ANAMBRA: INEC orders supplementary polls

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62017

Arrest of banks' staff political — Labour 9

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

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ANAMBRA: INEC orders

supplementary polls •Nwoye, Ngige, Uba threaten to boycott rescheduled election •APGA supporters give INEC 24-hr ultimatum to proclaim Obiano winner •Idemili North: Police whisk indicted INEC official to Abuja

ESCAPE FROM BOKO HARAM

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, TONY EDIKE, VINCENT UJUMADU, CHARLES KUMOLU & OKONKWO EZE

L

AGOS—THE Inde pendent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday ordered fresh polls in 208 polling units in Anambra State allegedly affected by malpractice in the weekend gubernatorial election in the state.

The three major candidates that ran against the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA’s Willie Obiano, however, demurred and threatened to boycott the supplementary elections as

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST:

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

ESCAPE—Top left: French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault (R) welcomes escaped French hostage, Francis Collomp (C) upon his arrival at the military airport of Villacoublay, outside Paris, yesterday, the day after he escaped from his captors during a Nigerian Army operation against Islamist group Boko Haram. Top right &below: His wife, Anne-Marie Collomp celebrates with relations and well wishers after watching the release of her husband on television. Photos: AFP.

I remain authentic NGF chairman — Amaechi C M Y K

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2— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

C M Y K

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C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

ANAMBRA RESULT—From Left: INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for

Anambra, Prof. Emeka Onukaoga; Head of Operations, INEC, Anambra, Mr Okon Ewa and Returning Officer for 2013 Anambra Governorship Election, Prof. James Epoke during the announcement of result at Awka, Anambra State, yesterday.

ANAMBRA: INEC orders supplementary polls Continues from page 1 they insisted on total cancellation of the Saturday election which they alleged was completely marred by irregularities.

APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, nevertheless insisted that the party’s chances of retaining its hold on the Government House would not be affected by the fresh polls whenever held.

The boycott of the major candidates came as INEC, yesterday, commenced disciplinary action against the officer for Idemili North Local Government Area who INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega accused of sabotaging the election in the area. The officer who has

been apprehended by the police was yesterday on his way to Abuja from Enugu under protective escort of the police.

Meanwhile, INEC has said it was yet to decide on a date for the supplementary election in the 208 polling units where it claimed that there were infractions last weekend.

The returning officer for the election, Professor James Epoke while announcing the results of the contest had, yesterday, declared the election inconclusive. The returning officer said that the runner-up, Comrade Tony Nwoye of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Senator Chris Ngige who came third after the weekend voting each could displace Willie

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Obiano of the All Progressive Grand Alliance who topped the voting if the cancelled ballots were taken into consideration.

At the end of the weekend voting, Epoke had placed APGA’s Obiano in the first position with 174, 710 votes, followed by the PDP’s candidate, Nwoye who polled 94,856 votes, and Senator Ngige of APC who polled 93,300 votes to place third.

Obiano won in 16 of the 21 local government areas, while Nwoye and Ngige won in two local government areas each.

The APGA candidate won in Aguata, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, and Ekwusigo. He also won in Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North and Orumba South.

The PDP candidate won in Dunukofia and Oyi, while the APC candidate won in Idemili North and Idemili South.

The returning officer, however, failed to declare a date for the supplementary election.

Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega told Vanguard yesterday that the decision on a date would be decided by the commission after national officers of the commission would have been debriefed by commission officials who supervised the election.

The INEC’s proposal on a re-run nonetheless, the three major candidates who ran second, third and fourth, Nwoye of the PDP, Ngige of the APC and Ubah of Labour Party all vowed to shun the supplementary election.

Nwoye told Vanguard yesterday that he cannot contest a poll where he,

as a candidate has not been accredited to vote.

“I will not partake in the supplementary election.

Partake in what? If there is no total cancellation, I cannot partake and if my supporters cannot participate I cannot partake,” he told Vanguard over the telephone.

“I will not, because the allegations we have been raising of multiple voting and massive disenfranchisement have not been addressed,” he stressed.

The APC in rejecting the plans for a supplementary election said only a complete cancellation of the whole election would allow it partake in another election as it charged Jega to name the official he claimed sabotaged the commission’s plans.

APC chides PDP

The APC in a statement issued by its Interim National Publicity Secretary yesterday, also chided the PDP for ecstatically lauding an election in which its own candidate and family members were delisted from the voters register.

“We say, without equivocating, that a total cancellation of the election and the organization of a fresh poll, under the supervision of a credible Resident Electoral Commissioner, will be acceptable to our party,” the APC declared yesterday.

Challenging INEC to name the official or officials that caused the damage, the party said: ‘’It is not enough for INEC’s detached chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, to tell the nation that an INEC official sabotaged the election in a certain part of the state, he must tell the nation who this fellow is, who he/she is working for, what is the extent of the damage he/ she has done to this and

previous elections, and whether or not he/she has access to the commission’s database of voters’ register, which was apparently tampered with for Saturday’s election. ‘’Professor Jega must also tell Nigerians why 16 electoral commissioners who migrated to Anambra days before the election ostensibly to supervise things, could not ensure the success of an election in a single state, when even a polling unit behind the INEC office in Awka did not get voting materials till after 9 am on election day,’’ it said.

Chiding the national PDP over its position, the APC said: “In its inordinate ambition to humiliate our party at all costs, the PDP has ended up humiliating itself and embarrassing the nation. Or how else does one describe a bizarre situation in which a party will describe as free and fair an election in which its own candidate and his family could not find their names in the voters’ register?

The joke is indeed on the PDP! “It is now clear who the PDP is working for, and that the party has no qualms about sacrificing its own candidate and disgracing the nation as long as it will achieve its aim of humiliating the APC,’’ the party asserted.

Also rejecting the plans for the supplementary election, Labour Party speaking through its Anambra State chairman, Sam Oraegbulam, called for the outright cancellation of the entire election, stressing that the election in all ramifications did not meet the standard of free and fair election.

He said mere conducting a supplementary election cannot make the election that was marred with gross irregularities and fraud to be credible and only a total cancellation and conduct of fresh election will suffice.

Obiano'll still win, says Umeh The national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, who was Obiano’s agent at the collation

center, expressed optimism that his party would ultimately carry the day, describing the development as a mere delayed victory.

According to him, it would be difficult for any other candidate to upstage APGA in view of the gap already given the other parties, He said: “Some of the places affected by the supplementary election were places where APGA won, adding that while other candidates would be striving to meet his party, the party would also be garnering more votes.”

He also said that the supplementary election would prove whether the number of voters often claimed to be in the register of voters is actually authentic.

Meanwhile, Jega’s spokesman, Mr. Idowu, yesterday declared that the commission was yet to fix a date for the supplementary election.

He said: “We have not set a date.

The commission is waiting for the field officers to return and the report that is made will be painstakingly interrogated by the commission because the commission is not sweeping anything under the carpet.”

“The field officers will be debriefed as they return, then the commission, that is the chairman and the national commissioners will meet and fix a date for the supplementary election.

On fate of the commission’s officer who allegedly sabotaged the election in Idemili North, he said: “It is not only that he has been arrested, we have requested that the Police should begin investigations of him; we have also initiated a disciplinary action against him.”

Asked if he is the only one, he said: “He is a glaring example, he is the anchor of what happened in Idemili North and in the course of investigation if there are others, it will come out.

He is with the police and was in Enugu and I think they are moving him to Abuja,” he disclosed yesterday.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Alleged lunatic docked for robbery

Tanker crushes 2 pupils in Lagos

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & ONOZURE DANIA

LAGOS — A ROAD traffic accident in which two school pupils were killed, yesterday, on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, led to a protest that generated an unprecedented gridlock on the usually busy highway.

For several hours, protesters blocked the entire expressway, making passage in both directions, impossible.

The accident occurred directly opposite the Ikota Primary School premises, a public school, as the children crossed the expressway.

An eye witness told Vanguard that the pupils, numbering five, who came from the Mega Chicken side of the road, had crossed the first part of the expressway and were on the pavement in the middle of the road when a tanker from the Ajah end, knocked off a Spots Utility Van, SUV, that stopped for the children to cross over.

The tanker, it was gathered, then hit the children on the pavement, killing two of them on the spot while the other three sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby clinic. The tanker driver reportedly took to his heels after the accident.

LAGOS — A 25-year-old unconfirmed lunatic, Temitope Onifade, was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere for alleged robbery.

The defendant, who has no particular means of livelihood, first appeared before Justice Christopher Balogun, where issue of the defendant’s mental state was raised by his counsel, Mr O. A. Azeez.

Sequel to the directive of Lagos State Chief Justice, Mrs Ayotunde Phillips, the defendant was again arraigned before another judge, Justice Aishat Opesanwo, on a twocount charge of armed robbery.

According to the charge, Onifade (defendant) allegedly commited the offence on July 17, 2008 at OkokomaikoMile 2-Badagary Expressway, Lagos, contrary to Sections 402 and 403 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The prosecutor, Mr Afolabi Sholebo, urged the court to retake the defendant’s plea since the case was transferred.

However, when the plea of the defendant was taken before Justice Opesanwo, he pleaded not guilty to the twocount charge preferred against him.

Defence counsel, Mr O.A Azeez, reminded the court that there had been an order into the inquiry of the defendant’s mental state, by Justice Balogun, before the case was transferred.

Azeez informed the court that Justice Balogun made the order following observations by the prison warders.

Justice Opesanwo held that the defence counsel ought to file a formal application, if the mental state of the defendant is still relevant.

... also 28-yr-old Also, a 28-year-old man, Austin Iloka, was yesterday remanded in Kirikiri prisons custody, by a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja, pending the legal advice from the Office the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for allegedly stealing aluminum coils worth N19.8 million.

Magistrate, Miss A.O Akinde, ordered that the defendant be remanded pending the advice from DPP.

zGridlock on Lekki-Epe expressway as residents protest

BY UJU MBANUSI

The protest It was gathered that things went awry when some members of the Ikota Youth Association took advantage of the incident to protest against what they termed government’s insensitivity to their plea to provide the area with a pedestrian bridge. It was aggravated as policemen drafted to the scene fired tear-gas and gun shots into the air.

From left (clockwise): The SUV, gridlock on Lakki-Epe express way, scene of the accident and protesters on the trailer tanker. Photos: Uju Mbanusi.

Olugbenga Adesanmi, a spokesperson of the association lamented Lagos State government’s unresponsiveness to their plea. He declared a seven-day ultimatum for the state to do something about the situation, otherwise they would react violently.

He said: “Some of the youths who witnessed the accident, based on the fact that we have been canvassing a pedestrian bridge at this spot, came out to protest the killing.

“Instead of the police who earlier arrived the scene to find an acceptable way of managing the situation, they fired sporadically at passers-by and protesters, causing more casualties.

“Four people were injured including a woman who had a baby on her back. It is speculated that the child on her back died as a result of gun shot.

“If we should count the number accidents that happen on this spot

Suspected defilers of Osun church docked

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — AN Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court will today begin hearing in the case involving two suspected gays that allegedly had sexual intercourse inside a church auditorium, the Peace of Jesus Apostolic Church located at Asubiaro area in Osogbo.

When the case was mentioned, weekend, the two accused persons, 19-year-old Samuel Friday and Oni Oluwatobi, 18, who are already on bail were present but the prosecutor, Inspector Solomon Oladele, was absent.

The accused persons were said to have perpetrated the act sometimes in May, at about 2:00 am in the church.

The charge sheet had read in part: “That you Samuel Friday

and Oni Oluwatobi sometimes in May 2012 at about 2 am at Peace of Jesus Apostolic Church, Asubiaro, Osogbo did conspire together to commit felony to wit: indecent sexual practice between yourselves.”

Oladele had informed the court when the case initially came up that the gay suspects conducted themselves in a manner that was capable of causing breach of public peace.

Th prosecutor had also argued that Friday had sometimes in May, 2013 at Sadiat area, Ilesa Road in Osogbo at about 4pm committed similar act of homosexual when the latter sexually assaulted a boy identified as Oladipupo Moruf by caressing him without the boy’s permission.

The charge presented to court had read: “That you Samuel Friday sometimes in May, 2013 at

Sadiat area, Ilesa Road in Osogbo at about 4pm in the Osogbo Magisterial District did indecently seduce one Oladipupo Moruf by touching his private part.”

The prosecutor, however, had contended that the accused persons have committed offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 516, 249 (D), and Section 217 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.

It could also be recalled that the duo had pleaded not guilty before their counsel orally applied fro their bail, stressing that they are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved reasonably by the prosecution.

Meanwhile, the presiding Magistrate Olusola Aluko had granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in the like amount.

from January till date, it will be over 200. We are giving them seven days to do something about this situation, otherwise, they will have to kill all of us.”

However, the Ajuwa Divisional Police Officer, Issah Lawal, who was present at the scene with his men said there was a fatal accident which involved three school children around 8 a.m.

Police react According to him, “tthree school children were involved in the accident, two of them died on the spot while the third child is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

“The allegation that men of the Police Force shot, killed and injured some protesters and passersby is not to my knowledge. Like I said, my men have been here.

“We were contacted immediately the accident occurred and we responded swiftly. We got here in 10 minutes.”

Traffic gridlock Meantime, a traffic gridlock stretching over 10 kilometres built up on the road, on the way to Epe, trapping thousands of motorists going to work. A similar gridlock was also on the other side.

Reports also said the protesters resisted attempts by the police to evacuate the bodies of the victims pupils and the vehicles involved in the accident.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 7

Trouble for health centre mgt over invasion by ritualists

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO EKITI — FOR failure to formally report the alleged invasion of health centre by suspected ritualists, Ekiti State Police has threatened to summon the management of the centre for questioning A health centre located at Irona, Ado Ekiti, was said to have been invaded by men suspected to be ritualists looking for day-old babies, last weekend Police image maker in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, in his reaction lamented that the management of the health centre was yet to formally report the matter at the state police headquarters.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Babayemi expressed worry over the hospital management’s action.

His words: “We want to ask them why they did not find it necessary to report a grievous incident of this nature to the police. No official report had been made by the medical officials in any police station in connection with the incident.”

He branded the incident as “too grievous and frightening.”

Babayemi said the command had sent out its detectives to make findings and gather information on how to bring the perpetrators to book.

Meanwhile, activities, Monday, returned to the belea-

guered Basic Health Centre.

Council suspends night duty at the centre However, the Chairman of Ado Ekiti Local Government, Hon

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UTSE — THOUSANDS of youths under the umbrella of National Volunteer for Lamido 2015 took to the streets of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, protesting the arrest of two sons of Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido, by the official of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last week.

The two sons, Mustapha and Aminu Sule Lamido, were arrested last Thursday at their residences in Kano for alleged N10 billion money laundering.

Efforts by Governor Lamido

He confirmed the incident, saying: “This is a new twist to crime in the area.”

Olanipekun, who claimed to have visited the hospital, described the incident as “highest point of callousness on the part of the perpetrators.”

Suspected pipeline vandals paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC during a news conference in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

Police withdraw docked ‘election observers’ back to custody

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — A classical drama played out, yester-

Youths protest arrest of Jigawa gov’s sons

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

Tope Olanipekun has suspended night duty in the health centre pending the time security would be reinforced.

The chairman said the council would raise the perimeter fence and construct the gate in a manner that would guarantee security.

and his associates to see that the EFCC released the two accused on bail proved abortive.

It was learnt that two senior lawyers have taken over the case with the longest serving lawyer for Lamido, Mr. Offiong Offiong (SAN) heading the team.

The state coordinator of National Volunteer for Lamido 2015, Malam Musa Gambo Guri, who addressed the crowd in Dutse, said the arrest was political, aimed at tarnishing the image of the governor.

He said this would not deter them from supporting him to vie for the office of president in 2015.

The protesting youths in Dutse, yesterday

day, in Owerri Magistrate Court 3, as armed policemen, in a commando style, bundled the 182 accused persons they brought to court, back to their custody.

It was not very clear why the police decided to storm the court in that manner, instead of prosecuting the matter they filed against the suspects.

Our correspondent gathered that the 182 accused persons were part of the 203 persons arrested in Owerri by the police last Thursday, for allegedly assembling in Owerri unlawfully before proceeding to Anambra State for the gubernatorial election that was held last weekend.

Three-count charge were slammed in suit OW/503C/2013, against the accused persons but no plea was taken before the drama played out.

Our correspondent noticed that the police started moving the accused persons from the court room gradually and before people fully

appreciated the plot, only 62 persons were left.

When one of the defence counsel, Chief Soronnadi Njoku, drew the attention of the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Maureen U. Onyewuotu, to the unfolding drama, the police prosecutor told the court that “there are plans to withdraw the charges against the accused persons.”

Responding to this submission, Chief Njoku argued: “Even if the police wanted to withdraw the charges, there were legal procedures that must be followed” and appealed to the court to order the police to return all the suspects to court.

Armed with this plea, the court decided to stand down the hearing but instead of bringing the accused persons to court, about 20 armed policemen stormed the courtroom and ordered the remaining 62 persons out of the court.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard after waiting endlessly for the police to return the accused persons, Njoku described the event as “most embarrassing.”

In his words: “I have never seen this type of show of force by the police in my several years of legal practice. The armed policemen simply desecrated the temple of justice by their act. The court even stood down the case for more than two hours before adjourning to December 12, 2013.”

House wife seeks divorce over alleged starvation

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ADUNA — A 30-yearold housewife, Balaraba Tanimu of Hayin Tudun Wada, Kaduna, has dragged her husband, Sani Abubakar, to Magajin Gari Sharia Court II, accusing him of starving her for eight months.

Tanimu told the court, yesterday, that the accused was not feeding her and their five children throughout the period on the excuse that life was very difficult for him.

The complainant said she and the children had been suffering from hunger and deprivation because the accused had failed to discharge his responsibilities.

According to her, Abubakar has also abandoned her and the children since he married another wife, making her parents to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of them.

Tanimu also told the court that the accused was indebted to her to the tune of N60,000 and prayed the court to recover the money for her.

The complainant prayed the court to dissolve the marriage since Abubakar cannot meet the demands of basic family responsibilities.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He told the court that the complainant was just jealous of his new wife, saying that she had given him no peace since he married another wife.

“She reported me to her parents and the father advised me not to worry over her attitude because she is just jealous,” he said.

Abubakar denied collecting money from her, saying it was his mother-in-law that gave him N30,000 credit to repair his taxi cab.

The wife, however, insisted that the N60,000 was the money he asked her to spend over time in feeding the family, as well as money spent on purchasing clothes for the children during the last Sallah.

The accused told the court not to dissolve the marriage as he still loves his wife.

The Presiding Officer, Khadi Ibrahim Mohammed, asked both parties to come with their parents in the next sitting for testimony.

Mohammed adjourned the case to November 27.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

You're ungrateful, presidential aide tells rebel govs

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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BUJA— HOPES of early resolution of the lingering political crisis in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, dimmed, yesterday, as the Presidency slammed three of the seven rebel governors for being ungrateful to the party that sponsored them to their present positions.

The Political Adviser to the President, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, in a television programme monitored in Abuja, yesterday, castigated the governors of Sokoto, Niger and Adamawa states for fighting the same party that offered them opportunities to become governors from their unpopular parties.

Gulak, who absolved President Goodluck Jonathan of any blame in the unfolding intra-party feud, said the dissenting governors were not interested in making peace but pursuing personal political interest at the expense of the nation.

The presidential aide noted that some of the governors fighting the President and the leadership of PDP were ungrateful politicians, who owe the party absolute loyalty and eternal gratitude for making them what they are.

Gulak said: “Look at a governor like that of Sokoto, who was brought into the party as a governorship candidate after PDP candidate had emerged.

“Wamakko was an ANPP member but was handed the party ticket after our candidate, Muktar Shagari, had already emerged.

“Wamakko does not know how PDP was formed and he should be grateful to the founding fathers of the party and abide by its constitution because no party can excel without discipline.

“The same goes for the Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.”

ASUU: No negotiation without Salaries Commission— Senate C'ttee

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA— IMPLEMENTATION of the agreement between the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, may have to be delayed as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Aloysius Etok, has said that the ongoing negotiations between the duo would be null and void without the input of National Wages and Salaries Commission.

Senator Etok stated this during an oversight tour of the

Commission. He said that under no guise should the Federal Government negotiate salary or wage increase without the input of the relevant commission.

He attributed most of the incessant industrial actions in the country to sentimental negotiation for salary increase in the civil service.

He said: “We have said this earlier that on no account should Federal Government negotiate salary increase or anything that has to do with wages or salaries without the input of the Commission.

“They should avoid the issue of sentimental increase or

negotiation and there should be no exceptions. Four months is about a semester.”

Etok further stated that the commission was expected to have played a prominent role in the 2009 agreement reached between the Federal Government and ASUU.

Questions budget implementation

The Etok-led committee also demanded explanations from the commission on how the 2013 appropriation was implemented and why the impact of the commission was not felt on civil servants salaries crises that threaten

some sectors of the economy from time to time.

He lamented the withholding of part of the 2013 budget of the commission, stressing that the commission required funds to carry out its research-based projects, calling for its immediate release so that the commission can implement its budget to the full.

He said: “The commission might look small but the importance cannot be overestimated. We have come to know your level of implementation of 2013 budget.

“We also want to know the relevance of the commission to the Federal Government; why your impact is not felt in the salary problems across the country; why the commission would be there when ASUU is on strike for months and who guided the Federal Government in the agreement entered into with ASUU in 2009?

“You cannot be ruled out in the scheme of things in this country.”

“They allowed ASUU compute its own salary”

MEETING: From left— Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke and the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, after their separate meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Ruling on security votes' suit against 36 govs for tomorrow

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA— THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has adjourned till tomorrow to deliver judgment on a suit seeking to declare sums often deducted from statutory allocation by governors of the 36 states of the federation as ‘Security Votes,’ as illegal, fraudulent and unconstitutional.

Justice Adamu Bello fixed the date after all the parties adopted their final briefs of arguments.

It will be recalled that a constitutional lawyer, Chief Nkereuwem Akpan, had in the suit he filed since 2010, prayed the court to, among other things, determine whether by virtue of sections 16(2) and 120 of the 1999 Constitution Cap C 23, Laws of

the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the 36 states governors have the power, without lawful authority, to deduct monies from the statutory allocation made from the Federation Account to each or any of the states of the federation or the Federal Capital Territory under the guise of “Security Vote.”

He urged the court to determine whether the policy of security vote is recognised either by the 1999 constitution or any other law for the time being in force in the country.

Meanwhile, all the 36 states governors had since challenged the suit, saying it should be dismissed for want of merit.

Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other

Related Offences Commission, ICPC, separately challenged the competence of the suit, even as they joined the governors in asking for its dismissal.

In a counter-affidavit deposed to by one of its lawyers, James Neville Onu, EFCC, branded the suit as “frivolous, unmeritorious and worthless.”

Urging the court to dismiss the action “inlimine,” EFCC maintained that the plaintiff lacks the requisite locus standi to institute the suit.

The ICPC, through one of its lawyers, Ezeana Ijezie, argued that the plaintiff failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action against the 36 states governors, saying it had no power to investigate how the defendants utilise the security votes they deduct from their state allocations.

Also speaking, Chairman of the commission, Dr. Richard Egbule, exonerated the commission from the agreement reached between the Federal Government and ASUU. He said: “The Wages Commission has been up and doing in everything concerning wages and salaries in this country.

“When the controversial agreement was reached in 2009, we were there but not as negotiators. We made it known to them that the route they were going was wrong. Today, I wish to say that ASSU did not go on strike because of salaries because we handled it very well.

“What is controversial was the excess workload allowance, but we have asked them to employ more lecturers to avoid excess workload.

“There has never been a time any agency was asked to go and compute its own salary, but they allowed ASUU to do so.

We needed a structural increase where government agency would be factored in.”

Egbule noted with regret that successive leaderships of ASUU had established the culture of using industrial action to announce their arrival.

The Senate committee visited the National Assembly Service Commission, where the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Umaru Fika, disclosed that N2.5 billion was appropriated to them in the 2013 fiscal year.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—9

2014 BUDGET PROPOSAL: NASS staff barred from work

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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VISIT: From left, Deputy GMD, Dangote Sugar, Mr. Abdullahi Sule; Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Lateef Busari; Minister of Industries, Trade & Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, and Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar, Mr. Graham Clerk, during a courtesy visit of the new GMD to the minister in Abuja.

ANAMBRA GUBER: PDP accuses APC of importing thugs

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA— THE national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, alleged that governors of All Progressives Congress, APC, donated money ahead of last Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election to import thugs and cause mayhem in the state.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who urged APC to be good losers, said that the antics of the party was to use propaganda and blackmail to discredit the Anambra governorship election and create confusion in the minds of people of the state and Nigerians generally.

He added that whenever the opposition wins election, INEC was doing well and whenever it loses election, the electoral body would then be condemned as not doing well.

Metuh said: “Whenever APC wins, INEC has done very well, when they are not winning in an election and when they are losing, INEC has compromised.

“The NWC has released a statement that INEC should try and resolve all genuine complaints while we enjoin them to disregard all pure propaganda deceit and falsehood.

Tasks INEC “We await INEC to fix a date for the conclusion of the process of the Anambra governorship

election in the interest of the people of the state, genuine democracy and committed Nigerians.

“We want to alert the entire nation of the antics of APC and their campaign on the use of the instrumentality of blackmail and propaganda to attempt to discredit the Anambra election as a way of creating doubts in the minds of Nigerians on the electoral system, especially having discovered that it was not practicable for APC to win the

confidence of Nigerians in electoral victories.

“In Ondo State, we had an election where APC came third.

In the Delta re-run, we had an election and APC came fourth.

In Anambra, from the result released so far, APC is coming third, but they want to discredit the entire process.

“In the last three days before the election, APC attempted to import thugs into Anambra to manipulate the election and alter the course of the election, but

they were apprehended by security forces.”

Metuh, who noted that the party had directed its members to continue to rally round its candidate, Mr. Tony Nwoye, for the election, commended Nwoye for showing in less than two weeks of his campaign that PDP was the preferred party of the people of Anambra.

He said if PDP had settled all its nomination and court crises, the party would have won the election with a landslide.

Labour alleges political undertones in arrest of banks' staff

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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RGANISED labour in the nation’s financial sector said, yesterday, that preliminary information concerning the recent clampdown on senior bankers by the Department of State Services, DSS, over alleged fraudulent practices, pointed to political undertones.

Under the aegis of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, labour said it would not want to make any hasty statement, since it was gathering information on the issue.

President of ASSBIFI, Mr. Sunday Salako, told Vanguard:

“We are aware of the issue and we are studying the development. We do not want to make hasty statement.

“There are strong allegations that it has to do with politics. If it is, we will not make comment. But if it bothers on corporate governance and unethical practice, after thorough investigation, we will make a formal statement.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor, said he was not aware of the development.

When contacted about the involvement of the CBN in the DSS clampdown, Okoroafor said he would have to investigate before he can comment on the matter.

Investigation revealed that

the arrest of the banks’ staff might have been carried out without the knowledge of the CBN. A top official of one of the affected banks, who did not want his name mentioned, told Vanguard: “The arrests were carried out silently. The arrest was not necessary at all.

“They could have got the information they wanted without arresting anybody.

The information they need is contained in what the banks submit to the Nigeria Financial Intelligent Unit, NFIU, and so they could have contacted the NFIU for these information.”

Vanguard investigations confirm that the DSS is yet to release the arrested bankers and is yet to charge them for any offence.

BUJA— AS President Goodluck Jonathan presents the 2014 budget proposal before the joint session of the National Assembly today, all legislative staff have been barred from resuming work until 2p.m.

A circular, dated November 18, by the Director, Personnel Management, Mr. Ishaya Sarki, on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly conveying the message, yesterday, warned that any staff that flouts the directive would be summarily dealt with, even as no reason was given for the action.

However, the circular stated that staff on the salaries of Grade Level 15 and above were exempted from the directive.

Vanguard gathered that apart from providing security for the President, the measure was aimed at preventing a planned protest by the staff, who had slated the day to show their grievances to President Jonathan over alleged preferential treatment being meted out to them by the National Assembly management.

Earth tremor in S'Africa

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ESIDENTS of Auckland Park, Melville, and even as far as Constantia Kloof on Johannesburg’s West Rand, South Africa, felt the earth shake beneath their feet at approximately 9.50a.m., yesterday, as a slight tremor struck the city.

According to an online source, the initial tremor was followed by an aftershock.

South Africa’s largest recorded earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and occurred in the Western Cape in 1969.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Agency urges Lagos residents to register

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AGOS — THE Lagos State Residents' Registration Agency, LASRRA, yesterday, stressed the need for residents to provide necessary documents required for the ongoing registration.

The General Manager of LASRRA, Ms Yinka Fashola, told newsmen in Lagos that residents should quickly complete their registration to be captured on the government's data base.

Fashola said the importance of residents providing the required documents at the various registration centres around the state before they were registered, could not be over-emphasised.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State officially launched LASSRA and the registration exercise in September.

The governor said this was meant to facilitate effective planning and implementation of infrastructure development.

Subsidy trial: suspects urge court to hands off case

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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N979.6 million subsidy case against two oil marketers, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck suffered a setback yesterday before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo as a result of a pending application seeking its transfer to another judge.

The marketers were asking the judge to hands off their case on the allegation that the court was biased against them.

The duo of Ogunbambo and Theck and their company, Fargo Energy Ltd were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegation that they stole subsidy funds and falsification of documents.

He adjourned the matter till February 5, 2014.

NECA warns of looming power sector industrial unrest

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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AGOS — Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, yesterday, in Lagos, warned the Federal Government and new owners of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, facilities of imminent industrial unrest in the power sector that would make the expected gains of the privatisation of power meaningless.

The umbrella body for employers in the country at a briefing on 'Promoting FUNFAIR: From left, Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Industrial Harmony, Productivity and Edem Vindah; Managing Director/CEO, Lagos State Signage and Advertising National Development in the Agency, LASAA, Mr. George Noah, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information Post-Reform Era of Power (Electricity) and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, during a media briefing on Lagos Countdown sector: Issues and Challenges,' funfair, to usher in the new year, at LASAA office, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde insisted mere physical hand-over of Gbadamosi facilities would not guarantee stable power supply, but all other variables, especially the issue of industrial relations, declaring that industrial crisis now would make meaningless the promises and prospects of the reforms in the sector.

"It is important to note that of Director General of NECA, especially the 2010 Planning

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI all the cases that have been Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, Regulations and Building investigated so far, no who explained that the Control Law, by relevant environment that would AGOS — THE Tribunal government agencies for professional had been indicted. make the workers to give of Inquiry into collapsed different cases of collapsed This invariably implies that and their best must be buildings in Lagos State, buildings witnessed in the non-professionals unregistered practitioners are addressed. yesterday, submitted its report state.

He contended if the to Governor Babatunde Ajayi lamented that while the ones mainly active in the industrial relations practice Fashola of Lagos State, saying the law empowered the industry causing this sad state and system in the electricity the flagrant violation of the government agencies, the of affairs."

Responding, Fashola urged sector was not handled with state laws by public officials, system did not, because of professionalism and given crass indiscipline and gross political, cultural, the professional bodies in the utmost attention, it could corruption were some of the administrative and other construction sector to sanction any member who was either frustrate whatever benefits reasons responsible for the interventions. anticipated in the new high cases of collapsed According to her: "Weak building or completed the dispensation. buildings in the state. implementation by the construction of the building that Oshinowo, however, said Presenting the final relevant government collapsed.

Fashola constituted the the body had invited the eight-volume report of the agencies, flagrant abuse and new owners for a meeting tribunal at the State House, deliberate flouting by the tribunal on May 20, 2013, to on November 27 to address Alausa, Ikeja, to the governor, public, crass indiscipline and proffer solution to the incessant the issue of industrial the Chairperson, Mrs. gross corruption by all and cases of collapsed buildings relations under the new era, Abimbola Ajayi, blamed weak sundry rendered the laws which had claimed several lives in the last few years. hoping that they would implementation of laws, ineffective. honour the invitation in the interest of the nation.

According to him: "Any failure to recognise that right of workers to unionise, will throw

BY ABDULWAHAB The Public Inquiry meant for inquiry was first of its kind by a spanner into the entire ABDULAH the South-West states was the commission, noted that template of guaranteeing expected to look at the petitions they were determined to regular power supply in this sent to the commission by resolve all crises arising from economy.

HE NATIONAL Human those evicted in the affected illegal demolitions and "The right to associate with Rights Commission, areas. The inquiry will also evictions of the affected union of their choice, the right to collective bargaining must be NHRC, yesterday, said it was hold in Abuja, Enugu, and people.

He explained that the recognised by the new determined to examine the Kano. grievances of those whose Already, 13 petitions were outcome of their findings employers.

“These are big issues that property were allegedly listed to be heard by the would be evaluated by the nobody is talking about. As far demolished and evicted by commission in the four-day board of the commission, as the Bureau of Public government in the South West public hearing. While two following which they would Enterprises, PBE, and the states. petitioners dragged Ogun take decision that would be National Electricty Regulartion Speaking at the opening State before the commission published.

Commission, NERC, are session of the four-day public for the demolition of their filing In its response, the Lagos concerned, they have done the inquiry into cases of stations and residential State government represented needful in terms of privatising demolition and evictions in buildings, there were 11 by Mr. Olanrewaju Akinsola, the physical assets.

Nigeria, holding in petitions filed against Lagos Senior Special Assistant to the "I have not seen in their South-West zone in Lagos, the State by those evicted at Ijora Governor on Justice, promised template, the reform plan for chairman of NHRC, Professor Badiya, Tarkwa-Bay, Ilubirin, that the state was ready to industrial relations. Now Chidi Odinkalu, said no stone Oju-Okun, Ajelogo Market, cooperate and abide by the guaranteeing regular electricity would be left unturned while Maroko and Iwaya water front. amicable resolutions from the supply goes beyond hand-over." hearing lasted.

Odinkalu who said the public inquiry.

Building collapse: Tribunal indicts govt officials L

NHRC to probe S-West evictions, demolitions

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 11

Osun APC wants Anambra election cancelled zExpresses fear over electoral monitors’ whereabouts

BY LEKE ADESERI, South West Regional Editor

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HE ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has urged Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel outrightly, the

Anambra governorship election “because that is the only path of honour to take.”

According to the party ’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, “Any attempt to uphold that election would tantamount to official

endorsement of rigging of election.

“Besides, it will send a tragic signal from the electoral body to Nigerians and the world that this country is in utter contempt for democratic ideals, and has no intention whatsoever to uphold the basic

MEETING: From left, Treasurer,Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, Dr. Dejo Raimi; President, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd); Secretary, Chief Idowu Sofola, and Assitant Secretary General, Professor Bayo Olateju, all of YCE, during their meeting on National Issues/Yoruba Agenda, at Ondo Street, Old Bodija Estate, Ibadan. Photo: Shola Oyelese

tenets of free choice in the electoral process.”

Meantime, the party has expressed fears as to the whereabouts of 181 Osun Electoral Monitors who were arrested in Owerri, weekend, on trumped up charges of heading to Anambra State to disrupt the governorship election of Saturday, now stalemated.

According to Oyatomi; “When police brought a number of them to the court, yesterday, before a magistrate, he adjourned the case for two hours with the instruction that the police should bring everybody arrested and were on the charge sheet before he would hear the case.

“The police reportedly left the court premises, stayed away for a while and then stormed the court premises, corked their guns and in a terrorist-like operation, carted away the people they had brought originally to an unknown destination.

“Defence lawyers who were in shock at the action of the police had no explanation for the police action.

“As at the time of going to press, they were still trying to trace where the police took the 181 citizens of Osun State to.”

NSCDC arrests petroleum vandals in Oyo

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — OYO State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has paraded five suspected pipeline vandals in Ibadan.

The suspects were said to have been arrested at different locations in the city.

While parading the suspects, yesterday, the Oyo State commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Shem Obafaiye explained that four of the suspects were rounded-up on November 13 at Odo-Oba in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of the state.

He said a commercial bus

marked Lagos XB 359 RSD was accosted with 135 empty kegs.

The names of the vandals, according to him, were Matthew Kehinde, 35; Ayo Ajayi, 30; Suleiman Yahaya, 35, and Olaniyi Ezekiah, 20.

In a similar development, a petroleum tanker with registration number Oyo XB 734 YRA was arrested overnight at Ajagba village in Oyo East Local Government Area of the state.

One of the suspects, Ayo Ajayi,

the owner of the commercial bus, narrated how he received a telephone call around 1.00a.m. that his bus had been arrested and when he got there, he was arrested by officers of the command.

NMA calls for free hepatitis screening

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — THE Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has appealed to state governments to make the screening of hepatitis free for the people.

Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the state Chapter

Chairman, Dr. Dokun Noel said “this was imperative because the sickness was as deadly as HIV/ AIDS.” According to him, “many people are ignorant of the fact that this disease is a killer and kills faster than the dreaded HIV/AIDS.” D.r Noel spoke during this year’s Physician Week with the sub theme, ‘Demystifying Sudden Deaths in Nigeria, Developing Legislation for Regular Health Check-up in Nigeria.

He said that it was high time

that the health sector was given priority going by the reports of sudden deaths in the society.

Medical team numbering about 40 stormed the state House of Assembly and ministries where they screened lawmakers and workers for hepatitis, diabetics and blood pressure free of charge.

The Chairman appealed to Nigerians to always go for checkup, noting that, “you can only be busy when you are alive.

“It’s only when we are alive that we can be useful to the society.”

According to him, when Nigerians went for check-up and a particular ailment was diagnosed then the person could be directed to the right place to seek medical assistant.

Noel expressed regret that many top government functionaries had died because they were too busy to take care of their health.

Ajimobi inaugurates Oyo Technical Varsity committee

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has inaugurated a 14-man development committee for the formal take-off of the state-owned Technical University, Ibadan.

The chairman of the committee is the former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi.

Other members of the committee are Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, the acting Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Femi Balogun.

Also, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Femi Bamiro; a renowned economist, Professor Ademola Ariyo, a former Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Professor Adeniyi Osuntogun, Professor Dan Adebiyi and Professor A. M. A. Imevbore are members.

NIM honours Peacock boss

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N AVIATION stakeholder and the Executive Chairman of Peacock Group of Companies, Chief Segun Phillips, has been conferred with fellowship award by the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM. This came on the heels of his recent installation as the Aare Kakanfo (The Generalissimo) of OkeAgbo, and his wife, Chief Olusola, as Yeye Kakanfo of Oke-Agbe, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

According to a statement by the Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Peacock Group, Mr. Aderemi Awolaiye, the unique management skills of the Peacock Chairman had made the company one of the fastest growing in the last few years.

The statement quoted the Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, Roderick Morriss, as felicitating with Chief Phillips

12 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

TUC to FG, states: Don’t borrow pension money to finance projects

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IVERS State Chapter of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has warned against any attempt by Federal and state governments to borrow money from the pension fund to finance infrastructural projects, arguing that doing so would jeopardize retirees’ contributions.

Speaking at a conference by Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, Rivers State, Chairman of TUC, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, insisted that the ability of the Federal and state governments to repay could not be guaranteed.

Onuegbu, who is also the National Industrial Relations Officer, IRO, of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, warned that such a move would hamper the ability of Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, to pay pensions to beneficiaries as at when due.

He said: “Borrowing from the pension fund by government to fund infrastructural projects is very dangerous because the federal and state governments are dependent on revenue from oil and gas,

which is not stable. If there is a sharp and sustained drop in the oil price or quantity of oil sold, the ability of the state and federal governments to repay the money borrowed will be severally impacted.

This will take the economy back to the era of non-payment of pensions.”

Speaking on The Contribu-

tory Pension Scheme, CPS, and the Pension Review Act , PRA, 2004: Implementation, Emerging Challenges and Prospects in the Public Service, he decried non-remittance of pension deductions by employers, lamenting that some employers were only partially remitting their workers’ deductions to their Re-

tirement Savings Accounts, RSAs, while some, many years after, were yet to key into the scheme, thereby, mortgaging the future of Nigerian workers.

On the implemention of the PRA 2004, he said “Non remittance of deduction from workers’ salary in line with the Pension Reform Act and the law is a major challenge.”

MADE IN ABA FAIR: Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Smart Adeyemi (left), being received by Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr Emeka Emmanuel-Ananaba (right), at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria Made in Aba Fair, in Abuja, yesterday. In the middle is Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Sen. Enyinaya Abaribe.

Bayelsa to kick-start women empowerment programme with N500m

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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E N A G O A — BAYELSA State Government, said yesterday, that it was set to launch the first phase of its women empowerment programme for various cooperative groups next week.

Governor Seriake Dickson, announced this when the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga visited Yenagoa.

He said that about N500 million would be disbursed to the women cooperative groups during his ‘thank you’ tour to the eight local government areas of the state, expected to kick off next week.

Dickson, who expressed delight at the minister’s visit, explained that government decided to testrun the programme with women in view of the critical role they play in their families and society in general.

While commending the minister for his efforts in promoting the growth of business and investment in the country, Dickson noted that his administration had since keyed into the Federal Government’s development programmes for small and medium enterprises.

He said: “This was where oil and gas start-

ed, but we don’t have the big oil companies located here. In this state, it is only the government that employs people, and that has to change. So, I am actively promoting the policy of expanding the economy of this state beyond oil and gas.”

Earlier, the minister, Dr. Aganga, said he was in Bayelsa to inaugurate the

state council on Small and Medium Enterprises as well as launch the National Enterprise Development Programme, NEDEP. Describing the small and medium enterprises sub-sector as the greatest employer of labour in the country, Aganga quoted a survey conducted by SMEDAN as revealing that “about 17.25 million micro, small and medium

Apologise to Oritsejafor, Christian youths ty, why are they making tell S-South bishops reference to the CAN

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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ESPITE the suspension by Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, of some bishops from the South South geopolitical region of the country over alleged anti-Christian activities, a group of Christian youths, Christian Youth Movement for Emancipation and Justice, CYMEJ, has given them an ultimatum for recently employing abusive language on the person of CAN president, to publicly retract such invectives or risk being

exposed.

Reacting to media reports purportedly at the instance of a group known as Global Peace Relief Initiative, led by Prophet Jones Erue, who initiated what was said to be an unauthorised dialogue between two Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, factions, chairman of CYMEJ, Mr. Thomas Ibrahim, faulted the group members.

Ibrahim said: “If they are truly men of God, as they claimed, and they are genuinely pursuing dialogue in a political par-

president’s private jet and what is the involvement of grey hairs? For persons who claim to be prophets in the household of God to employ such derogatory language on their leaders shows the level of mentorship they received from their mentor.” He noted that if members of the said group fail to tender the apology within seven days “we will not hesitate to invite the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to investigate their sponsors.”

enterprises exist in this country employing closed to 32 million people.”

INC President, Sekibo slumps, dies

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—UNEASY calm, yesterday, pervaded the Ijaw nation, following the death of Senator Tari Sekibo, President of the pan-Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, Ijaw National Congress, INC. Though the cause of the death of the President of the INC, aged 70, could not immediately be ascertained, it was learnt that he slumped and died in the morning of Monday, ostensibly from heart related ailment.

Senator Sekibo was reportedly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Vanguard learnt that the late Sekibo, an Okirika chief from Rivers State was in Yenagoa ahead of the planned executive council meeting of INC, slated to hold at Ijaw House.

The meeting, it was learnt was to deliberate and take a position on the crisis rocking the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, worldwide, whose recent national convention is now a subject of litigation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—13

Group flays alleged plan to relocate AAU medical school

Ambrose Alli varsity dons disown local strike action

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BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—A CROSS sec-tion of lecturers at Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, have dissociated themselves from the resolution by members of the local branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to embark on a “local strike,” insisting that the issue did not come up for deliberation during its recent meeting on the on-going national strike by the union.

A statement by Profs.

Aigbedion Isaac, J.A. Oshiodin, Dr. Ibrahim Momodu, Dr. Edokpa Waziri, Ujadughe Moses and Dr. P. Oviasuyi, for themselves and 18 others, weekend, said that the said resolution that the AAU branch of ASUU would embark on a local strike was not only a gross misrepresentation of the true proceedings of the congress of the union, but a figment of the imagination of the branch chairman, his secretary and their co-travellers.

They insisted that the congress noted that though President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposals were not congruent with the full implementation of the 2009 agreement and the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, its acceptance was largely influenced by appeals by government, parents and well meaning Nigerians, the long suffering Nigerian students and the toll the strike had taken on the public university system.

They said: “We, the undersigned, assert with every sense of candour and responsibility that this was the only resolution arrived at in the said ASUU AAU meeting of 11/ 11/2013. At no time at the said Congress was the issue of a local strike put up for deliberation and resolution. Where on earth did the branch chairman and secretary concoct that resolution from?”

They noted that the congress resolutions, signed by the Branch Chairman, Prof. F.I Esumeh and Secretary Dr. S.O Omoikhojie and published in the media, were entirely untrue.

COMMISSIONING: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (middle), with the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, Mr. James Olotu (2nd right), the contractor, Mr. Ejike Imoka( right); Prof Nwakobi Greg (2nd left) and Emeka Nwankwu (left), during the commissioning of the Agu-Awka Power sub-station.

I remain authentic NGF Chairman — AMAECHI

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, has insisted that he remains the authentic chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF. The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr David Iyofor, yesterday, lashed at the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, for saying that President Goodluck Jonathan did not recognise him (Amaechi) as Chairman of the forum.

The governor said he was sure that Gulak did not consult with President Jonathan before his comments in an interview with a national newspaper, where he accorded recognition to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State as Chairman of the forum.

He said: “Again, Ahmed Gulak, the Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, displayed his complete contemptuous lack of basic democratic tenets and principles and sadly painted the Jonathan Presidency as a partisan undemocratic Presidency that has no regard or respect for the peoples’ mandate expressed through the ballot box when he told reporters that the Presidency does not recognise Rivers State governor, Amaechi, as the duly elected Chairman of NGF. Not done yet, Gulak further said that the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, who lost the NGF chairmanship election to Governor Amaechi, is the NGF chairman, recognised by President Jonathan.

“It is a known fact that in the election for the chairman of NGF held on May 24, 2013, Governor Amaechi got the mandate of the majority of his colleague governors to continue to serve as their

chairman when 19 governors voted for him as against 16 that voted for Governor Jang. 19 is always greater than 16. It is that simple.

“But for the Jonathan Presidency (according to Gulak), 16 is greater 19. We, like most Nigerians, are further saddened that the likes of Gulak in the Presidency are so ignorant and totally bereft of substance that they lack the capacity to comprehend the quantum of damage comments like that do to the President and the Presidency. They are paid with taxpayers money to serve and protect. By his comments in the newspaper, Gulak just told Nigerians and the world, that the Presidency (off course with President Jonathan) does not respect, has no regard and does not recognise the result of a free and fair voting process that produced a clear winner in the person of Governor Amaechi.

Undemocratic comments “It continues to baffle us, like most Nigerians, that small, petty minds like Gulak in the Presidency will continue to make undemocratic comments that do enormous and sometimes irreversible damage to the President and the Presidency in their thoughtless, madcap self-imposed mission of persistently pouring intemperate, obnoxious and opprobrious invectives on Governor Amaechi. But this is not about Governor Amaechi. It is about respecting and recognising a democratic, electoral process that produced a winner.

And it does not matter whether they like the winner’s face or courage or ability to speak his mind. It does not matter whether the person disagrees with Mr.

President on certain national issues; they are duty-bound to respect and recognise that democratic process that produced a winner.

Governors Forum is internal business of governors “ It is certainly rude, uncharitable, ill-mannered and nonsensical for Gulak, an appointed aide, to condescendingly, derisively and superciliously refer to elected governors as ‘Amaechi Governors Forum’. Ahmed Gulak and his likes in the Presidency must be told in unambiguous terms that the Governors Forum is the internal business of the governors and who becomes their chairman can only be determine by the governors and the governors alone; and certainly not the Presidency. And for now, the majority of governors have democratically elected Governor Amaechi to serve as their chairman.

Governor Amaechi remains the only authentic chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Casting nasty aspersions on governors elected by their people will never change that fact.

“Finally, we want to assume that bigmouthed Gulak who talks first, then thinks later, was only speaking his wrenched and warped mind; and speaking for himself and not for our dear President, or the Jonathan Presidency. We want to assume that his comment to the newspaper, which is an obnoxious and futile attempt to distort the fact was not authorised by President Jonathan. This is why it is imperative and pertinent for the Presidency to dissociate itself and Jonathan from the unbefitting, perverse, delinquent comment of Gulak on who is the authentic chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum.”

HE Ikolo Esan, a non-political sociocultural organisation, has called on the governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomole, to shelve the alleged plan to move the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, College of Medical Sciences/Teaching Hospital, from Ekpoma to his home town, Iyanmo, in Edo North, or any other place. They made the appeal in reaction to a statement credited to the governor ’s Media Adviser, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, on the proposed relocation.

Speaking through its President, Mr. James Akhigbe, the group said: “Moving the College of Medical Sciences/ Teaching Hospital to the governor ’s home town will further marginalise Esan people in his government.” He said that the association had no quarrel with the governor in bringing development to his people but he should establish a new institution there rather than move an already established one.

Telecom firm dominates digital space

F

OREMOST telecoms provider, MTN, has said that its desire to encourage local artistes, meet consumers’ passion and bring fans and entertainers together informed its domination of the digital space.

A statement by Mr. Okundola Bamgboye, MTN’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, said that in continuation of the Loud in Naija musical concert, artistes and their fans have been brought together on the ICT and telecommunications company’s social network fora.

Bamgboye said: “It is imperative to ensure that the consumers’ passions and love for entertainment be put into consideration.

“This is why MTN has come up with a unique musical concert, featuring Nigeria’s array of musical superstars.”

14—Vanguard , TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

1.3 million die from road accidents annually — FRSC

BY OKONKWO EZE

O

NITSHA—THE Corps Marshal of the Federation and Chief Executive of FRSC, Osita Chidoka has said that no fewer than 1.3 million people die annually through road accidents worldwide.

Chidoka spoke, yesterday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, during the 2013 Africa Road Safety Remembrance Day for road crash victims and their families..

Chidoka who was represented on the occasion by the zonal commanding officer, Zone RS5, Benin, Assistant Corps Marshal, Charles Nseobong said unless immediate action was taken, road traffic injuries would become the fifth leading cause of death in the world resulting in an estimated 2.4 million deaths yearly.

Chidoka further said that the remembrance of road crash victims was aimed at using the occasion to sensitise road users on the risks associated with road traffic as well as the need to individually and collectively take actions to prevent crashes or minimise the effects if it occurred.

He therefore called on churches and other religious bodies to include road safety enlightenment programmes as part of their worship activities.

Nigerian leaders are self-serving, says Bishop Okonkwo L

BY SAM EYOBOKA

AGOS—PRESIDING Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo last Sunday said majority of the nation’s current political gladiators navigated their way to power for their selfish interests and not the interest of the nation and its teeming masses.

Addressing newsmen at the opening ceremony of this year ’s Kingdom Life Conference tagged, Open Heaven, the presiding bishop said: “About 90 per cent of them who are in power today both at the federal and state levels are there not because they have something to offer.

Nigerian leaders are not there to develop the country. Their interest is their personal interest.”

According to him, people voted into power at the federal and states levels are not there to develop anything.

“For instance, each time I think of the South South region of the country that produces the wealth of the nation and the rate of neglect in the place, you will be forced to ask yourself, what kind of human beings who have brains will be able to sit down and watch such neglect without thinking of developing the area.

“That is why I said these people are not honest. If they

are, such places where majority of the nation’s resources come from, should be developed to make the indigenes feel a sense of belonging. So for me until we address such imbalances, I don’t think we are ready yet to move the nation forward.”

He argued that “we need to put things right and get people who know that the purpose of governance is for the benefit of the people. But the present structure we have is such that allows charlatans and cowboys, all in the name of politics, move into Government Houses

because of the benefits that are there and not because they have something to offer. Corruption had been there but the present magnitude is worrisome. The moment we started exchanging money for performance and integrity that was when we started having more problems.”

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Emmanuel Dike, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect, Rivers State chapter, Mr. Odoliyi Lolomari, and Mr. Tokunbo Adeosun, General Manager, Rifeng Industries Ltd, during the official launching of Rifeng Industries office and Rifeng Piping Systems in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Enugu Speaker threatens House C’ttees’ chairmen

E

NUGU—THE Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Eugene Odo, has given chairmen of the assembly committees two weeks to submit their reports.

Odo, who gave the ultimatum in Enugu, weekend, during the assembly plenary, said any committee that failed to comply would be penalised.

He urged the committees to ensure the submission of their reports before the presentation of

the 2014 appropriation bill by the executive arm of the government.

He said: “I wish to call on all the committees with outstanding reports to submit same within two weeks or you will be penalised.

“I wish to say that if you do not comply, your work will be subjected to the Committee of the Whole House.”

The clerk of the assembly, Mr. Christopher Chukwurah, however, presented the reports of the Auditor-General’s annual accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Chukwurah also presented the financial statements of the Accountant-General for the same year.

The reports were later referred to the committee on public accounts for further legislative scrutiny.

In another development, the assembly held a valedictory session for a former lawmaker, Chief Hyacinth Udeani, who represented Awgu North Constituency in the old Anambra State between 1979 and 1983.

The Speaker, the Leader, Mr.

Sunday Ude-Okoye, the Deputy Leader, Mr. Kelvin Ukuta and Mr. Nelson Uduji, the member representing the deceased, eulogised him, describing him as a “true representative of the people.‘’ Chief Maximus Ukuta, a one-

time commissioner in the old Anambra State, and Chief P.C. Okeke, a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives (Awgu North, 1979-1983), said the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation.

Chief Innocent Ofor for burial

C

HIEF INNOCENT Ezeanyaku Ofor, JP, who died recently will be buried in his country home at Amihie, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday, November 21.

Born on March 21, 1929, he passed on in the early hours of August 21. A holder of a 1960 BA (Hons) degree of the University College Ibadan. Ofor retired as a topmost civil servant in his native Anambra State. A devout Catholic in his lifetime, Chief Ofor played a pivotal role in establishing four secondary schools in his home town. As a community leader of repute, he held the traditional title of Udorah

Umuchu and was a fourth Degree Knight of St Mulumba and a Grand Knight Emeritus.

Left to mourn him are Chief Gerry Ofor (Ukpaka Umuchu), seven other children and 29 grandchildren.

Late Innocent Ofor

Vanguard, TUIESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 2013 — 15

Have a rethink, Methodist Prelate warns Boko Haram sponsors, others

N5BN PENSION SCAM: Ex-director begs court to reduce bail bond to N100m zCourt fixes Nov 28 for ruling

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BY KINGSLEY

OMONOBI

A

BUJA—THE Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Bishop Samuel Uche has warned all the sponsors of the Boko Haram Islamic sect as well as those behind political kidnapping and assassinations in the country to have a rethink saying contrary to their expectations, Nigeria will not disintegrate.

Speaking at the funeral service held in honour of late Chief Okonkwo Ihejirika, father of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika at Ovim, Abia State, weekend, Bishop Uche said: “If you do evil, you will certainly go to hell. Those who carry out political Boko Haram, political kidnappings, political assassination with the aim of causing a division in the country will fail.”

Addressing a crowd that included Dame Patience Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, over ten governors, several ministers, the service chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, the Prelate said: “Anybody who thinks Nigeria will disintegrate is playing with fire. Nigeria will remain one united entity until Jesus comes.”

Turning to members of the National Assembly, Bishop Uche frowned at a situation whereby the wealth of the nation was being siphoned under the guise of constituency projects by legislators.

He said to the wife of the President, “please when you go back, tell your husband that most of those who take several millions of naira in the name of constituency allowances to allegedly do roads, town halls, clinics, boreholes etc, are not doing anything with the money rather they put it to personal uses and living grandiose lives.”

He advised politicians and leaders at various levels in the country to prepare to receive the reward for whatever they sow here on earth as their actions were being recorded in heaven.

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, fixed November 28 to decide the merit of an application that was filed before it by former Director of Pension Accounts in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, Dr. Sani Teidi Shaibu, seeking a variation of his bail conditions.

Teidi was specifically alleged to have connived with a former manager with the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Mr. Udusegbe Omoefe Eric, and diverted about N5 billion meant for pensioners across the federation. He is praying the court to collect N100 million and order his release from Kuje Maximum Prison.

lawyers, Mr. S.I Ameh, SAN, and Mr. Adewale Adewoke, respectively, yesterday, urged the court to have pity on them and okay their release.

Whereas Teidi is begging the court to reduce his bail bond to N100 million, his coaccused, Eric, on the other

hand, told the court that he could only afford N10 million and one surety in like sum.

Conditions

Though the counsel to the EFCC, Chief Godwin Oblah, SAN, did not oppose their

application for variation, he, however, urged the court to impose such conditions that will secure the attendance of the alleged pension thieves to court for their trial.

Justice Adeniyi had on October 23, narrated how associates of the ex-pension director, attempted to secure his release with bogus documents.

22-count charge

The duo are answering to a 22-count criminal charge that was preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. EFCC alleged that the accused persons used nine companies and siphoned pension funds.

It gave names of the companies accused of complicity in the scam as Gozinda Enterprises, Bashinta Nig. Ltd, Haleath Enterprises, Uthatak Nigeria Ltd, Krasiva Nig. Ltd, Badawulu Ventures Limited, Ebunu Attah Investment, Muha Millennium Motors Ltd and Ribaile Petroleum Ltd. Meantime, it will be recalled that the ex-pension boss was on July 12 granted bail by the high court after he had spent thirty-nine days in detention.

The court had ordered him to deposit the sum of N500 million as well as produce two sureties in like sum.

Ruling

Trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi had in his ruling, maintained that the sureties must be owners of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, adding that the title deeds of the property be kept with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

The court equally directed that the accused persons should deposit their travelling documents.

However, four months after, the accused persons are yet to regain their freedom, saying it has been difficult for them to secure a surety capable of fulfilling the bail terms.

Consequently, the accused persons, through their

VISIT: From left: Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida , a guest, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, when the former leaders received Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III who paid them a courtesy visit in Minna.

Economy expands to 6.81% in third quarter L

BY OMOH GABRIEL

A G O S — N I G E R I A’ S economic growth, GDP, rose in the third quarter as the oil industry’s contraction eased and agricultural output increased.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics,NBC, said that the amount of goods and services produced in the country in the month of July, August and September 2013, (Gross Domestic Product) rose to 6.81 per cent on an annual basis. This it said was the fastest rate of growth this year, compared with 6.18 per cent in the second quarter.

The Africa Development Bank, AfDB, had said that the outlook for growth of the economy remains positive while listing the downside risks to include security challenges arising from religious conflict in some states and slower global growth.

According to the AfDB, as economic growth is largely

driven by capital-intensive sectors, it has not translated into sufficient job creation and poverty remains high.

As a result, Nigeria has a low Human Development Index, HDI. The country has made some progress towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, albeit slowly and unevenly.

“There is a high need to diversify the Nigerian economy into the non-oil sector. This would help expand the sources of growth and make it broad based, both socially and geographically. Further development of agriculture, manufacturing and services could broaden growth, create employment and reduce poverty.”

The Nigerian economy slowed down from 7.4 per cent growth in 2011 to 6.6 per cent in 2012. The oil sector continues to drive the economy, with average growth of about of 8.0 per

cent, compared to 0.35 per cent for the non- oil sector.

Agriculture and the oil and gas sectors continue to dominate economic activities in Nigeria.

The fiscal consolidation stance of the government has helped to contain the fiscal deficit below 3.0 per cent of the GDP. This, coupled with the tight monetary policy stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, helped to keep inflation low.

According to the NBS “On an aggregate basis the economy when measured by the Real Gross Domestic Product, GDP, grew by 6.81 per cent in the third quarter of 2013.

This was higher than the 6.18 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2013 and 6.48 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2012.

“The nominal GDP for the third quarter of 2013 was estimated at N11.16602639 trillion, up from the N10.96727289 trillion estimated for the corresponding quarter of 2012 by 1.81 per cent, and N10.20483797 trillion recorded in the second quarter of 2013 by 9.41 per cent.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 2013—16

FG faults Amaechi on $5bn excess crude account

BY OMOH GABRIEL

A

AWARENESS: From left: Mrs. Angela Emuwa, Co-sponsor, 2013 Disability Awareness Walk, Mr. Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc., Dr. Olayinka Akindayomi, Service Director, Children's Development Centre and Mr. Ezenwa Nwaubani, CEO, Alpha Foundation, during the 2013 disability awareness walk organised by Finding Normal Movement in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

B U J A — FEDERAL Ministry of Finance, yesterday, denied allegation of $5 billion missing from the excess crude account, saying that Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State’s accusation is absolutely shocking and false.

The ministry in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “Governor Amaechi cannot

credibly deny knowledge of the status of the ECA. He has been closely involved and actively participated in making requests to the Presidency for the ECA to be shared for the purpose of augmenting the regular allocations from the Federation Account whenever there is a shortfall.

“The $5 billion in the ECA which Governor Amaechi referred to in his statement has been shared to the three tiers of government to make up for the revenue shortfalls during the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee process.”

Continuing the statement further said: “In fact, earlier this month (November 2013) Rivers State along with other states, benefited from the sharing of $1 billion from the ECA to augment the

allocations. It is therefore, curious that Governor Amaechi seems not to know the whereabouts of the N56.2 billion which Rivers State has received from the ECA this year.

Governor Amaechi also accused Dr Okonjo-Iweala of refusing to sign the African Development Bank, ADB, loan for a water project in Port Harcourt. Again, he is wrong.

“The loan in question has been appraised but it is yet to be negotiated.

Before the minister can sign it, it has to go through the negotiation process and be considered and cleared by both the Board of the African Development Bank and the Federal Executive Council. So the issue of the minister refusing to sign it simply does not arise. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala handles issues concerning the states on the basis of professionalism and equity.”

Why we reviewed Abuja/ Lokoja road contract, by Ministry of Works

BY KINGSLEY

ADEGBOYE

A

BUJA—FEDERAL Ministry of Works, weekend, explained that the contract for the dualisation of the Abuja-Lokoja Road was reviewed upwards to prevent it from being abandoned.

The Senate Committee on SURE-P had in its investigations into the use of the money accruing to the programme, questioned the award of the project and the subsequent upward review of the cost from N42 billion to N116 billion.

However, in a statement entitled Issues on the Augmentation of AbujaAbaji-Lokoja Road Contract, the Director of Highways, (Planning and Development) in the Ministry, Bala Danshehu, said the review became necessary to prevent the road from becoming an abandoned project.

He recalled that the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen had led

officials of the ministry to the Senate to defend the use of SURE-P funds by the government.

Danshehu said: “The Minister told the senators that the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of July 5 and September 13, 2006 approved the award of contracts for the dualisation of Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja road in the following manner: Section one of the road from International Airport Link Road Junction in Giri, Gwagwalada to Sheda Village Junction was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe at the cost of N11.2 billion.

“From Sheda village junction to Abaji which is the section two was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company at the cost of N9.6 billion, while the section three; from Abaji to Kotonkarfe was awarded to Bulletine Construction Company at N9.6 billion.

“The section four; from Kotonkarfe to Lokoja was awarded to Gitto at the cost of N11.9 billion. While the section four was for 24 months, the other three sections were for the duration of 30 months.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 17

I

F you asked the man in the street what the Nigeria police do, he is not likely to tell you their job is to protect and serve the public. In Nigeria, the police are known for one primary assignment: harassment of the public for the purposes of extorting money. It does not make sense to ask a thief to catch a thief. If he does catch the thief, you will soon realise that he has more in common with thief than with you; the propertyowner. In Nigeria, the police and thieves speak the same language.

The Nigeria police cannot be categorised as defenders of the law. They themselves have no respect for the law. Indeed, they see themselves as above the law. The police drive on the wrong side of the road. They drive on roads clearly designated as oneway. They don’t stop at traffic lights. Therefore, it is not surprising that people who regularly flout the law are not regarded by the public as defenders of the law.

Class conflict: I was driving down Queens Road in Lagos when I was flagged down by two gun-toting policemen.

“We need a lift,” demanded one of them. “We are going up the road.” Could I have refused? What would have happened if I had refused?

It might have become a case of “resisting arrest.”

I asked them to get in. One sat in front with me: the other at the back. Immediately they got in, the man in front with me found it necessary to affirm his alienation from me. He said to me: “Oga, you people are enjoying O. You get AC in your car. We, we have to stay all

Are the Nigeria Police thief-catchers or are they thieves themselves? cornered his wealth by manipulating the system. Therefore, the policeman also feels justified in manipulating the system to his advantage. Rather than try to recover your property, his first assignment is to defraud you further by making some money from you.

I have heard stories, although I don’t know how true they are, of people who were robbed and went to the police station to report the robbery.

On getting there, the robbed person recognized one of the police-officers as one of those who came to rob his house the night before. When that happens, it is a waste of time reporting the case. It might even be dangerous reporting it. The man knows where you live. If you don’t keep your mouth shut, the answer might be to return to your house to eliminate you.

Thieves catching thieves: Nevertheless, the Nigerian police are better than they seem.

The police know the thieves, perhaps because they are also thieves themselves. Yes, Nige-

,

By imposing fines which any right-thinking person can tell the average car-owner cannot pay, the car-owner is forced to succumb to police extortion

day in the sun.”

Several years ago, a friend of mine, Olayiwola Ogunbambi, was robbed. I met him on his way to report the matter to the police and decided to go with him. The policeman on duty gave him a pencil and a paper and asked him to write a full report. He also asked him to include all the items that were stolen. When Layi finished, the policeman took his time to go through his list. Then he said to him: “Oga, you alone get all these things?”

How can we get a policeman to protect property he feels he cannot own? Will there not be alienation between him and those he is called to protect?

The policeman in Layi’s case had a problem with the fact that Layi owned all the things he listed as stolen. How then can such a man be committed to retrieving the stolen items? In Nigeria, we don’t believe a man is rich because of his labour. If he is rich, it must be because he C M Y K

,

ria is a country where the Attorney-General is murdered and nobody knows who did it. But this is probably because the police don’t know what they don’t want to know. Or in some cases, they have been paid not to know what they know.

If there is a robbery somewhere, I am convinced the police have a good idea who did it. If a “hot” vehicle is stolen, they will retrieve it in no time at all. On two different occasions, my cars were stolen by my drivers in Lagos. On both occasions, they were recovered by the allegedly incompetent Nigerian police. The first one was recovered in a village near Nsukka; the second one was recovered in Kano.

The first time my car was stolen, the police were not even interested in looking for it. Their primary interest was in making money from me. I then had to take the matter to a family friend at the police HQ in Lagos. The man was Prince Rilwan Akiolu,

deluge of policemen on the roads to extort money from hapless citizens on spurious grounds.

When the check-points were dismantled ostensibly in order to attenuate this tendency, they were quickly replaced by “stop and search.” This means the party goes on. The policeman stops you, and then he says: “Happy weekend.” For the next five minutes, he insists you must give him some money for doing his job. While he seems to be plea-bargaining, he knows and you know that behind his request is the fact that he is a policeman man with a gun. The whole strategy behind his request is to intimidate you into giving him some money Alternatively, he simply decides to set you up. There is a one-way traffic sign, but he has deliberately hidden it behind a tree. Once you turn on the road, he comes out and places you under arrest. Or he arrests you because you don’t have a fire-extinguisher in your car.

Or his claim might simply be that you were obstructing the free-flow of traffic by the way you are driving. The allegation is varied, depending entirely on the imagination of the arrestingofficer.

Government collusion •IGP Mohammed Abubakar now the Oba of Lagos. At the time, he was a Commissioner of Police. Prince Akiolu showed me a different side of the Nigerian police. He gave me a firm assurance: “Your car will be recovered.”

Once it became known that a big gun in the police was interested in recovering my car, everything changed. The case was transferred from Bar Beach to Force CID. Crack detectives were put on the job. My car was trailed all the way from Lagos to a village in the Nsukka environs. The thief was arrested and the car brought back to me. But then, having recovered my car, another chapter was opened in the saga. The driver had to be prosecuted.

Jungle justice At the first court hearing, I noticed something strange about the judge. He had a strong dislike for a lady lawyer prosecuting one of the preceding cases. He shouted her down at every intervention. He accused her of incompetence: and rudely discountenanced all her objections. When the court took a break, I had a chance meeting with the lady lawyer on the staircase. I said to her: “Madam, what did you do to the judge? He seems to have something against you.”

“Don’t mind him,” replied the lady. “He is behaving that way

because I haven’t paid him today.” She said that so matterof-factly and then walked off in disgust.

That should have told me the kind of jungle justice to expect in my case. At the first hearing, my driver was granted bail. At the next hearing, a police-officer came to report to the judge that my driver was dead. While writing this down in his notebook, the judge asked casually: “Is that so?” “Yes,” replied the officer. “He died in a car accident just last week.”

At which point, the judge asked that the case be dismissed. And that was it. It was clear to me that the judge who apparently becomes irascible when not paid, had been handsomely paid. The police officer who helped recover my car was unapologetic: “Oga,” he said, “at least you have recovered your car. ” Police is your enemy: The police aphorism says: “Police is your friend.” Perhaps the Inspector General of Police needs to do a sample survey. Do Nigerians regard the police as their friend? I doubt it! Many of us see the police as bribe-extortionists. Many even believe they collect the bribes on behalf of the “oga at the top.” The story goes that every day they have to deliver a certain amount of money to the powers-that-be in the force. Now that the Christmas/ end-of-year season is fast approaching, there will soon be a

But here is the rub. When a man is arrested for a traffic offence in New York, the fine is only a fraction of the living wage. Not in Lagos. The minimum wage is 18,000 naira, but the fine for traffic offences starts ostensibly from 50,000 naira.

Then you might be asked to go for a psychoanalytic evaluation which might cost another 25,000 naira.

This puts the government in cahoots with the police. By imposing fines which any rightthinking person can tell the average car-owner cannot pay, the car-owner is forced to succumb to police extortion. The discussion becomes: “How much can you pay? How much do you have?” One thing is certain: whatever amount you have will not be going to government coffers. It is going to end up in the pockets of the arresting police officer(s).

I have a simple prescription for policing the police. Create a crack unit in the police force specifically for doing the job.

Their job description is simple: to arrest erring police-officers.

They will operate in mufti, so the regular police will not know who they are. Any policeman caught asking for bribes or taking bribes is arrested on the spot and prosecuted. With one, two, many cases of policemen going to jail for extortion, the practice will be greatly attenuated in a matter of months. In addition, no traffic offence should attract any fine is excess of 5,000 naira.

Even that amount is a lot at this stage of the Nigerian economy.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 ARRING the rescheduled elections in parts of Anambra State, the November 16, 2013 governorship election has come and gone. But the recurrence of the old inadequacies of a typical Nigerian election has continued to linger.

Many had hoped that with the staggering of elections as a result of election tribunal verdicts, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have all the time and resources, as well as the ers still thumbed down arrangements and cognate experience, to ensure that each deployments for the poll.

For instance, youth corps members and subsequent election would be conducted with the benefits of invaluable lessons security officers brought from other states could not be settled in to enable them face learned.

There were high hopes that the governor- their work with their minds set at rest. ship elections in Ondo and Edo states that Their personal effects were littered all followed the April 2011 general election over the state capital even on polling day. would afford the INEC the opportunity of The NYSC electoral officials complained delivering a near-perfect governorship of not being financially mobilised to move poll in Anambra in November 2013. But to their places of assignment. Many peoalas! This was not to be. Though the INEC ple could not find their names ojn the pollwent out of Anambra and the South-East ing register because political parties, zone to bring in 349 Electoral Officers, with which have become lazy since the return a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of democracy in 1999, were unable to moand three Commissioners of Police lead- bilise their supporters to go and check the ing the armada of security for the election, status of their registration, as INEC gave many election observers and media report- enough time for this to be done. The per-

B

INEC's failure in Anambra polls

ennial problem of late arrival of polling materials still reared its ugly head. The INEC rescheduled elections in some areas to the following day, Sunday, in a state which is predominantly Christian in population.

The INEC under Professor Attahiru Jega has continued to strike the posture of incompetence, since it took the unprecedented step of stopping elections halfway in 2011, an event that nearly set the nation adrift.

The INEC must wake up to its duties of conducting credible elections in Nigeria.

Though the result of the election in Anambra reflected the general preferences of the electorate, the harrowing experiences that the electorate was subjected to was unfortunate and condemnable. This is one of the reasons for election apathy and the yawning gap between the number of registered voters and those that actually turn out to vote.

INEC must rediscover the formula to restore the people's faith in the electoral process before the historic 2015 polls. The earlier the better.

OPINION

BY OLA LOOKMAN

A

FTER more than three months of extensive deliberations, consultations and dialogue on ways of unraveling the root causes of insurgency in Northern Nigeria and how to achieve lasting peace within the region, the Tanimu Turaki-led Peace and Dialogue Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan finally submitted its report.

Expectedly, some aspects of the report, especially the portion that ruled out compensation for victims of Boko Haram attacks across the country, generated pockets of reactions from members of the public. The decision not to openly hand out money or other relief materials to innocent and helpless Nigerians who became refugees in their own land didn’t go down well with most Nigerians, who argued that successive governments have always compensated victims of crises as a way of helping them to overcome their pains and losses.

Meanwhile, some weeks after, President Goodluck Jonathan during a function at the Word of Life International Gospel Centre, in Warri, Delta State, assured victims of the dreaded sect, Boko Haram, that a committee will soon be put in place to work on how they will be compensated. The committee is to be mandated to fashion out Boko Haram Victims’ Support Programme.

This is indeed cheering news for victims of crises in the country. A number of reasons must have compelled the President’s decision to have a more organised and coordinated means of meeting the needs and aspirations of victims

That Boko Haram victims support programme of violence or ethnic disturbances in different parts of the country. We are not unaware of reports of alleged diversion and looting of funds meant for flood victims by some Taraba State government officials. A few of other examples of how people take advantage of such windows to become instant millionaires are not far-fetched.

While speaking at the event, President Jonathan said although the Federal Government would not want to create a wrong impression, a committee would be set up to provide a blueprint on how victims of Boko Haram could be compensated, saying there was no way government could actually cushion the plights of the victims.

Offering further insight as to how his government intends to introduce a wholesome compensatory package that would be accepted by all said, the President said: “The word compensation was too vague; that’s why I was ambiguous about my statement. I don’t want to send wrong signals to the world; that is why I oppose the word compensation.

“We may not be able to compensate them adequately but we are going to assist them in ensuring that they pick the bits and pieces of their lives again”.

We cannot but rule out the obvious fact that President Jonathan remains committed to meeting the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians through well-defined and structurally organised procedures. The era of doling out monies to government officials to distribute to victims of either natural or man-

made disasters is over. In place of such unorganised procedure, this administration has deemed it necessary to set up a committee comprising of well-meaning Nigerians and God-fearing individuals to map out plans on how best to address the plights of victims of violence across the country.

Those who genuinely have the interest of victims of Boko Haram at heart have realised that the idea of doling out money to their representatives isn’t the best option. Some of such worthy moves have been abused in the past by those saddled with such responsibilities.

Those whose past time is to shine at the expense of suffering and grieving Nigerians and those who have become sudden millionaires by simply diverting funds meant for the people.

Enough is enough. This is a clear demonstration that government is out to block holes through which highly placed government officials and their accomplices in states and local government levels shortchange Nigeria and Nigerians.

W

ell, some might have some misgivings about this change in the manner of alleviating the sufferings of victims of Boko Haram insurgency, giving the fact that millions are daily released to ex-militants as allowances for their oversea trainings, it is, however, instructive that for us to get things done rightly, we must alter existing modus operandi. This move I believe isn’t geared towards denying these Nigerians what is rightfully theirs, but a deliberate effort to

ensure that victims of crises are not only assisted, but given a meaningful lift above their circumstances.

Of course, the victim support programme is not entirely a thinking or conclusion of Mr President. It is solely part of the recommendations of the Tanimu Turaki-led Committee. Undoubtedly, Mr President’s resolve to work with the recommendations of the committee give credence to the fact that government is very much interested in the efforts put in by members of the committee.

This is no doubt a right step in the right direction.

As commendable and laudable as this initiative might appear, it is instructive that government matches its words with actions by ensuring that the programme achieves its desired goals and objectives. It should ensure that self-seeking and greedy government officials do not hijack the entire process.

Victims of Boko Haram attacks are our brothers and sisters. We feel their pains. Even though government cannot in sincere terms offer adequate compensation for the losses they suffered, it is instructive that we do our best to provide reprieve for them. There are in situations that they never bargained for. It could be anyone. All they require from us are reasons for them to look beyond their miseries, pains and anguish.

•Mr Lookman, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—19

I

N an article published in the Vanguard of Tuesday November 12, 2013 and entitled ‘MoneyLaundering Nigeria’s Future’, one Mr. Femi Aribisala made claims to the effect that the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, had asked Nigeria to account for $100 billion revenue which had accrued to the nation in 2012. Let me say that Mr. Femi Aribisala was being economical with the truth when he said this. Nothing of the sort ever happened. Mr. Femi Aribisala may have been relying on false headlines carried by some opposition linked sites which have no basis in reality.

First and foremost, Nigeria is a sovereign country and the British Government would not intrude into our sovereignty. It would have been more honourable if Mr. Aribisala had carried out some due diligence from the British High Commission before making the false claim which he made. Be that as it may, let me again say that such an incidence never occurred. It is fictitious and it has no basis in truth.

Also, Mr. Aribisala also said: “President Jonathan went cap-inhand to the Group of Eight industrial countries (G8) to solicit loans in international multilateral institutions for unspecified infrastructural industrial restructuring in Nigeria. The fact that his

request was rejected outright tells me our President could not give satisfactory explanation to the G8”. This also is completely false and untrue in its entirety.

Nigeria is currently the number one destination for Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, in Africa for the year 2013 having racked up $20 billion in FDI in the last three years.

Moreover, Nigeria’s credit worthiness is next to none in Africa, a fact that was attested to when both Standard and Poor’s and Fitch ratings (the world’s top ratings agencies) upgraded Nigeria’s economy in October 2012 and reaffirmed their rating in October 2013 when Standard and Poor’s rated Nigeria as having a “strong” and “stable” economic outlook. A few days after S & P gave this endorsement, Fitch rated Nigeria’s economy as “stable” with a BBrating.

Mr. Aribisala did not provide any factual evidence for his claims which are quite puzzling as the world’s global financial institutions have affirmed their eagerness not only to provide loans for Nigeria’s government, but are even willing to fund the private sector. There has never been a time that Nigeria was rejected by financial institutions under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and if Mr. Aribisala has the details of such an occurrence, I would urge him to make such details known in

There has never been a time that Nigeria was rejected by financial institutions under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan

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specific terms which should include the nations or institutions involved. I know that he cannot offer such details because such incidences never occurred.

I

n fact, rather than condemn Nigeria, the British Prime Minister, whom Aribisala falsely cites as his authority, and his government have at various times in the last one year commended Nigeria’s economic performance.

For instance, during his speech to the Conservative Party on October 10, 2012, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron had this to say about Nigeria: “Yes, we’ve been hearing about China and India for years …but it’s hard to believe what’s happening in Brazil, in Indonesia, in Nigeria too.

Meanwhile, the old powers are on the slide. What do the countries on the rise have in common? They are lean, fit, obsessed with enterprise, spending money on the future – on education, incredible infrastructure and technology.”

The above statement by Mr.

Developmental politics and Governor Kwankwaso

BY YUSHAU A. SHUAIB

A

T an informal gathering a few months ago, discussants attempted a comparison between President Goodluck Jonathan and some of the governors in the break_away new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP). While some argued that the President and the governors are birds of the same feather as typical of Nigerian politicians, others insisted that there is obvious uniqueness that defines their individualities.

Rather than debating developmental issues, the argument dwelt largely on the characters of the individual political officers. Coincidentally, the debate came at a period when I had just published an article on an encounter I had with one of the gladiators of the nPDP, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State after honouring an invitation extended to me by his hardworking and talented media aides, Baba Dantiye and Jafar Jafar.

When my friends requested my opinion about the issues being debated, I felt hesitant because of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding my retirement from the Federal Civil Service.

The summation of my contribution is this: Many may have reservations about President Jonathan, but I will not join the bandwagon of bashers of any government in power for attempting to be different. As a person, President Jonathan looks cool; his face reflects innocence, while his soft voice depicts harmlessness. His occasional promises are reassuring while his smile is infectious. Though I hardly swagger like the big_guy, his simple gait portrays his humility.

Jonathan could be credited for some successes in the political and economic front, especially the inter_party tranquillity. The only snag is the intra_party rivalry within the ruling PDP. If the Federal Capital Territory should be used to assess his presidency, then good roads network,

sprawling housing estates, stable fuel supply, apparent opulence with state of the art automobiles cruising on the roads and ongoing railway projects should be considered as a plus.

Nevertheless, it is just unfathomable that his seeming charismatic demeanour and accomplishments are being rubbished by confrontational stances, inactions and misdemeanour of some of the major players in his administration.

On the other hand, because of the close encounter I just had with Kwankwaso, I told my friends that the Governor is a down-to-earth personality and sincere in his frankness. Beneath the humour of his occasional jokes are loaded messages and lessons to be learnt. He leaves you with an impression that you may enjoy the laughter but get the message.

Having worked as an engineer for about two decades before becoming the governor of the state, Kwankwaso understands major developmental challenges in Kano which he frontally confronts in his second tenure. The hallmarks of his administration are developmental initiatives in the provisions of houses, scholarships, development of entrepreneurship skills among the youths, massive road projects and improvement of electricity supply for the benefit of the people.

Unlike Abuja where the Ministry of Finance struggles to accommodate capital projects, Kwankwanso makes sure that capital expenditure in Kano takes the largest chunk of the budget. In 2012, for instance, 63 percent of the state budget was dedicated to capital, while only 37 percent was tied to recurrent. So far this year, 75 percent of the budget has been devoted for capital and the remaining 25 percent allocated to recurrent expenditure. His administration avoids frivolous expenditures by ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs. At the inception of his administration, Kwankwaso eliminated the allocation of security_vote to his office to block leakages. He also improved

Cameron completely contradicts the assertions that Mr. Aribisala falsely attributes to him. And that is not the only endorsement Mr. Cameron has passed on the Nigerian economy. During his state visit to Nigeria, Prime Minister Cameron spoke at the Lagos Business School and said: “Which part of the world has seen its number of democracies increase nearly eightfold in just two decades? Eastern Europe? No, it’s Africa. Which continent has six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world?

Asia? No, it’s Africa. Which country is predicted by some to have the highest average GDP growth in the world over the next 40 years? You might think Brazil, Russia, India or China. No. Think Africa. Think Nigeria”.

These are facts that I have listed and I must say that Mr. Aribisala should familiarise himself with that word. A person may be entitled to his opinions, but he is certainly not entitled to the facts.

As the pièce de résistance of his article on money laundering, Aribisala said: “It is also not possible to expect the Nigerian government to police itself. The government itself is the problem”.

Again, Mr. Aribisala tried to paint a picture as if Nigeria has regressed on the issue of money laundering. Let me present him with some more facts.

On October 18, 2013, the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, removed Nigeria from the list of countries identified as jurisdictions with significant deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT, regimes. In doing so, the FATF said it “expressed satisfaction with the political will displayed by Nigeria

,

BY RENO OMOKRI

,

Re: Money-Laundering Nigeria’s Future —Femi Aribisala could do with some facts

Despite the heated disputation among them, he described Jonathan as “a president who means well for the nation but I always wonder what other people do in his name"

,

internally generated revenue from a paltry N400 million to N1.8 billion monthly. In addition to this, he reduced recurrent expenditures (from Government House, Deputy Governor’s office and all other MDAs), thus saving up to N500 million monthly. To ensure transparency and accountability in governance, his administration now publishes weekly resolutions of the State Executive Council for wide dissemination to the populace.

A

s a former legislator who was elected Dep uty Speaker of the House of Representatives, one may understand why Kwankwaso believes in the rule of law and allows due process as the guiding principle of his administration. While attempting to ban street begging and motorcycles as means of commercial transportation in the state, the Governor followed all legal and due processes and the state is now enjoying the dividends of the actions.

Not a person to be fooled by political scheming, the leader of popular Kwankwasiya political movement has a perfect understanding of Nigeria’s political dynamism having been a delegate to the 1994 Constitutional Conference. His involvement in the activities of progressive governors under the banner of nPDP is seen by his

in improving its Global AML/CFT compliance”.

Who are we to believe between the global institution charged with monitoring money laundering and one Mr. Femi Aribisala who offers up nothing but conjecture and gossip from online news sites with an ax to grind with the Federal Government?

Mr. Aribisala should note that under President Jonathan, Nigeria has made great progress in removing the veil on the sectors of the economy most prone to corruption. For instance, history was made on November 1, 2013 when the power sector was privatized. No more would Nigerians hear that the Federal Government pumped billions of dollars into the sector without commensurate returns. No! Those days are gone forever.

Finally, let me remind Mr. Aribisala of what the President said during his last Presidential Media Chat. He said if it was true that he was benefitting from the subsidy regime and that those who benefited from the fraud in the subsidy regime financed his elections then why would he want to bring an end to the scheme? If that were true, then surely he would want the scheme to continue!

It is such sincerity that the FATF saw and acted upon in removing Nigeria from its list and I hope the facts I have presented above would likewise help Mr. Aribisala remove the beam from his eye so that he can more clearly see the speck in his neighbour’s eye.

•Mr. Omokri is Special Assistant on New Media to President Jonathan.

admirers as his quest to ensure equity and justice in the democratic process.

The former Minister of Defence certainly has a mind of his own, and so it is understandable that he has refused to be an errand boy or a copy_cat. It is also possible that his prudence and determination to conserve funds for serious projects that will benefit the greatest majority of the state indigenes is a reason why his faithful wife remains out of public glare without maintaining the prevalent but illegal Office of the First Lady even though theirs is a monogamous family.

While some states are still facing enormous security challenges and political tension, Kwankwaso was able to curtail the excesses of religious fanatics and sectional politicians in the state due to some strategies he deployed as Chief Security Officer of his state. Some attribute his ingenuity to the experiences he garnered while serving as Defence Minister, Presidential Adviser on Dafur and Somalia and his membership of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, at various times.

A few weeks after the debate, while attending a programme in the United States of America, I received a call from one of the friends present at the forum. He told me Governor Kwankwaso wanted to see me immediately. On my return, I proceeded to Kano where I met the Governor one-on-one for more than one hour discussing developmental issues and how his administration has so far impacted on the people. We chatted about related political and social stability in Kano and the various programmes being undertaken in other parts of the country.

A surprising take-home for me from the discussion was the kind words the Governor had for President Jonathan despite the heated disputation among them. At a point, he described Jonathan as “a president who means well for the nation but I always wonder what other people do in his name.”

•Mr Shuaib, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Okobia Town in dire need of access roads

Al- Mustapha’s Saga

There are indications that Major Al- Mustapha’s release is political. This is a man that should quietly be thanking God for breathing the air of freedom after more than 15years behind bars. Instead, he is assaulting Nigerians with his grandstanding. This tends to tell us that the law is indeed as ass in this nation.

Ahmed 07035010016

Junaid Mohammed’s alleged comment on 2015 election

Before the last elections, it was the same Junaid Mohammed, Adamu Ciroma, Lawal Kaita and others that boasted that heaven will fall and that the North will make the country ungovernable , if the presidency didn’t return to the north, as the country belongs to them. We are witnesses to how Boko Haram is destroying many souls and property in the north, all in the name of making the country ungovernable. If I may ask; what makes the north feels that Nigeria belongs to them and

articles with no response to our plight.

The access roads from Okuabude through Okuetolor, Okuegume to Okobia are horrendously hellish and a troglodyte Siberia. The other link

The access roads from Okuabude through Okuetolor, Okuegume to Okobia are horrendously hellish and a troglodyte Siberia

,

roads from Aghalokpe through Arhagba to Okobia are exemplifications of lugubrious furibund and furuncle-stimulating contraptions.

It is clear that the cardinal objective of governments, governance, leaders and shrewd leadership is the pursuit of the greatest good for the largest number. But this is not the case in Delta State as far as the people of Okobia are concerned. It looks like we shall have to create leaders who embody virtues we can respect, who have altruistic moral and ethical principles we can applaud with an enthusiasm that enables us to rally support for

that they are born to rule?

Have they forgotten how they used their military brothers to impose federal characters on us?

Anonymous 08078606166

,

The arrogant segregationists and the Caucasoid depots thrived in their Golgotha savagery because their victims were sandwiched in the tragedy of despondency, non-violent complacency and passivity over their inheritance, legacy and their rights.

The people of Okobia in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State have been crying for over 53 years to successive Governments for construction of the road leading to their town to no avail.

I have written over seven articles published in (The Guardian, Vanguard, National Mirror, Tribune, Urhobo Voice, Urhobo Vanguard, Urhobo Times Newspapers etc), to draw successive governments’ attention to the horrendously sordid state of disrepair of the road to Okobia Town in Okpe Local Government area of Delta State to no avail. As usual, our Okpe politicians have made Barmecidal- dish, placebo and half-hearted efforts yielding no results. The promise that the Okobia Road Project will be included in the 2014 budget seems like an Alice in Wonderland promise.

During the Ibori administration, we published three articles and now in the tenureship of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, we have so far published four

,

Dear Sir,

them based on confidence and trust. We will have to demand high standards and give consistent loyal support to those who merit it.

Leadership is leaders acting - as well as caring, inspiring and persuading others to act for certain shared goals that represent the values- the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations of themselves and the people they represent. And the genius of leadership lies in the manner in which leaders care about, visualise and act on their own and their followers values and motivations.

There are three key points to remember about the anatomy and dialectics of leadership.

First, leadership omits the use of coercive power. Leaders, rather, move others by caring, by inspiring and by persuading.

Tyranny and dictatorship are not only contradictory to the rights of human nature; they are contradictory to leadership itself.

Second, leaders have a propellant intuitivity for action and a sense of urgency that are centered around shared goals. And third, leaders act with respect for the values of the people they represent which are in concert with their own personal convictions.

To the people of Okobia, we

gion ahead of others. Why would Professor Abdullahi think power must return to the North come 2015 when it is never a birthright? The North has had its fair share of power both in military and democratic eras and it is not bad if another tribe is given the chance to contribute to the progress of one Nigeria.

Musa writes in from Niger State

The court is where justice is expected to be served, but not here in Nigeria. Many of our judges are allegedly very corrupt. Rather than bring these high profile corrupt people to book, they allow them walk freely by granting them bail and interlocutory injunctions that inevitably foreclose their arrests

•Chief Bobson: Gbinije Mandate Against Poverty (M.A.P) WARRI – 08023250378

Jonathan is revitalising the railways with SURE-P Dear Sir, Last weekend, I spent time in the coal city of Enugu. Guess what I heard, early Sunday morning?

Unbelievably, I heard the sound and hooting of a moving locomotive train. Impossible! I almost shouted, until I heard the sound again, now loud and clear from my place of abode.

Why was I amazed? I cannot remember the last time I heard the sound of a moving train in the South Eastern part of Nigeria. Probably, in the late 1980’s or 1990’s, was when I heard such sound.

My mind went to work, as to what was responsible for this familiar but not too recent

leading us? Please, somebody should tell him also that the Middle Belt is not part of the North. People of the region were taken for a ride in the past.

Makurdi 0803582233

Judiciary and forgotten cases of looting The court is where justice is expected to be served, but not here in Nigeria. Many of our judges are allegedly very corrupt. Rather than bring these high profile corrupt people to book, they allow them walk freely by granting them bail and interlocutory injunctions that inevitably foreclose their arrests. As things stand today, the situation will remain with us for a long time to come.

sound that I heard. It was by intuition that it dawned on me that President Goodluck Jonathan is revitalising the railway system of Nigeria, through funds provided under the SURE-P (Subsidy Re-investment Programme),of his administration.

For once, a program is surely working in Nigeria, and people (especially, rural folks), are benefiting from a scheme meant primarily for their welfare.

Who says, SURE-P is not working? For me, SURE-P is surely working..

•Chukwuma Dioka.

Fed. Min. of Labour and Productivity, Owerri Imo State

Micheal 08020582233

Judiciar y and ffor orgotten or gotten cases of looting It’s very bad and sad that former governors and public office executive officers who stole billions of naira while in office are still walking the streets as free and even privileged citizen. It is only in these part of the world that cases of corruption are treated with levity, Lets reopen all forgotten cases of looting by former governors and other politicians that are still pending or swept under the carpets and amends Nigeria’s constitution to bar people with questionable characters from vying for elective post until they are clear.

Segun 08035822334

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS

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Prof Abdullahi com- Still on Prof Abdullaments on one north hi comments on one Nigeria’s political system is north becoming more complex and sophisticated for a person to feel his mathematical analysis can accurately put his re-

remind them of the eternal refrain of Martin Luther Jr. that, “these are revolutionary times: all over the globe, men are revolting against old systems of exploitation and oppression.

The shirtless and barefoot people of the world are rising up as never before. The people that walked in darkness have seen

a great light…..” we must move past indecision to action … if we do act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength , without right.”

Finally, we believe that our amiable Governor will heed our earnest and passionate plea to construct the road to Okobia.

LET UDUAGHAN GIVE OKOBIANS CAUSE TO THANK HIM”.

Cann’t this Professor and his team tell their foot soldiers( Boko Haram ) to stop killing us first before talking about

1.You have to know when to stop and let go of somethings for they say "A stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave" Simon Adewale08056180103,

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 21

FG approves construction of rail to link oil depots

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

been placed for the manufacture of two additional locomotives, two power cars and five additional 68-seater Air-conditioned Passenger Coaches to be delivered in 2014.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation, Engr. Adeseyi Sijuade said, “The procurement contract for the tank wagons comprises the manufacture and delivery of the tank wagons together with spare parts, and one year ’s worth of consumables. It also includes testing· and commissioning on delivery, and training of NRC engineers in utilization and maintenance for the purpose of providing haulage services to oil marketers.”

T

HE federal government has approved the construction of additional rail lines to be linked to all oil depots in Apapa, Lagos.

The Minister of Transportation, Hon. Idiris Umar disclosed this while speaking at a ceremony to commission twenty pressurized oil tank wagons acquired by the Nigeria Railway Corporation, in Lagos.

He said that, “The Federal Executive Council has since approved an addendum for all the loop lines and sidings including links to the oil depots in Apapa. In addition, an addendum has also been approved for the upgrade of Signaling and Telecommunication system from Lagos to Kano.”

He noted that the acquisition of the oil tank wagons was a step in the right direction as it demonstrates Nigeria Railway’s commitment to giving quality and value-added service to the Oil and Gas sub sector.

According to him, “Following the rehabilitation of the Western Line: Lagos - Kano, the necessity to acquire various categories of rolling stock became more imperative.

Therefore the procurement of these pressurised Oil Tank Wagons will help ease traffic congestion, reduce accident and wear and tear of our roads. Upon commissioning these 20 Tank Wagons, we will invariably be taking out about 30 Oil Tankers per trip off our roads,” adding that, order has

FG generates N9bn funding pool for MSMEs T

HE Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry’s counterpart funding programme with 17 state governments, has generated a funding pool of N9billion for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the country as part of the implementation of the National Enterprises Development Programme.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this during the launch of NEDEP and inauguration of the Bayelsa State Micro, Small

104.65

2.05

2,665.00

+4.00

17.55

-0.09

108.16

SELLING

DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

155.2 249.484 208.6974 169.0079 1.5458 0.3079 236.2402 25.4739 41.3811 27.97 237.0059

154.7 248.6803 208.0251 168.4635 1.5408 0.2979 235.4791 25.3914 41.2478 27.8799 236.2424

and Medium Enterprises Council, in Yenagoa, on Friday.

The Bayelsa State MSME Council has representatives from the Bayelsa State Government, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Agency For Food Drugs Administration and Control, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists, Bank of Industry and Industrial Training Fund, among others.

Aganga noted that the inauguration was part of the Feder-

al Government’s efforts at repositioning and growing the MSME sector as the major driver of inclusive economic growth through partnerships with state governments on job creation and wealth generation. He said, ‘We are here today in Bayelsa State to flag off NEDEP and inaugurate the SME Council in the state because of my firm belief that the MSME sector is the bedrock of inclusive economic growth and given its strategic role as the driver of job creation and wealth generation.

The sector currently represents

MSMEs solution to unemployment — CBN boss

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

D

-0.12

94.09 +0.33 CURRENCY BUYING

VISIT: Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank (left) and Mr. Peter Knodt, Managing Director/Global Head, Trade Finance Financial Institutions during a business visit of Deutsche Bank official to Keystone Bank Head Office, weekend.

155.7 250.2878 209.3698 169.5524 1.5508 0.3179 237.0013 25.5564 41.5145 28.0601 237.7695

CBN Exchange rate as at 19/11/2013

eputy Governor, Operations, Cen tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Tunde Lemo has said Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) is the solution to the upward trend of unemployment in the country, saying MSMEs provides a platform for employment and wealth creation, poverty reduction, reducing rural-urban drift, arresting youth restiveness and crime reduction.

Lemo spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital at the weekend at Egba Economic Summit with the theme ‘Leveraging MSMEs for Development: Prospects, Challenges and Opportunities’ (Opportunities to Access Finance for MSMEs Development in Egbaland through CBN Schemes and Programmes’ The CBN deputy governor, Operations, disclosed that the global economy has in the past few years, witnessed financial

crisis characterised by rising debt profile world wide, pointing out that this includes “over dependence on oil, high level corruption, inadequate infrastructure, high inflation, rising unemployment, huge import bills”.

According to him, Nigeria’s macro-economic environment has been relatively strong despite adverse conditions in the global economy and threat to security in the domestic economy.

Adding: “Inspite of the impressive macro-economic performance it didn’t translate in development. Unemployment still huge Real Output Growth and Unemployment (2009-2012).” He therefore, said development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) holds the key to structural transformation required to achieve the goals of Vision 20:2020.

In spite of the rich endowments, he said the State has not attained the desired level of economic growth and development.

97 per cent of the enterprises in Nigeria and employs 32million Nigerians, according to the recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and SMEDAN. “In order to address the problem of lack of access to finance for the development of the sector, the Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, has developed a counter-part funding scheme and currently has a partnership with 17 states, with more in the pipeline for next year. This scheme has generated a funding pool of approximately N9 billion for MSME development.”

The minister stressed that NEDEP was developed with the objective of addressing the major challenges militating against MSME growth and development across the country, adding that the Federal Government was partnering with more state governments across the country to generate additional jobs and reduce unemployment. Aganga said, “NEDEP is a new, strategic and revolutionary way of delivering enterprise development in Nigeria with the primary goal of revitalizing our MSME sector and creating jobs in the country. It is spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and is being implemented by BOI, SMEDAN and the Industrial Training Fund, which are agencies under the supervision of the Ministry.

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY,NOVEMBER

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

B

EFORE you transact business with any company, you must first ascertain its legality. Is it registered as a company in Nigeria? Secondly, you must ascertain if it is licensed or authorized to do the business it is doing.

To find out if the company is registered you need to make inquiries at the Corporate Affairs Commission. To find out if it has license to engage in that particular business, you have to make inquiries at the organization that regulates such business. As mentioned in the last edition, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the organization that regulates all investment (capital market) business in Nigeria. And all you need to do is to visit the website of the Commission to find out if a company is licensed to engage in capital market related business.

Now there are different types of capital market or investment activities and SEC issues specific license for specific type of business. As an investor, you need to also know what business the company is specifically licensed to engage in.

This is because some operators or companies either in an attempt to make more profit or defraud, do occasionally go beyond the business they are licensed for. So it is not enough

19, 2013

Is this company genuine? (2)

PRESENTATION: From left: Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema presenting a gift to Founder/CEO, Computer Warehouse Group, CWG, Mr. Austin Okere at the listing of CWG at the NSE in Lagos. for any company to tell you it is licensed by SEC, you need to know what it is licensed for. Some of the complaints received from investors reveal that many don’t know the difference between a stockbroker, fund manager or a unit trust manager.

They just invest and expect returns based on the promise made by the company. This ignorance is what is usually exploited by companies that operate illegally in the capital market.

A stock broker is licensed to buy and sell shares on behalf of investors. The company is to

collect money from people that want to buy shares, buy on their behalf on the floor of the stock exchange.

The company is also to sell shares on behalf of investors and return the proceeds of such sales into the account of the investor.

There are many companies or individuals who claim to be stock brokers but they are not licensed to do so. Such companies usually prefer you pay cash rather than through a bank account.

Some of them are former staff of stock broking firms who have lost their jobs. The advice is to always check the website of SEC, or

google the name of such company before handing over your money. But never give cash. Always insist on paying into the company’s bank account.

There are also companies claiming to be fund managers who are not licensed to do so. A fund manager or management company is one licensed by SEC to help investors manage their money by investing it in specified investment instruments. Before such company is licensed by SEC, it must specify how it wants to manage the fund, the kind of investment activities it wants to invest the money into.

Top 10 performing stocks O

n the list of top performing stocks last week were companies like Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp, Conoil Plc, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Forte Oil Plc, UTC Nig. Plc, CAP Plc and Oando Plc. Others were IPWA Plc, Lafarge WAPCO and Wema Bank Plc. Rising from a second place penultimate week on the most active stocks in terms of price movement, Transcorp’s share price rose by huge 60.62 percent or N1.37 to close at N3.63 from N2.26 in the previous week. Obviously, investors are taking up the shares due to some efforts the company has made in recent times in repoositioning. First was series of strategies to turn around the financial state, which is beginning to yield some results. The nine month financial

statement for the period ended September, 2013, for instance, showed a growth of 30.39 percent and 41.67 percent in profit before tax and post tax profit respectively. While the profit before tax rose to N5.148 billion from N3.948 billion as at December, 31st 2012, the post tax profit increased to N3.580 billion from N2.527 billion. It, however, recorded a dip in revenue to N11.780 billion for the nine month period as against N13.244 billion for the period ended 31st December, 2012. It had previously undertaken N12.91 billion rights issue for expansionary purposes and it was oversubscribed by 32.08 percent. The development increased the market capitalisation by 54 percent to N54.6 billion. With the increase in the market capitalisation, Transcorp, has thus become one of the most capitalised stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The proceed aided the company in completion of acquisition of

Ughelli Power Plant, and will also be directed towards construction of new hospitality projects in Lagos while refurbishing and expanding the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

Analysts believe that a lot still needs to be done to sustain the interest in the stock since initial subscribers to the public offer are yet to recover half of what they lost in the company during the financial crisis.

Conoil Plc went up by 47.63 percent or N24.50 to close at N76.00 from N51.48 it started the week at.

The company said it will continue to pursue initiatives that will strengthen its income base in the core segments of the business capitalising on every emerging opportunity in the down-stream petroleum sector.

Available financial statement of the company for the half year ended 30th June, 2013 showed that revenue rose marginally by

4.5 percent to N79.6billion from N76.2billion in 2012.

Gross profit also rose by 7.7 percent to N8.32 billion from N7.73 billion. The company was also able to reduce its operating expenses by about N436 billion helping to boost operating profit to N3 billion, 52 percent higher than N1.9 billion posted in 2012. The effect of the reduction of about N18 billion in loans also saved the company about N300 million in finance cost. Pre-tax profit rose to N1.9 billion, a 199 percent increase over N663 million posted in the same period of 2012. Year-to-date, the stock price has risen by 2.940 percent from year low of N2.50 to the closing price on Friday.

MRS Oil recorded 25.65 percent or N10.72 price appreciation to close at N52.51 from N41.79. The company had in 2012 financial year declared 75kobo dividend for distribution to shareholders.

Available unaudited financials of the company for nine months

The investment activities that SEC would approve for a fund manager to invest are usually money and capital market instruments i.e. treasury bills, shares, bonds etc. They must be activities or instruments that are regulated or that have rules that govern how they are sold and purchased. It is doubtful if SEC will approve trading in petroleum and similar commodities for a fund manager. Also, by law, the fund manager is required to inform the investor the kind of investments it would invest the funds under its management.

That is why you see advertisement of some funds for equities (shares), some for bonds while some are for money market instruments. The purpose is to make sure that the investor knows what his/her money is to be invested in, and be assured that there is an authority that authority that governs that investment.

Hence there is some form of certainty and security. The above implies that whenever a company or group of individuals claim to be a fund manager and it cannot tell you how it will manage the funds, what investment activities or instruments it will employ to manage the fund, it may likely be an illegal or fake fund manager.

By NKIRUKA NNOROM ended 30th September, 2013, showed that revenue rose to N69.22 billion from N52.54 billion in 2012, while post tax profit jumped to N91.79 million from loss position of N36.2 million in the same period of 2012.

Forte Oil recorded 10.24 percent or N10.74 price appreciation from N104.90 it started the week at to close at N115.64 per share. It is one of the companies that successfully acquired one of the generating plants in Nigeria in the recent privatisation exercise of the power sector by Bureau of Public Enterprise, where it secured ownership of 434MW Geregu Power Plant. The company recently revealed plans to extend its operation to other West African markets including Liberia, Togo, Sierre Leone, Chad and Niger Republic.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 23

EFCC’s presence in stock exchange not guarantee of fraud-free market

By WILLIAM JIMOH Oyedele Azeez Ademola xcept we want to keep deceiving ourselves that is when we will say there is no fraud going on in the market, but whether we have the capacity to fight it is a question I may not be able to answer now. Not even with the presence of EFCC in the market can one be too sure that a new dawn has come to the market. Come to think of this, has EFCC been able to successfully combat corruption in other sectors of the economy where it has presence?

For instance, if we must be sincere to ourselves, how many people in politics, oil and gas and in the other sectors of the economy where people are looting billions of public fund, has EFCC been able to bring to book? How can you then tell me that an agency such as EFCC, which is often used as political tool to fight opposition, will make a positive impact in the capital market?

How will you convince me that EFCC that has failed in other sectors will be able to clear the frauds in the capital market? If care is not taken, their presence in the market may not yield any positive benefit and might result to another waste of resources and time.

The fact remains that there are frauds in the market that need to be stopped, no doubt about this. But just like the character of many of the managers, a lot of government controlled agencies in the country usually act based on sentiments and to protect their own interests.

Except they are going to live beyond this, they might be used as a tool to

E

•Oloyede fight some innocent companies, while protecting the interest of the highly

•Igwe connected, which is not the best for the market. But if they will carry out this

T

hat Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is partnering with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to fight fraudulent practices in the capital market is still a developing issue but even at that, I will not say that I did not have any knowledge of this because I have heard a little about it, though I have not gotten the full details.

I know that the major reason for that partnership is to assist in investigating the various cases of irregularities and breach of trust, which I think its worth it considering the level of fraud that is going on currently in the market.

No dividend from Nigerian Hoechst Plc I bought 500 shares with Nigerian Hoechst Plc including the bonus, as at 1996 share certificate. I have not received dividend from the company till date, Please help!

Investors Forum The company has not been liquidated.

It is still operating but since its public offer, it has not declared dividend or bonus.

Investors Forum The company is now known as Nigeria German Company. For update on your shareholding and outstanding dividend contact City Securities Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-2641298, 234-1-7924462.

What is the update on Nigeria Tobacco Company?

I want you to help me find out the whereabouts of Nigeria Tobacco Company plc (NTC), I am a shareholder with the company, but for many years now I have not heard from them.I want to know if they are no longer listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. (IKPEKEME CHIDI BAMIDELE, SURULERE)

No communication from Sterling Bank Pls may I know my status on my investment in Sterling Bank Plc. Since 2/7/07 I bought 23,500 units through my broker Pinefields Investment limited with N200,000 with a/c no 87869263. But I have not received information from the bank since then. Please help me before I die. (George Chinenye Anthony, Aba)

Investors Forum The company merged with British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Company in 2000. The company is now a fully owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco Group. For further information contact Dayo George on 01- 4617500-2

task without favouritism, we will all live to see the benefit, not only manifesting in the capital market, but in the entire economy.

What I am saying is that EFCC coming to the market is not wrong as a measure to check fraudulent acts, but let them first look inward and correct their wrongs.

There are cases of fraudulent practices that will bring you close to tears if you hear them. There is one that is very close to me; I have someone close to me, who bought shares through a stockbroker and the stockbroker just went ahead and sold the share without his consent, and he was expecting his dividend only to find out later that they had sold his shares.

Up till today, the man has not been able to get his investment back. I can mention the name of the stockbrokers, but I will not and we are still looking at how to get that stockbroker now.

Chief Robert Igwe, ex-National Secretary, Nigerian Shareholders Solidarity Association Since the purpose of setting up EFCC is to ensure that Nigeria is freed of financial fraud, I take it as a welcome idea that such an important sector of the Nigerian economy -the capital marketwill see the visit of the agency, most especially at this point in time.

When they arrive the market, it will be important for them to look into and monitor the movement of stock. Also they should look at the issue surrounding unclaimed dividend, I believe that if EFCC will do a good job, we will soon be out of these problems.

Another thing that they will need to look into is the matter of stockbrokers

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS I need update on Daar Communications I need update on DAAR COMMUNICATION. I bought DAAR Communication Shares and have received my shares’ certificate in 2OO7 but have neither received dividends or bonus. Has the company been liquidated? (Sunday Okpo)

INVESTORS SPEAK

Investors Forum Sterling Registrars Limited at Knight Frank Building (8th Floor) 24 Campbell Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-01-2635607.

No communication from SpringBank

I bought 25,000shares from SpringBank Plc in 2005 but till today I have not heard from the Bank. Now I want to sell the shares. What should I do? (Oduh David Diamond).

Investors Forum The Bank has been closed by Central Bank of Nigeria. Its assets has been sold to Enterprise Bank. The implication is that there is no more Spring Bank, and all shares in the bank have been lost.

Wema Bank should reverse this wrong ATM debit I used my Wema Bank ATM to withdraw N20, 000 using UBA machine on the September 3rd and was debited without being paid. I have complained to my bank and till date my money has not been reversed. Please help me because am tired of they will reverse it and I don’t know whom to complain to again (Adejoh Ameh).

Investors Forum Write a formal complaint to the Managing Director of Wema Bank and copy the manager of the branch where your account is domiciled. If after three weeks, the bank does not respond, forward the letter to vanguardinvestorsforum@gmail.com .

Proceeds of share sale should be paid

taking minority investors’ dividend, bonuses and sometimes, selling the shares without the consent of the rightful owner, thereby denying them of the reward for their labour. This is an important area that they must not over look.

I think this is one of the means the regulators want to use to improve the level of confidence we have in the market today. Since some investors are afraid to return to the market because they feel their money is not secure, by the time EFCC is through with the fraudsters, some level of sanity will come back to the market.

into shareholders account Why is investors’ money especially from sales of stock not paid to their personal bank accts to save them from brokers frustrating cum obnoxious tactics? (Agada Moses Egbodor) Investors Forum Good question. It is paid into the broker’s account because it is stockbrokers that do the trading and selling on the stock exchange. It is for the same reason that if you want to buy shares, you first pay into the account of the broker, and not to the account of the shareholder selling the shares. In summary, on the stock market, brokers trade with each in the name of the company. Thereafter they distribute what they have bought or proceeds of what they have sold to the shareholders who asked them to sell or buy shares.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—25

Oil deals: Traders may sue Swiss NGO Stories by CLARA NWACHUKWU

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IL traders accused of shady deals in Ni geria’s crude sales by a Swiss-based Non- Government Organisation, the Berne Declaration, may have approached their lawyers on the possibilities of seeking redress for what they described as “libelous publication” by the NGO. Sources privy to the move hinted that “The Swiss-based researchers from a distance published what can be likened to a ‘beer parlor gist’ on Nigeria oil and gas sector based on their vague understanding of the unique Nigerian business environment. This explains why they hurriedly lifted unverified figures from equally disputed sources like the Ribadu and Farouk reports, but we are determined to teach them some legal lessons,” the source intoned.

The Berne Declaration had alleged that some local and international oil traders were colluding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to defraud the country of billions of dollars, thus sparking off enquiries into the country’s crude oil sales.

Irked by the insinuations contained in the report, the oil traders were said to be rallying to file legal action against the group, whose report is believed to be rooted in conjectures and unverified statistics.

The report, titled: “Swiss Traders’ Opaque Deals in Nigeria,” has been criticised by some industry players who flayed the NGO for its poor showing and understanding of the operating environment in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It was gathered that the consortium of local and international oil traders mentioned in the report have opened consultation with a United Kingdom, UK- based international law firm with a view to seeking judicial redress for the libelous publication. Sources close to the oil traders argued that the Berne Declaration literally “plagiarised” the controversial Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force draft report, as well as the now discredited Farouk Lawal-led Committee report on subsidy, which it relied on to reach its conclusions.

Furthermore, they argued that the deliberate description of specific businesses and individuals that have not been found guilty of any offense in

•Oil vessel any court of law as fraudsters, may work against the organisation in the Swiss Court.

“Such vilifying and unprofessional conducts are frowned at by laws around the world especially in Switzerland,” they added.

NNPC rebuttal Recall that the NNPC had refuted the contents of the publication in its entirety, describing it as mere phantom.

The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Ms. Tumini Green, had described the publication as not only bogus, but also strewn with inaccurate and poorly researched data, which defied common sense and verifiable evidence in Nigeria.

“For instance, how can anybody who claims to be a close observer of the Nigerian oil

and gas industry say that the process leading to the award of Term Contract for the lifting of Nigeria’s crude is shrouded in mystery? It is a common knowledge that the call for tender for this contract is periodically published by almost all the newspapers in Nigeria via paid advert placements by the NNPC,” Green noted. She explained that in practice the Corporation sells

Nigerian government equity crude oil to lifters/traders engaged on Annual Term Contract basis, adding that at present there are about 50 such term contracts.

“No company has a monopoly or exclusive right to lift any quantity of Nigerian crude oil.

The process of selection of traders/lifters is competitive and transparent. Traders lift crude oil according to the terms of contractual agreements applicable to all traders, among others on (Free on Board) FOB basis and proceeds paid directly into designated Central Bank of Nigeria crude oil sales accounts,” she further said.

On the allegation that Nigeria’s crude is sold to some companies at special discounted rate, Green countered: “Nigeria crude oil is sold at published Official Selling Price (OSP).

This is not only bench-marked against the internationally recognised pricing institution, Platts daily publications, but also fixed after a critical analysis of market fundamentals and price determinants at global level. The OSP differentials are determined crude stream and cannot favour an individual or group of traders as being insinuated,” she explained.

Chevron explains restructuring, disengagement … NAPIMS JV budget cuts lead to spiral effects

C

hevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, has said that the recent voluntary disengagement embarked by some of its staff, is on account of a recent restructuring programme concluded by the oil major. The exercise re-echoes a similar one engaged by the Shell Companies in Nigeria a couple of years ago as part of its portfolio management programme, leading to the exit of scores of workers.

The Chevron exercise has generated some controversies, with workers alleging forceful disengagement, allegedly leading to hundreds being laid off.

But in a text message response to Vanguard’s enquiry, CNL’s General Manager, Government, Policy, and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup, denied that workers had been sacked.

He explained: “It is not true. Not one person has been sacked. As part of a continuous process of business optimisation, CNL has reviewed its organisational structure and business processes.

“This has resulted in a leaner organisation with fewer positions. Employees for whom positions are not available in the new organisation have been offered voluntary separation packages.”

Haastrup insisted that the figure is not as high as over 400 as being touted, as the exercise is an ongoing one, and as such the figures have not been collated.

He added that as part of the review of

its service structure, “CNL continues to evaluate its business operation to enhance efficiency and reduce operating cost. This is being done by streamlining our shared services and improving service delivery and overall performance at all levels.”

He equally noted that every employees, who have been offered the voluntary severance are also offered the “opportunity to decide accept or reject the package since it is voluntary.”

To confirm this state of affairs, company sources told Vanguard that some categories of workers who wanted to take advantage of the huge severance package to move on, are being turned down due to the huge cost implication for the company. Vanguard also gathered that some workers who can no longer fit into the new structure, but refused to accept the voluntary severance have the responsibility to upgrade their skills to fit into the new structure.

“Of course, this means that they will no longer be doing what they used to do before,” the source said, adding that “the essence of the whole exercise is to reduce layers of reporting to save cost and time.”

Cash strap, lean ventures Vanguard gathered that the Chevron exercise might be a prelude to a series of other fall-outs on account of cash strap

occasioned by huge slash in joint venture budgets. Other venture partners are quietly tightening the noose by adopting a number of measures including the disengagement of some workers to be able to meet some of their obligations planned for the year.

A recent decision by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, the investment arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to wield the big stick to control rising industry costs is forcing oil majors and venture partners to reassess their industry spends.

The development has forced all the venture partners to cut down not only on their projects planned for the year, but also on other expences including travels, partnerships and sponsorships.

Already, all the venture partners are struggling to complete some of their major projects for the year, seeing as the NAPIMS’ hammer fell in the last quarter of the year, leaving them groping.

“The shock of having our budget cut in October, the last quarter of the year is coming down very hard on our operations. A whole lot of things are happening now – crude oil theft, non-passage of the PIB and the uncertainties in the system are going to impact negatively on the industry,” some of the operators confided in Vanguard.

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY,

NOVEMBER 19, 2013

•Kerosene-queue

Consumers grapple with high kero cost … IMPAN promises reprieve

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

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he price of Kerosene, a product mostly used by the Nigerian masses, has remained high and beyond the reach of the people, despite the recent intervention by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN. Vanguard investigations reveal that kerosene is sold above the government regulated in both the major and independent retail outlets visited.

The pump price of Household Kerosene, HHK or simply kerosene, is prescribed at N50/litre because the product is being subsidised by the Federal Government under the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF. However, a visit to some of the independent outlets such as the Damoil filling station, Akute, Ifo, Ogun State, which shares boundary with Ojodu area of Lagos, a litre of kerosene is sold for N130/litre. A female attendant who spoke to Vanguard said she was acting on instruction from her boss as she could not explain the high price of the product.

Similarly, at Randuk filling station, Alagbole, Ifo, where the price was N130/litre, a staff of the establishment, who identified himself as Jide Ojo, attributed the high cost to scarcity of the product.

He said, “Since we opened this place early this year, Kerosene has been a scarce commodity. You may be surprised that the profit margin is not up to N5. We only sell to keep our customers; otherwise, we rarely make profit.”

The situation was slightly different at the Nationwide station, Ijaiye, Ogba, where the product was sold for N128/litre. A male attendant, who refused to be identified, said they

deliberately decided to sell at a lower price in order to draw more customers and make quicker sales.

Similar scenarios also played out at the major outlets, as the Oando station, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, last weekend, sold the product for N140/Litre. The attendant, who gave his name as Jimoh, told Vanguard that the price was the least they could sell in view of the scarcity of the product they encounter occasionally. According to him, the outlet receives the supply of Kerosene once in a week at the cost of N120/litre.

The story is not different at the Mobil station, Maryland, where a female attendant, who also refused to be identified, put the price at N130/Litre.

According to her, “The N50 official price is not realistic. We have never bought it below N120/litre and so it does not make economic sense to sell below the cost price. That is the why we sell at N130/litre,” she said. At the Conoil station, Ikeja, Vanguard leant that the product was not available, but the last time the station got allocation, the product was sold at N140/litre. An attendant who would not want his name to be mentioned said that they had not been supplied with Kerosene in the last two months on account of “the intrigues involved in the product.”

The persistent high price and scarcity of the product is at variance with the intervention of IPMAN, to ensure sufficient

supply of Kerosene at the official price of N50/litre.

IPMAN intervention IPMAN recently said it had commenced the sale of Kerosene at N50/litre in filling stations nationwide. At the flag off ceremony in Lagos, the National President of the association, Mr. Abdulkadri Aminu, said members had been mandated to ensure the sale of the product at the regulated price of N50/litre as directed by the Federal Government.

According to him, the sale of Kerosene to the common people at the approved government price is one of the projects of IPMAN in conjunction with the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC and the Nigerian National Petrole-

um Company, NNPC. “IPMAN has been at the vanguard of ensuring that the product that is meant for the local people should be sold at the approved price. This has also been the focus of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Today, we are graceful to God that we have seen it happening. I want to assured every Nigerian that this particular exercise is going to be sustained,” he said. The national president also said that the sale of kerosene at the official price will be launched in other states of the country, adding that any member found selling above the regulated price would be sanctioned. “From here, we are going to Kano, Sokoto, Enugu, Jos, Yola, Maiduguri and other states. This is the first time l am coming to visit our retail outlets and I can assure that the exercise is going to be continuous. “The Chairman of the South West Zone has been directed to go to other states within the southern states to launch the product,” he added.

Aminu assured that a monitoring team would be inaugurated to ensure conformity in all IPMAN outlets nationwide.

He also said that IPMAN has already ventured into gas utilisation, adding that many Nigerians had switched from kerosene to gas, which is the future of the world. “I want to assure Nigerians that a lot has been done by government to ensure that gas has come to stay. If you go to Benin, we have compressed natural gas, CNG. In Lagos, NIPCO has 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG. “It is possible and true that kerosene can be sold at N50 per litre in this country. NNPC has been trying and we need more from the Corporation. In as much as the product is available, IPMAN is ready to sell at N50,” he said.

... As Abuja consumers accuse NNPC station of sharp practice

By CHRIS OCHAYI

M

eanwhile, Consumers of kero sene in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, have accused the operators of the NNPC mega station of accepting bribes from black market dealers to facilitate their purchase of the product, thereby denying them access.

This action infuriated the consumers who were mainly military personnel and members of the Civil Defence Corps, who subsequently reported the matter to officials of the Abuja Zonal Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, who were on an inspection visit.

The aggrieved consumers complained that they have been on the queue for over five hours without getting the product, saying: “Tuesdays are supposed to be the turn of soldiers and Civil Defence to purchase kerosene from the mega station, but they have refused to sell to us rather they are selling to black market sellers.

“If you go outside the station now, you will see them selling kerosene for N100 per litre. The station attendants collect money from them and dispense the product to them in disregard to the scheduling arrangement they put in place.”

The DPR officials who averted a potentially ugly situation as fracas broke out between the plain clothed soldiers and civil defence officers on one hand, and NNPC officials and mobile policemen on the other hand, assured the consumers that the issues would be resolved to ensure that they had a full allocation of kerosene.

But the manger of the station, Mr. Mohammed Sani, who denied the accusations, explained that he had personally sold kerosene to about 30 army and civil defence personnel.

He pointed out that the rowdiness of the customers was responsible for stopping the selling of the product, assuring that once calm was restored, sales would resume.

The Abuja Zonal Controller, DPR, Mr. Aliyu Halidu, had earlier told newsmen that the inspection was to ensure orderliness at filling stations by ensuring that products were been dispensed to consumers at the right quantity and price.

“We are to ensure that the operations that are going on in the petrol stations are in conformity with rules and regulations. To test the pump delivery to ensure that the right quantity and at the right price”, Halidu explained.

He warned marketers that any pump found to be under dispensing would be sealed, and the station is likely to be shut down at second offence.

He urged the public to always report cases of infractions to the DPR for possible action, noting that the department relies heavily on consumers to do its work successfully.

The DPR team, which was led by the Acting Zonal Head, Downstream, Mr. Michael Borogun, also inspected Mobil station in Jabi, Yamusu in Wuse II and a cooking gas market in Wuse.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—27

PEM offshore, Chevron sign N160m manpower agreement

By MICHAEL EBOH

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EM Offshore Limited has signed a US$1 mil lion five-year contract (about N160 million), with Chevron Nigeria Limited, to train and promote human capacity development in the Nigerian maritime and petroleum sectors.

A statement signed by the Senior Vice President, Americas/Africa, PEM Offshore, Mr. Philips Matthew, said the company has also entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB. Under the terms, NCDMB will undertake a 30 per cent partial guarantee of the PEM Offshore Simulation and Innovation Centre with any bank willing to partner with PEM offshore on the project.

He said the five year contract with Chevron is broken down into $200,000 (N32 million) annually, earmarked to train 40 Nigerians on scholarship who would be picked and pre-qualified by the oil major.

He said, “It is a major milestone for us and the only international oil company that has seen our goal and knows that it would better Nigerian. Chevron’s Nigerian Content Development Department has been on top of it and still corresponds with us to see that it pulls through.”

Chevron, in a letter announcing the partnership, said the agreement, which will come into effect after the establishment and take-off of the simulation centre, is in furtherance of its commitment to human capacity development of Nigerian seamen.

In the letter signed by E.O Imafidon, Director, Business Services, Chevron said, “Our understanding of the training courses to be offered at the centre, will include the principles of Dynamic Positioning (DP) and the practical uses of DP systems amongst other courses.

“Our plan is to award annual scholarships of about $200,000 (approximately N32 million) over a five year period to Nigerian seamen. The commencement of the scholarship programme is subject to the establishment, accreditation and take-off of the centre.

“Prior to the award of the scholarship, Chevron Nigeria Limited will inspect the training facilities provided at the centre and assess the curriculum to be offered to be sure they meet Chevron’s standard.

“However, nominations for the scholarship will be handled

by Chevron and we will review

New power players will boost economic growth

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

Managing Director/CEO of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Ltd, Engr. Adams Okoene (middle) with members of the company cutting cake to mark the company's 6 million Man-Hour Lost Time Injury Free milestone celebration, in Lagos. the school and courses annually before the awards are made.”

PEM Offshore had a couple of months ago, signed a multi-million dollar contract with Kongsberg Maritime for the supply of a full suite of Offshore Anchor Handling, Dynamic Positioning, Power Management and Crane Simulation systems.

The new simulators will form the main infrastructure for a world-class offshore simulation training centre and the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa.

The new training centre will be located in Lagos and will serve to support the training of local and foreign offshore personnel involved in offshore oil and gas

operations. Matthew said the Simulation Centre has achieved about 60 per cent completion, and targeting March 2014 for the final take-off.

He noted that the centre will help reduce by 50 per cent, the cost organisations spend on the training of their personnel abroad.

According to him, organisations spend between N1.2 million and N2 million in the training of their staff abroad. “With the Simulation Centre, organisations will only have to spend about half of that amount on the training of their staff. This is the same training they get overseas,” he explained.

NGO condemns content waivers for IOCs

By KUNLE KALEJAYE

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Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Borderless, has requested for information from the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, for evidence of Nigerian Content compliance by International Oil companies, IOCs. The NGO argued that this has become imperative in view of the granting of waivers for various content inputs in IOCs’ operations.

Founder of Borderless, Mr. Tunde Kusamotu, said the concept of the Nigerian content is to ensure that Nigerians reaped maximum value from investments - the deliberate use and development of Nigerian goods and services.

He argued that local content in the oil and gas industry is a paradigm shift from the era of profiteering and underdevelopment, adding that its ingredients are indigenous capacity development, domestication of international standards and promoting investments.

However, Kusamotu in statement made available to Vanguard, said there is a perception that IOCs are ‘cooking the books’, and seeking unnecessary waivers.

According to him, this need not necessarily be true, noting that NCDMB might actually mean business and the IOCs might be committed to hitting Nigerian content targets within the letters and spirit

of the law.

He however reiterated that “It need not necessarily be corruption, it could be red tape, or officials simply doing a job, or insufficient resources needed to collate process and analyse information, with a regulatory body that’s but three years old.

“But, as it was said of Russia by Winston Churchill in 1939, so it can be said of International Oil Companies in relation to Nigerian content compliance: ‘I can’t forecast for you the actions of Russia. It’s is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key.

That key is Russian national interest.’

“The key to Nigerian content compliance by international Oil Companies lies in their commercial interest. That is why it was gratifying when in a recent web chat with Borderless, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, the Country chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, said: “… we believe having more players especially in the technical services side of the business will introduce more competition, improve capacity and promote cost efficiency of the EP operations in the country.

“More important still, to the administration, is the key to reducing its perception of corruption. It is in greater transparency, and in respect to Nigerian Content, by the regulators regularly making public information on compliance by International Oil Companies,” he said.

he upcoming 14th Lagos Econom ic Summit will focus on strategies for accelerating sustained growth in the state’s economy especially through the creation of a vibrant and cost effective Power Sector, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze has said.

Akabueze, who spoke as Chairman of the Lagos Economic Summit Group (LESG) at the last meeting of the Central Organising Committee, said the objective informed the choice of the theme for the 2014 edition of the Summit which is “Powering the Lagos Economy: Real Opportunities, Endless Possibilities.” The LESG Chairman, who noted with dismay that lack of electricity, has been the biggest constraint to the economy of both the state and the country as a whole, expressed delight at the recent takeover of some power assets by private investors. He added that the Summit would provide a great opportunity for various stakeholders to get together for mutual benefit.

“The transition of the electricity industry from public to a private driven one, naturally provides opportunity for various stakeholders to brainstorm on mutually benefitting issues that will arise from the transformation,” the Commissioner said.

Akabueze reiterated that the major goal is to provide a platform for cross-fertilisation of ideas with a view to accelerating rapid and sustained economic growth in the state. He also envisaged the outcome of the Summit to include making new electricity players, regulators, consumers and other key stakeholders get “a shared and better understanding of expectations and priorities.”

“This should aid the strategic planning and implementation process”, the LESG Chairman said, adding that the Summit would also enable consumers and stakeholders get a better sense of the challenges, issues and timing of changes for planning purposes. Government would also get a good input for planning and have a better understanding of how changes and policy can enable good economic growth.

According to him, “the Summit will also create a forum for businesses, government, consumers and regulators to exchange ideas towards addressing potential roadblocks, accelerating sustainable economic growth. These will deliver superior returns to investors as well as attract venture capital, new investors and businesses to gain insights into emerging opportunities.”

Akabueze listed major issues to be discussed to include the identification of the areas where power has the greatest multiplier effects such as agri-businesses and produce value chain, Transportation and service delivery. Others are the provision of affordable Housing, Real Estate business and planning and how the cross-cutting emerging business opportunities enabled by Power intervention could be tapped.

28—TUESDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

NIPP preferred bidders to be announced January 2014

By CHRIS OCHAYI

T

he Federal govern ment said it would an nounce the preferred bidders for the 10 gas-fired electricity generation plants built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, under the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, by January next year.

Bids received from a total of 66 power consortiums for the 10 gas-fired generation plants have been opened in Abuja, and now undergoing evaluation and scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, at the bid-opening ceremony assured the bidders of transparency in the conduct of the entire privatisation process.

Nebo, who chaired the event, said, “We pray that the exercise, as you have seen from the previous ones, the PHCN successor companies, this is also going to be as transparent as possible. “So we solicit your cooperation and understanding as we go through the process and our prayer is, may those who have been ordained by God will win.”

Among the bids opened the Omotosho plant had the highest number of bidders from 13 consortiums, while Ogorode, Omoku, and Geregu attracted eight bidders respectively.

Gbaran had seven, Calabar six, Olorunshogu five, and Egbema, and Benin/Ihabor plants had four bidders each.

In his address, the Managing Director of NDPHC, Mr James Olotu, said that the evaluation of the proposals would be completed within 14 days. He disclosed that the preferred bidders for the 10 NIPPs will be announced in January next year, after their proposals had been thoroughly scrutinised by an evaluation committee set up by the government.

Olotu said: “About 66 companies bidded and the bids were opened today; and there were no immediate disqualifications. One of the reasons for immediate disqualification would be that one of the important items is not there. But most of them met the primary objectives and so, we now go to the proper evaluation stage.”

Olotu, who said the NDPHC will commence the evaluation process, added, “in the next two weeks, our members of the evaluation committee would be assembled starting from today, Monday, and they will be evaluating these bids based on the parameters that have been agreed and approved.”

According to him, “hopefully by 23rd of this month or there-

about, they should have completed the approval processes.

I want to assure you that everything will be done to make sure the entire process is 100% transparent.”

Promising to block any loophole in the transaction, Olotu said, what they are looking for is the competent of these companies to be able to operate and

stage is the Compliance Test to evaluate the bidders’ compliance to all instructions given in the bids submission process, Part B is the Financial Proposal to determine their sufficient tangible net worth.

Anyone bidding for a 275MW asset is expected to have a financial strength of $100million, while those who had ac-

later complete the 75% acquisition payment for transfer of share ownership of their preferred NIPP. To this ends, Olotu said the committee would be looking out for three things from the proposals of the bidders.

First, according to him, is the competence of the investors to operate and manage success-

quired a PHCN asset would add another $100million to its pool of resources. Part C of the evaluation is on the bidders’ experience and technical strength with an expected score of 75% overall assessment.

Winners would be required to pay 15-25% bond deposit and

fully the power plants of the capacity that they wish to acquire; second is their financial capability; and “Lastly, to ensure that the team that forms a consortium is strong enough and not one that may fall apart halfway into the process.”

•Electricity Transformer manage successfully the power plants that are applying for and to ensure they have the financial capability to actually invest. Last Friday, 66 companies scaled through the biding stage for the 10 NIPP of which two had been commissioned already. The Part A evaluation

FG pledges enabling environment for power

By CHRIS OCHAYI

T

HE Federal Government has reiterat ed its determination to create an enabling environment for the electricity industry to work satisfactorily, in the post-privatisation era.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who said this at the 10th International Conference on Power Systems Operation and Planning, in Abuja, said efforts would entail a position of non-interference. While ensuring fairness and equity between investors and the consumers of electricity, Igali who recalled the challenges of Nigeria’s electricity sector since inception in the 1890’s, said the only option left for government was the decisive and bold step of privatisation, especially in view of successes recorded in the banking, aviation and telecommunication sectors, among others.

Ambassador Igali said Government’s retention of the transmission component of the power chain was deliberate, and was intended to preserve the integrity of the system.

He explained that Nigerians could afford to look forward to positive changes, as the privatisation exercise would usher in enormous positive value, including creation of jobs, at the primary and secondary levels.

The Permanent Secretary assured that in line with the resolve to create a conducive industrial environment for deregulated power sector operations, government was speedily resolving the issues surrounding the financial benefits of about 2,500 casual workers of the PHCN, and about 4,000 staff who had biometric verification problems.

Participants from across Nigeria and the United States are attending the three-day international conference, which is exploring issues of privatisation and restructuring in a competitive power environment.

Nigeria Railway, Total to partner on petroleum transportation

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

HE Nigeria Railway Cor poration, NRC, and Total Nigeria Plc, have concluded plans to partner on petroleum products transportation, to facilitate distribution across the country by rail.

The Managing Director, NRC, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuade, disclosed this in Lagos, while speaking at the commissioning of 20 pressurised oil tank wagons procured by the Corporation last week. He said that the Corporation and Total are still working out the modalities for the partnership, saying: “I can confirm that NRC is working with Total Plc in developing a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by both parties on the movement of Total petroleum products by rail.”

He therefore implored other oil marketers and distributors to take advantage of the operational and economic benefits of the wagons in moving their petroleum products by rail.

“With these wagons, you can be rest assured of safe and prompt delivery of your products by Nigerian Railway Corporation,” he said.

On the N640 million worth of oil tank wagons acquired the Corporation, Sijuade said, “It is a step in the right direction, it’s a step towards alleviating traffic congestion on our roads, reducing the frequency of accidents, and ensuring the durability of our roads as most of these oil tankers we see are not supposed to be on our roads. So what we are now trying to do is to facilitate the migration in terms of haulage of major freights like petroleum products, wheat, and cement from road to rail.”

He said that the partnership is in furtherance of the corporation’s quest for private sector partnership, saying it is necessary since government alone cannot achieve total transformation without active involvement of the private sector.

“The government cannot do it alone, the Nigeria Railway Corporation is heavily promoting private sector participation. It’s true that the oil tank wagons we talk about, we now have a total of forty brand new ones that are being used in the movement of petroleum products from Lagos to Kano, but even that is not enough. We had a Private Public Partnership, PPP stakeholder forum recently, and what we are beginning to see is private sector showing a lot of interest in procuring more wagons, more oil tank wagons, container wagons, and wheat wagons, to increase our fleet.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 29

30— Vanguard ,

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

By Theodore Opara

Toyota forecasts $16.9bn net profit •To sell 9.1 million vehicles

T

HE world’s biggest carmaker, Toyota, has raised its profit forecast as the yen’s weakness and cost-cutting measures helped lift its earnings.

It now expects to make a net profit of 1.67tn yen ($16.9bn; £10.5bn) in the financial year to 31 March 2014, up from an earlier forecast of 1.48tn yen.

Toyota upped the forecast as it reported a net profit of 1tn yen for the six months to the end of September.

The results are in contrast with Nissan which cut its profit outlook recently.

Toyota said it expects to sell 9.1 million vehicles in the current financial year and generate a revenue of 25tn yen during the period. Japanese carmakers, including Toyota, rely heavily on sales in foreign markets. As a result, any fluctuation in the curren-

cy markets has an impact on their profitability.

Over the past year Japanese carmakers have benefited from the decline in the yen’s value - which makes their cars more affordable for foreign buyers and also boosts their profits when they repatriate their foreign earnings back home.

The Japanese currency had fallen nearly 25% against the US dollar since November last year after the new government unveiled a series of aggressive policies aimed at

spurring Japan’s economy.

Toyota said the fluctuation on the currency resulted in an increase of 540bn yen in its operating profit during the April-toSeptember period.

It made an operating profit of 1.25tn yen during the period compared with 694bn yen last year.

“In addition to the impact of the weaker yen, operating income increased

ORD is strengthen ing its position in Africa and Middle East with new appointments. Leading the new Ford Middle East and Africa region is Jim Benintende, a 36year Ford veteran who will oversee operations in all 47 markets. Benintende has significant experience in the Middle East and Africa region, most recently as director, Ford Export Operations and Global Growth Initiatives. He also previously served in the Ford Middle East and North Africa region in various roles from 1994-2006.

“Our intention is to grow the Ford business while staying true to our principles of being active and supportive members of the C M Y K

the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011.

It has since reclaimed the top spot as the world’s biggest carmaker from US rival General Motors.

Its sales in the US - its biggest market - have also been on the rise, helped in part by an overall recovery in the US car market.

But a spate of recalls

have hampered its recovery.

Toyota has called back more than 20 million vehicles over the past two years for a variety of problems.

The recalls have been mostly voluntary, and there have been no major crashes involved, but analysts have warned of their negative impact on Toyota’s reputation.

Porsche rounds up the year with three new models

P

ORSCHE will today unveil a total of three new models at automotive trade fairs in Los Angeles (USA), Tokyo (Japan) and Guangzhou (China). The highlight of this marathon of

trade fair appearances will be Porsche’s entry into a completely new vehicle segment. The world premiere of the Macan at the Los Angeles Auto Show signals the official start of the

Ford strengthens position in M/East, Africa

F

due to our efforts with our suppliers and distributors for profit improvement through cost reduction and marketing activities, such as enhancement of the model mix,” said Nobuyori Kodaira, an executive vice president with Toyota.

Toyota has staged a remarkable recovery over the past two years after its business was impacted by

community in the Middle East and Africa,” said Jim Benintende, president, Ford Middle East and Africa. “Under the One Ford strategy, we will be able to leverage our global vehicle and technology portfolio, and our scale to better serve customers in this important and dynamic region.”

Ford has a strong heritage in the Middle East as well, with more than six decades of presence in the region. The company has increased its sales for the Ford and Lincoln brands in the region by nearly 60 percent during the past four years.

In the first three quarters of this year, Ford Middle East has already recorded strong sales with

a nearly 20 percent increase compared to the same period in 2012. The strong performance is brought by customers’ continued confidence on Ford and Lincoln vehicles complemented by massive dealer expansions across the region, according to the company.

In the past three months alone, several Ford dealers have opened new facilities in a number of markets, including Al Tayer Motors with its new dealership in Sharjah, UAE. In total, there are more than 60 new Ford and Lincoln sales and service facilities currently in process region-wide to serve the expanding Ford and Lincoln customer base.

new compact SUV. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet will also be making its début in Los Angeles, while the Panamera Turbo S and Turbo S Executive models will be unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show. At almost the same time, the 918 Spyder super sports car will be shown to the Chinese and US public at the automotive trade fairs in Guangzhou and Los Angeles.

The 911 Turbo Cabrio-

let and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will also be showcased in Los Angeles. The open-top 911 Turbo models deliver the same blend of dynamism, performance and efficiency offered by the Coupé models unveiled a few months ago. The double turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine delivers 520 bhp in the open-top 911 Turbo and 560 bhp in the S model, with the vehicles reaching a top speed of

up to 318 km/h. And all this while achieving fuel consumption figures below the ten-litre limit: Both of the new top-ofthe-range Cabriolet models rest assured in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), boasting figures of 9.9 litres/100 km (equivalent to 231 g/km CO2).

In Tokyo, Porsche is showcasing performance and luxury for discerning drivers.

L-R. Bisi Kazeem, Deputy Corps Commander, FRSC, Ajoke, wife and Chidi Nwachukwu, Deputy Corps Marshal, Training , representing the Corps Marshal during Kazeem's graduation from the Institute of Security Studies, Abuja

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—31

By Theodore Opara

Porsche eyes Africa

I

N line with the brand’s global 2018 development strategy, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is planning to expand its presence across the region, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Looking currently after 19 markets across the Middle East, Levant, Africa (excluding the Maghreb states) and India, the regional office in Dubai is eyeing to establish facilities in currently untapped markets, following the creation of a new Network Development department.

The announcement comes together with the launch of a new dedicated investor communication platform which marks a key development in the brand’s regional growth strategy. Potential investors are invited to express their interest in becoming a Porsche imONDA has been porter in the above selling vehicles in the mentioned region by USA since 1960, but never in completing an online all its years has it had an Auapplication. The se- gust like the last one. Includlection process con- ing sales from its Acura luxutinues after the pre- ry brand, the company delivselection screening, ered 166,432 vehicles last with interviews and month, an all-time August visits to proposed record that also translated into building sites. a 26.7 percent advance over the same period in 2012. Naturally, that record-breaking overall performance was assisted by a number of individual sales records for Honda last month, including one from the Honda CR-V. C R-V was America’s favorite crossover in terms of sales in August, when it also delivboards, engines and power ered more units than in any classes than any other competi- other single month in its histor. The Euro 2 engine, with an tory: Leveraging a 45.1 perout-put of 125 to 206KW, facili- cent sales advance, the CRtates the economy of fuel and the V’s 34,654 deliveries made it gross weight rating is from 6 t to one of three Honda vehicles to break the 30,000-sales mark 16 t.

It is a distribution truck with during the prior month. Joinhigh quality and long service life ing that club as well were the and, as a result, has high value Honda Civic and Honda Acretention. The Atego is equipped cord. The first, Honda’s comwith a box/platform or tarp body, pact car entry, outsold all othmaking it the best for general car- er segment rivals in August go transport tasks, as well as with 39,458 deliveries going beverage distribution. It is also out the door (+58.5 percent). easy to drive, maneuver in tight As for the midsize Accord, its spaces and offers very good all- 10.6 percent spike in demand round visibility, enabling it to helped it finish at 38,559 meet the demands on a distribu- deliveries. The Honda Pilot delivered strong sales, too, tion truck.

Weststar therefore offers trucks with its 14,877 deliveries rewith engines that cope with flecting a 40.2 percent gain.

“With three of our core available grades of diesel, re-enforced steel suspension, water models topping 30,000 units separators, enhanced engine and the Honda brand up more and transmission cooling system, than 29 percent, our August higher ground clearance, robust sales definitely didn’t take a gearboxes, and the fifth-wheel break for the holiday weekcoupling on the semi-trailer trac- end,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales tors. at American Honda.

Honda’s best August ever

H

Mercedes-Benz's truck brands built with Nigeria in mind — Weststar N

OT many know that trucks are usually built to operating conditions of countries where they are to be used.

Usually trucks are built with fuel quality, road quality, climate condition and other factors in mind by the manufacturers.

And this is where MercedesBenz has proved itself as the leading brand in truck production.

Mercedes Benz and its representative in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Ltd took this into consideration when it built its new truck range, the Actros, Axor and Atego which it introduced into the Nigerian market recently. These trucks are particularly engineered and designed to accommodate the needs and demands of transportation in Nigeria.

The Actros utilizes either the OM501 LA (V6) or OM502 LA (V8) engine with outputs ranging between 230 and 390Kw, depending on the transport task. High power reserves and the positioning of the air intake above the cab, protect against dust and water ingestion, guaranteeing the Euro 2 engine’s low fuel consumption and dependability. Even in dusty conditions, engine failure is still protected by a large volume air filter with cyclone-type pre-filters. As a result of these, the service intervals, including oil change, are long.

Besides the cab suspension and the slack adjusters on the rear brake cylinders, nothing has

C M Y K

to be manually lubricated. The Actros is a low maintenance vehicle. Parabolic springs fitted at the front and rear equips the Actros with maximum strength even when overloaded. The front axles on the front are nondriven cranked cast for maximum body height, while the axles on the rear are strong and designed for loads of up to 13 ton. The optional 16 t axle design is also available. The reinforced Clutch of the Actros guarantees the longest possible service life, even under the most difficult of conditions

Safety regulations The cabs structure is of rigid and extremely strong full-steel and complies with strict European safety regulations. The metal paneling is protected against corrosion by galvanisation, and the driver is protected in the interior by flame retardant materials. The Short, Medium and Large cab variants provide either maximum possible body length for chassis, greater form of movement and storage space, or an apartment like working space respectively. The 3 cab variants feature a maintenancefree 4-point suspension which keeps vibrations and noise to the barest minimum. The passenger’s seat can be folded up to enable easier cross-cab access.

While the ergonomic design of the driver’s workplace ensures comfortable working with airsprung seats.

The Axor too, is designed for maximum economy functionthanks to lower kerb weight. Due to smaller and lighter cabs, it offers a payload of up to 700kg more than the Actros. The Axor has a 6-cylinder Euro 3 inline engine with 170 to 335 KW and a single-ratio rear axle, thereby enabling high torque while keeping fuel consumption low.

The Axor has a moderately uniform deployment profile. It is perfect for logistics applications in fleets and is successful in transport tasks and carriage of dangerous goods. The air suspension protects loads and reduces tyre wear on the vehicle thereby making it ideal for beverage transport companies.

The Atego embodies classic characteristics of versatility, strength, safety, reliability, comfort and economy, thanks to a combination of state-of-the-art technologies. It meets the demands placed on trucks in regional and local operations with larger choices of cabs, dash-

•Honda Accord

32— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

By Theodore Opara

FRSC, ExxonMobil, NNPC renew seatbelt campaign HE Federal Road Safe ty Corps (FRSC) and ExxonMobil with its joint venture partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recently launched a new public awareness campaign on road safety. Part of the focus of the campaign is aimed at enforcing seatbelt usage and other regulations on Nigeria’s roads. The campaign has become necessary if Nigeria is to meet its target of reducing motor vehicular accidents and deaths. It is a known fact that some Nigerians are still averse to the use of the car seat belt.

This is quite disturbing.

The need for sustained enlightenment and enforcement of road safety cannot be overemphasized.

It will be recalled that on January, 1st, 2003, the Federal Road Safety Corps launched a decisive enforcement on the use of the seat belt nationwide. The launch can be said to be successful, with about 90% compliance level recorded all over the country especially

when viewed against the background that wearing seatbelt at the time seem alien. The focus as at then was on front seat occupants. Ten years down the line, ExxonMobil with its joint venture partner, NNPC, has partnered with FRSC for a renewed campaign to ramp up the seat belt usage and improve the compliance level not just for the front seat occupants but the entire occupants of the vehicle.

Though seat belts are usually built into the car for people’s safety, many tend to ignore them for various reasons. The reasons for non-use of seat belt by some people range from the distance they are to travel to comfort. Seat belt enforcement requires the fitting of seat belts to motor vehicles and/or the wearing of seat belts by motor vehicle occupants. Laws requiring the fitting of seat belts to cars are followed by laws mandating their use, with the effect that thousands of deaths on the road have been prevented.

,

T

,

While air bags provide added protection, they cannot be a substitute for seat belts

Different laws apply in different countries to the wearing of seat belts. Globally, seat belt use is on the rise. Studies by road safety authorities conclude that seat belt legislation has reduced the number of casualties in road accidents.

Studies of accident outcomes suggest that fatality rates among car occupants are reduced by between 30 and 50 per cent if seat belts are worn.

Laws, education, and technology have increased seat belt use saving hundreds of thousands of lives.

With all these facts known to some people, it is amazing that they do not use seat belt.

Seat belts can mean the difference between life and death in an auto accident.

Wearing a seat belt every time you enter a vehicle is not only the smart thing to do it is the right thing because it saves lives, it’s the

law. More than half of the people killed in car crashes were not restrained at the time of the crash. Seat belts dramatically reduce risk of death and serious injury. Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. Seat belts also prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash. People not wearing seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash. More than 3 out of 4 people who are ejected during a crash die from their injuries. No doubt, seat belts save thousands of lives each year, and increasing use would save thousands more. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash. Statistics from traffic

management agencies and groups in developed countries reveal percentage of severity of injuries of deaths resulting from non-use of seatbelts in the event of a crash or a sudden stop. In the United Kingdom, out of the 1,432 car occupants killed in 2007, 34% had not belted up. An estimated 565 people were not using seatbelt when killed in 2005.

370 would have probably survived if they had been properly restrained. In Canada, the ‘insignificant’ 7% of people not wearing seatbelts account for almost 40% of fatalities in crashes.

In the US, seatbelts saved almost 13,000 lives in 2009.

While air bags provide added protection, they cannot be a substitute for seat belts. An air bag protects a front seat passenger in a head on crash by inflating upon impact and cushioning the occupant from colliding with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Air bags are meant to work with seat belts, not replace them.

The combination of seat

belts and air bags offers maximum protection for motorists and decreases the chance of death by as much as 40%.These facts show that increasing seat belt use is critical to reduce injury and save lives.

Seat belts also ensure stability of the driving position and better control of cars. When seat belts are strapped properly they help in maintaining better stability in your seat while driving at slow, cruising or high speeds.

In addition, when one is driving at times and is forced to swerve, break suddenly or veer toward any direction on the road for reasons such as an oncoming car or slippery roads, wearing a seat belt helps to keep one behind the wheel and as such it might help to control the vehicle better. Better car control is sometimes very important especially after near collision cases where the driver has to ensure the car remains balanced and does not topple over.

Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS; This is not the right time to rely on promises made by others. Continue to take mattersof-the-heart seriously. Reason with your reliable associates.

GEMINI; Tension within the domestic scene will start to ease off. Yet you will need to watch what you do within your base till after 10.15pm tonight.

CANCER; Both yourself and other important personalities to you are beginning to see things from same point of view making it easy for you to eliminate unnecessary rift LEO; Venus moves into a positive angle to your Star and encourages peaceful settlement. Exhibition of maturity on your part will favour you better.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 33

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

F I asks you now what is the minimum qualification for you to succeed in life, I have no doubt you will say West African School Certificate (WASC), while for the degree

Continuous learning... holder, his degree is sufficient for him to succeed in life. So depending on what certificate you have, the answer will differ.

Believe me honestly; the minimum qualification you

TERROR MUDA

need to make it in life is continuous learning in what ever field you find yourself. You may have the best result at graduation but if you refuse to update

in “Never say goodbye”

your knowledge, what you now have will become stale. In this age of technology, you need to be abreast of technological development. Any man that refuses continuous learning has only chosen path of death.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO; Gradually you are dropping aggressive approach you have adopted in the last few days to the betterment of your cause. Remain practical till after 10.15pm.

LIBRA; Better than yesterday; however that is not to say you should throw caution to the wind.

Improvement on your love life indicated. Try to comport yourself.

SCORPIO; After a few days of fun you may need to settle down to serious business. Those of you working till very late evening will need to be more careful till after 10.15pm. Reason with your tried and trusted old hands(friends).

SAGITTARIUS; Venus moves into a positive angle and boost your sparkling personality to the betterment of your cause. Could be a nice day for the-young-atheart.

CAPRICORN; It is important you don’t allow your mind to wander unnecessarily so that minor but costly mistakes would be averted. Avoid late evening confusion.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; Recent tension generated by controversy over money will start to ease off. Be more vigilant if you are working late in the evening.

PISCES;. Other people will continue to have their says and if you try to indoctrinate them tensed atmosphere will be aggravated. Be patient.

ARIES; Entrance of romantic Venus into your Star Sign will enhance your prospects. Both financial and love related success are possible.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my financial standing?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I want to know about my future, especially what I should expect from my love life both in the immediate and far future. However that is not to say I am not interested in good financial standing.

Collins, Jos

Dear Collins, The challenge here is inability to hold on to your gains (profits) partially, by the contact made between your natal Saturn and Venus as stated under your career and some other times by your love of easy life.

Although the Saturn influence can be mitigated as I said under your career, the love of luxury comes from your stallion Taurus which must not be totally discouraged but should not be allowed to go beyond your control. Yes envy and jealousy can creep in as indicated by the oppositions between your natal Venus/Saturn in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but that is not enough excuse for either failure or manipulation of occult powers against you. Whatever anybody says and/or does GREAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS is your portion.

The most influential planet during your birth hour is Venus-the planet of MONEY and LOVE. You are the romantic type whose magnetic personality and open handedness are sources of big trap to his members of opposite sex. As handsome as you are you truly crave stability in your love life/home. The happiness you desired will be yours.

HOME & ABROAD Lawrence Akapa

by

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

2015: Yoruba will shock the North – Senator Zwingina Former deputy leader of the Senate, Senator Jonathan Zwingina was Director General of the hugely successful Hope “93 Campaign of Chief Moshood Abiola. Zwingina who is one of the leading political leaders from Adamawa State in this interview ventilates on recent political developments including the contentions of some northern political leaders against President Goodluck Jonathan. Excerpts: going along with Gover Anoryou Murtala Nyako to the APC? RE

Elected candidate He had a candidate in one other party whom he fielded and all his Commissioners and officers in government campaigned for that gentlemen and he brought a section of the law enforcement agencies that were loyal to him in that election. But we mobilized effectively and defeated the candidate of the Governor; we had 14,000 votes and the Governor’s candidate had 7,000 votes.

The PDP candidate emerged the elected candidate. That is the measure of the size of Adamawa population behind him. I agree that he has supporters but they are not in the majority and he is not going with the State. He is going with a few of his supporters. I can tell you as a fact now that most of his key operators have declared support for the PDP and they are not going with him.

He has the right to go where he wants and I give him that right. But he also should be aware that we who are the majority in the State have the right to pull the majority of the State in the direction that they want and that direc-

Senator Jonathan Zwingina tion is the PDP, which is where we are now.

Where does former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar stand in this? Is he with Nyako?

Right now, I am not sure whether they really are together. I have seen a number of meetings of the APC together with the G-7 or G-5, but I have not seen the former Vice President. So, I do not know to what extent that one can say they are still together. But I would also want him to know that Adamawa has been consistently PDP. People have left and come back, but the bulk of the State has been consistently PDP. Even at a time when the former Vice President left, the PDP won the election. Nyako’s victory on the platform of the PDP is not his own making but the tradition of the State. The State is predominantly PDP. People can exit and re-enter, but the bulk of the majority of the State is PDP. Are you in agreement with the agitation of some of the northerners that power should shift to the North in 2015?

As to whether power should come back to the North, I concede the right of the North to want power to return to them, just like I concede the right of the President to want to run for a second term for which he has a constitutional right.

However, it is the zone and the Presi-

dent that strikes the most alliance and the larger support base that will eventually get the ticket. It is not by threat or by compulsion that that alliance can be built. It is through persuasion, dialogue and give and take. The language of

Gen. Buhari, with all due respect, is not a viable presidential material because he has lost the Presidency thrice. To lose three times and still desire to come back, for Nigerians to resolve three time to reject you, unless you say they are foolish, which they are not

,

Let me first and foremost say that it is not entirely correct that my State, Adamawa State is going to the opposition.

What is happening is that the Governor and a few of his supporters have indicated interest to go to APC. For those of us who know the politics of the State very well, the Governor had always actually been in the opposition because as of fact, I know that in the 2011 elections, while all of us were running round fighting for the President, he was very actively supporting Gen. Buhari’s presidency, together with his Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries who came down to the Local Government where we were working. So, we have always known that he was there. But soon after that election, he was the first Governor to come to Abuja to greet the President and we obliged him. If after the election he has seen the light to come back, we are ready to welcome him. So, he will not be a stranger in the APC as he’s just gone back home.

As to whether some of us are with him, I will like you to observe what happened in the last bye election that took place in his own Local Government for one of the two House of Assembly seats. In that bye election, the PDP defeated the candidate of the Governor.

the campaign manager to Chief MKO Abiola and I delivered June 12, so I have a fair idea of the direction they take. The South-West is the most sober political block in Nigeria and they strike their alliances based on pure political calculations. When the time comes, they will calculate the direction of their votes based on national interest and based on the ticket that will give them peace and order and based on what they see that will promote their interest because right now, the South-West is not quite ready for the Presidency, both from the history of Nigeria and the history of their leaders. So, they are not going to do a do or die in the presidential election. If they find the Goodluck Presidency will promote the peace that they have had and does not threaten their governorship ambitions, they will be better advised to settle with it than any other presidency. The Goodluck Presidency is not a vindictive presidency and has not taken advantage of any group and has not in any way created hatred among the communities.

Do you consider Gen. Buhari as a threat to the PDP in 2015?

Gen. Buhari, with all due respect, is not a viable presidential material because he has lost the Presidency thrice.

In the US, if you lose once, nobody allows you to come back. To lose three times and still desire to come back, for Nigerians to resolve three time to reject you, unless you say they are foolish, which they are not. For Nigerians to resolve three times and reject you and you keep coming, then you need another interpretation of the resolve of Nigerians. I’m sure if his advisers are honest, they will advise him that look, the electorates that rejected you three times must have a good reason to do so. I respect him as a leader but I do not think that these are the times for a Buhari presidency. These times require a younger and more vibrant President that will connect with the kind of leaders that are coming out of the world.

Gen. Buhari did well when he was a military President but he serves better when he is in the military. I don’t think

some elements in G-7 is a language that is very anti-Northern interest because you seek to scare away people, rather than to endear people to their cause.

Talking about allies looking at the political configuration of Nigeria, how will you look at the APC? The South-West alliance with the North as represented by the emergence of APC is based on convenience and this seems shaky, untestable and never lasting. As someone that is also fairly familiar with South-West politics, I not only was a student there, but I played politics as a student there but I was in the UPN and I was in the same campaign outfit with Chief Awolowo as far back as 1979, I was also the campaign manager to Chief Olu Falae and I was

,

these are his times. You can see examples in the CPC. Even in Katsina where he comes from, there were two candidates and he could not resolve the two of them. Bauchi went into election with four CPC candidates, not even aspirants. If this is the kind of inability to organize the home that will be visited on Nigerians, its no wonder that they have said no three times and I’m sure the fourth time will be a more resounding No. You should not humiliate a leader like that with too many no’s. You should save him the honour of being a former President and not be repeating too many no’s at his face. It doesn’t do him any good because he could go to his grave very unhappy.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 35

Battle for APC soul in Imo The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Imo State is enmeshed in a crisis of identity and ownership. Those from the legacy parties that formed the APC are determined to stop Governor Rochas Okorocha from painting the APC in his personal colours.

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

T

O say that things are no longer the same in the newly registered All Progressives Congress, APC, Imo State, is stating the obvious. This crisis of confidence among its members came to its peak with the hoisting of a parallel state executive by those, who claim to be the authentic members of the party.

These APC loyalists, largely drawn from the leaderships of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP, and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, pride themselves as “the legacy parties”.

Apparently irked by what they termed “plans by the rebel group from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to hijack APC and turn it into a private estate in the state”, the aggrieved “authentic leaders” met in Owerri recently and issued a far reaching communique.

The major plank of the communique was the constitution of a new leadership for the party in the state, arguing that nature abhors vacuum. They rolled out the names of the new interim party leaders as Mazi Nati Iwuagwu, State Chairman, Chief Ahamefu-

Gov. Okorocha la Ibekwe, State Secretary and Mr. Emeka Nkume,State Publicity Secretary. Other party loyalists that made the list include Mrs. Vivian Echeruo, Engr. Adaugo Obi, Ichie Ted Okoro, Mrs. Getrude Ehiriudu, Prince A. C. Dara and Chidi Agbaso.

With the parallel leadership firmly installed, the battle for the soul of APC in Imo State has therefore started. The new leadership was immediately given the mandate to establish similar committees at the wards, polling units

and local government levels.

Explaining the ground for their action, the authentic APC leaders said that by virtue of Electoral Act on merger of political parties, only the members of the merged parties, CPC, ANPP and ACN are the legally recognized members of the new party, APC. It was equally their considered opinion that “no fresh registration has been conducted in Imo APC since the merger, or could legally have taken place in APC Imo State

or elsewhere in the country since August 31, 2013”. The group then concluded that every other person that parades himself or herself as a member of APC, is a concessionary member and must await regularization by getting formally registered with the party at his or her ward in the state.

The authentic APC leaders roundly condemned what they called “the audacity with which the concessional members, namely the APGA "rebels," who are in our midst, are trying to hijack the party at the state, local government area and ward levels with impunity”. Apart from the foregoing, the authentic leaders of Imo APC warned APGA rebels in their midst to “stop the arbitrary constitution of interim officers of the party at all levels”.

Apparently worried by the way the authentic members, including the likes of former governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, Chief Chukwudi Mayor Eze and host of other chieftains were being sidelined by the “APGA rebels, who were brought in on attachment”, the group opted to draw the attention of party officials at the national level and urged them to take urgent action to mitigate the crisis in the state.

They pointedly told the national leadership of APC that they no longer accept the gospel of a sitting governor in the state until he, Governor Rochas Okorocha, becomes a duly registered member

of APC. Vanguard Politics gathered that Governor Okorocha is not only uncomfortable with the situation in the state but has also complained to the National Headquarters of APC. He was particularly irked that his membership of APC was being seriously questioned by party loyalists in the state, even as they vowed to approach the court to seek his eventual removal from APC. Although the suggestion put forward by Okorocha to the effect of appointing interim management committee was supported b APC-NEC, he was not too sure that the authentic party men and women would be prepared to be part of the new arrangement.

Reacting to the situation in a telephone interview, a top founding member of APC, Engr. Adaugo Obi, said “the gulf between Okorocha and the aggrieved members of APC in the state was widening by the dawn of each new day”.

She pointedly accused the Governor of not carrying the original owners of the party along, adding that what they have been experiencing was better imagined than experienced.

Meanwhile, there are camps within Imo APC. In line with this development, several meetings have been holding in the homes of the big names in APC, including Chief Achike Udenwa and Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN. The agenda has always been how to resolve the marginalization inflicted on them by Governor Okorocha.

Credible elections: Let’s return to Option A4 — Ladipo PROFESSOR Olasupo Oyetoro Ladipo, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Gombe State, in this interview speaks on the state of the nation including the forthcoming local government council polls in Osun State. Excerpts:

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

HOW can we conduct credible election at the local government level?

I think the best solution is when people finish voting the votes should be counted and announced immediately. If you leave the voting centres, some ugly and funny things may happen. The person in the best position to rig election is the person that moves votes from where it is conducted to another place. But once the votes are counted and announced at the voting centres and results displayed the problem of rigging is half solved. This is why Option A4 is the best among other voting systems in this country.

Do you subscribe to the regional integration agenda being championed by the South-West governments?

My belief is that Yoruba land must develop at all cost. They say charity begins at home, and this is exactly what we are

witnessing. When the home base is secured, the integration will now have to spread. What I’m saying in essence is that we have a culture. We are a people. Let us unite, get together and take part in other things affecting us. We will always be what we are. We have always been, even before 1914. My own ancestors, my mother’s ancestors came from a part of Borno State. First they were in Ilorin, next Ikoyi. In Ikoyi, they got mingled by marriage, but the central thing is that when they were moving, they dropped some of their members at Ede and moved to Iwo to establish this land. This is our culture, our past. We must remember it.

Know your past and use it to analyze your present and plan for the future.

As an educationist how do you see the ongoing merger of public secondary schools in Osun State?

When we talk of merger of schools, what exactly are we

merging? In making education functional, you need a lot of tools and equipment which may be very expensive. But if you can have a centre where all these teaching equipment are assembled and you bring the children to learn at that place, if you call that merging, it is.

Let’s go back to what we were in the past. When I was in secondary school, there were only 17 secondary schools in the entire South-West and many of them were actually founded in the 50s. Osogbo Grammar School, which was founded in 1951, was one of them. And we all came from every place to seek and obtain knowledge, and we still have the crop of that generation today.

Proliferation of schools without the necessary tools does not really help anybody. I mean we can have, if we are that rich, secondary school in every compound but is it economically efficient? But it is economically efficient to have

•Ladipo all the tools that make for good secondary education. Can we even afford to have it scattered all over the place? The educational system went bad because we had too many schools and were unable to equip them adequately.

Education is expensive and requires equipment. Modern education requires expenditure on modern amenities. If we do not merge, we will not be able to afford to give sound education to our children, who are the future of this nation.

What do you think can be done to make people happy and self-reliant?

There is no nation that developed without first developing its agriculture.

Britain developed and protected its agriculture.

Germany, Japan, America and so many others did the same.

It is when a nation is able to feed itself from its own products and has produced enough for export, that it can be said to be developed.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

OMO OMORUYI: Family at war over burial arrangements

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN— THE disagreement between the two daughters of late Professor Omo Omoruyi and their uncles has aborted the scheduled visit of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to the family of the late political scientist.

Professor Omoruyi died in Benin on October 14, after a protracted battle with cancer. It was learnt that trouble started when the two biological daughters of the deceased, Amenze and Ivie Oyemwen, arrived from their base in Canada and the United States, respectively, two weeks ago and demanded to see the corpse of their father.

Seminar

T

HE Harmony Life Family magazine will hold a seminar on child abuse at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos, Friday, November 22.

The seminar is in partnership with UNICEF; Ministry of Women Affairs; National Association for the Prohibition in Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters, NAPTIP; Nigeria Immi-gration Service; Cool-Wazobia-Naija Info FM; Arik Air Nigeria, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Nigeria Plc and Friesland Campina.

A statement by the magazine’s Editor-inChief, Mrs Mercy Ighofose, said that Mr. Gamaliel Onosode will be chairman of the two-fold event that will commence with a lecture/seminar and thereafter the formal unveiling of Harmony Life Family magazine.

However, it was learnt that the younger brothers of the deceased refused them access to the body, saying that they would await the arrival of the Professor Omoruyi’s wife, Joan, and his adopted children in the United States.

The two daughters, Vanguard learnt, argued that they were big enough to take responsibility as regards arrangements for the burial of their father and urged their uncles to give them the free hand to do so.

It was further learnt that their senior uncles in the family agreed with them, following the facts that the duo were biological daughters of the deceased, while the sons in the US were adopted children.

Besides, Omo Omoruyi, in his book entitled My Journey Back to Life, narrated how his wife Joan abandoned him in the US since March 20, 2008, in the midst of his crisis.

He narrated how she excluded him from their home in Everett, United States and never cared about him and how he was managing his ailment.

Following the revelation, it was gathered that the elders of the family had argued that Joan cannot even take part in the burial arrangement since she abandoned their son at his time of need. Besides, they argued that they do not even know the two sons adopted by late Omoruyi.

It was against this background that the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief Edebiri, who is a relation of the late professor, ordered Omoruyi’s younger brothers, led by Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, to show the two daughters the corpse of their father.

The crisis heightened when one Kehinde Imasogie was beaten up for allowing the two daughters entry into their father’s house.

Governor Oshiomhole, who

is currently mourning the deaths of three notable Nigerians, Prof. Omo Omoruyi, Prof. Festus Iyayi and Admiral Mike Akhigbe, and had

planned to visit the Omoruyis, weekend, with a view to perfecting burial arrangements, called off the meeting.

Oil sales boost GDP by 6.81%

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

N

IGERIA’S Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has accelerated by 6.81 per cent between July and October, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. The Bureau in a statement, yesterday, attributed the growth to improvement in oil sales compared to the previous quarter.

It said: “Nigeria’s economic growth quickened in the third quarter as the oil industry’s contraction eased and agricultural output increased.

Gross Domestic Product rose 6.81 per cent on an annual basis, the fastest pace this year, compared with 6.18 per cent in the second quarter.”

It explained that daily average crude oil production rose to 2.26 million barrels from 2.11 million barrels in the previous quarter.

The Bureau noted that

although supply disruptions continued to hamper output in the oil sector, three major pipelines began pumping again between July and September.

It will be recalled that in the second quarter, the GDP increased 6.18 per cent yearon-year, the lowest expansion in more than four years.

Rivers, Bayelsa tasked on devt

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

R

IVERS and Bayelsa states have been urged to resolve their differences over the Soku and Elem-Sangama oil wells and utilise the resources of the states to boost the economy of the country.

The call was made by United Rivers and Bayelsa States Indigenes Association, Lagos branch, during the investiture of Chief Daba Obioha as its first female president.

The association said that there was urgent need for Rivers and Bayelsa states to come together and under-

stand the usefulness of their God-given mineral resources to transform their respective states to viable economies.

Delivering a lecture on Maximising Rivers and Bayelsa States Strategic Position in the Nigerian Economy, at the event, Managing Director, Energia Limited, Mr. Felix Amieyefori, challenged the two states to come out of minority syndrome, develop a common economy with a time frame that in the next five years Rivers and Bayelsa states would have developed hydrocarbon technology factory.

Oduduwa varsity honours First Lady, Okonjo-Iweala, others

F

OUR eminent Nigerians will be honoured at the 4th Founder ’s Day and 1st convocation of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumode, OUI, Osun State, Thursday.

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, will be honoured with a doctoral degree in Public Administration; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-

Iweala, Doctor of Finance; the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Doctor of Economics and Professor G. A. Olawoyin, Doctor of Law. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Adeleke Ogunwale, said 166 students would be graduating during the ceremony. 18 of the students would be graduating with First Class honours; 63

students, Second Class Upper; 82 students, Second Class Lower, while three students would be graduating with Third Class honours.

He said prizes would be presented to the best students in different disciplines.

He also disclosed that the ceremony will be kicked off with the installation of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade as the institution’s Chancellor.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Vanguard gathered that the two daughters, who raised alarm over their lives to the elders of the family, are now being protected by the police.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Professor Festus Iyayi

M

AY his soul rest in peace. It is my hope that the Federal Government will do all it can to make the man sleep well in death and not to remain troubled, seeing that the university system is still bedeviled with the rot and decay.— Miss Fayire Ruth, Worker.

I

T is quite unfortunate that just when the ASUU strike was close to being called off, the union’s ex-President was killed by a car in a governor’s convoy. This is a sad loss to the whole nation. Government must take full responsibility.— Mr. Sunday Olawale, Lecturer.

R

EST in peace honorable professor.

You died doing what you do best. Hope the government will use his death to better the lives of the people he was fighting for. May God give his families the fortitude to bear the loss.— Mr. Emmanuel Chukwujekwu, Worker.

N

I G E R I A N government is afflicted with clinical derangement. It is infected with the degenerative virus of a uniquely Nigerian disease: cerebral atrophy.

It's a peculiar affliction that is both pervasive and prone to reckless hubris.— Mr. Darlington Ehondor, Businessman.

W

HERE are all these politicians hurrying to? If they want to get to their destination on time, can’t they charter a private helicopter instead of killing innocent road users? Where are we going in this country?

God help the poor.— Mr. Jaiyeola Timmy, Musician.

I

F the government cannot obey the simple laws, what do they expect from common citizens?

Leadership should be by example. What example has this governor shown by watching his driver drive recklessly? Iyayi, may your soul rest in peace.— Miss Maame Lucina, Student.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—37

Oyakhire lauds Delta govt on poverty reduction

Oil firms donate geoscience, mapping equipment to FUPRE

BY EMEKA MAMAH

F

ORMER Military Administrator of Oyo and Taraba States, Dr Amen Oyakhire, has described the poverty reduction efforts of Delta State Government as a success story.

Oyakhire said that the state government has been consistent in its efforts to rid the state of poverty and asked other states in the country to emulate Delta.

Speaking, weekend, he pointed out that ‘’the policies, programmes and projects articulated by the Delta State Government in poverty alleviation are strongly targeted at poverty reduction.’’

In a paper entitled, Poverty Reduction in Delta State a Success Story, the former Military Administrator remarked that poverty was the bane of Africa’s development, adding that ‘’the policy, programmes and projects executed by the state government, are highly instrumental to the rapid rural transformation, empowerment and the reduction of poverty in the area.

Amori emerges new UPF Chair

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE defunct Urhobo Political Forum, UPF, has been revived with Chief Ighoyota Amori as its National Chairman.

Amori in a statement, said that Chief A. Fovie would serve as Deputy National Chairman, while Mr Love Ojakovo, Mr Festus Agas and Chief Monday Igbuya would serve as vice chairmen.

According to him, Mr Efe Ofobruku, Dr Amos Ighorodje, Chief Ejaife Odebala and Chief Solomon Ighrakpata would serve as National Secretary, Assistant National Secretary, Publicity Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.

Also to serve as executive members are Chief John Nani, Treasurer; Olorogun Taleb Tebite, Financial Secretary; Chief Efe Afe, Welfare Office; Mrs Faith Majemite, Women Leader; Mrs May Iyasere, Legal Adviser; Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, Provost and Mrs Maureen Djoma, Assistant Organizing Secre-

BY EMMA ARUBI

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SERVICE OF SONGS: Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, (left) and Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika, during the service of songs for late Chief Okoronkwo Ezekiel Ihejirika, father of the Army Chief, at Ovim Town, in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State.

Oke Ndigbo vows to release list of 242 public officers who own armoured cars

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

A

GROUP, Oke Ndigbo, has threatened to release a list of about 242 public officers in Nigeria, who use about 312 armoured cars, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC. Its threat came against the backdrop of the case involving Aviation Minister, Princess Oduah, who was fingered in the purchase of two armoured cars by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. The group lamented the virulence of the attacks on the minister by people from the SouthWest zone, since the armoured car debacle became public knowledge.

In a statement by its National Co-ordinator, Mr Jude Nworah, the group said that the SouthWest has 38 percent or 118 of such cars, adding that the first government official in the first four years of this Republic to im-

port armoured Mercedes Benz Jeep into the country was a former governor from the zone.

It said: “We have done our research; we have the figure of the purchase and other details, and even the ones he uses today. Even the National Security Adviser’s office can’t dispute this accurate data. We would do the best of sending this list to the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC for full public investigation of the involved persons, including National Assembly members, ministers, governors, security officials, among others. Good enough, with the South-West commanding 38 percent of this compendium, the stench would fester more in the region.

“We have been keen observers of the war that has been on in the aviation sector targeted at Princess Oduah, the Minister of Aviation. It has been an interesting outing,

and since we know how the war started and the manner it is being executed, we have at this time resolved to be part of it as a pressure group on the rights of Ndigbo (Oke Ndigbo) in a country divided and polarised at every point by ethnicity and other parochial sentiments.

“For the records, we state that if Stella Oduah was taken up on clear grounds of misconduct, we would not be part of her battle. But because we have deep knowledge of the ethnic bias on this calumny intended to edge her out because she is Igbo, we would join this fight as we have resolved.

“After Oduah’s appearance before the House of Representatives, we have been convinced that the facts are open from her explanation that we should do ourselves the sincere good of separating between Stella Oduah and the Minister for Aviation.

The two are not the same."

NGO stresses need for budget monitoring in LGAs

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE Human De velopment Initiative, HDI, a non-governmental organisation, has stressed the need for Nigerians at the grassroots level to monitor the implementation of budgets in the local governments.

The group, which made the call at a two-day sensitisation workshop in Okada, Edo State, weekend, said that Nigerians must show concern on how budgets are implemented at the federal, state and local government levels since they affect the

lives of every Nigerian.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from Oredo, Ovia North-East and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo State.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Yinka Akanle of HDI, explained that the body was particularly interested in the performance of budget at the councils, since local governments were closer to the people.

He explained that the group has focused its attention on budget implementation at the councils under the HDI-LGA Budget Watch

Project, adding that the organisation, since 2010, has been going round the country to sensitise Nigerians on the need to monitor the performance and execution of budgets at the council level.

“The HDI-LGA Budget Watch Project is aimed at assisting government at the local governments to implement and monitor their budget. The initiative is not to witch-hunt any political officer holder at the councils, but to foster the sharing of ideas amongst Nigerians on how the local government can become better,” he said.

ARRI—ESSO Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited has donated a fully furnished geoscience workstation, 30KVA generating set, field mapping equipment and a brand new 18seater Toyota Hiace bus to the Geoscience Department of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, as part of its Education Assistance Programme to Nigerian Universities.

Speaking at the commissioning of the workstation, Manager, Deepwater Production Geoscience, ESSO, Mr. Goodluck Adagbasa, said that the equipment donated were worth over N300 million, in addition to an 18-seater bus.

He said that the gesture was to enhance and complement the skills of three lecturers of the institution trained on the use of the machines to carry out geosciences evaluation and impart same to their students, adding that it was in furtherance of ExxonMobil’s commitment to supporting youth development and capacity building in Nigeria.

He also announced a N5.5 million yearly grant to the department for three years.

Delta monarch condemns false claim to his kingship

BY TONY NWANKWO

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HE Iyasei of OgwashiUku, Delta State, Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni has faulted claims by one Chief Collins Afuwah to be the Iyasei of Ogwashi-Uku. In a statement, the Onu Iyasei, Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Lawrence Okafor said: “The office of the Iyasei condemns the source of the report in its entirety and also the misrepresentation of the traditional office. Chief Afuwah has been advised to stop parading himself as Iyasei of the kingdom. We want to state categorically that there is only one Iyasei in OgwashiUku and the office is eminently occupied by Chief Mike Nwaukoni."

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Chime vs wife: Enugu PDP distances self from report

E

NUGU—ENUGU State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Vita Abba, has said that the party in the state had nothing to do with reports that some officials were blaming some National Assembly, NASS, members from the state for allegedly orchestrating the allegations by Mrs. Clara Chime that she was illegally detained at Government House.

In a statement in Enugu, Abba said: ‘’As the chairman of the party in Enugu State, I wish to state categorically that there is no iota of truth in the said publication which was mischievously constructed to cause disaffection between the party and its members in the NASS. ‘’In as much as the party does not intend to dabble into a private matter of the governor, I wish to state that I never authorised any official of the party in the state either by proxy or in person to make any comment on the family matters of our governor.’’

....As govt approves N145m for construction of court halls

E

NUGU—THE Enugu State Government has approved N145 million for the construction of eight new court halls at the Enugu Magistrates’ Court complex.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, announced the approval in Enugu last Thursday while briefing newsmen at the end of the state executive council meeting.

He said that when completed, the new court halls would aid speedy dispensation of justice.

Ugwoke said it would also alleviate accommodation problems faced by magistrates in the state.

VISIT: From left: Mr. Hani Michel Ghattas, Mr. Antonio Daniel, MD, Fada Construction, Chief Chris Agbobu, Works Minister, Mr. Mike Onolememen, Mr. Geoffrey Fadoul, Mr. Bashir Ibrahim and Mr. Jude Ugbechie, during a visit by the firm to the minister in Abuja.

Catholic bishop flays Imo govt over discriminatory school fees

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Anthony Obinna, has criticised the discriminatory school fees being charged by government in the state.

Obinna spoke while addressing members of Owerri Archdiocesan Pastoral Council in Owerri.

He said: “It is condemnable for government to discriminate against pupils and students in mission schools in the Imo State free education programme.

“Nigerian youths at various levels, particularly university students and the unemployed, are going through extreme

difficult times. Our governments should please help in alleviating their current and pitiable plight.”

Obinna also .appealed to both the federal and state governments to redress the extreme difficulties of unemployment which the Nigerian youths were going

through.

He, however, asked members of the Pastoral Council in all the parishes within his jurisdiction to not only give youths more attention and support but also establish Youth Welfare

....Govt tasked on reconstruction of Imo/Rivers link road

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—AN appeal has gone to Imo State Government to reconstruct the Imo end of the link road between Ulakwo in Owerri North Local Council Area of the state and Etche in Rivers

State.

A community leader, Chief Emmanuel Amushie, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen, said that the road was the shortest from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, to Port Harcourt,

Anambra guber poll a sham —OMIFE BYAKOMACHINWEOKE W K A — THE Director for Coalition, Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation, Mazi Omife I. Omife, has described last Saturday ’s governorship election in Anambra State as a sham.

According to him, there was nothing transparent about the election which could only be described as a daylight robbery.

He advised that the entire exercise be cancelled and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to order a re-run of the election as it lacked authenticity and credibility.

His words: “As most observers of the election will testify, voting

A

Committees to help them.

According to him, “it is part and parcel of our duty and mission to provide Catholic education to our children and others who love integral disciplined education.”

did not take place in several core centres of the state. This the INEC confirmed which prompted them to conduct a supplementary election in some areas which goes to show that indeed, the credibility of the entire election is neither here nor there. This is with particular reference to Awka South Senatorial zone where there were cases of missing election materials and polling booths like Mbaukwu ward where booth 012 was missing and Awka ward 08 where another polling booth was missing.

“In the case of Umuawulu and Umueri wards, it took the persistent complaints by some aggrieved party agents for some earlier missing polling booths to be restored less than an hour before close of voting, thereby

disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.

“Another factor that marred the election was the introduction of religious politics whereby one particular denomination in the state openly canvassed votes for candidates even on the election day contrary to the Electoral Act which prohibits any sort of campaign on the election day.

Omife, also said there was the need for INEC to use new returning officers for the re-run election so as to re-assure the electorate whose confidence has been greatly injured.

“There is no way the Labour Party could not have won the election, particularly in Anambra South which is one of the strong holds of the party,” he said.

Rivers State by road.

According to Amushie, the Rivers State Government had already constructed its own side of the road, up to Ngor Okpala boundary, leaving the part on the side of Imo State untarred.

“It is left for the Imo State Government to work on the Ulakwo-ImerienweUmunakara-Oritseze axis to make communication easier for people living within these communities,” Amushie pleaded.

In the same vein, the people of Umuobom, Mbieri, have cried out to Imo State Government to save them from what they described as “the poor road network in the area.”

Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the people, the President General, Herbert Iroka, expressed regret that “the community had remained inaccessible due to the poor state of roads in the area.”

He also, pleaded with government to provide other social amenities including, a functional health centre, electricity and roads among others.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—39

,

From left, Mr. Dextre Adeola,Brand Building Manager, Close-Up; Mr. David Okeme, Brand Building Director; Oiza Gyang, Category Manager, Oral Care; Grace Onwubuemeli, Asst.

Category Manager, Oral Care, all of Unilever Nigeria, and Mr. Seyi Law, a comedian, during celebration of Close-Up, as Brand of the Year 2013, in Lagos.

From left, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, of Ekiti State, guest speaker; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, chief host; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner of Health, host, and Dr. Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser to Gov. Fashola on Public Health, during the Lagos Liveable City Conference 2013, with theme: 'Preparing for the Mental and Social Health Need of the Lagos Megacity,' at Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

VISIT: From left, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, spokesman, Afenifere; Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer, CULTURAL DAY: Representative of Eze Ndigbo, Chief Henry Okoye; Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa, Olu Latter Rain Assembly, and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba, and Executive Chairman, Orile Agege Local Government, Mr. Taofik Arise, during a courtesy visit by Dr. Awolowo-Dosunmu to Latter Rain Adaranijo, during the Cultural Day of the Eyes on the Future Schools, Agege, Lagos.

Assembly, Ogba , Lagos, weekend.

Director General and Chief Executive officer of the National Teachers' Institute, Dr. Aminu Sharehu (left), being honoured by National Teachers' Institute, NTI, North-Central Coordinator, Dr. Judith Ekpunobi, on his re-appointment as the DG/CE of NTI, in Kaduna.

From left, Ms Abiola Awosanya, Admin Manager, Idea Builders; Ms Ifeoma Okoye, Public Affairs Manager, Lagos and West, and Mrs. Isha Ime-James, mentor, at the Idea Builders' 'mentor a woman walk', sponsored

by Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, (Photo Editor)

DINNER: From left, Chief J.O. Tawoshe, Lagos State Scout Commissioner; Senator Bode Olajumoke, special Scout Commissioner, and Engr. G.O. Akinlawon, former SSC, during the 10th Lagos State Scout Council campfire dinner and award, at Chrisland School, Opebi Road, Ikeja. Photos: Joe Akintola, (Photo Editor)

Mr. Adeola Johnson, Chairman, Management Committee; Otunba S.O.B. Dada, and Mr. Ayodele Musari, Secretary, Management Committee, all of Lagos State Scout Council.

PRESENTATION: From left, Lagos Business School, Senior Management Programme 47 class member, Mrs. Tijani Olufunmilayo; West District Coordinator, Nigeria Association of the Blind, NAB, Mr. Cajetan Dure; Vice Chairman, NAB, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Tunde Mohammed; President, Senior Management Programme 47 class member, Mr. Udong King, and treasurer of Business School, Mrs. Ibim Ijere, during a courtesy visit of Business School and presentation of cheque to the physically challenged people, as part of their corporate social responsibility, at NAB Complex, Ojuelegba, Lagos.

Dr. Bosun Arilesere (left) and Mrs. Belinda Amao , Head Teacher, Chrisland School.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

450,000 farmers benefit from GES in Kano

Kaduna Speaker probes illegal recruitments in NRC

K

ANO—NO fewer than 450,000 registered farmers in Kano State have benefitted from the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme, GES, during this year’s farming season.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Baraka Sani said this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Kano on the preparations for the forthcoming 2013 Kano State Agricultural Show.

NAN reports that the event would be held in Bagauda, Babeji Local Government Area to showcase the agricultural potentialities of the state.

The Theme for this year’s show is: “Agricultural Development in Kano State: A Promise Fulfilled.”

She said the state government had committed more than N1.7 billion as 25 per cent subsidy on the total cost of inputs received by the farmers across the state.

NTI’s 5-point agenda yielding results —D-G

A

BUJA—THE Direc tor-General of the National Teachers’ Institute, Dr Aminu Sharehu, has said that his fivepoint agenda has yielded results in improved training and quality of teachers across the nation.

Sharehu who spoke while playing host to the six zonal coordinators of the institute who were at the headquarters in Kaduna to congratulate him on his re-appointment, noted that was encouraged by the gesture from his staff, stressing that the honour was not for him alone but for all staff of the Institute.

The D-G said that when he assumed the post of the Chief Executive of NTI, he met a lot of challenges and was able to achieve success through his administration’s Five-Point Target which included strengthening the quality assurance mechanisms of the Institute’s teacher training programmes.

K

AGM—From left: Chairman, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Dr. Ephraim Faloughi; Managing Director, Mr. Wale Onaolapo; and Vice Chairman, Mr. Oluseun Ajayi, at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos.

Girl-child education'll curb street begging, VVF— Commissioner

BY TAYE OBATERU & MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS—STREET begging and the scourge of VVF in the north could be curbed if the girl child who subsequently becomes a mother is given quality education.

Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Olivia Dazyem and Hajia Aminu Salihu disclosed this in Jos weekend at the 3rd Plateau Roundtable organized by Carefronting Nigeria in collaboration with Freedom House.

According to them, proper education would equip the girl child to positively impact her children for the good of the society.

The duo who were speakers at the event lamented the plight of the girl child especially in the north agreeing that patriarchy and wrong interpretation of religion have collaborated to rob the female children of their rights in the society.

According to them, both "Islam and Christianity guarantee the right of all human beings so the situation where a girl child is forced to be a baby raising another baby is not good for us as a nation".

However, Hajia Salihu pointed out that “a more informed person can better understand and practice religion not adapting to the warped interpretation of the Qur’an and street begging.

“Islam is indeed a religion

of peace and gives rights in equal measure to male and female who believe, Qur’an must be flexible enough to accommodate innumerable cultural situations so that it remains universally relevant to all those who believe.

“Islam guarantees rights to girls and women such as the rights of choice, to education,

to life, to dignity and honour, to a voice and participation in public life among others.

A girl or woman has the right to choose a spouse, a career and men are forbidden from inheriting widows against their will, a right to choose which social, cultural or political association she affiliates with”, she stressed.

ADUNA—THE Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Usman Tahir has constituted a seven-man adhoc committee to investigate alleged abuse of recruitment guidelines by the Zaria District office of Nigeria Railway Corporations, NRC. The investigation was prompted by a motion moved on the floor of the assembly by Alhaji Yakubu Soja (APC-Zaria Kewaye) on alleged abuses in the recruitment of junior staff on grade levels 01-06 by the distric office.

According to him, the recruitment violated the provisions of the Federal Civil Service, which provided that such vacancies be filled by applicants where the government offices were located.

He said it was important for the assembly to thoroughly investigate the matter so as not to deny applicants in the area the right to be considered for appointment.

Soja informed the members that applicants from Zaria district of the NRC had been sidelined from the exercise.

POLIO: 453 people reject vaccination in Sokoto LG

S

OKOTO—A TOTAL of 453 cases of rejection had been recorded in the last two days in the ongoing 10th round of polio immunisation in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, an official has said.

The Director of Health of the local government, Hajiya Amina Jibril, disclosed this on Monday in Illela while briefing a team of Journalists monitoring the exercise.

“These cases were recorded between Saturday and Sunday in 347 households across the area. “ Over sixty per cent of these rejections have been resolved and all the children hitherto missed, had been fully immunised,” she said.

Jibril also said over 46 ,000

eligible children between zero to five years, are being targeted across the local government during the four-day exercise.

According to her, about 60% of the targeted children have been immunised so far, since the exercise began on Saturday.

“We are also hopeful that the exercise would record about 95 per cent success by Tuesday, “We have also planned a mop up exercise between Saturday to Tuesday next week to cover all the children who will expectedly be missed,” she added.

Jibril disclosed that the state government had provided 115,520 doses of the polio vaccines to the local

government, adding that 492 health personnel were administering the vaccine in 11 wards of the area.

“We have some of them immunising children on house to house basis, while there are fixed and special teams,” she explained.

The director said the local government was providing incentives to encourage parents to allow their children to be immunised.

“These include plastic plates and cups, noodles, detergents and toiletries, among others; we are also doling out other items to the children, like sweets and biscuits,” she added.

Also commenting, the Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Garba Sabongari said the council had earmarked N900,000 for logistics, to ensure the success of the exercise.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 41

C M Y K

42— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19,

2013

Nigeria’ll sell oil refineries next year—Diezani

By SEBASTINE OBASI, with Agency report

N

IGERIA, Africa’s largest oil producer, plans to begin privatizing its four stateowned oil refineries before the end of the first quarter, Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke said.

Alison-Madueke said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa in London, “We would like to see major infrastructural entities such as refineries moving out of government hands into the private sector.

Government does not want to be in the business of running

major infrastructure entities and we haven’t done a very good job at it over all these years.”

A presidential audit of the facilities last year recommended their sale due to inadequate government funding and “sub-optimal performance.” The refineries, which have a combined 445,000 barrel-a-day capacity, should be privatized within 18 months, according to the report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2012. Nigeria, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries, produced 1.99 million barrels a day of crude in October, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

While Nigeria is also Africa’s top crude exporter and the most populous with more than 160 million people, it relies on fuel imports to meet more than 70 percent of its needs. Its stateowned plants operate at a fraction of their capacity because of poor maintenance and aging equipment. Nigeria also exchanges 60,000 barrels a day of crude for products with Trafigura Beheer BV and a similar amount with Societe Ivoirienne de Raffinage’s

refinery in Ivory Coast, according to Nigeria National Petroleum Corp.

“We are right now undergoing a major turnaround maintenance program” of the refineries, Alison-Madueke said.

Improvements to the two-unit 210,000 barrel-a-day Port Harcourt refinery, the country’s biggest, will be completed by the end of the year, to be followed by enhancements at the Warri and Kaduna sites in 2014, according to the NNPC. Warri has a daily processing capacity of 125,000 and Kaduna 110,000 barrels.

No missing N500 billion SURE-P funds— Okonjo-Iweala

T

HE Minister of Finance, yesterday, denied Senate allegation that N500 billion was missing from the SURE-P funds.

A statement signed by Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser Media to the Coordinating

Minister of Finance said “contrary to some recent media reports, there is no missing N500 billion from SURE-P funds. The claim is completely false.

“The total expected funds for SURE-P from subsidy savings for the Federal, state and local governments is N816 billion from February 2012 to December 2013. (Please note that SURE-P started in February 2012.)

“The Federal Government portion managed by the Kolade Committee for the period February 2012 to September 2013 is N300 billion after deductions for Stabilisation and other Special Accounts.

“As Dr Christopher Kolade confirmed to the National Assembly recently, this is the amount which SURE-P at the Federal level has received from the Federal Government. The balance of N500 billion went to the states and local governments which also have their own SURE-P programmes. This is the amount that is wrongly described as missing”.

Judicial reforms necessary for stability, says NBA President

T

HE President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Okey Wali, yesterday, said judicial reforms in the country would drive its economic and political stability.

Wali, who made the assertion at the opening of its annual conference in Makurdi, said it was impossible to attract foreign investments in the country without a credible judicial administration.

He said, “Without an effective and efficient judiciary, there will be no foreign or local investments in Nigeria today,” adding that the volume of inflow of investments into the country had a way of affecting the economic stability of the country.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 43

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

A

S part of its strategy to transform Delta state into an ideal business and residential destination in Nigeria, the state government has embarked on the development of a multi-billion Naira Warri Industrial Business Park, WIBP. The park which is a mixed project of industrial, commercial and residential developments, is located in Edjeba, in the oilrich Warri.

The integrated park which sits on 300 hectares of land will host a cluster of heavy industries, light industries and terrace factories, warehouses, office complex, commercial retail outlets, hotel, residential apartments and recreational facilities. The first phase of the project is expected to be delivered by December 2014 at an estimated cost of 1.5 million US dollars.

The entire project expected to be completed in five years’ time, is being sponsored by Warri Industrial Park Limited, WIPL, a private limited liability company.

Delta State Government is the major shareholder while ARCO Petrochemical Ltd is the minority private sector shareholder. WIPL is a special purpose vehicle set up for the purpose of executing the project.

The Project Director, of the Park, Mrs. Helen Emore, told newsmen in Lagos weekend, that the project is aimed at regenerating Warri in terms of real estate development. She explained that WIBP is a planned eco-friendly park

The model of residential area in the business park

Delta, private firms team up to develop Warri Industrial Business Park intended for the business community such as oil and gas, manufacturing, commercial and service companies.

She further explained that green infrastructure such as clean water, healthy soils, recreational parks and adequate shading and shelter within the park, would support its (park) long term sustainability goals.

The project, Mrs. Emore said, will operate as a Free Trade Zone, with a full range of infrastructure and services that

are independent of the public supply. According to her, the Free Trade Zone status offers businesses operating within the park security, tax and labour benefits which will reduce their business cost considerably.

“It is strategically situated within various states and national road and rail networks and is a 5km drive from the Warri Airport and a 12km drive from the Warri Seaport. The location was carefully selected based on business considerations including

proximity to both gas supply and a pipeline network to facilitate the distribution of gas to power industries, presence of a strong industrial and commercial sector with many national companies maintaining local operations targeted at servicing the needs of the vibrant oil and gas sector.

“Others are access to a wide range of geographical markets due to its strategic location, Warri has a strong oil and gas presence with many of the oil majors such as Warri Refinery,

First Group unveils Dubai property portfolio

BY JACOB AJOM

T

HE First Group, TFG, a global player in property development and the hospitality industry, is currently executing 10 multi-billion naira projects in various parts of the United Arab Emirates, UAE. The Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Rob Burns who was in Nigeria last week to popularise the brand and its various projects in the UAE, said: “with a staff strength of 700 and 12 offices, the TFG is executing 10 projects.

Some of the projects include The Bridge, a 32 storey tower in Dubai, The Diamond, a 14 storey tower with 128 fully furnished studios, the Marina Hotel, operated as Wyndham Dubai Marina, upon completion and the Sky Central Hotel operated as TRYP by Wyndham upon completion.”

Other projects include First Central, Grand Central, Metro Central and the Spirit, all in Dubai. The TFG boss disclosed

that former Nigerian international footballer, Nwankwo Kanu has been appointed its brand ambassador.

Speaking at a cocktail in Lagos, Burns said Kanu and other international stars like Andre Shevchenko, Michael Owen, among others give the brand a face. “We are happy to identify with these stars for what they have done.” He underlined the importance of his visit to Nigeria

in these words: “We consider the Nigerian market as very good; we will welcome investors from here as Dubai has become the second most attractive global property investment hub, only behind London.”

He said due to its excellent delivery in property development, the company has won numerous awards including the CNBC International Property awards, the Arabian Property

awards 2013-2014, the Luxury Living Africa awards 2013, among others.

Rob disclosed that research and an entrepreneurial spirit led them to specialise in the highly profitable world of hotel investments. “We have made it our business to build iconic hotels, offering individual investors the opportunity to profit from purchasing hotel rooms and suites,” he said

Gov Orji, others bag housing awards

By CALEB AYANSINA

T

HE Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has been nominated as the Urban Development Governor of the year, by Housing Circuit Magazine, a media firm that specialises in housing j o u r n a l i s m .

Also, a Senator and ten other

professionals carefully selected from the built environment will be honoured by the magazine.

Publisher of the magazine, Mr. Seun Jegede made this known in a press statement in Abuja.

He explained that Governor Orji was nominated as the best governor in urban development in the country based on the legacy projects he had executed in Abia state. According to him,

“The honour became necessary following the governor ’s outstanding performances in his urban renewal efforts in Abia State.”

The magazine’s award dinner, is an annual event designed to honour and celebrate excellent performances among professionals in the urban development and construction industry.

Shell, Mobil, Total and Nigeria Gas Company well represented with exploration and production as well as other operating facilities, availability of skilled labour driven by high literacy level in Delta State which stands at 85 per cent (national average 71%).

Also 64 per cent of its population in the working class is higher than the national figure of 50 per cent.

Critical infrastructure “Warri equally possesses presence of critical infrastructure like the power stations and the gas pipeline that will support the park; the state has a multi modal transportation system to move people and goods. These include national rail network, local and international airport, several seaports and network of roads. Delta state is home to a rich mix of agricultural and natural resources which service the raw material needs of many industries. This acts as a pull for many industries with a need to operate close to the source of their critical raw materials,” she said.

The project director who stated that the development of the park is under private public partnership, PPP initiative, said it will offer prime-grade and site developed plots in variety of sizes that will be capable of catering for the needs of medium to large-scale business organisations involved in light industrial and manufacturing operations.

44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Demolition: Odoragunsin home owners seek intervention of judiciary, legislature

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

S

EVEN months after the demolition of 106 houses in Odoragunsin in the old Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, by officials of Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the affected home owners, under the aegis of Residents and Property Owners at Odoragunsin, RPOO, have appealed to the Lagos House of Assembly to come to their rescue.

Besides, the group has also filed a writ of summons in the Lagos High Court seeking judicial assistance to get redress from the state government.

The latest development, according to the officials of the association, is predicated upon the seeming discriminatory approach in the demolition exercise. It was alleged that some homes belonging to influential personalities in the community were spared, fueling the speculation that government has ulterior motives rather than the fact that the land would be used for an automobile assembly.

and Molujo Estate that links Ilara, Abraham Akinsanya Road, Feko and Debo Omoseke?”, asked one of the lawyers to the evictees.

During a visit to the traditional ruler of the community, Aladegunsebi of Odoragunsin, Oba Olagoke Ogunsanya, it was gathered that Ogunsanya might have inherited Odo-Iragunshin village from his father, but he was unable to prevail on the issue.

According to him, “that community falls under my jurisdiction and it is close to my palace. The land in question is one of the properties I inherited from my father. But, I don’t know when police invaded the village and pulled down people’s houses with bulldozers. The truth is that I am not happy with this action.

All the people are now homeless. Since the incident, they have been hiding in huts, shanties, while others have been squatting with friends.”

On the steps he has taken since the incident, he said, “I have not been able to intervene.

But, I heard that the people have gone to Alausa to express their grievances. On the day of the demolition, no official of government intimated me.

Government has no documents to prove that it has acquired Odo-Iragunshin land and there is nothing like compensation for the affected people”, the traditional ruler noted.

Another traditional ruler, Alara of Ilara, Oba Akeem Okunola Adesanya, who spoke on the issue said the house of his senior wife was also affected. He lamented that

those whose houses were demolished were the impoverished Nigerians who collected loans from banks to build their houses.

However, it was gathered that House members have called for another meeting to look into the claims by the evictees, many of who possessed one form of approval or the other.

But not leaving any stone unturned to get justice, the community, through their lawyer has filed a writ of summons at Lagos High Court.

The suit number ID/LD/940/ 2013/ from their counsel, Wiseview Legal Consultancy, has as claimants: Messrs Akinsanya Abraham, Adebowale Omoseke, Taiwo Mustapha, Pastor Oladipo, Rev. Sam Ajetunmobi, Mrs. Dolapo Abosede,Deacon

Infringement of victims' rights The action has drawn the ire of members of the public who criticised the government for pulling down some buildings and leaving others untouched within the same site. They described the action as not only partial, but an infringement on the victims’ rights to own landed property as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While some queried the rationale behind the demolition exercise, others wondered why the government waited for so long, allowing the land to be occupied and developed before embarking on demolition.

At a meeting held at the home of a community leader in Eredo, representatives of Macopolo, the purported firm on whose behalf the land was acquired, refuted government’s assertion that the land earmarked for the assembly plant covers the entire area.

Macopolo’s representative who spoke to newsmen on the condition of anonymity, because she was not authorised to comment on the issue publicly, said their area of land is adjacent to Feko Road, on the western part and Molajo Itunomo Estate.

“The question that needs to be answered is what is the relationship between Macopolo/Lag Bus Assembly

Ademola Orelaja, Alhaji Balogun Saula, Alhaji Ambali Rasaki and Alhaji Adetola Lasisi, for themselves and on behalf of the Residents and Property Owners at Odoragunsin, while contending that the demolition of their Property is abuse of right to own property at Odoragunshin Eredo LCDA, Epe, Lagos.

Advancing reasons for the latest demolition, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, noted that the exercise was not in any way intended to punish anybody, but rather, to ensure that government meets its statutory obligations to the people.

Ayinde noted that the site had been earmarked for Motor Vehicle Assembly Plant for long and that residents cannot claim ignorance of the plan.

However, the Commissioner challenged any of the affected house owners to produce approved plan if they have any.

Besides, Ayinde hinted that government is trailing the syndicates behind the issuance of fake document, adding that the ministry has put in place, a strategy that would expose official collaborators.

“Apart from the fact that we are posed to unveil the syndicate(s) behind the issuance of fake documents to unsuspecting property owners, we have also in the trail of official collaborators who are creating problems by providing lee ways for the fraudsters’.

He said the Odoragunsin victims fell to the trap of surveyors who manipulated the coordinate of the land in question to show that it was outside the acquired one.

Rubbles of the demolished Odoragunsin community

Universal Furniture re-strategises, opens new outlets

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

H

AVING taken almost 30 years to develop the technical know-how, Messrs Universal Furniture Limited, UFL, said it’s re-strategising to venture into the retail market.

The Chairman of the company, Antoine Moudaber explained that it is now ready to bring its expertise to bear in the Nigerian retail market, as it also plans new outlets across the country.

Speaking during a facility tour of the factory in Lagos, Moudaber said the company is looking at “closing a huge gap in the market. for example, the international standard furniture made in Nigeria by Nigerians for the Nigerian market, thus

competing with the low end and high end imported furniture”.

He said the company recently brought in new management to drive a new strategy for the retail market development with a shift from its core focus - multinational and government establishments.

He explained that the purchase of new set of machines in 2009 spurred its exploration of mass retail production. The company, he said, looks forward to offering locally made high end furniture that competes with Italian and Turkish made furniture.

The Universal Furniture boss listed the challenges the company had grappled with to include finding qualified staff and poor infrastructure

which causes damages from the factory to client’s location. Both challenges he said have been addressed with regular training for all the staff and improved packing/ loading approach to withstand the jolt of bumpy roads.

In a bid to build to improve its workforce he stated that “UFL is looking to engage in talent partnerships with universities across Nigeria as a way of giving back to the country.”

Moudaber boasted that customers who come into the new showroom will find it hard to believe that the furniture collections are made in Nigeria.

The company, he said, plans to showcase a different designer and collection every six months

- that includes Nigerian designers – promising high end quality, at affordable price with first class after service care.

“Although UFL design is currently grounded on weaving international experience with African talent, its key aim is, overtime, to have Nigeria’s talent with the know-how, designing and producing their collection of furniture for African market with little or no input from experts,” he said, adding that 95 percent of the company’s workforce which has grown from 30 in 1987 to 550 in 2013 are Nigerians.

The company, applied and attained ISO9001-2008 certification in 2010.

The newly refurbished showroom located in Victoria Island will be opened on 23 November, 2013.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—

45

Epidemic looms at Mile 2 Estate •Residents empty sewage into gutters, open drainages

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE, ONOZURE DANIA & RACHEAL OLAYIWOLA

E

VEN as residents of Lagos State and environs are recovering from the recent cholera epidemic, another possible outbreak of communicable diseases is silently brewing within the Mile 2 Estate popularly called “Jakande Estate” in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State.

This is the current situation no thanks to poor handling and careless disposal of human waste, or sewage, in several parts of the densely populated Estate.

Good Health Weekly investigations around the expansive community showed flagrant disregard of approved sewage disposal in the interest of environmental health and sanitation requirements. The practice of channeling raw sewage from septic tanks into gutters and open drainages is not uncommon even as residents of the Estate appear oblivious of the attendant health hazards.

An obvious instance of looming epidemic can be found on Adeola Johnson Street where a number of sewage pipes are channeled from underground septic tanks behind Apartment Blocks 233, 293 and 296, and can be seen emptying directly into the gutters and open drains.

An unpleasant odour hangs around the vicinity and passersby are often compelled to cover their noses as they hurry past the offensive sight. When accosted, residents attributed the development to the waterlogged topography of the Estate, which, they said, causes most of the existing septic tanks, constructed decades ago, to fill up in no time especially in the rainy season.

But close observers and health watchers describe the scenario as an eyesore. Only recently, the Lagos State government announced plans to relocate residents of

the Estate to enable sand filling of the area and construction of a new Estate as a way of tackling the perennial flooding problem of the area.

One is left wondering if indeed there is any authority to supervise waste

• A sewage pipe draining into the open gutter from Block 293 .

• Sewage pipes channeled into the open drainage opposite Adeola Johnson Street, behind Block 233, in Mile 2Estate, Amuwo-Odofin LGA,Lagos. management activities in the Estate. Efforts to get comments from the Amuwo Odofin LGA on the development proved abortive.

When Good Health Weekly visited the headquaters of the LGA, the staff kept sealed lips over the development and several phone calls and messages to the Chairman, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, were unanswered.

The question now is whether people should be allowed to dispose sewage in the gutters? An environmental expert described the disposal of human wastes and other waterborne waste products from houses, streets, and factories as “potentially hazardous” if not properly treated before disposal.

“Conveyed through sewers to sewage

Only HEFAMAA registers health facilities in Lagos — ADESHINA

C

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

ONTRARY to speculations, the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, is the only regulatory agency empowered by law to accredit, register and license premises and locations where qualitative preventive or curative healthcare services are rendered.

Disclosing this in Lagos last week at the second stakeholders' meeting of health facilities operators and health service providers, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, said the clarification became necessary to dispel misconceptions about the body legally empowered by law to register health facilities in the State.

"The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency,HEFAMAA, was established in March 2006 by the Health

• Sewage pipe emptying debris into the open drainage from Block 296 .

Sector Reform Law of 2006 to replace the defunct Private Hospital Rregistration Authority. The Agency ensures compliabce with minimum standards in securing the lives of the citizenry. Only recently, 80 unregistered health facilities in Lagos were shut down by the Agency.

Adesina explained that while the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria, Nursing Council of Nigeria and the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, are concerned with the accreditation, registration and licensing of doctors, nurses and pharmacist respectively, HEFAMAA concerns itself with registration of clinics, hospitals, maternity homes, convalescent homes, laboratories, diagnostic centers and mortuaries.

“The stakeholders’meeting was an eye opener for health providers to understand grey areas on the roles of HEFAMAA and its activities. Suffice it to say that we got a

lot of comments which was encouraging.

It was really an eye opener to see how many providers were in darkness as to what the roles of HEFAMAA is and how and why we established HEFAMAA. We will continue to encourage this interactive session beyond today", she remarked.

The Special Adviser however noted there is an approval to set up 'e-HEFAMAA' which is the electronic version of HEFAMAA that would enable health providers register, pay and make changes online.

Earlier, Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Tayo Bello expressed displeasure at the attitude of health care providers to clients who patronize their facilities.

"We have incidences where patients complained of discourteous attendance at private and public health facilities. There Continues on Page 47

• Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale. works, sewage has to undergo series of treatments to be acceptable for discharge into rivers or the sea, and according to various local laws. Raw sewage, or sewage that has not been treated adequately, is a serious source of water pollution and other health hazards such as cholera,” he warned.

While it is the responsibility of the local government authority to dispose of sewage for residential areas, it is expected that those who generate the waste would ensure responsible and safe handling.

The bottom line is that disposing untreated sewage into open gutters in a densely populated region should be discouraged in all ramifications because it has high potential to cause cholera, and other severe diarrhoeal disorders.

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—47

Kerosene explosion victim cries for help Requires N3m for plastic surgery

T

BY GODWIN OGHERE

• Promise Abayowa.

BY GODWIN OGHERE

WENTY seven-year-old Promise Aboyowa is in dire straits. The unemployed first school leaving certificiate holder, and father of one, who hails from Abigborodo in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, is a victim of kerosene explosion.

Promise’ plight is worsened by absence of his wife, Alero, who fled home since the unfortunate incident.

Narrating his ordeal, Promise said he woke up on October 8, 2011, without a premonition that his life was about to change forthe worse. “By 8.00am, I proceded to the kitchen to light up the kerosene stove in an attempt to prepare my breakfast as my wife had left home to hawk her wares.

As Promise lit the stove, he discovered there wasn’t enough kerosene in it. But it did not occur to him to put out the stove first before pouring kerosene in the reservoir. It was in the process of pouring more kerosene that the stove exploded.

“Before I knew it, fire had engulfed the whole kitchen, leaving me severely burnt.

Neighbours rushed me to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara, where I was placed in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit”. Months after he was discharged, the burnt parts of his body began sprouting abnormal growths. Most affected are his mouth, hands and legs. Promise was taken back to the hospital where he was referred to Germany for plastic reconstructive surgery estimated to cost N3 million.

Currently, Promise is jobless and completely dependent on the goodwill of kind hearted persons can no longer perform menial jobs to sustain himself and his daughter because his badly burned fingers have been rendered unuseable.

Promise is soliciting for ssistance from kind hearted Nigerians to raise the required sum for the reconstructive plastic surgery.

• Donations can be sent to Promise Aboyowa, Eco Bank 5521055972. Further details can be obtained on 08100721549.

Only HEFAMAA registers health facilities in Lagos Continued from page 45 is the case of a private facility that refused to attend to a security guard who had been stabbed and was bleeding profusely until a deposit was paid. This trend is worrisome and HEFAMAA frowns at this".

Bello cited cases where operator of a facility registered as a clinic illegally opened

another branch operating as a full-fledged hospital and maternity centre.

"It is unfortunate that barely four months after we had the first stakeholders meeting when we rubbed minds as to how we can move the health industry in the State forward, some health facilities and operators have not changed for the better as evident in worst scenario of events re-

corded in their facilities.

"HEFAMAA will not fold its arms when flagrant infractions are committed in the industry. As we speak, a number of health personnel are being investigated by the Personnel Management Board at the LASUTH and Health Service Commission for various offences as it relates to the management of patients", Bello stated.

National Hospital promotes neuroimaging

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & CALEB AYANSINA

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OWARDS improving the skill and comprehensive knowledge of Nigerian doctors in use of neuroimaging technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, or CT scan, the National Hospital Abuja recently organised a 3day course tagged: "Neuroimaging Anatomy, Imaging Techniques and Neuro-Emergencies".

At the workshop, Dr Aisha Umar, said doctors of radiology, neurology and neurosurgery neded to understand better how to diagnose diseases of the brain and spine, and improve their treatment techniques. "This training provides a threemonth clinical rotation for residents and fellows in radiology, neurology and neurosurgery. The intention is to have an annual course, with different themes to cover the entire field of neuroimaging, over a period of four to five years.

"We want the development of human capital at home by encouraging the international expert to share the knowledge at home to make the treatment more available and cheaper for Nigerians," she said.

Umar stressed the importance of medical examination in detecting diseases early and preventing them. "We normally say in medicine that the best mode of treatment is prevention. To prevent an illness is actually better than treatment.

“I want to encourage Nigerians to check themselves for hypertension and diabetes. I these are properly controlled, people may not develop stroke and if they do have stroke, they should quickly go to hospital." She remarked that the National Hospital is training more personnel in different fields to address inadequacy of manpower in the healthcare system.

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uintuplets mark a year, Nordica pledge hope for childless couples

By Gabriel Olawale As minutes turn hours and months to year, Sofunlayo quintuplets - three females and two males born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wale Sofunlayo on December 16, 2011 turn a year.

Overwhelm with the joy of seeing their babies’ clock a year; the couple did not even remember their years of barrenness.

Her Word: “Although these children did not came at expected time and we had almost lost hope, but God later be our hope as will did not remember our years of bareness any more.”

Olayemo, the mother of the babies noted that they already had a male child before God added another five children.

“We already had one boy which was not up to two years before we had the quintuplets. So between three years, God made

48—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

of Police are coming to Anambra for elections but I don’t know what the police has done with the previous reports.”

Election Day realities In most areas visited by Vanguard on Election Day, it was discovered that materials arrived late, leading to the late commencement of accreditation and subsequently, voting.

The exercise, which was scheduled to commence at 8:00 am, did not kickoff until 11 am, when accreditation started in most polling units across the 4,608 polling units in the state.

Nonetheless, at most polling units in Awka South, Anaocha and Aguata, areas known as the home base of the incumbent governor, Mr. Peter Obi and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, accreditation and voting started early enough.

•Ngige, Obiano, Ubah and Nwoye

Eligible voters

ANAMBRA GUBER POLL:

One contest too many knocks, intrigues THE conduct of the governorship election in Anambra State did not fall short of pre-election predictions that the exercise would fall in line with the state’s predilection to political drama.

A

CROSS the 21 local government areas last Saturday ’s gubernatorial election was characterised by intrigues and seemingly calculated political anomalies.

No less a person than the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega confessed last Saturday that the governorship election in Anambra State was sabotaged.

The election was indeed one that was for many candidates, party supporters, and voters that was heralded by suspicion, fear, tension and unusual electoral permutations.

Though the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had boasted that the exercise would witness remarkable improvements on previous

polls, its outcome, was to a large extent a mockery of that pledge.

So when early yesterday, the Returning Officer Professor James Epoke, declared the election inconclusive, not many were surprised or shocked by the development.

Early alarm by candidates While promising a credible election at a stakeholders forum held three days to the election in Awka, INEC chairman, Prof Atahiru Jega had said, “ we have made meticulous arrangements to ensure that the election is free and fair. We want to make Anambra elections the best elections we have conducted in this country.

We have done some in the past and we have learnt from our mistakes.”

Jega’s pledge was also strengthened by the Inspector General of Police,

Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar who at the forum said, “It is possible to have a peaceful election but it depends on the people, because we have provided adequate security. I am appealing to Anambra people especially party chairmen to give peace a chance.”

However, whether the commission creditably conducted the polls, is in doubt given the outcome across the 4,608 polling units in the state.

Indications that the elections might not be as smooth as promised by INEC emerged at the stakeholders’ forum, where the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate Senator Chris Ngige said INEC was yet to prosecute electoral offenders who ensured that his supporters did note vote at the 2010 governorship elections in most parts of Anambra Central and other parts of the state.

Ngige’s assertion added to

claims made by some persons within and outside INEC in the days leading to the election that the exercise had

,

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

For instance when Vanguard visited Ichi Ward 2 polling unit Nnewi, the base of Labour Candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Uba most eligible voters complained about being disenfranchised.

Ubah corroborated this in his country home, that day when he said, “there are a lot of inconsistencies especially on the voters register. For instance in a ward that has about 700 voters, you will discover that only seventeen names will be found in the register. This situation does not speak well and does not signal that we will have a free

However, whether the commission creditably conducted the polls, is in doubt given the outcome across the 4,608 polling units in the state

already been programmed to favour a particular candidate.

Instructively, Ngige said “I contested in 2010 but could not enter some violent prone areas, we had no agents there but the results were declared. Result sheets were not brought in some areas and our people were manhandled but results still came out and were recognized by INEC .

There are times when SPOs will come to deliver materials but will not drop result sheets as stipulated in the electoral act. We need categorical statement on this. This is the first time three commissioners

,

and fair exercise,” Ubah added.

Across other senatorial districts, it was also the same tale of massive disenfranchisement, late and non arrival of electoral materials, alleged monetary inducements by agents of some candidates, forceful ejection of party agents among others.

Uncommon realignment between friends and foes Prominent among the surprises thrown up is the uncommon realignment between hitherto political Continues on page 49

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013—49

The burden on Ngige

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

A

MONG the 23 governorship candidates that filed out for the Anambra elections last Saturday, Senator Chris Ngige, the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer is arguably, the most experienced in terms of managing affairs at the Government House. At least, he has been there before and left indelible footprints.

One Anambra politician said Ngige’s popularity arose from the landmark achievements he recorded during his illegal three-year tenure.

“Ngige made us to know that there is money in government.

Before Ngige, our political leaders used to tell us that the state government cannot do anything because they don’t get anything from the Federal Government, that because the Igbos lost the civil war, they no longer receive allocation from Abuja, and so there is no development and Federal presence in the South-East.

Ngige showed us that godfathers who were milking the state were responsible for the lack of development in Anambra. He stopped the

•Ngige a culture that is alien to Ndigbo.

Wrongly or rightly, an APC government in Lagos, recently, ‘deported’ some Igbos to Onitsha and dropped them at

,

To win the election, Ngige must win at least 81, 411 votes from the available 113,113 in the supplementary election and ensure that Obiano did not secure any votes

godfathers and used the money to build roads and provide infrastructure before the Appeal Court nullified his election in 2006,” he said.

Many Anambrarians share this view, which may have accounted for the good mileage Ngige recorded in last Saturday’s election in spite of the numerous hurdles erected on his path.

Performance as governor The major factors going for the APC flag bearer in the elections were his performance as governor between 2003 and 2006 and his popularity.

Outside that he had the politics of zoning, incumbency factor, political platform, deportation of Igbo saga, the Obi of Onitsha/APC campaign flag-off misgivings and the Zik-Awo controversy among others all stacked against him.

Platform/deportation hurdle: Contestably, it has been argued that Ngige may have fared better if he used any other platform apart from APC, which in the opinion of some Igbo, is a Yoruba-cum-Hausa party with

,

night at Onitsha Bridge.

During the altercation that ensued between the Anambra and Lagos state governments, Ngige backed Governor Raji Fashola.

His position regardless of whether it is right or wrong won him some opposition in Anambra.

To worsen matters, his untidy handling of his campaign flagoff in Onitsha, the ancestral land of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe at a time the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and Onitsha indigenes were holding their Ofala festival, was also a minus to Ngige’s political aspiration.

His political opponents made capital out of this misadventure by accusing him of bringing ‘foreign gods’ to desecrate Igboland at a time there shouldn’t be a parallel activity in Onitsha apart from the Ofala.

Zik-Awo controversy: The election was held on November 16, the birthday of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. If Zik were alive, he would have been 109 years last Saturday. APGA leaders played the Zik’s card. Zik’s party in the First Republic, NCNC had Cock as symbol same as the APGA’s. Many Igbo irredentists recalled that

the late Dr. Azikiwe after winning election in the Southwest in colonial Nigeria was denied opportunity of service by the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led AG in the famous carpet-crossing saga and wondered why a “Yoruba” party should be honoured on Azikiwe’s birthday, which a victory for Ngige would have amounted to.

Politics of zoning: The outgoing governor, Mr. Peter Obi is from Anambra Central senatorial zone, where Senator Ngige comes from. Obi took over from Ngige in 2006. By the time Obi completes his eightyear tenure next year, Anambra Central would have had an

unbroken 11-year stint at the Government House.

If Ngige wins and does two terms, it means the zone will rule the state for 19 years.

Anambra South has ruled the state for state for six years while Anambra North has never had a chance.

The implication of the scenario played out at the polls with stakeholders aligning with the argument that Anambra North, which is the food basket and oilproducing area of the state should be allowed to have a shot at the Government House.

Can the camel pass through the eye of the needle?

Giving the outcome of Saturday’s election, it will be easier for the biblical camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Ngige to win the election.

The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) has declared the election inconclusive and announced that there will be supplementary election in 208 polling units for the winner to emerge.

The 208 polling units have 113,113registered voters. The highest number of the repeat exercise would be held in Idemili North local government area, which is the stronghold of the APC candidate, Senator Chris Ngige where the election would be held in 160 polling

units. The affected areas in the local government have combined registered voters’ population of 89,997.

INEC returning officer for the governorship election, Professor James Epoke, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said other areas where the supplementary election would hold include three polling units in Ayamelum local government (1247 voters), one polling unit in Anambra East (250 voters), six units in Anambra West (2000 voters), one unit in Anaocha (276 voters), two units in Awka North (1356 voters), one unit in Aguata (310 voters) and one unit in Awka South (249 voters).

Results announced Others are three units in Ekwusigo (884 voters), two units in Idemili South (800 voters), one unit in Onitsha North (484 voters), 17 units in Onitsha South (12299 voters), four units in Orumba North (588 voters) and four units in Oyi (1202 voters).

In the results announced so far, the APGA candidate, Chief Willie Obiano scored 174, 710 votes followed by the PDP candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye who polled 94,856 votes, while Senator Ngige of APC polled 93,300 votes.

Obiano also won in 16 of the 21 local government areas, while Nwoye and Ngige won in two local government areas each.

To win the election, Ngige must win at least 81, 411 votes from the available 113,113 in the supplementary election and ensure that Obiano did not secure any votes.

This is indeed a tough one and will take a miracle to be practically assailable.

One contest too many knocks, intrigues Continues from page 48 friends and foes.

This played out with the common voice echoed by three aggrieved candidates of the ACN, PDP and LP candidates, who called for annulment.

This development is against the backdrop of the consensus of the trio that the polls were allegedly programmed by INEC to favour APGA. For analysts and some aggrieved voters, the move by the candidates, is regarded as a germane step towards bringing their grievances to public glare.

At a press briefing jointly addressed by the trio, Ngige, who spoke on behalf of the candidates called for the cancellation of the eventual outcome.

Though the mood across the state is relaxed, many who spoke with Vanguard in Awka and its environs, e x p r e s s e d dissatisfaction that they could not vote despite turning out in their numbers.

For this and other reasons, they called for a fresh exercise.

But APGA is not taking the claims of rigging lightly. Its chairman, Umeh dismissed calls for Anambra governor, Peter Obi annulment, adding that the few lapses are regrettable, the exercise was credible. exercise was free and fair.

He described those, who The people crying blue want cancellation as failed murder are disappointed that contestants, who have no they could not arm-twist stake in the state.

INEC, “he added.

“INEC has done well but the

50 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2013

B-R-I-E-F-S

U.S. offers to train Libyan forces

L Mandela, ‘stable but critical’, responds to treatment — Govt

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ELSON Mandela remains in a “stable but critical” condition, but “continues to respond to treatment”, the South African government said in its first update on his health since September.

“The health of the former President remains much the same,” according to a statement issued after President Jacob Zuma visited the anti-apartheid icon at his home yesterday.

The 95-year-old was discharged on September 1 to receive intensive care at home, after nearly three months in hospital for a lung infection.

The government has refused to give details about his condition, citing the need for privacy, but said “he continues to recover”.

Mandela’s former wife Winnie this week told a local newspaper that he remains “quite ill” and is unable to speak because of tubes being used to clear his lungs of liquid.

He is using facial ex-

pressions to communicate, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela added.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner is under the care of 22 doctors, and while his pneumonia has cleared, his lungs remain sensitive, she said, adding that it was “difficult for him”.

“He remains very sensitive to any germs, so he has to be kept literally sterile.

The bedroom there (in Houghton) is like an ICU ward,” she told the Sunday Times.

“He remains quite ill, but thank God the doctors were able to pull him through from that (last) infection.”

•Nelson Mandela Mandela, who spent 27 years in apartheid jails before becoming South Africa’s first black leader, has faced several health scares.

His most recent 86-day

Boko Haram: F.G urges international community to emulate US

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday called on other members of the international community to emulate the US government by taking a hard

stance against the Islamic insurgent groups, Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The US government had last week designated both groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. By the designation of the group

Philippines relief efforts in top gear

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LOBAL relief efforts in the Philippines have kicked into high gear, with aid workers, heavy equipment and lifesaving supplies flowing into regions devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

hospital stay was his longest since he walked free from prison in 1990.

Earlier this month, fellow Robben Island prisoner Tokyo Sexwale also said Mandela was “fine”.

There were initial signs on Monday that communities were beginning to shift from survival mode to the early stages of recovery.

Markets were beginning to reopen, though with

Devastation of Typhoon Haiyan

very limited wares, some petrol stations were pumping and residents were repairing damaged homes or making temporary shelters out of the remains of their old ones.

“The darkest night is over but it’s not yet 100 percent,” Lieutenant-General Roy Deveraturda, regional military commander, said.

Nevertheless, residents are desperate to leave the disaster zone amid growing concerns over the lack of food and medicine. And the World Health Organisation (WHO) is warning of sigificant medical concerns.

by the US as foreign Terrorist Organisation, any body that deals with the groups is regarded as a terrorist as well.

A statement from the ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja and made available to journalists urged other members of the international community to take a similar stand as the US against the insurgent groups.

According to the statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson Mr Ogbole Odeh, the federal government described the designation of both insurgent groups as foreign terrorist Organisations as a welcome development. “It is imperative to note that terrorism and terrorist activities do not recognize national boundaries. It is from this perspective that Nigeria will welcome more support and assistance from the international communities along the line of the US position on these groups.”

Super tornado hits US, kills 6 in Mid West

A

S a powerful tornado bore down on their Illinois farmhouse, Curt Zehr’s wife and adult son didn’t have time to do anything but scramble down the stairs into their basement.

Uninjured, the pair looked out moments later to find the house gone and the sun out “right on top” of them, Zehr said.

Their home, on the outskirts of Washington, Ill.,

was swept up and scattered over hundreds of yards by one of the dozens of tornadoes and intense thunder-

storms that swept across the Midwest on Sunday, leaving at least six people dead and unleashing pow-

erful winds that flattened entire neighborhoods, flipped over cars and uprooted trees.

Hollande urges end to Israeli settlement

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RENCH President Francois Hollande called on Israel yesterday to halt settlement building on occupied territory, saying it hampers chances for a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Israel has announced plans for thousands of new settler homes since U.S.-brokered peace negotiations with the Palestinians began in July after a three-year break.

“For the sake of peace and to reach a deal,

France calls for the total and definitive end to settlement building because it compromises the two-state solution,” Hollande said at a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

IBYA and its fledg ling security forces, overwhelmed by militia violence and unrest since the overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi two years ago, are going to get some help from the U.S. military, a top American commander said.

Adm. William McRaven, head of the U.S. Special Operations Command, said Saturday the United States will train 5,000 to 7,000 conventional troops as well as counterterrorism forces.

Another U.S. official told CNN the training is likely to take place in Europe once all the details are finalized.

A major challenge will be developing a security force that’s not influenced by the well-armed militias that have proliferated in the lawless atmosphere across Libya.

“As we go forward to try and find a good way to build up the Libyan security forces so they are not run by militias, we are going to have to assume some risks,” McRaven said.

Taiwan breaks tie with Gambia

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AIWAN said yester day it had terminated diplomatic relations with Gambia, after the West African nation’s move to cut ties shocked Taipei and left it with a dwindling number of foreign allies.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh caught Taiwan unawares Thursday when he said his government had broken off diplomatic ties after 18 years owing to “strategic national interest”.

Expressing “shock and regret” at the deci-

sion, Taipei sent two senior diplomats to Gambia in an attempt to rescue the relationship, but their request to meet Jammeh was twice rejected, foreign ministry officials said.

“From Monday on, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) terminated its diplomatic ties with Gambia, evacuated the embassy and agricultural technicians and suspended all cooperative projects,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Dissidents accuse Iran of building secret nuclear site

A

N exiled Iranian opposition group said yesterday it had information about an underground nuclear site being built in Iran and that this was among a number of secret venues for an atomic bomb program.The National Council of Resistance of Iran exposed Iran’s uranium enrichment plant at Natanz and a heavywater facility at Arak in 2002. But analysts say

the NCRI has a mixed track record and a clear agenda of regime change in Tehran.

The Islamic Republic and six world powers will resume negotiations on Wednesday aimed at agreeing the first stage towards a comprehensive deal to end a decade-long standoff with Tehran defusing fears that it could develop nuclear weapons.

Saudi denies contact with Israel on Iran

S

AUDI Arabia has ruled out any contact with Israel, with which it has no diplomatic ties, after a British newspaper reported that the two countries could coordinate efforts against Iran.

The kingdom “has no relations or contacts with Israel of any kind or at any level,” said a foreign ministry spokesman, quoted by state news agency SPA yesterday.

Under the headline “Two

old foes unite against Tehran,” Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper said Israel and Saudi Arabia were working together on “contingency plans for a possible attack on Iran if its nuclear programme is not significantly curbed.”

“As part of the growing cooperation, Riyadh is understood already to have given the go-ahead for Israeli planes to use its airspace in the event of an attack on Iran,” it said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 51

My World Cup challenge — Keshi Nigerian Sports Award: Voting phase closes

BY JACOB AJOM

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UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has set a target for the team in the 2014 World Cup campaign.

After leading the Eagles to secure the 2014 World Cup ticket Saturday, Keshi said his immediate challenge was how to assemble a strong squad for the .campaign in Brazil and surpass all previous achievement by Nigeria at the World Cup finals.

“My immediate challenge is to ensure I assemble the strongest squad possible to represent Nigeria creditably at the World Cup. That is why I am calling on all hands to be on deck. The project is huge and we have to go to Brazil and do well there.”

He said to achieve that, a lot of players who were either dropped or have not been invited during the qualifiers would be given a look in and be given the opportunity and be part of preparations before the tournament in Brazil.

“Nigeria is blessed with top quality players all over the world. All of them will be given a chance to represent their country. That is my immediate challenge.

“My target for the tournament proper is to go there and improve upon Nigeria’s past performances. We want to make a good impression at the finals.

Every country that qualifies for the World Cup is a potential champion. Out there, it is an open affair.

Anything can happen,” Keshi said.

A

CLINGING ON.....Ethiopia’s Mekersa Asrat (r) holds Eagles’ Mikel Obi during their match on Saturday.

I’m having an amazing time – Enyeama

BY JACOB AJOM

S

UPER Eagles stand-in Captain and first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has described the 2013 calendar year as one of the best in his career, describing his performances for both club and country as “amazing”.

Speaking in Calabar just before the team departed

for London Sunday, the Lille of France safe hands said, “I am happy we have qualified for the World Cup and my modest contributions are being acknowledged. It is a collective achievement because everybody, including you in the media did a lot for us

to get to this point,” adding, “it is a very proud moment for Nigeria.”

When asked about the much talked about clean sheet he has kept for club in eight straight matches, Enyeama said, “I don’t know why this is making headlines all over the

world. This is not the first time I am making clean sheets. Go and check, even after the Nations Cup I kept about ten clean sheets. There was not much noise about it. But I must confess that the performance is amazing. I am having an amazing moment in my career.”

L

accept to coach Brazil if I didn’t think I could win the World Cup,’’ Scolari said. ‘’I took the job because I’m 100 percent sure that I will win the World Cup with Brazil.’’

TODAY’S FIXTURES Romania v Greece 8pm Greece leading 3-1 from the 1st leg Croatia v 0-0 from the 1st leg

Iceland

8.15pm

Sweden v Portugal 8.15pm Portugal leading 1-0 from the 1st leg France v Ukraine 9pm Ukraine leading 2-0 from the 1st leg

Ibrahimovic sure of win against Portugal

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Scolari: Brazil will win World Cup champion.’I wouldn’t UIZ Felipe Scolari is confident of Brazil’s chances at the 2014 World Cup, guaranteeing the team will win the tournament at home. ‘’Brazil will be the

S the countdown for the second edition of the Nigerian Sports Award thickens, organisers have announced that the voting phase will close today as scheduled. “It is by midnight of Tuesday November 19, 2013,” an official said.

According to the spokesman for the award and the General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited promoters of the coveted award in partnership with Master Sports International, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the voting phase which started on September 17, 2013 will close as stipulated in the timelines of the 2013 award.

Idowu thanked sports loving Nigerians who have voted for the Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year while urging others who are still interested in voting to do so before midnight. He restated that Nigerians can vote for the nominees for the Sportsman of the year award via SMS by sending SMOTY with the name of preferred nominee to 33140 or for Sportswoman of the year by texting SWOTY with the name of preferred nominee to 33140. He noted that each SMS cost N50 only.

•Vincent Enyeama

WEDEN star Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Sweden has Portugal’s “measure” ahead of today’s FIFA World Cup play-off second leg.

Erik Hamren’s charges looked to be heading for a goalless draw in Friday’s first leg in Lisbon, but were consigned to defeat in the 82nd minute as Cristiano Ronaldo stooped to head home Miguel Veloso’s pin-point centre, to hand Portugal a slender 1-0 lead.

At 32 years of age, the 2014 World Cup could present Ibrahimovic’s last chance to appear at the biggest tournament in world football, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward is confident Sweden can overcome the deficit.

52 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Eagles, coaches shun Pitch Awards

BY JACOB AJOM

O

RGANISERS of the Nigeria Pitch Awards and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation were stunned as coaches and players of the Super Eagles, around whom the award ceremony was organised shunned the venue, even when the event was held inside the Transcop Hotel, Calabar the same hotel the players were lodging.

The event which held about four hours after the Nigeria versus Ethiopia match on Saturday was virtually attended by the organisers, some officials of the NFF and a handful of journalists who were at the hotel at that moment as none of the players showed up for the event.

An evidently disappointed Shina Phillip, co-ordinator of the awards told Sports Vanguard that the players showed lack of good orientation.

“Our players need to be schooled about how to be socially responsible. I don’t hold anything against them because I want to adduce their attitude to the fact that they needed rest ahead of their trip to London for the engagement against Italy.

But even at that, a five minute appearance would have been enough for them,” Phillip said

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

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R E PA R AT I O N S towards making this year’s Governor Dickson Seriake of Bayelsa State Wrestling Classic a huge success are on top gear as the country’s wrestlers are red alert for the competition which runs from 24th - 29th November,2013.

The tournament which serves a tune-up for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in South Africa would be graced by the Chairman of the Commonwealth Wrestling Association, Josip Mrcosl

Federation if the country’s football team, the Super Eagles must do well at the 2014 World Cup. Idah said good training conditions, a conducive working atmosphere for the technical crew and lots of friendly matches will see the Super Eagles achieve a semi final berth at the World Cup. Idah who was part of the numerous exinternationals that thronged the U J Esuene stadium to cheer the Super Eagles to victory over their Ethiopian counterparts on Saturday said, “now that the team has secured the World Cup ticket, there must be concerted efforts by all concerned to work towards achieving the ultimate prize, which is the World Cup,” Peterside said.

Speaking with the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr Daniel Igali recently, he said, “We were supposed to be in Rio de Janario, Brazil at the end of the month for a tournament, but because of the time frame between this and the forthcoming Commonwealth Wrestling Championship a week after in South Africa, we want to look at the December, event Commonwealth championship from 4-9th December, 2013.

Egypt Emmanuel Emenike (l) is closely watched by Ethiopian defenders, during the World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ethiopia, at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Nigeria won 2-0. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

147 runners for 9th Obudu Mountain race

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S many as 147 adults will take part in Saturday’s 9th Obudu international mountain race and the 5th African mountain running championships scheduled to hold at the Obudu ranch resort in Obudu.

The runners comprise of 53 women and 94 men including the reigning men and women’s champions,Abebe

Peterside Continues from BP

Wrestling boss to honour Gov Seriake Classic

”For us to do well, the NFF must prepare the players well, arrange friendly matches and pay Keshi his owed salaries.

Nothing should be spared in the plan to achieve success in the World Cup. Keshi must not be distracted. Every kobo owed him should be paid so that he can concentrate on the task before him.”

The former national team goalkeeper believes an African team will break the quarter final jinx as none has ever crossed that stage of the tournament. “Yes, I see an African team getting to the semi final this time.

I just hope that country is going to be Nigeria, because we have a good team. What is left now is adequate preparations and keeping everybody focused for the job on hand,” Idah said.

Dinkesa and Etenesh Neda both of Ethiopia.

While Dinkesa will be aiming to set a new record both as the first man to win the men’s title four times as well as the first to successfully defend a title,Neda will be hoping to be the first woman to win the title two times and of course the first to also successfully defend it.

Also in the mix are some former champions led by Ethiopia’s Rehima Kedir,the first African woman champion who supplanted Czech Republic woman,Anna Pichrtová as champions in 2006 and Yalew

Genet,the 2012 wome’s c h a m p i o n .

Philip Kiplimo of Uganda,the reigning world mountain running champion and his p r e d e c e s s o r, P e t r o Mamo Shaku of Eritrea are also part of the rich cast of 61 foreign elite athletes who have been drwan from as many as nine countries for the race.

This year ’s race will have athletes from I t a l y , U n i t e d Kingdom,South Africa, C a m e r o u n , Ethiopia,Uganda,Eritrea and Kenya participating and will be complemented by 86 Nigerian elite road runners led by Janet Dung.

Eaglets Continues from BP government for not rewarding the historymaking team with a more enduring gift like land or houses as was the case when the same team won in 2007.

The Super Eagles received plots of land in Abuja when they won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in February.

A top official said the government ought to have done a lot more for the team, many of whom are already bread winners of their

families.

“The rewards could have been better and so it was very disappointing for both the players and officials,” he revealed.

“But it is hoped the government could still address this issue properly. ” The Cross River State Government has since rewarded the team with houses in Calabar and Niger State have offered plots of land to the players and officials in Minna.

Continues from BP already assured of their places, there are only two remaining African slots up for grabs with Burkina Faso taking a slim 3-2 lead to Algeria in the second leg of their play-off.

Egypt have been lifted

by Al Ahly’s eighth CAF Champions League win at the expense of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates this month with Mohamed Aboutrika providing the inspiration.

Aboutrika scored in both legs and he will again be looked upon to spark off a miraculous comeback against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan, who scored twice in Kumasi in the 6-1 first leg mauling, will not dismiss Egypt’s chances of a great comeback.

“It’s football and so anything can happen,” he said. “We’re in a

comfortable position right now, but we need to totally focus on our job and make sure we do what we have to do to reach Brazil.”

Egypt beat Zambia 2-0 in a warm-up last week and the Pharaohs coach Bob Bradley has promised to ring changes to the team from the disastrous outing in Kumasi. Ghana’s concerns over their safety in Cairo have headlined the build-up to Tuesday’s fixture and it needed the intervention of world football governing FIFA to assure them they will be safe in the Egyptian capital.

The Black Stars have been strengthened with the return of fit-again Kevin-Prince Boateng and Harrison Afful, who was suspended for the first game. A major injury doubt for Ghana is defender David Addy, who is nursing an ankle problem.

Keshi Continues from BP record century of caps before the World Cup in Brazil and if he again proves his worth in those friendlies, he could still make it to Brazil 2014. ”Yobo is very much alive in this team than any other player. Yobo and I spoke before the game (vs Ethiopia) and our ambition is to make sure that he gets that 100th cap and by God’s grace he will get it,” Keshi said. ”Now the thing is will he be willing to come back?

But we have been talking

and he has said no problems. So, why not, if he is here he would have his hundredth cap and if he is in shape, why not the World Cup?” Yobo has featured at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.

He lost his first-team in the Eagles to youngster Kenneth Omeruo at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and even when Omeruo was sidelined by injury, he was not recalled and instead Warri Wolves defender Azubuike Egwuekwe filled in.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013 — 55

C M Y K

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Egypt seek miracle against Ghana E

GYPT will attempt to engineer a World Cup miracle by overturning a 6-1 deficit against Ghana on Tuesday and snatch a spot in the finals in Brazil next year.

With Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon Continues on Page 52

Keshi opens World Cup door for Yobo N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has said that skipper Joseph Yobo could still feature at the 2014 World Cup. Yobo has been overlooked by Keshi since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in February.

But Keshi has now revealed that he plans to ensure Yobo gets his Continues on Page 52

Tonight’s World Cup Ties Egypt v Ghana 5pm Algeria v B/Faso 7:15pm INTL. FRIENDLY RESULT

Nigeria 2

Gyan

Italy 2

Pay Keshi his outstanding salaries now — Peterside

BY JACOB AJOM

F

ORMER Nigeria international, Peterside Idah has a piece of advice for the Nigeria Football

Continues on Page 52

Eaglets get Abuja land

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ORLD champions Golden Eaglets are in line for plots of land in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja, officials said.

“We have filled forms for plots of land in

Yobo

PUZZLE

Keshi

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

Abuja,” coach Manu Garba said “All the players and officials filled these forms.”

Some observers had blasted the federal Continues on Page 52

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Ethic (5) 5 Roar (6) 8 Express (5) 10 Pattern (6) 11 Related (4) 14 Riposte (6) 15 Rebuke (7) 18 Obtain (3) 19 Illuminated (3) 21 Depend (4) 23 Ward off (5) 24 Expense (4) 27 Before (3) 29 Gain (3) 31 Veil (7) 32 Coating (6) 34 Measure (4) 35 Sheen (6) 38 Watchful (5) 39 Gorge (6) 40 Whinny (5)

DOWN 2 Individual (3) 3 Bird-cage (6) 4 Record (3) 5 Endure (4) 6 Linger (6) 7 Icy (6) 9 Entail (7) 12 Barrel (3) 13 Observe (4) 16 Therefore (4) 17 Ardent (5) 20 Syrup (7) 22 Volcanic outflow (4) 24 Clergyman (6) 25 Bathed (4) 26 Opportune (6) 28 Pure (6) 30 Entrap (3) 33 Slender (4) 36 Vase (3) 37 Mat (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Secure 5, Skip 8, Basin 9, Own 10, Foul 11, Gone 12, Scant 13, Seized 16, Rill 18, Fray 20, Hem 22, Sea 23, Yet 24, Hero 25, Rate 28, Exhume 30, Rough 32, Chic 33, Aide 34, Ado 35, Flirt 36, Rite 37, Attend .

DOWN: 1, Spouse 2, Consider 3, Rafter 4, Calculate 5, Signify 6, Knot 7, Poet 8, Bus 14, Disregard 15, Mat 17, Lea 19, Regulate 20, Hew 21, Monocle 26, Extent 27, Behold 29, Scar 30, Rift 31, Hit.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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