whole AfricanAmerican community was furious.

Things have changed since the Watts riots. People just weren’t going to accept the same silly excuses that had once been forced on them”. Johnny Cochran’s narrative shows that every coin has two sides and even in criminal trials, the judge, as well as the Jury (in a Jury trial), must weigh the facts and assess the credibility of the witnesses and the probability that the facts as presented point to no other conclusion than the guilt of the accused person who ordinarily is entitled to a fair trial. An unfair trial always leads to a miscarriage of justice.

The Supreme Court in State v.

Gwonto [1983] N.S.C.C 104 held that failure of justice is much the same thing as miscarriage of justice. The court further explained that: “An accused person is entitled to a trial in which the relevant law is correctly explained and applied and the rules of procedure and evidence strictly followed. If there is any failure in any of these respects, and the appellant may thereby have lost a chance which was fairly open to him of being acquitted, there is in the eye of the law a miscarriage of justice. Justice has miscarried in such cases because the accused has not had what the law says he should have and justice is justice according to law.” Mraz v. The Queen (1954-56) 93 C.L.R. 493, 514. Per Fullagar J. Public outrage against a verdict may arise from misplaced expectations notwithstanding the facts of the case and one’s understanding of ‘justice’ vis-à-vis the criminal ‘justice administration system may also inform the Continues on page 27

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

26—V ANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8, 20 13 26—VANGU ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18, 201

Al-Mustapha: Temporary or permanent legal victory?

A

N American philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, once said, “The law will never make men free, it is men that have to make the law free,” but that did not hold last week Friday as Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan were both discharged and acquited of the death sentence handed them by Justice Mojisola Dada of Lagos High Court, who found them guilty of conspiracy and murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha who was military head of state between November 1993 and June 1998 while Shofolahan was former Personal Assistant to late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the presumed winner of the june 12, 1993 presidential election late Chief MKO Abiola. The court of appeal in Lagos held that there was not enough evidence to incriminate the duo in the murder of late Kudirat.

The appellate court ruled: “It is preposterous that in a 326-page judgment, the lower court was only concerned with securing a conviction at all costs.

Just as God is no respecter of persons, so also is this court. I hereby order that the appellants be discharged and acquitted while the conviction and sentence of the lower court, is

hereby discharged.”

It will be recalled that during the transition government of General Abdulsalam Abubakar, following Abacha’s sudden death in June 1998, Al-Mustapha was arrested and subsequently arraigned in court in october that year along with Abacha’s son Mohammed, charged with the murder of Kudirat who was shot in June 1996 . However, the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Mohammed and he was discharged and acquited.

Justice Dada on July 2011 re-opened the trial against Al-Mustapha and his co-accused (Shofolahan) in Kudirat’s murder. While the trial‘lasted, AlMustapha was detained at the Kirikiri maximum security prison. In the first two weeks of August, Al-Mustapha and Sofolahan testified to their innocence over Kudirat’s murder.

The court adjourned the case to November 10, 2011 when counsels to both parties were expected to file and adopt their written addresses. After receiving written submissions and hearing the addresses by the counsel to both parties on that date, Justice Dada then fixed January 30 ,2012 for delivering her judgment. The court subsequently found the duo of Mustapha and Shofolahan guilty of the offence and were sentenced to death by hanging.

•Al-Mustapha Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams, expressed shock over the appeal court’s judgment, saying “I don’t know how they arrived at their conclusion. The law is an ass, I must say. It is surprising, very surprising and shocking. And I believe the state will appeal that judgment. Honestly, it is surprising and shocking

•Late Kudirat Abiola otherwise, I will say it is shocking.”

Mr Norrison Quakers SAN, on his part, said he saw it coming when he was informed that the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Daudu,SAN had taken over the case on behalf of Al-Mustapha.

He said: “Let me first start by saying that I saw it coming, when I was informed that Mr J.B. Daudu SAN had taken over the case at

The principle is that in a criminal case especially, a felony has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt

,

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

how they arrived at the conclusion that he is not guilty because the facts are there.

Sometimes, I don’t understand what is going on with all my long years in the inner bar. I am not suggesting any impropriety or that there is some foul play but it is shocking.

Unless the state prosecutor hopelessly messed up the case;

,

the appeal. And following the Supreme Court judgment in the earlier Mohammed Abacha’s case; in this same manner where he was also discharged by the supreme court.

From the facts and circumstances of the case, it will be difficult to sustain a conviction. I am not surprised at the outcome. On whether the lower court judge was biased in the

•Shofolahan

conviction, the Court of Appeal must have made its deductions from the record placed before it.

Mind you the appellate court is a court saddled with three judges. So now, it is three against one, they have had the privilege of really reviewing the records.”

According to Mr Tayo Oyetibo SAN, “there is still the opportunity of having the Supreme Court pronounce on it.

One would expect that the case would run a logical journey in the hierarchy of courts. They still have one more level.

The principle is that in a criminal case especially, a felony has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt. And it has always been the practice of the court to lean in favour of the accused where there is any shadow of doubt.

The delay in the matter so far was not caused by the judiciary. If you trace the history of the case, it was not the judiciary that was forestalling the proceeding, but the parties concerned. The parties have to move from one judge to another, and all the judges were prepared for the case.”

Chairman NBA- Ikeja branch, Mr Monday

Ubani, described AlMustapha and Shofolahan’s freedom as temporary, stressing “at this point in time, it is a temporary relief because the Court of Appeal is not the final court of jurisdiction in this matter. After the initial shock, which I know Lagos State would have suffered, they are likely going to appeal to the Supreme Court over the judgment.

It has been a long trial following all manners of applications brought by the defense counsel until finally the substantive trial commenced. If the Appeal Court has looked at the judgment of the lower court and discovered that there was error, either on the part of misapplication of facts and law, and probably upturned the judgment, it is only temporary. The Supreme Court will still have the final say on that issue.

A renowned human rights lawyer, Chief Morah Ekwunoh, noted that the best response lies in golden mum or silence in view of the high wire sensitivity, controversy, and ethnicity which formed its bedrock, adding “the death of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola in the hands of repressive state apparatus, no doubt will remain an albatross on the neck of Nigeria until justice relating to it is clearly seen to have been done. However, on the judgment of the Court of Appeal just delivered, my take is that as a professional, and in fairness to the learned justices, this dictate that comments on examination of its legal propriety or otherwise thereof cannot reasonably be carried out except and until the final decision is made.”

VANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8, 20 1 3—2 7 ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18, 201 3—27

Court awards damages against bank over title documents STORIES

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

J

USTICE Morenike Obadina of a Lagos High Court has ordered Sterling Bank Plc to pay N1 million to Ajelenje Nigeria Limited and its Managing Director, Mr. Onyebuchi Uzor, as general damages for unlawful detention of the title documents of their property.

In her judgment, Justice Obadina declared that the continued detention from November 12, 2004 to date by Sterling Bank of all the original title documents of the claimant’s property known as Plot 1609 (House 2) “E” Close, 4th Avenue, Festac Town Lagos belonging to the claimants is wrongful.

“I make an order compelling the defendants to release and return to the claimants all the original documents of Plot 1609 (House 2) “E” Close, 4th

Avenue, Festac Town Lagos which was deposited with Creek Road Apapa Lagos branch of former NBM Bank Ltd as security,” the judge ordered.

Defendants in the suit were Nardex Int. Ltd (2nd Defendant) and Mr. Leaonard Ebenye (3rd defendant), said to have both entered into a business arrangement with the 1st Claimant under which he would deposit the title documents of his property as security for an intended overdraft by Sterling Bank to Nardex Int. Ltd. It was gathered that the defendants and the claimant had agreed that upon deposit of the said title documents, the Uzor, would be made a shareholder of the Nardex Int. Ltd and the Particulars of Directors amended accordingly.

Also, it was agreed that from the date of deposit, any withdraw-

Dr. Uchenna Ben Nwachukwu with his mother, Barrister (Mrs.) Berne Nwachukwu at the graduation ceremony of the former at Harward Medical College Boston, USA recently.

al from Nardex Int. Ltd account and or overdraft by the 1st defendant must have the joint consent of the 3rd defendant and himself.

This agreement was communicated to the manager of the bank at the point of deposit.

The court also held that the insistence on this condition was to guard against reckless withdrawal from 2nd defendant’s account and to protect his property from needless exposure and liability.

According to the claimant, sometime in October 2004, eight months after the delivery and deposit of

the title documents, he was alerted that the bank had breached the express condition for the deposit advanced over N700,000 to the 2nd defendant without reference to him. On the 12th of November 2004, he served a formal notice of repudiation of the contract of guarantee on the bank and demanded the release of his title documents but the bank refused to return same till date.

Reviewing the case the judge disagreed that the deposit of the title deeds was not conditional. She said

appreciation of the verdict. For instance,while Marcia Clark, the lead Prosecutor in People v.

Simpson thought that despite O.J. Sampson’s acquittal he was proved guilty ‘without a doubt’, Johnnie Cochran, lead defence counsel thought that the acquittal was the only verdict that suited the facts and circumstances of the case. This scenario played out in Nigeria in Al Mustapha’s case. The Guardian (vol.29, No.12, 617) of Sunday, July 14, 2013 published the screamer

‘Abiola family Rejects verdict on Al Mustapha, Shofolahan’. The story reveals that ‘while the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) expressed “shock and disappointment” over the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, immediate past vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anthony Agbo, actually congratulated Al Mustapha on his release from detention’. In reality, understanding the justice of a case may in several cases, seem like the fabled view of six

The court came to the conclusion that the claimants’ counsel submission that the bank failed to justify its release of funds to the 2nd defendant, stressing that “Detinue is a wrongful retention of the possession of goods and the wrong arises upon the detention of the chattel after demand for its return by the person entitled to its immediate possession has been made. The claimant established their entitlement to judgment on a preponderance of evidence. I give judgment to the claimants.”

Nigeria signs Copyright treaty for Visually Impaired Persons

A

NIGERIAN delegation has joined other International Negotiators at a Diplomatic Conference convened by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to adopt a Treaty to facilitate access to published works for Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Ijeoma Egbunike, the Treaty was a culmination of efforts that commenced since 2009 in WIPO to redress the book famine that excluded over 300 million Beneficiary Persons from access to literary and artistic works, 90% of

which live in developing countries and of these, 27million in Africa.

The Marrakesh Treaty was said to be a landmark achievement as it symbolizes the first ever Copyright Treaty on Exceptions and Limitations for the Beneficiary Persons, since the adoption of the first multilateral international Copyright Instrument (Berne Convention) in 1886.

After more than a week of intense debate, the Treaty adopted a real triumph of negotiation for the Nigerian delegation that successfully balanced various delicate issues such as interests of

Public outrage may arise against verdict's misplaced expectations Continues from page 25

the bank did not deny that it received the resolution or that it allowed the 2nd defendant to operate the overdraft account without recourse to the 2nd claimant such that the 2nd and 3rd defendants became heavily indebted to the bank.

Justice Obadina held that the contention of the bank that because the claimants and the 2nd and 3rd defendants are in the same office complex, the claimants cannot claim to be unaware of the state of the account is speculative and she discountenanced the argument.

blind men and the Elephant.

A pertinent question then would be, what is justice? The Court of Appeal in Maigari v.

State, (2010) All FWLR (pt.546) 405 said that ‘justice entails that the guilty person should be convicted, that the truth must be known and that justice should be manifestly seen as having been done’. The Court emphasized that ‘Justice will cease to be justice if it is considered from the vantage point of the accused person. Justice first and foremost must also percolate, permeate

and pervade to the side of the victim, the person who was wronged…, whose life was snuffed out like a candle in the wind, just like that.”

When conflicts arise from different perceptions of justice it is best to remember the advice

by President Obama in the Zimmerman acquittal by which he admonished his rioting Countrymen to always remember that we are a nation under law. ‘The jury has spoken’, he declared. In Al Mustapha’s case, the Court of Appeal has spoken.

Copyright owners, Beneficiary Persons and the Sovereignty of the nation as well as harmonizing Copyright international best practices.

Director-General of WIPO, Francis Gurry described the treaty as a victory for the blind, visually impaired and print disabled, including the multilateral system, adding “ with this treaty, the international community has demonstrated the capacity to tackle specific problems, and to agree a consensus solution. This is a balanced treaty, and represents a very good arbitration of the diverse interests of the various stakeholders.”

Head of the Nigerian delegation to the Conference, Mr. Afam Ezekude, who is also the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), pointed out that the Treaty was a culmination

of efforts that commenced 2009 in WIPO to redress the book famine that excluded over 300 million Beneficiary Persons from access to literary and artistic works, 90% of which live in developing countries and of these, 27million in Africa.

The event, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco and chaired by the nation’s Minister of Communications and G o v e r n m e n t Spokesperson, H.E. Mr. Mustapha Khalfi, would serve in bridging the literary access to knowledge and capacity gap that exist between Beneficiary Persons in the developed and developing Economies stressing that the Marrakesh Treaty is “a Copyright Treaty, a human rights Treaty, and a humane Treaty”.

Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Emeka Ngige SAN and Professor Ben Nwabueze SAN at Nwabueze's book launch recently.

28— V ANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8, 20 13 VANGU ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18, 201

The Supreme Court’s approach to locus standi (2)

BY LAWRENCE ATSEGBUA

Continued from last week In that case, Senator Adesanya instituted proceedings against the President of Nigeria and Justice Ovie-Whiskey, challenging the appointment of OvieWhiskey as chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission by the President. Senator Adesanya had made clear his disagreement with the appointment during the confirmation process in the Senate, maintaining that it was contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Having failed to prevent the

appointment in the Senate, senator Adesanya brought proceedings in the Lagos High Court, seeking a declaration that the appointment was unconstitutional and requested an injunction to prevent it from taking effect. Senator Adesanya was successful, but during an appeal against the High Court’s decision, the issue of his locus standi was raised.

The Court of Appeal held that Senator Adesanya did not have the right to challenge the President’s exercise of authority, but made a reference to the Supreme Court under Section 259(3) of the Constitution, requested a deci-

•CJN, Justice Aloma Muhktar sion on a substantive question of law relating to the interpretation and application of

Section 6(6) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court held.

Inter alia, that Senator

Let Governor Amaechi be I

N analyzing Rivers State crisis, one has to look at the remote and immediate causes before proffering solutions.

The remote cause is the culture of impunity which General Olusegun Obasanjo sowed in this nation during his infamous 8 years.

Illegality, they say, begets illegality. The monumental rigging of national elections by the PDP -led government in 2003 and 2007 produced charlatans and renegades as our representatives at different tiers of government. These renegades are the ones determining the fate of other Nigerians at different levels of government today. The impunity which we are witnessing in Rivers State today is not a new phenomenon in our polity. It has happened before in Oyo State where Adedibu held Governor Ladoja to ransom, in Anambra State where the Ubas organised the worst mayhem ever witnessed in the history of the State with properties worth billions of Naira destroyed, in Plateau State where Gov. Dariye was held to ransom by forces loyal to the sitting President. The examples are endless.

None of these people involved in these crisis were brought to book

and so the impunity continues till date.

For the immediate cause of crisis in Rivers State, we all know it has to do with politics of 2015. The President of Nigeria wants to run again in 2015 and perceives that Governor Amaechi is nursing a vice presidential ambition for the same election. He therefore considers Amaechi as a threat to his re-election. I now ask? Is that the reason why Amaechi should be crucified or Rivers State turned into a theatre of war? Why are our politicians so intolerant of opposing views? Are we practising democracy or monarchy where the views of the King are unchallengeable?

The crisis in Rivers

,

BY EMEKA NGIGE, SAN

Emeka Ngige, SAN been brought to book. A PSC under Parry Osayande would not tolerate the acts of indiscipline of the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.

It should be mentioned that this Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu was an Assistant Commissioner (Admin) during the Anambra State political crisis of

The crisis in Rivers State is a challenge to the Rule of Law. A situation where the Commissioner of Police is openly supporting the renegades in their nefarious activities is condemnable

State is challenge to the Rule of Law. A situation where the Commissioner of Police is openly supporting the renegades in their nefarious activities is condemnable. The Police Service Commission (PSC) as presently constituted is a toothless bulldog otherwise the Commissioner should have

,

2003-2004. So it can be seen that he was thoroughly schooled to unleash what is going on in Rivers State today.

With the emergence of a fake Speaker whose intention of impeaching the Governor of Rivers State with 4 members out of 27 members is in public domain, the resolution of the House

of Representatives for the takeover of the business of Rivers House of Assembly under Section 11 (4) of the Constitution is very commendable. I hope the Senate will tow the same line as the House of Reps in the interest of our democracy.

I will also suggest that the National Judicial Council (NJC) should issue a red alert to all judges sitting in Rivers State (whether as a Federal or State judge) to be cautious in dealing with cases arising from the crisis in the State. The judges or justices hearing cases arising from the crisis in Rivers State should give the matters accelerated hearing so that law and order can be restored in the State.

Recall that the illegal impeachments or removal of Governors that took place during Obasanjo years in Oyo, Ekiti, Plateau, Bayelsa and even Anambra

Adesany did not have locus standi under the provisions of the 1979 Constitution. The issues before the Supreme Court were highlighted in the judgment of Fatayi-Williams CJN, where he stated that the questions which arose were: “…[if] a legislative enactment appears to be ultra vires the Constitution or an act infringes any of its provisions dealing with Fundamental Rights, who has locus standi to challenge its constitutionality? Does any member of the public have the right to sue? Or should locus standi be

States succeeded majorly because of the connivance of either the State Chief Judges or the judges that handled the cases.

Finally, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should call his party men to order.

He should have a rethink on the crisis.

Withdrawing the soldiers guarding the Governor as well as removing the armoured tanks stationed in front of the Government House could not have been done without the permission of the Presidency.

It smacks of pettiness and desperation for the Presidency to be giving support to the renegades causing mayhem in Rivers State. The President should be statesman in this crisis and learn from the mistakes of General Obasanjo who enjoyed destabilizing State governments that were not in his good books.

At the end of Obasanjo’s tenure, what happened to PDP in South West? Instability and turmoil took over including his household. That’s a lesson for all of us that when you sow the wind you reap the whirlwind. Our President should be a statesman and allow Governor Amaechi to be. Only God can determine who will be our President in May 29th 2015. Nobody should play God. The President and his wife should not play God.

confined to those persons whose vested legal rights are directly interfered with by the measure… or to persons whose interests are liable to be specially affected by its operation…?”

Fatayi-Williams CJN was of the view that Senator Adesanya lacked locus standi on the grounds that he had participated in the debate in the Senate which resulted in the confirmation of the appointment of Justice Ovie-Whiskey.

Indeed, Fatayi-Williams proceeded to state that had Mr. Adesanya not been a senator, it was probable that he would have had locus standi to bring proceedings. A judgment such as that in Adesanya v. the President would be untenable today, but nevertheless had its effect on many actions before the principles enunciated in it were set aside. An example of the repercussions of that decision can be seen in the case of Chief Thomas v. Rev. Olufosoye (1986) 1 NWLR, pt. 18, p.669, in which the Supreme Court followed the dicta of the Adesanya case, finding. Inter alia, that: (a) in determining the issue of locus standi, the courts had to be aware of the scope of their powers of review as provided in Section 6(6) of the Constitution where it was stated to “extend to all matters between persons or between government or authority and any person in Nigeria and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto, for the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person. (b) The issue of locus standi could not be regarded independently from the provisions of Section 6(6) of the Constitution. (c) That “the requirement of locus standi, is mandatory where the judicial power is constitutionally limited to the determination of a “case” or controversy or a “matter” which is defined by reference to criteria

To be continued Professor Atsegbua is Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 29

learning@vanguardngr.com

ASUP may resume strike, unless....

BY DAYO ADESULU, LAJU ARENYEKA & IKENNA ASOMBA

A

LTHOUGH the Academic Staff Union of Po l y t e c h n i c s (ASUP) suspended its 81-dayold nationwide strike on Tuesday, stakeholders in the sector have expressed concern that members of the union

may again down their tools after the one-month time frame given to the Federal Government to tackle relevant issues.

The National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), while reacting to ASUP’s decision said; “The suspension of the strike is not enough reason to shout hurray. It is the same technique that the Government has been using

to deceive the union for the past four years. Very soon, ASUP will have reason to strike again, because the government is not sincerely interested in meeting their demands; they just want to keep on postponing the evil day. The demands of ASUP are genuine and they require additional funding. What the Government must first do is present a supplementary budget for education to cover

these concerns.”

In a press release issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Union, Comrade Clement Chairman stated that the strike was suspended after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union which was held in Abuja. According to Chairman, “The union, after a holistic appraisal of the progress made so far resolved

that the strike be suspended."

It noted that the circular for implementation of CONTISS 15 migration for lower cadres has been released while appreciable work has been done on reconstitution of governing councils of federal polytechnics which were earlier omitted. On enrollment of polytechnics into the IPPIS module, the union remains resolute on its earlier position that reasonable caution be employed to take care of the autonomy of polytechnics.”

The union, however, implored stakeholders in the negotiation to respect the agreement reached to avoid further disruption of

Continues on page 30

Poor science enrolment impedes Nigeria’s technological devt.— Educationists —Page 32 •From right: Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan, MD/CEO, Executive Trainers Ltd; Chairman, Executive Trainers; Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; Mr Marcus Ifada, GM, ETL and Wilfred Dayo David, Assistant GM, ETL at a press briefing preceding the fifth annivasery, in Lagos. Photo: Dayo Adesulu.

Congenital syphilis, cause of many deaths in Nigeria —Egbuna

Politics, not strike, bane of education sector — Expert

By DAYO ADESULU

F

OREMOST Nigerian trainer of vice-chancellors, provosts and rectors of tertiary institutions in Africa has stated that the vices bedevilling viability of the sector is more of politics than strike.

The Chairman, Executive Trainers Limited Dr Ayo Ogunsan who decried the decadence said; “The day politics will be taken out of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, that is the day we will have C M Y K

an enduring sector.

“I don’t know the business of a president, governors and other politicians in the administration of education in a country. Politics should be separated from our education sector.”

According to him, education is an independent body which can be likened to inv e s t m e n t .

Ogunsan who has trained over a million top tertiary executives in Nigeria urged the Federal Government to invest and remove their hands from education, adding that

the governing councils of tertiary institutions should administer its affairs.

He, however, noted that the Federal Government should provide federal schools with fund needed to allow them generate more funds to run the institutions.

Ogunsan who believes that although the initiative might mean parents paying more, it will, however, boost the sector. He said, “ we are not asking the Federal Government to charge up to the private universities but to revamp the sector, parents need to pay

more.”

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos to mark ETL's fifth anniversary of successfully impacting the education sector, he lamented government's policy on establishing more federal universities at the expense of quality. According to him, government keeps building more state universities instead of using the available resources to help the existing universities.

Asked the way out of the in-

Continues on page 30

- Page 34

Justify parents' huge education investment, GEC Principal tells students —Page 36

30 —VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

ASUP may resume strike, unless ....

Continued from page 29 academic activities in Nigerian polytechnics. It would be recalled that ASUP had embarked on a nationwide strike on April 29, 2013 to press government to address among other things: ‘the need for constitution of the Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics, the Migration of the lower cadre on CONTISS 15 salary scale, the release of the White Paper on the Visitations to Federal Polytechnics, the worrisome state of state-owned Polytechnics in the country, the continued appointment of unqualified persons as Rectors and Provosts of Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Technologies by some state governments, as well as the need for the commencement of the Needs Assessment of

Nigerian Polytechnics.”

Other grievances aired by ASUP include: ‘the refusal of most state governments to implement the approved salary packages (CONPCASS) for their Polytechnics, and the 65 years retirement age, the insistence of the Office of the Accountant-General of t h e Federation to include Federal Polytechnics in the IPPIS module as against the union’s protestations while other arms of the tertiary education sub-sector are allowed to maintain the status quo, the continued recognition of The National Board for Technical Education as the regulatory body of Nigerian Polytechnics as against the union’s repeated call for the establishment of a N a t i o n a l Po l y t e c h n i c s Commission (NPC), the snail

its budget to education, we won’t be having all these problems.”

ASUU strike on the other hand, is in its 18th day without any silver lining.The meeting between the joint Committee of Senate and House of Representatives on Education with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Monday was deadlocked, as the union refused to yield to the appeals of the legislators to call their members back to the classroom.

The union argued that unless government accedes to core areas of the agreement it reached with the union in 2009, the 15-day old strike will c o n t i n u e .

According to the Secretary of the Senate Committee on Education, Sen. Felix

Orumwense, the meeting which lasted over eight hours ended with ASUU standing their grounds.

He said; “Our meeting with ASUU started by 1.00pm and ended at about 8.30pm. All efforts to appeal to them to call their members back to classroom fell on deaf ears.

One of our major appeals was that their Academic Earned Allowance (AEA) will be increased from 5 per cent to 7 per cent, but the union insisted that it’s the 15 per cent FG agreed with it in 2009 that it will accept, or else the strike continues.

"We have appealed to ASUU to go home and review their stand for the benefit of our children. You can only force a horse to the stream, but you can’t force it to drink water,” he said.

Politics, not strike, bane of education sector — Expert

Continued from page 29

ticket, accommodation etc., are involved.

"We designed the training template so that we can control how people moved the f u n d s . ” According to him, in 2009, ETL commenced the first training at Oxford Brook, UK which dealt with collaboration linkages between Nigerian tertiary institutions and their counterparts in the United Kingdom. He pointed out that about 30 vice -chancellors, rectors and provosts attended the training programme.

After the programme, ETL did a communique and follow-up on them to ensure that they put into practice all they were taught.

Ogunsan reiterated that there is hardly any education programme in Nigeria, Africa and the world where their representatives would not be

•Unique Height Junior and Senior High School graduating students during their 16th valedictory and prize-giving ceremony at the school premises, Lagos.

We are dealing with crisis management, strike, cultism and how to address the issues

,

cessant strike in the education sector, the expert said he does not have a personal solution. However, he pointed out that what ETL does is to train those people who cause these problems to change their mindset and renew the mind of Nigerian top executives in our tertiary institutions.

Ogunsan who noted that due to his passion for viable education system in Nigeria, March this year, ETL was at New York with some top tertiary executives where strike was the issue addressed. He, disclosed further that in September, the number one professor in Harvard, Professor Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School will train Nigerian Registrars. Also, same month, Nigerian vicechancellors, provosts and rectors will participate in a training at Harvard titled Vision and Change where Professor Emeritus will be facilitating the programme.

Explaining reasons for taking vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors and other top executives in tertiary institutions abroad for training, he said; “We take executives out of the shores of Nigeria at least for five days so they could be trained without distractions. So even if the Minister or the President needs their attention, they may still need to count the cost of re-booking their tickets and the stress involved.

Continuing, he said; “That was why we made up our mind to take them abroad. We designed a programme that the price is all-inclusive. At payment, the training cost,

speed of works on the amendment of the Federal Polytechnics Act/ Scheme of Service and the non-commencement of the renegotiation of the FGN/ ASUP agreement as contained in the signed agreement.

The President, Student Union Government, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Comrade Bashir Saheed Adewale, said the studentes received the news of the suspension with mixed feelings. “We are excited,” he said, “it is not easy to stay at home for such a long time. We just want the Federal Government to give in to their demands. The strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is still on. If the Government meets the demands of UNESCO, to allocate 26% of

there adding that ETL representatives were there at the Vice Chancellors’ meeting with the Minister of Education two weeks ago to contribute its quota His words: “We are dealing with crisis management, strike, cultism and how to address the issues.

Many times, when the tertiary executives meet us in foreign land, they say, they wish we are in government to make the changes and drive

,

some of those good policies to the sector. However, we told them that we don’t need to before they feel our impact, because we have a platform where we can address it and we have been doing that.

We have trained over a million tertiary institutions executives. Our slogan is to advance higher education in Africa. We want to add value to the higher education in Nigeria.”

On the need to train the half

baked graduates, he said, “ETL time table from June to December 2013 to May, 2014, will be addressing how Nigeria institutions can produce employable graduates.

He reiterated that it will deal with active learning and helping students to succeed.

According to Ogunsan, the decision to train students came as one of the vice chancellors in Nigeria approached him in New York that we should come and train their students who are making problems on campus.

On entrepreneurship development, Ogunsan stated that ETL will be addressing that for the rest of the year. He said, “we have two programme on entrepreneurship. One in Ghana and the other in Kenya

for polytechnics trying to design an entrepreneurship culture environment.

We have taking Bursars out for training to manage financial matter to teach how to source for fund in order to manage the system. We taught them how to generate money without relying on their federal allocations so that they can be competitive with global institutions.

The first programme for the bursars was held in Dubai this year where the Bursar of Oxford University was our facilitator. Our style is to train top executives using quality facilitators around the globe to impact, mentor and follow them up. To mark our 5th anniversary,we decided to sign an agreement with some notable institutions around the globe."

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—31

KC graduands charged to be worthy King's men

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

T

HE Minister, Federal Ministry of National Planning and former student of King’s College, Lagos, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, has charged the graduating students of King’s College to be worthy King's men that

would uphold the values learnt in the school.

Speaking at the annual prize-giving and valedictory service for the 2013 graduating set, the Minister, who left KC in 1965, said his time at the school was one of the defining monents in his life. ”Sometimes, life is just a

series of accidents, some of which may define who you become in future. As young men going out to the world, you must stick to the values you learnt here and remain consistent in character despite what life throws at you.”

He listed the 10 keys of becoming a King’s man to include: being respectful, keeping your word, keep learning, pay attention to details, and investing in others.

Others are being disciplined, being loyal, doing the right thing, if you can’t beat them don’t join them, and being prayerful.

UI holds Governing Council retreat

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

D

etermined t o engender sustainable growth and development at the University of Ibadan (UI), the institution, last Tuesday, convened a

retreat in Lagos, of all members of its newly i n a u g u r a t e d Governing Council and other principal officers of the university, led by the Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r, Professor Isaac Adewole.

Speaking on the theme, Sustaining the Change and Renewal for Growth, the ProChancellor and Chairman of Council, UI, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd.) said the retreat would enable the present Council to brainstorm and fashion out its own visions and priorities of the lifeterm of the Council and put in place m e a s u r a b l e benchmarks for e v a l u a t i n g achievements.

He said; “I consider the brainstorming session as a process of enforcing the dynamic change required to significantly improve all aspects of the university life, stressing that it would

be used to consolidate on the outstanding achievements of the immediate past Governing Council under the leadership of Chief Wo l e Olanipekun, OFR, SAN. “One can only but note, therefore, that this current Council, which is made up of seasoned and acclaimed professionals as well as erudite scholars, intends to build on the legacies of previous councils. It is, therefore, a resolve to bequeath a worthy legacy to our dear country.”

While unveiling the objectives of the retreat, Vi c e Chancellor of UI, Prof.

Isaac Adewole said the retreat was “to acquaint Council members of the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the University of Ibadan, whilst a r t i c u l a t i n g governance protocols essential to governance and management of the university.”

Delta Careers College bestows awards on students

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ELTA Careers College, Warri, recently celebrated its 26th graduation anniversary with awards bestowed on students.

The school which was founded 33 years ago with minimal facilities, has grown over the years to rub shoulders with top schools in Delta State.

According to a statement from the school, it has one of the best boarding facilities in Warri with excellent classrooms and regular water

C M Y K

supply, a standard library with large stock of books and journals.

Moreover, the school is also fortified with security networks round the clock, separate laboratories for the sciences i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural science, among others.

The parents present at the graduation where encouraged by the facilities on ground which will boost the learning of their children.

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 33

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34 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—35

PZ Cussons conducts first stage Chemistry Challenge

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

T

HOUSANDS of secondary school students in Lagos State trooped out last weekend to various centres across the state to participate in the first stage of the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge, PZCCC. An initiative of PZ Cussons Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, PZCCC is a three-stage competition for chemistry students in the first two years of senior secondary school ed-

ucation.

The challenge, which was conducted in quiz format, had not more than two students per school. The top 100 students would proceed to the second stage, while the top four students at that phase would slug it out in the grand finale.

Parents and teachers, who accompanied the students, commended PZ Cussons Foundation for the smooth conduct of the exams.

An official of the Lagos State Ministry of

Education and Education District 6 Officer in charge of PZCCC, Mr Olatemiju Oladapo, commended the Foundation for smooth conduct and security at the examination centers.

He said: “The security arrangement is commendable.

To ensure that there was no impersonation or any security hitch, the staff of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc and the Ministry of Education were on ground and everything went on smoothly.”

BY EBUN SESSOU

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HAIRMAN, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, has charged the 20 Education Secretaries to concentrate more on monitoring and evaluation system in the Primary Education sector of the state.

He made this call recently at a meeting with the 20 Education Secretaries of the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

Alawiye-King

Lagos lawmaker tasks education secretaries on monitoring disclosed that the meeting which will be held twice in a year is an opportunity to know the challenges facing primary schools and to proffer solutions.

He explained that the Committee is ready to assist the secretaries in any way possible so that their performance can be felt in the education sector.

According to him; “The need for the meeting became necessary after the just-concluded 3rd Lagos Education Summit which exposes some major shortcomings in the performances of secondary school students.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi who spoke passionately on the need to look into performances of pupils in primary schools especially in riverine areas said there are no motivational allowances for teachers in those areas from the state government.

Also, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola noted that inadequate number of teachers, instructors and major infrastructure had hampered effective operations of primary schools.

On his part, the Chairman of Education Secretaries, Mr. Oduloye Taiwo, said the mandate of the institute is to ensure the day-to-day running of the primary schools in Lagos State.”

His words; “We ensure that we see to the proper learning of our students/wards and that teachers are teaching according to the guideline and if there are challenges, major damages, even our progress report, we always send it to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).”

He lamented the challenges facing the institution including insufficient transportation, government policy on the development levy, shortage of teachers in primary schools due to non-recruitment of teachers, speedboat for riverine areas, nonseverance payment for teachers in the riverine areas.

36 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

HE principal, GEC International College, Theo Theodorou has charged students to study hard to justify the huge amount parents pay to give them qualitative education.

Theodorou, while addressing the students during GEC second graduation ceremony said; “Justify the huge education investment that your parents have made by putting into practice all you have learnt."

Also, the Principal in acknowledging the commitment and support of parents and guardians throughout the year thanked them for entrusting their children to the college, adding that their investment in time, money and love to their children will soon see the most valuable returns in months and years to come.

He told the graduating students to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and express their competitive side to achieve the best as they move to the next stage of their lives.

On his part, Ghalib Fahad, Director of Studies GEC International College said education should not be seen as involving only money but rather should be viewed as a platform for producing the future generation of leaders in the country. She advised the graduating students to look forward to the future, hold their heads high, and make sure that they imbibe the values which they have received because Nigeria has got a culture which they should be proud of.

Meanwhile, Mrs.Josephine Peters, Director of Admissions and Marketing in congratulating the students described them as a crop of well behaved gentlemen and ladies who will surely become future leaders.

She enjoined them to bear to heart all that they have learnt as they make another landmark move towards their careers and achieving their dreams.

The event which was well attended witnessed the emergence of Joy Alabi as the best graduating student.

From top right: Mr Theo Theodorou, Principal (middle); Mrs Josephine Peters, Director of Admissions and Marketing (left); Dr Ghalib Fahad, Director of Studies with the graduating students of GEC International College at the 2nd graduation ceremony at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Becoming number one in the game of life

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RE you a spectator or are you in the game of life?

Is becoming a champion a product of luck and background? Could you explain that Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali had emerged Number one in their respective fields by mere luck and background?

To begin with, you can never become number one in the game of life if you sit on the sidelines. Championship is set in motion when you decide to participate in the game.

Losers make excuses; winners take their chances in the game of life.

Losers excuse themselves from the game of life developing several reasons why they cannot participate in the game; reasons ranging from poor background, lack of education, bad luck, lack of opportunities, lack of money, inadequate time etc. Losers focus on what they are not; what they do not have and what they cannot do. And as they focus on these limitations, they build within themselves feelings of resentment, bitterness, anger, fear and a victim mentality which further deepens the root of failure in their lives.

Losers run away from the condition, difficulty or challenge. Winners focus on who they can be; what they can do and what they have.

Hence, they run towards the solution, reward or the prize.

Losers run away from responsibility; winners run towards responsibility.

Becoming responsible and

embracing responsibility is vital in winning.

There are four kinds of people in the world. There are the number ones. These are the champions; the winners in life. These are people who have made the most out of life

,

Justify your parents' investment in your education, GEC Principal tells students

Winners take their chances in the game of life; losers excuse themselves from the game of life developing several reasons why they cannot participate in the game

,

because they have made the most of themselves.

These are people who have decided to sow the best into life; hence, they reap the best of life. These are people who do not focus on where they are coming from but where they are going. These are people who believe that everything and everyone in the universe is working for them rather than against them.

And when they encounter temporal defeat or setback, they believe that the setback came to move them towards

their dream or is necessary for their growth and development. The number ones are people who set high standards for themselves and will not succumb to mediocrity.

They love what they do and they do what they love.

These pacesetters have the courage to take worthwhile risks and confront their fears.

Most importantly, the number ones raise other people that will be number ones in the game of life by impacting them - materially, financially, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

The number twos are those people who have given up on life by giving up on themselves. These are people who have encountered temporal defeat in life and rather than growing through the defeat and play to win, they stay down and out of the game of life. These people let life act on them instead of acting on life; rather than making things happen; things happen to them.

Then, there are the number threes. This category of people dwell on the trivial things of life. They are experts in criticizing and demeaning people. These people put others down in order to be elevated.

Their lives are as shallow as their mindset and as limited as the limitations they place on others.

And there are the number fours. These people are the spectators who sit on the sideline of life too afraid to participate in the game. They are imprisoned by all kinds of fear; fear of failure; fear of rejection; fear of criticism and even the fear of success.

The number twos; threes and fours seek every opportunity to pull the number one down to their level because their minds are filled with envy and jealousy. The number ones must be on guard not to fall into the trap of mediocrity but consistently maintain a large heart and peak performance in the game of life.

Vanguard, THURSD AY, JULY 18, 2013 —37 THURSDA

Why pregnant and lactating mothers must drink milk

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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OTHERS give their babies milk, but mothers also need to drink milk. Milk is as good for mothers as it is for babies. Every woman should drink milk, when planning to get pregnant, as preparation; during pregnancy; and while breastfeeding.

Medical experts actually say one of the ways a mother can optimize her baby’s health is to drink milk before and during pregnancy. According to Dr. Katherine Dettwyler, a breastfeeding researcher and anthropologist, women make ample amounts of quality milk while drinking lots of milk themselves in addition to eating diets composed almost entirely of rice (or millet or sorghum) with a tiny amount of vegetables and occasional meat.

“Healthy eating habits are recommended for mothers. Such women will be healthier and feel better if they eat well and also be enabled to provide quality milk or for maintaining milk supply so that her milk would meet her baby’s needs,” she argued.

Experts usually recommend diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are food for good bacteria that help them grow. Such diet includes a strong fibre base that increases the solubility of calcium to help its absorption.

Probiotics, on the other hand, are good bacteria that grow in the gut and help fight against harmful bacteria.

Renowned Clinical Chemist, Professor Frits Muskiet, said fetal

growth and development are influenced by the nutritional and health status of the mother in the period before she conceives and her state of health at the of conception. Muskiet, who practices laboratory medicine at the University Medical Centre Griningen in the Netherlands, and has authored about 240 PubMed registered publications, was key speaker at the 8th Olu Akinkugbe

WAMCO Nutrition Seminar with the theme: “Optimising Baby’s Development through Nutrition Before, During and After Pregnancy”.

At the event, FrisoMum Gold, the milk drink specially formulated for pregnant and lactating mothers was officially launched. Muskiet urged Nigerian women and mothers to ensure they are properly nourished.

• Milk supplement provides vital nutrients for pregnant and lactating mothers.

The product which is the first maternal milk supplement that provides vital nutrients while promoting healthy digestion through its PrePro System, is an an advanced formula of prebiotics and probiotics.

Associate Professor/Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, LASUTH/ LASUCOM, Professor Adetokunbo Fabanwo explained that a woman’s pre-pregnancy nutrition affects intrauterine growth and birth weight.

“A well-balanced diet would ordinarily provide the dietary requirements of pregnant and lactating women minus iron and folate. Lack of knowledge of pre-pregnancy nutrition status of women makes a strong case for micro-nutrient supplementation in pregnancy and during lactation.”

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Managing Director Peter Eshikena said it had become increasingly difficult to meet daily nutritional requirements during pregnancy. “This gap informed introduction of Frisomum Gold, a nutritional supplement with essential nutrients, specially formulated for pregnant and breastfeeding women.”

The product contains DHA and AA for a child’s early brain development.and supports improved constipation from breast milk. Just two glasses a day covers 90 percent folic acid recommendations. There is no need to take prenatal vitamins since FrisoMum is packed with important nutrients which the body needs. It is the first step to a woman’s new beginning, she noted.

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38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Oil workers to submit unimplemented IAP, NIC awards to Labour Ministry

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stakeholders’ meeting involving the Federal Government, oil companies and workers among others, has asked leaders of the two unions in the oil industry, to submit a list of yet-to-be implemented Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, and National Industrial Court, NIC, awards to the Minister of Labour and Productivity for necessary action.

This was part of the 11-pont resolution reached at the end of a stakeholders meeting held at NNPC Towers, Abuja, presided over by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, which among others, focused on issues agreed upon at previous meetings of the social partners and needed validation by the stakeholders.

The meeting also directed “the unions (Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, its Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN) to “submit the list of all unfair labour practices to the 13man committee headed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

All other transition issues have been referred to the NNPC GMD‘s Committee as had been mandated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for resolutions within two weeks.”

Union lauds FG on MoU with China

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onstruction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association, CCESSA, has lauded the Federal Government’s initiative to partner with countries prepared to invest in Nigeria. In a statement in Lagos, President of the association, Augustine Etafo, said the initiative would facilitate development of infrastructure and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

CCESSA commended the bilateral agreement between the Nigerian and Chinese government and the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC. The association expressed satisfaction that CCECC would invest in real estate, cement manufacturing, sea ports, railways and steel industry, among others, noting that already CCECC’s entry into Nigeria had resulted in the employment of about 20,000 Nigerians.

Drift in NLC worrisome — ADEYEMI This edition of Labour Vanguard is a continuation of the interview with Comrade Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of the Non- Academic Staff Union of Universitiesof educational and associated institutions.( NASU).

First he spoke on the need for labour reforms and who should initiate such reforms. In this concluding part, he speaks on the future of the labour movement, the trade unions , the labour centre, and ends with a note of warning to all stakeholders.

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

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abour Vanguard : John Odah to the best of my knowledge was not a member of NASU. He was general secretary of the NLC. So, we said fine. If you don’t have problems with NASU why did you set up the reconciliation committee in the first instance? It’s a simple question.

They claim they don’t have a problem with NASU but by the time the committee was set up, John Odah was already at the National Industrial Court. So they could not have constituted the reconciliation committee because of him. The reconciliation committee was constituted because the leaders of NLC knew that it had problems with some unions including NASU. Yet they didn't have the courtesy of even informing committee members because some of them complained to us that even they who were members of the committee were not informed. They dissolved and that was it. So, if you dissolve the committee without informing us, we just said these guys are not serious with what they are doing. So for now we are out of the NLC. We have not received any counter directive from our members.

Our members said we can work with unions of like minds and form another labour centre.

At this stage of our development in the trade union movement, how desirable is another labour centre?

There are two ways to answer this question. As at the time Adams Oshiomhole was leading the NLC, to conceive the idea of forming another labour centre will be like trying to go and stand in front of a moving train. If you have a functional, effective, efficient, dynamic, result-oriented labour centre, it will amount to a wasteful effort to contemplate forming another labour centre but where a labour centre which is supposed to protect the rights and priviledges of the Nigerian people has compromised; where it is absolutely clear that those who are leading the movement have lost ideas, have lost focus, they no longer represent the interest of the people, where there are major struggles affecting the lives of Nigerians, where the movement ought to stand by the Nigerian people and they decided without any justification to

Comrade Peters Adeyemi sell-out, there can’t be any other justifiable reason more than that.

If you look at NLC today, you will be shocked. If you look at it from that angle yes, a new labour centre is desirable.

In view of certain developments in the NLC, especially an out-of-court settlement with John Odah which the NLC leadership used to save its face, how would you assess the current leadership of the NLC? What I saw was desperation for power. There are two things that can happen. People can desperately look for power because of their selfish interest.

What I saw in the NLC at the time they were performing those acts was the desperation of a group of people who don’t have what it takes to deliver to Nigerian workers but who are anxious to be in power and deliberately anxious to push certain elements out of the place because those elements could create some crisis for them. That’s absolutely what happened.

Some of them never wanted Adeyemi, never wanted John Odah because they know that with John Odah heading the secretariat of the NLC, it will not be possible for them to manipulate the secretariat. For a John Odah who knows his left from his right, who is known internationally as a committed unionist, they made up a lot of lies against him, because they wanted a secretariat that they can manipulate. I said on my honour that any trade union or-

ganization, be it at the level of the industrial union or a labour centre, that doesn’t have a solid secretariat, it is not going to be able to deliver and that’s

,

BITS Bits

ria given the fact that there seems to be a disconnect between workers and the leadership of the unions?

I am one person who has never lost hope. I believe there is a future but what we need to do … and that is clearly the responsibility of the workers themselves. Any trade union leader who occupies office and refuses to work for the interest of workers, even if it's me, should be removed. The responsibility for doing that , lies with workers. If you are president or general secretary in any union including NASU and you fail to understand that your main objective is to improve the welfare and the wellbeing of workers, to serve them…..

It is in this present era of the labour movement that I have seen those leading the movement as lords over those they are leading. I have seen all sorts of things in this present era where labour leaders go about with escorts. We have never seen that before. Labour leaders now go around with mobile police, they have one vehicle in front, they are in the middle, another vehicle behind them. This for us is alien.

For us, a typical trade union leader must be a grassroots person. I don’t stay in my office, I’m always on the road; I’m always prosecuting strikes, I’m always holding meetings with government and employers of labour. That’s why I’m one of the unionists in this country today that you can say is always in touch with members. That is the way the

Labour leaders now go about with mobile police, they have one vehicle in front, they are in the middle, another vehicle behind them. This to us is alien

exactly what has happened. They have destroyed the NLC because they wanted to take hold of the secretariat; they wanted to be in charge.

An elected person cannot necessarily be in charge of the secretariat. What I have seen is hatred for general secretaries because they think that general secretaries have too much power.

But Comrade Oshiomhole was a general secretary.....

The truth of the matter is that those of them trying to inherit the NLC have forgotten that the foundation of the NLC which they took over was laid by a president who was a general secretary ( Adams Oshiomhole was the general secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers) and I assure you until we return to that, we would just be kidding.

Is there a future for the labour movement in Nige-

,

union should run. It was the legacy of Adams in the textile union that made us say he should be president of the NLC. Nobody should be president of any labour centre in this country if has not made his mark in his union because if you have not made your mark in your union, you would not have anything to show at a higher level. We must discourage this idea of the money the union pays determines who becomes the president of the labour centre because that in itself would mean we sacrifice merit, you sacrifice quality. So, some unions can go anywhere and find money from any source and pay so much money and then they don’t have quality, they don’t have what it takes. I think there is hope and that’s why I said we need self-examination. The workers have to rise to this occasion; if not, we are doomed. God forbid.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013—39

Trustfund's profit leaps skywards …Despite slow industry growth

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

T

rustfund Pensions Plc held its Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Abuja last week, at the end of which management and shareholders left the venue of the meeting with smiles.

The AGM of Trustfund had in attendance, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA and other shareholders.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme started off by telling shareholders that generally the business environment remains challenging. She put it bluntly, “insecurity and infrastructural deficits, particularly in the power sector, adversely affected the cost of doing business in the country”.

This situation notwithstanding, Trustfund management and board still recorded a boost. Olejeme gave details:“ Profit after tax rose from N534.69million in 2011 to N788.52 million in 2012. During the same period, total assets of the Company grew by 30.8% from N2.892 billion to N3.784 billion while Shareholders’ fund rose by 31.44% from N1.993billion to N2.620 billion”. That’s not all, as Dr Olejeme told share holders that “our Funds under Management (FUM) rose from N139billion in 2011 to N210 billion ( 51.1%) while unit price increased from N1.7426 in 2011 to N1.9680 (12.9%) in 2012”.

She also announced the confirmation

From left: Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mrs. Helen Da-Souza, Trustfund board chairman, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme and board secretary, Mr Nasr Musa at the Fund's AGM, in Abuja.

of the appointment of Mrs. Helen DaSouza as managing director and chief executive. She was acting MD/CEO when Trustfund recorded the bumper profit. Pleasant as these figures sounded, what shareholders wanted to know was how they would benefit from this.

Dividends - Dr. Olejeme assured shareholders, contributors and the general public that “the company remains committed to delivering superior returns to its shareholders by ensuring that a good portion of profit is set aside for you, our valued investors”.

She spoke further: “ The Board is therefore pleased to recommend a dividend pay-out of N230million, that is, 23kobo

per N1.00 share compared to 15kobo in 2011”. Though shareholders had improved dividend, she said of the pension industry generally, “ Our industry’s growth rate remains slow due mainly to the lack of compliance by employers and the slow pace of implementation of the contributory scheme by State Governments . Your Company continues to closely monitor the development in the States and actively pursues remittances by recalcitrant employers”. Mrs. Olejeme said reports of multi- million Naira pension scam especially in the public sector, “ resulted in skepticism about the safety and viability of pension schemes by the public”. However she said, “ inspite of this, total pen-

sion assets grew during the period and stood at about three trillion Naira as at 31stDecember 2012”.

Shareholders Excited - First to react was the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo who said “ I’m so excited about what I have seen in this financial report. Things are getting better and the women are on top. We’ve never had our AGM this early; last year we had it in November “. Mr. Oshionowo was particularly impressed about the financial improvement. He said: “The dividend is an improvement. We are proud of you. You ( management and board) deserve all the encomium “.

The president of NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar attributed the gains of Trustfund Pension Plc to “peace and harmony” in the organization. He put it this way: “We are progressing and I hope that this trend will continue. This is a direct result of peace and harmony in the organization and I want the management to strengthen that cohesion”. The reaction of Comrade Peter Esele, representative of TUC on the board was along the same line. His words: “The dream of every shareholder is dividend. Now, we are having more dividends. We expect the staff here to be happy also. In the last one year, we eliminated contract staff. The company is on the right track. Things are getting better”.

Why we support amendment of Pension Reform Act, 2004 — PenCom 2.3The following is therefore a summary of the major amendments introduced by the PRA 2013 Bill.

T

HIS edition is a continutation of our publication of the presentation the National Pension Commission ( PENCOM) to the Senate and House of Representatives committee on pension. PENCOM spells out its reasons for an ammendment of Pension Act 2004.

2-0 Highlights of the Amendments 2.1 Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, the principal thrusts of the PRA 2013 Bill are to enhance the powers of the Commission in its regulatory and enforcement activities, enhance the protection of pension fund assets, unlock the opportunities for the deployment of pension assets for national development, review the sanctions regime to reflect current realities, provide for the participation of the Informal Sector and also provide the framework for the adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)

by States and Local Governments.

2.2 Furthermore, consistent with a recent crucial Joint Resolution of the National Assembly to put an end to the era of impunity and in some instances widespread corruption in the various Pension Departments, the PRA 2013

Restructuring the System of Administration of Pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme (PTAD): (Sections 42 – 49 of the Bill)

Acting Director-General of PenCom, Chinalo Anohu-Amazu

Bill seeks to enhance the regulatory authority and efficiency of the Commission to provide greater oversight on, and reposition the Pension Transition Arrangement Departments (PTADs) for greater efficiency and accountability in the administration and payment of pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme.

The implementation of the provisions of the PRA 2004 dealing with the establishment of Pension Transitional Arrangement Departments (PTAD) for the administration of pensions for pensioners under Defined Benefits Scheme had been challenging due to several ambiguities in the provisions. Furthermore, a Joint Resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives harped on the need for Government to put an end to an era of impunity in the Civil Service Pension Department of the Office of the Head of Service and in other instances of widespread corruption in the various Pension Departments.

Accordingly, the proposed PRA 2013 Bill makes provisions for enhanced regulatory authority and efficiency of PenCom to provide greater oversight on, and the repositioning of, the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorates (PTADs). This will en-

sure greater efficiency and accountability in the administration of the Defined Benefits Scheme such that payment of pensions would be made by the Accountant General of the Federation directly into pensioners’ bank accounts in line with the current policy of the Federal Government. i i . Enhanced Coverage of the CPS and Informal Sector Participation (S. 2 of the Bill) There is a consensus that the mandatory coverage of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the private sector should be lowered from the current mark of organizations with five (5) employees to organizations with three (3) employees and above. The minimum number of employees was reduced in order to capture a wider number of employees in the informal sector and leverage on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises for which SMEDAN has generated a database of over 12 million organizations.

This would also include Partnerships and micro enterprises that normally have less than 5 employees.

To be continued next week

40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

My writings reflect multidimensionality of my identity —Dr Akpan-Obong DR. Patience Akpan-Obong is an associate professor of science, technology and society in the School of Letters and Sciences at Arizona State University Polytechnic. She holds a Ph.D in Political Science from University of Alberta and a Master’s degree in Journalism. She is also the author of Information and Communication Technologies in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges for Development (New York: Peter D. Lang, 2009), as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters on the implications of information and communication technologies for socioeconomic and political development in resource-poor countries. Recently, the columnist came out with a new book entitled Letters to Nigeria: Journal of an African Woman in America. In this interview with Vanguard Art, Akpan-Obong reacts to some issues about the book. Excerpts

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

C

ONGRATULATIONS on your new book, Letters to Nigeria: Journal of an African Woman in America. The title of the book presupposes two agenda, Would you explain to us what you really intend to achieve with this?

Thank you. I guess, the title does propose two agenda. The first implies that the book is a narrative about life in the Diaspora specifically for Nigerian readers. The second suggests that the experiences of an African woman in North America are unique and worth chronicling. At the same time however, the issues

action. It achieves its goals sublimely and humorously.

Didn’t you think that some of the issues raised in this book portray you as a feminist?

But I am a feminist, and not only because for four years, I taught Women’s Studies courses at Arizona State University! I am a feminist because my maternal grandfather and my father raised me to believe that girls should have the same opportunities as boys. In my context, those opportunities were specifically education.

I was the first-born child of my father at a time and in a sociocultural context that didn’t (and still don’t in many cases)

,

,

I am a feminist because my maternal grandfather and my father raised me to believe that girls should have the same opportunities as boys

cut across geographical, social and political boundaries. There are everyday issues encountered by people everywhere regardless of their geographical location, age, gender or marital status.

Letters to Nigeria: Journal of an African Woman in America book demystifies some misconceptions about life in the Diaspora while also providing a comparative insight into political and social issues in Nigeria.

The book is therefore aimed at informing, perhaps educating but definitely entertaining readers.

The entries prompt the kind of contemplation that inspires

place any value on daughters.

When it was time for me to start secondary school, my paternal grandfather told my father (his first son) that girl education was a waste of money.

He said I would get pregnant or, if I finished secondary school, the benefits of my education would accrue to my husband’s family. My father resisted his father and vowed that he would sacrifice the last shirt on his back to ensure that I went to school.

My maternal grandfather (my mother’s dad) was equally supportive. He told me that I should go to “all the school there is to

• Dr Akpan-Obong

go” and that I had the capacity to achieve anything I put my mind to. These two Annang men were indeed the first two feminists that I knew.

I attended an all-girls secondary school, Cornelia Connelly College, Uyo, where girls competed with each other to be the best in academics, sports and the

creative and performance arts. I was therefore surprised when I finished school and entered the “real world” only to be told that I couldn’t do this or that because I was a woman. This was strange to me because my upbringing and education didn’t circumscribe my life chances on the

basis of gender. I started early on to stand up for myself.

The most inspiring words anyone could say to me was, “You can’t do that because you are a woman.” I would do whatever it was if only to prove that I could do it. My first job as a journalist was as a reporter on the sports desk of the Nigerian Chronicle. I was told that female journalists don’t cover sports. With the support of my sports editor, Mr. Paul Bassey, I proved that I could cover sports. I did it for two years before I asked to be moved to the general newsroom because I wanted to explore other beats. I earned the

dubious distinction of being the first (or second, one was never quite sure) and active female member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

Feminism is essentially a political and academic project to end gender-based subjugation and oppression, or at least create awareness about these issues. In this context, I proudly declare that I am a feminist. However, Letters to Nigeria: Journal of an African Woman in America is not a feminist book.

How do you think your experiences in America can help to better the lot of women in Africa?

I don’t know if I can “better the lot of women in Africa” because that is a whole lot of women right there! However, I can share my experiences and hope that someone will learn from them – Continues on page 41

FG urged to establish e-museums

BY CALEB AYANSINA

T

HE Senate Committee on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation has called on the Federal Government to establish electronic museums across the country to enable the world to view the nation’s cultural heritage from their homes.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Barata, who made the call during an oversight visit to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in Abuja, said the development would boost the revenue of the government.

The committee chairman noted that the current exposure to the nation’s museums and monument sites by the NCMM was inadequate, thereby leading to a sharp decline in the cultural values among the younger generation.

“If the people do not have the knowledge of heritage sites or museums, it is of no value.

The problem is that, we are breeding young people, who do not know of our culture. It should be well publicised so that the money spent on these things does not amount to a

waste. Barata urged the commission to ensure that all the country’s artefacts and monument sites were captured by the tourism master plan to attract foreigners into the country.

He also charged the NCMM to go after traditional music legends across the country, in order to get their artefacts preserved for the next generation.

Responding, the Director General of NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Usman, told the committee that the commission would construct two national unity museums in Sokoto and Maiduguri in addition to the existing ones in Enugu and Ibadan, which were established in 1970s.

He noted that the commission was working in collaboration with the local communities to establish museums for some past nation’s heroes like late Anthony Enahoro and others.

“We encourage community to do museums, especially a community that is known for certain particular thing, and we provide technical assistance for them. We also encourage individuals as well as organization to establish museum to show case their works and legends,” Usuman said

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2013 — 41

advocate, noted is to treat FOI issues. that it was “rather “Quite a few MDAs ambitious” for (Ministries, Departments, and Nigerians to Agencies) have set up FOI expect instant departments but nobody is results from the asking them questions,” Mrs. FOIA after it Dabiri-Erewa said. became law in She further urged the National 2011.

Assembly to make public the “In a society in earnings of lawmakers. “It is not which oral even near what everybody is delivery is the saying. But what we should be way of life, the saying is ‘Are we doing our job?”

FOI has no Highlighting the British chance,” said example, Mr. Carter said that P r o f e s s o r British government believed in Odinkalu, who is the FOI despite the “occasional the chairman of embarrassment” it causes it. the Governing Council of the Requests for National Human information R i g h t s Commission.

Since the Labour Party passed “We prefer to the legislation in 2000, the hold people government receives over accountable to 100,000 requests for information responsibilities *From right: Dr Chidi Odinkalu, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, guest lecturer and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa every year. The requests rage which we have from the serious to the ridiculous abdicated,” Prof. – the cost of the war in Iraq as Odinkalu added. well as the contents of the British Other guest government’s wine cellar – discussants at the according to Mr. Carter. lecture included “We applaud Nigeria for Abike Dabiri- passing the FOI. In many ways, Erewa, a member that was the easy part, the of the House of challenge is in the Representatives implementation,” Mr. Carter and Peter Carter, added.

Deputy British On the issue of corruption, he H i g h pointed out that corruption exists Commissioner. in every part of the world, but in On her part, Mrs. Dabiri- Nigeria, the only difference is

BY JAPHET ALAKAM and Mediocrity’ Biodun Jeyifo, public sphere.

Erewa said Nigerian citizens as the guest lecturer, said there was High level of corruption: well as government agencies that they never get punished.

VER since the maiden a “crisis of under-utilization” of According to him, members of “When we do that is when we have failed to “make good use” will get the solution.” edition was hosted in the Freedom of Information Act, the ruling class carry out corrupt 2008, the Wole Soyinka Centre FOIA. practices with audacity, impunity Media Lecture series have We must hold our leaders and According to Mr. Jeyifo, a and brazenness. Professor Jeyifo become a medium used to Professor of African and African asked: “What need do we have government accountable by asking examine some topical issues American Studies and for a law on access to information questions, as well as follow the issue to ranging from media and Comparative Literature at when all the ineptitude and democracy in the society. And as Harvard University, “So far, even brazen corruption of public the end part of the 79th birthday of the though media practitioners officials operate not in secrecy Noble laureate which was fought for a long time before the but in the open?” of the FOIA. Earlier in his opening remarks, marked on 13th July, the centre FOI was passed, it has not been “We as a parliament have given the Chairman of the Wole Soyinka “In the case of monumental held its 5th edition of the lecture used effectively,” While corruption and unaccountability this greatest gift of democracy to Centre for Investigative Journalism, at NIIA, Lagos. acknowledging the importance of of government, people have lost the people, despite that we were Prof. Ropo Sekoni, asserted that the As usual in the well attended the law as a legislation that will faith that the FOI can work. “We under severe pressure not to pass Centre believes that the quality of event, Nigeria’s corruption and open up the vista of governance must hold our leaders and it,” said Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa, who investigative reporting should have lack of accountability by public in Nigeria, Jeyifo wondered government accountable by co-sponsored the FOI bill. increased since the Act was passed officials were the key issues that whether the law had not come at asking questions, as well as The lawmaker added that the into law as the nation abounds with dominated the lecture . a time when there was little or follow the issue to the end,” Mr. Lower House had instituted a talented and courageous journalists Speaking on the topic ‘The no secrecy in the affairs of public Jeyifo added.

Committee on Reform of Public for whom the FOIA will be of great Freedom of Information Act and officials and their attitude in the Chidi Odinkalu, a lawyer and Institutions whose sole function benefit. the Dictatorship of Corruption

AT 5TH SOYINKA LECTURE SERIES:

Nigerians tasked on more efficient use of the FOI E

,

,

My writings reflect multidimensionality Continues from page 40 both the successes and failures. This is why I wrote Letters to Nigeria: Journal of an African Woman in America. I may not be the “typical woman” but I know that the issues that I have dealt with over the years are typical for most women … and men too. For instance, I write in the first part of the book about all the people whom God used to bring me from a newsroom in a state-owned newspaper in Calabar, Cross River to where I am today – in a classroom in a state-owned university in Mesa, Arizona. The lesson there is that really, it takes a village to raise an individual. We all have a responsibility to raise the people in our lives including the strangers that we come across “by accident” while also being gracious and humble enough to accept the kindness of strangers. That is

how we move forward as a community of women and men.

As a Professor of Science and Technology, one would have expected that you will be addressing science and technology related issues as in your first book, Information and Communication Technologies in Nigeria. What informed the choice of the letters?

You are right about the subject of my first book. For my work as a university professor, I research the implications of information and communication technologies for development, as well as the intersection of science, technology and society (STS). Besides the 2009 book, I have published widely in academic journals and book chapters in this area. However, there is more to me than being a university professor. I am a woman, Christian, journalist, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend (and

perhaps somebody’s enemy). My writings reflect this multidimensionality in my identity. Even my ICT book reflected the journalist in me in the writing style and the sort of issues that I addressed. Equally, there is a section on technology in Letters to Nigeria. My forthcoming book with the working title of Calaro Girl will also be a blend of ICT research and the human dimension. Indeed, this is what the STS curriculum is all about – an examination of the intersections of science, technology and society. We can’t therefore exclude the human element from the scientific or technological. In this respect then, Letters to Nigeria fits perfectly with my academic pursuits.

The bulk of the letters to Nigeria are selection from your Saturday column in Punch, Medals, why did you decide to put them in a book now?

Yes, many of the entries in Letters to

Nigeria are selections from my Saturday Punch column, “Medals.” Several imperatives informed the decision to use them as the springboard for Letters to Nigeria.

First, I began to write “Medals” in Punch in 1987 and then moved it to the Sunday Concord in 1990. I wrote the column for the next four years and then rested it. I got an opportunity to resume it in Saturday Punch in 2007 and I have written it consistently for the last six years. The column has therefore been (an active and passive) part of me for 26 years, more than half of my life. And so as I turned 50 this year, I decided that I would capture some of the entries written since 2007 in a book form. These words represent much of my life and were therefore a fitting way to celebrate 50 years of a life that was not given a chance to survive age 5 or 15.

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

When law makers gather to end gender disproportion in Nigeria

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

T

HE role of women in the society has unarguably exceeded the confines of the home where they were, in time past, limited to the traditional roles of child-bearing and house-keeping. Their undiluted strides in diverse walks of life has aroused the concerns of women parliamentarians and other stakeholders, who strongly believe that only an equitable gender representation in governance would end Nigeria’s struggle with nation-

building.

This discourse formed the core of a two-day summit put together by the House of Representatives Committee on Women in Parliament with the theme ‘Advancing Gender Agenda: The Role of Law Makers.’ The event which held in Abuja was in conjunction with the Women Advocates Research & Documentation CentreWARDC, with support from the UNDP Democratic Governance for Development-DGD 11 Project.

The funding partners comprised the European Union, EU; UK’s

From Left: House Majority Leader, Mulikat Adeola; Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal; Chairman, House Committee on Women in Parliament, Binta Maigari Bello; UNDP/DGD Project Director, Dr. Mourtada Deme; House Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa and delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Allan, at the Third Women in Parliament Summit in Abuja

Department for International Development, DFID; Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA; and the Korea International Corporation Agency, KOICA. According to statistics, women constitute about 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population. However, Nigerian women have suffered a long history of under-representation in governance while the disequilibrium continues to take its toll not only on women themselves, but also on the nation at

large.“It has inhibited Nigeria’s struggle with nation-building despite the last 13 years of political reforms. For example, the nation’s transition to a status as a lower middle-income country has not translated into significant improvements in living conditions for its vast majority. Sixty four per cent of the population continues to live on less that $1 per day, life expectancy hovers around 49 years and the country ranks 153rd out of 186 countries on the Human Development Index.

Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains at an unacceptably high 630/100,000 ratio.

Meanwhile, in many other countries within Africa, women have taken a strong role in the building and re-building of their nations, particularly in Eastern and Southern Africa”, Mourtada Deme, DGD Project Director, said at the third annual summit, drawing from the World Bank 2012 World Development Report.

Also supporting the claim, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said there had been growing evidence that gender inequality and discrimination contributed heavily to the increase in poverty in Nigeria over the years. “It does not only deny a large part of our citizens their rights to achieve their potentials, but it also denies the nation the benefits of the contribution of these people.

This makes it necessary for us to toughen the law on gender-based violence and take more punitive measures against its perpetrators”, Tambuwal said.

Asserting that the concept of democracy would only assume true significance when political policies and national legislation are jointly decided upon by men and women with equitable regards for interests and aptitudes of both halves of the population, Chairperson, Committee on Women in Parliament, Hon.Binta Maigari Bello, emphasised that only the equitable representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament would end women’s long history of marginalisation.

Affirmative action Commending efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in improving the situation, Hon.Binta noted that Nigeria, despite being a signatory to the 35 per cent Affirmative Action, still ranked 117 among democratic nations with less than 6.8 per cent of both the upper and the lower Houses being women. Disclosing that the Women in Parliament Committee was seriously collaborating with members of the Constitutional Review Committee to see that the rights of women regarding the 35 per cent affirmative action was actualised by the time the new constitution would be enacted, Hon.Binta Bello said that many other African countries had surpassed the stipulated 35 per cent.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

— 43

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 VIRGO; Success is within your reach but you must do away with mental arrogance and take good and practical advice from the professionals. Work harder.

LIBRA; Your being enterprising will go a long way to further enhance your prospects and if financial advancement is your priority you will fare better. Be more loving.

SCORPIO; Prepare to take the lead and exhibit your special talent. Advice from younger people may look good but not practical enough thus if you must take advice today take it from matured personality who may appear authoritative.

SAGITTARIUS; Element of luck will work in your favour, however that is not to say you can not back your reasonable plans with practical action. Keep your secrets.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

HO is a great W man? Why study the great man? What is

the benefit derivable from studying great men?

A great man simply put is somebody that has done something notable and remarkable that is of

Studying great men benefit to humanity.

So, if you are a rich man who lives for himself alone, you can’t be said to be a great man.

Asking the question: Why study the great man, is like asking the

question why study history or any other subject. It is important to study the great man in order to understand the principles and philosophy of his greatness. Studying the great man saves

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

you lots of time, money and effort, it helps you not to commit the same mistake of trial and error which he made before achieving greatness.

Study great men.

Their experience could help you to minimise or eliminate pitfalls on your road to success.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN; You will have your ways; much will depend on how ambitious you are, the bigger your aspiration the better. Take your tried and trusted friends seriously.

AQUARIUS; Here is an ambitious day for many of you and with moderation things will go according to your plans. Financial success is actually close to you than you think.

PISCES; Make sure your plans for both immediate and far future are legal friendly. This is day of success you will need to savour with your partners/spouse.

ARIES; Even if you think your health is ok you better make sure you confirm your fitness from your doctor before giving in to strenuous activities. Success at work indicated for those of you who are truly healthy. Be practical please.

TAURUS; It will not be a bad idea trying to consolidate on progress made recently. And the more co-operative you are today the better it will be for you..

GEMINI; You will be in good position to take good advantage within your working arena.. Don’t wait till tomorrow before you make important future plans.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

CANCER; Tomorrow may bring more challenges than anticipated that is why you will need to prosecute your plans now. Lovers are fairly favoured.

LEO; Those of you who are moderate and practical with their financial plans are in for a good day. Live up to expectation within your family circle.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Why all these?

Dear Joshua, I am not having any terminal disease but some times am afraid of life. Bluntly ‘am I meant for early death? What are my weak points health-wise? Please tell me about my career line.

Abiola, Epe.

Dear Epe, You are not meant for sudden death but that should not be a license for reckless life style. Although Cancer is said to be one of weak Star signs, with potent and positive aspects the Sun and Mercury got from planets in Virgo and more powerful Scorpio yours is a strong constitution meant for good health. .

Certainly you must have gone through rough times when you were younger, once you are out of it your health path is clearer. And nothing is pointing to early death.

Naturally Cancer born people must be more careful about their tummy (stomach related ailments) and you are not an exception. Other thing you will need to watch carefully include the circulatory system (because of Aquarius influence). Your sense of taste is distinctive and capable of making you a little bit stout as a result of little enlargement of liver because of your sugar intake, which you can control perfectly. As a tropical man fever can come and go, but nothing fatalistic here please.. If you notice toothache symptom do not ignore it.

But yours is a sound and good health, astrologically.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why?

Because Aquarius is equally political.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

W'Africa medical colleges stress ICT knowledge

AAWE advocates girl-child education for devt

P

B

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN—ASSOCIATION Against Women Export, AAWE, a non-governmental organisation, has called on parents and government at all levels to be committed to the education of women in the country.

The NGO said such commitment would produce qualified and competent women that can serve alongside their male counterparts in every sector of the economy and governance in Nigeria.

President and Founder of the association, Dr. Rosaline Okosun, spoke at the association’s 4th annual Character Counts Presentation, where 50 students were selected from the three senatorial zones of Edo State for special prize presentation and cash rewards.

She urged parents to “ work closely with teachers and school administrators, so that we can jointly mould, nurture and empower our daughters to become great future leaders of our society.

“I am deeply humbled and delighted to celebrate the ac-

RINCIPAL Officers of the four West African Medical Colleges have called for the implementation of Information and Communication Technology, ICT-based education and learning strategies.

The colleges are National Postgraduate Medical Colleges of Nigeria, NPMCN; Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons; West African College of Surgeons and West African College of Physicians, WACP. Giving the directive after a quadripartite meeting of the colleges in Lagos, the officers said: “ICT is an important tool for postgraduate medical education.”

A communiqué by NPMCN College President, Professor Victor Wakwe, also encouraged sister colleges to complete the implementation of their ICT-based education.

complishments, good character, good citizenship, responsibility, honesty and trustworthiness of 50 wonderful young students in our secondary schools in Edo State.

“Nigeria needs women of vir-

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HE two Isoko Local Governments in Delta State, under the aegis of Isoko Political Rebirth Group, yesterday, endorsed Godwill Obielum to run for governorship of the state come 2015.

The group, made up of grassroots politicians in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said in a communique that after an appraisal of the journey so far in respect of infrastructural developments in

Isokoland, “they unanimously agreed that the Isoko having reviewed the credentials of all those

BY HANNAH ISIBOR

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Senate have been called upon to discountenance allegations of bias against the Senate Committee on States and Local Governments investigating the crisis in Rivers State.

Youth Action for Peace and Development in Nigeria, in a statement yesterday, said al-

legations that the committee was influenced in the course of its investigations in the state was not true given the fact that the group accompanied them throughout their investigation.

The statement, by the chairman of its Rivers State chapter, Georgewill Tekena, and Secretary, Ogbonda Nyekwere, said all parties in the dispute and stakeholders were given fair hearing and allowed to air

R. Ebiyekefe Stow-led Niger Delta Liberty Movement, NDLM, yesterday, said that House of Representatives member, Mr. Nicholas Mutu has the constitutional right to re-contest in 2015.

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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ENIN—SECRETARY to Edo State Government, SSG, Professor Julius

vying for the position and have agreed to work for the success of Chief Godwill Obielum.”

Ihonvbere, yesterday, said that transparency and commitment to due process were indispensable to ensuring success in public service delivery.

A statement by the SSG in Benin at a one-day workshop on Revenue Process of the Ministry of Lands and Survey put together by the state Board of Internal Revenue Service, noted that the activities and policies of govern-

The group added that his victory had already been guaranteed by his unequalled, verifiable performance in physical development, empowerment and scholarship projects in Bomadi/Patani Federal Con-

stituency.

NDLM said: “It is laughable that some persons accused Mutu of attempting to kidnap and murder them for alleged planned protests against his stay beyond 2015 and poor performance.”

ment could only be fully translated when the public service is effective and committed.

He said: “Service delivery is almost zero in Edo Public Service. We own the public service.

People should contribute to the process of making things work.

Service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness must be taken seriously.”

He added that the state government had put in place processes that would help in the taxation system and improve service delivery.

Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Lawrence Aghedo, said the interactive session was primarily to brainstorm towards enhancing the process of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy and specifically, to fast-track the internally generated revenue mechanism.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

their views to the satisfaction of a large population of the people in the state.

It said: “The members of the committee are tested technocrats and former executives, who were not only out to give sincere service to their fatherland but to protect their hard earned reputations.

“The aspersion cast on the senators with the allegation of bribe is demeaning, character assassinating and wicked.”

Edo SSG tasks civil servants on due process

N'Delta Liberty Movement backs Mutu

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start.

She added that for tertiary institutions, the non-governmental organisation will launch the Campaign Against Sexual Harassment, CASH, of female students next month.

Youth Action faults allegation of bias against c'ttee on Rivers' crisis

Delta 2015: Isoko Rebirth endorses Obielum

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

tue to assist the men in leading this country to greatness.”

She said that the association would soon launch its Leadership and Mentoring Programme, LAMP, using four schools from Edo South for a

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Al-Mustapha's freedom(2)

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ISTORY awaits further details and implications of this transitory judgment.

The verdict is amazing and quite unexpected. Well it is normal for Al- Mustapha’s people to rejoice and welcome him, while others are unhappy with the judgment.— Kubura Aremu, Model.

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lived through the Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo years and not one of the high profile individuals in charge during that era has been charged of anything; not even the Udi massacre during Obasanjo’s administration.—Chinenye Anyambuba, NYSC Member.

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OLLOWING the Supreme Court’s judgment in the earlier Abacha’s case, in which Mr. J. B. Daudu was also counsel for Abacha, I saw Mustapha’s judgment go the same way. The Supreme Court discharged Abacha.— Mr. Norrison Quakers(SAN), Lawyer.

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N view of the high wire sensitivity, con troversy and, I may add, ethnicity which form its bedrock, the best response lies in golden silence. Kudirat Abiola’s death will remain an albatross on the neck of Nigeria until justice is done.— Chief Morah Ekwunoh, Lawyer.

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T has been a long trial following all manners of applications, until finally the substantive trial commenced. Mustapha’s freedom could be just temporary because the Supreme Court will still have the final say if Lagos State appeals.— Mr. Monday Ubani, Lawyer.

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am dumbfounded seeing Fasehun’s ju bilation around AlMustapha. This is the same man a lower court had earlier found guilty over the death of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. It will be no surprise that everything may end up in politics.— Chioma Ani, Student.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 45

Bad widowhood practices blamed on law, culture

BY YETUNDE AREBI, DEPUTY

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WOMAN EDITOR

AGOS—CULTURE, tradi tion and the law have been identified as the bane to safe widowhood practices in Nigeria, which if not adequately addressed, are capable of undermining the realisation of four key Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, which seek to reduce poverty, infant and maternal mortality and promotion of gender equality.

Senator Helen Esuene, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development, said this at the opening of the First Widowhood Summit in Nigeria, themed, “Louder please: a call for increased advocacy and intervention on widows’ rights in Nigeria” organised by wives of the governors of the South South and South East, geopolitical zones to commemorate 2013 International Widows Day, yesterday in Akwa Ibom State.

According to Senator Esuene, “cultural and traditional practices constitute more than 70 per cent of the problems of widows in Nigeria, while marriages contracted under the Native Law and Custom encourages the brother of the deceased to administer the estate of the diseased, a duty which surviving relatives often carry out to

Abe awards 77 undergraduate scholarships in Rivers

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ORT HARCOURT— THE Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has awarded scholarships to 77 undergraduates from the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

The students were drawn from University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE, and Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori.

Speaking at the event attended

by Heads of various tertiary institutions, traditional rulers and members of the state House of Assembly among others, Senator Abe expressed optimism that before 2015, no fewer than 200 undergraduates from the district would have benefitted from the scholarship scheme.

He said: “These things I do are my things and I am very happy doing them. In the scholarship scheme, if we take 77 students this year and next year we take another 77, by the third year, we will be having over 200. It is not a constituency project and it is not funded by the government.”

the detriment of the widow and her children.

“Even where marriages were contracted under the Ordinance, cultural practices will be experienced especially, where the widow is ignorant of her right or is financially incapacitated to fight the legal battle. Unfortunately, It is the conflict in the marriage law that is at the root of the

inheritance problem of widows.”

Senator Esuene, however, called on State Houses of Assembly to speed up actions on all legislation to remove legal obstacles to social justice for women and appealed to traditional rulers and elders of communities to take a closer look at evil widowhood practices with the view of amending or eradicating them.

Earlier in her speech, First Lady

of Cross River State and initiator of the Summit, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, listed some of the inhumane treatments meted on widows as confinement, defacement, disinheritance, ritual cleansing, ostracism and dethronement, which according to her, have grievous consequences on the mental and physical health capable of causing sudden death of the widow.

SESSION: From right: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe; President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, Alhaji Sakirudeen Labode and others, during the third session of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development, MCPD, 2013 of the association in Uyo.

Fresh flood threatens Uyo estate

BY TONY NYONG

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YO—SEVERE flood is now threatening to cut off residents of Enniong/Anua and Mbiabong Housing Estate in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from the rest of the town, following alleged failure of the state government to heed the cry of the people.

It will be recalled that the people of the affected areas suffered a similar fate two years ago.

The unabated flood which in the last few years had troubled the estate, was further exacer-

bated by the recent heavy rains, but surprisingly the state government seems not worried about the lives of the citizens resident in the estate acquired years back by the same state government.

Already, this year’s rain has wreaked havoc on many homes, exposing residents to grave danger, while they have remained helpless, as their calls on the current government in the state, which they said they voted massively, had remained unanswered.

A worried resident, noted that one of the major construction

firms, Setraco, handling several road projects in the state, has its estate located close to the estate, wondering why the state government’s refusal to respond to the many ‘save our soul’ letters sent by residents of the estate.

A retired director in one of the federal parastatals and a resident of the estate, who spoke with Vanguard, anonymously, regretted the poor condition of the estate, which according to him was habited more than 300 people, who contribute to the socio-economic activities of the the state.

LG boss seeks assistance for victims of Ijaw attack sis, during which some groups of spirited effort of the state gover-

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BY DANIEL GUMM

OKO—THE transition Chairman of Warri Local Government Area, Delta State, Evangelist David Edun, has solicited assistance in form of food, money and other relief materials from donor agencies, especially the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, State Emergency Relief Agency, SERA, as well as humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians over the recent crisis in the riverine communities.

According to him, the assistance was to meet the huge financial costs involved in rehabilitating the victims of the cri-

armed Ijaw youths attacked and razed several Itsekiri towns and villages with well over 12 persons killed and many people still missing.

Edun made the call in Koko, when he played host to the member representing Warri North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Irene Imilair, who visited the council boss on a fact finding mission on the recent attacks.

Narrating his ordeal, after the crisis, Evangelist Edun, said that he had lost sleep since the crisis broke out on July 2, stressing that he was eager to see the situation return to normal.

The council boss also praised the

nor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, whom he described as a father, mentor and lover of lives.

He said: “The governor wasted no time in banning all fast moving speed boats to check further attacks on communities by the armed gang after which he convened a security meeting of all stakeholders including the Joint Task Force, JTF, and other security agencies in the state.”

Edun told Imilair that with the massive security build-up in Benin River, the waterways, are now safer as residents now go about their lawful business, noting that the fishermen were gradually going back to their fishing business.

Macaulay tasks journalists on impostors

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—SECRETARY to the Delta State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay, has charged the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State council to check quacks and impostors, who publish falsehood.

Macaulay, when he hosted journalists in the state to a dinner in Asaba, the state capital, said that they should engage themselves in ethical and developmental journalism, noting that same stood NUJ out among other trade unions in the country, even when he was chairman of the state council.

He recalled that the NUJ was the most formidable union that moved to Asaba after the creation of the state in 1991 from the defunct Bendel State.

He enjoined publishers of community newspapers “to borrow a leaf from the publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, late Alex Ibru, who never identified himself as a journalist, rather a publisher, who employed qualified journalists to work for him.”

YEDEC counsels women on reproductive rights

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ENIN—YOUTH Empowerment and Development Centre, YEDEC, has advised women to be well informed of their reproductive health and rights.

President of the organisation, Mr. Aisiri Christian in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, as part of activities of a two-day workshop on the 5th African conference on sexual reproductive health and rights, on “Sexual Health and Rights in Africa: Where are we?” said that the “workshop is to examine policies, financing and programming on the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls, adolescents and youths.”

He called on all stakeholders to join in the awareness campaign, adding that the workshop is to assist the government in policy formulation towards improved reproductive health and rights of women in the state.

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Adamawa PDP accuses Tukur of fueling crisis

RAMADAN TALK

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Illness and concessions for breaking fast

BY UMAR YUSUF

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OLA— ADAMAWA State chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to use his good offices to attract democracy dividends to the state, instead of causing divisions among the people.

The party noted with regret that Tukur had succeeded in causing disunity in the party to the detriment of the development of the state.

Secretary of the party in the state, Mr. Phineas Elisha who made this known in Yola, the state capital told newsmen, yesterday, that Tukur had taken sides with a faction of the party, instead of settling the crisis, thereby prolonging the intra-party feud in the state.

“Instead of calling the two factions to a round-table, the National Chairman has decided to recognize his own faction."

Cleric urges govt to invest in skill acquisition

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

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AGOS—IN the face of growing unemployment in the country governments at all levels have been called to invest in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship for sustainable youth and nation’s development.

The call was made by the Special Assistant on Administration and Personnel to the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola during a press briefing to herald RCCG Region 1 Ignite Youth Summit scheduled for Saturday July 20, 2013 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Odesola observed that majority of young people were unemployed, adding that federal government programme alone could not provide job opportunity for the teeming population of the youths in the country.

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VISIT—From left: Engr. Braimoh Ogunwale, Refinery General Manager, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc; Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Managing Director and Dr. Micheal Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council, Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered) during a courtesy visit of NIM to Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. Photos: Oscar Ochiogu.

UNIJOS ASUU condemns post UTME screening

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS—THE University of Jos Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has frowned at the conduct of Post UTME screening by the institution despite the strike by its members, calling for its cancellation.

But in a reaction, the university’s management has said the exercise would continue as scheduled.

The branch Chairperson, Dr. David Jangkam at a press briefing, accused the university ’s management of ignoring its advice to postpone the exercise in view of the ASUU strike.

The briefing came after an emergency congress meeting to discuss the development at which members resolved to dissociate themselves from the exercise and passed a vote of no confidence in its outcome.

"This exercise commenced despite the fact that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Jos Chapter’s congress wrote the University authority advising it to suspend the test in deference to the strike which is aimed at

getting the Federal Government to implement the 2009 Agreement”, Jangkam said.

He added that apart from being a breach of the university rules on examinations which vest the conduct of examinations in the academic staff, it also undermines the strike “and clearly demonstrates the administration’s willingness to engage the union on a confrontational path.”

He said the conduct of the test without the academic staff would water down academic excel-

lence and the integrity of the exercise.

However, the Registrar, Mr. Jilli Dandam in a statement advised candidates to participate in the screening as scheduled for them to be considered for admission for the next academic session.

"Members of the public and candidates participating in the exercise are further advised to discountenance any contrary announcement from any trade union pertaining the ongoing PostUTME screening in the University of Jos”, the statement said.

MINOR headache for example with no other conditions may not in many instances constitute a situation where a person can use the flexibility of the injunction of illness to skip Ramadan fast.

Scholars agree that sickness that doesn’t cause any hardship cannot be used as an excuse for not fasting.

Some of the conditions for breaking fast during Ramadan are as follows: .Intense illness that will further aggravate the illness if he or she were to fast, or that recovery will be delayed because of fasting. .Illness that causes great pain in fasting or becomes unbearable with fasting.

“The person who is unable to fast because of a sickness which he hopes will go away is not obliged to fast. This applies if he encounters obvious difficulty in fasting and is not subject to the condition that he reaches a point when he is unable to fast.

Rather our companions said: The permission not to fast is subject to the condition that fasting causes him difficulties that is hard for him to bear.” (AlNawawi said in al-Majmoo’, 6/261) Again, consider this: “With regard to the person who is slightly sick and who does not suffer any obvious hardship, it is not permissible for him to break his fast, and there is no difference of opinion among us concerning that. (Al-Nawawi – AlMajmoo’, 6/261) This means the sick person who is not affected by fasting, such as one who has a slight cold or headache, or a slight toothache and the like, is not permitted to break his fast. The injunction in Quran 2 verse 185 is refering to cronic illness that causes great pain and difficulty or that which is unbearable. Almighty allah loves His concessions to be accepted just as He hates the disobedience of His commandments.

Again, Islam provides concessions to the aged or people who either cannot fast or make up for the missed fasts later. Any of these people will have to feed one poor person a day as equivalent to one day fasting. The Quran states: “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:184) The concession on pregnant and nursing women is slightly different, if they can’t bear the rigours of fasting, they should not fast but they have to pay pack after delivery or when it is convenient for them before the next Ramadan. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.t) said: Concession to feed the poor refers to old men and old women who cannot fast, so they should feed one poor person for each day. — Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4505. May Allah accept it and reward us abundantly.

NOA boss charges rights activists not to upset national values

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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AGOS—DIREC TOR-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mike Omeri has advised human rights activists not to upset national values and aspiration through advocacy for issues that are not

natural to the society.

He spoke, yesterday, in Abuja, while receiving in audience, members of the Inter-ministerial committee on Human Rights Education in Nigeria.

He said the call for the legalisation of gay marriages in Nigeria was against national values and natural aspiration of most Nigerians.

According to him, advocacy for same-sex marriage cannot fall within the demand for human rights in the country.

The committee set up under the World Programme for Human Rights Education, WPHRE, is to implement measure for massive enlightenment on several human rights issues in

the country.

Members of the committee are drawn from Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs, including NOA, National Universities Commission, NUC, the Ministry of Education and National Planning Commission, NPC, among others.

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REALITY SHOW: General Manager, Entreprise Sales, MTN, Oyinye IkennaEmeka (third from left), presenting a cheque of N5million to Ms. Ogbeifun Iroghama (third from right), the winner of the just concluded MTN Business Next Titan entrepreneurship TV reality show. With them, from left: Tonye Cole, Executive Director of Sahara Group; Kyar Bukar, MD of CSCS; Ruth Obi, CEO, 3Invest, and Chris Parkes, MD of CPMS.

EXPO: From left, Otonye Anga, Community of Agricultural Stakeholders of Nigeria; Prof. Pat Utomi, and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, immediate past chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, during Agrikexpo 2013, at Exhibition Hall, Eko le Meridian

TREE PLANTING DAY: From left, Executive Director (Lagos and South-west) of First City Monument Bank,FCMB, Plc, Mr. Femi Bakre; Divisional Head of Human Resources & Change Management, Felicia Obozuwa; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Deputy MD of FCMB, Mr. Segun Odusanya, and actress, Mrs. Lanre Hassan, during this year's Lagos State Tree Planting Day, at Agege, in Lagos

VISIT: From left, a student, D.G. Olugbemiga Olowu of Rotary District 9110 Nigeria; Rot. President, Tolu Enaibe, and Rot. Uzo Ogoazi , chartered president, Rotary Club, Falomo, during the club's visit to Okesuna Grammar School, in partnership with Neimeth Pharmaceuticals in Health and Sanitation Exercise.

COMMISSIONING: Lagos State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye (middle), lanked by Head of the Personal and Business Banking, West Africa, Standard Bank, Mr. Lincoln Mali (left) and Branch Manager, Stanbic IBTC Bank , Gbagada, Mr. Fola Ariyo, cutting the tape to commission a new branch of Stanbic IBTC Bank, at Gbagada, Lagos. f

CAMPAIGN: Mr. Bernard Nkwo, Grand Knight, Knights of Saint Mulumba, Maryland Sub-Council; Hon. Afolabi Babatunde Sofola, Chairman, Kosofe Local Government Area, and Hon. Abdul Adewale, Supervising Councilor for Education, Kosofe Local Government Area, during the visit of Knights of Saint Mulumba, Maryland SubCouncil to the Chairman, Kosofe Local Government Area, as part of its proactive campaign against legalisation of abortion, at the Local Government Area in Lagos State.

AWARDS: CEO, Bagco Manufacturing Nigeria plc, Sir Abiodun Ogunkoya (left), with another recipient, Sir Albert Abayomi Akinde, during the Methodist Church Nigeria Conference awards service, at the Williams Memorial Church Cathedral, Ago Ijaiye, Ebute Metta, Lagos

MEETING: From left, Chairman, Lagos State Medical Guild, Dr. Muyiwa Odusote, welcoming special guest of honour, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora to the Guild's 2013 ordinary general meet- ENGAGEMENT: Mr. Segun Aina, OFR, FCIB, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN ing, at LASUTH auditorium, while the Guild's social secretary, Dr. (Middle ) presenting souvenir to Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, during the stakeholders' enWale Akeredolu watches gagement with Airtel Nigeria today, at his office, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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Abia lawmaker re-arraigned for perjury

Anambra receives UNICEF's commendation

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—THE United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has ranked Anambra first in terms of counterpart contribution and implementation of its programmes among states in Nigeria.

The UNICEF desk officer in the state, Mrs. Ifeoma Onwudiwe, gave the assessment during flag-off of the distribution of education materials valued at N5 million to 51 early children centres across the state.

According to her, the state government has been consistent in meeting the requirements set by the world body, adding that the action of government has helped to improve the chances of meeting the Millennium Development Goals, MDG. Materials distributed to the centres include tables, chairs and mats for nursery and primary schools.

Governor Peter Obi said the distribution of the materials was part of the vision and strategy of his administration to entrench strong universal basic education in the drive to achieve the MDGs.

Chief Adegunle, 78, for burial

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HE death has been announced of Chief Abraham Ifedayo Adegunle, aged 78 years. He was a community leader, devout christian and prominent Ondo chief.

Service of Songs and wake keep hold tomorrow at his country home, Road 13, Avenue 15, Funbi Fagun Estate, Ondo town, Ondo State. Funeral service takes place at Ondo Plaza Hall, Lisaluwa, close to Ademulegun round about, Ondo on Saturday, to be followed by interment at his country home while entertainment of guests holds at Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, Sabo, along Ondo road.

He is survived by wife, many children and several grand children.

z Late Chief Adegunle

FORUM—From left: Mr Moses Ayoola Oyelami, Customer, Mr Tunde Kuponiyi, Head Cards & e-Banking, Ecobank, Mrs Temitope Samaye, Customer and Mr Nii Quaye, Group Head, Customer Services, Ecobank, during the bank's customers forum in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Knocks for Senate over stance on LG autonomy

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—ANGRY reactions have started trailing the decision of the Senate not to allow direct funding of local council areas of the country in the proposed constitutional amendments.

Reacting to this development, the immediate past Imo State chairman of All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, described the decision of the lawmakers as most unfortunate.

Ajumbe said: "It is sad to note that most governors are very

happy over their persistent hijack of local government funds in the past years.

“It is sad that they are happy over the hijack of the third tier administration in Nigeria. The bulk of the money they spend is local government fund. I am sad with the decision,” Ajumbe said.

He said most of the sitting governors sponsored some of the lawmakers and would have ultimately used their point men in the Senate to bulldoze their way through.

In his reaction, an Owerribased public health physician, Dr. Sam Madugba, said he was

sad that governors had armtwisted the arms of he senators into voting against financial autonomy for local councils.

Madugba said: "Governors have arm-twisted the National Assembly into voting against the separation of state/local government joint accounts.

“This spells doom for the third tier of government where more than 90 percent of Nigerians live.”

He appealed to the lawmakers to take another look at the decision, with a view to making the local councils viable, virile, strong and reliable.

Igbo group appeals to Orji, Okorocha to resolve motor park dispute

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social-cultural group, Oganiru Ndigbo Foundation, ONF, and Igboville which is the online interactive version of ONF, have condemned the banning of stateowned transport companies by Imo and Abia State governments from operating in each other’s states.

The groups asked the governors of both states, Theodore Orji of Abia and Rochas Okorocha of Imo and managements of Abia Transport Company Ltd, operators of Abia Line and Imo Transport Company, ITC, to resolve the matter for the benefit of the people.

In a statement signed by President General of Oganiru Ndigbo Foundation, Arc. Uche Onuh, the groups regretted that such minor disagreement between two sister states would be allowed to degenerate to a level where their transport

companies were banned from operating in either of the states.

They reminded the transport managements that the subregional economic integration gradually taking root in the other six geo-political zones of Nigeria might remain illusory in the South East, if immediate steps were not taken to resolve the minor misunderstanding

between the two states.

The groups said they joined other stakeholders to appeal for circumspection and understanding in the handling of the matter as anything to the contrary might be misread by the teeming population of Igbo youths and also capable of creating enmity between the two sister states.

Victory School holds valedictory

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ICTORY Group of Schools valedictory graduation will hold on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at the Victory Hall, Onigbagbo, Ikeja. The schools are 19th set of Victory Grammar School, 29th set of Victory College and 40th set of Victory High School.

Managing Proprietor of the schools, Chief Christian Ipoola Olaniyan said: “The schools

will not relent in its efforts to contribute to the educational standard not in Lagos State but throughout the country” adding that arrangements have been concluded to make the yearly ceremony a unique."

He said the schools had been the first private schools to start the annual valedictory graduation ceremony.

MUAHIA—A member of Abia State House of Assembly, Ikedi Ezekwesiri, has been rearraigned before an Umuahia Magistrates’ court over alleged perjury and impersonation.

It would be recalled that Ezekwesiri, who represents Umunneochi Constituency, was on June 10, arraigned on a five-count charge, including impersonation, forgery and false information.

But when the matter, came up for hearing yesterday, the prosecution applied to substitute the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Sampson Onyemuche, told the court that charge number U/ 215C/2013 would be substituted with U/ 273C/ 2013.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Isaac Anya, who held brief for Chief Okey Amaechi, SAN, did not object to the application for substitution.

Court issues warrant against clearing agent for contempt

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA— AN Onitsha High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice Pete Obiora has issued a bench warrant for the arrest, detention and production of an Aba-based clearing agent, Paschal Nwabufo, for failing to appear before the court to answer to contempt proceeding filed against him by an Onitsha-based importer, Gabriel Nwolisah.

In his ruling after considering a contempt charge (Form 49) filed on behalf of Nwolisah by his legal counsel, Obi Ulasi (SAN), Justice Obiora ordered the InspectorGeneral of Police, commissioners of police, police area commands and Divisional Police Officers to arrest, detain and produce Nwabufo in court tomorrow to show cause why an order for his committal should not be made.

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Continues from page 15

to me was I want to go and look at our submission. That is the committee on constitution review. He shook hands with all my aides, but I did not know that Pius was going.”

Ayogu Eze said: ‘’I am least qualified to speak about Pius. I knew him for barely two years.

His presence loomed very large. Philosophers say one hour of a glorious life is worth an age without a name. He was an exceptional person. He was a man gifted to navigate very dangerous political waters and still remain afloat.”

Margery Okadigbo told Senator Ewherido’s wife, Doye, that she had a similar experience 10 years ago when her husband, Senate President Chuba Okadigbo died, and urged her not to give up hope.

She said: ‘’Do not give up hope. Stand strong. 10 years ago, I never thought I will sit on the seat he sat. When men love their wives they never let go. Do not let go. The God we serve is a father of the fatherless and husband of the widows. In every child of yours you will see a different Pius.”

James Manager said: ‘’I am not wearing my hat because of my respect for Ewherido. I knew Pius Ewherido when I was state chairman of PDP in Delta State.

“He wanted to be a Local government chairman.

Contrary to all expectation, Pius challenged the opinion of the party and contested for deputy speaker of the House and won.

“He brought his intellect as lawyer and lawmaker to bear, especially in the Corporate Manslaughter Bill. We must ensure that the Bill does not die.

“He was a factor in Delta politics. His death will create a vacuum and confusion in the political landscape of Delta State. This is one death that is so sudden and so painful. He was not just a political ally.’’

Ifeanyi Okowa said: ‘’He was very intelligent and resourceful.

Peaceful, calm, warm hearted and courageous. He had integrity and character; he was a man you could easily define what manner of man he was.

He loved his people. He cared about Nigeria, the poor and oppressed in the society. He was the light with which so many people saw light. “Alive we cherished him, in death we miss him.”

Senator Ganiyu Solomon said, “I first noticed his presence during one of the debates on the floor of the Senate. His delivery was very powerful and brilliant. I noticed the force, depth and persuasion of his argument. His voice was a reassurance that our parliament has men of age. He was one of our rising stars. I will say shame on death because it cannot undo the C M Y K

2013

Tears flow as Senate bids Ewherido farewell legacies that Ewherido left.

Death cannot take away the memory of him from our hearts.”

Olusola Adeyeye: ‘’I served with him on the Education Committee of the Senate. When I got here I swore to God that I will get five senators who belong to the next generation and would do what my generation left undone. I began to cultivate friendship. I am proud to say he was my friend. Great men are often defined by the fact that they combine rare personality traits.

Men who have tough minds are often so impatient that in the quest to call a spade a spade, they call everything a spade.

“In their quest to be kind, they become kind to evil; those who can combine tough mind with gentle heart. He had one trait, his telephone was always on; he was always calling one person or the other to solve problems of his constituency. ‘’Strangely, I began to speak about my own death and why I cannot afford to compromise, he rebuked me sharply. Brilliant mind, uncommon courage, wisdom. There was a time when your name is earmarked for death, you become an Olympic sprinter. When he was in the senate, it was obvious he had done his homework.

“He mastered the finest nuances of senatorial oversight.

He was always a partner in progress. I would have loved to exchange places with him. But God did not want it that way.”

Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi: ‘’What is important as we mourn our colleague is that he was not a pretender; he always took sides. I said you are a rebel because you are fighting with your godfather on who should be the governor.

He said “I am a rebel with a cause.” He would never take issues with religious or regional sentiments.”

Olugbenga Ashafa said, ‘’he was a colleague and a neigbour.

He was sitting on my left. He was a patriot or an indivisible Nigerian. He was always on the side of the poor, youths and children. When the merger came... preservation of indigenous languages; he made me realize that as an Urhobo man he had historical linkage with the Yoruba. When we were to start the process for the merger, he single-handedly held a convention to bring DPP into the merger.

“Pius has not died because the saying goes that those who live in the hearts of those who love them do not die.”

Senate President Mark noted that 40 other Senators registered to speak, but he could not take all.

Mark said: ‘’This is to show how much we love Pius. I was in total confusion when he died.

His death affected me as a

From left: Mr Nazim Frijat, Levant and Emerging Africa (LEMA) EMC; Dr Patricia Florissi, Vice President, Global CTO, distinguished engineer, EMC Corporation and Mr Rasheed Jimoh, Regional Manager for English-Speaking West Africa, EMC, at the 2013 EMC forum in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

person. Today, it is with a heavy heart that I join you to mourn our colleague and brother, Distinguished Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido. ‘’The greatest pain is not the one received when we are physically hurt. Neither is it the one received when we are down and out. But the one received when one so dear and so close is taken away from us. Death is painful and comes with grief. It is in this grief and melancholy that we mourn one of us. ‘’The sudden demise of Senator Ewherido is traumatic. Each time death occurs, it tinkers with the

‘

calculative and focused person. I can describe him as a man of all seasons who was always confident, vocal and comfortable in any company he found himself.

His death was untimely and painful. He left his footprints on the sands of history. He lived a memorable life of a true Catholic and Christian full of enviable legacies.

“We cannot forget his persuasive, pedantic, brilliant and vibrant contributions to debates in this chamber. Each time he made contributions, he demonstrated patriotism and nationalism. He was a good team player who

He was a factor in Delta politics. His death will create a vacuum and confusion in the political landscape of Delta State.

This is one death that is so sudden and so painful

oneness, corporate spirit, togetherness and love that bond us in this Senate. Death is inevitable but whenever it occurs, we are taken by surprise.

“Although he was a man with exceptional achievements, he never boasted about such achievements and contributions to his community and the society at large.

“He was a silent achiever who was referred to by his people as the Uloho (Iroko). He provided shelter to many in his community, a gesture that cannot easily be forgotten. To most people from his state, he represented a unique voice of courage and boldness.

“Senator Ewherido was a lively,

’

placed the love for the people above any form of individualistic or parochial interests. He was objective, truthful, sincere, committed and charismatic. The Senate has indeed lost a rare gem, as shown clearly in your testaments. ‘’He was a grassroot politician who enjoyed the massive support of his people. Thus, appreciative of him, his people elected him to the Senate on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, in a state dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “Although, he was the only DPP Senator, he was neither a lone ranger nor a lone voice because the Senate is a family. He was a

great man who used his intellect and legal skills effectively. He sponsored the bill on Corporate Manslaughter. It was easy to see the influence of the profession in that bill and on the performance of his duties as a legislator; he argued with facts, figures and statistics that easily convinced his colleagues. It was always a delight to listen to him because the people’s welfare and issues were his uppermost concerns.

“As we mourn him, we must take solace in the fact that he lived a profound life, worthy of emulation. He was a true democrat, an outstanding leader who made tremendous impact during his two years of service in this chamber. ‘’We have to learn from the impacts he made over a short period of time and realise that life is not about the number of years lived but the number of lives touched. And Senator Ewherido touched many!

“This is not the end of the journey but the beginning. We live to part, but we will meet when we shall part no more. God in his infinite wisdom has a reason for everything and we must believe in Him. “Distinguished senators, if death had given him a chance to bid us farewell, I believe he would have done so gallantly. Senator Ewherido had prepared himself for this journey... ‘’We need not be imprisoned in the fear of death. While there is still light and life let us “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15: 58).

“Senator Ewherido, fought the good fight. May Almighty God grant all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Adieu my Distinguished Boss, colleague, friend and brother.

May his soul rest in peace.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 53

Egyptian military averted civil war — US E

GYPT avoided a pos sible civil war this month, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday , making it hard for Washington to conclude that the overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi was a military coup.

The armed forces had deposed the elected leader on July 3 after huge street protests against his rule, clearing the way for the installment this week of a new interim cabinet

charged with restoring civilian government and reviving the troubled economy.

Thousands of Mursi’s supporters demonstrated outside the prime minister ’s office and marched through Cairo on Wednesday to protest against the militarybacked administration and show that they had no intention of bowing to army dictates.

Crisis in Egypt, which straddles the vital Suez Canal, has alarmed al-

lies in the West. Washington would be forced to cut off aid to Cairo, including some $1.3 billion that goes to the military, if it determined Mursi had been removed by a coup.

“On the issue of a coup, this is obviously an extremely complex and very difficult situation,” Kerry told reporters during a visit to Jordan, where he held talks with Arab officials, adding that Washington would not “rush to judgment”.

US, Russia ties outweigh intelligence squabbles, says Putin tions”.

R

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin has said that the bilateral relations with the US are more important than “squabbles between special services”.

In his latest comments on fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, Putin said he had been warned against any “activity that harms Russian-American rela-

On Tuesday Mr Snowden applied for temporary asylum in Russia.He is wanted by the US for leaking details of surveillance programmes.

UK okays gay marriage bill

B

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy chief during a meeting with Egypt interim President, Mansour

21 children die after school meal in India

A

T least 21 children have died and dozens still in hospital after eating free meals provided at a primary school in eastern India, officials have said.

The children, aged between eight and 11 years old, fell ill after lunch on Tuesday at the govern-

ment-run school in Masrakh, a village 80km north of Patna in Bihar’s state capital.

PK Sahi, the state education minister, said a preliminary investigation suggested the food was contaminated by phosphorous, which is used to preserve rice and wheat.

RITISH lawmakers have passed a bill legalising same-sex marriage in England and Wales, paving the way for the first gay weddings in 2014.

MPs decided not to oppose a number of minor amendments to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill proposed by the upper House of Lords.

The legislation is now expected to receive official assent from head of state Queen Elizabeth II later this week after MPs agreed to changes such as ensuring protections for transgender couples.

Jubilant gay rights activists had danced outside parliament on Monday night as the government-backed bill passed unopposed through the upper House of Lords, where some members

Celebrating Nelson Mandela at 95 UN holds special session for Mandela T

HE UN General As sembly has called a special meeting today to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day. The ailing South African leader’s contributions to democracy, racial justice and reconciliation will be honoured on the occasion.

Former US President Bill Clinton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte, and Andrew Mlangeni will be the speakers at the meeting. The General Assembly meeting starting at 10 a.m. on July 18 is part of a series of events to take place in the UN and around the world.

“This year’s commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day comes at a moment of deep reflection on the life and work of Madiba, as the universally revered leader remains in the hospital. As we extend our best wishes to President Mandela on his ninety-fifth birthday, let us also give tangible meaning to our feelings of concern by taking ac-

tion on behalf of others,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for the day.

“Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the struggle for human rights and social justice. In marking this Day, the United Nations is joining the Mandela Foundation in asking people around the world to devote at least 67 minutes of their time on 18 July to community service,” he added.

N

•Mandela

Build on Mandela's legacy — OATUU

O

RGANISATION of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU, has said that a major lesson Mandela taught Africa is for Africans to have independent thought process and not to accept dictation by outsiders.

In a statement to mark the 95th birthday of the elder statesman and former South African President, OATUU, Secretary General, Owei Lakemfa, urged world leaders to “build on his vision and legacy; to

Mandela makes ‘dramatic’ progress — daughter

build a world where every human life will count; a universe that will provide food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, work for the unemployed, shelter for the homeless, education for all children and social justice for all.

OATUU said, “African workers under the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and its affiliates in fifty five countries, join the rest of humanity in celebrating the 95th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla

Mandela which comes up on Thursday July 18, 2013. We are also joining the international community in marking that day, as the Mandela Day; an occasion to promote world peace, the legacy and ideals of a man who is a universal symbol of social justice. Mandela is a product of historic periods, of principled positions and alliances and a symbol of sacrifice and belief in the ultimate triumph of the human spirit against all odds.''

ELSON Mandela has made “dramatic progress,” and may be going home “anytime soon,” said his daughter Zindzi on the eve of his 95th birthday.

“I visited him yesterday and he was watching television with headphones,” said Zindzi Mandela in an interview with Britain’s Sky TV. “He gave us a huge smile and raised his hand ...

He responds with his eyes and his hands.”

Mandela is gaining

“energy and strength,” said his daughter. “I should think he will be going home anytime soon.”

The latest description

by Zindzi — who is one of Mandela’s daughters by his second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — is a significant improvement from court documents filed by the family earlier this month which said he was on life support and near death.

Wall of Honour unveiled taken with Mandefor Mandela tures la’s picture in the back-

T

HE Wall of Honour was unveiled in Cape Town Wednesday to allow people to place well-wish cards and notes for ailing former South African president Nelson Mandela. Children and others can put well-wish notes and greeting cards on the Wall of Honor which has a large picture of Mandela. Children can also have their pic-

ground. Those who do bring messages of support and good wishes are also encouraged to bring food parcels to leave at the church for distribution by the church to the needy.

The Wall of Honuor was a joint work by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the Church at St Georges Cathedral.

54 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

•The Senate in session

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

RECORD101 out of the 109 senators assembled last Tuesday to take a decision on critical issues slated for amendment in the on-going constitution amendment exercise. It was a day the Senate went through clause-by-clause voting on the proposed amendments.

Before the voting exercise, Senate President David Mark enjoined senators to cast their votes according to their conscience as according to him, the outcome of the day's exercise would impact considerably on the country.

"We are on the threshold of history. I want all of you to vote according to your conscience because how you vote today would be reflected.

Clause-by -clause consideration would be taken.

Because of the seriousness of this, we will not resume another debate unless there is a correction to be made. We have gone pass that stage now. A minimum of 73 votes are required for any of the clauses to be passed into law," he said.

Mark, who had informed his colleagues that the exercise

How the Senate voted

would be carried out electronically, turned out as their tutor, given that it was not only the first time electronic voting would be adopted in the Seventh Senate but due largely to the fact that majority of the senators were serving their first term in the legislature. And all the votes done in the chamber were through voice votes which they are either expected to shout 'Aye' or 'Nay,' signifying yes or no to any issue they are considering.

of the legislature to make any bill passed into law irrespective of presidential assent.

There were also inclusion of former Senate President and Deputy Senate President as well as former Speaker and Deputy speakers of the House of Representatives in life-time pension, separation of the office of Attorney-General of the Federation from the Office of Minister of Justice, Labour, Railways, Youths, Aviation, Arbitration, Environment, Public Complaints, Road Safety and Healthcare, among others.

Stages of the exercise Although, it wasn't easy for the lawmakers in the first three votes made as they were seen making mistakes, but with Mark's continued intervention, they got it right from the fourth voting stage. So, it became fun for them as they progressed to other stages of the exercise.

Out of the 101 senators who were present to vote on the 31 clauses of the constitution slated for amendment by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu-led Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, 73 votes, representing a two-third

•Mark majority, were required to get any clause passed, otherwise, it remained in the extant law book without a touch. Among the 31 classes slated for amendment were: Six year single term for president and state governors, financial autonomy for local governments, Nigerian Police, Nigeria Prisons, stripping the president the power assent to any amendment of the constitution, and outright power

the Senate to the non-passage of clause 30 (vi), which sought to remove prisons from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List. He argued that since state governments were constitutionally empowered to own their law courts, there was nothing wrong if at the same time, they were given the constitutional mandate to own prisons, saying federal prisons were always congested due largely to inmates brought from state courts.

Following this development,

,

Constitution review:

As the voting progressed, some senators drew the attention of the senate president to the implication of allowing some clauses, which had earlier been passed, to stand, saying they portended danger if not revisited

As the voting progressed, some senators drew the attention of the senate president to the implication of allowing some clauses, which had earlier been passed, to stand, saying they portended danger if not revisited.

Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba, PDP, Cross River Central, particularly drew the attention of

,

the senate president obliged his request that another vote be taken to change the situation, but in spite of this, the issue suffered a setback, as the votes garnered were not up to the required 73.

Another issue that was revisited was pension, following

Continues on page 55

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 55

Pity, Okorocha can't govern Imo and is looking at Abia — Okpara JAMES Okpara, is the Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on Public Relations. In this interview he responds to criticisms of poor performance leveled against Governor T.A Orji by some eminent Abia indigenes and the recent face-off between Abia and Imo States. Excerpts:

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

The sooner he realizes he can not succeed the better. As the late Bob Marley said, you can deceive some people some time, but you can not deceive all the people all the time.

Okorocha is a close personal friend and political associate of Orji Kalu. This is part of their grand scheme for one of them to contest the presidency in 2015.

It is one thing to use falsehood and propaganda to win gubernatorial election. It is another thing to govern.

A

RE you saying that the allegations of nonperformance are not true, because even most residents of the commercial city of Aba share the opinion that Ochendo has not delivered in Abia?

Ordinarily, you would expect that Chief Orji Kalu would keep quiet, but we have seen the contrary. The contribution of Orji Kalu to Abia State is a classic example of how to develop yourself, your family and cronies and impoverish the state. Under Orji Kalu, what existed was a culture of impunity never seen before in any part of the world.

There are reports of friction between Abia State and Imo State over the operations of their respective Transport companies in their respective states. Does it mean that there can be no peace between the two sister states?

When you address somebody as Your Excellency, that means that there are certain norms and values that are mandatory for the person. You expect the person to have excellence in character, composure, comportment, behaviour, utterances, carriage, relationship, conduct, integrity and every other excellence that is attributable to a human being.

Gubernatorial election

•Okpara The position of a governor has grave responsibilities and if you used to be a serial and pathological liar, a person that does not honour agreements, a motor park tout with other disagreeable dispositions, you must stop it.

The truth is that the people of

Constitution review: Continues from page 54 observation by Deputy Senate President Ike Eweremadu, PDP, Enugu West, that since Labour had been move from Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List; it would be unfair to allow Pension to remain in the Exclusive List. But in the second votes taken, at the instance of Mark, unlike the Prisons, Pension scaled through and was moved to the Concurrent List.

But the development caused a stir on the floor of the Senate Chamber and almost disrupted the whole exercise as emotion became high following religious and ethnic sentiments displayed

by Senators Ahmad Sani Yerima, ANPP- Zamfara West and Danjuma Goje, PDP, Gombe Central, that the Senate President Mark played double standard in the voting process.

Senator Ahmad Sani, particularly, accused the Senate President of allowing second

Abia State and Imo State are one and the same. Nobody can separate them or make them fight each other. Regrettably, the incumbent Governor of Imo State since assumption of office has been busy trying to stake embers of fire hatred between Imo State and Abia State.

Part of the false propaganda that was deployed in the 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State was the allegation that the former Governor of Imo State was against a particular Church and that he ordered a priest to be beaten. The average Igbo person is very religious and because of the above, a good number of voters mobilized and voted against the former governor.

There is a lot of work to be done in Imo State and instead of minding his state, Governor Okorocha has been busy trying to forment trouble in Abia State.

Owerri, the capital of Imo State is dirty and overflowing with refuse. The rancid smell of rotten

How the Senate voted

votes on two issues raised by the Ekweremadu and Ndoma-Egba but refused to call for a second vote on an issue he raised, and threatened to storm out of the chamber if not recognised, which according to him, infringed on the rights of adherents of Islam regarding marriage.

He said the Senate voting to delete Section 29 (4b) was against Islamic laws, insisting that the Constitution forbids the National Assembly from making laws that go against Islamic injunction.

The clause specifically provided that any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.•It further stated that full age•means 18 years, adding: •'Any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.'

He argued that considering 18 years as maturity age for a woman was against Islamic

definition of a woman of full age be deleted. When the voting was taken on that recommendation, 75 senators voted that it be deleted, a development which attracted a protest from Yerima, who argued that the balloting violated Islamic law, which according to him, provided that any married woman is of full age.

Demand for repeat voting

•Ekweremadu injunction, citing a section of the Constitution, which states that the National Assembly could not make any law that would go against Islamic religion.

The Ekweremadu committee recommended that the second

He claimed that it was not fair for the senate president to have ignored his demand to repeat voting on the matter.

Supporting Yerima, Danjuma Goje of Gombe State accused Mark of being unfair.

This attracted expression of serious concerns by Mark, who took exception to the use of the word •'double standard' by Goje, pointing out that it was not a personal matter.

Mark later allowed the demand for a repeat of the voting and the

and decaying refuse is everywhere. The rate of armed robbery and kidnapping in Imo State is uncountable and the man has no answers to these problems. Civil Servants are always striking in Imo State, Infrastructure are dilapidated and instead of tackling the problems of Imo State he is busy funding miscreants to cause unrest in Abia State.

There is a Radio Station in Aba that they established to spew out lies and falsehood everyday about the Government of Abia State with the aim of inciting Aba residents against their government.

On the transport issue, about three months ago, the Government of Imo State closed down the premises of Abia State Transport Network Limited in Oweri and stopped it from operating. The excuse was that the loading bay distorted the master plan for Owerri.

Meanwhile, another transport Company called Peace Mass Transit which is in the same premises with Abia Line was not closed down.

The Government of Abia State wrote to the Government of Imo State to request that the premises be reopened and if that was not possible, that an alternative site be provided for us.

result showed that senators voted in support of the retention of the definition that any married woman is deemed to have attained a full age.

The amendment which sought to remove the Chief Justice of Nigeria,CJN, and other serving judicial officers as the chairperson and members respectively of the Federal Judicial Service Commission was also rejected by the Senate, following a plea letter from the CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, through Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu, to the effect that the amendment was inappropriate and unnecessary.

Mark congratulated his colleagues for indeed making history through their voting.

He announced that consequently, a joint committee comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives (to be known as Joint Constitution Drafting Committee) would be set up to harmonise whatever differences that might exist in the versions of the amendments passed by both chambers.

56— V ANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8, 20 13 VANGU ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18, 201

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co The judgment continues with the story of how the Strike Force was formed and what its duties were Continues from yesterday

H

E knows PW2, Barnabas Jabila a.k.a. Sergeant Rogers. PW2 was serving in Jaji infanty centre and school, worked with the former head of state, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Abubakar closely, and this informed his nomination, that brought him to be a member of strike force into the Presidency.

PW2 was Brigadier General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s personal confidential person outside routine military duty, that is to say regarding his personal life, he was into issues that had to do with the spiritual state of Brigadier General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

That when PW2 testified that the Appellant called him on radio and that Rabo Lawal led him to his office where he gave him instructions to kill the deceased, (a statement which he later retracted), this cannot be true because Rabo Lawal was at the material time in Libya as he was nominated for a course, cleared by the presidency office’s National Security Adviser, signed and endorsed by the Police Office of the Inspector General of Police.

It was not possible that Rabo Lawal was in Libya and at the Villa at the same time.

Again, the walkie-talkie used by the police and that used by the strike force are different. A general radio call cannot fetch everybody. Again if Rabo Lawal were to be in Nigeria, he would have been commanding his own wing.

He was a commander of presidential escort mobile police and if there is anybody to bring him to him, it could have been for those in the headquarters or could have been any of the following that were there with him namely his two IC- it could be the administrative officer, security liasing officer or the duty officer of the day.

Any of these people could have brought PW2 to him and not Rabo Lawal who was then in Libya.

That PW2 could not have been called

to the department in 1995. That he could not have given PW2 arms without a note handing and taking over and it is not possible to take arms from Abuja to Lagos without documenting it in a pass.

He denied telling PW2 that the deceased must be eliminated. Neither did he make a statement like “There are enemies of the country, they must be eliminated.” That this statement is not even contained in PW2’s statement.

That after the murder of General Abacha, when he went through handling and taking over processes with General Abdulsalam Abubakar, he was told by General Abdulsalam Abubakar to assist him in preparing the presidency for his occupation. Before then, he was staying in the Barrack next to brigade of Guards.

It was in the cause of doing this that he was separated from late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, leading into numerous activity that led to his murder at Aguda house.

That the tape at the scene of where he was murdered is still a major issue between General Abdulsalam Abubakar and himself. This informed the fact that as soon as he was arrested on the 21st of October 1998, the first thing they did was to ransack and pack all he had and that is why he urged his counsel to beg Court to force

,

Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was to have been killed the day General Abacha was killed

that very day the deceased was shot in the morning, and that same day liaise with Lateef Shofolahan, and that same morning do surveillance and that same morning they shot her, as stated in PW2’s statement.

This could not have been possible from Libya to Lagos and all these actions in the morning.

The Appellant testifies that it is not possible for him to have given PW2 a rifle or any other weapon for that matter to kill the deceased with, and this is because everyone of them is issued his own rifle, in his name; make number, brought number and under the care and supervision and routine counting. It is called arms condition return. Every month, the state of arms in the presidency is accounted for. He testified that where one is missing, the President must note it and search at the routines. Where a bullet is missing, the entire department must account for an Army, Navy or Air Force through brigade of guards) and the supervising entire department until it is found.

That he could not have handed over his rifle to a relatively new person that came

Alhaji Lateef Shofola

Major Al-Mustapha

,

them to bring the items they took away from him in order to help him present his case in Court.

That a day after the murder of Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, something happened between Abuja and South West leader, between the seat of Government, Presidency and Central Bank which he has documentary evidence and tape.

Money was given in large sum in his presence. He recorded what happened.

A day after the murder of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, which was extremely hot day, the sum of Two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000) was withdrawn in cash, seventy-five million pounds (£75,000,000) and five hundred million naira (N500,000,000). That is how the matter was initially doused and that was the first withdrawal from Central Bank and pictures were printed to South West particularly against him.

That was why, after the incident, Genera Abdulsalam Abubakar and himself sat at the same Aguda house where later Chief M.K.O. Abiola was murdered.

General Abdulsalam Abubakar posted him to Enugu and while he was rounding up

the handing over with him, he declared him absent with leave from Enugu having sent him to Pakistan.

He testified that he had known late Chief M.K.O. Abiola as far back as when he was in the army headquarters in 1985.

They were verv close in the sense that Chief M.K.O. Abiola used to call him whenever he has any engagement with any of the services army, navy, air force or ministry of defence, to facilitate his coming in and out of the place. Even after the annulment of June 12 election, when he used to consult General Abacha as a personal friend in trying to claim the mandate while Chief Ernest Shonekan was President, and General Abacha was Minister of Defence} he was the one assisting him to come in.

Personal confidence A particular incident was when there was a national emergency meeting, Chief M.K.O. Abiola came in the evening and said it was too far for him to go. He came in a very long wheel Mercedez Limousine and obliged to stay with him. The meal he ate that day came from his kitchen which was Amala. He stayed with him till 4a.m on personal confidence. That late Chief M.K.O. Abiola referred to him as a son, before Rev. Jesse Jackson and one time Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington when he took them to see him, where he was under police custody at Zone 7, Abuja .

At a time when Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s feeding was poor, he took it upon himself, because of his previous relationship with him to be paying for his feeding from the resources of security department until his death. The Commissioner of Police then in Abuja, through the catering officer of police, who used to prepare his dishes are still alive. That the police officer who guarded late Chief M.K.O. Abiola can testify to this, as well as one Mr. Zando, a police officer who stayed with him till his death.

One of Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s numerous visitors when he was incarcerated was Dr. Ore Falomo, PWl his personal physician who also is his own personal Doctor at Maryland Hospital.

Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was to have been killed the day General Abacha was killed, but,it was he who took him away to another location in the Barracks. He kept one Ikilamar, the commander of PW2 with the entire strike force in concealing him from those who wanted him shot. He is an enemy to those people till date. These people till date have been spending dollars sustaining this case, and spending

money on the media. He also assisted the deceased, Kola Abiola, the lawyers and PWl to visit Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He had made twenty eight statements and he was able to use his handcuff to count them on the wall by scratching the wall. He was confronted at the SIP meeting with PW2 and PW3 at SSS headquarters in the night, where they are being taught on how to face him. They call it "hardship boldness”. They were brought and confronted him by saying what they were told to face him with. They were well dressed in suits while he was on a singlet which he wore throughout the year. After they left, he was forced to make a statement without a date.

He was returned to force headquarters where he was initially kept. He met the two together at a sitting. He was also made to face Rabo Lawal, first as a witness and then as a co-accused. At the first headquarters SIP meeting, second floor, he was made to face Lateef Shofolahan whom he met laying on his back on the floor, groaning, with blood flowing out of his hands. He was later brought before the SIP to confront him and after the confrontation session, he was brought by one Mr. Ogeonum who gave him papers to copy as his statement.

He met Lateef Shofolahan for the 1st time in 1998 when two million man match was being prepared for in March. The two million man match was an occasion whereby youth had a rally in Abuja and youths from all over Nigeria gathered state by state in 1998.

Exhibit A2, statement of PW2 of the 29th of September 1999 was never shown to him at the SIP. He never sent N50, 000.00 through one Sukwanga Bello from Abuja to PW2 and others in Lagos. Moreso the said Sukwanga was working with the DG, SSS Lt. Colonel Kayode Are. Bello Sukwanga was a friend to PW2 Lieutenant Colonel Kayode Are was DG SSS from 1999-2007.

He denied that any arms were returned to him after the assignment through his orderly, because he gave out no arms in the first place. He could not have sent a messenger to PW2 to deny the commission of the crime because he had lost his liberty since 24th October 1998 and had had no access to anybody.

But for the intervention of Police Commissioner Okiro, he would have been killed.

Statements on daily basis At the first headquarters where he was being kept, he made statements on a daily basis which he counted to be 28 on the wall. He was tailored to accept the script and incriminate himself to tow the line of what PW2 said.

He was aware that PW2 complained against the convening authority of the SIP - Colonel Kayode Are for failing to meet up the promises promised him. Even PW2’s wife protested against PW2’s condition and not meeting up his demand to ameliorate the condition in which he was kept. Specifically, the way PW2 was kept in detention, the job promised to his wife which was not met. PW2’s wife complained openly at the presidency, the monetary reward to him which was supposed to be routine was not met. The SIP discussed this about PW2 with him directly.

He made his statement of September 23,1999 - Exhibit A3, before the SIP, and he made it while his hands and legs were

Continues on page 57

VANGU ARD, THURSD AY, JUL Y 1 8, 20 13 — 5 7 ANGUARD, THURSDA JULY 18, 201 57

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co

Conspiracy and murder When he says it is a script, it meant that he was particularly earmarked for this punishment, to be blackmailed by people in high places with mischievous intentions. Under cross-examination, he did say that SIP was instituted in 1999 by the Federal Government after other panels to investigate the allegation of the charges of conspiracy and murder against him. He faced a total of ten panels. They are: {1} In 1998 October he was brought to Abuja to face a panel instituted by the office of Chief of General Staff on the recovery of General Diya's coupist castled properties - He was cleared and indeed commended.

(2) Soon after he returned to Enugu, he was arrested for being in possession of General Abacha’s money and he was cleared in Abuja.

(3) He was accused of being in possession of General Abacha"s personal properties and was cleared.

(4) He was accused for gun running that from Libya, he was collecting bombs

prosecuting this case. Apart from the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) that sat in the Force Headquarters Abuja, that investigated this particular allegation before this Court, the Agbaje panel also investigated this matter to conclusion in writing and on video. He was transferred from Agbaje panel to SIP, when SIP was set up. At the conclusion of Agbaje panel, Rabo Lawal and himself had been cleared.

That he became an enemy to some eyes who wanted Abacha removed.

The SIP did not allow him to date his statements, but shortly before he was brought, he was made to date the first on the 20th, to make it dated on the 23rd of September 1999, then the one they call visa is the one of the 13th of October 1999.

He never made any statement voluntarily.

Exhibit A3 was not made voluntarily, but he stated facts therein. Anytime he made a statement, he is tortured.

Rabo LawaI was not in the country when this incident happened.

DW2 - Kyari Jieaid Gadzama - a retired military officer. Joined the Nigerian army in June 1993. He is orderly to the Appellant. He testified that strike force is a special force training. He undertook a course in it from late 1994 to 1995. He was appointed as orderly to the Appellant in 1994. He prepares the Appellant’s visitors list and takes his calls. He also reminds him of his calls. Ones names must be on the visitors list before he can see CSO for that day. If your name is not there, you will be denied access:’’At the end of each day, he hands over the daily visitors list to the P.A, for further references.

On the 4th of June 1996, he was in the Presidential villa Aso Rock in morning. He knows PW2. On that day PW2 and himself were together when they came for arms at the armories at the headquarters in Aguda Home in the villa.

He saw PW2 at about 10 to 11 in the morning on that day. One Garuba Alamu was with them on that day. He knows Kayode Are as Director General SSS during the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo.

That the procedure for the issuance of ammunitions in the military and the security department is that you go to armoury and sign in and at the end of your duty, you sign out. There are no exceptions.

That there are no transfers of arms to anybody because they are recorded in your

It is the same people that have been after him that are prosecuting this case

,

to overthrow General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

(5) He was charged for staging a coup against General Abdusalam Abubakar - He was cleared.

(6) He was made to face Agbaje panel who investigated this matter while they were on SIP was also convened and they left Agbaje's panel to the SIP. This makes 7 panels.

(7) In 20001 he was brought before Human Right Violation Investigation Commission Oputa Panel.

(8) In 2002, NJC constituted a panel that sat at the Magistrate Court at Kirikiri opposite the prison.

(9) The tenth panel was convened in the year 2004 to investigate him for staging a coup.

He was cleared of all these: It is the same people that have been after him that are

,

name and are numbered. It has to be through the armoury.

He was brought before Agbaje panel and another panel where he saw PW2 who told him to do anything he is told to do. Later on he was given a statement of PW2 and was told to go through it. He went through the statement and could not understand it. He was kicked till he fell and became unconscious. He was told to write down that all PW2 wrote down was true. He refused. But they said he must know. They insisted he must write something.

He wrote something, but they tore it and began to dictate to him to write that he was given arms, that PW2 gave him arms to give back to Appellant but he refused because such a thing did not happen. He was arrested three times.

He does not know PW3. That PW2 told him as at the time he was in detention

that he would soon be posted out and he would be Ieft behind if he does not cooperate with him to do what they say they should do. That as for him already, they will do something good for him.. That he has been given a house, he would soon be flying out and his visa is getting ready, and that if he co-operates to write, may be they could go together. He would soon be posted out on foreign assignment.

He does not know Lateef Shofolahan. He confirmed Exhibit A2.

The Appellant’s house was vandalized and his goods removed upon the instruction of the board and panel members.

,

Continues from page 56 chained. He was deprived of food. He was injured, deprived of medical attention even when he sustained injuries. This is because he was injured by the members of the SIP. He was deprived of sleep. They poured cold water on him during the cold season in Abuja. They used office pin on his head.

In all, he testified that he became a victim of the political class right from the death of General Abacha. As somebody who should be done away with for many reasons. When he changed places for Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, due to threat to his life, this did not go down well with some people, highly respected people in the society.

He was invited to be a witness against the Federal Government when the family of Chief M.K.O Abiola filed a suit against the Federal Government for damages. He refused and that did not go down well.

Two years after in 2004, 1st of March he was alleged to be staging a coup against President Obasanjo. A script after four years of torture, he was exonerated and apologized to.

ment dated 9th of October 1999. He was tortured after his arrest on the 8th of October 1999 and told to copy the statement on the 9th of October 1999 and told to put the 8th of October 1999 on the statement. He was told to write whatever they told him to write and that is how he came about the statement where the said inter alia that he is the protocol officer to the deceased.

He never went on errands for the deceased as stated in the statement. He does not know any Seriki Sania. He never took Seriki Sania to the Appellant, neither did the Appellant introduce him to Rabo LawaI. He knows one IPO who tortured him and

He does not know PW3. That PW2 told him as at the time he was in detention that he would soon be posted out

He confirms that the Appellant was very close to Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He was tortured in order to adopt what SLO Bashir and PW2 said but he refused, as he knows nothing about it.

He was cross examined. He emphasized that he was told to say that he knows what they were doing and he said it is not true.

He maintained that PW2 was with him at the Armoury in Abuja on the 4rh of June 1996 when the deceased was murdered in Lagos.

Regular meetings He testified that to his knowledge, PW2 had never visited the Appellant in his office except when he comes for CSO regular meetings which takes place at the parade ground.

Nobody comes to the Appellant’s office except on appointment.

DW2 is Alhaji Abdul Lateef Shofolahan - who later became co accused civilian, he was at the time at the maximum security prison Apapa Kirikiri facing the charge of conspiracy to murder, and murdering of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola in 1993, he worked at Hope 93, No 3 Opebi Road Ikeja, Lagos. Hope 93 is M.K.O. Abiola presidential campaign organization office. Upon closure of Hope 93, he went back to his business of beer distributor and he did that till when he was arrested in 1999. In 1999 he joined Olusegun Obasanjo presidential campaign. He knew the deceased when she used to come to Hope 93 to collect campaign materials. He also knows Dr. Doyin Abiola and Alhaja Bisi. He has never worked for the deceased.

He was never the deceased driver. He had begged Mrs. Ojonio of the Special Investigation Panel in Abuja to take him for identification to the Abiolas’ house if he ever worked for the deceased or in her household, but they did not accede to his request.

He remembers Exhibit A4 and a state-

,

anytime he sees him, he used to call him “my torturer.”

He saw PW2 for the first time at the Special Investigation Panel.

He met Muhammed Katako in 1999 for the first time through this trial. Before then, he never met him.

He was told to copy a person described as AVM Idi Musa. He came across that name from SIP. He had to copy the names into his statement because of the torture on him. He never met Katako at the National theatre. He never took Katako to Abiola’s house in Ikeja.

He met Rabo Lawal for the 1st time on the 9th of October 1999 at the Special Investigation Panel, Police Headquarters, Abuja. He denies le charges against him.

He does not know any Major Ado. Everything in the statement of le 8th of October 1999 is a lie. Except his name, date of birth and his ddress.

Under cross examination, he did say that his statement was given to him to copy and was not read to him. Papers were given to him to copy he contents in the statement. The torturer told him to sign.

He wrote more than twenty statements.

By this, he means that when he copies the contents of a paper given to him, they would say that is not what they want; remove this.

They did not tell him to say he killed the deceased. He has never lived in a barrack before. He lived with Obasanjo before, but not in the barracks.

He Shodolahan was not re-examined.

The prosecution tendered A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, DI-1, DI-2, DI-3, DI-4, DI-5, and DI-6 respectively.

At the close of proceedings, the learned trial judge found the Appellant guilty of conspiracy to murder and murder and was sentenced death vide Judgment delivered on the 30th of January 2012 by Hon. Justice M.A. dada (Mrs) of the High Court of Lagos State- pages 1545-1866 of the Record of Appeal Vol. 4.

To be continued tommorrow

58—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY18, 2013

My life in danger, Amaechi cries out Continues from page 5 mander had earlier appeared at Force Headquarters and before the DIG Philemon Leha-led investigative panel. Both Lloyd and Iwelu were to report in respect of the alleged roles they played in the crisis as could be seen from the video clips in circulation.

Also, Police headquarters yesterday issued a directive barring citizens from constituting themselves into or being part of an unlawful assembly in any part of the country.

It expressed dismay at the attitude of some Nigerians who have chosen the nation’s airports as points of congregating their followers saying, “these assemblies do not only constitute nuisance to the airport environment but are also a threat to the security of both genuine travellers and the airport authority.

Police bar unlawful assembly In separate statements signed by Force Spokesman, CSP Frank Mba, the Police said: “It would be recalled that in the video clips, a man carrying a mace and another in Police uniform as well as other security details were seen conducting themselves in a questionable and uncomplimentary manner.

"The invitation therefore seeks to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter. The IGP reminded Police personnel on various legitimate assignments particularly those attached to VIPs to always remain mindful of their conduct and ensure that they uphold the professional ethics, traditions and best practices of the Force at all times.

On the issues of violent and unlawful assemblies, and cautioning against unguarded and inflammatory utterances, the Police said: “In the light of emerging security challenges in parts of the country, especially the unfolding saga in Rivers State, citizens are hereby warned against constituting themselves

into or being part of an unlawful assembly in any part of the country.

“Citizens are reminded that airports all over the world are regarded as “restricted areas” and as such are traditionally shielded from unnecessary intrusion. The Force will not hesitate from the date of this statement, to bring the full weight of extant laws on persons found forming or being part of an unlawful assembly, especially riotous assemblies”.

Continuing the statement said: “The Force is very much aware and not unmindful of the fundamental rights of citizens particularly their rights to “freedom of expression” “peaceful assembly and association; “freedom of movement” among others as provided for in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); and is duty bound to respect and protect them.

“However, citizens are reminded that these rights and freedom must be enjoyed within the bounds of the law. Therefore, all assemblies must be peaceful, lawful and must not be intentionally contrived to provoke or abridge the rights of other citizens”.

“The Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility of ensuring not just the security of citizens, but to promote the unity and indivisibility of our dear country. It will therefore do all within its ability to ensure that the country remains secure, peaceful and indivisible”.

It said further: “The Police High Command uses this medium to reassure Nigerians of the willingness of the Force to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, but appeals for the cooperation and understanding of the good people of Nigeria”.

Soyinka warns of consequences

Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka in a statement titled, “Rivers Crisis: Final Statement”, warned of dire consequences should the crisis in Riv-

ers State be allowed to degenerate, noting that even after the Rivers crisis has been resolved, “this notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged”.

The statement said: “In public interest, in order to eliminate all further distraction and enable the nation to concentrate on issues that affect the democratic pursuit, it is necessary to make the following information available: Before the press conference held by Femi Falana and myself – that is, even before the Rivers Assembly fracas – I had been canvassed by opposing sides of the face-off, both via telephone and physically.

One such visit, perhaps the most significant, was made by a Special Adviser in the Presidency who outlined what can be regarded as the official rationale for the Governors’ Forum election debacle.

“In the process of this exchange, he did make certain complaints against Governor Rotimi Amaechi, including charges of a conflict of interests over certain resources. This was implied as the root of division between the Governors’ Forum and the Presidency. I wrote down the details, informed the emissary that I would pass on these accusations to Governor Amaechi – which I did.

That Amaechi hotly denied them and offered contradicting facts, which he urged me to verify, remained, and remains utterly irrelevant to the democratic core of the conflict – and this has been made clear to all interventionists: Keyed into this core are: (i) the arithmetics of democracy involved in figures 16 and 19 at the time, and now, with increased confidence in impunity, the figures 27 and 5. (ii) whether or not it is democratic, even cultured proceeding that a state governor is barred from public access anywhere within his own zone of constitutional authority, with the massive security apparatus of the centre, on behalf of an unelected individual.

Even after the Rivers cri-

sis has been resolved, this notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged.

“For the rest, since beneath the surface of most Nigerian conflicts will be found inordinate greed for public resources, it is perhaps pertinent to remind ourselves that oil is not the only marvel to emerge from the Delta swamps. There are also exotic creatures – mermaids, manatees, even mammy watas and hippopotami. However, unlike crude oil, which can be refined, you can extract a hippopotamus from the swamps, but you cannot take the swamp out of the hippopotamus”.

Hold Jonathan responsible — ACN In a related development, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked Nigerians to hold President Goodluck Jonathan responsible if the country slides into anarchy as a result of the worsening crisis in Rivers State.

Reacting to the reported attack on the four governors who visited Amaechi in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the party said in a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Oro, Kwara State, that the attack that took place under President Jonathan’s watch was unprecedented in the country’s history.

"We will not accept the usual sophistry that President Jonathan is not in any way involved in the Rivers crisis. It is also not an excuse to argue that the President did not know that the visiting governors will be attacked, because as the country’s chief security officer, he has his ears and eyes all over the country in the persons of security agents. Therefore, if the argument is that he did not know of the attack, then he is not on top of his game," it said.

ACN wondered when it became a sin for any Nigerian, including elected officials, to visit any part of the country as

the governors did, saying there can be no justification other than organized political rascality for a group of paid hoodlums to invade a secure environment like the airport and pelt the convoy bearing the governors with all sorts of objects.

Indicts Police The party wondered why the Police could not provide adequate security for the visiting state chief executives and restrain the hired scallywags from their audacious action.

"Would the police have allowed tramps to attack the governors if they were visiting the President? Would the police in Rivers have allowed vagrants to act freely if those visiting Port Harcourt had come in solidarity with the five renegade members of the state House of Assembly?

The unprofessional behaviour of the police in Rivers is the reason that Nigerians have accused the state police command of bias and called for the re-deployment of its ‘political’ commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu.

....Okays visit of four govs

"The visiting governors were right to have visited their Rivers’ counterpart, in the face of the siege on him by renegades being teleguided from higher quarters. They were right to had expressed solidarity with Gov. Amaechi, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. We salute the governors as true patriots and the real sustainers of our constitution, and we demand appropriate sanctions for those whose dereliction of duty put the governors’ lives in danger," it said.

ACN repeated its earlier warning against any contrived crisis in any part of the country as a way of pushing the country into a perpetual state of chaos, thus ensuring there will be no elections in 2015.

"The politics of 2015 cannot be removed from what is happening in Rivers. We have had cause to warn Nigerians to be vigilant against those who will foment trouble where there is none, just to put in abeyance the 2015 elections, especially where the emerging signals point

to the fact that they will be rejected by voters.

Those who are afraid of free and fair elections in 2015 will do anything to prevent one. Therefore, we are repeating our call on all Nigerians to be vigilant, because eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," the party said.

Resign or be impeached, Moddibo tells Jonathan Also, a group, Concerned Democrats of Conscience, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to voluntarily resign from office or face impeachment by the National Assembly over the crisis in Rivers State.

The group at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, gave the President one week within which to resign or risk impeachment by the National Assembly.

The National Coordinator of CDC, Mr. Ibrahim Modibbo, who made the position known at a press conference in Abuja, noted with regret that events in the political circle, especially the show of shame in the Rivers State House Assembly had continued to constitute a source of discomfort to decent democrats in the country.

Modibbo warned that if the President fails to resign, the National Assembly would be approached to commence impeachment proceedings against him.

He said: “As Democrats of Conscience, we shall struggle to fight against tyranny, despotic governance and authoritarian mindset of those vested with democratic power in Nigeria. We want to stand and be counted in support of total democracy or nothing else.

“The latest onslaught against Governor Rotimi Amaechi seems to suggest a desperate voyage or better still an ego trip mostly practised by people who are consumed in senseless but highly avoidable conflicts.

“President Jonathan’s silence in the face of serial humiliation of Governor Amaechi seems to suggest that the Presidency is comfortable with the acute abuse of the Constitution, flagrant rape on the rule of law with its attendant speedy decline of law and order in Rivers State.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 59

Yobo remains Eagles captain — Keshi S

•Yobo

Confusion over Suarez clause

L

IVERPOOL and Luis Suarez’s agent are in disagreement over a reported £40 million clause in the striker’s contract, according to the Times.

Suarez signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool last summer, and the Times reports that there is confusion regarding a clause inserted in that deal.

The newspaper claims Liverpool interpret the

stipulation as that they “must consider” offers of £40 million or more, whereas Suarez’s agent, Pere Guardiola, believes such an offer “ would effectively trigger his release”.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre recently confirmed that Arsenal have made an offer for the Uruguay international.

We lost 13-0

Continues from BP The coach told newsmen in Abuja that Police Machine had won the match 13-0 and not 67-0.

According to him, “the first half ended 10 in favour of Police Machine with the remaining 12 goals scored in the second half making it 13 goals and not 67 goals.

“Due to fatigue and the fact that we were down to nine men, 12 more goals were scored in the second half and the match ended 13-0 in favour of Police Machine.

“Let’s apply some common sense, even if Police Machine was scoring at the rate of one goal per minute, how is it possible for them to score up to 66 goals in 45 minutes? It is impossible.

“I don’t understand where they manufactured or fabricated the 67 goals from. It can only have been done after the match,” Yayari said.

Reacting to the Coach’s statement, NFA General Secretary, Musa Amadu wondered why there was no formal letter written by the club to the NFA stating that it was not 67 goals but rather 13 goals scored in the match.

“If there was a report circulated nationally and internationally that your team was defeated 67-0 and you heard or saw it, it is a matter of great concern to which a response would be required.

“We would have expected that the clubs concerned would have immediately debunked that in writing through the Gombe State Football Association.

“I don’t know why such an action was not taken to address the situation immediately this discrepancy was discovered,” Amadu queried.

He said that a committee had been set up to “investigate this allegation and other issues bedevilling the league.”

UPER Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has said Fernabahce of Turkey star defender, Joseph Tambarin Yobo, remains the national team skipper, even if he has not been in constant contact with him recently.

Speaking at a media interaction at the team’s Bolton White Apartments camp in Abuja on Wednesday, Keshi says he has a lot of respect for Yobo because of what he has done for the nation and cannot invite him to the team only to put him on the bench. “It will not be fair to invite Yobo to the national team and ask him to be on the bench, it will be a huge disgrace and I won’t be part of that. When the team needs him he will be recalled and will definitely start as captain even if along the line we substitute him”.

Keshi used the opportunity to praise the proactive manner the Nigeria Football Federation have been handling affairs

of the national players despite its lean financial situation and thanked the Aminu Maigari led board for their hardwork.

U

A

FTER four months injury lay off, Emmanuel Emenike is back playing in the Russian league. The Nigerian came on for Spartak Moscow in the 66th minute to replace Yura Movsisyan on on the opening day of the Russia Premier League at the Stadion Metallurg home of Krylya Sovetov.

Emenike had been out with two injury spells but showed that his rehabilitation was complete by coming on to help his side claim an opening day 2-1 victory over Sovetov.

Emenike in action for club

the west London club were willing to offer David Luiz and Juan Mata in part exchange, but the Europa League holders have strenuously denied either player formed part of their bid.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that yesterday it made a written offer to Manchester United for the transfer of Wayne Rooney,” a club statement read.

20 Eagles Continues from BP returns to the squad for the first time since that feat, and there is also room for Newcastle United FC’s Shola Ameobi, who recently again made himself available for Nigeria.

Nimble-footed Chelsea FC ace Victor Moses is also back and while goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama is left out, sharp-shooting Obinna Nsofor returns after nearly two years in the international wilderness.

the players who have not been invited in the current squad still have an opportunity to be part of the team .

Emenike returns

United reject Chelsea’s opening bid for Rooney Initial reports suggested NITED immediately rejected the bid on Tuesday night and insist Rooney is not for sale, despite the player’s desire to quit Old Trafford following the total breakdown of his relationship with the club.

Rooney is understood to have expressed a desire to join Chelsea and the Londoners are expected to return with an improved offer.

He called for more support for the NFF so that they can meet their obligations to all the national teams and declared that all

Former junior international forward Uche Nwofor, of VVV Venlo in the Netherlands, is a surprise invitee in a list dominated by the squad that represented Nigeria at last month’s FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil.

Coach Keshi has placed three home boys - defenders Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe and striker Muhammad Gambo - and little known Norway-based Samuel Aaron on standby.

“They know me. They know that I’m not going to make their lives easy, that I’m going to give them absolutely nothing.

“And because they know me, from the first day they never questioned that situation and worked hard.

“I honestly don’t see them any different to before.

“And when I see Terry,

Mourinho Continues from BP Cole, Lampard, the way they are working at 32, 32 and 35-years-old, it’s easy for me to demand the same from the other guys.

“I can say ‘Look at them. They don’t miss one minute — they are training like animals’.

18 Eagles Continues from BP championship.

Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi Achor, said only 18 players will be dressed for the encounter and it will be useless taking more than the required number to Abidjan, as others who have been in camp with the rest of the squad should have gained the much needed experience. Twenty players were originally primed for the trip.

The team continued its buildup at the Atro Turf pitch of the Goal Project in Abuja, with all the 24 players showing enthusiasm about the possibility of making the final cut for the Abidjan trip.

Keshi has already assured them that there will be no favouritism in the final se-

lection of players for the trip as only merit will be the yardstick.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will on Friday morning at the FIFA Goal Project site take on Abuja FC in a game primed to test the readiness of the players for the war against the Ivorain Elephants in Abdjan.

Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta, says Coach, Stephen Keshi has already approved the game and necessary contacts have been made for the test match, which will be played on Friday morning.

FC Abuja, features in the second tier of the Nigerian league and have been described as a very solid side by several coaches.

60 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

27 states for Chief E.K Clark wrestling state government for the championship provision of an enabling

T

WENTY seven states have indicated interest to participate in the maiden edition of Chief E.K Clark national wrestling championship taking place in Warri, Delta state from 24th to 27th July 2013.

The championship which is being organized by the Delta state wrestling association in conjunction with the wrestling federation of Nigeria will witness contests in various categories in the four-day event aimed at honoring one of South South elder-states men, Chief E.K Clark for his tremendous contributions towards the growth of the sports in the state and the region as a whole.

Speaking with news men in Warri, the na-

tional president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honorable Daniel Igali who is also the director of organization for the championship commended the Delta

environment as well as facilities to host wrestlers from across the country.

He said he was impressed with the preparations and facilities on ground.

G

ARETH Bale marked his birthday by wearing the new Spurs shirt in action for the first time – and reminded Tottenham fans why they won’t be

celebrating unless he’s still wearing it in another 48 days.

The Welsh wizard who ended last season with a

Mourinho content with season opens on 18 Auslim win gust with a visit from

C

•Lukaku

Bale rescues Spurs

HELSEA boss Jose Mourinho was satisfied with the team’s performance after they started their pre-season with a 1-0 win over Singha AllStars.

A Romelu Lukaku penalty was the difference between the teams at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Mourinho admits he is relishing the prospect of competitive action though when the

Hull City.

“It’s just good to be back, but I’m waiting for Hull City, my first match when we play for points,” Mourinho said.

“Defensively we were very strong. We moved the ball quite well, but we didn’t create many chances.

“We are not sharp at the moment, we have a lot to improve, but it was okay - it was a good training session.

“I’m okay with the game and that performance.”

dazzling 14 goals from his last 16 club games – plus a couple for his country for good measure – started the same way.

He took just 15 minutes to get on the scoresheet against Swindon, pulling down a neat pass from Gylfi Sigurdsson before hammering a trademark left foot volley beyond the reach of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

But it was only a surprise he’d taken that long to get a goal against the League One side. He could have scored after just 75 seconds when Foderingham’s brave save stopped his close range shot after he had run onto Kyle Walker’s cross.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 61

62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 — 63

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

20 Eagles to play for Mandela H

EAD Coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited 20 players to the Super Eagles’camp ahead of the high-profile international friendly against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Durban on August

Fantasy Football Scores

We lost 13 – 0, not 67 - 0 •Bubayaro FC coach opens up •Refutes claims of match fixing C NFF report on scandal out today T

OACH of Buba yaro FC of Gombe, Bala Yayari, on Tuesday refuted claims that his team lost 67-0 to Police Machine of Adamawa during the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL) promotion play-off.

Continues on Page 59

Mourinho: Old boys working like animals

J

HE Nigeria Football Federation will today make public its report on the controversial 146 goal scandal involving four amateur league clubs.

Sports Vanguard gathered that the Disciplinary and Organising Committee which met for three days, between Monday and Wednesday submitted its recommendations to the NFF President, Aminu Maigari for consideration.

“We submitted our report to the President who will in turn make his final report known tomorrow,” Chief Mike Umeh, Chairman D&O told our reporter yesterday.

He said the NFF’s stand on the issue will be made public today.

18 Eagles for Abidjan

O

NLY18 players from the 24 presently in camp will make the trip to Abidjan, Cote

•Maigari

D’Ivoire for the return leg of the final round qualifier of the CHAN

Continues on Page 59

14.

The annual Mandela Challenge contest at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is in honour of ailing former South African President, Dr. Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s greatest statesmen.

Russia-based Emmanuel Emenike, top scorer at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations that Nigeria won in South Africa earlier in the year, Continues on Page 59

TUG OF WAR: Ajani Ibrahim of Sunshine Stars challenges Sunday Chinedu of Rangers in a NPFL match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu

OSE MOURINHO says his Chelsea old guard are working “like animals” — and scaring the new boys to death.

Veterans Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole have set the fiercest pace in preseason training so far.

The Special One, who kicks off his second stint as Blues boss in Thailand today, grinned: “The good thing with my previous players is that what I see makes me very happy.

Continues on Page 59

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Laud (5) 7 Branch (4) 8 Prophecy (6) 9 Romany (5) 11 Lettuce (3) 13 Sorrow (3) 15 Just (4) 16 Pendulum (3) 18 Hobble (4) 19 Withdraw (7) 20 Posterior (4) 22 Sharpen (4) 23 Ostracise (7) 25 Look (4) 27 Colour (3) 28 Smoke (4) 30 Sailor (3) 31 Infant (3) 33 Endure (5) 36 March (6) 37 Uncommon (4) 38 Crookedly (5)

DOWN 1 Faint (5) 2 Ovum (3) 3 Summit (3) 4 Ballad (3) 5 Era (3) 6 Stableman (5) 10 Hole (4) 11 Depraved (7) 12 Sleep (7) 13 Lacking (7) 14 Name (7) 16 Seat (5) 17 Beast (5) 18 Statute (3) 21 Burst (3) 24 Eject (4) 26 Soil (5) 29 Grieve (5) 32 Fasten (3) 33 Stitch (3) 34 Some (3) 35 Arid (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Twist 5, Labour 8, Paste 10, Potent 11, Fire 14, Torpid 15, Conceit 18, Nib 21, Near 23, Remit 24, Hem 27, Dig 29, Bog 31, Doubted 32, Poured 34, Tote 35, Easily 38, Lodge 39, Repeal 20, Edged.

How to Play Sudoku

P

DOWN: 2, Woo 3, Speech 4, Tan 5, Left 6, Barren 7, Rudder 9, Stained 12, Ion 13, Epee 16, Ogre 17, Timid 20, Bigoted 22, Axle 24, Supper 25, Abut 26, 26, Morose 28, Abused 30, Get 33, Dell 36, Age 37, Lie.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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