Govs want Jonathan to end Rivers crisis by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61929

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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

8 GOVS PAY SOLIDARITY VISIT TO AMAECHI

SOLIDARITY—From left: Imo State Deputy Governor; Prince Eze Madumere; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor; Dameshi Mama Luka; Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); the host,Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers);Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muktar Anka and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, during a solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, yesterday, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Govs want Jonathan to end Rivers crisis

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME & WOLE MOSADOMI

•Urge Amaechi to visit President

•Crisis is threat to democracy — Abdulsalami •Amaechi didn't impose curfew on Okirika — Rivers govt •We're yet to address causes of civil

war, Ex-Generals lament COLUMNIST:

DONU KOGBARA •P.17

ADISA ADELEYE

•P.58

FG should obey court ruling on Press Council — NPAN•P.9

—P.5

ORTHARCOURT— GOVERNORS of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Imo and Zamfara states, yesterday, condemned the current crisis in Rivers State and called for President Goodluck Jonathan’s intervention. They also urged all ac Continues on Page 4

Mr & Mrs

Dangote disburses N10bn to women, youths P.16 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Govs want Jonathan to end Rivers crisis Continues from page 1 tors in the crisis to sheathe their swords. The governors' call came as former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over to a democratically elected government in May 1999, yesterday, expressed sadness over the current crises in Rivers State, and warned the political gladiators to tread softly so as not to truncate the nation's democracy. Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) condemned the crisis in Rivers when they paid a solidarity visit to their Rivers State counterpart and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Government House, Port Harcourt. The Governors of Imo, Nasarawa and Zamfara states were represented by their deputies.

State. We have met with our brother and Chairman of our forum, Governor Amaechi. We had exhaustive discussions.

try on the very challenging security situation here in Rivers State. We believe that our chairman and brother will

IGP should restore people's confidence

our brother thought it will be important for the hierarchy of our Police authority, the Inspector General of Police to help

Amaechi in high spirit

— Zamfara deputy gov

Fayemi speaks for govs The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Fayemi, who first spoke for the governors said: “We are here in solidarity with the governor, the government and people of Rivers State in this very challenging time. We are concerned as fellow governors representing our governments and people of our states. You may not know the deputies who are here. Nasarawa, Imo and Zamfara governors are represented by their deputies here. I take it that you know the rest of us governors who are here in the delegation. You are also aware that some of our colleagues were here a couple of days ago. “We are here because we think security for us is far more of a major concern to the people of Nigeria. You may be aware that today is National Economic Council meeting; all of us ought to be in Abuja attending the meeting. Our being here is not a denigration of that meeting in anyway, just to stress the importance of our concern for the security of the citizens of Rivers C M Y K

dence of the government, the governor and the people in the police in the state”. While reaffirming their loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan, the governors urged the President to wield his moral authority in ensuring that enduring peace returns to Rivers State. “We believe that the remarks really require the moral authority of Mr President and Governor Amaechi. The state of security in the entire country is also of concern to him. We believe that Mr President, being our leader, we are all Presidents men, we are all Presidents governors;.we believe that he actually occupies a very critical position that necessitates his wielding his moral authority ensuring that peace reigns here.”

“He has briefed us on the situation on ground here. We do feel strongly, having listened to him, that it would be quite important for him to actually go and brief Mr President who is our leader and the Chief Security officer of the coun-

give serious consideration to that particular concern. We have expressed to him that it is important as Chief Security Officer of the state to take the opportunity to go and brief Mr President on the security situation."

The governors further enjoined the Inspector General of Police to take steps to restore confidence of the government and people of Rivers State in the Police command in the state. According to him: “We also in our decision with

in restoring the confidence of the people of Rivers State that have greatly been diminished in the Police service and the Command here in the state. We believe that the IG is very well placed to help take the necessary step to restore the confi-

On his part, the deputy governor of Zamfara State, Muktar Anka, confirmed that it was resolved at the meeting they had with Governor Amaechi that he should meet with President Jonathan on how to end the crisis in the state, adding that the crisis was avoidable. He further described governor Amaechi as one accepted by his people. "We being progressive governors, we met with our Chairman of Governors' Forum, the Rivers State Governor. We were very happy that we met him in high spirit. It shows that he is so popular. We are very happy with that. We resolved and we advised him that he should meet with the President to discuss with him so that we can find way out of this crisis which is avoidable and we believe that by his meeting with the President actually we will find a way of resolving the crisis in Rivers State. That is all I can say after what my brother and boss, Ekiti State Governor has said.” This would be the second solidarity visit this week by state governors to their Rivers State counterpart. Those on the first solidarity visit to

Continues on page 5

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON second year of independence few days ago. He then urged Nigerians, no matter their position, to make peace their watch word in order to give room for the sustenance of democracy and pave way for rapid development in the country.

Police investigation into Rivers crisis one-sided — ACN

PRESENTATION—Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima (2nd right) presenting gifts to an orphan whose parents were killed by Boko Haram insurgents,after the Governor hosted orphanned victims at the Government House in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Govs want Jonathan to end Rivers crisis Continues from page 4 him included Jigawa, Kano, Adamawa and Niger State governors.

Crisis, threat to democracy — Abdulsalami Meanwhile, General Abubakar who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Minna, Niger State, stressed that, having been involved in peace efforts in Sudan and Southern Sudan,

Nigerians should do everything within their power to prevent crisis because of the devastating effects of unrest in any country. “I must tell you that the happenings in Rivers State are quite sad. I hope the politicians will try to put a brake and reflect on what they are doing in order not to truncate the democracy we are all enjoying now. Its quite sad. “In a democracy, there are limits to what freedom

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer –Rick Pitino. Do not limit yourself, excel to excellence.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

You’ve got this life and while you’ve got it, you’d better kiss like you only have one moment; try to hold someone’s hand like you will never get another chance to, look into people’s eyes like they’re the last you’ll ever see; watch someone sleeping like there’s no time left; jump if you feel like jumping, run if you feel like running, play music in your head when there is none, and eat your favourite food like it’s the only one left in the world! —Joy Bell HAT is it that we all seek so relentlessly and beautifully? Etched in our hearts is the primordial love, a beautiful recall of the divine essence, and when we do find this love, it is a rediscovery of the self; for we are this love that we seek in the eyes of a loved one, in a warm hug of a friend, in the loving smile of a child and the beauty in nature. We long to share beautifully with another and to feel the loving embrace of this awesome energy is a continuous awaking of being in the presence of love. To live life gracefully, one must be genuinely and forever grateful. Always expect all good things to be yours, and do not take anything for granted. If there may be a key, to a beautiful life, this is the key.

is all about. Your freedom of speech and freedom of action stops where you start infringing on others’ freedom and I hope they will take note of that and then check themselves. I must tell you again that certainly what is happening in Rivers state is very sad,” he further added. Abubakar who voluntarily handed over power to civilians as the military Head of State after about nine months in office on May 29, 1999, reminded politicians of limitations to their freedom of speech and actions. He also warned politicians not to misuse the freedom they now enjoy by annoying other Nigerians to avoid any trouble that could lead to insecurity and violence in the country. According to him, politicians across the country must tread softly as the unfolding events in the country, especially, the Rivers State crises could torpedo the nation’s democracy. On his role in peace keeping missions globally especially in Sudan, Gen. Abubakar described the outcome as encouraging and promised not to relent until total peace returned to the affected countries. Abubakar further said that Southern Sudan was now enjoying relative peace which had enabled it to celebrate her

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has however urged the police to be more circumspect and avoid being partisan in their ongoing investigation into the crisis in Rivers State, if the outcome of the investigation is to be acceptable to Nigerians. In a statement issued in Oro, Kwara State, yesterday by its National Publicity Secretar y, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the fact that only the security aides of Gov. Chibuike Amaechi have been invited to Abuja for questioning by the police hierarchy, and also the fact that only the majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, has been declared wanted, have provided an insight into the thinking of the police on the issue. It wondered why Rivers Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu, who provided cover for the five renegade lawmakers to attack the House while failing to provide security for the House to sit, and the leader of the renegade lawmakers Evans Bipi, who allegedly started the crisis in the House by punching Lloyd and the Speaker of the House on the face,

were not invited along with the others.. ‘’As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Definitely there are two sides to every issue, including the crisis that rocked the House of Assembly last week. It therefore amounts to a warped investigation to focus only on one side, as the police appear to be doing. This kind of investigation can only lead to jungle justice, and further erode the credibility of the police, who have now descended into the arena instead of staying above the fray. "This is why we warned, in our earlier statement, that the police should go beyond addressing the symptoms in its efforts to unravel the role played by the security agency in the festering crisis. We hate to say that the action of the police hierarchy has vindicated us,’’ ACN said. The party said the fact that the police hierarchy appears to be shielding the glaringly-partisan Police Commissioner in Rivers (despite the shabby treatment he has meted out to the state’s chief executive) and the five renegade members

has made it hard for Nigerians to believe in the neutrality of the police in this matter. ‘’Equally worrisome is the unilateral deployment of new security aides to the Rivers Government House without the usual practice of giving the Governor a say in who his security aides are. It is therefore not surprising that the Governor has raised the alarm about his personal security. After all, he does not know what instructions these new aides have, especially since the untouchable Commissioner of Police remains in the saddle!" Meanwhile, the ACN has said the root cause of the Rivers crisis appears to have come to the fore, going by the statement credited to the First Lady on Wednesday, that it started four years ago when Gov. Amaechi apparently defied Her Excellency’s appeal not to demolish a part of Okrika. "This revelation is a mortal blow to all those who have been struggling to distance the President and the First Lady from the Rivers crisis."

Amaechi didn't impose 9-month curfew on Okirika — Rivers govt BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ORTHARCOURT— RIVERS State government has dismissed as untrue, allegations by wife of President Goodluck Jonathan that Governor Chibuike Amaechi imposed a nine months curfew on Okrika area of the state. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari who spoke in Port Harcourt, also said the state government did

not carry out the demolition it had planned around a school in Okrika to create a play ground for children at the model school being built in the area. According to her: “For us in Rivers State, the wife of the President is a Rivers woman. It’s a thing of pride that a Rivers woman is the wife of the President. I have read the statement credited to her. It is important to know she is calling for peace. This shows clearly that some per-

sons were acting without her consent. That is what her statement connotes. "On the allegation that the governor imposed a nine month curfew on Okrika, Semenitari said “there might be quite some error on that. She did say that she was pleased with the governor for restoring peace in Okrika. There had never been any time this government imposed a nine months curfew on Okrika. It may have occurred before governor Amaechi came in."

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Police foil robbery attempt, arrest 2 suspects BY EMMA AMAIZE

ARRI — POLICE in Delta State, yesterday, frustrated an attempt by a three-man armed robbery gang to hold up passengers at Aragba, along Abraka Road, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state. State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the incident, said the bandits started operation, yesterday morning, at Isiokolo while the police, acting on a tip-off, laid siege for them. He said: “Two of the robbers are under arrest, while the third member fled and police are on his trail. One AK 47 and one locally-made double-barrel gun were recovered.” According to him, “the robbers, operating in a Toyota Highlander, with number plate, AS 234 ASB, attempted to attack a yet-to-be identified commercial vehicle, but there was alert from the locals.” He said police and anti-cult vigilance groups in the area gave the bandits a hot pursuit before they could rob the passengers and recovered the vehicle.

... nab 3 suspected kidnappers of 3-yr-old boy Also, police in Delta State have seized three suspects, who supposedly abducted a three-year-old boy, Destiny Osanebi, from his parents’ home at Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, four days ago. The suspects, Oyibosochukwu, Goddy and Uzor, all vigilance group members, were nabbed with two guns and they led the police to where the victim was kept. Destiny, whose father, Mr. Lucky Osanebi, is the elder brother of the member, representing Ndokwa East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Osanebi was released, unhurt. Hon Osanebi, who confirmed the release of Destiny to Vanguard, yesterday, commended Delta State Commissioner of Police for his swift response. “No ransom was paid and no ransom was collected,” Osanebi said, adding: “The police carried out a commendable operation and I commend the Commissioner of Police.”

Edo police parade 32 suspected criminals ...including pastor who defiled two 11-yr-old girls BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY — THE Edo State Police Command, yesterday, paraded 32 suspected criminals involved in robbery, kidnapping, cultism, including one Eze Fidelis, a pastor with a Pentecostal church in Abudu, Orhiomnwon Local Government Council, who defiled two underage girls. Among the suspects were also three rapists and four persons including a woman involved in robbing unsuspecting passengers using commercial vehicles (popularly known as one chance). The Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Funso Adebanjo, who paraded them, yesterday, also displayed cache of arms recovered from the suspects. CP Adebanjo who said the command had apprehended over 90 suspected robbers and kidnappers in the past one month, lamented rising cases of defilement of minors in the state. He warned residents to be wary of the latest trends whereby people use taxis to rob unsuspecting passengers. According to him, “today we have 32 suspects that we are parading and they were involved in different crimes, ranging from robbery, kidnapping to cultism and people who are involved in

defilement of the girl child. This defilement thing in the state now is disturbing. We will not allow them to go scot-free. And that is why we continue to appeal to members of the public to always give us useful information because we cannot do it alone. “But let me also alert members of the public. There is an emerging crime since the ban on Okada was effected. It is called one chance. What they do is that they always have a woman among them so that will make people

not to suspect them. There is always somebody that claims to be a pastor with them, they will deceive you to say you have a particular problem and they will rob you of everything. “One of their victims, a lady, had to go to a bank to withdraw N150,000. ""\We are going to work with Road Safety and the Board of Internal Revenue so that all vehicles on the road must be registered. People should shine their eyes very well, they are using

some vehicles pretending to be taxi drivers.” Pastor Fidelis Eze who confessed that he actually defiled one Joy and Anthonia both of them 11 years old, said he was possessed by evil spirit to commit the act. He said: “I am really ashamed of myself particularly as a pastor. I have been a pastor at Deeper Life for over six years but I was tempted to defile these girls. They are always visiting me, so this particularly day I defiled both of them.”

Suspected rapists, Segun Otaru and Pastor Fidelis Eze.

Sex scandal: Court orders ex-director to pay N.5m damages ...dissolves 19-yr-old marriage, grants husband custody of the children

SABA— A DELTA State High Court, Kwale, has dissolved a 19-year old marriage of a Lagos businessman, Mr Fiddis Ogwugwa, on the ground that his wife, Charity, engaged in amorous affairs with the former Executive Director of Law Union and Rock Insurance Company, Mr Olusegun Ilori. The court in its judgment also ordered Ilori and Charity, to jointly pay N500,000 damages for the trauma and trespass, they caused Mr Ogwugwa and particularly for the irresponsible acts of Ilori in ruining the matrimonial home of Mr Ogwugwa. Olusegun Ilori was at the time of filing the divorce petition Executive Director of Law Union, while Charity was Project Manager. The devoice petition was initially filed before a Lagos State High Court, before it was re-filed before a Delta State High Court, Kwale, when the petition was struck out by Justice Dawodu Williams of Lagos High Court. According to Mr Ogwugwa, he was lawfully married to his wife, Charity, on November 25, 1994 according to the marriage act. The marriage produced two children, a boy and a girl. He stated that what led to the collapse of the marriage started

sometime in the year 2003, when his wife, excusing herself to receiving phone calls at odd hours of the day therefore, the petitioner became suspicious. He added that between December 2003 and February 2004, he petitioner found an amorous text from Segun Ilori to his wife, he then called both of them and cautioned them about the misconduct to which both denied any sexual relationship. On April 18, 2010 he sent an email that could be shared between two lovers to his wife, she acknowledged the mail on April 19, 2010, shortly after, she forwarded same mail to Segun Ilori and in error forwarded a copy to him. This opened floodgate of suspicion that led to the discovery of several amorous email messages between the two lovers. Upon being confronted by the petitioner, his wife confessed to having an adulterous and unprotected oral sex with her boss in the office on several other occasions. Consequently, Mr Ogwugwa sought the dissolution of the marriage on the ground that the marriage had broken down and the custody of the two children produced by the marriage and N20 million as special and gen-

eral damages for the trauma, tresspass and irresponsibility of Segun Ilori, the party cited in the divorce petition as the person responsible for the collapse of the marriage. In her judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Jahegho Williams, said: “I have carefully considered this petition. They are not contradicted or controverted and as such, assumed to be correct. This court, therefore, has no option in the absence of any other fact miti-

gating against the petition, has been proved as required by law. I, therefore, dissolve the said marriage of November 25, 1994. Further, I give custody of the children to the petitioner. “I also award the sum of N500,000 against Charity and Olasegun Ilori, jointly as special and general damages for the trauma and tresspass of them particularly for the irresponsible acts of Segun Ilori in ruining the matrimonial home of the petitioner.”

How my wife moved in with her

AGOS —A 35-YEAR-OLD cobbler, Mr Oluwatobi Odebode, yesterday, told an Iyana-Ipaja Customary Court in Lagos that his wife, Titilayo, vacated their matrimonial home to live with her boss. Oluwatobi, who was the respondent in a divorce suit, said that he returned home from work on December 24, 2012, to discover that his wife had moved out of their home. He said: “My wife is promiscuous; when I heard that she was dating her boss, I queried her but she denied it. But now, she has moved into his house.” The respondent, whose wife had filed for divorce, alleging

battery and irresponsibility, admitted to beating Titilayo, but said that it only happened occasionally when she did wrong. “I used to beat her but not regularly, just to make her turn a new leaf, which she never did,” he said. The respondent described his estranged wife as a liar. According to him, Titilayo, 32, who is a trader, had been going about to tell people that her family had returned the N10,000 dowry he paid on her, which was not true. The cobbler said his sister-inlaw had denied him access to his two-year-old son, who was living with her.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—7

Blind man, 5 others arrested for running baby factory ...baby boy sold for N530,000; girl - N370,000 BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA —A 54-YEAR-OLD blind man, Mr. Geoffrey Okoli, and five others have been arrested by the men of the Anambra State command of the Department of State Service, DSS, for allegedly operating a baby factory in the state. The blind man, a 1994 Sociology and Anthropology graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, is a welfare officer in one of the local government areas of the state. It was gathered, yesterday, that two of the babies produced at the factory, a boy and a girl, were sold forN530, 000 and N370,000 respectively by the blind man and his major accomplice, one Mrs. Catherine Eze, said to be on the run. Anambra State Director of DSS, Mr. Alex Okeiyi, told reporters in Awka that the suspects will be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, in Enugu for further interrogation. Two girls, aged 17 and 19 years respectively, arrested at the centre claimed they did not benefit financially when their babies were sold. According to Okeiyi, Okoli was apprehended in his house located within the local government secretariat with an eight-month old pregnant teenager whose name was simply given as Anisiobi. Okeiyi said: “Her (Anisiobi’s) unborn baby was slated for sale on delivery, but unfortunately, the girl started bleeding on July 10, 2013 and had to be delivered of a baby girl through caesarian section the same day at Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Awka. Unfortunately, the baby later died.”

I sold two babies —Suspect Speaking, yesterday, at the state headquarters of the DSS in Awka, Okoli confessed that he had al-

boss — Husband He said: “Anytime I go to her house to check on the welfare of my son, she will not allow me to see him. On one occasion, she beat me up and warned me not to come to her house again.” The petitioner had urged the court to dissolve her two-year-old marriage, alleging battery and maltreatment. She said: “Oluwatobi turned me into a punching bag. I had to pack out from his house because I didn’t want him to kill me before my time.” Titilayo said her husband lacked respect for her parents and claimed that the respondent on one occasion visited her parents’ home to beat up her mother for allegedly insulting him.

ready sold two babies, a boy and a girl, adding that he started the business last year. He said: “I sold the boy to one woman at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area for N530,000 last month and the girl who delivered him had gone back to her place in Akwukwu in Idemili South Local Government Area. “Also last month, I sold a girl

for N370,000 and the mother is from Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area. The woman who bought the baby came from Aguluezechukwu. “I know that what I have been doing is wrong, but I did it to help those girls who had no place to live when they were driven out of their homes. “I am a social welfare officer by profession. Last year, Mrs. Kate

Eze came to my office and told me that she and her husband were AS genotype and that their children used to die soon after birth, which made them childless and that she needed to adopt a baby. “I advised them to process the adoption papers through the Ministry of Women Affairs which they agreed and left and I never knew, it will result to this.”

Man sentenced to community service for stealing BY UJU MBANUSI

AGOS — The Yaba Mag istrate's Court, yesterday, sentenced a man to two hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to stealing. Vanguard gathered that the man simply identified as Patrick committed the offence, Wednesday at about 6:30 am, at the premises of a transport company located around Jibowu-Yaba area of Lagos. An eye witness to the crime, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that the man walked into the booking section of the transport company when travellers were busy making bookings, pretending he was travelling. After he surveyed the place to asserting no one suspected him, he went straight to pick a young man's travelling bag while the owner was at the counter paying for his trip. The accused, after taking the bag attempted to get away when he was accosted by one of the security officers. According to the eyewitness, “the security officer accosted him as he made to leave the premises with the bag. The convict initially argued that the bag belonged to him. Another security officer who saw him from one

LORIN— THERE was pan demonium, yesterday, at Zango area, along old Jebba road, Ilorin when three males of the same parents were crushed to death by an articulated truck with nunmber plate DDM 15XA. The three victims were identified as Sakari Yau, Wasiu Yau and Ganiu. They were said to be students of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, who were going to write ongoing examinations. At press time, the manage-

BY TAYE OBATERU

OS — Three persons were reportedly killed in an automobile accident in Anglo-Jos area of the Plateau State capital, Wednesday, when their driver lost control and rammed into a stationary vehicle. Two other people are on admission at the Plateau Specialist Hospital following injuries sustained in the accident which occurred around the area popularly called Channel Seven. Eyewitnesses said the driver of the Peugeot 306 vehicle apparently lost control and crashed into the parked truck. “It was in the morning and as we were indoors we suddenly heard a loud sound. We rushed to the scene to assist the victims,” a resident said. He said two occupants of the car died instantly while the third died in hospital, adding that it took a combined effort of security men and residents to rescue those injured from the wreckage and take them to hospital.

NDLEA arrests 2 with 2.615kg cocaine in ceramics, buttons at MMIA BY DANIEL ETEGHE

ABOVE: The suspect on community service and (BELOW): The suspect leaving the court room of the CCTVs mounted at strategic locations within the premises supported his colleague. “Not able to deny the accusation and seeing the angry travellers that had gathered to

lynch him, the convict confessed to the crime, pleading for mercy.” Vanguard also gathered that he was taken to Sabo Police station where he made further confession.

Truck crushes 3 siblings in Ilorin BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

Three die in Jos auto crash

ment of the school could not confirm whether the victims were students. Eye witness account told Vanguard that the truck was moving when a motorcycle, with the three siblings on it suddenly emerged from nowhere and ran in front of it. Two died on the spot while the third person died on the way to University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH. Angry sympathisers were said to have burnt the truck, while the driver fled. Contacted, Kwara State Sec-

tor Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mrs MaryWakawa confirmed the incident, saying: “The incident actually happened. We were called in for a rescue operation. Three people were on a motorcycle. They ran into a moving trailer. Two died on spot and one died on the way to the hospital. They were all males from the same parents. “Their corpses were deposited at UITH. People later attacked the truck and it was burnt but the driver escaped.”

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday, arrested two suspected drug traffickers for illegal importation of 2.615 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside ceramics meant for interior decoration as well as buttons from Brazil at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. The suspects, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuemeka, 38, and Mr. Otum Godgive Osundu, 45, were arrested when officers of the anti-narcotics agency discovered the cocaine after breaking the ceramic ornaments imported by the suspects and subsequently arrested them. The suspects, however, stressed that they got involved in the illegal importation of hard drugs because they were offered huge sum of money that they could not resist. Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar said the suspects concealed the cocaine in their luggage on their way from Brazil.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Economic Council sets up task force on oil theft BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—NATIONAL Economic Council, yesterday, approved the setting up of a special legal task force to prosecute the 500 suspected crude oil thieves in custody. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, whose committee was at the last meeting of the council mandated to find a solution to the worrisome issue of oil theft, made the disclosure at the end of the National Council of State meeting, yesterday. He said that the legal task force is to be headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and is aimed at halting the lose of over 400,000 barrels of crude daily to oil thieves. According to him, a meeting of the committee of the council, led by Governor Godswill Akpabio with the Attorney-General of the Federation earlier, yesterday, proposed the solution as a way of salvaging the nation’s economy. Governor Uduaghan explained that participants at the meeting, which was attended by the Secretary to the National Planning Commission; Chief Executive of NEITI and a representative of the Inspector-General of Police looked at ways of strengthening the extant deterrence policy by ensuring more arrests and convictions of the oil thieves. He added that members of the task force, whose operation would be for a year, would be announced by the AGF on Monday. Uduaghan said: “The resolutions included that a legal task force headed by the AGF be set up immediately to commence prosecution of proven cases, using relevant laws; particularly the Miscellaneous Offences Act which carries a sentence of 21 years without option of fine. “The legal task force is to be made up of representatives from the NNPC, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence, Police, DSS and other related agencies.”

ECONOMIC COUNCIL: From left— Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State; Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister, and Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State at the National Economic Council meeting at Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Judicial Council indicts ex-FCT CJ BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—THE National Judicial Council, NJC, at the end of its two-day crucial meeting in Abuja, yesterday, found the former Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Hassan Gunmi, who had resigned to become an Emir in Zamfara State, guilty of judicial corruption. In a statement yesterday, the council said it was satisfied that the ex-CJ perverted the course of justice in a case involving a company, Nestello Gateway Group, and the Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abubakar Yari. Describing the conduct of Justice Gunmi pertaining to the case as “most unethical and highly reprehensible,” NJC said it decided not to take punitive measures against him considering that he had voluntarily bowed out of office. The council, however, warned that “henceforth, any similar misconduct by any judicial officer will be visited with severe sanctions.” It also issued a stern warning to Justice M.A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court for granting ex-parte order without hearing the pending motion and applications in a suit between one Evangelist Charity Akah, Alpaca Price Nigeria Limited and another. The statement, by the acting Director of Information of NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, said: “National Judicial Council at its 63rd meeting, which was held on July 17 and 18, deliberated on the report and recommendation of its committee. “The committee investigated the petition forwarded to it by Nestello Gateway Group in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/486/10 against

Justice Hassan Gummi, former Chief Judge of High Court of FCT, Abuja. “At the end of deliberation, council accepted the findings of its committee that Justice Gummi, interfered with the execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Jude Okeke of the FCT High Court,

Abuja, in the suit between Nestello Gateway Group and Alhaji Abubakar Yari, a former National Assembly member and current Governor of Zamfara State, in which execution had already been levied in favour of the petitioner. “Council found the interfer-

ence by Justice Gummi in the execution of the judgment as most unethical and highly reprehensible.” Meanwhile, the council adjourned hearing on petitions against other judges across the federation, accused of involvement in acts of corruption, till its next sitting.

Nigeria withdraws troops from Mali zPresident needs them for domestic security— ECOWAS

zIt's because UN treated us shabbily— Source BY VICTORIA OJEME

BUJA—FEDERAL Government plans to withdraw some of the Nigerian troops from the United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali as they are needed back home. The government dismissed the claim that the withdrawal was in protest over the appointment of non-Nigerian to head the AFISMA in the crisis-ridden country. ECOWAS recently appointed Major-General Jean Bosco Kazura of Rwanda as Commander of African-led International Support Mission in Mali, AFISMA, now United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, MINUSMA. The appointment, many observers noted, did not go down well with Nigeria which decided to recall its troop in batches. The Ivorien President and Chairman, Authority of Heads of State and Govern-

ment of ECOWAS, confirmed the development to journalists at the end of the 43rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja, yesterday. He said: “It is because of the domestic situation in Nigeria. I received a letter from the President that Nigeria needs some of its people. “They are not withdrawing everyone. They are withdrawing part of the troops. A good part of the troops are going to be there.”

‘UN treatment’

However, a military source said troops would pull out because the country felt “shabbily treated” under the new UN force in Mali. A Nigerian commanded the previous African-led force in the country, but the UN mission is being headed by a Rwandese. The source said: “Nigeria feels shabbily treated when it became a UN outfit. A nonNigerian was appointed as Force Commander, while we are putting so much into the mission.

“So we think we can make better use of those people at home than to keep them where they are not appreciated. It is not all of them that will be withdrawn.” The UN mission integrates more than 6,000 West African soldiers into its ranks and is charged with ensuring security during and after July 28 elections in Mali. It is to grow to 11,200 troops, as well as 1,400 police, by the end of the year. French forces intervened in Mali in January to push out Islamist rebels, who had seized the North. The UN deployment has allowed France to start withdrawing most of its 4,500 troops. Nigeria approved the deployment of 900 troops with the capacity to increase to 1,200 under the previous African-led force. Violence linked to an insurgency by Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, mainly in the north, had left some 3,600 people dead since 2009, including killings by the security forces.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—9

Presidency indicts IOCs in oil theft

GRANTS: From left— Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State; Alhaji AlikoDangote, President of Dangote Group; Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, Secretary to Kogi State Government, and others at the presentation of cash grants to beneficiaries in Kogi State, yesterday.

FG should obey court ruling on Press Council— NPAN N

EWSPAPER Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NPAN, has urged Federal Government to thread with caution in disrespecting the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which ruled that Nigeria Press Council was unconstitutional. NPAN expressed its disapproval over alleged moves by some Federal Government officials to resuscitate the defunct Nigerian Press Council, which had been declared as unconstitutional three years ago. In a communiqué by NPAN President, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, NPAN raised alarm over a clandestine move to revive the moribund Press Council, which was an official tool used to regulate the press during the military rule. The association also called on government to assist in deepening the nation’s democracy by encouraging the full and complete implementation of the Freedom of Information, FoI, Act.

It stated that since the country now has democratically elected government in place in the last 14 years, it did not expect that elected leaders would follow the tried but failed tactics of past dictators. The communiqué read: “The Association notes, with concern, that there is a clandestine move to revive the moribund Press Council, which is usually an official tool to gag the press. “During past military dictatorships, unsuccessful attempts were made to use the Council against press freedom. “Since we have a democratically elected government in place over the last 14 years and counting, we do not expect our elected leaders to follow the tried and failed tactics of past dictatorships in Nigeria. “Recent moves by some undemocratic elements in the Federal Government,

indicate that there are still persons in the government who will rather not have a free and fair press but prefer to take steps to abridge the freedom of the press and the right of the people to have unfettered access to information.

Court judgment

“The NPAN particularly views with concern, the surreptitious move by these officials to bring back, through the back door, the Nigerian Press Council, which a court of competent jurisdiction had declared unconstitutional three years ago. “Specifically, the Association wishes to recall that on Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Federal High Court, Lagos, Presided over by Justice A. M Liman had in Suit N0 FHC/L/CS/1324/99, filed by the NPAN against the President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Information and the National Assembly, ruled that the Press Council was unconstitutional.”

It called on Federal Government to “respect the reasoned judgment on the Press Council, and help deepen our democracy by encouraging the full and complete implementation of the Freedom of Information Act signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan himself in a signal to the nation and the world that he would run an open government anchored on a free press. “In the light of that, we also appeal to Federal Government to stop forthwith the ongoing trial of the journalists of Leadership Group Limited, who were recently re-arraigned, after the same government had withdrawn the case against them and the company during the celebration of Free Freedom Day." “Their continuing trial is inconsistent with the spirit of our collective democratic journey and unhelpful in the circumstances. “Government should realise that the press has an important constitutional role to play in our democracy, which includes holding it accountable at all times.”

NTERNATIONAL oil companies, IOCs, have been accused of alleged complicity in oil theft in some oil-producing communities, a move, it said is capable of threatening the nation’s economy. Making the revelation while briefing newsmen, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, said Federal government would not leave any stone unturned in tackling the incident. Kuku also pointed accusing fingers at notable personalities for aiding the nation’s crude oil theft. He said that the process of stealing crude oil from pipelines in the coastal areas requires highly technical and mechanical expertise, which ordinary Nigerians or residents of the oil-producing communities do not have. He absolved Niger Delta governors of complicity in crude theft, saying there was no evidence of their involvement. Kuku maintained that oil theft was an international crime and urged the international community to go beyond coming up with penalising oil theft, and support the efforts of governments across the Gulf of Guinea and other parts of the region in dealing with it. He said: “The best you can find among Niger Delta people or some merchants of this trade are those doing menial jobs in it. “You will need highgrade vessels and where you cannot load your illegal or stolen oil, you are definitely going to find yourself in a mess where you will have to pay huge sums for demurrage."

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Don’t politicise PIB, Madueke warns . Says bill not meant to benefit her or Jonathan BY JOSEPH ERUNKE & SEBASTINE OBASI

BUJA — MINISTER of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Allison Madueke, yesterday, warned against politicising and personalising the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, saying the proposed petroleum law was neither designed for her nor President Goodluck Jonathan as beneficiaries. Instead, she said the bill was for the benefit of all sections of the country. Speaking in Abuja, at the opening of a two-day public hearing on the PIB, organised by the Senate Joint Committee on the Petroleum Industry Bill, the minister regretted that most Nigerians had misconception on the bill, hence their strong opposition to it. ”This is not a bill that should be personalised or politicised. It was not put forward for that reason whatsoever. “It was put forward for the benefit of the nation, the economy and all Nigerian people, bearing in mind that we expect, in the next few years, to find oil or hydro-carbon in other parts of the country,” she said. Speaking further, she said: “This same law is for all Nigerians and for all parts of the country and that is the intent of the letter of the law which we hope it will provide. “It should be very clear that when we personalise or politicise bills of this sort of criticality to the nation, then we have cheapened those bills and we have cheapened the effects and efficacy of such bills for the entire nation and the entire economy.” Madueke disagreed with those who believe that the bill provided enormous powers for her and the president, saying by the time the bill becomes effective, after passage into law, both of them may have been out of government. ”Full and efficient implementation of any law as robust as the PIB takes a number of years.You cannot pass or promulgate a bill into law overnight and that is quite obvious. “But a complex one that has many facets to it takes a number of years for full implementation in all its ramifications,” she said.

Lagos marks 20 new distressed buildings for demolition BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

fied by Lagos State Government to be distressed and marked for demolition. It would be recalled that last week, a two storey building collapsed in Ebute Metta area, killing no fewer than eight per-

sons. Managing Director of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, disclosed this yesterday, during a sensitisation and awareness campaign by the

agency in Ebutte Metta axis of the state. Animashaun said: “Since the AGOS— AT least, 20 new commencement of the enlightenbuildings in Ebutte Metta, ment exercise today, we have Yaba Local Coucil Development identified about 20 buildings, Area, LCDA, have been identiapart from the one that we have identified before. “Out of these, we have identified five that should be demolished completely because they can cave in soon. We have issued several appeal to the owners of these buildings, to conduct Integrity Test, IT, on the buildings but they weren’t yielding. ”Last week, we were in Lagos Island and this week is Lagos Mainland, to tell the residents about the need to alert the government whenever they discover any distressed or building under construction that doesn’t have any signboard to show that the state government was aware of the construction. That means the ongoing construction was done illegally.” She assured residents that the agency “will continue with its enlightenment campaign. We will not stop the enlightenment Flame from the fire outbreak at Coscharis Group of Companies, Kirikiri Industrial Estate, campaigns, it will be a conMazamaza, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Tosin Aladesokun tinuous exercise.”

Coscharis warehouse, at Mazamaza, Lagos burnt BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & IFEANYI OKOLIE

AGOS — AN early morning inferno, yesterday, razed a warehouse belonging to Coscharis Group located at the Kirikiri Industrial, Mazamaza, Area of Lagos State, destroying property worth billions of naira. The warehouse was used for storing computer equipment, Abro Petrochemical products, vehicles and inverter batter-

ies, auto spare parts, motorcycles and tires. Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the fire which started around 4a.m. when electricity supply was restored to the area by the Power Holding Company, PHCN, lasted for hours. A staff of the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented that the fire would have been curtailed if there were enough fire extinguishers in the warehouse at the time the fire started.

According to him, “the fire started from an office inside the warehouse around 4a.m. and that office was locked at the time. “We tried putting off the fire with few fire extinguishers we

could lay our hands on but they were not enough. “There was no fire hydrant or fire engine in the warehouse that would have enabled us prevent the fire from spreading to other parts.

PRE-PAID METER: EKO DISCO launches

CAPMI scheme BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

THE CREDITED Advance Payment Implementation Scheme, CAPMI, has been officially launched for the first time in the Nigeria by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN Eko Distribution Company, yesterday, in Lagos, to provide meters to consumers. The scheme is meant for customers to pay up-

front for the purchase of the meter. The cost of the meter will be refunded to the customers through a billing process spread across for three years with 12 per cent interest. It would be recalled that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the regulatory body of the power sector, had ordered all DISCOs in the country to commence the CAPMI scheme in a step to close the gap of meter shortage in the country. However, customers will bear the cost of the accessories of the meter while vendors with registered account with DISCO will provide 24 hour installation service to the customers on the day of payment.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY

19, 2013—11

CNPP condemns in-fighting in Ekiti PDP BY GBENGAARIYIBI

SERVICE OF SONGS: From left,:Wole Adebayo, former S. A. to the President; Mr. Segun Runsewe, former D.G. Tourism; Mr. Mike Okiro, former I.G. and CP Okoye Ikemefuna, during the Service of Songs for late Madam Maria Abati, mother of Dr. Reuben Abati, at Isabo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday Photo: Wumi Akinola

Rain wreaks havoc in Osogbo BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO — Property worth millions of naira have been destroyed by flood following a downpour in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Wednesday night. Mostly affected were residents of Ota-Efun area of the town that lost valuables to the rain which lasted for only one

hour. One of the victims whose business was badly affected is the proprietor of B and B Pharmacy and supermarket, Mr. Taofiq Lawal, who claimed to have lost about N10million worth of drugs and electronics to the flood. He alleged that the ongoing Osogbo/Kwara State boundary dual carriage road project was

responsible for the flooding in the area. According to him before the construction company opened up the road for dualisation, there was a good drainage system that allowed free flow of water in the area whenever it rained. “In as much as we are all in support of the road project going on in our area, the effect is

devastating as the drainage had been removed without providing an alternative,” he said. Mr. Lawal appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the victims by providing funds and materials to help mitigate the effects of the disaster. He added that the construction firm should also provide alternative drainage where water would move freely before the road is finally completed.

RIVERS ASSEMBLY SAGA: Gladiators shun IG’s summons BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA — PROMINENT actors in the bloody fracas that ensued at the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, refused to show up at Force Headquarters as directed by the Inspector General of Police. The police boss, Mr. M.D. Abubakar on Wednesday summoned the House Leader and the Chief Security Officer, CSO, to Governor Rotimi Amaechi to appear before the DIG Force CID in Abuja to explain their alleged roles in the fracas. Vanguard visited Force CID headquarters to find out if those who were summoned obeyed the IG’s directive, but discovered that they did not show up.

The IGP through a statement signed by CSP Frank Mba, Force spokesman had on Wednesday summoned the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lioyd; the ADC to the Governor, Acting ASP Debewore Semeikumo and the CSO to the Governor, Tony Iwelu to report to the force CID Head quarters, Abuja for an interview with respect to their roles as could be seen from the video clips of the crisis in circulation. The video clips had shown a man carrying a mace and another in police uniform as well as other security details who were seen conducting themselves in an unbecoming and violent manner. According to the statement,

the invitation was to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter. Efforts to contact the force spokesman on why those in-

vited failed to obey the summons proved abortive as he simply said,”I am in Lagos, let me call them, I will get back to you.” He did not call back as promised.

Accord Party accuses Ajimobi of mediocrity

CCORD PARTY, AP, in Oyo State has said that the response by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, to Senator Rasheed Ladoja’s criticism of the Mokola Bridge was as bad as the bridge itself. In a sharp reaction to a release issued by the ACN that it is a worldwide practice that ‘’articulated vehicles and other heavy trucks are discouraged from highways and fly-overs to minimise road casualties,’’ according to

AP’s Media Director, Prince Dotun Oyelade, is unfortunate. If barriers were erected for the sole reason of preventing accidents and gridlock, the release asked, why has the government not erected one on the Molete flyover in over two years of his assumption of office and in any case why has there been constant gridlock on the Mokola/Salvation Army road. Prince Oyelade said that the most heart-rending part of the ACN’s release was that it failed woefully to answer any of the issues raised by Senator Ladoja The issues, he said, were simple and direct: Why did Mokola’s 470-metre, two-lane fly-over cost N3billion while the Abeokuta 620-metre, four-lane fly-over plus adjoining road cost N1.5billion? The statement also asked why for every one naira spent by Ogun State on the bridge, Oyo spent six whopping naira.

DO EKITI — THE Con-ference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Ekiti State chapter has expressed dismay over Tuesday ’s fracas among members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing the incident as uncalled for and should be discouraged by all progressive minded people Speaking in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the chairman of CNPP in the state, Mr. Tunji Ogunlola said it was unfortunate that members of PDP rather than working as a team to move the state forward, were busy fighting one another.

Ogun Assembly on public school lands

BEOKUTA — HON. Adeyinka Mafe, the Chairman, Ogun House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology, has condemned the encroachment on lands owned by public schools. Mafe spoke in Abeokuta, yesterday, during a factfinding mission to some public schools in the state by the committee. He said it was a criminal offence for individuals to encroach on property of others, especially public institutions.

Afenifere decries traders' killing in Yobe BY DAPO AKINREFON

PAN-YORUBA sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere has decried the killing of 10 traders from Ibadan recently in Yobe State by yet-to-be identified gunmen. Afenifere condemned the killing and called on the Federal government to bring perpetrators of the act to book. Afenifere, in a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Akure by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, condemned the killing in the strongest terms.

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Delta plants 95 trees to celebrate Madela’s birthday BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—NINETYFIVE trees were, yesterday, planted at Mandela garden located within the Asaba International Airport in celebrating the birthday of world icon, Nelson Mandela, who clocked 95 years yesterday. The tree planting was coordinated by a nongovernmental organisation, Fight Against Desert Encroachment, FADE, with the Delta State Government. Permanent Secretary/ Head of Climate Change Unit in the State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Felicia Adun, government officials, school children, including journalists participated in the tree planting exercise.

LG scribes laud Uduaghan on Delta Beyond Oil BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—FORUM of Delta State Local Government Transition Committee, yesterday, commended the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan’s initiative of ‘Delta Beyund Oil.’ The secretaries of the 25 local government areas in a statement, said;“ we commended Governor Udughan for his initiative of Delta Beyond Oil.” The statement by its Chairman, Mr Isaac Atikueke said “In the face of the dwindling fortunes of revenue accruable from the Federation Account, there cannot be a better time than now to think about an alternative source of revenue to drive the state economic developmentprogrammes.

Warri North crisis: Ijaw youths to hand over arms and ratings as well as other JTF men were seen prepared to receive the militants and their arms and ammunition. They were also joined in the waiting by some prominent Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders as well as the Chairman of Warri North council, Mr David Edun and other senior official of the council, all of who waited in vain as the militants did not turn up for reason

which was later attributed to poor security to guarantee the lives of militants. The council Chairman, Edun told Vanguard, during the waiting period that no date had been given for the handover and that negotiation was still in progress with a view to concluding arrangement between security officials and the militants.

council meeting in Abuja of prominent Ijaw and Itsekiri BY GODWIN OGHRE leaders. The militants were said to be APELE—IF information reaching Vanguard is to be ready to hand-over their arms relied upon, the Egbema Radi- on the condition that their cal Group, ERG, the Ijaw mili- safety would be guaranteed. When Vanguard visited tants, which claimed responsibility for the killing of no fewer Koko, the headquarters of the than 12 Itsekiri natives and council, senior military officers burning down of over seven village belonging to Itsekiris in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, will handover their arms and ammunition to the Joint military Task Force, JTF, Operation Pulo Shield. The JTF is under the command of Lt Col Frank Etim, the Commanding Officer of the 3 battalion of the Army Koko Barracks, Warri North. It was gathered, yesterday, that the militant had promised to hand over their arms on July 17, 2013 and that they preferred to do so at Oputuputu community, an Ijaw suburb in Warri North, but failed to do so on Wednesday, as they claimed there were no concrete arrangements that would guaranINAUGURATION: From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of FCT, Mr. John Chukwu; tee their safety during the exer- Secretary, Legal, Ima Okpongete and Director, Survey, FCT, Mr. Abiodun Alonge, during the cises. inauguration of the FCT Boundary Field Team Committee in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. A prominent member of Egbema Gbaramatu Kingdom, Reverend Sam Eke, told Vanguard on phone that the handover of arms and ammunition was botched on the part of the Ijaw militants and that a new arrangement was in progress as a new date would be communicated to JTF and the council authority after a

Ex-minister makes case for Edo language

BY SIM ON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY— FORMER Minister of State for Works, Mr. Chris Ogienwonyi, has expressed worries over what he described as the seeming extinction of Benin language and called for concerted effort to save the situation. The former Minister who made his feelings known, during the first Edo Language competition among secondary school students in Benin City, regretted that some parents from Benin extraction would prefer to teach their children English rather than their native Edo language. Ogienwonyi said: “This is not helping us as a tribe, we must understand what Benin Kingdom means in the history of the world, therefore we must all join hands to ensure that we sustain our rich culture which our language is a major symbol.” He explained that he decided to support the competition organised by the Edo Language Renaissance Project, “because I realised that the objective is very good, urgent and beneficial to Edo people.” Winner of the first prize, Isoken Amadasun, a student of Emotan College was awarded scholarship up to university level by Ogienwonyi, while other winners were given cash awards.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 13

C M Y K

14 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

URHOBO PROGRESS UNION VALEDICTORY FOR LATE SENATOR EWHERIDO

From left: Gen. Patrick Aziza (rtd.), UPU President General; Chief Mrs Doye Ewherido, widow, (2nd left); Rev. Fr. Anthony Ewherido, immediate elder Charles Majoroh, UPU 1st Deputy President General; Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya (rtd.) and Olorogun Macauley Ovwiagbedia, Otota brother to the deceased (2nd right), and other relatives. Pix: Akpokona Omofuraire of Olomu Kingdom.

Professor Sam Oyovbaire and Chief Otega Emerhor. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ewherido (standing) addressing UPU members

Mrs. Doye Ewherido, widow, (middle), wiping her tears and other relatives.

From left: Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, Chief Sunny Emeyese, member, House of Reps. and Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen, Delta State Commissioner for Water Resources.

From left: Professor Godini Darah, Prof. Augustine Ohwovoriole, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN) and Olorogun Milton Ohwovoriole (SAN).

Olorogun Oscar Ibru (right) and Barrister Festus Keyamo.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 15

BOOK PRESENTATION OF BRIG-GEN GODWIN ALABI-ISAMA (RTD)

General T Y Danjuma (rtd) Chief Presenter during public presentation of the book, "The Tragedy of Victory: on-the-spot account of Nigerian-Biafran War" at the NIIA, Lagos. Pix: Biodun Ogunleye. From left: Prof. Wole Soyinka, Brig Gen Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd) and Lt Col Raphael Iluyomade (rtd).

43 years after, we’re yet to address causes of civil war —Ex-Generals From left: Dr Amuda Aluko, representing Emir of Ilorin, The Author, Brig Gen Godwin Alabi-Isama; General T Y Danjuma (rtd) and HRH Peter Okpuruku of Ikilibi, Delta State.

•Lambast Obasanjo over war victory claims •Gowon decries death toll, says 'some of my aides acted without my order' •Why Biafran soldiers allowed Alabi-Isama to escape – Madiebo •Obasanjo was right to claim victory though he was not at war front – Gowon BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & IKENNA ASOMBA

From left: Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Gen Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) and Gen Abisoye (rtd).

From left: Bunmi Sofola and Chief Bisi Lawrence.

From left: Comrade Joseph Evah, Chief Obafemi Olopade and Gen Ike Nwachukwu.

MOTIONS ran high, yesterday, at the fully packed main auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, when ex-Generals and combatants in the 30-month Nigeria-Biafra civil war lamented that issues that led to the war had not been addressed 43 years after. Reminiscing on their roles in the bloodguzzling campaign to keep Nigeria united, which claimed more than two million lives on both sides, they said it was sad that injustice still reign supreme in the country while vagabonds and thieves are being celebrated at the expense of heroes and heroines. The occasion was the presentation of a book: The tragedy of victory; on-the-spot account of the Nigeria-Biafra war in the Atlantic theatre, written by Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd). The exgenerals berated former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), over his accounts of the civil war, in his book: My Command, saying that he gave himself kudos for the victory over Biafra without acknowledging the contributions of others. This came as Civil War Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) said he was deeply grieved by the number of souls lost during the war and said some of his aides acted on his behalf without authorization during the war. He also said that as the head of the campaign on Federal side, Obasanjo was right to claim plaudits for Biafra’s surrender even though he was not at the final battle that ended the hostilities. According to reports, the 3 Marine Commando Division of the Nigerian Army was commanded for a long time by then Col Benjamin Adekunle (Black scorpion) with Lt Col Alabi-Isama as chief of staff. The division controlled the Atlantic coast from Bonny to Calabar before Obasanjo’s arrival as the new commander few months before the war ended and he collected the instrument of surrender from General Philip Effiong of Biafra. Civil war veterans and military top brass at the event include former Chief of Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who

chaired the occasion; General Alani Akinrinade (rtd); former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd); former Military Governor of Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); General Raphael Omilade a.k.a Hitler (rtd); General Rasaki Salawu (rtd) first Military Governor of Kwara State, Brigadier-General Femi David Bamigboye; General Sonny Tuoyo; General Daramola General Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd); former Military Governor of old Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); first Military Governor of Lagos State, General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd); former Military Governor of Lagos State, Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd) and Alfred Irubo among others.

Eminent personalities Other eminent persons at the event included Olubadan of Ibadan, who was represented by High Chief Omowale Kuye; Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers; Professor Wale Omole; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Designer of Nigerian Flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; and Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) among others. Speaking at the ceremony, Alabi-Isama, who called most of the ex-generals to the podium to share their reminisces including wives of some combatants who died during and after the war, said it was sad that heroes like ailing General Benjamin Adekunle, Pa Akinkunmi had not been appreciated. His words: “We keep praising and celebrating thieves and vagabonds of this country to the detriment of the youths. Elders cause problems and the youths are called to fight. We lost many children during the war. Some of them had their parents shot in their presence. They will forever live with the memory. We neglected those who fought the civil war. Our glorified brother, then Col Obasanjo wrote a book praising himself and demonizing others. That was why I wrote this book. Why will two million people die Continues on page 55

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19 2013

Dangote disburses N10bn to women, youths in 774 LGs A

BUJA—TOWARDS ameliorating widespread poverty in Nigeria and appropriately empowering both women and youths across the 774 local governments in Nigerian, Dangote Foundation has continued the disbursement of N10 billion grants to women and youths in the local governments across the country. The fund disbursement is meant to enable recipients to meet imme-

diate family and livelihood needs by providing a one-time grant to start up enterprises that will boost their economic and consumption activities and help reduce their vulnerability. Speaking at the continuation of the disbursement in Lokoja, Kogi State, President, Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote said the Foundation in response to the widespread poverty in Nigeria, in 2011, instituted a cash trans-

fer intervention - the Dangote Micro-grants Programme- to provide cash transfers to select poor and vulnerable Nigerians. The disbursement is expected to be completed in 24 months. He explained that the cash transfer intervention focused on women who bear the greatest brunt of poverty. He said: “Our Pro gramme provides a oneoff grant that enables recipients to grow or start

an enterprise, invest in product assets, improve the health of their families, and/or take on new activities that reduce their vulnerability and enhance their economic standing. It has successfully assisted women and their families in Kano and Jigawa states.” According to the business mogul, the cash transfer intervention Programme is national in scope and will systematically cover all the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

FCTA staff risks arrest over alleged forgery BY EMMA ELEBEKE

BUJA—A Senior civil servant with the Monitoring Department of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, MDAEPB, (name withheld) in Abuja, is to be arrested by the Police, over alleged forgery of land document. He is also accused of forcefully taking possession of a land belonging to Shelter Aids Nigeria limited in Abuja. Already, the Insepector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar had directed the Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command headquarters, to investigate the allegation. The IG letter reads, “I forward herewith copy of a letter dated July 1, 2013 received from

Chioke, Ephriam & Co. Solicitors on the above underlined subject. The Inspector General of Police directs you to treat.” Mr. Nweke had in a letter dated July 1, 2013, petitioned the IG over the alleged intimidation and fraudulent attempt by the civil servant and forgery of his landed property document. He alleged that the suspect had sometime in May, 2013, brought armed men, dressed in Nigerian Navy and Civil Defence Corps uniforms, who came to his compound; ordered him and his staff to lie down at gun point, brutalised and caused injuries on them and damaged property worth more than N30 million.

NLC hails Mandela @ 95 BY EMEKA MAMAH

ADUNA—THE Kaduna State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has praised the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, for his enduring legacies in the country. Vice President of the NLC, Mr. Issa Aremu, who spoke during a press conference to mark Mandela’s 95th birthday in Kaduna said: Though Mandela was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, he is less remembered for his presidency, which he commendably left after an eventful one term. “His enduring legacies were his unique ability to forgive those who jailed him for 27 years. He is a symbol of reconciliation in a nation polarised along ethnic, racial and class cleavages. ‘’Though South Africa still remains a polarised country, largely between the rich and the poor, the Mandela brand links all the polarities in the country together and reminds each of the contending elements of the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness and reconciliation. ’’This is his greatest legacy to South Africa in particular and to hu-

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manity in general. ’’We are all enjoined to spend 67 minutes today to do something positive to serve humanity as part of Mandela Day activities.”

Burial

HE burial of late Madam Veronica Onuigbo Chukwuma of Umudiji Umuohama village in Ukpor Nnewi South will commence on Tuesday July 23, with wake keep at her husband’s compound. Funeral service takes place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Umudiji Umuohama. Burial holds after the church service at Chukwuma’s compound. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren and other relations.

Late Madam Chukwuma

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 17

•Bola Tinubu

HE Action Congress of Ni geria, ACN, has always tried to position itself as a highly credible opposition party that is capable of appealing to voters in every geopolitical zone and can take on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. I once had enormous respect for the ACN but have gradually concluded that it lacks the integrity to challenge the rotten-to-the-core PDP. Why have I lost faith in ACN? Because it has consistently betrayed its supporters in Rivers State. This betrayal started when ACN stalwarts like Bola Tinubu went out of their way to to form cosy relationships with the (PDP) Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, thereby totally ignoring the feelings of Rivers natives such as Dr Abiye Sekibo (an ex-Minister of Transport), who had joined ACN because they were at loggerheads with

•Dr Abiye Sekibo C M Y K

Amaechi or simply wanted an alternative to the PDP. The ACN then spectacularly failed to provide its Rivers candidates with adequate financial or moral support during the run-up to the 2011 elections. And so many of these candidates felt so stranded and humiliated that they fled from the ACN, swearing that they would never again trust “Yorubas”. And, by the way, having anointed the former EFCC Chief Executive, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as its presidential hopeful, the ACN leadership then left Ribadu in the lurch and threw its weight behind his main rival, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Now, the ACN mandarins are tired of Dr Jonathan, so they’re trying to merge with other opposition parties to form a brave new entity called APC. But they’ve – weirdly, if you ask me - only nominated Muslims

for key APC positions:Party Leader - North, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Muslim). 2] Party Leader - South, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Muslim). 3] National Chairman: Abdulkareem Bisi Akande (Muslim) 4] Deputy National Chairman: Aminu Bello Masari (Muslim) 5] National Secretary: Tijjani

•Gov Rotimi Amaechi to count him out. I am close to lots of people who happen to belong to different groups and factions. And you can call me a cowardly fencesitter, if you so wish, but I like to see myself as a journalist who

ACN messes up!

ACN personnel do not appear to know how to maximize their party’s impact outside its core South-West heartland; in the interests of democracy, one can only pray that the ACN crowd will eliminate this weakness before the election campaign kicks in

Musa Tumsah (Muslim) 6] Deputy National Secretary: Nasir El-Rufai (Muslim) 7] National Publicity Secretary.: Lai Muhammed (Muslim) 8] National Treasurer: Sadiya Umar Faruq (Muslim) 9] National Financial Secretary: Alhaji Shaibu Musa (Muslim) 10] National Youth Leader: Abubakar Lado (Muslim) 11] National Legal Adviser: Muiz Banire (Muslim) 12] National Deputy Auditor: Bala Jibrin (Muslim) 13] National Women Leader: Sharon Ikeazor (allegedly a Muslim convert) 14] Ex-Officio Member: Muniru Muse (Muslim) 15] Ex-Officio Member: Alhaji Yemi Sanusi (Muslim) My cousin, Kenneth Kobani – the ACN’s National Treasurer for quite a while - regarded this religious insensitivity as “the last straw” and recently resigned. Dr Sekibo, my former boss, has also just told the ACN

should be as objective as possible; and I don’t regard any of my friends or relatives as total sinners or saints. To cut a long story short, my genuine fondness for Amaechi does not prevent me from also loving Kenneth, Sekibo and other Amaechi opponents.

Nor does my disappointment about the ACN’s unprincipled tendencies and pathetic failure to inspire confidence in its main Rivers State supporters prevent me from being a no-shaking member of the Kayode Fayemi (brilliant and compassionate ACN Governor of Ekiti) fan club…or from liking and respecting Lai Mohammed, the ACN’s charming and immensely articulate media guru.

Bottom line?

The ACN/APC alliance contains several quality people. But ACN personnel do not appear to know how to maximize their party’s impact outside its core South-West heartland; and, in the interests of democracy (ruling parties generally perform better when they have strong critics), one can only pray that the ACN crowd will eliminate this weakness before the election campaign kicks in.

Condolences to a dear friend

BIYE Membere, a Group Executive Director (Exploration & Production) of NNPC, recently lost his beloved father…who will be buried this weekend in Abonemma, the Kalabari Kingdom village from which the Membere clan hails. I got to know Membere long before he became a major VIP; and I think it is fair to say that his behavior has not changed at all since he was elevated to high office and ceased to be a regular professional. He con-

tinues to be humble and down-to-earth. He also happens to be one of the nicest and most intelligent people I have ever met in any of the many countries that I have visited. I know that Vanguard readers will share my view that his Dad, Pa Henderson Membere, deserves endless kudos for producing such an impressive son…and join me in praying that Pa’s sweet soul rests in eternal and perfect peace.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 THE Bureau of Public Procurement has announced the debarment of 10 contractors. It may be the first in moves to sanitise the procurement process which is bedevilled by complications that negate transparency. The main objective of the cleansing is to curb alleged corrupt practices. Some date back to year 2000. The affected companies are: · Scientific Energy and Environmental Management System, Lagos, June 17, 2013 June 17, 2015 · SNC Lavalin Lagos, May 7, 2013 - April 17, 2023 ·Sego Ventures, Lagos, June 3, 2011 - August 1, 2013 · Gurpreet Singh Malik, Lagos · Kamal Sharda, Lagos · Sharda Impex (U.K), Lagos · Shereena Agriculture Ltd, Kano · Vikram Deepak Gursahaney, Lagos, all permanently debarred since February 11, 2000 · Karitex..Ltd permanently debarred since February 24, 2000 · Contransimex Nigeria Ltd barred May 30, 2012 - May 29, 2014 Emeka Ezeh, Director-General of BPP, said,

BY SUNNY AWHEFEADA

UNDAY June 30 did not begin as an ominous day. However, by the time the day drew its curtains it had become ominous and tragic as it went with Senator Pius Ewherido, who until that black Sunday represented the Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly. Senator Ewherido’s death is a devastating blow which diminished all of humanity. Ewherido to his Urhobo people was akin to an only palm fruit that must not be lost in the fire. He was an Uloho (Iroko) which provided shelter and succor to all and sundry. To Deltans, he was a voice of courage with a regenerative vision. He carried with him a redemptive charisma for a people and state in search of new and alternative political possibilities. He was an apostle of a new value system. Where now is Ewherido who gave scholarship to over 200 students? Where now is Ewherido who gave jobs to the jobless? Where now is Ewherido who built roads and bridges where the people had given up? Where now is Ewherido who built schools and health centres in remote and almost forgotten parts of Urhoboland? Where now is Ewherido who gave economic empowerment to 200 women and numberless youth? Where now is Ewherido who almost singlehandedly sponsored the project to get Urhobo language into WAEC/ NECO examination syllabus? Where now is Ewherido who brought light and water to places that had given up on electricity and pipe-borne water? Where now is Ewherido who mourned with the bereaved and danced

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BPP Bars 10 Firms “The proposed debarment procedure is one of the mechanisms developed by the bureau, to punish procurement related corrupt activities and inculcate the required discipline in Nigeria’s public procurement system.” We support the BPP moves, but there is need for more transparency, including stating the specific offences the companies committed. BPP has to develop its capacities to be in charge of its decisions on debarment. BPP’s dependence on foreign organisations like the World Bank denies it the independence the process requires. Reports from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank Group prompted the ban. Nigeria’s interests are not necessarily the same with those organisations. BPP does not have the details of those decisions most of which were made three

years before its establishment in 2007. “If you violate any provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, if one offers bribe and generally misrepresents facts and lies about its capability, with a view to changing the outcome of the procurement process, one is liable to sanctions,” Ezeh advised. More importantly, BPP cannot succeed if it does not punish officials who contractors compromise. The procurement process, to improve compliance, should not punish contractors and leave out government officials and politicians who ingeniously aid the abuses. Until this vital aspect of the procurement process is tackled, when companies are debarred, they would re-group under new names, new directors, and still link up with their BPP contacts who have the insider information compromising companies depend on for success in procurements. We consider it apposite that both givers and takers of bribes are punished. Determent could be more effective than debarment. BPP has more work to do if it is to contain the dynamism of abuses in the procurement process. It has the additional important task of being thorough without creating more delays in the execution of projects.

OPINION Senat or Pius Ewherido: It is w ell! Senator well! with celebrants? Where now is Ewherido who bestrode Delta State like a colossus? Where now is Ewherido who in less than two years in the Senate sponsored four Bills and over 10 motions, a feat some 20 senators could not achieve in 12 years? Born 50 years ago as Pius Akporokena Ewherido, he was popularly called Gogorogo. He attended primary and secondary schools in the defunct Bendel State before going to read Philosophy at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he finished as the best graduating student in his class. He later read Law at the University of Benin and was called to the Nigerian Bar. He burst on to the political stage in 1998 and for eight years he bestrode the Delta State legislature like a colossus. Senator Pius Ewherido was neither a runoff the mill politician nor a political hustler. He never believed in the politics of the stomach. Ewherido’s politics was motivated by ideals and not hunger, greed and personal aggrandizement. He was until his last days a refined politician who saw politics as a means of getting power for the good of the people. He was first an Urhobo, but he had dreamt of a pan-Delta platform through which he could have launched the state onto the path of progress. When he made a go at the governorship in 2006 he came up with a development blueprint that awed everybody who cared to study it. While the other contenders were busy mouthing promises and devising schemes, Ewherido toiled for many nights trying to evolve a blueprint that

would have been the equivalent of a Marshall Plan for Delta State. The intrigues which robbed him of the governorship ticket during the primary election have now become common knowledge. After that fiasco he retreated with uncommon dignity to Ewu and went back to his business. He took everything with philosophical calmness. He read books, worked on his farm, took time to think and reconfigured his political future. His education in Philosophy came handy for him during this period. I remember spending many hours with him during which we discussed the politics of ancient Rome. At intervals he would dash into his well stocked study and bring out one book after the other. We talked about the many troubles with Nigeria and the lack luster governance that became the lot of Delta State. He gave hints of attempts by the powers that be to woo him to the corridors of power and how he resisted each attempt. He talked about principles, he talked about a viable opposition platform and how the generality of Deltans will be disappointed were he to yield to the advances of those in power. He kept his cool and bid his time. The opportune moment came with the October 2010 Supreme Court ruling which ordered a re-run for the Delta State governorship election. An alliance between him and the leading opposition figure, Chief Great Ogboru, came to be. Ewherido proved to be a political game changer. He revived his intimidating political structures across

the State and the result was the Ilalaja (pineapple revolution) which shook Delta State to its very roots. Ewherido rode to the Senate on the crest of the Ilalaja wind of change. Although, a first timer in a Senate of political denizens, although he was a lone party senator, Ewherido stood tall in tandem with his appellation gogorogo! Each time he spoke his voice and opinion were golden. He brought an uncommon intellectual insight into his legislative responsibilities while he was in the Senate. He was oratorical and spoke with the same courage the Roman senators he studied in his Philosophy course spoke. He once told me that he painstakingly researched almost everything that came to the floor of the Senate. It was not too long before the Urhobo people saw in him a redeemer figure. In a landscape full of wily, crafty and selfish politrickcians, Ewherido stood out to be counted as different. He soon became a beacon of hope and the Urhobo people and Deltans began investing their political hope in him. When he was first approached for the governorship race last year he did shrug it off. However, pressure upon pressure came and he yielded after he discovered that the party that he helped stabilized for a remarkable outing in two elections in 2011 had suddenly become hostile and cannot even guarantee him a return ticket to the Senate. He was one politician who put the people above every other consideration. It was for this that he became an unparalleled mobilizer of people.

*Dr. Awhefeada, a lecturer, wrote from DELSU, Abraka, Delta State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013— —19

N Saturday July 6, 2013, speakers in a conference in Zaria, including our former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari called on Nigerians to reject bad leadership come 2015. The speakers wondered why Nigerians cannot just reject the weaknesses noticeable in our economy and governance under GEJ, lamenting the rot in our educational system, among many others. One Hausa Proverb says: “Don't ignore the problems which seem insignificant. As it is said the grass or speck which you disregard today could cause you pain later". Another one says: “There is always a reason for any bad situation you are passing through because water does not get bitter without a cause". These two proverbs apply to the problem of bad leadership in Nigeria and how we got this situation, where to change what we do not like, has become very difficult. Nigerians in totality have become a majorly conditioned group of people. Conditioning means training or experiences an animal or a person has, that makes them behave in a particular way in a particular situation. When many see the woes of the people in Nigeria, ranging from lack of

electricity, pipe-borne water, poor health facilities, wretched education system, low agricultural productivity, incessant fuel scarcity, very bad roads, very high poverty levels, while a few drive the latest brands or model of exotic cars , they expect violent reactions from citizens. They expect that things will be viewed like it is done in the contemporary world of agitations and protests, but not in Nigeria. The educated ones, the religious ones all take it with equanimity. Even preachers tell you that all is well when we are all in the well! Dare to challenge them, and they tell you how you have not been able to work hard, pray hard, and make it big like them. You are simply either too lazy, or just jealous of their successes. The truth is that the people have been conditioned, through sustained denial of those things that make a good, meaningful and qualitative living by their leaders, past and present. The people have resigned into accepting their lot as of Divine making, something they can really do nothing about. It took several years of military rule and their political accomplices to condition Nigerians. Level playing environment is absent; you must know someone to be something. It will, therefore, take a while for the effects of conditioning to wear out!

One thing should be clear: the days of leaders who do not deliver are numbered, and Nigerians will certainly not vote for any who values their votes more than their lives

tudents start and finish a degree programme in science without laboratory practicals; they go about without any good library and with no input of any type into their lives by government. They provide their own light using power generating sets, buy water, buy handouts, pay exam fees, transport, accommodation,etc.The same people use them as thugs and cultists, having reduced them to low self-esteem levels. The future of the nation lies in the youths but our youths have been abused, exploited, neglected, and abandoned to themselves. They have been conditioned! In the 1970s, as a student of Great Ife, now OAU, the students

Pius Ewherido: A brother in the truest and purest form BY FRANCIS EWHERIDO

RITING has never been so difficult and I can tell you I have written some tough examinations in the course of my academic pursuits. This assignment is a different kettle of fish: To write a tribute for my late brother, Senator Akporokena Pius Ewherido, the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District and the only senator elected on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, until his demise. I have written tributes for and on him before - birthdays and other celebrations- this is different. The mere reference to him as “late” and in past tense wrenches my heart. Bros P., as my younger siblings and I called him, was my immediate elder brother. He was born in Oviri-Olomu, Ughelli South local Government Area, Delta State, on May 4, 1963. My father, Joseph Ewherido, was then the headmaster of Oviri-Olomu Model School. By the time I was born we had moved to Ughelli. Teachers then were like soldiers and policemen - constantly on transfer. My earliest memories of Bros P. were in 1969 – 1970 when he was in primary two and three. Time flew by and as we grew older, we became closer like normal siblings growing up together in closely-knit families. He was my big brother and watched my back while I looked up to him for guidance and protection. I was traumatised anytime he was hurt or came unstuck in any endeavour. I never wanted any harm to come to him and those who hurt him hurt me more than they did to him because he had an unbelievable capacity to absorb pain and hurt. I remember our university days, how we used to write letters to each other; how we used to coil up in bed, dreaming and fantasising, during holidays. I remember how we used to tease my father that contrary to what he told us earlier that his alma mater,

the University of Lagos, was the best in Nigeria, ours (Bros P’s was the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, while mine is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka) were ahead of Unilag in character and in learning. Those were magical times; no harm was intended, just bragging rights or more like the child who claimed his father’s farm was the biggest when he had not gone around to see others. But they were memorable times. When Bros P. graduated he was top of his class. Even in those our university days, Bros P. was never afraid to dream big and he was uninhibited by the prevailing circumstances and obstacles of the time. He never sat on the fence on any issue and was never afraid to be a lone voice. He refused to kowtow, no matter the size or capacity of the opposition or obstacle. He was rigorous in intellectual matters, tenacious in his opinions and pushed himself beyond limits to ensure that he was not pushed around in intellectual discourse. Long before the world knew Bros P. as a loving person, a compassionate and selfless politician who gave hundreds of scholarships and numerous empowerment programmes, my siblings and I already did. As the best graduating student in his class, Bros P. had planned to go back to his alma

Late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

The challenge of bad leadership change

union was powerful, and had voice. But after the students protest, when Colonel Amadu Ali was the Commissioner for Education, the military systematically made student unionism a lame duck. The same Ali became the “Garrison Commander” in the PDP. The military broke the power of student unionism in Nigeria; it also almost tore the NBA into tatters, but trust lawyers, they bounced back with speed. It will be difficult to move Nigerians out of where they have been put by their past leaders just like that. Rigging has become a monster because the young ones are essentially hungry and poor, they will do anything for money to survive. The continuous impoverishment of the electorate is part of the continued conditioning by the political class, so as to get accolades for doing what they were elected and given money to do. We have become so conditioned that we clap and eulogise a governor who used the money for two block of six flats to build one three-bedroom bungalow! We praise him because he built something at all; after all, he could have spent the whole money, and nothing will happen! Rather than create jobs, open up industries, and farm projects, they provide small cash handouts, motorcycles and tricycles, and after they win elections turn round to ban the same instruments of impoverishment. Their wives distribute wrappers to the women and call it women empowerment, and they all collect awards to top it all. Only in Nigeria! The current excruciating cash crunch in the

Bros P, your death has brought me so much pain, agony and trauma; I pray God my life returns to normalcy and becomes complete again someday; I feel so hollow, so much emptiness

mater as a graduate assistant, but fate had other ideas: our father died at about the time he was graduating. It was important to him that our father’s wish that all his children had a minimum of first degree be fulfilled and he felt that he would not be able to contribute much to the education of our younger siblings with the N500 monthly salary as a graduate assistant. Consequently, he went into business not at a high level but from the basement. With his innate singlemindedness, he became a successful businessman and was a pioneer in changing the face of audio-visual business in Warri, Delta State. Who could forget his wavemaking audio-visual company, Omega Videovibes, in Warri and its environs in the late '80s and '90s? He was thus able to play a major role in helping to fulfil our father’s wish and other family matters. When Bros P wanted to go into politics, I was one of those who were uncomfortable with his choice of endeavour. Before then Bros P had introduced us to the world of politics via newspapers. Though my father had introduced us to reading of newspapers in the '70s, Bros P elevated it to an addiction by 1980. He was a pioneer follower of Concord Newspaper and would encourage us to pool resources together to ensure we never lacked money to buy Concord Newspaper. But while I was content to follow politics as a spectator, he wanted to be in the thick of it. So when I expressed my

system is part of conditioning towards 2015. For Nigerians to begin to vote their conscience, we must stop the conditioning and allow the effects to wear out. One thing should be clear: the days of leaders who do not deliver are numbered, and Nigerians will certainly not vote for any who values their votes more than their lives. A lover of this nation who wants to lead, must first of all remove the violence option from his mind. If Egypt were Nigeria, they would have tear-gassed the protesters, shot at and killed some , clamped many in jail under trumped up charges, in defense of their “nascent democracy”, because human life seems to mean nothing to us. The way forward will include to set targets in all sectors of the economy so that any man, competent or not, can just follow the policy targets. For example, setting the target of 12 oil refineries in Nigeria within four years, production of enough power for all states 24/7 in two years, provision of pipe-borne water to all Nigerians in four years; we must have pyramids of cocoa, groundnut, cassava, rubber, oil palm seeds, etc, within two to four years. All land phones to start working within two years as well as rail links to states capitals, medical facilities of international standards in all states, etc. Then any person can become the President without truncating our economic and social fortunes.

*Mr. Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

reservations about his involvement in politics, he told me that he had his mind made up long ago and that was what informed his going back to study law. That was Bros P. for you: He was a visionary and never went into any endeavour unprepared. He also told me he wanted to serve humanity and politics was the only endeavour he was passionate about that offered him the best and widest platform to live out his passion. The other was the Catholic priesthood, but he did not have the calling. Bros P. was cerebral and intellectually intimidating. It was no accident that eight of his bills were passed into law in his eight years in the Delta State House of Assembly. Within two years in the Senate, he had sponsored four bills already and he confided in me before he passed on that he had four others ready and was waiting for the opportunity to introduce them. One of his four sponsored bills, a Bill for an Act to make provisions creating the offence of Corporate Manslaughter and matters incidental thereto went through public hearing on April 22, 2013 and was well received. The Senate leadership has acceded to my family’s request that the bill should be passed into law in his honour. Though detribalised, he loved and cherished his Urhobo ancestry. That love led him into introducing the Annual Urhobo Language Competition and giving scholarship to students studying Urhobo Language in Delta State University, Abraka. He loved Urhobo and spoke the purest form of our Ewu dialect even though we never lived there in our formative years. He was concerned about the preservation of the Urhobo language and culture and contributed his quota in that regard. Bros P, all my life, I was with you and I thank God I was there with you till you your last breath. I would have been haunted for the rest of my life if I was absent. Your death has brought me so much pain, agony and trauma. I pray God my life returns to normalcy and becomes complete again someday. I feel so hollow, so much emptiness. Death came like a storm and snatched you away from us; like a candle in the wind, you stood little chance. *Mr. Ewherido, deceased brother, wrote from Lagos.

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— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 21

China sanctions travel agency over GSK case

UTHORITIES in Shanghai have suspended the business of a travel agency in connection with allegations of bribery against British drugmaker, GlaxoSmithKline, the official Xinhua news agency said yesterday. Chinese police have started investigating suspected involvement by the Shanghai Linjiang International Travel Agency in illegal activities such as falsifying bills, it said without elaborating. The travel agency has been ordered to suspend its business and carry out an internal overhaul, it said. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the travel agency for comment. Chinese police on Monday accused GSK of bribing officials and doctors to boost sales and raise the price of its medicines in China. They said GSK transferred up to 3 billion yuan ($489 million) to 700 travel agencies and consultancies over six years to facilitate the bribes. Britain’s biggest drugmaker has said it was deeply concerned by the developments, which it called “shameful”. Police have detained four senior Chinese executives from GSK, including vice president and operations manager, Liang Hong, who told state television this week he had funnelled money through travel agencies by arranging conferences, some of which were never held. That money was then used to pay bribes.

PRESENTATION: Executive Director, Service & Corporate Banks, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mr. Aminu Ismail (right)and Area Commander, Area ‘A’ Command, Lion Building, Lagos, ACP Imohinmi Edgal, when the bank presented a new 40 KVA generating set in support of effective policing in the state.

FG to fast-track establishment of venture capital firms BY HANNAH ISIBOR

HE Federal Government said it will fast-track the establishment of vibrant and efficient venture and equity capital organisations that will help provide cheap funds for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the country. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said this during the Launch of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) and inauguration of the Ogun State Council on MSMEs in Abeokuta. The programme, which was organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in partnership with the Ogun State government, is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan. Aganga said, “We want to build a new

sector called Venture Capital and private equity sector to support small and growing businesses in Nigeria. “Very soon, you will see some changes in our laws and regulations that will promote the development of venture capital organisations that will provide equity, debt capital and business support services to those sectors.” The minister noted that the inauguration of SME Councils at the state levels would enable both the federal and state governments to identify the peculiar challenges facing MSMEs in each state and then fashion out workable strategies to holistically address them. He said, “We are currently changing the structure of MSMEs development in the country. One of our new initiatives is the development of the National Enterprise Development Programme. NEDEP is being spearheaded by the Federal

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and its three parastatals - the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN and the Industrial Training Fund. “This is the first time ever that these three parastatals under my ministry are coming together to develop and implement a programme that will revolutionise the growth of the MSME sector in Nigeria.” He added, “In terms of the new structure of MSMEs in Nigeria, I want to see a situation where we can have SME Councils in every state of the federation. We launched the first one in Kano (in the North), two weeks ago, while Ogun State is the first one we are launching in the South West. “The state SME Councils will have representatives of the federal and state governments, trade associations and members of the Organised Private Sector as members.”

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126.1 2,196.00

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15.97

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109.45

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105.81

-0.51

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL

SELLING

DOLLAR 154.76 155.26 STERLING 235.4209 236.1815 EURO 202.6892 203.344 FRANC 163.8365 164.3659 YEN 1.5447 1.5497 CFA 0.2905 0.3005 WAUA 232.0273 232.777 RENMINBI 25.1969 25.2788 RIYAL 41.2638 41.3971 KRONA 27.1733 27.2611

155.76 236.9421 203.9989 164.8952 1.5546 0.3105 233.5266 25.3606 41.5305 27.3489

CBN Exchange rate as at 18/07/2013

IoD partners NSE to strengthen corporate governance BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

HE Institute of Directors Nigeria, IoD, has revealed that it is working in collaboration with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to strengthen corporate governance structure in the market. The Institute’s President, Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, made this known when she and other members of the institute paid a courtesy visit to the NSE. She noted that strengthening the corporate governance would make it more credible and attract the needed investment to grow the economy, saying, “We are partnering with the exchange because they are dealing with companies driven by directors

who are our members. Corporate governance is a profitable venture because when people believe in you, they will do business with you.” The IoD boss used the opportunity to enjoin the stockbrokers to comply with corporate governance principle in order to enhance accountability and facilitate market growth. She lauded the management of the NSE for enforcing strict compliance of corporate governance in the market, while assuring that the institute would not relent on its efforts of developing credible directors that would become good drivers of corporate governance in their organisations and the financial institutions they represent. “Ours in IoD is to develop directors

that will be drivers of corporate governance in their organisations and quoted companies because these companies are open for public scrutiny and accountability. “We express our appreciation through the NSE Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema for enforcing corporate governance in the exchange to foster a seasoned growth. The exchange is now seen as a credible institution and our confidence in you are growing. She linked non-compliance to corporate governance principle as one of the major causes of recession, adding that the Institute has resolved to strengthen the partnership in order to make the issue of credibility become stronger in the market.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 201 3

FG appoints Citigroup, Vetiva to manage sale of Enterprise Bank T

From left: Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo; CEO, Best Foods Global Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere; CEO, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; President, Institute of Director (IoD), Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi; Past President, IoD, Mrs. Olutoyin Olakunri and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri during a courtesy visit of the institute to the NSE, in Lagos. capitalisation deadline. AMCON then recapitalised

the three banks and changed their names to Mainstreet,

Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank, respectively.

No agreement with ETI over N1.6bn debt — AMCON

SSET Management Corporation of Nigeria, yesterday, said it is in advanced discussions with Mr. Kolapo Lawson, Chairman, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, over the repayment of a N1.6 billion loan, and also debunked claims that it has reached an agreement with the chairman. In an interview in Lagos, Mr. Kayode Lambo, spokesperson for AMCON, said AMCON is yet to reach an agreement with Lawson over debts owed. He however, declined to comment further. ETI had earlier in the day

said Lawson has reached an agreement with AMCON, responding to reports that he had fallen behind repaying loans. “Ecobank has confirmed that the matters concerning Mr. Lawson’s dealings with AMCON have been discussed at the board and, we understand, Mr. Lawson has reached an

agreement with AMCON on this issue,” the bank said in emailed statement. Also speaking, Lawson said, “The loan to Agbara Estates, which is not yet due to be paid, was contracted between two management teams acting at arm’s length in the ordinary course of business, and was

OURTERVILLE Business Solution, CBS, has announced the commencement of Auto-Reg service for Kogi State government, which has mandated it to handle its entire Motor Vehicle Administration Documentation with effect from August 1st, 2013. The company also disclosed that it is at the verge of developing a national databank of motor vehicle documentation in Nigeria. The databank, which is the first in Nigeria, will be comparable to any other vehicle documentation anywhere in the world, the company said in

completed well before I became chairman of the ETI Group. “It is fully secured by a real estate project which has since increased in value and the overall value of the project is significantly higher than the loan. The Board has every assurance that the loan will be paid off before its due date.”

ONEYWELL Flour Mills Plc has tasked youths to redevelop themselves through creative activities, saying such action would bring out the best in them and make them more focused and ambitious. Director, Marketing, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Benson Evbuomwan stated this, at Honeywell Wheat Meal Cooking Competition at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Lagos State camp, Iyana Ipaja, where Miss Kate Onuchukwu of Platoon 5 emerged overall best cook, carting home a fridge with N30,000 cash. According to Evbuomwan, Honeywell will continue to promote cooking talents among the youths, saying such will bring out their unique skills with a view to equipping them for future challenges. It will also endear them early enough to the company’s products by making them Honeywell Ambassadors. Explaining the rationale for the competition, Evbuomwan said the company is utilising the opportunity provided by the unique change point of the youth corps members who are basically future mothers and fathers by introducing to them the company’s products so as to appreciate them with a view to shaping their choice of food items in future.

Shareholders approve Presco’s N1bn dividend

Fire incident won’t affect operations, says Champion Breweries

HAREHOLDERS of Presco Plc has approved proposal by the Board of the company to pay a dividend of N1.00 per share, amounting to

N1billlion for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the period under review, the company recorded a turnover of N11.3 billion as against

Courteville AutoReg debuts in Kogi State BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

Honeywell tasks youths on selfdevelopment

By MICHAEL EBOH with Agency Report HE Federal Government, yesterday, commenced the sale of the AMCONowned banks, with the appointment of Citigroup and Vetiva Capital to manage the sale of one of the banks — Enterprise Bank Limited. In an interview, Mr. Mustapha Chike-Obi, Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, said Citigroup and Vetiva will manage the 100 per cent sale of the bank, while the sale of the other two — Mainstreet Bank Limited and Keystone Bank — will hold in the next couple of weeks. He said the appointment is a reflection of the fact that AMCON is on track with its timeline to complete the sale of all three banks by the third quarter of next year. Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB, where nationalised in 2011 when they failed to find new investors before a re-

BRIEF

a statement. According to a statement from the company, discussions are at various levels with several other states in Nigeria to join the platform – the Motor Vehicle Administration Documentation. Courteville’s AutoReg is a web-based business solution for motor vehicle registration and documentation currently deployed through it’s over 3500 processing points in over18 states across Nigeria and in Sierra Leone. “The AutoReg franchise is a flagship service rendered by Courteville Business Solutions Plc in partnership with licensing offices, bank branches and

registered independent processing outlets to provide first-class motor vehicle administration documentation system solutions nationwide. “In addition to the AutoReg services, Courteville as a foremost e-business solution company in Nigeria renders the same services in the Republic of Sierra Leone for all online real time registration of motor vehicle administration and documentation,” the company noted in the statement. Courteville is at the forefront of e-registration in Nigeria as it also works with NAFDAC for eregistration of all food, drugs and other items requiring the Agency’s approval.

N8.5 billion in the previous year. Addressing shareholders during the company’s 2012 Annual General Meeting in Benin City, Edo State, Chairman of Presco Plc, Pierre Vandebeeck, explained that profit after tax increased to N3.5 billion from N1.778 billion attained in the previous year. According to Vandebeeck’s statement, the 2012 performance can be described as very good, adding that the company continues to reap the benefit of its expansion programme. Explaining further, he said: “The Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) production for the year was 125,481MT compared to 109,11MT in the previous year. In addition, 2012 was an exceptional year as Presco received 34,830MT Fresh Fruit Bunches from its sister company, Siat Nigeria Limited. The cumulative figure for FFB processed comes to 160.311MT resulting in higher Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production of 33.375 tons”.

ANAGEMENT of Champion Breweries Plc has assured that the weekend fire incident at its factory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, will not affect normal operations of the company. The fire, which affected the warehouse section started around 11am on Saturday but was brought under control with the quick response of the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service, Julius Berger Plc and some private water distribution companies operating in the state. Although the extent of damage is yet to be quantified, a statement by the management said investigation is on to unravel the cause of the incident, which fortunately recorded no casualty. “Management regrets the fire incident but assures the public that normal operation is not affected while leaving no stone unturned to unravel the cause and prevent a recurrence”, said the statement by Acting Managing Director, Engr. Chandhari Milind.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—23

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Farmers get provitamin A cassava planting materials for 2013 planting season

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, at the National Assembly.

National Assembly commends Agric minister’s initiatives on input subsidies …makes case for law to sustain it

HEN the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) was introduced by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, as one of the components of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) not many gave it a chance. The scheme was designed for the specific purpose of providing affordable agricultural inputs like fertilizers and hybrid seeds to farmers in order to increase their yields per hectare and make it comparable to world standard. Under the arrangement, the federal and state governments pay 25 per cent apiece on each of the inputs so as to ensure that poor farmers, whose major constraint is to buy simple inputs, are able to purchase them at subsidised rates. The multiplier effects are to increase the land space cultivated by each farmer, increase yield through the use of improved varieties of planting materials and fertiliser application. As an innovative scheme meant to remove the difficulties usually associated with the distribution of fertilizers and hybrid seeds in the country, it is not a surprise that the scheme was scored high by members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders recently. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives’ public hearing on the draft bill to make a law to sustain the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, Adesina said: “Discovery of oil in the US is a reason why Nigeria should look elsewhere from oil as a source of foreign revenue.” The minister told the House committee members that a draft bill will soon be developed for seeds to ensure quality control, just as is the case of a bill for fertiliser, which the president will soon submit to the national assembly.

By JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports

We should give the GES a chance to work out before saying it is working or not

In a statement made available by Olukayode Oyeleye, his media aide , Adesina disclosed that work was going on in the area of soil testing in collaboration with the Columbia University in New York, to develop a soil testing kit that can give results within 30 minutes. He also acknowledged that sustainability of production is very important, disclosing that ECOWAS has opened up a regional trade for fertiliser in which Nigeria can play a leading role as a regional market. On issues of genetically modified foods as observed during the public hearing, Dr. Adesina responding to fears expressed, saying that Nigeria must not be a laggard in biotechnology. He distinguished between biotechnology and genetically modified organisms. “We are pro-technology,” he said, stressing that “we just have to do things right. Hon. Abdulkadir Hussain Namadi, from Jigawa, observed that people in his constituency had benefitted immensely. He said 12 major privately owned rice mills were coming up. Most people who travelled to the south to do security work during the dry seasons now stay back to farm, having tube wells

and pumping machines.” Olam Farm’s representative at the hearing said his company was already exploring how to participate in the government’s initiative on fertiliser, but remarked that soil testing was a very important component. Dr Olufemi Bolarin, Kogi State Commissioner of Agriculture, disclosed that 28,000 farmers had collected their seeds and fertiliser under the GES, while 118,000 farmers were targeted for this wet season to benefit. Enyinnaya Lekwachi, Programme Manager of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Abia State, noted that 211,424 farmers had registered under the GES in his state. ” We should give the GES a chance to work out before saying it is working or not.” Lizzy Igbine, a leader of women farmers, said the women farmers initially doubted GES and the sincerity behind it. Over 2,000 of the women had redeemed their inputs. Over 8,000 women sent her to the National Assembly to proclaim that the GES should be part of the government policy. Azubuike Nwokoye, from the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), commented on the need for timeliness of the inputs under GES. He asked that quality inputs be given to farmers. Helen Okeme, a rice farmer from Kogi State, said that GES was a reality in Kogi State. “I am advocating that it should be sustained, but inputs should reach farmers on time. We are tired of importing rice. We want to eat our own rice,” Okeme said.

ESEARCHERS have begun the dissemination of pro-vitamin A cassava varieties to rural households as part of efforts to tackle vitamin A deficiency in Nigeria. Popularly known as yellow cassava, these new improved varieties hold part of the solution to Vitamin A deficiency in Africa. It is no longer news that vitamin A deficiency is widespread in Nigeria, afflicting about 20% of pregnant women and 30% of children below the age of 5. A deficiency in vitamin A leads to poor health, blindness, stunting, and even death. Through decades of conventional breeding efforts, researchers at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in partnership with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, with funds from HarvestPlus, have been able to develop provitamin A cassava varieties to tackle this malnutrition menace. The plan is to ensure that over two million farmers have access to vitamin A cassava stems for planting across the major cassava producing states in Nigeria with initial emphasis on Akwa Ibom, Benue, Imo and Oyo States as regional hubs. HarvestPlus and partners plan to distribute 300,000 bundles of stems to 100,000 households in Nigeria in 2013 alone. Currently, more than 40,000 traceable farmers in Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Benue, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and River states received stems in June and July, while more states will receive stems before the end of August.

AU commission to boost agriculture productivity through research BY SALIMAT GARBA

FRICAN Union Commission (AUC) says it will ensure increase in agricultural productivity in Africa through strong support for research and development. Mrs Rhoda Tumusiime, the Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the commission, stated this on Tuesday at the ongoing 6th Africa Agricultural Science Week (AASW) in Accra. According to her, one of the measures the commission is taking to enhance productivity in the area of research is to renew its Memorandum of Understanding with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). She explained that FARA was an umbrella that brought together major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in the continent. The commissioner disclosed that AUC was also part of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). “The CAADP is an African-led initiative that was adopted by Africa in 2003 to increase food security, reduce poverty, promote economic growth and create wealth through agricultural-led development.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 25

Nollywood’s newest sensation unveiled!

I N S I D E:

I have the best figure in Nollywood

Why Funke Akindele and hubby may not separate

—Crystal Okoye

ystal Okoye hasn’t got a profile as long as C an arm but her profile is rich, unusual and fascinating. Barely a year on the scene, r

the curvaceous twenty-something has done 18 movies with more than 5 of those as the leading lady- now, that’s a profile even the best in the industry will gawk at. In this chat with Weekend Groove, the newest sensation in Nollywood as she has come to be known shares her experience, her rise to fame and what makes her tick: enjoy...

Yvonne Nelson Ver sus ersus Mercy Aigbe

BY AYO ONIKOYI

Is Nokia new Asha phones for rappers?

Since you had the dream as a child, why didn’t you start as a child? See, in my house, education comes first. My family believes C M Y K

University of Nnamdi Azikwe, Anambra State. When did you actually start acting and how has the

How did you get into Nollywood? My journey into Nollywood was as a result of childhood fantasy that turned into a burning desire. Ever since I was a child I have always been obsessed with acting. My first love was developed through watching the Cartoon Network. Just seeing the various characters going through their acts awaken the love in me. Then, I would mimic whatever they do and by so doing, I became obsessed with acting. Seeing my passion, my family then encouraged me to build the passion into reality. Later I began to sharpen my skills as an actor by using my mirror to master various mannerisms and acts, using my siblings as collaborators. Little by little, things began to fall into place and here I am living my dream.

in education so much they would not allow you to do any thing until you have had a good education. I started pursuing the dream of acting after I have secured an admission into the university. I am currently in my 300 level, studying Public Administration in the

industry is sexual harassment. It is almost impossible not to encounter it at one point or another as an upcoming artiste. But I thank God I have met the right people who have steered me in the right direction. Sexual harassment is always there but it all depends on you, whether to play or not to play. Most times, they offer you conditions before giving you a role and it’s up to you to take the role or not. I have had to walk

Like in every industry, there are challenges and one of the biggest challenges in the movie industry is sexual harassment

journey been for you? I started acting last year January and since then I have done 18 films. Though the one I am about to start will be my 18th film and I still have three other scripts waiting for me after I finish the next one. I will not say the journey has been easy, I have God and a friend to thank for my fast growth in the industry. Like in every industry, there are challenges and one of the biggest challenges in the movie

•Okoye

out on a job because of such conditions. Before I came into the industry I have heard of it and I was ready because I know what I wanted. It’s not peculiar to the movie industry, sexual harassment is everywhere and as a beautiful girl you must expect people to get out of turn sometimes. Doing 18 movies in the first year of your career as an actress is a bit fantastic. How did you pull it off, what was the

catch? There’s no catch, it is grace of God. I am starting another job tomorrow and I have another 3 scripts in my hand. All of them are back to back. As I am finishing one I am taking up another. It is all by the grace of God and as I said earlier, a friend. The name of that friend is Ogoo Okechi. She’s a costumier. When I met her I have not done more than 2 movies but afterwards she had

helped me tremendously. What she does is to tell the marketer of a film she’s working on to feature me. She has been getting jobs for me. The next role I have now is given to me by Pete Edochie. But have you ever taken a lead role because that takes a while for so many other stars? Yes, I have taken lead roles. If I remember correctly, I have

Continues on page 26

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

I have no business with a man who cannot perform

beauty, the figure and everything. In Nollywood, beauty and talent goes hand in hand.

Continues frompg 25 taken the lead character in about 5 of the 18 films I have done. I took the lead in: “Ritual War”; “King’s Enemy”; “Release Me Oh Lord”; “Hour of Grace” and “Hour of Mercy”; “Mr Ibu on the Run”; and “Mr Ibu and the Widows”, “Body of the King”; and “Journey of a King”. Some of them are two parts movies. I played a supporting role in “Body of the King” and “Journey of a King” What about the one where you shaved your hair? The one you must be talking about is “Widows Cot” but I have just shaved my hair again for another movie. I didn’t play the lead role in “Widows Cot” but I did in “Mr. Ibu and the Widows”. This shaving of hair is becoming a trend of sort, what’s the catch in it. Were you paid specially because you shaved your hair? Yes, it attracts special fees but I didn’t shave my hair because of the money, I did it for the love of the role. This is how it works; if I am charging one thousand naira and I have to shave my hair I have to charge five thousand naira.

What about your embarrassing moments? The one I can remember happened when I was still looking to have a shot at acting. Then, I reported at a location and the producer gave me a note where he instructed me to meet him at a hotel room. I felt so embarrassed. He told me the role would not be available for me if I didn’t report at the hotel. I left the set and never showed up for the job. If you want me I want you to come up to me and tell me you want me but tying it to anything else puts me off. What do you think are your selling points? My selling point are my hips. I think Mercy Johnson’s hips are just learning where mine are. I know that I am wellshaped. If you ask me, I have got the best shape in Nollywood. And it is just not my hips alone, my eyes, my legs and my height as a woman all compliment my nice figure. You may say I don’t have the front but I have the back. The back speaks for me. Were you actually named Crystal? My name is actually Crystabel but I named myself Crystal. The name was actually suggested by a friend and since crystal means something that glitters it suits me very well. For me, it is more than just a name, it is a source of inspiration. It reminds me I have to be shining everyday to live up to my name.

What you are telling me is that when you shave your hair you get five times as much as the money you are supposed to get? Yes, in most cases you get that much. I really loved the “Mr Ibu and the Widows”, the concept is superb. It is a comedy with a very good storyline.

What was your first fee? I collected ten thousand naira in my first film, which was “Wild Heart” and the sequel “Heart of a Wife”. It was a tenscene appearance for me. You know, for upcoming artistes, it is usually a thousand naira per scene. But as you progress the fee changes. In some instances, it isn’t like because you did twenty scenes you have to collect twenty thousand naira, It varies.

Sex is a free gift from God, meant for us, man and woman to enjoy ourselves. I don’t believe in that ‘after marriage’ crap

What about the big roles? It depends on what you negotiate with the marketer. There is no standard as to what you collect, all depends on your negotiations. You cannot say because you appear 50 times you will collect 50 thousand naira it entails more than that. But as an upcoming star you don’t have to haggle too much about fees. The most important thing is to have the roles coming for you to prove yourself. Right now I am not doing it for the money, I am doing it for fame. So, after shaving your hair, you go around in wigs or with the shaved hair? Oh, I go around with the shaved hair. Everywhere I go people call me African queen (laughs) What has worked for you in the industry; your talent or beauty? I will say both. Before then I used to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself “Crystal, you are beautiful”. I am beautiful. I am well-shaped. I have straight legs. I decided to come into the industry, not just with my physical attributes but also because of my talents. In Nollywood, you may be beautiful but if you are not talented you can’t get any where but I thank God I have everything. The talent, the

Is it true that upcoming actors and actresses now pay producers to be featured in films? They do that. Some pay their way to be featured. Yes, it is happening alright. Have you ever had to do that? God forbid. I would rather give up the job than succumb to that. I am an actress, the producer is supposed to pay me not the other way round.

What’s your idea about sex. Should it be done only after marriage? Sex is a free gift from God, meant for us, man and woman to enjoy ourselves. I don’t believe in that ‘after marriage’ crap. I believe in sex before marriage because it is very important you know partner very well, sexually and otherwise, before you two are sworn together for life. If you don’t know the person very well (sexually) before marriage, what happens if the person doesn’t live up to your expectations? What if the person cannot perform? I don’t think there’s a woman who wants to end up with a man who cannot perform.

So, a man must be able to perform before you can consider marrying him? Yes o. If a man cannot perform I have no business with him. You have to be a complete man to be with me. So you prefer sex to money in marriage? My dear, money comes first o. Money rules the world. But sex too is very important because without sex the marriage cannot be sweet. God has given sex as a gift to enjoy. Who are your role models in the industry? My first person is Pete Edochie. I see in him a father figure, a father I have lost. Then there is Bukky Ajayi, Onyeka Onwenu, Stephanie Okereke and some others.

•Mercy Aigbe and Yvonne Nelson

City People award show-stoppers

Yvonne Nelson versus Mercy Aigbe T

he 13th edition of City People Award held last Sunday in Lagos with several artistes smiling home with several categories of awards but the talking points have not been the award winners or losers but some Nollywood personalities who came and stole the show. Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson and Yoruba top star, Mercy Johnson would hardly be drawn up together for any reason even though the duo are on top of their trades in acting but when they stepped on to the red carpet at the award they not only made heads turn they also got some people catching their breathes with their ‘knock-them-senseless outfits. Maybe they wouldn’t have come through as the most expensively dressed or the most chic-looking, they sure got people drooling and gawking with the tricks they played at mother nature with their dress senses. Yvonne wasn’t merciful with most of her bared back glaring menacingly with sensual edge, neither was Mercy apologetic with her sexy strapless glittering gown that leaves much of her cleavage like they wanted to jump out of their stations.

Laide Bakare premières movie in New York D

electable Yoruba actress, Laide Bakare, who put to bed a few months ago is back on the scene with a bang. The nursing mother whose baby boy is barely weaned is set to première her new movie in New York on Saturday. The new movie “Uncommon Alhaja” starring Laide Bakare and Odunlade Adekola is said to have been shot long before Laide put to bed. Several notable dignitaries including top names in Nollywood are expected to grace the event which is billed to hold at Naicom Event Centre, New York, United States of America. The movie was produced by Laide’s Simline International, which doubles as a film producing outfit and a record label. •Laide Bakare

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 —27

Why Funke Akindele and h u b b y may not sepa rate BY AYO ONIKOYI

ver since the news went viral on social media that top-rated actress, Funke Akindele and hubby ’s wedding of barely one year has hit the rocks following a sneaky post by the husband, Kehinde Oloyede, there has been more questions than answers. First, the post, which might have done the damage for which it was intended disappeared within hours of its being posted. The husband, who reportedly made the post denied making such afterwards even when reports claimed he said he posted it to get her superstar wife’s attention.

confided in Weekend Groove, that the post was probably made by the husband to pre-empt Funke Akindele’s threat to walk out of the marriage following the husband’s serial cases of infidelity. According to the source, there has always been issue of spending time together between the couple, with the husband, reportedly bitter that Funke is never at home to take up her role as a married woman. The husband is said to have even accused Funke of being responsible for the miscarriage she had some months ago.

ospel singer, Aity Dennis has dropped a new album entitled, “Not Alone”, a 13- tracker dedicated to Pastors and ministers of the gospel on Monday, July 1. The release which coincided with the International Ministers Conference holding in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital features tracks like Final Thank You, Not Alone, Your Battle Belongs to The Lord, Stand in the Midst of Your Dreams and Oruko among others. Commenting on the new album, Aity said: “The CD is in appreciation of ministers of the gospel the world over who are laboring in The Lord’s vineyard. The idea is to minister to these ministers because he who waters also needs to be watered too.” Hosted by Pastor Sylvanus, the annual International Ministers Conference plays hosts to pastors from all over the world. Meanwhile, Aity has jetted out for the BENJAMIN NJOKU next leg of her US tour. njokujamin@yahoo.com Among others, she will perform at the Glorious AYO ONIKOYI Praise Concert in onikoyi68@gmail.com Houston, Texas which will feature prominent OPEOLUWANI American and African OGUNJIMI gospel acts.

THE TEAM

•Aity Dennis

Funke Akindele is currently on the set of upcoming movie “Village Champion” where she plays a local palm-wine tapper.

ushers Nollywood into global stage

Funke Akindele and husband

Jets out for Houston tour

However, the source said he doesn’t believe the couple will separate as family members are at work, trying to reconcile the couple despite the first blood being drawn by the husband by embarrassing the actress on social media.

Guinness

While attempts to get Funke or her representatives to take a formal stand on the matter have not yielded desired result, a source close to Funke and husband,

Aity Dennis drops new album

Funke on her part is said to have had it up to ear, concerning her husband’s infidelity. The source said before Funke went on set some days ago she threatened to divorce the husband if he continues with his treacherous pastime.

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

iageo, Premium Alcoholic beverage producer and parent company of Guinness Nigeria Plc has unveiled the Guinness Africa Made of More Programme. The programme is a Pan-African search for the most talented African filmmaker for the production of a global TV commercial for brand Guinness. Theme of the competition is Guinness Made of More and it is open to anyone who is passionate about film making. It underscores Diageo’s pioneering approach to marketing and its belief that some of the richest and untapped creative talent resides in Africa and that talent should be celebrated the world over. Commenting on the programme, Seni Adetu, Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc., said, “We are proud to be a part of this landmark project and wish all the contenders the very best as they showcase the rich and unique creativity

of the African Continent and make us all proud.” Guinness will fund the winning film to run on Pan-African TV, showcasing the winning filmmaker’s work as well as bring the winner back to Cannes Lions in 2014 giving them a global stage. Fifteen film makers were selected from several countries across Africa including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania and they will showcase the Guinness Made of More theme through compelling stories told in an exciting and interesting way. Grants and bursaries will also be offered to help create a viable platform for filmmakers to start their productions. Ultimately, the project will create opportunities to document how people across the continent set out to find and tell the story of what makes themselves, their community, town, region, country or continent ‘Made of More’.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—29

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

When ‘I do’ doesn’t do

Enduring trends

T is interesting how the age old saying, One man’s meat is another man’s poison, keeps rearing its sometimes not-so-appealing head in our socio-political life. And with pastorowned private jets jostling for room in our airspace and the longsuffering churchgoer and scorner alike expressing their displeasure and sometimes intense jealousy, there is a tendency now to pounce like vultures upon any opportunity to discredit churches, pastors and organised religion. It does not get more organised than the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, known simply as Deeper Life in common parlance. The sect, which is better known as the one whose women wear neither earrings nor makeup and who look disgustedly at other women if they so much as wear trousers or shorts. Only those that are close know they run good schools, businesses and arrange a mean orchestra. Of course it is common knowledge that the sect’s headquarters, based in its Gbagada Lagos premises, promises to be the winner by a long mile in the clash of the big church titans with ‘church’ referring, of course, to buildings. Still Deeper Life is as prudish as ever, judging by the massive controversy that has trailed the wedding outfit of the wife of John, the son of its general overseer, William Kumuyi.

They are not exactly classics, but they might as well. Be. These trends have stuck around for so long that you can take a chance and treat them like classics. In short, if one of these is not in your wardrobe, you don’t have a wardrobe

Cropped pants

hey first appeared in the 50s and 60s and tagged threequarters, as a brave variant to the traditional anklelength trousers. Ending mid way between the knees and the ankles, the three-quarter length trousers (now better known as ‘cropped pants’), swing comfortably between the smart and the casual. In more recent times they have appeared in designer suits, making them even smarter and more trendy.

Metallic Eyes

nce upon a time metallic eyeshadow had been the preserve Saturday nights, night clubs and shows but not anymore. Bold bronzes and glowing golds go as well with glittery lycra as with severe suits and these days, nobody thinks they are out of line in any situation. Trick is to leave the rest of the face plain and go easy on the jewellery.

Cropped pants

Ballet flats

t’s difficult to believe they became all the rage just a few years ago, but it is the unlucky wardrobe that does not have a pair these days. They are cute, they are adventurous, they are flexible and they are the ultimate proof of a confident woman.

The Wrap dress

t should have been a classic ages ago, but the little black dress always stole the thunder. Yet the wrap dress it is that suits every figure and delivers effortless chic for office, weekend and evening.

Gladiator Sandals

hey have come and gone so often, but it’s clear they’ve now come to stay and the most obvious reason for this is that they are so solid and so comfortable. These sandals go particularly well with the flowy skirts and dresses.

•Gladiator Sandals

•The Wrap dress

he condemnation of the church’s stance by the general public has been unanimous and overwhelming; and has by no means been restricted to the layman class. Opinionated Pastor Tunde Bakare, who was a member of the sect for five years, has spoken against the suspension handed out to John and Love Kumuyi, over the wedding attire the bride wore. “I personally did not see what they have done wrong. A man is entitled to his own authority in his own home.1st Peter Chapter 3. A wife should dress to please the husband and not the members of the church or public. It’s sheer wickedness to the couple, they should leave them to enjoy their honeymoon." “They should not squeeze them to the modus operandi of a particular organisation. I did not see anything wrong in the wedding. The bride was not naked or dressed inappropriately and the groom didn’t. Esther the queen was beautifully dressed in the bible to gain the king’s attention. They should not make mountain out of a molehill." But this whole affair goes way beyond our newfound obsession with other people’s clothes, and the scarcity/lack of them. It is about the rule of law, and the propensity of the new Nigerian church to flout law and order within itself, as well as in the larger society. Under normal circumstances, there is a different rule for the leadership of the church; another with the rest of it. Okay, maybe they are a bit too fraught with overkill, but Deeper Life has become that bright shiny example of sticking closely to its own rules, and being true to the all but forgotten saying: charity begins at home.

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lives on her own and doing business. We met with the doctor in Katsina, operating on another patient. We saw over 100 VVF patients abandoned. Some of them could not remember anything anymore, they were so bitter because at the end of the day, they lost the babies due to prolonged labour so they are just all alone in the world. We were able to give them gifts and hope and put smiles on their faces. We went to Akwa Ibom this year too, to the VVF centre. It was the same story – abandoned women and all that.”

My happiest moments are in the midst of children – Mandy Olowu

CCORDING to Mrs. Mandy Olowu who is a Microsoft professional with a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Lagos, the organisation has been around for almost a decade but was officially registered two years ago. An American preacher, Mike Murdock once said that “What you love is a clue to something you contain.” This proved true in the case of Olowu who said she enjoys being with children especially the vulnerable ones so she did not doubt it when prophecies came that God was calling her into the ministry of compassion. “I was told of what God wanted me to do with children. I find that my happiest moments are in the midst of children. Like I said, I believe so much in compassion, in giving love, in putting smiles on the faces of people especially children. I like to encourage and to motivate people and make significant changes in their lives. When I got these prophecies concerning this organisation, I knew God was sending me in the right direction,” she said. What we do: “We have signature programmes where we go to orphanages, hospitals, schools, remand homes, beggars’ colonies etc., and give out foodstuffs, clothes, educational aid, medical aid and all we can to make life better. I am somebody that likes to get into a place and

Mrs Mandy Olowu is the President/Founder of Lagos-based Hope Ambassadors & Child Care Organisation, a faith-based non-profit, non-government charity organisation with a calling to bring hope to the needy and poor people, especially vulnerable children and women. In this chat with Vanguard, Mrs Olowu, a wife, mother and educator, speaks on why she started Hope Ambassadors, the journey so far and the challenges.

BY EBELE ORAKPO

Our organisation is founded and rooted in love so we are trying to revive hope and the spirit of giving

when I leave, I leave it better than I met it. We take some children off the streets and send them to school. “Sometime last year, we handled a case of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). They brought a letter to me about a 49-year-old woman who has been living with VVF for 26 years. I could not understand how somebody could live with this disease for 26 years in a civilized world! So we looked into it and found out that it was true. This woman has been living in that stench, stigmatized, abandoned by family and friends and left all alone with her problems. “So I did a thorough research on VVF to find out everything I could. Fortunately, we were able to get on the internet, the name of a doctor who could handle it. We learnt that some years ago, some missionaries came into Nigeria and opened a hospital in the northern part of the country and from there, they have been spreading to other parts. We contacted the hospital in Katsina. Fortunately again, they told us bimonthly, they move round so we decided to take the option of Zaria which was closer. We sent our patient there and in eight

weeks, she became brand new. It was awesome. The doctor told us how he has operated on over 300,000 women and integrated them back into the society and that they want to open something in the western part of Nigeria. During our research, we found out that places like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) could not handle cases like that for obvious reasons - VVF is not very

common in this part of the country,” she narrated. Continued Olowu; “In January, we went to visit the hospital where the miracle happened. Imagine living with a disease for 26 years and in just eight weeks, it was all gone and she was reintegrated back into the society! She was able to start her life again, you know, somebody that could not even get a job or sell because by the time you are selling and people are coming round and perceiving horrible odour, they won’t come back to you again. She now

Upcoming event: “We have been pursuing a pet project in Enugu for seven months now but it has not been easy due to paucity of funds. We want to go to malaria-prone areas and give out insecticidetreated nets (ITNs) after telling them about the dangers of malaria and what it can do to pregnant women and children under five years. We will organise people to clean their environment and tell them reasons why we have too many mosquitoes. We appealed to organisations and government to donate ITNs but they could not give us. We even went to Malaria Control Unit in Abuja, where we are told they only give to public health centres and when you go to these public health centres, you really don’t see the nets but you see them in the market where they are sold. Fortunately, we got a company that gave us at a discounted rate so we decided to buy. We had planned to reach out to 1,000 families in Enugu but right now, we can only touch 200-300 families because resources are limited. We are bringing from our pocket but along the line, we see a few people that support us. UAC has been very supportive. “My husband is the one sponsoring the organisation although running an NGO is fulfilling but it comes with a lot of challenges especially finances. Our organisation is founded and rooted in love so we are trying to revive hope and the spirit of giving.

Lagos de-worm de-wormss 5,000 children BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

OR most parents, the mass de-worming exercise embarked upon by the Lagos State Government recently must have been a great respite as most children would run away upon sighting a worm expeller! An estimated 5,000 pupils from eight nursery and primary schools in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state converged at the Maryland School Complex to gain knowledge about their health and well-being from the Health-Teacher-of-the-Day, Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefu-

lire, who doubles as the state Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation. “Science has affirmed that children not protected against worms usually suffer from diarrhoea, anaemia, low immunity against diseases and other life-threatening diseases, and this worm expeller brought here today has been proven for its efficacy in the treatment of a wide range of worm infections. The government has continued to perform deworming exercise in view of its importance to the health and proper living of children, who

are the bedrock of development,” she counselled. By the time the counselling was over, every single child in the gathering was in a hurry to receive a dose of the expeller which according to her, was being administered simultaneously in the 57 local government and local council development areas of the state! Hon. Adefulire said the 11year-old exercise was part of government's efforts at improving the health and academic standard of the students. The exercise was declared open by First Lady of the State, Dame Abimbola Fashola.

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UN urges Africa to boost regional trade T

HE UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is calling on African nations to boost their private sectors to advance intra-regional trade. UNCTAD's new report on the Economic Development in Africa 2013 says reducing trade barriers alone is not enough to turn regional trade into a winning enterprise. In a newly published report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development says African governments must boost private industry and entrepreneurs if they are to compete successfully with foreign firms unencumbered by trade barriers. The report says Africa has a lot to do to catch up with the world's other intra-regional trading blocs. It notes that trade among African nations was low, just 11.3 percent of total trade in 2011. In Asia, trade among regional neighbors

was 50 percent of total trade. Europe was higher still at 70 percent. UNCTAD SecretaryGeneral Supachai Panitchpakdi said that Africa suffers from a number of deficiencies that work to its disadvantage, including the lack of services and infrastructure. He said African companies tend to be very small and this makes it difficult for them to be competitive. He cited the widespread informal sector in Africa as a particular handicap in efforts to expand intra-regional trade. "The size of the informal sector in Africa is 38 percent of GDP, compared with 18 percent of East Asia and the Pacific, 27 percent in the Mid-east and North Africa, 25 percent in South Asia. The size of the informal sector does indicate that most of the policies from the government or the kind of the formal support

Nigeria, Kenya to sign treaty on trade, tourism

HE Federal Govern ment is set to sign a Joint Commission Cooperation (JCC) with the Kenyan Government to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The Nigerian High Commissioner to Kenya, Akin Oyateru, said this on the sideline of the Kenya/United Bank for Africa Business Luncheon in Abuja on Monday. Mr. Oyateru said that the cooperation of both countries would explore the various trade and investment opportunities, which he said, was "quite low". "When our two presidents meet tomorrow, assisted by their Foreign Ministers, we will be able to sign the joint commission cooperation agreement which is the mainframe work to regulate our relations with Kenya.

"You have the area of horticulture and floriculture and you know that Nigeria is one of the main importers of tea from Kenya; we do about N2 billion every year. "The trade between Nigeria and Kenya is low compared to our political relations, but that is going to change when we sign the JCC. "The turnover is in Kenya's favour annually, we do a turnaround of about N6 billion, which is not much given the potential that we have. "When we have that agreement on ground, it will be able to regulate the various multi-sections of our relations, and that will encourage more trade and investment between the two countries," he said. (NAN)

This road serves as a major route to Warri Port. C M Y K

that would come from the economic policies of the government are not reaching into these informal sectors and so it would be difficult to give them the right kind of support, particularly in the areas of training," said Panitchpakdi. UN economists say Africa must expand its productive capacity. This involves measures such as upgrading infrastructure, improving the skills of domestic workforces, and encouraging and enabling entrepreneurship. They say Africa must increase the size of existing manufacturing firms so they can satisfy larger markets and produce their goods more economically. If African nations do not have the goods they need to sell to each other, they warn foreign competitors will fill the vacuum. They say African governments can strengthen the private sector by making finance more accessible and less costly. Taffere Tesfachew is director of UNCTAD's Division on Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programs. He said agriculture can provide short-term unexploited opportunities for regional trade in Africa. "There are about 37 African countries that are net food importers, and some 17 or 20 or so net importers of agricultural products," said Tesfachew. "In Africa about 27 percent of the land apparently is arable and available for growing food. These 37 African countries, when they import food, where do they import it - interestingly less than 15 percent they import it within Africa. Most of it comes from outside. So, there must be an opportunity for intra-African trade." The study finds African countries produce and export a narrow range of goods.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Information on German, Schengen visa regulations BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N line with German Residency Act, intending applicants who wish to acquire all kinds of German visas should endeavour to familiarise themselves with some of the rules and regulations that guide German visa procurement to avoid unnecessary delays during processing. Applicants should note that the German Federal Foreign Office is not

involved either in decisions reached on individual visa application, or status of individual application. The local responsibilities for issuing visas lie solely with the mission that is responsible for the area in which applicants have their ordinary residence or domicile. Processing time: It is imperative for applicants to note that missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. In the case of

applications for visas entitling holders to longer stays or take up gainful employment, processing time may take several months, and as such applicants should endeavour to explicitly declare work intention and duration of stay. It is always the case that during peak travel seasons, applications may witness long waiting periods, in other words, applicants requiring visas to enter Germany during the peak travel periods must submit

their applications well ahead of time, to avoid losing out. Procedure: Visa application forms can be obtained from the mission or downloaded from the mission’s website, free of charge, and applicants should endeavour to submit forms in their original versions. As a rule, the mission expects that applicants must submit visa applications alongside other necessary documentations in person at the German mission responsible for their places of residence. To avoid timeconsuming requests for additional information or documentation, applicants should contact the embassy well in advance of their departure dates in order to clarify the visa procedure, as well as the documentation to be submitted.

individual’s case. The fact that there is no automatic entitlement to a Schengen visa makes it imperative that the mission ensures that the following requirements have been met in each applicant’s case. Requirements: Applicants must provide comprehensive reason(s) of intending trip, proof to ascertain that they are in the position to finance living and travel costs from own funds or income., in addition to a minimum coverage of stipulated amount of euro, valid for the entire Schengen zones. The applicant should also provide documentary evidence of travel health insurance, and ensure that he would leave the Schengen area before expiration of visa. Should an applicant be unable to prove that he/she can finance the journey and stay from his/her own funds, a third person may undertake to cover all costs associated with the trip in accordance with the Residence Act. Applicant whose entry into the Schengen area would jeopardise security or public order in the Schengen states or who do not fulfil one or more of the abovementioned requirements, cannot be granted a visa. Should a visa application be rejected, the applicant will be

The mission expects that applicants must submit visa applications alongside other necessary documentations in person at the German mission responsible for their places of residence

Issuance of short stay Schengen visas: In the case herein, all Schengen states requiring issuing visas for transit through the Schengen areas for a shortterm stay in the Schengen areas not exceeding 90 days in any sixmonth period, should intimate applicants that the Visa Code standardizes the visa requirements which must be examined by the mission in the course of the visa procedure. Respective missions under this process would have to make a decision on the visa application at its own discretion, taking into account all the circumstances in any given C M Y K

informed of the main reason for the refusal, the reason being that every applicant is entitled to take legal recourse against the mission’s decision. Requirements for longer stays: Apart from citizens of EU and EEA (European Economic Area) other foreigners require visas for stays of more than three months or stays leading to gainful employment within the Schengen areas. The visa application form can be obtained free of charge from the relevant mission in applicant’s home country. In simplifying procedure for Schengen visa applicants, many German missions have introduced an electronic appointments system to help manage the number of visitors to the mission and thus shortened waiting times at their visa counter. It is expected that in future the missions would electronically, scan in applicants’ fingerprints when accepting visa applications. This biometric procedure is expected to be introduced gradually, region by region, until the year 2014.

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Vanguard CLASSIFIED ALATAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Roli Sola Kushimo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ms Roli Shola Alatan. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and general public please take note.

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Confirmation of name

ADEFOLALU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adefolalu Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adedoyin Aderonke. All former documents remain valid. St. Louis Nur/Pry School, Akure; St. Louis Girls' Grammar School, Akure; Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe; NYSC and general public please take note.

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DANIEL—I, formerly

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TSEKE —I, formerly

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DAIBO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Daibo Ojere Juliet, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Atse Ojere Juliet. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public, particularly the Universal Basic Education Board, Asaba, Delta StateNigeria should please note.

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known and addressed as Miss Jennis Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jennis

Kefas.

All

former

documents

remain valid. General public please take note.

AMIENYO—I, ARONU—I, formerly formerly known and known and addressed addressed as Miss as Miss Aronu Nneka Ebiekibo Edward Judith Amienyo, now Eucharia, now wish to wish to be known and be known and addressed as Mrs. addressed as Mrs. Pagson Ebiekibo Edward Judith. All Okeke Nneka former documents Eucharia. All former remain valid. Kogi documents remain State University, Anyigba and general valid. General public public please take please take note. note. Reconciliation of Names AMBROSE —I, hereby state that Erhagbe Ambrose; Eragbe Onoshiokhe Ambrose; Eragbe Onoshioagbe Ambrose Justice and Eragbe Ambrose Justice Onoshiokhe is one and the same person.The reason for the reconciliation of my name is due to the fact that my primary school certificate bear the name Erhagbe Ambrose, while my secondary school certificate bear the name Eragbe Onoshiokhe Ambrose, finally my University certificate bear the name Eragbe Onoshioagbe Ambrose Justice, in the name Erhagbe the letter H was omitted, the name Onoshioagbe was wrongly spelt as Onoshiokhe. The above names are all mine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that the name Peter Omeredo, refers to one and the same person as Uttho Omeredo, now wish to be known and addressed as Uttho Omeredo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. known and addressed as Miss Irene Tseke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irene Menekporo. All former

documents

remain valid .General public please take note. AKIBA —I, formerly known and addressed as Akiba Ebah Okon, now wish to be known and addressed as Akiba Esther Okon. All documents bearing my former name still remain valid. All authorities concerned including the University of Benin, Benin and general public please take note.

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42—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

Why IMA established Islamic hospital — Ajibola in us and to appreciate our efforts in presenting the religion as the religion of God. “We want to make it clear that are not terrorists, that we are not violent and that with the fear of God in us, we want to

T every emergent need of Muslims, there is invariably something to offer as far as Islamic Movement for Africa, IMA, is concerned. The current of such is the need for Muslims especially in the immediate vicinity to have a quality based hospital that would render to them effective and affordable medical and health service delivery. Recently in Abeokuta, the movement came up with the idea of IMA Hospital, which culminated in the building of a hospital well equipped to handle comprehensive medical checks and quality health services delivery to Muslims and other members of the society. The hospital, called IMA Hospital, Abeokuta, has a sizeable diagnostic side consisting of laboratory and scan centres. IMA Hospital also has one male ward and another ward for female patients. There also exists in the hospital consulting room, doctor’s office, nurses’ room and a pharmacy. When asked about the intention behind establishment of the hospital, President of IMA and former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince AbudulJabbar Bolasodun Ajibola, SAN, said the ideas was to showcase the beauty of Islam and display to the world that Muslims, among who IMA is one, build and not demolish; heal the sick by Allah’s support and not inflict plagues and encourage people to live good lives and not cut out to destroy people. His words: “Of the most important idea in the whole set up of IMA is to present Islam in impressive manner for all Muslims and those who want to embrace Islam or who are close to us to see the beauties of Islam. We all believe that Muslims must present and project Islam in the most positive and most organized way in order that they may see the worship and service of God

“Two, we are of the view that the complex of mosque, library, multi-purpose hall, schools and even a guest house should also have a befitting medical centre. Three, information reached us that

The idea is to present Islam in impressive manner for all Muslims and those who want to embrace Islam or who are close to us to see the beauties of Islam

obey the laws of God in whatever we will be doing and in our presentation of our service to Almighty Allah. “We considered the establishment of an hospital to be one of the foremost assignment that we should engage in, for so many reasons: One, we are of the view that our male Muslims should have male doctors to check them up and treat them. Just as our female doctors should be given that assignment of treating female Muslims.

that we should, instead of having to confront or complain about anybody, build a hospital of our own here with a diagnostic centre and even maternity sector to address that area of problem not only to our Muslim people but more extensively non-Muslim public. “Fourth reason being that we are of the view to demonstrate in clear term that we heal people with the help of God and that we do not destroy people. Acts of violence or destruction of people are very ungodly, alien to Islam and we do not believe or partake in them,” he said. The retired world court jurist hinted further that it was the ambition of IMA to present the hospital in the most positive and attractive way that even those who are not Muslims could come in and be well treated. “We

welcome patients regardless of their religious leaning because we Muslims believe that Allah is Lord of all of us and we should therefore love and care for all people regardless of their beliefs. That is our motive; that is our belief; that is our religion; that is our concept. And we equally believe that health is wealth and tidiness, cleanliness is all part of the prerequisite. We should enhance the wellbeing of everyone in our community,” Ajibola told Vanguard’s Facing the Kaaba. He added that Muslims in the Islamic Movement for Africa, IMA, as well as in the entire Nigerian Muslim Community believed in positive harmony with everyone in the enclave regardless of their religions and therefore asserted that they did not hate anyone. “We need peace and stability for the entire nation. What we do mostly within our IMA set up as a religious body is to serve God, worship Him so that we can have a soul and at the same time reflect our happiness and joys with those who are with us. Ours is to project the service of God and service to humanity. “We have the nucleus of it all here: the mosque, school, multipurpose hall for lectures, guest house for accommodation and hospital. We do not send people out from our complex here. The only thing we do not agree that people should do here is to indulge in alcoholism or any forbidden act and eating of forbidden food. That is basic. Apart from that, we welcome all our Muslims brothers and sisters," he said.

some of our members, that is Muslims, were turned back from c e r t a i n private clinics and hospitals because of their religion identity and therefore we found it an important and even a prerequisite

ASK YOUR IMAM On TTara ara weeh and number of rak ah in TTahjjud ahjjud araw rakah

Judge Bola Ajibola (middle) flanked by the Amnin secretary, IMA, Mr Sa’eed Aweda (left) and Director of IMA Schools, Mr Nurudeen Oladimeji addressing patients at the Pre-Ramadan Free Health Check in Abeokuta.

Question: After the Taraweeh prayer in the mosques, is it permissible to pray additional rak’ahs as Tahajjud prayers at home, before the Fajr prayer; and what is the actual number of rakah for Tajjud? Answer: If a person wants to and can offer Tahajjud prayer at home, it is better for him to skip Taraweeh prayer and offer his Tahajjud prayer at home in seclusion. As much as the Taraweeh is important, the Tahjjud is also recommended. Some scholars even say Taraweeh is a substitute of the nawafil in Tahjjud prayer for those who cannot offer the Tahajjud prayer at its stipulated time. But it is better if we can offer both the Taraweeh and still offer Tahjjud. Again, there is quite a bit of difference among Muslim scholars regarding the recommended number of rak’ats in the Taraweeh prayer. The reason for this difference, as I have stated earlier, is that the Prophet (s.a.w) did not fix the number of recommended rak’ahs for the prayer. Some scholars feel that the recommended number of rak’ahs should not exceed eleven - including witr - while opinions recommended more. The difference is due to the difference of interpretation of the information about this prayer given in the various narratives.

A nurse (right) taking the vitals of a patient at IMA in Abeokuta.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—43

Muslim families cautioned against indecent dressing ...Al-Fatiu-l-Quareeb swears in new exco

Women and fasting in Ramadan a later date, and therefore the ruling by most scholars is that she pays back at a later date. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.t) said: Concession to feed the poor refers to old men and

IT is clear that some women have the permission to leave out fasting during Ramadan due to issues such as pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and breast feeding. In providing an insight into the matter, the permission on pregnant and nursing women is slightly different from that of the terminally sick persons or the aged. To the women, the rule is that 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 convineint for them before the next Ramadan. It should be noted that they are not exempted, they are to pay back the number of days missed as a result of menstural circle, pregnancy or breast feeding. Most women mix up these issues and go on to feed the poor as a replacement for Ramadan fast instead of paying back the fast at a later date. No sound Muslim is permanently exempted from fasting unless the aged and the terminally sick persons. The pregnant woman or nursing mother still have the opportunity to fast at

The pregnant woman or nursing mother still have the opportunity to fast at a later date, and therefore the ruling by most scholars is that she pays back at a later date

old women who cannot fast, so they should feed one poor person for each day. —– Narrated by alBukhari, 4505. The Quran injuction explicitly states: “and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts)

Etiquette of sahuur BY HARUN RAZAQ

ahuur is early morning meal taken by a fasting Muslim before fajr. And Iftar is meal taken to break the fast at sunset. Both the Sahuur and Iftar must be in conformity with the rule guiding table manner in Islam in order to achieve the full reward. Sahuur should be taken in line with the instruction of the Prophet (s.a.w) that states: “Eat Sahuur, for in it, there is barakah”. (alBukhari) It is a blessed meal, which is not in sync with the action of People of the Book (the Jews and Christians). And while taking the Sahuur, the Sunnah is to delay it till the third part of the night and should be a light food. On this the Prophet (s.a.w) says: “the best Sahuur for believer is dates”. Although, it is allowed to take other types of food in moderate quantum and not in excess. The Iftar is to be hastened. Break your fast before Salat Maghrib, breaking it with an odd number of ripe dates or

must be made up] from other days.” The situation of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is no different from that of a sick person or person on a journey who have to make

dried dates or water according to the practice of the Prophet (s.a.w) as recorded in Hadith that: “the Prophet (s.a.w) breaks his fast before he pray (Salat Maghrib) with ripe dates. If there were none, he would use dried ones and if there were none, he would have a few rips of water”. (Tirmidhi 3/ 79) The fasting Muslim should say the following while breaking the fast: “Dhahabaz zama’u wabtallatil ‘uruuqu, wathabatal ajru insha-a Allahhu -Thirst is gone, vein are moistened and the reward is certain, insha Allah” (Abu Dawud 2/760, Darul Qutni 21/ 185); “Allahumah laka sumtu wa ala riskika aftartum - O Allah, I ask of You, by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me”. Also from Ibn Umar “Allahuma innii as ‘aluka bi rahmatikallati wasi ‘at kulla shai’in an taghfira lii- O Allah, I ask of You, by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me” (Fiqhu Sunnah 1/ 339).

up their fasts. An hadiths says: Allah has waived half of the prayer and fasting from the traveler, and from pregnant and breastfeeding women.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2274; classed as hasan. In most cases, two scenarios apply in the case of a pregnant woman. The first is if she is healthy and strong, and does not find fasting difficult, and it does not affect her fetus. In this case the woman is obliged to fast, because she has no excuse for not doing so when she is fit to do it. The second is where the pregnant woman is not able to fast, either because the pregnancy is advanced or because she is physically weak, or for some other reason. In this case, she should not fast, especially if her fetus is likely to be harmed, in this case, it may be obligatory for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like others who do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up the days when that circumstance no longer applies. When she gives birth, she has to make up those fasts after she becomes pure from nifaas. But, again, sometimes, the excuse may now be ‘breastfeeding’. The breastfeeding mother may need food and drink, especially when it is very hot. So, she may need not to fast, but all the same, it is not enough to immediately embark on feeding the poor, what is appropriate is the look for a better period to pay back the missed fast. May Almighty Allah accept all our acts of ibadaah and reward us abundantly. Amin. Ramadan Kereem.

USLIM parents have been urged to imbibe the culture of decent dressing in their children right from childhood to guide against immorality in the society. Speaking at this year’s pre-Ramadan lecture of the Al-Fatih-ul-Quareeb Islamic society of Nigeria held in Lagos recently, Sheik Ahmad Al-Naffy AlMubarak said cleansing the society of immoral dressing should start from the family. He posited that most of the negative vices in the

society today can be traced to the carelessness of parents taking serious look at what their wards put on. Al-Mubarak said indecent dressing has led to rape, molestation and prostitution as well as unwanted pregnancies with its attendant effects on the society. “Nudity has become the order of the day as young ladies and even elderly ones go about have nude all in the name of modernity and fashion.” The new executives of the society were sworn in at the

occasion. In his acceptance speech, the new National President, Alhaji Ajibade Muhammed promised to resuscitate the cooperative programme in the society to empower members. Other officials sworn in are: Kasali Kamorudeen, Vice President male; Hajia Hawawu Oguntade, Vice President Female; Adeyanju Rithdwan, Secretary ; Ojelola Rasheed and Tewogbola Muinat as Assistant Secretaries and Akinbami Suliat , National Treasurer among others.

Ramadan: Ajibola appeals for sober reflection ...advises on medical check-up

ORMER judge of International Court of Justice (ICJ) and founder Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) HE Judge Bola Ajibola has appealed to the government and the citizenry to see the new month of Ramadan 1434 A.H as a period of sober reflection to shun evil vices in the society.

He also congratulated Muslims on the emergence of another Ramadan while giving the appeal during a 2-day pre-Ramadan free healthcare and counselling of the IMA Hospital, Abiola Way, Abeokuta. Stressing the health benefits of Ramadan fast, Ajibola noted that “a lot of people don’t go for

medical check-up until they beak down; this is what we encourage in our IMA Hospital here”. Encouraging Muslims to preserve their good health to undertake the religious observance, he said the newly procured hospital equipment would enhance medical treatment of people in the rock city.

From left: Mr Mubashir Ojelade, Vice President, Anwar-ul-Islam movement of Nigeria; Mr Oyinlomo Danmole, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Lagos State; Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN and Alhaji Jokumba, National Secretary of the movement during a Ramadan Tafsir held at Anwar-ul-Islam Model College, Agege.

Some of the newly inaugurated executives of al-FatihulQuareeb Society of Nigeria.

44—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

S-South monarchs in Lagos endorse Jonathan

Security chief honoured

BY MOSES NOSIKE

OUTH-South Traditional Ruling Council in Lagos and a coalition of people of the region, town unions, market associations and social organisations have endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the next general election come 2015. According to the Chairman of Elders Council, Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei, the Council commended President Jonathan on the positive developments his administration had achieved in road rehabilitations in the country; the revamped rail system and the economic indices showing positive growth. He also commended the president on security, saying that the Boko Haram scourge in North-East was being tackled objectively, while Niger Delta had remained relatively calm as the amnesty programme has helped youths of the region to rediscover their potential. He added that power supply has improved.

Expert cautions on lead consumption

ARRI—IMMEDIATE past President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN, Prof I. A. Onimawo, has decried the excess exposure of urban dwellers to lead, saying its health implications can last a lifetime. Onimawo, who delivered a lecture on Clean and Safe Water as an Important Part of Good Family Nutrition, at the launch of Trebet table water, in Warri, Delta State, noted that chlorine, used by water bottling companies as water purification element in the form of hypoclorous acid, could cause cancer. Managing Director of First Beltino Investment Nigeria Limited, producer of the table water, Mrs. Justina Ikpea, said: “We left nothing to chance by ensuring that we follow best practice and good ethics in producing this premium table water brand.”

COMMISSIONING: From left— Mr. Nico Vervelde, Managing Director/ Chief Ex-

ecutive Officer; Mr. Atedo Peterside, Director, both of Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Sijbe Hiemstra, President, Heineken Africa and Middle East; and Chief Kola Jamodu, Chairman, Board of Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, during the commissioning of Star Academy Training Centre in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

2015: Only Nigerians, not ACF can stop Jonathan BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—FORMER Edo State representative on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr.

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, yesterday, said that only Nigerians can stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting for a second term and not Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF.

IYC faults Kuku's c'ttee I JAW Youth Council, IYC, has faulted the National Electoral Committee, NECOM, being sponsored and set up in Abuja by Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Programme. IYC argued that the constitutional right to conduct a legitimate election to usher in the 6th executive that would pilot the affairs of the body for the next three years rest only with NECOM under the chairmanship of Mr. Jeremiah Oba. Oba, who fielded questions from journalists, explained that Kuku’s sponsored electoral committee in Abuja cannot hold since it was not ratified by the IYC Parliament, adding that the

people he is parading as NECOM official are above 50 years of age. He said that the electoral committee set up in Abuja contravenes both the old and new constitution, as provided for in article 3 section 1, that membership shall be open to all Ijaw youths within the age 18 to 45. He said that Ann Kio Briggs and Akpo Mezeh, being sponsored by Kuku belonged in Ijaw National Congress, INC, since they are above the age bracket. Oba announced that IYC's NECOM had fixed July 22 to 27 for sales of forms, submission, manifesto, election and swearing in of elected officers of the national body.

Iduoriyekemwen, who also ran for the governorship primaries of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2012 in Edo State, said it would be unfair to judge the President’s performance with just two years in office. He added that those accusing the President of not performing were those no longer benefitting from a corrupt system. He accused the North of sponsoring Boko Haram so as to distract President Jonathan and also denied that the Presidency had anything to do Rivers State political crisis. The PDP chieftain said: “The war is between the political gladiators in Rivers State and not the presidency. They are fighting for their selfish interests and people should stop accusing the President of involvement. “I honestly believe that Mr. President is a focused person. He knows what he is doing. “I feel that majority of Nigerians appreciate the efforts Jonathan is making to turn things around.”

Road users raise alarm over NPA road

ARRI—ROAD users have expressed worry over the deplorable condition of NPA Expressway, which is the major link to Warri Port in Delta State, widely acclaimed as the second busiest in Nigeria, after Apapa Port. Investigations revealed that continuous patronage of Warri Port faces a major challenge as a result of the bad state of the road, especially the New Port Gate section of the expressway. Some road users and Warri Port officials, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, blamed the Federal and Delta State governments for al-

lowing the condition of the road to deteriorate. They said that the road serves as a major route to the port, usually plied by heavy duty vehicles; Warri Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone; Warri Central Hospital; the proposed Warri Industrial Business Park and the main entrance and exit to Warri. Vanguard investigation revealed that the deplorable state of the road, particularly the section close to the Warri New Port Gate, was due to poor layout and blocked drainage outlets. Structures have also been erected by individuals and corporate bodies on areas con-

structed for water flow. All these lead to flooding of the road. Some road users and pedestrians, who spoke on the state of the road, commended Delta State government for constructing a stop-gap measure at the Ugbuwangue section to check the continuous flooding. They called on Federal Government to award the re-construction of the entire stretch of the NPA Expressway, particularly the New Port Gate section, to a reputable construction company to save the road from imminent collapse and to increase commercial activities in Warri Port.

PROMINENT community leader in Oshimili North, Delta State and Chief Executive Officer of Techno Crime Securities, Chief Tony Azuya, has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Leadership Management by the Evangel Global School of Liberation, Lagos. Presenting the award on Dr. Azuya, President of the Institution, Bishop S. Uba on behalf of the Senate of the institution, said that the award was in recognition of the recipient’s immense contributions to the overall development of the society.

Seminar

INGDOM Pillars Harvesters Ministry will hold its 5th singles and married platform on Saturday, July 20 at Foursquare Gospel Church, Igando, Lagos, with the theme Violence in Relationships. Founder and Cofounder of the Ministry, Pastor Olamide and Pastor Ronke Ajayi, said motivational speakers, including Pastor Keji Ajayi, are expected to join them to discuss how to avoid and manage the menace of violence in relationships.

Passage

A JONATHAN Uwaifo, 93, of Oluku Village in Ovia NorthEast Local Government Area, Edo State, is dead. Service of songs took place yesterday, at his compound. He will be buried today, at the same venue, 9, Third Cemetery Road, New Benin, after a funeral service at St Peter ’s Anglican Church, Lagos Street, Benin. He is survived by many relations, including Pastor Mercy Ikponwomsa.

Late Jonathan Uwaifo

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;47

FLAG-OFF: From left, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Commissioner for Health, Delta State, Dr. Joseph Otumara; Director, Medical Services and Training, Ministry of Health, Delta State, Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, and a beneficiary of MTN Foundation Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme, MTNF EyeRIS, Mrs. Magaret Offonie, during the flagoff ceremony of MTNF EyeRIS project, at the Central Hospital, Agbor, Delta State

COMMEMORATION: From left, Mr. Shrinivas Joshi, consultant, Aspen Nigeria; Mr. Malamo Olusola, Clinical Dietitian, HOD, Nutrition Centre, Massey Street Children Hospital; Mr. Prasenjit Banerji, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Aspen, and Dr. Adegboyega Temitope, consultant paediatritian, representing Medical Director, Massey Street Children Hospital, during commemoration of the International Nelson Mandela Day, at Massey Street Hospital, Lagos. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu

FLAG-OFF: From left, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Shomolu Constituency I; Hon. Rotimi Olowo; Chairman, Shomolu Local Government, Olorogun HAND-OVER: From left, past president of Rotary Club of Gbolahan Bago-Stowe; Director of Roads, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport AuOgba,Rotarian Bosun Oladele;Vice President,Rotarian Emma Eze; thority, LAMATA, Engr. Olufunsho Elulade, and Technical Adviser, Communication, President of Rotary Club of Ogba,Rotarian Samson Omodara; past LAMATA, Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, at the flag-off of the reconstruction of Lisabipresident,Rotarian Wale Okubule, and PAG, Rotarian Tony Egboko, Apata Road, Shomolu, Lagos. during the handing over ceremony of Rotary Club of Ogba

LECTURE: From left, Community Medicine Consultant, Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Ogbonnaya; Quality Assurance Manager, Reddington Hospital, Dr. Olasumbo Davidson, Chairman of Society for Quality in Health Care in Nigeria; Prof. Ade Elebute, Deputy CEO, International Society of Quality, ISQUA, and guest speaker, during 4th Annual SQHN lecture: 'Advancing Patient Safety in Nigeria,' at Colonades Hotel, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

UNVEILING: Otunba Reuben Famuyibo (middle) being assisted by his wife, Erelu Sumbo Famuyibo, to cut the tape to unveil the building, with the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, J. O. Akinfenwa, during the unveilling and formal hand-over of a building donated to St. James' Cathedral (Anglican Communion), Okebola, Ibadan, by Otunba Famuyibo.

CONFERENCE: From left, Miss Olaleke Fakeye, Regional Marketing Manager, MTN; Hon. Ladi Shoyode, Special Adviser to Osun Governor; HRH, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Oshogboland, and Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji, Category Manager, Grand OAK Limited, at the press conference on 2013 Osun Osogbo International Stakeholders' Forum, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor C M Y K

SUMMIT: From left, Assistant pastor in charge of Social Responsibility Region 1, Goke Aniyeloye; Special Assistant on Administration and Personnel to the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola, and Pastor Femi Enigbokan, during press briefing towards RCCG Region 1's 'Ignite Youth Summit' scheduled for Saturday, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

COMMISSIONING: From Left, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Ayobami Salami; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba, and the Group MD/ CEO of Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, during the commissioning of the ultra modern 400-seater ICT/Software Engineering Complex supported by the bank in Ile Ife. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Bode George accused of divisive politics

RAMADAN TALK BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Tarawih as part of Ramadan Ibadah

ORMER Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Chief Olabode George, has been accused of playing “divisive and self-serving politics” as it relates to activities of the Chief Ishola Filani-led Caretaker Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South West. In a letter to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the South West PDP Youth Vanguard urged the party leadership to call George to order over his “surreptitious moves to throw the party in the zone into another round of fresh crisis”. The group frowned at George’s opposition to the decision of the ExtraOrdinary Session of the South West Congress to nominate a replacement for Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 VII, Section 28, Subsection 3, 4 and 5 of the party ’s constitution and the order of the Federal High Court in suit No. Suit No FHC/ ABJ/C8/504/2012. In the July 15, 2013, letter, which was signed by the President and Secretary of the group, Alhaji Akeem Salami and Mr. Kayode Joseph, the group wondered “how Bode George succeeded in snatching a position zone to Osun State by facilitating appointment of one Dr. Remi Akintoye from Lagos State as acting National Secretary of PDP".

MANDELA—From left: The Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu with the Deputy General Secretary, NUTGTWN, Comrade Sylvester Chimeze and Comrade Nasiru Abbas at the fitness exercise organised by the NLC Kaduna to celebrate the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

IBB to float varsity as NUC okays Jigawa State University •We must maintain standard—NUC BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BUJA—THE National University Commission, NUC, Wednesday blamed the rot in the education sector on the takeover of public and missionary schools shortly after the Nigeria-Biafran civil war in the seventies. Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Julius Okojie who made this known also said that the abolition of boarding schools as well as 30 years of military rule contributed to high level of indiscipline and de-

cay in the system. Okojie spoke when he received a letter of intent from the family of the former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida for approval to establish El-Amin University in Niger State. This was even as the NUC has also approved the Jigawa State University, making it the 39th state university and 129 recognized universities in the country. Late wife of the former Head of State, Hajia Miriam Babangida had established El-Amin International School which was reputed for quality standard about 20 years ago and as a matter of continu-

Ijaw group faults David-West on cremation

AGOS—THE Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, has described the statement credited to Prof Tam David-West asking his children to cremate him, after his death as an abomination in Ijaw land. In a statement signed by Comrade Joseph Evah, coordinator of IMG and former Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Ijaw group lamented that "a prominent son of Ijaw land with deep knowledge of the culture and custom of the Ijaw people demanding the C M Y K

unthinkable will be resisted. Ijaws are shocked and embarrassed that a world-class Professor from our homeland made such demand.” The statement said: “We want our Professor to know that what he stated in his will to take place during his funeral will never happen in Ijaw land. "If he wants to be cremated, he should go to India and wait till the end. His academic records are first class anywhere in the world and he is one of the few global citizens from Af-

rica produced by Ijaw nation but demanding for a funeral of abomination for himself is taking radicalism too far and must be resisted. “We hereby ask the children of David-West to reject and ignore their father's will on the type of funeral he preferred. "The burial custom of the Ijaws is traceable to the origin of mankind and has fundamental and non-negotiable rites. We shall continue to maintain its sanctity till the end of time", the statement added.

ity, the family represented by Dr. Mohammed Babangida presented the application to the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie in Abuja to float the proposed university.

AS_salam Alaikum waramotullai, wa barakatuh! Every activity in the month of Ramadan should be for seeking the blessings of Allah. Succintly put, the Tarawih is considered part of Ramadan. In the early days of Islam in Mecca, the companions of the Prophet and his successors used to make prolonged rak’ah during Ramadan. So long that hey would take a rest after offering every four Rak’ah. The Rak’ah were done with the recitation of long surahs and after every four, they take a rest. This is how it came to be named Tarawih which means ‘Rest prayer’. Again, the point of rest was also called Tarweehah. Like in all other supererogatory prayers, Tarawih is meant to make up for our less perfect obligatory prayers in the month of Ramadan. Scholars say the essence is to make every part of our prayers become perfect, just like we were taught how to fast without blemish. Our prayers are so important that it shall be our first account to be rendered before Allah. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At_Tirmithi, Abu_Dawud, An_Nisai and others, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the day of resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he would have failed. Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “Whoever offers optional prayers like Tarawih prayers throughout the nights of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Tarawih can be performed individually at home or at the mosque. If for some reason you cannot go to the mosque, you can pray Tarawih at home. At this point, we should endeavour to observe Tarawih in the mosque behind Imam in congregation. All ibadah in the month of Ramadan are huge in their rewards are great before Allah. Tarawih is one of them.

MALABU OIL DEAL: Adoke dares Reps By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

BUJA—IRKED by his invitation by the House of Representatives to appear before it and answer questions on his role in the controversial sale of the Malabu-owned $1.3bn oil bloc, OPL 245, to Shell and Agip, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, yesterday, fired back at the lawmakers for daring to probe him further on the matter. The House of Representatives had on Tuesday ordered the minister to appear before it next week and explain who cleared him of complicity in the multi-million naira oil deal, whose outcome is resonating across the world, with one case being filed in London by an aggrieved Nigerian, Emeka Obi. Adoke is asking Malabu to pay him $200 million for successfully sourcing for the buyers of the oil bloc,

who paid the whooping $1.3 billion. But sounding unapologetic, Adoke accused the lawmakers of poke-nosing into a private company’s deal, which should be handled by the courts and its shareholders. The minister said that he knew those who were behind the call for his probe and promised to confront them at the appropriate time. The AGF warned the lawmakers not to drag the Federal Government and its agencies and officials into a purely commercial dispute between Malabu and its purported partners. Adoke said: “We also know those secretly beating the drums for masquerades dancing in the market square. We shall confront them at the appropriate forum. “How else can one explain why the ownership of shares in a private company would

generate sufficient interest among members of the legislature so as to merit a resolution of a committee that certain persons or companies are entitled to ownership of shares in a private company, when the courts are the appropriate venue for the ventilation of such disputes between share holders (if any)." The minister insisted just as he did during an earlier appearance before the legislators, that he had no pecuniary intention in facilitating the settlement of the long-running dispute between the parties and the Nigerian Government in the controversial oil deal, which has now spread to the United Kingdom. Adoke in a statement released in Abuja, explained that contrary to the claim of any misdeed in the respect of the oil deal, he only assisted to resolve lingering legal disputes between Shell and Agip on one hand and Malabu and the Federal Government on the other hand.

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MANDELA'S GLOBAL 95TH BIRTHDAY IN PICTURES

We may enter Syrian War — US military boss A

MERICA’s top military officer told a Senate committee that the Obama administration is considering the use of military force in Syria. U.S. Army General Martin Dempsey testified that he has provided President Barack Obama with options for the use of force in Syria, including “kinetic strikes.” The issue “is under deliberation inside of our agencies of government,” the four-star general added.

The military is constantly laying on contingencies, but Dempsey’s comments signal at least a willingness to directly enter the conflict. U.S. military options range from one-off missile strikes on infrastructure linked to chemical weapons, to funneling more weapons to rebels, to carving out no-fly zones, and even as far as putting 20,000 U.S. troops in Jordan for a ground invasion. Also on the table are

drone strikes targeting rebels linked to al-Qaeda, which indicates that America would actually be attacking the strongest elements on both sides of the conflict. Consequently, all signs point to a quagmire as American goals would include attempting to arm only moderate rebels and marginalizing the opposition’s best forces while simultaneously attempting to topple Assad’s regime.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (L)former U.S. President Bill Clinton (r), and Rev. Jesse Jackson speak before the start of an informal meeting of the plenary of the General Assembly, on the commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International Day, at U.N. headquarters yesterday in New York City.

Egypt risks civil war if Islamists shut out of power: AU

GYPT risks being engulfed in a civil war unless its newly installed interim government is expanded to include Islamists, the African Union warned on Thursday. The bloc, headquartered in Addis Ababa, suspended Egypt this month after the military ousted

President Mohamed Mursi on July 3 following huge street protests against his rule. Alpha Oumar Konare, a former president of Mali appointed by the AU to lead a panel on Egypt, said the transitional authorities had not met what he said were their objectives of setting up a government

that included all parties. “The first risk (of excluding Islamists) ... is making instability more acute. This instability can lead to a greater ... risk of civil war, the risk of deepening violence on a daily basis,” Konare told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital.

School children singing for Mandela in South Africa

Mandela birthday tour in France

Italy President warns against instability

TALIAN President Giorgio Napolitano warned political factions on Thursday against endangering Prime

Minister Enrico Letta’s fragile coalition government, which is facing its most serious threats since being formed three months

UN to probe N/Korean arms shipment

U.N. Security Council sanctions committee will examine the case of a North Korean ship that was intercepted by Panama and found to be carrying arms from Cuba, Britain’s U.N. envoy said on Thursday.

Panama stopped the North Korean ship last week and seized its cargo. Authorities discovered missile equipment, MiG fighter jets and other arms aboard that Cuba said were “obsolete” Sovietera weapons being sent to North Korea for repair.

ago. Explicitly mentioning the legal problems of former premier Silvio Berlusconi and uproar over the hurried deportation of the family of a dissident Kazakh oligarch, Napolitano said the stability of the government must not be called into question. “The damaging effects on our international relations and on financial markets would be seen immediately and could be impossible to recover from,” he said in a speech to a journalists’ association.

Kenya: Kidnapped aid workers freed in Somalia on Thursday. “Both are

WO Spanish aid workers kidnapped while working at a refugee camp in eastern Kenya in October 2011,

Montserrat Serra and Blanca Thiebaut, have been freed in Somalia, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said

safe and healthy and keen to join their loved ones as soon as possible,” MSF said in a statement.

Kurds seize town on Syrian town

Syrian Kurdish party with links to Kurdish militants in Turkey has seized control of a Syrian town on the Turkish border after days of clashes with Islamist fighters, the Turkish military said. The capture of Ras al-Ain

by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) will fuel Ankara’s fears that the emergence of an autonomous Kurdish region in Syria could embolden homegrown militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which

is fighting for autonomy in Turkey. Man accidentally credited $92 quadrillion When Chris Reynolds opened his June PayPal email statement, something was off.

Man pins birthday card on Mandela's statute in London

Man paints Mandela portrait in India

Billboard announcing Mandela's show in New York

South African Ambassador at Mandela exhibition in Italy

Mandela Day marked globally, in PARIS: The South African Long Island destroyed by space embassy in Paris hosted its Hurricane Sandy.

HE world celebrated Nelson Mandela Day with acts of community service and messages of goodwill to the former South African president who remains hospitalized on his 95th birthday. Here are some of the events: UN: The U.N. hosted an informal General Assembly for Mandela which was addressed by former United States President Bill Clinton and co-prisoner and Mandela friend Andrew Mlangeni. U.N. staff also helped to rebuild homes in

WASHINGTON: The Congressional Black Causes marked the life and legacy of Mandela at the Emancipation Hall, U.S. NEW YORK: The Tribeca Film Institute partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to commemorate Mandela Day with a video display in Times Square and a meeting in Duffy Square. TORONTO: A comnunity celebration featuring live music and family activities was at the Nelson Mandela Park Public School.

annual Nelson Mandela Day drive to collect clothes, toys and non-perishable food items for charity. ROME: An exhibit about Mandela’s life at an antiracism center was visited by South Africa’s ambassador to Italy, Nomatemba Tambo. I N T E R N AT I O N A L SPACE STATION: Three astronauts from the International Space Station honoured Mandela in a video message that included words from Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, among others.

54 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co Second appealant Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, continues his defence Continues from yesterday THE Appellant filed his brief of argument on February 15, 2013 with two issues for determination which are: (1) “Whether the trial Lagos State High Court per Hon. M.A. Dada J. was not in grave fundamental error when in its Judgment it convicted the 1st Appellant of the offence of conspiracy to murder the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on the discredited and unreliable evidence presented by the prosecution”?Distilled from Grounds 2, 3 and 6 of the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal) (2) “Whether the conviction of the 1st Appellant by the Hon. Hustice M. A. Dada of the State High Court for murder of Kudirat Abiola was not in the face of the available discredited and unreliable evidence, perverse, unreasonable, unwarranted and unsupportable and if answered in the affirmative, sentence of death on the Appellants should not be set aside”? (Distilled from Grounds 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal). The Appellants’ brief of argument is settled by J.B. Daudu SAN. On his part the Respondent’s brief of argument was filed on the 29th of April 2013. It has two issues for determination which are: (1)“Whether having regard to the evidence before the Court, the learned trial judge was right to have found the Appeallant guilty of the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony and to have sentenced him 14 years imprisonmen.” (2)“Whether having regard to the available circumstantial evidence, the learned trial judge circumstantial evidence, the learned trial judge was right to have found the Appeallant guilty of the offence of murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and to have sentenced him to death.” It is settled by Lawal Pedro SAN SolicitorGeneral of Lagos State. He was told to copy a person described as AVM Idi Musa. He came across that name from SIP. He had to

and was sentenced to death vide Judgment delivered on January 30, 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. The Appellant is dissatisifed with the Judgement and has appealed it. pursuant to the practice Direction of this Honurable court, the Appellant filed and relied on the Notice of Appeal of the 27th of April 2012 encapsulating seven (7) Grounds of Appeal - pages 1877 to 1894 of the Record of Appeal Vol. 4. The Appellant filed his brief of argument on February 15, 2013 with two issues for determination which are: (1) “Whether the trial Lagos State High Court per Hon. M.A. Dada J. was not in grave fundamental error when in its Judgment it convicted the 1st Appellant of the offence of conspiracy to murder the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on the discredited and unreliable evidence presented by the prosecution”? (distilled from Grounds 2, 3 and 6 of the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal) (2) “Whether the conviction of the 1st Appellant by the Hon. Justice M. A. Dada of the State High Court for murder of Kudirat Abiola was not in the face of the available discredited and unreliable evidence, perverse, unreasonable, unwarranted and unsupportable and if answered in the affirmative, sentence of death on the

Where a witness or witnesses contradict themselves substantially, as PW2 and PW3 had done, the Court is obliged to treat the entire evidence as unreliable

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 Lawai for the 1sttime on the 9thof October 1999 at the Special Investigation Panel, Police Headquarters, Abuja. He denies the charges against him. He does not know any Major Ado. Everything in the statement of 8thof 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 the 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 was not re-examined. The prosecution tendered A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, DI-1, DI-2, DI-3, DI-4, DI-5, and DI6 respectively. At the close of the proceedings, the learned trial judge found the Appellant guilty of conspiracy to murder and murder

Alhaji Lateef Shofola

Major Al-Mustapha

Appellants should not be set aside”? (distilled from Grounds 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal) The Appellants’ brief of argument is settled by J.B. Daudu SAN. On his part the Respondent’s brief of argument was filed on the 29thof April 2013. It has two issues for determination which are: (1)“Whether having regard to the evidence before the Court, the learned trial judge was right to have found the Appeallant guilty of the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony and to have sentenced him 14 years imprisonment.” (2)“Whether having regard to the available circumstantialevidence,thelearnedtrialjudge circumstantialevidence,thelearnedtrialjudge was right to have found the Appeallant guilty of the offence of murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and to have sentenced him to death.” It is settled by Lawal Pedro SAN SolicitorGeneral of Lagos State. Pertinent to note is that the Appellant had hitherto filed four separate notices of appeals, but he relies on that filed on the 27th of April 2012 for the prosecution of the present appeal. The Appellant filed a reply brief on the 13thof May 2013. On June 10, 2013, learned counsel for the respective parties adopted their

respective briefs of argument. While the Appellant urges Court to allow the appeal, and set aside the conviction and sentence of the Appellant, the Respondent urges Court to dismiss the appeal. ISSUE NO 1 “Whether the trial Lagos State High Court per Hon. M.A. Dada J. was not in grave fundamental error when in its Judgment it convicted the 1stAppellant of the offence of conspiracy to murder the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on the discredited and unreliable evidence presented by the prosecution? While Issue No 2 is: “Whether the conviction of the 1stAppellant by the Hon. M.A. Dada . the Lagos State High Court for murder of Kudirat Abiola was not in the face of the available discredited and unreliable evidence, perverse, unreasonable, unwarranted and unsupportable and if answered in the affirmative, whether the conviction and sentence of death on the Appellant should not be set aside”? This is distilled from Grounds 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13,14,15,16 and 17. He submits that he would argue the two issues together. It is his contention that the prosecution placed great reliance on the evidence of PW2- Barnabas Jabila a.k.a. Sgt. Rogers and PW3, Mohammed Abdul, a.k.a. Katako, who contradicted their respective testimony made during examination in chief. That the Prosecution at Pg. 1511 of the Record of Appeal conceded that the contradictionintheevidenceoftheirwitnesses rendered them unreliable, but that there existed evidence outside the testimonies of these witnesses to sustain the offences charged. He submits that where a witness or witnesses contradict themselves substantially, as PW2 and PW3 had done, the Court is obliged to treat the entire evidence as unreliable, but that the Court must first ascertain the substantiality or materiality of the contradiction — citing AGBO V. STATE (2006) NWLR Pt. 977 Pg. 545; SELE V. STATE (1993)1NWLR(Pt.269)Pg.13-14paragraphs e-a. It is his submission that the contradiction here strikes at the root of the Prosecution’s case. That the witnesses said consistently that all they said in Court was what they were told to say by the authorities. That they were not eyewitness to the crime. They were not even in Lagos, but Abuja (FCT) and Azate (Bauchi State) respectively. He submits that the learned trial Judge not only disagreed with the prosecution , but went ahead to offer reasons why in the face of the obviously shocking revelation ,their evidence should be accepted and acted upon. By this, the learned trial Judge descended into the arena. He should have expunged the evidence of PW2 and PW3. He submits that the evidence of PW1, Dr. Ore Falomo has no relevance to the offences charged, as his evidence was essentially

hearsay. That the learned trial Judge’s reference to the bullet extracted from the deceased head, which he held was one of the incriminating factors against the Appellants is a non-starter. This is because the bullet was not tendered in evidence by theProsecutionneitherwasaballisticiancalled to testify. He submits that their failure to call one brings Section 149 (d) of the evidence Act into focus. PW4 did not conclude his testimony he argues. This is because he disappeared after examination in chief and did not come back to be cross-examined. He submits that crossexamination is a powerful adjustment to the right to fair hearing, and the inability of the defence to cross-examine PW4 was a fundamental flaw which rendered the evidence liable to be expunged including the Exhibits he tendered A5 and B1. It was wrong, he submits for the learned trial Judge to go into those exhibits. He wonders why there was no evidence of the extent and scope of Police investigation in this case. That agencies outside the Police tried to detect who committed the offence in this case.ThatthePolice abdicatedtheir duties to SIP and Agbaje Panel who dictated statement to the Appellant, and PW4, and took statements from the Appellant. There is nothing’ to” show that the Police made a conscious effort to investigate this case. He submits that there is evidence from PW1 that the Police at Adeniji Adele Police Station had conducted their investigation in which members of the Abiola family were prime suspects. The Appellant queries if there is any evidence outside the testimony of the Prosecution witnesses that can sustain the charge. He submits that the Prosecution has failed to point to any admissible evidence outside the testimony of these witnesses that would prove conspiracy to commit murder or murder. The Prosecution only lavishly served a potpourri of NADECO and Anti-Abacha politics. Therefore the Prosecution mistook politics for evidence. That there is no evidence to sustain the charges before Court.

Credibility of the witness That Exhibits D1-5, A6 and B1 were unlawfully introduced on the proceedings. Exhibit 01-5 is the Appellant’s statement of 13thOctober 1999. It is not confessional and donotrepresentthetruthofitscontents.Exhibit D1-5 was tendered with the leave of Court during crossexamination of the Appellant. It is submitted that it can only be put to impeach the credibility of the witness. He submits that nothing can be deduced from the statement that it is confessional, and that proves, any of the ingredients of conspiracy to murder and murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola. That the learned trial Judge misapplied the law when she relied on the case of KASA V. THE STATE (1994)5 NWLR Pt. 344 pg. 269 @ 286. ThatExhibitA6isstatementalludedtoLateef Shofolahan which contains damming admission against his interest. He denied the statement in the course of his defence Exhibit A6 was tendered anyhow by PW4 who was not cross-examined. That to use suspicious documents i.e. Exhibits Dl-5 and A6 as corroborating one another when they emanated from the same illegal and suspicious source i.e. the SIP, is an anathema. That the Prosecution has failed to prove he count of conspiracy to murder. That the best evidence of conspiracy is usually obtained from one of the conspirators or from inferences - citing ABACHA (supra) @ pg. 78-79.

To be continued next week

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—55

Encomiums as Urhobo nation bids Ewherido farewell zPius was our sacrifice to Urhobo nation—Tony Ewherido BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—TEARS flowed unabatedly, yesterday, as the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, held a valedictory session in honour of the departed senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Pius Ewherido. The body of the late senator who breathed his last on June 30, 2013, arrived the capacity filled Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area venue of the session in a Black Escalate jeep ambulance marked Senator Pius Ewherido at 11.15am. President General of the UPU, Maj General Patrick Aziza (rtd) in his tribute, said that Ewherido distinguished himself as a legislative activist, a brave debator and a sponsor of people-friendly bills and motions, adding “with his untimely death, the Urhobo people, Deltans and indeed Nigerians have lost a great leader, democrat and astute legislator. “In his constituency in Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ewherido left behind a splendid legacy of care, compassion and love for the grassroots. Hundreds of financially handicapped people,

enterprise owners, youths and students benefitted from his generous philanthropy. His numerous scholarship awards and endowments for Urhobo students and scholars are eloquent testimonies to his humanitarian efforts. “UPU is proud to salute Senator Ewherido for his courageous defence and promotion of Urhobo national aspirations. His prodigious figure and charming charisma restored the dignity, honour and hope to the bewildered Urhobo people. Senator Ewherido also manifested these heroic assets whilst he represented the Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly (1999-2007). He rose rapidly and served as deputy speaker and acting speaker of that vibrant assembly. His tenure in both capacities was hallmarked by the passage of many laws for good governance and uncompromising vigilance vis-a-vis the executive arm of government. UPU will like to put on record that the outstanding legislative legacy epitomized by Senator Ewherido is a reflection of the timehonoured democratic heritage of the Urhobo people.”

Speaking further, Aziza said the senator devoted his entire political career to the realisation of the Urhobo manifest destiny to be restored to the premier position of politics and development as guaranteed by “our endowment in natural and as the most populous group in Delta State. There is an urgent need for us to pursue these national aspirations to immortalize Senator Ewherido.” Immediate elder brother of the late Senator Ewherido, Rev. Fr Tony Ewherido, described the death of his younger brother as the family’s sacrifice to the Urhobo nation. The cleric during the valedictory session, said the senator was the pillar and leader of their family, adding that the courage his brother put on display in his political life were inherent in him. He said: “For my family, Pius did not die. Pius was our sacrifice for the Urhobo nation and his aspirations lives on”. Speaking further, he said the Urhobo nation was very dear to his brother, adding that his brother was not one who would abandon his people. He thanked God for the 50 years of the senator’s life which he said “were so action packed.”

‘We’re yet to address causes of civil war' Continues frompage 15 and what caused the war is still with us? Those who died in the war, where is their estate today?” Some of my aides acted without my order –Gowon In a foreword to the book, read by Ambassador Moses Ihonde, General Gowon said: “As Head of State and Commanderin-Chief then and up to today, I had no recollection of asking that Alabi-Isama be recalled from the war front to see me in Lagos. Even today, I still do not have any recollection of having given any such order… It is highly probable that Army Headquarters might have acted on some intelligence report based on his capture and his forced enlistment in the Biafran Army. At any rate, that unexplained ‘invitation’ supposedly by the head of state became the unknown factor that obviously saved him from being among the precious souls that perished in the 2nd Division’s attempt to cross the River Niger to Onitsha at Asaba, which I had strongly objected to and had ordered the divisional commander not to undertake, but did at heavy cost of lives." Obasanjo was right to claim victory even though he was not at war front – Gowon On comments that Obasanjo did not deserve the civil war victory he claimed in his book, My Command, the former head

of state said: “Whilst it is true that Obasanjo was not physically present in the war front, especially at the time of the routing of the Biafran Army, yet as the commanding officer assigned to command the division that received the instrument of surrender from Biafra, General Obasanjo rightfully was positioned to claim victory on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.” Why Biafra allowed Alabi-Isama to escape—Madiebo In a prologue to the book circulated via a special supplement, Maj-General Alexander Madiebo (commander, Biafran Army) described the book as a detailed and professional account of the major maneouvres of the 3MCODO and gave reasons Biafran soldiers allowed Alabi-Isama to ‘escape’ after capturing him in MidWest. His words: “When in a swift move into the Mid-West Region the Biafra troops captured the author, rather than send him to Biafra to face an uncertain future, he was given a chance to ‘escape’ to Nigeria as his best option. The author had previously escaped death narrowly in Northern Nigeria during the initial stages of the Revolution as he tried to establish his true tribal identity. His attempt to save the lives of some Igbo officers and civilians in Kaduna, confirmed him as an Igbo and that put his life in danger."

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

•Amaechi, Wike: Once good friends

Rivers:

Many storms to cross

THE tides of trouble for Governor Chibuike Amaechi since his reelection as chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, are turning into a weekly dose

NE week after the fracas that rocked the Rivers state House of Assembly, another crisis broke out last Tuesday after supporters of the Minister of State for Education, Bar Nyesom Wike stormed the Port Harcourt Airport to taunt Governor Rotimi Amaechi and four visiting northern governors. The battle ground was at the Port Harcourt international airport, Omagwa. Thousands of supporters of the Minister had stormed the airport as early as 5 am with an intention to humiliate the governor who was hosting four of his colleagues from the north. They carried placards with various inscriptions with some reading “Amaechi must go”, “Rivers money for Rivers people”, Northern governors go back” etc. The protesters were mostly members Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a political outfit that has Wike as its grand patron. They blocked the exit gate at the VIP lounge as they chanted anti Amaechi songs. The governor who came in from Abuja at about 10 am once he deplaned crossed over to the VIP lounge nearby where he waited for his four visiting guests. The quartet of Rabiu Kwankwaso ofKano, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Murtala

Nyako of Adamawa later arrived in three different aircraft. The protesters who had maintained some relative calm even while chanting their antiAmaechi songs immediately turned boisterous once the governor arrived. It was as if Amaechi’s presence was a tonic for their frenzy. They became aggressive as the tempo of their songs increased.

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

blocked by the protesters but an Armoured Personnel Carrier in the convoy helped to clear the way, but it could not stop the protesters from hauling stones and other missiles at the convoy. Glasses of some of the vehicles in the convoy were shattered while one Government House driver was reportedly brutalized by the protesters. In her account of what

The protesters who had maintained some relative calm even while chanting their anti-Amaechi songs immediately turned boisterous once the governor arrived

Some of them ran to the exit gate of the VIP lounge to join in the dance against Amaechi. Some of them who offered comments to Vanguard said the visiting governors should go back and resolve the security challenge posed by the activities of Boko Haram. The four governors with the exception of one, arrived in separate aircraft and two of them came together. As they arrived, they were welcomed by their host and taken to wait at the VIP longue as they waited for the rest to arrive. On the arrival of the last visiting governor, the five governors proceeded in a convoy to the Government House. However, as the governors made way to leave they were

happened, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said: “There were jitters in the Presidency over the visit of governors of Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano and Niger to Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi in Port Harcourt today (yesterday). “Members of the Nyesom Wike’s campaign organisation, GDI, had mobilised hoodlums to disrupt the visit, chanting solidarity songs in favour of the Presidency and attempted to attack Governor Amaechi and his team. “Wike had boasted after the failed impeachment attempt at the Rivers State House of

Assembly that he would set Rivers State ablaze and render it ungovernable. A four-litre keg, suspected to contain some acid, was found beside the mob. “Rivers State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu denied knowledge of the mob’s presence. Although the police stated that the airport is a public place and everyone has a right to visit freely and unhindered. “This portends grave danger and has far-reaching implications for our fledgling democracy.” Secretary-General of the GDI, Samuel Nwanosike, who led the protesters told a national newspaper that the protest was to convey their displeasure with the visiting governors.

Peaceful protest Nwanosike who doubles as the Publicity Secretary of the Wike faction of the PDP, in the interview with the newspaper said: “Rivers people are not happy with Amaechi and the four visiting governors. We went to the airport for a peaceful protest, singing and dancing. Over 5,000 chiefs, women and youths from the 23 local government areas of the state participated in the protest. Nobody threw stones. “The four governors should leave Rivers State resources alone. We are tired of their presence. They should quickly

return to the North and face Boko Haram suicide bombers. Remarkably, the police claimed that there was no rupture of the peace at the airport. At the Government House the five governors after some deliberation came out with a prepared statement in which they demanded the immediate transfer of Mr Mbu as commissioner of police.

Hearkening to the voice of reason In their joint statement denouncing the role of the increasing slide, the five governors said: “We wish to call on the Inspector General of Police to hearken to the voice of reason and immediately redeploy and discipline Commissioner Mbu. His actions smirk of unprofessionalism and political partisanship which is unbecoming of his office. Arising from the actions of the Police and Mr Joseph Mbu in Rivers state the call for state Police as a constitutional provision has become a necessity”, they said. “We commend the House of Representatives for its proactive leadership in the crisis and appreciate the Senate Committee thoroughness in addressing the matter” Continuing, the governors said the alleged action of the Rivers state Police Commissioner, Mr Mbu had again brought to “the fore the question of true federalism and the need for Continued on page 57

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013—57

Tukur: One

Week one trouble

ALHAJI Bamanga Tukur’s stewardship of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is one of unending crises. BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

T was the kind of crises that critics of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur had warned would be replete with him as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Though the Wadata national secretariat of the party had won its position as a crisis management centre in Abuja, such crises were albeit, known to be periodical, especially during election periods. However, under Tukur crisis management is about turning into a weekly endeavour of the party even though general elections are still far off. The spate of crisis is reflected in the seeming nonchalance of very prominent party figures for activities conducted by the national secretariat. When the party celebrated its landmark grand reconciliation last May, 21 of the 24 governors of the party boycotted the event. Three days after that fiasco on May 24, the governor of Rivers State, Hon. Chibuke Amaechi was suspended from the party on Monday, May 27 after an emergency meeting of the NWC in Tukur’s Maitama residence in Abuja. The following week, June 5 the NWC suspended the governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko allegedly for among others, not answering the

President's intervention

•Tukur: Unending troubles for the national chairman from the Tukur led NWC who believed that the convention committee should subject its plans and purposes to Tukur. The committee members, however, demurred leading to face-offs culminating in the reported order by the party

Another alleged that Tukur may have been pushed by some members of the interim NWC who want to extend their time in office

telephone call of the national chairman. After a lull, in part filled with the resignation of the majority of the members of the NWC on account of the internal crisis in the party, the interim NWC still led by Tukur last Monday at an emergency meeting in Abuja raised the bar when it annulled plans for the special national convention called to fill the positions arising from the resignations. With it, Tukur was believed to have gone too far. The NWC’s terse statement suspending the special convention had been preceded with brushes with the Special National Convention Planning Committee led by Prof. Jerry Gana with Akwa Ibom governor, Chief Godswill Akpbabio as his deputy and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate as secretary. The committee with other party heavyweights including Dr. Babayo Shehu among others had been the subject of several attacks

some members of the interim NWC who want to extend their time in office. Yet others alleged a conspiracy between Tukur and some of the interim NWC members. At the centre of the alleged conspiracy was that Tukur based on his difficulties with some of the former NWC members did not want them back to their former offices and was allegedly annoyed that the Gana committee went on to reaffirm the zoning formula used in the March 2012 convention that brought him and them to office. Following the development President Goodluck Jonathan same Monday, summoned a meeting for party stakeholders in the presidential villa. At that meeting the president was reported to have expressed his disappointment at the actions of the national chairman and the NWC and ordered that the convention plans should go ahead as scheduled by the Gana committee.

hierarchy that the convention committee should be locked out of their temporary secretariat at the Legacy House belonging to the party. As the face-off festered, senior party officials including Chief Anthony Anenih, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT waded in behind the scenes, and that it was alleged, led to Gana and Ekweremadu seeking a private audience with Tukur penultimate Thursday to explain their activities. However, when the duo arrived Tukur’s Maitama residence they were locked out as they were told that the national chairman was not at home and had traveled to his country home in Adamawa State. Surprisingly, the same Tukur was said to have held a meeting hours later with some members of the Gana committee. The national chairman was reported to have been riled by the decision of the Gana committee to fix the national convention for August 31 and the Southwest zonal congress for

August 24. Whatever it was that had been troubling the national chairman and his senior allies in the NWC burst out last Monday after an emergency meeting at which the cancellation of the national convention was announced. “In view of the anomalies and breaches of the constitution of the PDP observed in the actions so far taken by the Special National Convention Planning Committee, the NWC has directed the Committee to put on hold all activities relating to the Special South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention pending the regularization of the anomalies and breaches so as to forestall a repeat of the events that affected the Party’s

Convention in 2012. “Consequently the dates recently announced by the Planning Committee are in the circumstances untenable,” the interim national publicity secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke announced. Even strangely, Gana was not informed prior to the announcement as Vanguard broke the news to the shocked chairman of the convention committee. The announcement sent shock waves across the party. One very senior party stakeholder told Vanguard that Monday that Tukur may have become an enemy determined to destroy the party for the benefit of the opposition. Another alleged that Tukur may have been pushed by

President Jonathan, however, gave one concession to Tukur as he urged the Gana committee to give committee positions to members of the interim NWC. The president’s intervention nonetheless, the prospects for the August 24 Southwest convention remain hazy upon continuing frictions among party leaders and stakeholders from the zone. The erstwhile national secretary of the party Chief Olagunsoye Oyinola who was nominated from the zone ahead of the March 2012 convention has kicked against moves by the party to fill the position with another person before the final determination of court processes initiated by him to get redress following his sack by the courts last January. Prof. Adewale Oladipo who was last week nominated by some stakeholders from the Southwest as the replacement for Oyinlola has been opposed by some other strategic stakeholders including party leaders from Lagos State.

Rivers: Many storms to cross Continues from page 56 institutions derived from constitutions be allowed to function without undue interference. As federating units we must be allowed the space to guarantee our people sustainable development as provided by the constitution”, they said. The governors who also appealed to political actors in the crisis to exercise restraint for sake of peace and development further lauded the achievement of Governor Amaechi. “We join well meaning

Nigerians to call on all political actors to diffuse tension and stop all actions capable of overheating the polity and derailing our nascent democracy. We must all work together to build one united and indivisible nation and strengthen our democracy”, they said. Former Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP in the 2007 general polls, Mr Sonny Marshall Harry described the action of the five lawmakers behind the botched impeachment last Tuesday as an abuse of

constitutional democracy. “I condemn in its entirety the use of thugs to attack honourable members of the House and the attempt to remove the Speaker of the House illegally” Continuing, he said the attempt to remove the Speaker, Hon Otelemaba Amachree was a clear move by some to disrupt the peace in the state, adding that effort should be made to amicably resolve whatever misunderstanding among members of the House of Assembly.

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

N order to present a simple analysis, the past will reflect only the period after Independence which was won on a ‘platter of gold‘ in 1960, covering the Civil War (1967 – 1970) and the end of the military rule in 1999 when democracy returned from captivity. It is not that the colonial era was not important but the fact is that the wonderful “trio” – Sir Ahmadu Bello (North), Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (East) and Chief Obafemi Awolowo (West) have had their best trials recorded permanently in the annals of Nigerian history. The post-independence economic and political operations are yet to be totally forgotten by economic and political historians. It is a fact that the period after 1960 witnessed the first military coup by some politically immature and young officers of the Nigerian Army. Except for a brief period of civilian rule (1979 – 1983), it had been one army general or the other as the ruler. The eighties and the nineties featured colourful peace time generals like Buhari, Babangida, Abacha and Abdulsallam. It is instructive to note that of the military rulers of the past, the name of that romantic character, Ibrahim Babangida would easily feature prominently. He tried during his eight year stint (two-terms by present day ruling schedule) to manage the economy through the home-grown principle labeled “Structural Adjustment Programme” – SAP. There is no doubt that SAP came at that crucial time when the economy was in shambles, when several economic policies failed to stop that inevitable drift towards depression and calamity. It should be remembered that in 1986, with the collapse of oil price (between $8 and $10 per barrel) and the consequent reduction in federal government revenue, the national economy appeared to be tottering and on the verge of collapse. The international creditors were spoiling for a fight (cutting import lines) to the end. Also, domestic inflation was at its highest of about 18 per cent. According to the gospel of SAP, the country’s currency (Naira) had to re-

07059197616

Viewing the future through the tainted glasses of the past and present examine its over-fed weight. Also, there should be rational allocation of scarce foreign exchange to desirable ends. It was believed that a lower value of the naira would improve agricultural products and its earnings in the world market in the face of dwindling oil revenue. In retrospect, Nigerians in the era of SAP became more cost conscious, the traditional haggling (prices) returned; the evil of scarcity or replacement of prohibitive cost had taught us the lesson of careful handling and inculcated the healthy culture of maintenance (which is sadly lacking now). However, the principle of SAP failed because it lacked ‘human face‘. The pains of SAP are yet to be surpassed in recent times. The ailment of the economy before SAP could be described as retarded growth which manifested itself in different forms – persistent balance of payments, deficits, conspicuous taste for foreign goods, inflationary pressures, low industrial production; intolerable foreign debt and overvalued (?) currency. There was no doubt at the time that the patient was very sick. However, the treatment by the emergency doctors in prescribing SAP tablets was shockingly absurd – massive

devaluation of the naira, credit squeeze which curtailed investment and wage freeze policy that affected consumers‘ demand and thereby, reduced effective demand. It was politely pointed out (without consideration by the authorities) that in an environment of low investment and deficient effective demand, there would be low capacity utilization in industrial sector and increase in unemployment. As the situation was compounded by a tightened monetary stance, the dreaded depression kept knocking at the door. Unfortunately, General Babangida did not stay long to give SAP a “human face”. Another attempt to tackle the ranging economic problems of the country in the 20th century could be found in former President Obasanjo‘s NEEDS - The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. The concept of NEEDS was based on the needs to make life meaningful to Nigerians. Its emphasis was on the provision of ‘good roads, better equipped schools, responsive healthcare system; water for drinking and agricultural purposes, safer streets, and of course, food on the table. There was no doubt that at the time, the concept was laudable and the idea was to

improve the life of ordinary Nigerians. Though not new, many Nigerians believed in the concept of NEEDS as necessary needs of the country. The sudden departure of the best exponent of NEEDS Programme, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) and the end of the second term of President Obasanjo also witnessed the end of that lofty programme. The Obasanjo government created the Excess Crude Oil account to divert the money in that account towards infrastructural developments in the Power Sector. Unfortunately, however, his successor in his wisdom asked the funds to be distributed to States. It could be neatly summarized that past administrations have been confused by the problems of stability of the foreign exchange and inflation in the growth equation. General Babangida started the assault on the naira and General Obasanjo supplied the killer punch by moving the value of $1 from N96 (1999) to N125 during his time. The national currency has not recovered till today (that one American dollar exchanges for about N159). The previous governments from Babangida through Obasanjo to Jonathan have relied on the policy of devaluation of the naira as a convenient policy, without consideration of its effect on domestic price level. It looks as if the present government of President Jonathan has not departed much from the past in both economic and rationed political policies. The economy is believed to be stable judging by statistical figures, but with heavy unemployment and upsurge in criminal activities. Politics still remains lucrative under the banner of party politics with the striking mentality of ‘winners take all‘ - the attitude which did not help the former President of Egypt. As for the future, the atmosphere is cloudy and hazy because the Opposition (alternative government) is yet to unfold its policy on Peace and Prosperity or macroeconomic stability with full employment and less corruption. Or as some believe that a representational government (national) could be the answer.

Pius: Personable and principled BY JAMES MANAGER

party, political and personal gatherings. In that period his steadfastness to principles and the larger good were always seen in his endeavours. Even after the famous political divorce, Ewherido remained

ENATOR Pius Ewherido was not just my distinguished colleague, but a comrade brother and in-law with whom I have had the cause of associating pleasantly with for the past fifteen or so years. From the onset of the fourth republic our paths crossed in several ways. While I was chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the onset of the fourth republic in Delta State, he was an ebullient and youthful organizer who did our party good in bringing the party to the grassroots in Delta Central and especially in Ughelli South. It was not surprising that he won and represented the Ughelli South State constituency for two straight terms in the Delta State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007. As a state legislator and deputy speaker and acting speaker, our paths also crossed severally in his first term when I was the State commissioner for works,

personable and principled in his dealings with all. When he joined us in the Senate in 2011 one could not but see the energy and drive with which he put into his devotions for the common man, our state and our nation. Ewherido’s death at 50 is a

great loss to all that have come across him and to me as a person. Pius, you will be greatly missed. •Senator James Manager represents Delta South Senatorial District and is chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta.

ventful Lif Shortt but eeventful Lifee Ewherido: Shor BY EDWIN CLARK

O •Ewherido

housing and transport. In our private and official dealings in that period, he came across as confident, purposeful and diligent in his duties. He clearly was a man marked for the future. Even after I relocated to national duties in Abuja as Senator, we continued to cross paths at

N Sunday, June 30, 2013, a sad event happened at the National Hospital, Abuja. It was the death of Sen. Pius AkporEwherido. Sen. Pius Ewherido was an astute politician who rose through various political offices. Before getting to the Senate, he was elected a member of the Delta State House of Assembly. His astuteness made him to stand out and cause his colleagues to elect him as a Deputy Speaker of the House. He later became an Acting Speaker.

Although he was elected Senator for Delta Central Senatorial District under the platform of a minority Party, the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, he struck a chord with all of his colleagues in the Senate, making meaningful and intelligent contributions to Debates. His dexterity in the art of politics singled him out as a prominent Politician. His gentle but resolute character stood him out wherever he was found He also touched several lives with his philanthropic gestures. He saw his position as a

privilege from God and used it to touch the lives of people who were less privileged than he was. These facts are attested by the various tributes paid to him by politicians and none politicians. Sen. Pius Ewherido will be greatly missed by all. As he is committed to mother earth today, I pray that Almighty God will give every one, his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear his loss. *Senator Edwin Clark was a former Federal Commissioner for Information.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 59

CHE Ejimofor will never forget that day in Gboko. It could take good space if he were to chronicle his memoirs as team manager of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, once a top side in the continent. In a charged atmosphere, one that was very hostile to all who didn’t support BCC Lions of Gboko, Iwuayanwu were in the stadium to prove that they were the best in the league. Prince Lemmy Akakem was arguably the most prominent football chief at the time and he was chairman of the Owerri side. They had quality players, some of the best in the country. That meant nothing to Gboko and their supporters. You won a match at your own peril there. Those were days the league was rich and reasonably credible. The element of surprise was in the league then and teams won away matches. This and the good football the teams played, brought reasonable crowd to the stadium. But Gboko was a den many dreaded. Uncompromising referees were not spared the intimidation of the fans. Bribery or corruption was not as brazen as it is now. BCC fans, therefore, intimidated opponents and sometimes referees, like Stores did in Lagos. They won their home matches. But on this day Iwuanyanwu scored first and were playing a game that appeared made in heaven. They attacked more and were creating chances to double their lead. Once, near the touch line, two huge men got close to the referee, drew their shirts open and showed the referee dangling knives and told him he was not leaving the stadium alive if Nationale won. How did they get to the touch line? They overpowered security. They were the security. The Gboko fans were ruthless then and even the police dared not confront them. Out of fear, the referee ‘manufactured’ a penalty against Nationale. The goalkeeper caught it firmly and at the end of first half, the frenzy was such that many knew trouble loomed. Only the Nationale players felt different and appeared determined to win the match in Gboko. But the referee was also determined to avoid bloodshed. And as he walked into the dressing room, he openly said to the hearing of some Nationale players “this tika tika tika that you people are playing, if you don’t want to leave this place alive, me, I want. I’ll leave this place peacefully and will give them another penalty.’’ He did and the match ended 1-1. Ejimofor tells the story till date. I have recalled the story to take another angle on the current news in town, the scandalous 146 goals produced by two clubs seeking promotion in the amateur league. Plateau United Feeders were said to have beaten Akurba 79-0 and Police Machine of Adamawa beat Bubayaro of Gombe 67-0. The two teams were fighting for promotion and they were on same points. It meant goals difference would determine who moved on if they all won their matches. The matches went on simultaneously and they were monitoring their results. The goals were said to be pouring in in Bauchi until we had the results that made news globally.

08053068728

Football scandal:

The referee angle Nigerians have condemned the teams but not much has been said about the referees. They are key in football development and the neglect that they have suffered from the system is among the major factors that have held our football down. What

Nigerians have condemned the teams but not much has been said about the referees

was in the match reports of the referees that officiated the two matches? Did the reports give a clue to match fixing? Or were the referees compromised too? What level of security did they have in those matches? If we can’t get it right with referees, we would not progress. Their reports will be key in ongoing investigations. The federation must take them seriously, protect them and ensure that they are above board. We have had a case where a referee was beaten to stupor by fans and the offending club knew that they risked heavy sanctions. They hurriedly took the man to hospital and stuffed his pocket with money. People heard what happened to him in the stadium but surprisingly he did not include the beating in his report. When officials asked him about it, he denied that he was beaten and the violent club fans got away with it. That is the level corruption and low morals have taken us to. Clubs approach the Referees Association to ask that specific referees be assigned to officiate their matches and the association obliges them. We can’t produce true champions like that. Etu Moses, the spokesman of Warri wolves is still at sea over the decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the Federation on their June 5 match in Uyo with Akwa United. The home team did not provide adequate security for the match and the referee could not continue the game after the end of first half because he was said to have been beaten up as he walked into the dressing room. The Disciplinary Committee later discountenanced the referee and match commissioner’s report and ruled that the remaining

I didn’t give Powell drugs, says shamed sprinter’s trainer A

SAFA POWELL’S trainer has hit back at claims he is to blame for the Jamaican sprinter ’s failed drugs test. Chris Xuereb had the finger of blame pointed at him by Powell’s agent after the former world record holder and fellow sprinter Sherone Simpson tested positive for the same drug. But Canadian trainer Xuereb, who only began working with the sprinters in May, says the athletes should stop using him as a scapegoat. He said: “It is time the athletes took responsibility for their

doping instead of looking around for a scapegoat whether that person is their therapist, bartender or anyone else. “I am extremely disappointed that these athletes have chosen to blame me for their own violations. “I did not provide any banned or illegal substances to Asafa Powell or Sherone Simpson. “While I did recommend vitamins, all vitamins recommended by me were all purchased over the counter at reputable nutritional stores and were major brands.

“These athletes did not inform me that they were taking any additional supplementation other than what I recommended and it is

obvious that these athletes were taking additional supplements that were not discussed or known to me.”

45 minutes be played. If the rules were respected, Akwa United would lose the three points and faced other sanctions for not providing security for the referee or allowing their fans to manhandle him. Here is a case where the Disciplinary Committee flouted the rules of the game. How can our league grow this way? ‘’There were 15 police officers in the stadium and 10 of them were women. We played a free kick that hit the bar and they probably felt that if they allowed the referee he could award more of such free kicks. They attacked him. The match could not continue and the rules are clear on this. But can you imagine the decision of the O and D Committee?” Moses is still outraged. Aside the details Moses gave, there were accounts from Supersport men who were at the stadium. But what did NFF, the controlling body do? Will they continue to keep quiet while the rules of the game are flouted? I wonder why the new league managers, LMC have not made an issue over this. But do they need to? I think that they should all be working together to ensure progress in our league. We can never get it right if we address the issue of poor coaching, poor security, poor facilities and poor club management and leave out the referees. NFF should take note of this. If referees are not protected, they may not only be more prone to corruption, but will give in to intimidation to escape violence. I’ll not leave the Nigerian league until it develops into a huge brand that we will all be proud of. I say this because I saw the league when it was good. I saw when the plunge started like the Gboko incident I recalled. And I saw it collapse. Now, there are moves to revive it, I’ll always have my eyes on it. It is a difficult task because the rot is deep. We have to support the reforms the Nduka Irabor led LMC are carrying out. We have no choice because the league remains the bedrock of our football.

CONGRATS PA OJIDOH

OME TIME last year, I received a text message from Pa John Ojidoh, the veteran sports administrator and commentator, whose versatility in sports saw him coach football, track and field and also officiated as a referee and officiating official in athletics. As usual, the text was sports related but he ended it by reminding me that he was now on wheelchair and “just in my extra time.” I told him that his extra time will be as long as his full time. But I was so touched when I visited him in his Illah home near Asaba. I met a bed-ridden man, so mentally alert that I couldn’t help taking notes in what turned out an exciting interview. He recalled dates, names and vividly described scenes that happened more than 50 years ago. Today, Pa Ojidoh is 87. May God continue to bless him, keep him, heal him and make him happy. May our blessed mother, ever Virgin Mary, all the saints and angels of God always intercede for him now and forever more. Happy Birthday, sir. Paul Bassey on Ojidoh is on page 2 of our pullout.

Eagles can be great again — Iroha

ORMER Super Eagles left back Benedict Iroha has said that with improved performances from Nigerian players in Europe, the country will soon break into the exclusive list of 50 best players in the world. “I can’t say that we do not have players that are doing very well for their clubs. Emenike, Moses, Igiebor, Musa and a host of others are doing well and if they keep up their good work, it is possible that they can break into the top players in the world,” said Iroha. “We must re-work our mentality and also ensure BLAME GAME ... Asafa Powell could face a criminal our players sign for the right clubs and for the investigation in Italy

right offers too. With that we can compete with the very best in the coming years,” Iroha said.

Wenger: Arsenal can afford Rooney

HE race for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney looks set to hot up after it appeared that Arsenal threw their hat into the ring according to The Daily Mail. Arsene Wenger has insisted that Rooney is not out of their financial reach, despite the player currently commanding a pay packet thought to be in the region of £200,000 a week.

60 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

NFF Football House: Catalyst for better football administration — Jonathan Nigeria Football •Commends Amaechi, PTF

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja showered praises on Governor Chibuike Amaechi of River state and chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force for Super Eagles’ 2010 world cup qualification and members of the PTF for the vision of the team to deploy remnants of funds raised for the campaign towards construction of a befitting office complex for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF ).

The President who was represented at the official opening of the football house by the Vice President Namadi Sambo, lauded the PTF for conceiving and delivering the project which he said is a significant milestone in football development and administration. Coming at a time when Nigeria football is witnessing a resurgence, President Jonathan said the edifice named after first Chairman of then

Association, Sunday Dankaro should serve as a catalyst for better administration and general performance of the football sector. He therefore urged the football federation to take seriously the development of youths of the country using football as direct fallout of recent Presidential Retreat on Sports. Earlier in his address, Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission Bolaji Abdullahi also eulogized the PTF for the legacy.

Wenger stunned at £35m Gonzalo price tag

RSENE WENGER has been stunned after Real Madrid slapped a £35million price tag on his top target Gonzalo Higuain. Arsenal thought they had secured the Argentina hitman after agreeing terms with his representatives. But the Gunners have yet to agree a fee with Spanish giants Real who will play hardball over the wantaway striker. Sources close to Higuain have told SunSport he is now coming to terms with the possibility of staying in Madrid. Napoli have entered

the race to sign Higuain and are willing to pay over £30m to replace Edinson Cavani who joined Paris Saint Germain for £54m this week. It means Arsenal now face a bidding war with the Italian outfit as Real are under no pressure to sell the player who has three years left on his contract. Real will ask top price for Higuain who expressed his desire to quit the Bernabeu at the end of last season, because they also need the funds for an £80m raid for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

•Higuain

Fantastic football scores Continues from BP

•President Jonathan

Continues from BP with steering The Flames past the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their final Group F qualifier on 6 September – a win would put them through to the play-offs. To achieve his dream, Saintfient said that he will carry out a radical overhaul of the Malawi squad. He made the disclosure following the disappointing performance against Angola in Lusaka on Tuesday. Malawi lost 2-3, effectively booted out of the Cosafa Castle Cup tournament. The 40-year-old tactician was angry at the lacklustre display. Saintfeit has decided that he has to create a

•Governor Amaechi

Malawi new Malawi team without the baggage of previous failures. He has concluded that the only chance of success is to make changes. “l want to bring in players who match the hunger for success ,” he said in Kitwe, Zambia after Malawi were sent packing. “Football is about results,” the Belgian said as his reign has started with two consecutive defeats. “I am very disappointed,” he conceded, adding “If you don’t score your opportunities and give goals away like this, you can’t win.” He said the Cosafa tournament has given him chance to see what to do when the team

starts preparations for the Nigeria match. Saintfiet remains confident he can get the required result against Nigeria. “I am determined to succeed,” he said, adding “Malawi can go to the World Cup.” The 40-year-old is confident he can get the required result. He told BBC Sport: “I am 100% sure that Malawi can go to the World Cup “What Senegal, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and North Korea have shown in the past is that smaller football nations can make it to the finals in the right moment, at the right time. “Now is the right moment for Malawi.”

(also a Mathematician) of the University of Ibadan’s Department of E d u c a t i o n a l Management. According to them, while it is mathematically impossible, it is statistically possible to score as many as 78 goals within 45 minutes in a match, Akinfenwa Oluseye, a specialist in Mathematics, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos: “it is mathematically impossible to score as many as 78 goals in 45 minutes during a football match. “Mathematically speaking, it is impossible to score 78 goals under 45 minutes because 45 minutes multiplied by 60 seconds equals 2,700 seconds, and the 2,700 should be divided by the 78 goals scored. “That means that in the second half, a goal was scored every 34 seconds for them arrive at that score line. “Considering the speed of the players, the field of play and the short jubilation by players, one can round it up to 39 seconds per goal and if you do the mathematics again, you will find that it’s not possible.

“That means you will have 39 seconds to score every other goal, which isn’t remotely possible, because you can’t be that fast. Oluseye also notes: “assuming it’s the fastest man on earth picking the balls and returning it to the centre, it still doesn’t sum up”. He added that even if the opponents were mere statues, the goals would not total 146 goals in all. “It is a match between two opponents and even if one wasn’t present at the pitch, one cannot even score up to that number of goals because the ball has to be passed between the players”. Ubaka, a specialist in statistics, on other hand, said: “from a statistical point of view, it is possible to score 79 goals and above in a match. “Football is a game of chance, the probability of scoring as many as 100 goals is not impossible; chances are that the players are not good or they are not standard players. “Maybe, within the first half, the coach studied their opponents’ weaknesses and capitalised on the slightest mistake to shoot at target. “If the goalkeeper is not good, it is possible to

score 10 goals under a minute. Statistics and probability prove that it is possible to score as many goals and even more than 100 goals within that duration,” Ubaka said. Raji, of the University of Ibadan’s Department of E d u c a t i o n a l Management, said: “It is possible but there may be some conspiracy. There is a tendency for that, but a team can score as many as 80 goals. “They can score a goal every 30 seconds. A ball can travel from one end of a pitch under a minute and if the winning team is not wasting time, it can score as many goals as p o s s i b l e ” . Plateau Feeders and the Police Machines FC, in an apparent bid to win the two slots for promotion from Division 4 to Division 3 of the NNWL may have connived to achieve the scandalous goals, in order to put their qualification beyond q u e s t i o n . Plateau United Feeders had defeated Akurba FC of Nassarawa, 79-0, while Police Machines defeated Bubayero of Gombe, 67-0. All four clubs have been banned indefinitely by the Nigeria Football Association.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

Inside today's Sports Vanguard

FANTASY FOOTBALL SCORES

It’s impossible to score 78 goals in 45’mins — Mathematician •It’s possible —Statistician T

HREE university lecturers on Thursday expressed mixed feelings over the ongoing scandalous results from a recent Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL)

Division 4 competition. The three lecturers are: Akinfenwa Oluseye and Onyeka Ubaka of the M a t h e m a t i c s Department, University of Lagos and Ismail Raji

Continues on Page 60

—Page 59

I’ll qualify Malawi for 2014 W/Cup — Saintfiet

ALAWI care-taker coach Tom Saintfiet is looking for ‘ambitious players’ to help the Flames qualify for next year ’s World Cup in Brazil. The Belgian was appointed at the start of July on a two-month deal, tasked

Continues on Page 60

•Saintfiet

MARKED .... Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye is marked out by Uruguay defender in the FIFA Confederations Cup match. Uruguay won 2-1.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

— Page 60

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Vacant (5) 7 List (5) 8 Plank (5) 10 Map book (5) 12 Untruth (3) 13 Muddy snow (5) 15 Withdrew (7) 17 Intellectual (6) 19 Central (3) 29 Reasoned (7) 23 Song (4) 25 Wail (4) 26 Rambling (7) 30 Name (3) 31 Picture-house (6) 34 Dissolvable (7) 37 Radio location (5) 38 Court (3) 39 Eject (5) 40 Picture puzzle (5) 41 Stratum (5) 42 Porridge (5)

DOWN 1 Myth (5) 2 Explosion (5) 3 Deadly (6) 4 Close (4) 5 Vacation (7) 6 Welcome (5) 9 Tune (3) 11 Jewish (7) 13 Daub (5) 14 Undo (5) 16 Spasm (3) 18 Adorable (7) 21 Mooed (5) 22 Dim (5) 24 Laborious (7) 27 Abrade (3) 28 Loop (6) 29 Cringe (5) 32 Of birth (5) 33 Manufacturer (5) 35 Throw (3) 36 Always (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Extol 7, Twig 8, Augury 9, Gipsy 11, Cos 13, Woe 15, Only 16, Bob 18, Limp 19, Retreat 20, Rump 22, Whet 23, Boycott 25, Peep 27, Hue 28, Fume 30, Tar 31, Tot 33, Stand 36, Stride 37, Rare 38, Wryly.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Swoon 2, Egg 3, Top 4, Lay 5, Age 6, Groom 10, Slot 11, Corrupt 12, Slumber 13, Without 14, Epithet 16, Bench 17, Brute 18, Law 21, Pop 24, Oust 26, Earth 29, Mourn 32, Fix 33, Sew 34, Any 35, Dry.

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. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.