No further talks till NLC calls off strike — FG

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 63032

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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N200

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

No further talks till NLC calls off strike — FG •As Saraki, Dogara urge NLC to shelve strike •Workers in FCT, Lagos, Rivers shun strike •Another Chibok girl rescued, says Army — Page 44

•Egbeda murder: Husband of dead woman to be arraigned today—Page 16

By Victor AhiumaYoung, Henry Umoru, Emman Ovuakporie, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Favour Nnabugwu, Joseph Erunke & Ehi Eweka

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BUJA— THE F e d e r a l Government insisted, yesterday, that it would not go into renegotiation with Ayuba Wabba faction of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, unless the union calls off its ongoing nationwide strike.

Continues on Page 4

COLUMNISTS:

Hunger, not war can end the world •P.19 WELCOME: President Muhammadu Buhari receiving one of the Chibok girls, Miss Amina Ali and her baby from Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State during a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

66 perish as EgyptAir plane crashes •P.41

Metuh vomits in court; trial stalled •P.9

File photo of an EgyptAir plane in flight. (LEFT): Relatives of passengers on the EgyptAir flight at Cairo International Airport, in Egypt.

Govs seek access to $3.2bn World Bank money •P.8

Buhari in London: Responses from readers •P.17

Mr & Mrs

2—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

River Niger drying up, FG raises alarm •plans environmental audit

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA—THE Fed eral Government, yesterday, raised talarm over imminent drying up of River Niger due to climate change and dumping of industrial waste.

The Auditor General of the Federation, AGoF, Mr. Samuel Tyonongo Ukura, raised the alarm during a meeting with the Edo State Auditor-General and members of the Edo State Public Accounts Committee in his office in Abuja.

Ukura, however, assured that Nigeria was in the process of conducting an environmental audit of the River Niger to determine its level of dryness.

Meanwhile, AGoF has called on the National Assembly to pass the Audit Bill into law. He said there were certain international ratings that the country cannot attain without passing an audit law.

Ukura explained that the initial investigation of the River Niger showed that the decline of the river’s flow was mainly due to climate change, industrial waste and problems caused by population growth.

River Niger has a total length of about 4100 kilometres and is the third longest river in Africa, after the Nile and the CongoZaire rivers and spreads through ten countries. It is estimated that about 110 million people live in the river’s basin.

Ukura said the audit will be done under the African Supreme Audit Institute (AFROSAI), with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Algeria, Chad and Cote I’voire taking centre stage as they are directly affected. He said it was necessary for government to address the issue so as to avoid a repeat of the negative impact of the drying up of Lake Chad.

“Within a few decades, River Niger will completely disappear. There are certain things in the preliminary investigation we discovered that is happening.

People have been building dams without authorisation along the river. “And the law establishing the River Niger Basin Commission states that before you do any serious activity along the River Niger, you have to tell other countries."

Nigeria loses N2.79bn daily as Qua Iboe terminal is shut

By Sebastine Obasi & Prince Okafor, with agency report

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IGERIA IS losing about N2.79 billion daily following the closure of ExxonMobil operated Qua Iboe terminal, whose workers were evacuated yesterday.

Qua Iboe is Nigeria’s largest crude oil stream and exports usually more than 300,000 barrels per day.

At the current oil price of $47 per barrel, the country is bound to lose billions of Naira daily.

A market source said the evacuation was caused by the threat from militants and that tanks had been emptied of crude.

Exxon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, the management of Exxon Mobil, yesterday said production was ongoing at Qua Iboe crude oil terminal, despite criminal activity that obstructed staff access to a bridge leading to the terminal in the early hours of yesterday.

Exxon Mobil cut Qua Iboe production and declared force

majeure on exports last Friday, after a drilling rig, experiencing mechanical difficulties, damaged the pipeline it jointly owns with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Production was ramped up again earlier this week.

The business plan of the country to export about 800,000 barrels per day Bonny Light and Qua Iboe grade in May and June have already been hampered.

This is the third time facilities of international oil companies would be attacked by the Niger Delta militants in three months.

Earlier last week, Chevron Ni-

geria Limited’s Okan offshore facility was shut-in.

Nigerian Navy spokesperson, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, who also confirmed the incident, said the attack occurred about 40 nautical miles from the Escravos terminal, around Warri in Delta State.

A group known as the Niger Delta Avengers had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The same group said it carried out an attack on a Shell Oil pipeline in February which shut down the 250,000 barrela-day Forcados export terminal.

Also last Saturday, Shell evacuated 98 key personnel on board by helicopters from Eja OML 79, where production of Director 90,000 barrels of oil per General, day has been halted.

Nigerian Army Sources said a small Resource group of staff has been left Centre, Major on the platform to carry General out skeletal operations.

Johnny The staff and facility are Hamakin offered protection by two (right) presentgunboats belonging to the ing a souvenir military Joint Taskforce of to the Managthe Federal Government. ing Director, Close to Eja 79 is the Arik Air, Mr. Bonga Field, which has a Chris Ndulue larger production capacduring his visit ity and is operated by anto Arik Air other Shell subsidiary, Aviation CenShell Nigeria Exploration tre, Ikeja on and Production Company Wednesday.

(SNEPCO).

Ibori’s counsel alleges abuse of process in London trial •As judge admits hazards in proceeding

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OUNSEL to Chief James Onanefe Ibori, yesterday, said there might be no fair trial in the confiscation hearing of James Ibori due to start in June at a Southwark Crown Court in London.

According to a press statement signed by Ibori’s Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, Ibori’s lawyer said this during yesterday’s preliminary hearing preparatory to the confiscation trial against Ibori due to start in June.

The lawyer, Mr. Ivan Krolic, said there were established cases of corruption against the police and the crown prosecution counsel who investigated Ibori. This, he said, had led to dropping every member of entire Police and Crown and prosecution teams that investigated Ibori and his associates.

Mr. Krolic notified the court that following the revelation that Policemen involved in investigating Ibori for money laundering were themselves involved in corruption and were knowingly covered up by the

Crown Prosecution, the integrity of the entire process had been put in doubt.

He said: “There are cases of abuse of process against the crown prosecution to deliberately manipulate the process to gain undue advantage and inflate the confiscation figure which will require a stay of proceeding in this case to allow for the abuse of process to be dealt with."

Serious allegations The trial Judge, His Honour Tomlinson, acknowledging the precarious situation of Ibori case, especially the serious allegations of police corruption, which had led the Police authority itself to acknowledge the corruption charges, said this informed the reason to set up a review of the process and corruption allegations against its officers.

The judge noted: “There are a lot of perceptions and it is inevitable that the team involved in the investigation and prosecution be changed following these allegations”.

Putting the Judge on notice, should the confiscation trial begin as scheduled, while the application for crown and police abuse of process is held, Mr Krolic said: “Our argument is that the whole process is infected and it will be wrong for the confiscation hearing to continue. "The allegation is that the Crown consistently and deliberately manipulated the system and forced James Ibori to plead guilty and inflate the figures (of the money involved), in the light of the serious allegation of police corruption in this case,” he said.

His Honour Tomlinson, replied: “I have an obligation to keep an open mind and keep this under constant review.” He said that having also read the statement of James Ibori’s former Defence Counsel, Mr Nicholas Purnell QC, that the Crown Counsels misled him to cause his client, James Ibori, to plead guilty, there were potentials in the statements.”

He said that notwithstanding, the June start date of the confiscation hearing might hold, though he alerted that “a number of potential hazards to the

proceedings have been flagged off”.

Meanwhile, the confiscation hearing is due to start on June 6 at Southwark Crown in London.

Babandede takes over at Immigration Service

By Omeiza Ajayi BUJA—SACKED Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Martin Kure Abeshi, Thursday finally handed over to a new Acting CG NIS, Muhammed Babandede, a deputy comptroller general, at a service’s headquarters in Abuja.

Babandede was in charge of Operations and Passport Directorate until his appointment.

A copy of Abeshi’s sack letter sighted by Vanguard and signed by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, indicated that Abeshi was to have handed over to Babandede since Monday.

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 —3

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4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20 , 2016

POCKET CARTOON

effect was extended to the labour organisation.

The factional NLC boss also denied reports that his executive members walked out on the Federal Government’s negotiation team last Tuesday night.

He told the Senate President: “Let me first thank you immensely for inviting us to try to get firsthand information on the issues that we are trying to engage government in negotiations, essentially about trade issue, about electricity tariff, but importantly about the increase in the pump price of PMS from N87 to N145.

MEETING: From left, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yakubu Babachir; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Deputy Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shaibu, during a meeting of the party’s executive on the Federal Government's partial deregulation of the petroleum sector at the party’s secretariat, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

No further talks till NLC calls off strike — FG discussions to the larger Continues from Page 1

This came as Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, after an hour session with the leadership of the union, yesterday, appealed to the labour keaders to return to the negotiation table.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who stated this last night, said: "They have to call off their strike formally before any invitation by the chief conciliator, which is the pathway in such dialogues.”

However, after an hour closed door session with Dogara, the union agreed to resume negotiation with the Federal Government on the ongoing industrial action over deregulation of

the down stream sector of the oil industry.

The agreement was reached at a mediatory meeting with the speaker, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan.

During the meeting, the speaker made passionate appeal to the labour leaders to consider national interest over and above all other interests.

The speaker urged the NLC to, in the interest of the nation, consider suspending or calling off the strike, while negotiations continued.

Responding, Comrade Wabba thanked the speaker for his interest in resolving the crisis and assured that they would report the

IT'S UP TO YOU

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Always strive for excellence and perfection. It's up to you.

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TAKE HEART

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As we express our gratitude, we must remember that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them —John F Kennedy

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RATEFUL people have a higher sense of selfworth. I think that’s because when you’re grateful, you have the sense that someone else is looking out for you. Once you start to recognize the contributions that other people have made to your life, once you realize that other people have seen the value in you, you can transform the way you see yourself. Just because gratitude is good doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Practicing gratitude can be at odds with some deeply ingrained psychological tendencies but if we focus on gratitude, we’ll attract our heart desires.

body of members.

Consequently, the NLC resolved to communicate the new development to the larger body, comprising all its affiliate unions because “ we have absolute confidence in the leadership of the speaker.”

At a different meeting with Senate President, Bukola Saraki, he also expressed the union’s readiness to dialogue with the Federal Government to end the strike.

These came on a day workers in Abuja and Lagos for the second day running, shunned the strike as business continued as usual, although there was partial compliance in a few states across the country.

This was even as Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Wabba, however, said there was no end in sight to the strike,vowing that the union would continue to mobilise workers to stay off their work places in protest against the hike.

Wabba, who spoke when he led executive members of his faction to a meeting with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, regretted the ongoing strike but noted that it was necessitated by government’s painful action.

Resumption of negotiation

He said the union was favourably disposed to resuming negotiation with The man who has bread to eat cannot the Federal Government appreciate the severity of famine. any time invitation to that

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

We didn't walk out on govt

“We have assured the Senate President that at no point had we walk out on the government.

In fact, when those issues were presented and the position of government was made to us, we did not actually agree and we requested that we excuse them.

“We did not at any point walk out on government and we are still open to discussion and dialogue because we are also doing this in the best interest of all of us as working class and also the larger population of citizens."

NLC has shown commitment to continue dialogue —Saraki

On his part, Saraki said the meeting with the leadership of NLC was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the current impasse as well as trying to find how an end could be brought to the strike.

Saraki said: “I am happy to report that the NLC has shown commitment to continue dialogue with government and our role is to see that we facilitate that dialogue.

“I am encouraged by what they have said and confident that we would be able to do this. I know when they leave here, they are also going to meet with the House of Representatives.

“We play our own role in facilitating and ensuring that we can bring the two parties together so that we can find a lasting solution that will reduce the hardships that Nigerians are going through.

“At the end of the day, whatever constituency we are, whether it is labour, we all have the interest of the Nigerian people and we must always bear that in mind.”

Chairman, Senate

Committee on Labour and Productivity, Suleiman Nazif,said: “We called labour because they are open for discussion and we intend to, at the end of the day, bring both parties to the table.

“We want both the executive and labour to go back to the table for further discussion. Labour said they are open to discussion and we, as the Senate, want to be part of those that will mediate between the two parties. So, I believe that in earnest, negotiations will start all over again.”

Workers in FCT, Lagos shun strike

However, workers in Abuja and Lagos, for the second day, defied Labour’s call to embark on strike.

In Lagos, workers were at their duty posts in both private and public sectors, as all schools were also in session.

Only the peaceful procession by members of the union round some major roads in Lagos metropolis gave an impression that there was even a strike. Not even threats by the union to shut operations at Lagos airport materialised.

At the state secretariat, workers prevented officials of NLC from picketing the office of the state Head of Service in an attempt to force them to join the strike.

Scores of NLC members, led by factional Vice President, Amaechi Asugwuni, marched through the secretariat to the office of the Head of Service at about 1pm, chanting solidarity songs.

The protesters shut the entrance to the complex, preventing anyone from entering or going out.

The workers, irked by the situation, engaged the protesting labour workers in verbal exchange of words, accusing labour of only staging protest when the situation was not in the favour of the leaders.

However, some members of Wabba-led NLC and Joint Action Front, JAF,

were seen marching through some parts of the state, especially Mushin, in what one of the leaders told Vanguard was to sensitize Nigerians about the socoeconomic implication of the hike inprice.

Strike, a success —Wabba

The situation was not different in Abuja as workers and the public generally went about their businesses.

But Wabba said the strike was recording tremendous success, in spite of boycott by some workers at the instance of Joe Ajaero’s faction.

Secretary-General of the union, Peter Ozo-Eson, insisted that the strike was a success, in view of what he described as government’s intimidation of its leaders and workers in its employ.

He hailed its members and civil society allies for turning out “en masse” to prosecute the strike.

Not the best time to fight govt —HoS

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with President Muhammadu Buhari's administration and promised to provide new buses for civil servants as a palliative measure to cushion the effect of the fuel price increase.

Oyo-Ita, at a press briefing with selected journalists in Abuja, pleaded with the unions that the timing was wrong for Nigerians to doubt the policy thrust of the current administration, especially on the hike in fuel price.

She said: “We should all put our hands together to move the nation forward.

We should be patriotic and do the right thing. ‘’Yes. We know the hard economic situation of the country at present is painful but we all have to bear it together.

Continues on page 5

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20 , 2016—5

into the secretariat.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo with Fulani herdsmen after a meeting in Enugu, yesterday.

No further talks till NLC calls off strike — FG Continues from page 4 “Refusing to go along with the policy thrust of the government is like postponing the evil day because if civil servants decide not to come to work, time will come when there will be no money to pay them. So, why not come together, bear the pain now and enjoy the benefit later.

“I am happy to know a lot of the union leaders we had the opportunity to speak with them one-on-one and even the workers are very cooperative as we do understand the issues and the realities on ground.

“I want to plead with those who are still bent on going on strike that this is not the time to fight government. It is like shooting oneself in the foot.

"This is our country and we have no other to call our own, so we must be patient and endure the seeming pain for a little while. This is the best option for us at this time.

“Going on strike without exhausting all avenues of negotiation or round table discussion on issues like this does not really help because at the end of the day, the problem is still there but a lot more is achieved with negotiation.”

FG to provide buses for civil servants

On the immediate palliative to ease the burden of increase in transportation fares, Iyo-Ita stated: “One way in which the Head of Service is working out palliatives is through transportation. ‘’Luckily, we have applied for buses which have been approved because we are aware that increase in fuel price will definitely jerk up transportation fares.”

NANS backs price hike

Also yesterday, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, expressed support for the recent hike in the price of petrol, stating that the Nigerian economy was sinking and badly battered, and therefore, incapable of bearing the burden of fuel subsidy.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, President of NANS, Comrade Tijani Shehu, who also stated that NANS had reached an agreement with the Federal Government concerning palliatives for students, called for the total deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

According to him, it will help to improve the economy of the country and boost employment generation.

He said: “NANS recognizes that Nigeria is faced with the crisis of deciding its future from present realities of economic challenges, and this justifies the reasons for the agitation for reversal of the pump price of N86.50 by some members of the public.

“NANS recognizes that the economy is sinking, and, however, we blame the government for allowing the situation to generate to a position where Labour unions will find it difficult to appreciate, accommodate policies and be on the same page with them.”

Removal of subsidy'll guarantee availability of petrol He maintained that there was no justification for the Federal Government to continue subsidize imported petroleum

products, adding that the removal of subsidy would guarantee availability of petrol across the country.

“We worry that the Federal Government, instead of completely deregulating the importation of petrol, is still controlling the business through issuing of licences, and there is no assurance that modular refineries will be operational before 24 month,” he noted.

He argued that the defence of the Federal Government on the diversion of petrol to neighbouring countries was an indictment on the security apparatus of the Buhari-led government.

Reaches agreement with FG to suspend school fees hike

On the understanding reached with the Federal Government concerning palliatives, Shehu stated that it was agreed that the government should halt any further increment in tuition fees and other auxiliary fees in all institutions of higher learning.

He said: “Understanding was also reached that government should provide buses to institutions of higher learning, two per institution, to ease transportation on campuses; distribution of camp gas cylinders to all Nigerian students.

“It was also agreed that government should engage students across the four zones of NANS in a town hall meeting to enlighten students on the policy; provide immediate employment to graduates; establish an independent service monitoring group to monitor the current price ceiling of N145 per litre and also establish a students’

trust fund.”

ENUGU

In Enugu State, Emeka Mamah reports that postprimary and primary school teachers, yesterday, joined the strike as all the state government-owned schools, including tertiary institutions as Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, and College of Education,Technical, were closed down.

Some local government workers also joined the strike, even as commercial banks opened for customers.

Unlike Wednesday, when the strike was partially observed in the state, pupils and students were sent home in Enugu metropolis Sources said state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo, led other labour leaders as early as 7 am to various institutions, ministries and parastatals to enforce the strike.

KANO

in Kano, Abdulsalam Muhammad reports that unlike Wednesday, the state witnessed partial compliance as banks, schools and government offices were locked by labour leaders, who moved from one public office to another to enforce the strike.

They equally forced banks that had hitherto opened for business to close shop.

However, other businesses, especially private sector workers, went about their businesses unhindered. At Audu Bako secretariat, the NLC task force moved from one office to the other, forcing workers out of their offices, while vehicles were not allowed

KWARA In Kwara State, Demola Akinyemi reports from Ilorin that as the strike entered second day, civil servants stayed away from their duty posts, even as teachers and students equally stayed away from schools.

Vehicular movements were scanty on the roads in the state capital, as majority of the residents kept off the roads.

Meanwhile, transport fares have increased by over 50%.

RIVERS In Rivers State, JIMITOTA ONOYUME reports from Port Harcourt that factional chairman of NLC, Mrs Beatrice Itubor, led members to march round some streets in Port Harcourt, denouncing the removal of subsidy and increase in the pump price of petrol to N145.

However, all public offices, businesses and other commercial activities went on without interruption.

The peaceful protest took off from the NLC office on Igbukwu Streets, D-Line in Port Harcourt down to Isaac Boro Park and later back to the NLC office.

EBONYI According to Peter Okutu in Abakaliki, the protest took an ugly turn as the leaders of NLC and policemen clashed in Abakaliki.

The clash led to the alleged assault, arrest and subsequent detention of the NLC factional Chairman, Ikechukwu Nwafor, by the police.

But reacting, Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdullah, dismissed the alleged assault on the factional chairman, saying he was brought to the command in the union’s official vehicle to give statement on a protest without duly informing the police, describing the protest as unlawful and illegal.

ANAMBRA According to Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Anambra State, public school children were seen going back to their respective homes, claiming that they were told that their teachers were still observing the strike and that schools would not be opened.

Although banks in Nnewi and Onitsha offered normal services, some government offices in the two cities were shut before 1.30 pm.

DELTA

According to Festus

Ahon in Asaba, the strike paralyzed government activities in Delta State as all public offices remained shut. However, private sector workers and other commercial activities went on unhindered.

EKITI

In Ekiti, Rotimi Ojomoyela reports from Ado-Ekiti that government offices and both public and private schools were still shut.

But business and commercial activities had returned in Ado-Ekiti metropolis and other towns, contrary to what was witnessed, Wednesday, when skeletal business activities were witnessed in the capital city and other towns.

ONDO

In Ondo State, Dayo Johnson reports from Akure that heaps of refuse were mounting on major roads and streets across Ondo State as the strike entered the second day.

For the second day running, the gates of state secretariat and other government offices were under lock and key.

ADAMAWA

Reports from Yola showed that following the closure of the two gates leading to the state secretariat in Adamawa by NLC officials enforcing the strike, some workers resorted to using foot paths to gain access to their offices.

Many workers, particularly car owners, parked outside the gates and used the foot paths to enter the secretariat.

OSUN

Gbenga Olarinoye reports from Osogbo that members of Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities NASU, Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile-Ife, branch for few hours halted vehicular movement around the city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday.

The protesters, who stormed the streets of IleIfe early in the morning, marched from OAU campus gate to Mayfair roundabout.

OYO

Ola Ajayi reports from Ibadan that protesting members of the NLC chased out some workers who turned up for duty at the Federal Secretariat and Ministry of Environment in Ibadan.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY MAY 20 , 2016

We’re not pressurising Jonathan’s cousin — EFCC

By Innocent Anaba & Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has faulted claims of the detained cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Azibaola Robert that he was being pressurised by the agency to implicate the former president in the alleged diversion of $40 million.

EFCC, in a counter affidavit opposed to the suit by Robert before the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking for an order to release him from the custody of the commission, denied any plot to implicate Jonathan in the fraud his cousin was being investigate for.

Robert is being investigated over an alleged diversion of $40 million through One-Plus Holdings and Kakatar Construction Limited.

Robert, who was arrested on March 23, 2016, but granted bail on April 7, 2016 by a Federal High Court, Abuja is being held by the commission, which had refused to charge him to court or release him as directed by the court.

Following the bail granted him by the high court, EFCC came to Lagos, where it obtained a magistrate court order to still detain him.

Meanwhile, in the 37paragraph counter-affidavit, the agency averred that the expresident’s cousin was not only being investigate over alleged diversion of $40m but also on the theft of N2.5 billion from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

Transition MADAM Comfort Dudun, aged 96, is dead. Today is service of songs at AgeMowo, Badagry, Lagos by 4p.m. Social wake is from 9p.m. till dawn.

Interment is on June 10, at her home town, Obonteghereda, Warri, by 8a.m. Next day is traditional and final burial rites at Water Street, Sapele by 12 noon.

Lagos makes N8bn from land, attracts $43bn investments in one year

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS—THE Lagos state government yesterday said it has generated cumulative N8, 114,191, 292.35 from land transactions between May 2015 and March this year.

The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro disclosed this at the ministerial press briefing at Alausa, in commemoration of the first year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in office.

Agoro explained that the Bureau was able to garner the revenue through the ingenuity introduced by the present administration which has blocked loopholes in the financial system of the bureau.

According to Agoro; ‘’To actualise the vision and underscore its desire for a truly citizen-centred government, while considering the importance of land as precious God-given resource, the bureau maximize the potentials of the state land resource and provide easy access to it for economic and social benefits of Lagos residents.

“We are resolved and committed to improving our ways of doing

things, but more importantly, we pledge to infuse more transparency, accountability and integrity, individually and collectively, into land administration in the state.

“We assure the business community and corporate Lagos that the ease of doing business in the state will be improved upon earnestly.

“We are proud to inform you that our indefatigable and technology driven governor has approved the development of the Integrated Land Administration and Automation System which provides for a fully integrated end to end land administration

...attracts $43bn investments

Meantime the state government, through the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment has declared that it has received approximately $43billion investment proposition within one year of inception.

Prof. Ademola Abass, Special Adviser, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment disclosed this today in Ikeja during the ministerial press briefing.

TransCorp sues AGF, six others over land

By Innocent Anaba

L

A G O S — T H E Tr a n s n a t i o n a l Corporation of Nigeria Plc (TransCorp) has instituted a N1 billion suit against the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and six others before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged unlawful revocation of land/ property located at Block 1, Flats

LADIPO MARKET MAYHEM: Police

reconcile warring factions

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—In a bid to end the clash that had crippled business activities at the Ladipo market, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, on Wednesday evening held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the market.

Vanguard gathered that the meeting was attended by the leadership of the Igbo and Yorubas in the market, aimed at ending the lingering crisis that had led to destruction of property which worth could not be accurately ascertained.

It was learned that Owoseni addressed the traders briefly before he ordered the Departmental Police Officer, DPO of Olosan to ensure that he broker peace between the factions involved in the clash.

The clash was said to have started at about 10am on Tuesday, when some hoodlums (largely of Yoruba extraction) stormed the market to collect parking fees but were resisted by the traders, who were mostly of Igbo extraction.

Speaking to Vanguard, Mr. Gabriel Oganeze, Chairman of Olateju/Rotimi Traders Association, said; “Truly we attended the meeting called by the CP and the aim was to end the clash that has led to destruction of property. We are committed to ensure that there is a lasting peace in the market, as this is when we will be able to do business without fear.”

IPC hails NASS over Petitions Bill withdrawal

Late Madam Dudun.

platform for sustainable and automated land administration environment among others.”

Agoro, who frowned at the menace of land grabbers, popularly called ‘Omo onile’, said to fast track the prosecution of any offender of the law relating to land grabbing on the state the judicial arm of the government has been fully equipped to deliver prompt judgement in accordance with the criminal law of Lagos.”

He said following incessant complaints and constant harassment of residents by the landgrabbers, the legislative arm has proposed a Bill refereed to ads a “Bill for a law to prohibit

forcible entry and occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in the state and for connected purposes” He said the Bill will become a Law later in the year.

THE Director of International Press Centre, IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade, yesterday applauded the National Assembly over withdrawal of the Petitions Bill 2015 and suspension of all further consideration.

He said; “It was heart warming that the Senators finally realised that a law that seeks to curtail freedom of expression and media freedom is completely antithetical to democratic aspirations and should have no place in any democracy worth the name.”

1-6, Rumens Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Other defendants in suit are, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Bello Morenike, Lt. Cdr Okon Inyang, Joseph Etim Bassey, Akinyeke Akinyeke and one J. E. Benten.

Transcorp, in the suit by its lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, is seeking among other reliefs, an order restraining the Federal Government from

implementing the revocation order dated May 27, 2015 issued by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

In the suit before Justice Jude Dagat, Transcorp is also seeking for an order restraining the 3rd to 7th defendants from interfering with or disturbing the title, possession or occupation of the property.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 7

We've reclaimed Ekiti PDP from Fayose, says BoT member He's day-dreaming — FAYOSE

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustee, Chief Clement Awoyelu has declared that Governor Ayodele Fayose has lost grip of the party in the state.

Awoyelu, the pioneer Chairman of the party in the state and former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, said reclaiming the party from the governor remains the best option for the party to avert imminent destruction occasioned

by Fayose’s alleged one-man show in the running of the party.

He spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday during the swearing-in of a faction of the State Executive Committee of the PDP, believed to be loyal to the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu .

But the a swift reaction through his Chief Press Secretary said Awoyelu must be day-dreaming.

The group purportedly swornin yesterday, had earlier got a court verdict through the federal high court validating the election of those elected under this group and nullified the elections of those loyal to Fayose during the May 10, 2016 State congress held in Ekiti.

Awoyelu, who said he has no personal grudge against Fayose, added that the grouse with the governor has always been that he should follow due process and desist from arrogating the party to himself and run it like his personal estate.

“I have been in the party politics for more than 50 years and that is why we are trying to restructure our party. We will never sleep until we reclaim our party from Governor Fayose. We are ready to correct all the wrongs in our party.

“I have grouse with Fayose in two ways: One, I have never seen a state where governor will be the one to appoint councillorship candidates. This is wrong because it is the duty of the party leaders.

Two, the governor has appropriated the party to himself . The governor has not attended any meeting at the party secretariat, instead he relocated the party to his house in Afao Ekiti. These, we will not tolerate.

“I have been a member of the PDP National Executive Committee since 1998, Presidents

Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan were attending meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja. But this is not so under Governor Fayose.

“Governor Fayose was not in Ekiti when we formed PDP . He didn’t know anything about PDP . And we thank God that the election of the new SEC and the verdict of the court have shown that God and the pople have rejected the governor. We have reclaimed the state from him.

“As SEC of the party, you have nothing to fear because the court had validated your victories. You should ensure unity in our party and bring every aggrieved member on board”, he said.

A former envoy to Canada and

Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Amb Dare Bejide, urged the new SEC to instill discipline in the party and make it a formidable force to be able to win elections.

Bejide hinted that the verdict of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on Tuesday, recognizing Chief Williams Ajayiled State Working Committee, had automatically barred delegates selected by Gboyega Oguntuase’s faction from participating in the party’s national congress holding in Port Harcourt, River State, on Saturday.

The chairman of the faction, Chief Ajayi, assured the party

‘Awoyelu day-dreaming'

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayose, Mr Idowu Adelusi in a reply to Vanguard enquiry said; ‘’In Ekiti State, PDP has only one executive led by Barr Gboyega Oguntuase. Their is no faction in Ekiti PDP. ‘’One is surprised that Chief Awoyelu as knowledgeable as he is in politics, will back a congress which by all standard did not meet the requirement. That congress, I can boast, is a nullity and time will tell. ‘’Saying that Ekiti PDP will be taken from Governor Fayose by Awoyelu group is a wishful thinking. We advise Chief Awoyelu to come back home.''

BRIEFING: From left: Pastor Ayodeji Olulani, Head of Media and Publicity, The Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG), Council of Elders; Pastor Obadiah Mulero, Vice Chairman, Pastor Israel Abatan, Chairman, and Elder Kayode Ajayi, member, Board of Trustee, during a press briefing on their forthcoming National Elders Congress and Praise Night, at RCCG, Gbagada, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

By Gbenga Oke.

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member of the SouthWest Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Congress Committee, Chief Henry Ikoh, yesterday denied that his committee received any Court injunction restraining it from conducting congresses in all the SouthWest states.

He also said the conducted congress was without rancour and Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and his Ondo state counterpart, Olusegun Mimiko were at the exercise.

Ikoh, who served as the secretary of the committee in a chat with Vanguard said; “I was reading in the some publications that there was an injunction restraining us from conducting the congresses. I am reconfirming to you that I served as the secretary and the chairman, Celestine Omehia were not aware of any court injunction stopping us from conducting the congresses.”

“I am using this opportunity as the secretary of the committee of the congress to appeal to PDP faithful that we should put the party in order so as to provide purposeful leadership to our nation which is required,” he said.

Allegations against us politically motivated — S-WEST HERDSMEN

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U TA — T H E South-West leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria have refuted the killing allegation levelled against their members, describing it as politically motivated.

The Chairman of the association ,Muhammed Kabir Labar who led other herdsmen to the dialogue in Abeokuta , yesterday, at the 2016 Annual Business Advocacy Conference/ 1st General Meeting of Ogun State Business Advocacy Group, BAG, said that reported crisis of Fulani herdsmen and farmers was a mere excuse to get rid of herdsmen and their

business in Nigeria.

He said as the nomads they are not terrorists as usually reported, adding that reported crisis between herdsmen and farmers was usually politically motivated.

He said; “We are peace-loving Nigerians. We are normally called nomads or pasturalists but in Nigeria, we are terrorists, we carry out our business peacefully and make sure that Nigeria sustains this commodity that is under agriculture which will produce for local consumption.

“We are going to look at the allegation raised that we carry weapons around, we are all Nigerians and under the Nigerian system of government we know that carrying

Firm vows to stimulate school girls interest in STEM

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leaders that he would pursue unity and ensure that the party stand united.

PDP S-WEST: Congress scribe denies knowledge of restraining injunction

ENERAL Electric, yesterday, said it was committed to stimulating the interest of girls in secondary schools in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

A statement by senior manager communications, Osagie Ogunbor, said that already, two of GE’s diversity groups – the Women’s network and the Africa Affinity Forum on Thursday, held this year’s edition of the Girls’ In Technology Day.

The annual event started four years ago in collaboration with Women’s Technology Empowerment Center (W.TEC), a NonGovernmental Organization.

This year’s event, which took place at the Victoria Island, Lagos office of GE will see Secondary School girls aged between 13 -17 years in various activities including Animation Programming with Alice, developing new Apps using AppInventor2, and creating a documentary on ‘Girls day in GE.

sophisticated weapons around is prohibited. Indicting our community that we carry weapons around are all political statements, they only talk about this to kill our business completely and that will not happen.”

Meantime, the state governor , Ibikunle Amosun asked every Nigerian, especially Nigerians from Southern extraction, to treat Fulani herdsmen with the respect they deserve , saying peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, is what is

required to move the nation forward.

Governor Amosun, represented by his Special Adviser on Trade and Investment, Hafsat AbiolaCostello, spoke against the backdrop of incessant crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen requesting Nigerian government and Nigerians to come up with cogent and timely solutions against inter-tribal, inter-religious crises, including Boko Haram insurgency and herdsmen-farmers crisis that impede the progress of Nigeria.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Govs seek access to $3.2bn World Bank funds

By Levinus Nwabughiogu, with agency reports

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BUJA— GOVERNORS of the 36 states of the federation are seeking to access about $3.2 billion from the World Bank to curtail the fiscal challenges facing them.

The revelation was made, yesterday ,by the Governors’ Forum after a meeting with officials of the bank at Presidential Villa in Abuja, Wednesday night.

The meeting was convened by the Nigeria Governors Forum.

Chairman of the forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, told journalists that the forum decided to invite the Country Director of World Bank, Rachid Benmessaoud, to brief them on the money in the World Bank which largely belonged to state governments but could not access.

Yari said because of the

cumbersome procedure in accessing the funds, most of the governors did not even know they had such funds in the bank.

He said it was Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who sold the idea to his colleagues to invite World Bank officials to educate the governors to know that this mony is there, especially in view of difficulties faced by them in terms of how they could move their states forward by infrastructure development.

Yari said the governors raised issues as regards the provision of counterpart funding, being a requirement to access the fund, adding that the World Bank officials promised to look into the matter.

He said: “We discussed sincerely on the issue of counterpart funding. It is more difficult for us to fulfil our own part because we are

struggling to see how we can pay salaries. That is the most difficult aspect of it.

"They promised that they will look into it and immediately that is done, the states will move fast to ensure we access it.

“Also, they agreed that they will give us the details state by state; how much is available for each state and how we are going to access it.

“As of now, they are ready to facilitate a kind of workshop for state governors and commissioners of finance and other staff, so that we can know how best to move and access these funds for the betterment of our respective states.”

El-Rufai, who also spoke with reporters, said the World Bank portfolio for the states for 2016 was $4.25 billion, of which, he said, “$3.25 billion is lying there undisbursed.”

The Kaduna State governor

said the funds were idle because the states were not meeting their conditions or moving fast enough to draw the $3.25 billion.

“You know $3.25 billion can do a lot to improve the livelihood of our citizens in the state and the World Bank has expressed its flexibility to look into the challenges we are facing as well as the procedure to ease access to this mony,” he said.

He also said the World Bank wanted the states to withdraw the money as quickly as possible so that citizens would get its benefits, including health, education, rural access, agriculture and the revival of livestock and water supply.

“These are the areas that most of these funds are dedicated and we all need the money because we are all broke, so we are going to work very hard to try to get these monies in trust,” El-Rufai said.

MEETING: From left, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Petroleum Resources Minister, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State before the opening of the National Economic Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Catholic Church urges Labour to end strike Asks Nigerians to give FG benefit of doubt

By Caleb Ayansina

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BUJA — THE Catholic Church in Nigeria has called on organized labour partaking in the ongoing strike over the new price of petrol to have a rethink and not throw the nation into chaos.

Speaking, yesterday in Abuja, Director of Communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, called on the general public to give the Federal Government the benefit of the doubt.

Alumuku, who fielded questions from journalists during a press conference on his 35th Priestly Anniversary

and the public presentation of his autobiography ‘Candle Wax’ said the current economic meltdown in the country was a global phenomenon that was not peculiar to Nigeria.

According to him, this situation is global, especially for the oil producing countries, which are going through challenging times.

He said: “This is a critical moment. I have looked at Venezuela, Venezuela is a Latin American country, they depend on oil, and right now as we speak, Venezuelans are queuing up to buy sugar, milk, rice, pampers for children and they ration them.

“That means, we are quite better off than they are. We also

heard of the Russia situation, we are hearing about what is happening in Saudi Arabia.

So, this economic hardship is global, especially affecting countries that are oil producing nations.

“So to improve, the government in power has a huge challenge because of the promises they had made. They may be believing that things will be better, the price of oil will not go down again.

“Payment of workers salaries is very important, because if you don’t pay salaries, you don’t have the moral ground to engage workers or ask them to do something.

"If the figure they are showing us is anything to go

by, it means they cannot even pay salaries. So, I think we need to give the government the benefit of the doubt. And even the labour congress and other labour organizations need to think twice about this.

“Are we going to throw the country into another bout of chaos or are we going to go on and have salary not paid?

Or are we going to allow ourselves to make this sacrifice?

“Already, for many months, we have been buying petrol at about N150, N200, N250 per litre and queuing up as well.

I think we have to be able to weigh all of these situations that we find ourselves and move forward."

Price hike: IPMAN to build modular refinery, increase fuel imports

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By Michael Eboh

BUJA — INDEPENDENT Petroleum Marketers Association, IPMAN), yesterday, expressed its support for the liberalisation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and the hike in the price of fuel, stating that in the next couple of months, it would be investing in the construction of a modular refinery in the country to boost fuel supply.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, IPMAN President, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, said already, arrangement had been made by its members to bring petrol from all over the world to flood the market, after the government announced the liberalization policy as a short term measure.

He noted that in the long run, there were plans to build modular refineries across the country to ease distribution.

He reiterated the association’s support in the decision of the government to liberalize the sector, stating that in the next couple of days, members of the association would flood the market with petrol to end the long-lasting scarcity in the country.

He blamed the recent scarcity of products on the regulated regime where only those approved by government are given licences to import and sell petrol.

According to him, in recent times, NNPC was the sole importer of the petrol where the situation became serious burden on the operation of the company.

He said: “A regulated business regime anywhere in the world does not thrive.

Business is for private sector, they have the investment and zeal to bring competition and operate successfully.”

Okoronkwo condemned the ongoing strike by organised labour, saying: “For how long will Nigerians continue to be subjected to hardship as a result of strike that ended up without any tangible result?”

He urged the labour movement to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to bring about sanity in the downstream oil sector.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—9

Concerns mount over Nigeria’s plan to buy warplanes from US L

AGOS — Concerns are growing over the decision of the Federal Government to purchase 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the United States.

David Kuranga, an investment and political risk consultant, described the warplanes as “crop dusters” and advised the government against going ahead with the purchase.

Kuranga, who is Managing Director of Kuranga and Associates, in a statement, said the warplanes fell below the standard of aircraft used by even the military of African countries, such as Egypt and South Africa.

“In a conventional match-up or joint-task force, if Nigeria were ever asked to partner in a multi-national coalition with middle-income nations like Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, or Indonesia, the Nigerian Air Force, equipped with the A-29 light attack fighters, would be joke.

“They are comparatively slow, fly at lower altitudes, and are much more susceptible to antiaircraft artillery that even rebel fighters in Mali were in possession of,” he wrote in a statement sent to Premium Times, an online publication..

Kuranga also said the warplanes were too expensive, adding that they were inadequate for serious military operations and would constitute a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“The fact that the Nigerian government is considering putting in over a 100 million dollars of state money to purchase these inadequate aircraft, as a means of upgrading Nigeria’s air defences is a laughable. Further, it is a poor investment and a waste of state resources,” he added.

Kuranga said he found it baffling that the US authorities were seeking to block the sale of the obsolete warplanes to Nigeria when they should be thankful that the Nigerian government was relieving them of such antiquated aircraft.

He said Nigeria should aim to buy more advance warplanes that would put it at par with other militaries on the continent.

“These more advanced fighters would put the Nigerian Air Force on equal footing with South Africa, Egypt, and other middle income emerging powers. ‘’Fighter jets like the Gripen SAAB JAS-39 are among the most cost effective and capable fighter jets in operation today."

Meanwhile, the New York Times in an editorial, has kicked against the proposal to sell the warplane to Nigeria.

In an editorial published on

Wednesday, the influential US newspaper wrote that selling the warplanes to Nigeria will be a “mistake” as President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s was yet to investigate serious cases of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by the Nigerian military, especially in the fight against Boko Haram.

“Nigeria’s government cannot be entrusted with the versatile new warplanes, which can be

used for ground attacks as well as reconnaissance.

"Its security services have long engaged in extrajudicial killings, torture and rape, according to the State Department’s latest annual human rights report,” the paper said.

Quoting a US State Department report, the New York Times wrote that while Buhari's administration had moved to curb graft and investigate some right abuses, the government did not “investigate or punish the majority of cases of police or military abuse” in 2015.

One of such major cases, it

wrote, was the wanton massacre of over 300 Shi’ites and the destruction of properties by the army after members of the sect had an argument with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, last December.

The leader of the group, Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife, who were wounded during the army siege on sect’s enclave, are still being held without charge in an unknown location, five months after the attack.

“That hardly seems like an endorsement for selling the aircraft,” the newspaper said.

FORUM: From left, Director, IFDC West and North Africa Division, Robert Groot; Director, UASID Nigeria Mission, Michael Harvey and Minister of Agricultures and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh during the West Africa fertilizer stakeholders forum, in Abuja, yesterday.

Metuh vomits in court, trial stalled

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BUJA— SPOKESPERSON of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, yesterday again broke down in court with signs of ill-health, repeatedly throwing up at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he is being tried for alleged corruption.

Metuh’s apparent ill-health led the court to adjourn the case.

The PDP spokesperson is being tried for allegedly receiving N400 million of government arms money.

His counsel, Etiaba Etiaba, said Metuh’s health condition deteriorated on Wednesday night, forcing his brother-in-law, Andy Aghaji, to rush him to hospital.

He said on arrival at the hospital, they found that nurses were on strike. A doctor, who attended to Metuh, directed that he be brought back to the hospital, yesterday.

Etiaba said the doctor had warned that the drugs he administered would make Metuh drowsy and that he would have to take another medication at 11 am Thursday. He said the PDP spokesman left the hospital at 3.30 am, yesterday.

Etiaba said he advised Metuh to see if he could manage himself to the court, since he had no

understanding about the gravity of his health condition.

At the court, the PDP spokesman began to vomit and had to be assisted to the court room by his relatives. The counsel prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable Metuh return to

the hospital.

The prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, did not object to the application.

The judge adjourned the case till May 23 and Metuh immediately returned to the hospital.

We'll only monitor P-Harcourt convention —INEC

By Ben Agande.

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BUJA — THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that its personnel would only be sent to monitor the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, convention in Port Harcourt, noting that the parallel convention slated for Abuja

by Prof. Jerry Gana’s Stakeholders’ Group was alien to the Electoral Law. Even in monitoring the Port Harcourt convention, the commission will restrict its activities to other offices except those of the Chairman, the Secretary and the National Auditor, which are subject of a court order restraining the conduct of elections into them.

The commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said: “There’s only one convention known to the law and our regulations for which we were given appropriate notice, the one in Port Harcourt.

“INEC will monitor the elections to all offices except national chairman, national secretary and national auditor for which we have been served with a court order, unless or until set aside.”

Uzzi, who also spoke on the matter in a different forum, concurred that the convention the commission would send its staff to monitor was that of Port Harcourt.

Nigeria to establish N5bn world class medical research centre

By Chioma Obinna

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AGOS — THE Institute of Human Virology, IHVN, and Access Bank Plc, yesterday, unveiled plans to establish a N5 billion world class Medical Research Centre for infectious and non infectious diseases on Nigerian soil.

Some of the diseases expected to be researched into include HIV&AIDS, tuberculosis, Lassa fever, cancer, among others.

The centre will be under the leadership of Professor Alash’le G. Abimiku, a distinguished scientist and will be used to create an enabling environment for creative thinking and innovation in science to address Nigeria’s and global health priorities.

Making the announcement at

a press conference in Lagos on the collaboration with Access Bank, IHVN, and Dangote Foundation to raise N5 billion for the centre, Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum, said the building of the centre would improve the management of infectious diseases that had continued to ravage communities across the country.

“Nigerians have been victims of many disease outbreaks in the last three decades now, HIV has claimed the lives of many Nigerians, Ebola and most, recently, Lassa fever have become diseases of great public health concern because of their devastating consequences on the lives of the population, especially the productive sector,” he said.

Executive Director, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said the ultra-modern research facility would go a long way to help nip diseases in the bud.

He said: “The true essence of life is relationship with others. It’s the real reason we are here. When we sit back and watch diseases take over while we do nothing, we stand to lose everything. So here is a call to you to come, join hands with IHVN and help restore hope.”

On her part, Managing Director/CEO of Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, noted that the foundation was partnering with IHVN as part of its strategic objectives. According to her, health is pivotal to achieving other components, which are education and socioeconomic development.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

3 women sentenced to 6hrs of community service for affray

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HREE WOMEN, who pleaded guilty to fighting in the public, were yesterday, in Lagos, sentenced to six hours of community service.

The trio — Biliki Albert, 25; Eniola Tajudeen, 17; and Kayafat Agbolayo, 42 — had appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Ajibade.

The traders did not waste the time of the court by pleading guilty to a charge of affray.

The chief magistrate, who handed the verdict, said the women should do two hours each of sweeping the court’s premises.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that Agbolayo had engaged the other two women in a street fight.

“While Albert, a food vendor, was hawking, Agbolayo deliberately poured away the cooked food, leading to a fight among the three.”

According to Agoi, the offence was committed on Wednesday at Oyingbo Bus Stop, Ebute Meta, a contravention of Section 54 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, which prescribes six months imprisonment for others.

JSS II student stabbed in school by classmate

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13-year-old JSS II student, Samuel Oladimeji, is on admission at Ikorodu General Hospital after his classmate allegedly stabbed him in the stomach, bringing out his intestines.

Samuel was allegedly stabbed by his 16-year-old class mate (name withheld) following a dispute over a handkerchief.

It was learned that the incident happened at Isiuwu Grammar School, Isiuwu, near Ikorodu last Wednesday at about 9.30 a.m.

It was equally learned that the victim was taken to Ikorodu General Hospital, where a surgery was successfully carried out on him, while the suspect was arrested and detained at Imota Police Station for interrogation.

Gunmen abduct two high court judges in Kogi ....Attack Police station, kill 2 cops, release detainees

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—THERE was pandemonium, yesterday, in Kogi State, as gunmen reportedly abducted two court judges in the state, just as two officers were reportedly killed as gunmen attacked Osara Police Station.

Vanguard gathered that the two judges, Justices Aliu Okeme and Timothy Ali were abducted same day at different locations.

Okeme was reportedly abducted at Ojuocha in Ofu Local Government Area during a farm inspection and while Ali was reportedly abducted while on his way to the court in

Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Willy Aya, when contacted confirmed the incident but said the police were working to track down the abductors.

In a related development, two police constables were feared killed, yesterday, when gunmen

VISIT: From left, Mr. Balogun Adekunle, Operations Manager, My Home et al Ltd; Mr. Diego Gomes, Executive Manager for Tramontina Units Abroad; Mr. Marcos Grespan, Director of Tramontina, Mrs. Adedoyin Odu CEO of My Home et al Ltd; Mr. Olawale Odu, Director, My Home et al Ltd; Miss Funbi Sowande, Marketing and Sales Manager for Tramontina, and Mr. Ildo Paludo, member of the Board of Directors of the Tramontina Group, during the visit to My Home et al Ltd and presentiation of Tramontina products. Photo: Shola Oyelese

numbering about 12 invaded Osara Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

Sources at the station said the gunmen invaded the police station at about 2.15a.m. and started shooting sporadically, throwing the sleepy community into confusion.

On gaining entry into the station, the hoodlums reportedly went straight into the armoury where they carted away arms and ammunition and thereafter flung open the police cell, releasing detainees.

The source disclosed that two policemen, who tried stopping the hoodlums, were gunned down while two others were critically injured and were said to be responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.

The hoodlums reportedly set a vehicle parked at the station ablaze during the operation that lasted close to two hours without any challenge from any quarter.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Willy Aya, who confirmed the incident, denied any police casualty, but said two cops were injured and responding to treatment in the hospital.

Man stabs 33-yr-old friend to death in beer parlour I didn’t mean to kill him —Suspect

By Esther Onyegbula

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27-YEAR-OLD man, Sikiru Rashidi, who reportedly stabbed his friend, a bricklayer, to death at a beer parlour in Imude Ajangbandi area of Lagos, said he did so in self-defence.

It was learned that while drinking at the beer parlour in company of four others that faithful morning, the suspect and the victim engaged in an argument that led to a brawl.

An eye-witness disclosed that the suspect, Sikiru Rashidi, allegedly broke a beer bottle with which he stabbed the victim, Akeem, in the neck, and “immediately Akeem

slumped and died.”

Vanguard learned that people, who were around when the incident occurred, caught and handed over Sikiru to Ajangbandi divisional police station while he attempted to escape.

Suspect's account According to the suspect when

we got to the beer parlour, we contributed money and bought a carton of beer. While we were drinking Akeem Jimoh started abusing me and calling me names. After warning him several times to desist, he still continued and we began to exchange words.

"Before I knew what was happening, Akeem broke a

Boy attempts suicide over rejection of love advances

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—A 20year-old boy attempted committing suicide, Wednesday, at Ughelli, Delta

State, after his girlfriend allegedly rejected his love advances.

The boy, Jerry Bernard, was said to have drunk a substance used for laundry in combination

Pastor arrested in Ondo for hawking fetish items

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THERE was a mild drama in Akure, the Ondo State capital, when a selfacclaimed pastor with one of the pentecostal churches, was arrested for allegedly hawking fetish items.

The pastor, Adeniyi Johnson, said to be mentally defective, was arrested by resident of Ijomu in Akure metropolis while hawking the items as fried meat in the area.

The pastor, according to eyewitness account, brought out the items from his pocket and put them inside a tray before hawking.

Vanguard gathered that those who saw him immediately raised

bottle and stabbed me.

Immediately I broke another bottle and stabbed him in the neck. I didn’t mean to kill him, he attacked me first.

The case had been transferred to the State criminal Investigation and intelligence Department SCIID, Yaba, for further investigation.

alarm and were trying to lynch him before some elders intervened and suggested he should be taken to the Oba's palace.

Reports had it that the suspect, who is in police custody, was formally in the Iju/Ita Ogbolu branch of the church, before he was transferred to Ipogun branch.

When he was reportedly quizzed by the palace chiefs, the suspect said he was divinely instructed to share the items so as to save his ailing son.

On hearing his confession, the crowd that followed him to the palace attempted to stone him to death, but the palace chiefs reportedly prevented them as

the suspect was taken into the inner chambers of the Oba. The suspect reportedly told the chiefs that his son was dying and that unless people eat the fried meat he was hawking that the son might not survive.

He was said to have pleaded with those who arrested him to allow him finish what he had started so as to save his dying son.

The chiefs later arranged for his transfer to the custody of the Police.

Vanguard learned that he is being detained at the Police Area Command headquarters of the state for interrogation.

Sources at his church revealed that he had been sacked over a month ago to enable his family take care of his mental problem.

with a popular insecticide after the rejection by his girlfriend.

A source disclosed that the boy, who just secured admission into the university, was rushed to the hospital by his friend, “it was the friends that had come to check on him at the Makolomi that saw him on the ground with a suicide note by his side.”

Confirming the incident, a staff of the hospital said: “He was immediately taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Ughelli Central Hospital where he was resuscitated and is currently on admission pending his recuperation.”

Speaking further, the staff who spoke on anonymity, said: “Though the so-called girlfriend came to see him in the hospital on the same day he was admitted, it was discovered that he had consumed a large quantity of Jik mixed with insecticide.”

More stories on page 16.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 11

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12 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 13

5 workers seized by JTF over pipeline bombing released Suspend further hostilities in Delta, Otuaro pleads

By Emma Amaize & Perez Brisibe

W

ARRI—THE five pipeline surveillance workers arrested by Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, last Friday, in connection with the bombing of a Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, pipeline at Makaraba community, Gbaramatu clan, Warri SouthWest Local Government Area, Delta State, have been released.

A security source told Vanguard that they were released on Wednesday evening.

Released were Samuel Emiko and Alfred Timedi, (Itsekiri) and Isaac Edinde, Henry Arogboritse and Kelvin Mordi (Ijaw), arrested by soldiers while on surveillance duty for a contractor to Chevron.

Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who is among the leaders that raised alarm over the arrest confirmed to Vanguard, “Yes, I am aware that they released them on Wednesday night, I want to thank you people in the media for crying out for us.

“The released workers were asked to report next Wednesday,” a security source said.

Meanwhile, deputy governor of Delta State and Chairman, Advocacy Committee against Oil

VISIT: Director G e n e r a l , Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Johnny Hamakin (right) presenting a souvenir to the M a n a g i n g Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue during his visit to Arik Air Aviation Centre, Ikeja on Wednesday.

Facility Vandalism, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, has appealed to Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to cease further bombing of oil installations in the state and give the committee a chance to broker a negotiation with the appropriate authorities on its demands.

Otuaro, who made the appeal during his tour of riverine communities in Warri South-West, Warri North and Burutu Local Government Areas, also urged ex-agitators to join hands with the committee in reaching out to NDA

in view of the ongoing amnesty programme, which provides a window to tackle any misgiving.

Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogulagha, HRM Joseph Timiyan, he said: “The 2016 National Budget of N6.6 trillion is predicated on borrowing, VAT and a 2.2 mbd production expectation.

Sustenance of the bombings without collective efforts to stop same will worsen our already bad economic situation.”

On his part, HRH Timiyan,

who noted that Otuaro was the first sitting Delta Deputy Governor to visit his palace, said: “We’ will support government to stop the vandalism. As a kingdom, we have several oil concerns namely Forcados Terminal Crude Loading Platform, South Bank Flow Station, North Bank Flow Station, Estuary Flow Station, Forcados/Yokri Integrated Gas Project, amongst several others.

We do not harbour militancy and the oil companies operate in a conducive environment.”

Police anti-riot squad quell riot in Ugep, central C/River

By Emma Una

C

ALABAR—CROSS River State Police

Command, yesterday, dispatched a team of anti riot policemen to Ugep, headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area of the

Delta govt restates commitment to students' welfare Assistant Scheme, SSAS and

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Government has restated it’s commitment to the welfare of students originating from the state in tertiary institutions within and outside the country.

Secretary of state Bursary and Scholarship Board, Elijah Ologe, disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba.

Assuring students of the state government’s readiness to sustain the Students Special

other scholarship schemes of the board, Ologe said that the 2015/ 2016 SSAS and other scholarship schemes were being looked into.

Noting that the delay in the payment was due to ongoing verification being embarked on by the board, he said that the exercise was to ensure that only qualified students of the state origin benefits from the schemes.

He urged the students to be patient with the government, adding: “Governor Okowa is concerned about the wellbeing of all Deltans.”

state to quell the violence which erupted in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, following the killing of a local businessman by suspected assassins.

The spokesman of the Command, Mr John Eluu confirmed to Vanguard, that policemen from Calabar had been sent to the area to work in conjunction with the police in Ugep to restore normalcy and stop the looting and destruction of property.

Violence erupted in the area after gunmen stormed the home of a local businessman, who trades in building materials at 4a.m., and shot him dead.

Don’t drag Oba of Benin into politics, group tells Bini chiefs

By Simon Ebegbulem

Osinbajo, Oshiomhole, Asiodu, others for 2nd Late Osadebay memorial lecture

C

HIEF Phillip Asiodu is to chair the second memorial lecture in honour of Late Chief Dennis Osadebay, being organised by ASDEV 81 Club.

Chief Asiodu is a former Permanent Secretary in Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

According to Chairman of Osadebay Memorial Lecture Planning Committee, Mr. Tony Okwuraiwe, guests expected at this years event include: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the

Governors of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Willie Obiano, Anambra; and Adams Oshiomhole, Edo. The event holding tomorrow in Asaba has “Strong Institutions as a Panacea to Good Governance in Nigeria,” as its theme and will be delivered by Professor Patrick Utomi of the Lagos Business School, with support discussion’

by Professor Epiphany Azinge, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, among others.

Johnson Ogare, a resident of the area, had earlier told Vanguard, that “The man’s name is Honourable Larry, a former councilor in Ugep and was selling building materials after his tenure at the council. At 4a.m., on Tuesday, some people went to his house at Bikobiko and woke him up that they wanted to place an order for some building items but as he stepped out of his house they shot and died on the spot.”

The killing led to reprisal, as youths from the area mobilised and attacked shops and homes of Igbo people and some Ugep businessmen suspected to have connived to kill the man.

B

ENIN CITY—THE organisation for Greater Edo Project has cautioned some Benin chiefs against dragging the palace of the Oba of Benin into politics.

Condemning the recent call by some chiefs to ban the deputy governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu and Mr Godwin Obaseki from the governorship race, the group in a statement by its coordinator, Mr Godwin Osakue, noted that the internal dispute of the APC remains the business of the party as the party has internal mechanism for

solving its problems.

According to the statement, “In the case under reference, the party has put internal conflict resolution apparatus at work and success at smoothening the rough edges has been reported. Let it be known that conflicts and disagreements are integral to unfettered democratic space due to differences in opinions and beliefs within the party.

“We remind these elements that the traditional institution should not be drawn into partisan politics in whatever guise, particularly, a well respected, deep seated and one of the oldest traditional institution like the Benin''

Ijaw moves to promote peace in Niger Delta

T

HE Ijaws of Delta State, yesterday, inaugurated the executive of Meinbutus Federated Communities Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri to work with the Federal and State governments to promote peace, unity and eliminate any form of oppression and marginalization.

During the inauguration, the Ijaws promised to use dialogue to resolve any disagreement between the people and government as well ensure that there would be peaceful resolution of any crisis in the region and Nigeria at large.

Addressing the Ijaws and guests, the new chairman, Lot Loyibo said his mandate was to maintain peace, work with the government, oil multinational companies and other agencies to ensure that the Niger Delta region remains peaceful.

Isoko Unity Group

I

SOKO Unity Group has congratulated Mr Emma Ogidi on his emergence as the National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Chairman, South South Zone of the party.

At a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, the group thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his support, saying: “Since his election as governor, things are going smoothly and squarely.

His SMART initiative has stabilised the polity and development is recorded in all parts of the state. We are rest assured that Mr Ogidi will excel in this his new position because of his pedigree in party politics.”

The meeting, which was chaired by Tim Owhefere, had in attendance Commissioner for Housing, Ovie Oghoore, Prof.

Saliba Mukoro, Jahswill Asaba, Sir Patrick Akporuno, among other prominent members.

Alpha-May Club

A

LPHA-MAY Club, which comprise of indigenes of Itsekiri across the globe will on May 22, 2016 hold its 31st anniversary to foster unity among the Itsekiri speaking tribe of Delta State.

A statement by Mr. Luck Ereku, Chairman, Mr. Isaac Sobotie, Secretary and Mr. Austin Oyowe, Chairman, Organising Committee, said that the anniversary with the theme ‘Itsekiri Unity Beyond the Coronation of HRM, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri’ will hold at the event centre, Rita Lori Hotels, off Babs Animashun Road, Surulere, Lagos.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

By Japhet Alakam

L

AGOS—THE Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, and many others, have commended the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye, for his writings, especially on his new book, A Chronicle Foretold, a collection of his writings during the tenure of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking in his capacity as special guest of honour at the presentation held at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos, Mr. Fashola described Omatseye as one of the writers that had contributed immensely to the growth of democracy in the country.

According to Fashola, “in 2007, when my candidacy was announced, it was Omatseye who engaged me in a one-onone debate that equipped me.

He helped me in many respects to prepare me for governance.

Amuka, Fashola, others eulogise Omatseye at book launch In fact he prepared me even more than the worst critics.”

Speaking about the book, the former governor of Lagos State enjoined Nigerians to learn from the mistakes of the past.

He said: “We are all living witnesses of the chronicles of what happened in the last few years. Every season has a lesson and I hope that we have learned ours. What did we do in the days of affluence?

If we had managed it well, should we be where we are today?

“You heard what the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State said; that few people spent the money for the whole state.

Then the question is, what will be the parameter for choosing our leaders, because very soon we will make a choice.

“On the other hand, news

had it that one of the Chibok girls have be found. The lesson for us is when emergencies affecting human lives occur, how do we react?”

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Amuka, described the author as a celebrated writer.

He said: “I assure you, I am going to read it tonight. I call him grammar boy. It is a great pleasure for those who enjoy reading to read whatever he writes. I recognise him and more people are recognising him too.

“The era he is writing about is an interesting time; that is where we are just coming from. What you are going to read is the history of the last six years or thereabouts.”

In his lecture, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Bala Bantex, who represented

Governor Nasir el-Rufai, said the author has a strong relationship with the governor.

Bantex said: “He has three things in common with elRufai: the skills, intellect to know what is right, commitment to doing it and the courage to pursue it to the end. These are what he shares with governor.”

Bantex said el-Rufai is one of those who insist on good governance and that it had been his style since he took over power in Kaduna. He shared with the audience some of the achievements the government of el-Rufai had recorded.

Aremo Osoba

In his remarks, Aremo Segun Osoba commended

From left—Author, Mr. Sam Omatseye; Special Adviser on Media to Sokoto State Governor, Malam Imam Imam, representing Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto; Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, representing the governor; Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, and Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sam Amuka, and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, at the presentation of Omatseye's book, A Chronicle Foretold, on the theme Birth Pangs of a New Era, in Lagos. PHOTOS: Akeem Salau.

From left—Mr. Chike Ogeah, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Chief Henry Odukomaya, Mr. Bayo Adewakun and Mr. Felix Osifo.

From left—GM/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Media Ltd., Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; former MD, The Sun, Mr. Mike Awoyinfa; Pa Adio Mosanya and Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser on Media to Minister of Works, Power and Housing at the event.

From left— Aliu Olurotimi, CEO, Magnate Communications Ltd.; Eric Osagie, MD/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun; Mr. Gbola Oba and Princess Folashade Oba.

Assistant Director/Head ICT, Engr Chris Amakulo (left) and Deputy Director, Research and Statistics, Mrs Ronke Thomas, both of NIMASA.

the author for his contribution to the society through his incisive writings. He also commended Mr. Fashola for finding time to attend the event despite his tight schedule.

Osoba also commended him for awarding Obajana Road contract to Dangote and urged Nigerians to encourage private sector participation.

In his review, Kunle Ajibade said the book is an illuminated collection of 77 pieces of his columns in The Nation newspapers.

Ajibade said: “In this book, he is more of a prophet as some of the things he predicted have come to pass,” adding that it is not only about Nigeria, but about the author and other countries.

Roll call

Other dignitaries at the event were Bayo Onanuga, representing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Alhaji Imam Imam, who represented Sokoto State governor; representatives of Lagos State governor, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Borno State governor, Delta State governor and Minister of Transport.

Others were Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief/GM, Vanguard Media Ltd; Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Editor, Vanguard Newspapers; Morenike Thomas, who represented NIMASA Chairman; Mike Awoyinfa; Professor Itse Sagay; Ambassador O. K. Lawal; Eniola Bello, MD, Thisday; Senator Anthony Adefuye; Nike Oshinowo, among others.

Author’s words

On his part, the author, Omatseye, said the essays in the book foresaw Nigerians’ dashed promises under Jonathan as President and some brilliant works by some governors and public officers.

“I wrote that the Jonathan era would signpost a wave of squandermania, corruption and failure,” notes Omatseye, whose column, In Touch, is published every Monday on the back page of The Nation.

He said: “While others congratulated him, I drew our attention to what I knew would happen. It was not a special insight, but a simple vivisection of the times, Jonathan’s background and the crowd that surrounded him.

“I was proved right. Hence I call this collection of essays A Chronicle Foretold.”

A consummate public commentator, Omatseye’s other published works include poetry books, Dear Baby Ramatu, Lion Wind and Other Poems; a play, The Siege, and two novels, Crocodile Girl and My name is Okoro.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—15

PROTEST:

Members of Ayuba Wabbaled faction of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, protesting at Lagos State secretariat, Alausa, as the anti-fuel price hike protest enters day two, y e s t e r d a y.

PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

FUTA students represent Nigeria in Bulgaria

By Oboh Agbonkhese

F

OUR students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, who came tops at the National Mathematical Centre’s 8th National M a t h e m a t i c s Competition for University Students (NAMCUS 2016) in Nigeria, will represent the country at the i n t e r n a t i o n a l M a t h e m a t i c s competition organised by the University College, London, holding in America University, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.

The FUTA team comprise Michael Omolaja, a 500 level student, who clinched a gold; Mary Akinade and Segun Ofe, both 500 level students, silver medals, and Desmond Dike, 300 level, bronze.

FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, congratulated the team and their supervisors, Dr. Babatope Omolofe and Mr. Ayodeji Afolabi, describing their feat as testimony to the institution's excellence.

According to Akinade, the only female member of the team, Mathematics is not as difficult as people think.

She said the successful study of Mathematics only demands interest, support, persistent practice and confidence.

Ex-Anambra community head docked for N64m fraud

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned a former community leader of Uruoji Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Emma Emelife, on a 13-count charge for allegedly embezzling N64 million belonging to his community.

After hearing the bail application for Emelife, who

has been in the custody of EFCC, the presiding judge, Justice D. A. Onyefulu, fixed Monday next week to rule on the bail application.

The people of Uruoji village had petitioned EFCC over an allegation that Emelife defrauded them of N64 million being contributions made by the villagers for development purposes, while he was the chairman of the village.

Counsel to the community, Mr. Anthony Nwokoli, said when Emelife was asked to

account for the money, he rebuffed them.

Nwokoli also lamented the action of EFCC officials in the matter and demanded the replacement of the EFCC counsel.

He said: “The prosecutor is not liaising with us who are the complainants. This, to us, contravenes the legal procedure. He is supposed to be liaising with the complainant’s lawyer in the matter, but he has not been doing that.”

We‘ll recapture Imo, Anambra —PDP South East Vice Chair

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, South-East zone, Mr. Austin Umahi, yesterday, expressed the determination of the party to recapture Imo and Anambra states in 2019.

He stated this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on his plans to reposition PDP in the South-East geo-political zone.

According to him, the inability of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government to fulfill its campaign promises after a year in power is enough for PDP to

take over power at the centre.

He said: “The truth is, APC is campaigning for PDP. People are already disenchanted and disillusioned.

They want the true change that will come from PDP.”

Beware of falsified results, Abia PDP chair warned

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—THE immediate past Chairman of Abia State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Emma Nwaka,

StarTimes wins LCCI award

S

TARTIMES has won the Fastest Growing Pay-TV award at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, LCCI-organised event in Lagos.

Chief Nike Akande, President, LCCI, said the objective of the annual awards is to recognise, celebrate and promote private and public institutions that have exhibited the core

Umahi, who is the younger brother to Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, identified intra-party politics and clashes between party bigwigs as the major problems of the party in the zone.

values of best business practices, growth through innovations, business sustainability and have impacted positively on the society.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the company, Marketing Director, Oludare Kafar, expressed appreciation to millions of StarTimes subscribers with a promise of better subscriber experience.

yesterday, handed over to his successor with a warning that he should not accept any results of the recent ward or local government congresses not signed by him, alleging that some highly-placed members in the state were planning to alter the names in Abuja.

Nwaka told the new Chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, and his new executive committee that he carefully counter-signed all the results of the congresses to ensure that nobody changed them.

He urged him to resist all inducements and to work with the governor, who is the leader of the party in the state, and other members to achieve success.

Anambra JUSUN threatens strike over financial autonomy

By Enyim Enyim

O

N I T S H A — A N A M B R A judiciary workers may soon embark on strike over non-implementation of financial autonomy and payment of 2015 leave allowance.

Chairman of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, in the state, Mr. Mark Ifezue, stated this yesterday in his office while briefing newsmen on why the union backed out of the ongoing strike by the Ayuba Wabba-led Nigeria Labour Congress.

Ifezue said the union was tired of waiting endlessly for promises that the government of Willie Obiano made, adding, “we have been making demand for our CONJUSS for many years now without response from the government. All we have been getting are empty promises.”

Ugwuanyi reconstitutes IMT Governing Council

G

OVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, reconstituted the governing council of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, with the Federal C o m m i s s i o n e r, representing Enugu State in the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Festus Uzor, as Chairman.

A statement by the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Elder Gabriel Ajah said other members of the council are Emmanuel Igiligi, Cyril Aniwike, David Sunday Onwuegbu and Professor Gabriel Agbo.

Ajah stated that the appointment was “pursuant to Section 5(1) and (2) of the IMT Law, Cap 97 Laws of Enugu State 2004,” and asked the Academic Board of the institution to elect two of its members to serve on the council, in line with Section 5(1) (e) of the said law.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Egbeda murder: Police to arraign husband today As

Ronke’s burial plan begins

By Evelyn Usman

T

HE LAGOS State Police will today, arraign Lekan Shonde , the dockworker who allegedly killed his wife during a scuffle at their Egbeda residence in Lagos two weeks ago, to court.

The suspect, is expected to be arraigned before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate's Court.

This is just as family of late Ronke has begun plans to bury her.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, confirmed that the command had concluded its investigation and would charge the suspect to court today. He was, however, silent on the charges against him.

Meanwhile, the decision to bury Ronke as reliably gathered, was reached after deliberation by members of the Bewaji’s family.

There was also indication that the family was not ready to prosecute the

Lekan and late Ronke Shonde before the crisis. suspect, as sources told burial arrangement of her Vanguard that it had late sister. resolved to leave She said: “I am sorry, I am everything to God. not in the position to speak Efforts at speaking with on that at the moment,” she the deceased’s sister, however, promised to get Bolatito Bewaji, yesterday, back to this reporter. proved abortive as she But a member of the politely told this reporter family, who spoke on that she was not in the condition of anonymity, mood to speak on anything said: “From all indications, regarding the death or it is obvious the family may not prosecute Lekan. The bereaved mother, who is a devout Christian has resigned to fate.

"She said she is not ready for any further noise, as the adjourned the case till May death of her daughter is 25 for ruling on the bail devastating enough. Even application. if you call them, nobody will Similarly, s a 32-year-old speak to you because they unemployed man, Lekan have been given strict Okebule, who allegedly directive not to speak to inserted his penis inside the anyone, especially mouth of an eight-year girl, journalists. was, yesterday, remanded "Yes, burial arrangement in prison by an Ikeja Chief is on. But I cannot tell you Magistrate's Court. the date that has been fixed.

The accused, who lives at But it is going to be very 22, Fashola St., Papa soon. She is gone for good Ashafa, Agege, a Lagos and there is no reason to suburb, is facing a two- keep the corpse, we want count-charge of sexual to do the necessary,” the assault and causing breach sources said. of peace.

23-yr-old factory worker docked for allegedly defiling minor

A

FACTORY worker, Hadi Isa, 23, who allegedly defiled his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, was, yesterday, charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, who lives at No.1, Bankole St., Off Akilo, Agege, a suburb of Lagos State, is facing a charge of sexual assault.

The prosecutor, Insp.

Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the offence was committed on May 6 at the accused residence.

Aigbokhan said that the accused called the victim to his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand.

“The accused shut the door and had sexual intercourse with her," he said.

He said the victim told her aunt, who reported the matter to the police and the accused was apprehended.

Aigbokhan said the offences contravened Sections 137 and 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, remanded the accused in prison custody and

Woman drags ex-hubby to court over denial of access to child

A

32-year-old woman, Patience Samuel, yesterday, dragged her exhusband, Mr Barnabas Bala, to a Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State, for allegedly denying her access to see their child.

Patience told the court that ever since their marriage was dissolved by the court, Bala had denied her access to meet with their only child.

“The court had granted me the permission to see my child any time I wished to do so and my exhusband accepted that in

the court.

“But to my greatest surprise, any time I call or send him text message, that I want to see my child, he does not reply and all effort to see my child proved abortive.

“The respondent had repeatedly refused to either pick any calls or reply to my text messages, thereby denying me access to our child,” Patience said.

In his response, Bala told the court that he never denied her access to see their only child.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 —17

Buhari in London: Responses from readers

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AST week, I wrote about meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in London and hearing him make a speech (and answer questions from the audience) when he came to London to attend anti-corruption conferences that were hosted

by Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and British Prime Minister, David Cameron.

I praised the President’s performance, particularly his claim that he didn’t need an apology from Cameron (who had described Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt”) and was only interested in the return of our stolen assets that are stashed in the UK. I said that he possessed such a reassuring and fatherly aura that meeting him had made me glad that I voted for him, as well as making me feel that the terrible problems we are going through at the moment can be solved with him at the helm.

Terrible problems I also insulted John Bercow, the Speaker of the House Of Commons, for insulting us (he was overheard telling Cameron and Queen Elizabeth that he hoped that visiting Heads of State like Buhari were paying for their own airline tickets).

I concluded that Mr President should spend more time at home, allaying the fears of struggling Nigerians; and a lot of Vanguard readers responded to my comments.

Here are some of the positive, negative and 50-50 reactions I received: F r o m : lesukpabi@gmail.com> Dearest Donu, never again will I thumb past Sweet and Sour! Sincere apologies for avoiding your column all these years. Your piece on Baba’s aura is quite infectious. I am not close to the President, yet I feel what you C M Y K

•President Muhammadu Buhari aptly described.

I pray he reads this and takes your advice. Do not stop writing Ma’m.

Warm regard s . Leslie Otuije.

F r o m : <eojiogah@gmail.com> Hello Donu, I enjoyed your brilliant piece on “Buhari in London”. I was very happy with your apt description of John Bercow as a “patronising idiot” for his statement in that gossip session with the Queen.

He’s a disgrace to his office and the people of the UK. I am positive Nigeria is on the right path to greatness and with

I am positive Nigeria is on the right path to greatness and with the leadership of President Buhari, the next three years will show us a glimpse of how much we can achieve as a people if we truly commit ourselves to progress the leadership of President Buhari, the next three years (or seven) will show us a glimpse of how much we can achieve as a people if we truly commit ourselves to progress.

God bless Nigeria.

Emmanuel Ogah. Asaba, Delta State.

From: A businessman who requested anonymity: I also voted for Buhari and

would do so again, given the paucity of choice. However, I worry that it now seems that he did not come with much of a plan other than a narrow objective to launch a populist anti-corruption crusade that was to be the panacea to all our ills. Even on this he would achieve more, and stand the chance of institutionalising his quest, if he embarked on a massive and far-reaching legal reform (not just judges and the police prosecutions structure, but by working with the Nigerian Bar Association to also reform the entire legal profession).

As for not having much of a plan (and it’s not good enough to say you didn’t know how bad the problems were, because we all did), you don’t dawdle for six months to produce a cabinet and nine months before we start to be able to define the beginnings of an economic policy whilst an economic crisis rages.

Series of somersaults The deregulation of the petroleum downstream marketing sector last week, after a series of somersaults, was something that could and should have been done seven or eight months ago, when the national mood was receptive and the market was right. I wish we could hear the words “I’m sorry, I made a mistake” and hope that from now on we will see a more up-andrunning decisive Buhari who is more prepared to listen to those who understand economic issues more than he and his cronies do.

Buhari should not tar all wealth with the same brush because successful business people create wealth and jobs and generate tax revenue.

Trying to run a business in

•David Cameron...At the summit a Buhari era where policy is opaque (the devil is in the detail or lack of it!) and cashstrapped regulators, tax officials and security operatives have decided to run amok with “shake-downs” in the guise of carrying out their “duties”, is not the way to re-flate an economy, or curb corruption.

Keeping a bloated government that could and should be pruned to a third of its size and injected with professionals for much greater efficiency, is not the way to save money (though kudos to Adeosun, the Finance Minister, for siphoning out the thousands of ghost workers).

Perhaps if the Federal Government took these steps the “begging bowl” Governors would be forced to do likewise.

They should never have been given the first bail out; now they want another. Where’s the leadership from the “do as I say” rather than “do as I do” Federal Government?!

I am writing you this email from my ipad as I sit in a petrol station queue in Lagos.

I have been here for an hour and have had no electricity for four days. I am waiting for the “Change” we were promised during Buhari’s election campaign.

07067600185 Anonymous I quite agree with you: The President should embark in less overseas travels and concentrate more on internal state visits. Let that fatherly aura be felt back home. Let him meet with the people and douse frustrations and restore hope.

08059184766 Hon Anagbogu Donu, your article about Buhari’s London trip is a masterpiece. Mr President was right. He doesn’t need apologies, just the return of

funds stashed abroad. Kudos to him. We should and must admit that this guy is on track and working hard to deal with the cabals, cartels and thieving bastards who have almost ruined our beloved country. Let’s salute his courage and support him.

08086291166 Kelechi Ugochukwu Bravo Donu. The truth is Nigeria is deeply corrupt but Cameron need not remind us because it was his forefathers who laid the foundation for our corruption.

Cosy foreign ivory tower But I still have faith in Buhari. He will turn things around if his team gets it right.

08107989469 Oduwa Sam You should have asked our President when our suffering will end because we have never has it so bad! I don’t blame you sha. Life in London is quite different!

I feel obliged to briefly respond to Sam (and others who have expressed a similar view) and say that I don’t live in a cosy foreign ivory tower all the time and also spend significant amounts of time in Nigeria, so totally understand the pains to which he is referring!

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 A slogan of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) says: “Police is Your Friend”. Police, indeed, are friends of the citizenry, because they are the ones everybody looks for when confronted with threats to life and property.

But it is also true that the Police are not very popular with most people because the average policeman is generally perceived as being highhanded, corrupt, and unfriendly. They are also very poorly treated by the Federal Government. Few of our young people will voluntarily join the Police Force if they have the luxury of choice.

It was an irony of sorts when the Police Service Commission (PSC) recently invited applications from qualified Nigerians for recruitment into the Force based on President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the recruitment of 10,000 policemen. The Commission had advertised for the hiring of 500 Cadet ASPs, 500 Cadet Inspectors, 1,500 Specialist Officers and 7, 500 Con-

One million chasing 10,000 Police jobs stables.

Within a few days of the advertisement, officials of the PSC were astounded, if not shocked, by the response from applicants. According to Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, between April 24 and May 2, 2016 no fewer than 843,008 applications had been received. A breakdown of this showed that 243,327 applications were received for ASP cadre, while 197,990 and 401,691 applied for the Inspector and Police Constable cadres, re-

spectively.

Soon after, the figure rose to over one million applicants, leaving many wondering if the Police was indeed as unpopular as generally held. Even the Inspector General of Police could not help but exclaim that he “never knew Nigerians liked the police this much that such a gargantuan number wants to join the Force.”

It is, however, obvious that the stampede for police jobs has little to do with “popularity”. With an unemployment rate of 36.8 per

cent of Nigeria’s over 170 million people, jobless Nigerians certainly cannot be too choosy when positions are advertised by any organisation. This was what informed the response by 6.5 million applicants to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment in March 2014, which ended tragically with the death of 23 job seekers during a recruitment test.

The Police authorities have to exercise extreme care in this recruitment drive, ensuring that only people who are suitably qualified with impeccable characters and backgrounds will be brought on board.

The process of ascertaining this must be very painstaking to keep out bad eggs.

The large number of applicants for every job opening, is an enduring warning bell over the worrisome unemployment situation. We urge governments at all levels to come up with radical ideas to put more of our idle youth to work and reduce the social consequences of high unemployment.

OPINION

Delta Steel coy and labourers’ travails

By Bobson Gbinije “Bowed by the weight of centuries he leans Upon his hoe and gazes on the ground, The emptiness of the ages in his face, And on his back the burden of the world”Edwin Markham (1882-1940) That iron and steel constitutes the fundamental fulcrum on which technological development and advancement can take place remains an unquestionable truism. From the Paleolithic Age, the Mesolithic Age down through the Neolithic Age to the Iron Age, the illusive variable for development has always been “Iron”. Its discovery as a tool of civilisation stimulated a sonorous Hosanna, to the modern world. But man is, however, already in the Space Age. The most viable paradigm for measuring development and growth in a modern world like ours is sustainable industrialisation, and industrialisation cannot take place in absence of iron and steel. It is in the recognition of this that most developed and developing countries like America, through its iron and steel locations in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Chicago, Dallas, Birmingham, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington etc, Japan through its iron and steel industries in Kobe, Osaka, Yokohama, Toyama, Oita, Kitakyushu and Tokyo etc. Peru has one in Chimbote, Brazil has one in Belo Horizonte, Venezuela has in Guidad Guayama, some states of the old Soviet Union have, Tbilisi in

Georgia, Dashabe in Tajikistan. All these nations have made great technological and industrial strides because of the presence of iron and steel.

The Eastern Development Union (EDU) first initiated the idea of an iron steel and steel industry in 1963 and caused a preliminary survey to be carried out by the

It was the wicked politicization of key important positions which engendered and entrenched mediocrity and all its attendant evils experts who recommended that it should be established in Onitsha. But because of the large sum involved, the Eastern Development Union took the project to the National Economic Council (NEC). Other regions suddenly became interested in an iron and steel industry and vehemently opposed its siting at Onitsha. Subsequently, another set of experts were commissioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1965 to survey once more the feasibility of the project, and again Onitsha was recommended. The Federal Government under Tafawa Balewa accepted the recommendation but insisted on splitting the industry into two: Steel manufacture to be sited at Idah and casting and rolling at

Onitsha. (The Economist, Feb.12, 1996, page 592).

The history of iron and steel development in Nigeria especially its siting is fraught with military and political maneuvers. The Jos, Enugu and Oshogbo Rolling Mills that are supposed to maintain an industrial symbiosis with the Delta Steel Company and the Ajaokuta Steel Company through a syncretic capacity to absorb their products are just not there.

The technological conceptualisation of the iron and steel complex was a brilliant and laudable idea which took off very well, with adequate training and provision of manpower in every department of iron and steel complex management, production, maintenance, finance, raw materials and ergonomics.

Under its pioneer general manager, Late Chief Fred Brume, Delta Steel was heading towards becoming the hope of the long awaited break-through in industrial development for Nigeria and nay Africa. But given the Nigeria factor- The pull him down (PHD) mentality, hell was let loose.

From tribal wrangling to diabolical atrophy through inter-and intra personality clashes to atrabilious politicking the great Delta Steel Company Limited, OvwianAladja was murdered. It is no more. It is no more. Paradise lost. It has sung its own nunc dimities.

Like all viable projects in Nigeria, even at national level there is no administrative continuity and so there is always an

administrative chasm. As soon as it creeps in the centre cannot hold. So it happened to Delta Steel Company Limited.

Financial constraints that reared its head through fictitious contracts, gigantic hotel accommodation bills for all categories of staffers, overseas pleasures tips masqueraded as staff training programmes and overstaffing that precipitated indolence and conviviality during official hours.

Raw material scarcity and shortage became the bane of Delta Steel Company Limited. No proper arrangement was made for adequate supply of raw material input, as an index of meeting and sustaining production. This brought in the era of unnecessary shut-down of plants, and the immense loss of man-hour.

Above all, it was the wicked politicization of key important positions which engendered and entrenched mediocrity and all its attendant evils. Under the National party of Nigeria (NPN) government it was random selection of party faithfuls and stalwarts to be members of the Board of Directors. They were directors carnival, utter planlessnes, graft and in-fighting. All these finally killed ergonomics and efficiency of workers, Labour could no longer be sustained, because of the afore-mentioned pot-pourri of failures, and this whipped –up work to rule, industrial action, strikes and shutdowns because of non payment of salaries. And finally mass retrenchment with inability to pay benefits and pensions up till today by the new management. *Mr. Ofodu, a public affairs analyst, wrote from luckyofodu24@gmail.com

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Hunger, not war can end the world two years. Rather than starve E live in a highly to death, some of the W insecure world. inhabitants are selling their However, the greatest source of global insecurity is not ISIS, Trumpism or the nuclear arms race; it is hunger, powered by the perhaps, the most devastating but virtually unreported drought in living memory. As this reality dawned on me, I thought about children going to bed hungry; how do they sleep? Adolescents going to school on empty stomachs; what can they learn? What do you tell a hungry populace; how can they listen?

In 2013, I went to Namibia; the crops had failed that May and the Government had declared a state of emergency.

I was unaware of the devastation nor of UNICEF’s findings that one third of the population was either severely or moderately food insecure. It was the worst drought in thirty years and the world seemed oblivious. Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba had cried out: "It has now been established that climate change is here to stay and humanity must find ways and means of mitigating its effect." It did some seem, the world listened.

Today, the situation is worse with the large Kunene Province experiencing no rain in the last

livestock and moving to the cities where there are no jobs.

The Namibian Government is now running drought relief programmes with a new planned to begin in June.

That same year, I was in Zimbabwe and travelled the countryside from Harare to Masvingo, some three hours drive. Laying prostrate before my eyes were vast farms that seemed empty except for cattle.

I thought it was the result of the land seizures, but was shocked to find that rain had deserted large parts of the country for many years. Now, about four million Zimbabweans need food aid to survive the drought. Of course, it is not just the humans, but also the ten national wildlife parks that were at risk. On May 3, 2016, the Parks Management issued a statement stating : "In the light of the drought ... Parks and Wildlife Management Authority intends to destock its parks estates through selling some of the wildlife."

While Zimbabwe experienced drought, her neigbour, Mozambique was under severe floods, but not anymore; in 2015, drought set in, now the United Nations (UN) says the

country needs $100 million for humanitarian aid to check hunger occasioned by drought and internal conflicts. With 28 million people in Southern Africa facing hunger, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, Elhadj As Sy is launching a $150 million appeal fund to begin a roll back.

Ethiopia had experienced severe famine especially in the

The hope is that humanity will begin to seriously address drought and hunger and divert energy and resources to them, rather than to wars and the arms race 1970s; now it is experiencing a similar tragedy. In 2015, the crops failed and today, 10 million of its 99 million population are facing starvation. Six million of the starving are children with 435,000 of them, according to UNICEF, experiencing acute malnutrition.

South Sudan is a tragedy with its self-inflicted wounds which has aggravated hunger in the country with 2.5 million people needing food aid. Somalia is of course, a worse tragedy having experienced two famines and an unending, fractious civil war which began as skirmishes in 1988. Hunger struts the land, but given the endless conflicts, statistics are hard to come by.

Drought and famine had long planted themselves in the Lake Chad Basin which serves Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Nigeria.

The Basin Commission and the German Federal Ministry of

Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) in a study revealed that Lake Chad shrunk from 25,000 Square Kilometres in the 1960s, to 4,800 Square Kilometres in 2014 while the multi-ethnic population rose from 17 million in 2005 to 38 million in 2016. This is an explosive mix that has led to hunger, armed conflicts, terrorist recruitment ground and a relentless population push southwards into Nigeria.

World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Ertharin Cousin situates the problem:“ Climate change is impacting sub-Saharan Africa. Erratic rains have become more of a reality across the entire continent… Over 95 percent of all agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is rain-fed today. As long as that is the case, we know that when the rains don’t come, the crops will fail and people will go hungry.”

Asia is not in a better shape; 330 million Indians are affected by drought. The country’s Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on May 16, 2016 told the BBC that transferring water, including from major rivers like the Brahmaputra and the Ganges, to drought-prone areas is now her government's top priority.

The RELIEF WEB gave an alarming summary of drought in South East Asia. Vietnam is witnessing its most severe drought in ninety years with 39 of its 63 Provinces in need of urgent food. The drought in Indonesia began in August 2015 and now, 1.2 million Indonesians need food aid. The Philippines is experiencing its worst drought since 1950; nine of Thailand’s Provinces are drought-stricken; 300 villages in Myanmar are suffering from drought while that in Malaysia continues. The drought in Cambodia began in June, 2015, its worst in fifty years.

Now it has enveloped 18 of its 25 Provinces.

Consequences of Shiites' persecution

By Charles Onunaiju

S

INCE the army swooped on the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly called shittes, in what the media and the political establishment including the army authorities mis-represently referred to as “clash” last December, there has been no let up in the smear campaign to tarnish these simple and ordinary Nigerian Muslims. Apart from the fatal blow to this group by the massacre of its members, including women and children, now belatedly admitted by the Kaduna state government of nearly 400 hundred dead, which was hurriedly buried in mass grave, the group would not even be allowed to mourn their dead and care for the injured. As if the attack of the Islamic Movement was premeditated, a daily barrage of smear campaign has been mounted against the group inspite of been nearly physically decimated. One is amazed at how the teachings of these simple ordinary Muslims strikes fear and paranoid among the northern religious establishment that they needed to deploy such massive and intense smear campaign to tarnish the group.

Shia Islam is a strand of the Muslim community that venerates the Muslim caliph, after the death of prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ali who took the title of imam, which simply means leader, a departure from his three predecessors, caliph Abubakar, Omar and Othman. A close companion of the prophet and reputed as the first convert to Islam, Ali was both pious and deeply imbued with justice. A cousin of the prophet, he married the prophet’s daughter Fatimah and bore his two grandsons, Hassan and Hussein. Hussein C M Y K

is a reverend and adored figure in Shia Islam and his courageous resistance to his overwhelmingly militarily superior adversary at the battle of karbala was the origin of Shia revered Ashoura, in commemoration of the brutal annihilation of his forces at karbala by the ever ruthless governor of Syria, Yazid.

Ashoura procession is outstanding in solemnity in Shia Islam .

In spite of the varying traditions from the early and key historical figures in Islam, the divergence is over-shadowed by the core consensus in the divinity of the Quran and the Prophet’s elaboration in the hadith.

The schisms in Islam as in other established religions flow essentially

Iran is long past the meddling and revolution exporting entity from political contestations that seek to appropriate the profound influence of religion to gain ideological hegemony and material bounties. In the Middle East, cradle of the both the two established religions, geo-political contest has accentuated the schisms in Islam, widening the rift within the Muslim community beyond the region.

The current persecution of the members of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, most vividly exemplify the struggle for ideological hegemony.

Historically, the tradition of shiism exemplified by the peaceful, and compromise gesture of Ali in the battle with the Syrian cunning governor, Muayiwa, firmly established Shiism as tolerant, accomodational and inclusive.

From the Commission of inquiry set up by the Kaduna state government on the December Army attack of the members

of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some chilling facts have been unearthed. The Kaduna state government through its key officials has admitted 347 bodies including women and children were murdered and buried in a mass grave.

Inspite of this overwhelming fact, not a single soldier is under house arrest or on trial. The leader of the Islamic Movement, Mr. El-Zakzaky and is wife for the trauma of the cold – blooded murder of his children and his colleagues are held incommunicado and in unknown place.

Since the December Mayhem, when the Islamic Movement in Nigeria was nearly physically decimated, so much propaganda stuff have spewed out, to ostensibly bring them to public odium.

The most serious of the charge against the group even, if it is the most ridiculous, is that the group is a State within State, with all paraphernalia of a government. And the evidence, according to this charge is that group does not recognise government and have their own organisational apparatus.

However even social clubs, political parties have internal organisations, with some designating their top leadership position as president. Every Sunday in many churches it is not the police or army that provides orderly traffic within and around the domain of the churches. It is young men and boys decked in paramilitary uniforms who provide the function. On Fridays, in many mosques, it is also the young men who ensure orderliness during the prayer period. If it is these young volunteers who make the IMN a State within State, it beats our common sense to imagine how many States there are within the Nigerian State.

Even as web of lies are been woven around the shittes to justify the heavyhandedness of army clamp down on

Latin America and the Caribbean are also experiencing hunger. Haiti had a fifty percent drop in agricultural production from July–December, 2015.

Three million Haitians are experiencing food insecurity with 560,000 in urgent need of food assistance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that in 2016, 3.5 million people are experiencing drought in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador .Colombia and Venezuela are also experiencing drought.

Europe is in a far better shape than Africa, Asia and Latin America, but it is also in the danger zone. The worst heat waves since 2005 hit large parts with drought affecting parts of Germany, Czech and France. In 2015, there was a rainfall deficit of 50-60 percent in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Ukraine and Czech.

Below the normal rainfall has been witnessed in the southern parts of Spain and Portugal, and the Baltic States. Countries like Netherlands, Belgium and Belarus are experiencing unpredictable temperature.

Severe to extreme drought has affected three percent of the United States with the country witnessing in February 2016, its driest February since 1895.

From 1996, Australia has experienced dry conditions called the Millennium Drought with cities like Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney having “persistent or periodic drought experiences.” From 20102011, it had below normal rainfall in large parts.

The UN is putting together in Istanbul, Turkey, a World Humanitarian Summit in June 2016; the hope is that humanity will begin to seriously address drought and hunger and divert energy and resources to them, rather than to wars and the arms race.

them, the most spurious ones includes that the group is another Boko Haram in the making, waiting to unleash mayhem if their activities were not preemptively curbed. But even a casual observer knows that the extremist and intolerant Boko Haram shares absolutely nothing in common with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. The movement has even come under attack by the Boko Haram extremists.

It appears that the paranoid about the shittes is more likely from their famed discipline, organisational dexterity, egalitarian virtues of self improvement.

The republican slant of their Islamic activism appears to sit uneasily with the northern traditional and political establishment. It offends common sense that a group that has existed for nearly four decades without any record of public nuisance or disturbance is now dressed in the cloak of public enemy number one.

As if smear campaign linking the shiittes with treason is not enough, efforts are been orchestrated to link their alleged treasonable acts to a foreign power.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, that happen, to share values of faith with Islamic Movement in Nigeria is been bandied as the instigator of the alleged malfeasance of the shitte group. But the same Iran took a global centre stage as she successfully concluded key nuclear deal with key world powers. As a result, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been the cynosure of attention as Tehran is turned to the hub of global diplomacy. The French has officially visited. The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping also paid a state visit and just recently, the South Korean leader, Mrs Park called in.

Iran is long past the meddling and revolution exporting entity that she is been unduly associated in some quarters here.

*Mr Onunaiju,a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

against each over a piece of land which has been in dispute between them for some time. Yams and other farm crops already planted were excavated and destroyed, while those in yam barns were set on fire. Incidentally, these two communities speak the same dialect, Ishibori, which suggests shared blood ties and ancestry. The blood ties notwithstanding, they readily shed each other’s blood through machete cuts and gun shots. It took the spirited efforts of the police and the Ogoja chiefs before normalcy returned to the area.

A week after the Ukpe/Onyadama conflict, the fiercest of them all erupted in the central senatorial district between the Nko and Mkpani. During the “war” sophisticated weapons were used leading to the killing of several people including soldiers, pastors, women and children while educational institutions, hospitals and residential houses were set alight. Incidentally, this conflict involved the community of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok Ette, the Minster for Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani on one hand and that of the former governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri on the other hand.

Devastation at Obubra

Full blown skirmishes

Red alert: C-River Central threatened by communal ‘wars’

By Emmanuel Una

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HERE is one thing that modernity, Christianity and education have not extricated from the psyche of communities in Cross River State: the proclivity to settling scores and disagreements with one another through machetes and guns.

The state capital is fondly referred to as “Paradise City” because of its endowment of vast arable land and rich natural resources of all sorts that make it the cynosure of many eyes. Its land stretches thousands of kilometres through forests, hills and mountains some portions of which are still virgin and have not been touched by human activity since creation.

Yet it is this rich endowment that is presently fuelling communal clashes threatening to tear the state apart. The average community has vast portions of land on which people farm mostly on subsistence and shifting cultivation pattern. Now virtually every village is pitched against its neighbours in squabble for land, and in most cases the piece of land in contention is a tiny and insignificant strip that can hardly accommodate a farm that to feed a family for a season. In fact, communities are willing to engage each other in a fight which could destroy lives and property for the sake of that piece of land.

Interestingly, apart from the Adadama/Amaku conflict and the C M Y K

Ukele/Izzi conflict which are between the people of the state and Ebonyi communities, most squabbling communities are nothing short of kith and kin.

They are people who share same ancestral bonds, customs, traditions, traditional names, family ties, trade in the same markets and have interacted and intermarried for several decades. Often, these similarities are not tak-

and demonstration of superior prowess when combatants come back with fresh human heads, decapitated from the bodies of “enemy” community members.

For instance, Nkim and Nkum communities are Ejagnam speaking villages in Ikom Local Government of the state. The villages located along the Ikom –Ogoja highway have a contiguous living pattern and claim to be the offsprings of the same man.

Feuding over land

Conflicts are seen as a show of strength; combatants come back with fresh human heads, decapitated from the bodies of “enemy” community members en into consideration when squabble for land is involved.

Most worrisome is the fact that some elites and educated members of these communities actively take part in the conflicts which are seen as a show of strength

Apart from the “u” in Nkum which changes to “i” in Nkim, there is nothing to separate the two villages yet when they took on each other it was as if they were complete strangers. Lives were lost, property destroyed and the enmity subsists several months after the “war”.

The preponderance of these conflicts is worrisome even to the authorities, particularly during the planting season which stretches between January and May. In 2016, there have been over ten communities at each other’s throat feuding over land. For example 2016 opened with the Oyoba village in Wanikade and their Ehetezi neighbours of Wanihem all in Ukele, Yala Local Government Area taking up arms against each other. The conflict which raged for four days was only put to rest when soldiers from the Brigadier Ally Batallion

Devastation at Ukele in Okuku near Ogoja were drafted to the area to stop hostilities.

The police contingent that first went in could not stop the fight because of the high caliber weapons used in the combat.

Needless to say that during those four days many people died, several wounded, farm produce destroyed and houses set ablaze.

On the trail of this was the Inyima/Onyadama conflict in March where women, children, the aged and the entire houses in Inyima were set ablaze. The conflict which has become a recurring decimal was first fought in 2008, then 2014 and now in 2016. The cause of the war is as bizarre as it is weird. An Inyima man was said to have harvested cassava in a disputed portion of land with Onyadama community. Since the first outbreak of the conflict many years ago, there have been recurring skirmishes with attendant bad blood which have kept the two erstwhile sister communities at daggers drawn.

While the Inyima, Onyadama conflict raged, their friends in far away Ogoja, Ukpe and Mgbegede communities took up arms

In Obudu where the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade comes from, two communities, Kutia and Okurtong, are in serious faceoff over a piece of land. The two villages fought a bitter war in 2012 over the land in dispute and to forestall another outbreak of full blown skirmishes between them, Senator Ben Ayade, the governor convened a meeting of leaders of the two communities in his office to sort matters out.

Owing to the plethora of conflicts, the police and other security agencies seem overstretched and unable to contain them.

When the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Henry Fadairo, visited the Inyima and Onyadama communities at the peak of their conflict to seek to cessation of hostilities, angry combatants almost mobbed him. It took the gallant effort of his personal security before he was taken out of the place.

Reacting to the incident, the Police Commissioner told Vanguard Metro that the police alone cannot maintain the peace in the several flash points in the state and that community leaders should play a more active role in curtailing the excesses of their people.

The Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani, in an interview with VM said he was ashamed of the many communal conflicts in the state which he said are acts of criminality being given the coloration of political strife. He called for decisive action against communities engaged in the act of warring against other communities.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

British fraud investigator widens Rolls-Royce probe to Nigeria B

RITAIN’s Serious Fraud Office(SFO) has widened its investigation into RollsRoyce to examine allegations of suspected bribery in Nigeria, the Financial Times reported yesterday. Rolls-Royce, the world’s second-largest maker of aircraft engines, said in 2013 the SFO had launched a formal investigation into concerns about possible bribery and corruption in China and Indonesia.

The FT said yesterday this had now spread to examine Rolls-Royce’s former energy operations in Nigeria. “We are co-operating with the authorities,” a Rolls-Royce spokesman said.

“We do not comment on the subject of ongoing investigations nor on the countries in which those investigations are being conducted.

We have made it clear that Rolls-Royce will not tolerate business misconduct of any kind.”The SFO declined to comment on the report but said its investigation continues.

The FT cited people familiar

CLOSING GONG: From left, Olubisi Makoju, Financial Controller, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Uche Orji, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NSIA; Hanspeter Ackermann, Executive Director/ Chief Investment Officer, NSIA and Titilope Olubiyi, Communications Adviser, NSIA at the Closing Gong ceremony at the exchange. with the situation as saying the SFO was investigating whether Rolls and its agents were involved in any bribery of government officials in Nigeria up to the year 2013. Rolls

N96 million for the first quarter, Q1, 2016, indicating a 56 per & I LEASING Plc has cent decline from the N220 explained that the drop million recorded in the in its Profit After Tax, PAT for the corresponding period of 2015. first quarter ended March 31, According to a statement from 2016 was as a result of the macro the company “This is largely due economic challenges occasioned to the economic challenges that by fuel shortages and inflationary bedeviled the country in the threats. quarter under review.”

The company recorded PAT of In the same vein, the company ’s profit before tax also dropped from N275.4 million in Q1 2015 to N111.1 million in the $ 124. 70 -05. 40 first quarter of this year. $2,893.00 -38.00 But C&I achieved $ 16.71 -0.10 total revenue of N4.4 billion for the first quarter under review compared to N4.8 billion in the $48. 45 -0.48 corresponding first $47.73 -0.46 quarter of last year.

This indicates a marginal decline in CURRENCY BUYING SELLtotal revenue which ING US DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 was also down , due POUNDS 286. 3952 287. 1258 287. 8564 to the harsh EURO 219. 3828 219. 9425 220.5021 o p e r a t i n g FRANC 197. 7401 198. 2446 198. 749 YEN 1.7808 1.7854 1.7899 environment in the CFA 0.3179 0.3279 0.3379 country.In addition, WAUA 275.2988 276.0011 276. 7034 the company’s lease RENMINBI 29.9182 29.995 30. 0717 rentals income was RIYAL 52.2263 52.3595 52.4927 N2.7 billion in the KRONA 29.4972 29.5724 29.6477 SDR 275. 6544 277.3576 277.0608 quarter under review compared to N3.2 CBN Exchange rate as at 19/05/2016 billion in the

C

C M Y K

Strike: OPS vows to sanction workers

T

has over the last two years been hit by canceled orders from oil industry customers for power systems after a plunge in the oil price, and a slowdown in demand for the

high-margin aftermarket servicing it provides for older aircraft engines. It downgraded profit forecasts three times last year.

Why our Q1 profit after tax declined, by C&I Leasing

By Peter Egwuatu

— 21

corresponding quarter of last year. While outsourcing income stood at N1.4 billion in the Q1 2016, a relatively stable performance compared to N1.3 billion Q1 2015. For loans and receivables, the company announced N468.6 million in the quarter under review compared to N471.5 million in Q12015.

However, C&I’s total equity increased 1.6 per cent Year on

Our first quarter 2016 results reflect the stability and growth potential of our business in the face of daunting macroeconomic headwinds and a tough operating environment Year from N5.7 billion in Q1 2015 to N5.8 billion in Q1 2016.

Commenting on the Q1 2016 results, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,

C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Andrew Otike-Odibi, said “No doubt, the beginning of the year was tough for every companies operating in the country due to the economic uncertainties which was orchestrated by government policies, forex scarcity, fuel scarcity and electricity challenges.”

Subsidiary businesses According to him, “In spite of the operating environment, it was commendable to note that many of the company ’s subsidiary businesses now contribute about 30 per cent to the Group earnings, which represents hope that in the other remaining quarters to come, the company will broaden its income generation base."

He said "Our first quarter 2016 results reflect the stability and growth potential of our business in the face of daunting macroeconomic headwinds and a tough operating environment.

Never the less, our focus on our core business activities and fleet management services, offshore marine support services and manpower outsourcing services gave us an edge in the industry and contributed greatly to our revenue of N4 billion in the first quarter of the year.”

HE Organised Private Sector (OPS) under the aegis of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) said that any employee who failed to report for duty during the strike would be sanctioned.

A statement signed by the Director General of NECA, Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, on Thursday in Lagos said that the “no work, no pay” law would also be applied.

A faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had called for a nationwide strike which began on Wednesday after its meeting with the Federal Government ended in a deadlock.

The NLC had rejected the increment in the price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 per litre by the Federal Government, and called for an upward review of minimum wage among other issues.

Adequate security According to the statement, it is in the interest of both the employer and workers to ensure that the business survives since their wages are not dependent on government’s allocation. It said that any person or groups that involved in the strike would endanger his or her job and income.

“Beyond applying the law of ‘no work, no pay,’ employers will take exception to any employee that had failed to report for work as from Wednesday,” the statement said.

The employers, in the statement, appealed to the government and heads of security agencies to ensure that adequate security was provided for workers to go to their different places of work. It said that the deregulation policy was a crucial step in the resolution of the perennial dependence of Nigeria on imported petroleum products.

The statement reiterated employers’ support for the government for embracing a policy that would start significant reform in the downstream sector.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Monsanto Nigeria launches 3 conventional maize hybrids

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FORUM: From left, Managing Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs Adepeju Adebajo; Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; and Chairman, Phillips Consulting, Foluso Phillips, at the closing ceremony of Ogun State investors forum last week Wednesday in Abeokuta.

Agriculture as necessity for Ogun

By Jimoh Babatunde

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HE 3rd edition of the Ogun state investors’ forum which took place in Abeokuta recently with the theme “Ogun State: The Emerging Economic Powerhouse” with special focus on three key sectors “Agriculture, Environment and Transportation”, has once again engaged key stakeholders, particularly in the private sector on opportunities inherent in the state and how they can be harnessed.

From the successes recorded from the previous editions of the summit, which Ogun state Governor , Ibikunle Amosun, said had not only enhanced the position of the State as one of the fastest growing investment destination in West Africa but also brought great socioeconomic development to 7.1million people, so it was not surprising at the turn out of private sector participants at this year’s edition.

Discussion on agriculture The session on how to reflate the economy of the state through agriculture was intriguing based on the egg heads paraded as panellists. It was like the state governor set the tune for the panel discussion on agriculture when he disclosed that in the area of Agriculture, his administration focuses on the development of agro-industry, encourage youths and graduates to key into the value chain that abounds in the sector, saying agricultural potentials abound in all the twenty Local Government Areas of the State.

This was re-echoed by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, when she revealed that the state has about 1. 64 million hectares of land with 75% of it arable, “that means we have about 1.2 million hectares of land for agricultural purposes.”

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She added “from this we can offer about 71% to investors for cultivation. Agriculture is important to us in the state, this is why in three years in a row, we have brought it forward for discussion in the economic forum.”

She used the event to list some of the key achievements from 2011 to date to include disbursement of a billion Naira facility to farmers ; establishment of 30, 000 day old chick per month hatchery; establishment of modern farm estate for graduates; establishment of greenhouse estate; and the establishment of first farmer market in the state.

“As part of our achievements, we also established cassava multiplication centres across the state, we established the first quality feeds control lab that ensure that the quality of feeds used

The banking industry has continued to discourage investors who might be interested in agriculture

for chickens are essentially the right feeds.” While calling on investors to see opportunities in agriculture in the state, Sokefun said private sector participation is highly solicited and encouraged in the development of agriculture.

“We are calling on investors to invest in maize and cassava farms in the state . We are calling for investment in greenhouses for all year round vegetable, just

as we are looking for investment in refrigerated meat van . Our doors are open for commercial farming in rice and maize, among others.”

Sokefun noted that investment in the agricultural sector is important, “it is the real sector because there is a huge demand, we do have internal market , again I will say we either invest in this sector today for the betterment of tomorrow or we suffer the consequences.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh charged investors to see the opportunities in Ogun state as a worthy investment, he said Ogun State is West Africa’s poultry capital. Poultry production needs maize and soya to survive. “We need 2.5 million tons of soya for local consumption.

And the Chinese are asking us to send them five million tons of soya. The Chinese are asking us for cassava chips, and Ogun State can do wonders here.

“The reason why cassava chip export to China is not profitable is because of transportation cost from the north and other parts of the south west. Ogun State is close enough to take that market.

Duty free status “We are lobbying with the Chinese now to remove the duty of five per cent on Nigerian cassava chips because they also offer duty free importation to Thailand , which also exports cassava chips. “The reason why they should give us duty free status is because our cassava has ten per cent more viscosity and starch than Thais’ cassava. And they know it. And they are asking for it. Let’s take up that challenge.

Ogbeh added that Ogun State can do a great deal in sugar cane in Papalanto area of the state; and in bananas. “Banana trade is big.

Ogun State can do well in longfibre cotton, in vegetables, in rice. We consume seven million

tons of rice every year.

“We need palm produce, palm oil, palm kernel oil and even palm kernel shell. Palm kernel shell, when converted to activated carbon, is in demand in the industry. We need ethanol from cassava.

We need lactose. For ethanol, we spend $480 million annually on importation.”

But the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, identified high interest rates as one of the major factors discouraging invest- ment in agriculture in the country today.

Discouraging of investors He said with interest rates rising between 18 per cent and 25 per cent, the banking industry has continued to discourage investors who might be interested in agriculture. “Why are Nigerians not investing in agriculture? The banking industry does not encourage investors; with interest rates ranging between 18 per cent to 25 per cent, such interest rates destroy investment in agriculture.

“Who will fund agriculture, if no one is ready. The banking industry believes investment in agriculture is risky,” he said.

The minister, however, argued that agriculture remained the veritable alternative to reducing youth unemployment and ensure food security in the country.

This view was shared by the Irish Ambassador in Nigeria, Sean Hoy, when he said Nigeria needs to attract the youths into agriculture . “I believe Nigeria still needs more champions for agriculture, they still needs people that can say agriculture is an attractive industry.” Hoy said before the economy crash in his country, Ireland, that the people wanted to stay in the city, “everybody wants to do technology, wifi.”

He added that with the economy crash in 2000, that many ran back to the rural area to engage in agriculture .

AIZE farmers across Nigeria now have three high yielding conventional maize hybrids to choose from the DEKALB ® brand as Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria Limited launches 3 conventional maize hybrids.

The launch in Abuja during the week had in attendance farmers, development partners, government regulatory bodies and other stakeholders from both the private and public sectors of the economy.

The launch of these hybrid seeds follows their registration by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries in February 2016.

The white maize hybrid, DK234 alongside the 2 yellow maize hybrids, DK920 and DK818 obtained registration approval for use in Nigeria after testing across various agro ecological zones on multi-location farms.

The white maize hybrid DK234 with yield potential of 13 tonnes per hectare is well adapted for the Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies and shows tolerance to Maize Streak Virus, rust and Striga hermonthica

Maize streak virus The yellow maize hybrids DK920 and DK818 both have yield potential of 10 tonnes per hectare and are adapted for the South and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies, while the two yellow hybrids are also tolerant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot, and Striga hermonthica.

As a long term strategic investor and partner in the country’s agricultural industry, Monsanto Nigeria aligned with the government policy of promoting local seed production. Monsanto Nigeria engaged over 300 Nigeria small holder farmers in Hadejia Local Government Jigawa State, Nigeria to produce her first batch of DK234, DK818 and DK920 under dry season planting, and the company provided the farmers with necessary inputs supported by a guaranteed byback scheme in place.

The introduction of DEKALB ® maize hybrids in the country will assist Nigerian farmers optimize their production, earnings and ultimately increase profitability.

VANGUARD, FIRDAY, MAY 20, 2016—23

By Ben Agande NOTHING seems to have dominated political discourse in recent times as the struggle for power in the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP. At the centre of the issue is the chairmanship of the party.

It would be recalled that when the party which had ruled the country for 16 uninterrupted years was defeated by the All Progressives Congress, APC, a plethora of activities cascaded down its leadership structure.

When the then chairman, Adamu Muazu announced his resignation, observers believed that the existing leadership structure would naturally adjust to reality and move on.

Profligacy by members: But shortly after Uche Secondus, the party’s Deputy National Chairman took over the reins of the leadership, things began to fall apart.

The balance of over N11billion that was left in the party coffers after the election was spent in record time in a rather unclear manner.

Worried by the profligacy, some members led by a former Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Gulak forcibly attempted to take over the leadership of the party.

Although the occupation of the party secretariat by Gulak and his co-travellers was short lived, it sent a strong signal to the others to activate their survival methods.

CHAIRMANSHIP TUSSLE:

Acting capacity

PDP on the brink again

The governors elected on the platform of the party, led by the governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose and supported by his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike moved in quickly to railroad members of the National Working Committee to adopt Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the acting chairman.

Though his appointment was to be in acting capacity pending when the party would meet to decide the way forward, many were uncomfortable.

Mortal wound: Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, who was the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2015 elections, and Dr Doyin Okupe who was President Goodluck Jonathan’s Spokesman blazed the trail in opposing Sheriff’s appointment.

Fani-Kayode said: “With the appointment of Ali Modu Sheriff as our acting National Chairman the PDP has chosen to spit in the wind, sleep with the dogs, dance on the graves of our fallen heroes,

•Sheriff: Port Harcourt bound

piss on the blood and bones of the slaughtered innocents and wallow in the filthy pool of compromise, deceit, doublespeak and shame.”

Okupe on the other hand described Sheriff as “a very adroit and astute politician of perhaps a sublime class” but added that “for the post of the National Chairman of the PDP, he is a wrong candidate and also coming in at a wrong time.

•Gana: Leading the revolution in Abuja

But while those opposed to Sheriff fret and pant about his emergence, his sponsors intensified their efforts to consolidate his hold on power.

Sherrif’s sponsors: A briefly convened National Executive

Severely prostrate political party ”For a morosed and severely prostrate political party, thanks to the overwhelming and effective propaganda machinery of the “opposition” party in power, this may yet be the mortal wound that may cause the eventual haemorrhage of its long perplexed followership.”

What started as an isolated case of antagonism coalesced into a whirlwind of opposition, drawing members of the Board of Trustees,BoT, and founding fathers into the fray.

If we allow the Sheriff imposition to hold, we will be nailing the coffin of our political death Committee,NEC, meeting put a stamp of authority on his leadership as he was confirmed the substantive chairman of the

party.

It was a light speed movement that fatally struck the opposition to sheriff.

Though Sheriff is reputed to be politically astute with an incredibly deep pocket, his Curriculum Vitae is a huge turn off to those who describe it as creepy. To them, the party cannot afford to have a man like him as chairman at this time of its rebranding.

He is alleged widely to have sowed the seed of political violence in his native Borno State while serving as a governor which provided the platform for Boko Haram at its formative stage.

Although party leaders opposed to sheriff were quick to point to his perceived controversial nature as their reason, the struggle is about the survival of the party between the old guard on the one hand and the PDP governors.

The founding fathers of the party cannot fathom why Sheriff, who they said, was busy undercutting the inroads

of PDP into the North-East, would emerge out of the blue to push them out of relevance.

Old guard and PDP governors Professor Jerry Gana led the assault against Sheriff when all efforts at persuading his supporters to have a rethink failed. Under the aegis of Concerned PDP stakeholders, Gana mobilized fellow founding fathers to form a stoic opposition.

The group announced the constitution of a steering committee to organize a parallel convention of the party in Abuja on a day that Sheriff, supported by PDP governors would be organizing same in Port Harcourt to put a seal of authenticity on some of the recent decisions of the party.

A member of the Gana group, who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said the fight against Sheriff is for the party’s political relevance.

“We are experienced Continues on page 25

24—VANGUARD, FIRDAY, MAY 20, 2016

With Buhari, we have a brand new country — SHITTU, COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER •Why Buhari is ignoring Fayose MINISTER of Communications, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, has been a dependable political ally of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister spoke with Vanguard on several matters in an exclusive interview in Abuja. Excerpts:

By Bashir Adefaka

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Y May 29 this year, next month precisely, Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will be one year in office. How far would you say it has fared?

I would say so far, so fair, so good.

But progress appears to be delayed, according to some critics. Why? One thing, which has been lacking and which I believe has been stalling progress in governance since the Buhari administration came in is the fact that there has not been a workable budget in place. He tried to organise a new budget, put it together and he presented it to the National Assembly.

Collaboration and cooperation The first frustration we had was the fact that some people decided out of mischief to disorganise the budget, which created a very embarrassing situation for government, a situation where what was presented to National Assembly was different from what was eventually documented.

But whose fault was that, actually?

The fault came from the budget office and also from many MDAs. After that had been sorted out with the collaboration and cooperation of the National Assembly, we expected that after the defence of the budgetary provisions we would have the National Assembly doing what was best for the country. Unfortunately, and I

say this with all sense of responsibility, we have a budget, which was passed and which was ‘unsignable’ until •Shittu: Buhari will not collude or collaborate in mischief all issues surrounding it were resolved amicably. the core and that he believes On a final note, I want to say consequences. in the rule of law. What Fayose I believe that Nigerians now this, one, we would all agree is saying is something that that since Buhari came into have confidence in and are ordinarily the best answer is to office, with his body language praying for their government. ignore him. and all of that including the Nigerians are thankful that at So far there has not been any fight against corruption, we are least you have the government justification for what Fayose now having a brand new that you can trust and the has said. The public could be government that when it says country. right to judge because they There is no more impunity yes, it is yes and when it says know their General very well, because you know that you no, it is no. they know their President and You have the government, cannot do a wrong thing and they have confidence in him, get away with it. And this is which would protect the notwithstanding Fayose, they because we have a government national assets of the country, still voted for him. which would not steal the core You remember all the patrimony of our citizens. blackmail and all the campaign As minister from the South of calumny that Fayose West, how do you feel with the engaged in before the criticism that Buhari is elections.

That weak, a suggestion that notwithstanding, people still flows from the relentless voted for him and the people barrage by Governor have not changed.

Fayose?

So, Fayose can decide to live Look, have you seen any in a fool’s paradise. We think serious minded person taking that there are more things to Ayodele Fayose seriously with do than reacting to such a all his jibes and all of that? The person. In any case you know man is just making a jest of that Fayose is a one-man riot himself. squad in the political firmament of Nigeria with Look, have you Laughing stock in regard to General Buhari. the public domain seen any serious Some members of the opposition still believe that this minded person He is making himself a government is dictatorial. How laughing stock in the public would you react to that? taking Ayodele domain and people choose to What has this government Fayose seriously ignore him. done and what is the evidence in all his jibes and Time was when General to show that this government Buhari was a military ruler; of is dictatorial? You have yourself all of that? The course, that could not have alluded to the fact that there are man is just makhappened. lots of bad mouths out there But now, he committed particularly people like Fayose ing a jest of himhimself because when he was and the President chose to self campaigning, a lot of people ignore them, so what then, asked him perhaps he would beyond that, is there evidence behave the same way he of dictatorship? I need to know. which would not collude or behaved in military style.

How would you assess the collaborate in mischief and And he has to demonstrate performance of the ministers then look the other way; that he is indeed a democrat to particularly those described certainly there will be

as having super portfolios, who are of Southwest extraction?

We have neither disappointed the President nor have we disappointed Nigerians.

Number one, I am Minister of Communications. It would be unfair to expect that I would review or mark the scripts of my colleagues.

But I am satisfied within myself and I know that in the ICT sector where I preside, stakeholders and operators have always commended my humble performance. They are very humble.

Roadmap for the development of ICT In my eyes I still feel challenged that I have some more mileage to put in.

Perhaps, if you interview stakeholders, who are leaders of the industry, they would tell you that Adebayo Shittu is one minister, who has taken them along in his quest to develop ICT in Nigeria and to ensure achievement of all the good goals that we have set.

For instance, I am the first minister of communications to evoke a retreat where all experts in the industry were invited to brainstorm on the way forward on the ‘doables’ for the next three to four years.

And I believe I will be the first minister to have the roadmap for the development of ICT in Nigeria.

The roadmap, hopefully within the next two weeks, will be finally unveiled.

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VANGUARD, FIRDAY, MAY 20, 2016 —25

satisfaction, confidence in the future within a healthy environment and sound educational base.

Giving his agenda, he said: “I am on a mission to rescue a state that has been in constant decline for the past 20 years and to redeem the people of Edo State from abject poverty. I am on a mission to rescue Edo State people from joblessness, insecurity, from their lost pride in sports, social security, employment, and health. The infrastructure in the state has been on constant decline. The people need revival; we need

•Edebiri: I am on a rescue mission

EDO 2016: My redemption mission

By Gbenga Oke

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IS claims of being on a redemption mission may be confounding for many who have heard news of the infrastructural developments of the outgoing All Progressives Congress, APC, administration.

But Iyobosa Solomon Edebiri’s (ISE’s) assertions of retrogression in the last 20 years have also been welcomed a wide crosssection of people in the state. If anyone doubts, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate’s claims, he points to a varied collection of legacies bequeathed by earlier administrations of Edo and Bendel States to show what he

claims to be the rot in infrastructure and other development indicators.

Edebiri is not the typical politician. In fact, his gestures and crowd chemistry betray him.

However, a closer look at his plans and purposes help to cover the deficiency in political warmth.

Political warmth Edibiri is one of the four major aspirants seeking the ticket of the PDP. A major threat to his aspiration is the veteran politician and strategist, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who incidentally, is also a pastor.

The two other contestants are a former member of the House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and Mr. Osaro Onaiwu.

Edebiri who is the Chief Executive of Typha Cenia Nigeria Limited, a big player in the service sector of the Nigerian oil industry and President of the Nigerian Institute of Welding, said his vision for Edo state is to build a state on a strong foundation where human capacity development, technology transfer and industrial development will be top on the agenda where the state can become an export hub rather than an import based economy in order to guarantee self

PDP on the brink again Continues from page 23 politicians and we can smell mischief a thousand miles away. There is no gain saying that Sheriff in power is a formidable force.

He has the resources, the reach to make us irrelevant.

With PDP out of power, this is the time for some of us, the founding fathers to assert our relevance and get back the party.

If we allow the Sheriff imposition to hold, we will be nailing the coffin of our political death.

The combination of Sheriff and the state governors means that we will certainly be pushed out of relevance. It is a huge risk that we cannot afford to take. That is why despite all assurances, we have remained skeptical. We will rather take our destiny in

our hands rather than watch ourselves being consigned to the dustbin of political irrelevance,” he said.

With both parties obstinately sticking to their guns, the PDP is in for a dramatic time. For a party that is known for settling outlandish controversy the “family way”, this is one crisis that will put such ability to the test in a way that has not been done in its 17 years of existence.

I am on a mission to rescue Edo State people from joblessness, insecurity, from their lost pride in sports, social security, employment, and health redemption, the people need to be redeemed, and that is the mission.

“As President, Nigerian Institute of Welding, I have a rare privilege to have attracted the a multi million dollar project to Edo state where thousands of Edo Youths will be trained in welding and fabrication for industrial revolution such that Edo state will no longer rely on the federation account for survival in the nearest future. The centre will play host to most welding activities in the West African Sub Region and it will be second to none in Africa when completed,” he insisted.

Successive governments Continuing he said: “If you look back at previous governments, after the Ogbemudia administration of 1983, which lasted just three months, you will agree with me that successive governments have failed Edo people. This failure got worse during the first eight years of the 4th republic in Edo State, and our woes were further worsened by the administration of Osunbor.

With no relief in sight, we have suffered 20 years of administrative inefficiency and zero leadership.

“During those 20 years, our children have been taken into prostitution overseas; during those 20 years, our youths have

been forced to go to Europe to do all sorts of dirty jobs because of joblessness in the state. The population of Nigerians in Europe is more of Edo people.

For over 20 years, we always have to import food into Edo State instead of exporting food. And now, what do we have? On the sporting level: no more Bendel United, no more Bendel Insurance. It was a sharp decline.

We have suffered 20 years where virtually all our roads have turned to death traps; where gradually our industries are being killed and not one was being revived and no new ones were being built.”

Reasserting his redemption plan for Edo State, the businessman turned politician said: “We have suffered 20 years of which we experienced more strike actions in the last four years, more strike actions from the academic staff, more strike actions and more students embarking on protest actions in the universities.

"We have suffered more. If you look at these, sum it up together, it says there is a need for redemption in Edo, and that is why I’m coming. I’m coming to redeem the people of Edo State.

And I think the time is now.

Otherwise, it might be too late.

Dividends of democracy “The people of Edo State need a government they can rely on, they need a government they can call their own, they need a government on whose shoulders they can lean on, a government that will be responsive to their needs, a government that will answer them when they ask questions, a government that will deliver the dividends of democracy. Not just the dividends, they need a government that gives true dividends of democracy.

“You can see the craving for change by the people. You can see that the people are eager. The people need change.

"Not the kind of change that is being touted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has impoverished the people more in the last one year but a robust for the revival of industries, sports, and infrastructures. I will see that. I must confess, if a free and fair election is allowed in Edo State today, the APC will have no chance.

“The time has come to say enough is enough. And the people of Edo can no longer continue to stay in darkness and remain in perpetual fear, slavery, terror, siege with their mouths padlocked and as if they can no longer speak. No, that is not the true meaning of democracy. Our democracy says you will have freedom to move, speak, associate, worship and also to benefit from the dividends of democracy; that is what our democracy says and what we will offer."

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, May 20, 2016

Nigeria has degenerated since you took over, Fasehun tells Buhari

One of the missing Chibok girls found in Sambisa

Chiroma Umar My question to those agitating and threatening us with strike is: Where were they when the budget proposal was passed on without subsidy?

DominicJames This is cork and bull story. The government should stop deceiving Nigerians. This is game of cheap popularity. The government knows where about of these girls..

Falade Olutunde Who is Fasehun representing.

OPC under him has been compromised by the last administration. You can’t use Nigerians to fight . PC cannot be seen to be fighting for Nigerians

OliverBishopAnosike All this game will be over one day. Out of 217 girls, only one has been found. No one is a fool. There is no missing girls.

Which truck or tipper took them from the said school. It is a game to grab power and destroy the economy.

NelsonUwaifo Nigerians must arise and take their destiny into their own hands. If you make the mistake of voting incompetent leaders, don’t wait till things get from bad to worse Arise and ask them to resign now . Citizens have the last say. Speak out, it is your right in democratic dispensation.

Nijanackedwire Who arranged that? Please can someone tell Northern governors and their elders to continue to bring this girls out from where they hide them until they are complete. The plan of deceit will not work.

Ed Edgar zomboss Fayose’s position on the Kidnapped girls is totally irrelevant. The whole world is watching Nigerian government incompetence on display with lack of genuine effort to save the life’s of our own innocent school girls. That’s the point we need to focus on as people.

•Chibok girl

Govt workers, private institutions shun NLC strike action in Abuja Fom lantang Almajiri Stupidity in the highest order.

Why should they join the strike?

While the economy and productivity are already down.

So what will be the essence of going to strike? teepaul1947 Nigerians are well aware that the removal of oil subsidy is in the overall interest of the populace. Equally, the people are well aware of the integrity of the present administration..

So long this administration remains focused, any protest or gang up against it will fail Mosley People shunned the strike means they shunned the government and its appendages, including labour union. Non participation in the strike is a bottled anger which when it eventually explodes will be beyond government control, then it will be spontaneous. The revolt of

Nigerian at the right time will be a tsunami and God helping us, if Nigeria will survive it.

Nwa_Afrique Of course Nigerian Labour Congress has two factions hence the strike may not be obeyed by the government

faction of NLC. Also, just as I stated here, no northerner whether politician, civil servant, religious leader etc will go against the interest of another northerner.

Simply put, the strike will fail in most part of the north and South West because of tribalism.

Christiana Shehu Adama Why do we suffer from fuel scarcity in Nigeria ?. We do not have enough refineries to satisfy our domestic need, so we depend on fuel importation Fuel is bought at the international market with US dollars and importers need dollar to buy and import fuel.

Akatikpo jaguar Which evidence of looting do you have? Has anyone bee convicted after one year in office? The so called

Peace jaguar tata Please stop this your looting distraction. The issue at hand is the state of the economy before and after the looters left power. Please allow me to go through some Ebele Olisah jaguar May I remind somebody again, that a lot of the looters in PDP, are currently in APC. Your money is still in their account cooling off. while you’re here singing their praises. Nigerians need to be sanitised

Militants shift attack to Bayelsa, bomb Agip gas pipeline; demand release of Kanu, Dasuki Oreva Fred Accepting that amnesty packaged by Hausa and Yoruba to supplant fairness and justice to our legitimate quest for justice was the biggest mistake our people made and accepted. I knew the amnesty will not last.

They called it amnesty but it was simply a deceptive veneer to bribe the bombers so they can continue to perpetuate their injustices towards the oil producing region

•Protest

TRENDING ISSUES ON TWITTER Y! Online @YNaija One of the oldest maps of Lagos, designed in 1885 is on display at #FreedomPark originally built in 1872 #eXploring explores Freedom Park.

Kingsley Omose @OmoseKingsley All the Chibok girls found so far rescued themselves Isha SesayVerified account @IshaSesayCNN After 2 yrs plus in captivity, 1 of missing 219 #Chibok girls is found. A C M Y

•Fasehun mastermind of the looting Dasuki is yet to be tried . You think investigating political campaign fund of opposing political party while ignoring your own campaign fund is fighting corruption? This government is going down the abyss

moment of great joy mixed with sadness as details emerge.

Jim Murphy @jimmurphySF #ISIS morality police in Libya issue 7 point abaya checklist for women - violators flogged WHO @WHO New @WHO_Europe #ZikaVirus risk assessment for European Region

UNICEF @UNICEF More than 4.6m children under 5 vaccinated against polio last month in war-torn #Yemen AmnestyInternational @amnesty Kenya: Peaceful #protest is not a crime!

Authorities must investigate recent crackdown. sarah margon @sarahmargon Board calls on Congress to block sale of warplanes to Nigeria:

PAUL73 They are not fighting for the Niger Delta people but themselves and their cronies. How do their criminal actions benefit the common man in the region petejones767 You see where disobedience of law of the land is taken us to. How I wish the present government obeys rule of law. Nigeria will be a better place to live.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—27

Does the National Assembly have power to alter budgetary estimates prepared by the Executive?

By Femi Aborisade

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N this article, I examine a critical aspect of the controversy that surrounded the delay in the passage of the 2016 Budget because of the importance it has for future budgetary processes.

The issue of interest here is: at the backdrop of Ministers who disowned aspects of the 2016 Budget which emanated from their various Ministries, could there be a limit to the power of the National Assembly in making changes to the annual budgetary estimates prepared by the Executive and placed before the National Assembly for passage?

In other words, does the power of the National Assembly lie in either passing or rejecting the Executive’s budgetary estimates or does the National Assembly have the power to alter, either marginally or in its entirety, the budgetary estimates submitted by the Executive arm of government?

Current legal framework Politicians, legislators and lawyers are divided on this issue. Though the Nigerian experience so far shows that the National Assembly has the power to alter the money bills submitted by the Executive, it would appear that the Executive has sufficiently succeeded in demonizing the National Assembly (even on matters in which the Executive is equally guilty) that members of the legislature appear subdued

National Assembly only on constitutional or legal provisions in individual countries.

The legal framework on passage of money bills in Nigeria The legal framework for passage of money bills at the central government level is governed mainly by sections 59, 80 and 81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, as well as the Fiscal Responsibility Act CAP F40, LFN 2004 (Updated to 31st December 2010).

Section 80(2) of the Constitution provides that no money shall be spent by the Federal Government unless such expenditure is either provided for directly by the Constitution or it is authorized [i.e. appropriated] by the National Assembly, as follows: “(2) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation except to meet expenditure that is charged upon the fund by this Constitution or where the issue of those moneys has been authorised by an Appropriation Act, Supplementary Appropriation Act or an Act passed in pursuance of section 81 of this Constitution.”

Section 81 (1) of the Constitution prescribes the role of the President in the annual budgetary process – to prepare the estimates of revenue and

National Assembly at any time in each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the Federation for the next following financial year.”

Section 59 of the Constitution sets out the role of the National Assembly in the passage of money bills. This section does not in any way limit the extent to which the National Assembly may alter the budgetary estimates submitted to the National Assembly by Mr. President.

Indeed, section 59(4) vests in the National Assembly the veto power, where the Presidents declines to give his assent to what the National Assembly considers fit and proper for the country.

Where the President fails to assent a money Bill within 30 days of his receipt of same, a Joint Sitting of both Houses of the National Assembly is required.

If the Joint Sitting passes the Money Bill by two-thirds majority, the assent of the President is dispensed with and the Money Bill automatically becomes law.

By the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, we can only come to the conclusion that the legal framework for budgetary processes in Nigeria allows the National Assembly to exercise the power to alter the budgetary estimates prepared by the Executive, where necessary, as the National Assembly deems fit.

Adequate shelter FEMI ABORISADE, Esq to concede that the National Assembly lies in either passing or rejecting budgetary estimates submitted by the Executive, without making changes.

I argue that in the interest of allowing inputs of trade unions, NGOs and other mass organizations through the opportunities provided by Public Hearings, it is in the larger public interest to sustain the operation of the current legal framework which supports, in my humble opinion, the power of the National Assembly to alter the budgetary estimates submitted by the Executive, either marginally or fundamentally, as the National Assembly may deem fit.

I support my argument with an overview of international practices, which vary, depending

Section 59(4) vests in the National Assembly the veto power, where the Presidents declines to give his assent to what the National Assembly considers fit and proper for the country expenditure and place same before the National Assembly, as follows: “81. (1) The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before each House of the

Section 3 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) mandatorily empowers the Commission created under the Act to, among others, enforce the provisions of the Act, including promoting section 16 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

Section 16 (2)(d) of the Constitution guarantees, among others, provision for all citizens of “suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and pensions, and unemployment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled”.

Also, section 16 (2)(c) provides that the economy shall not be operated in such a way that permits concentration of the common wealth or the means of production in the hands of few individuals or of a group.

To be concluded

Ambassador Pirjo to Nigerians: ‘Reduce dependency on oil’

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu & Prisca Sam-Duru

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HE Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Pirjo Soumela-Chowdhury, has asked Nigeria to reduce dependency on oil, explaining that the drive to diversify the economy is what every country, including Nigeria has to look towards to.

Pirjo said this at the just concluded business networking meeting to ensure progressive trade promotions between both countries business individuals.

According to her, the most central focus of Finland work is promoting trade and economic relations and the idea behind the business networking meeting is to explore potentials of both countries and note areas they can invest in for upward economic growth.

“The whole drive to diversify the economy is what everybody

Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Mrs. Pirjo SuomelaChowdury including the government of Nigeria is trying to do. Of course it is a great thing to reduce dependency on oil.

Even though Nigeria is in a difficult situation at the moment because of the fall in oil price, I think you can also take it in a positive way, in a way as incentive to diversify. This is important especially when you want to create jobs for the young population.

Commendable goal This is the way to go, it is a commendable goal” Ambassador Pirjo said.

Era of diversification in Nigeria: Similarly, the country’s Honourary Consul, Mr. Kingsley Akinloye, who expressed fulfillment with the continuous business networking between the two countries business communities, also pointed out that promoting businesses in partnership with Nigeria is moving well ahead. He told Vanguard that it is a great opportunity for both countries businesses, saying that this first quarter business networking are mostly centered on ICT connectivity, banking industries, security, and housing, including, energy, oil and infrastructure.

He said, “This is bilateral,

nobody has the knowledge or capacity, it is a question of how you place and see yourself.

Nigeria and Finland are only trying to enhance each other’s potentiality. Nigeria has a lot to benefit from Finland and vice versa. We need to tap from each other’s potentials and work on it. It is good that Finland is ready, and having related with Finland for more than 30 years, I know all about them and I believe I know much about how both countries can work together in promoting trade. This is era of diversification in Nigeria so we are here to see how we can partner together to develop further.”

Finland not resource bound country: Finland’s Trade Commissioner for West Africa, Mr. Olu Raheem, said that the mindset for Finns come naturally because it is not a resource bound country. He said that Finland had to develop mainly through technology to be able to provide something so innovative that other countries want.

Olu further submitted that Finland has no oil or metals, that theirs have always been technology and how to make investment goods, saying that the delegation from Finland this time around is mainly ICT delegation, for fact that everything now world over, even here in Nigeria is ICT bound, so it is all about helping people to do things better in a cheaper manner.

Business environment “If you look at Finland’s history in technology, with emergence of Nokia which brought about the GSM standard, it is because of this that Nigerians are able to use GSM so we were already a part of Finland story.

So we decided to bring the Finnish people here, to bring the ideas and innovations closer and to understand the Nigeria business environment and how they can tailor their products and services to help Nigeria’s business people to move further”, Olu stated, adding that, “I have no doubt that Nigeria will diversify their economy, we define countries by what they have but I think Nigeria’s greatest resource is the people. You know tough times usually bring people together.

Nigerians everywhere in the world excel, so there is no reason why they should not excel in their country. Finland has less people, and Nigeria has a lot of people, so the opportunities are here for us to use technology to do things.

“If European countries have as much as Nigeria has, they would be forever independent from any country in the world.

28—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Singer, IC drops ‘Yellow Tomato’ remix

Obesere, promoter battle over new video S

ENSATIONAL and highly controversial Fuji musician, Alhaji Qudus Abass Akande famously known as Obesere is in the news again.

This time, the Ibadan, Oyo State born musician is being battled by his promoter, Alhaji Taofeek Bello Abefe, the CEO of Solid Worth Entertainment.

According to findings, Taofeek feels betrayed by Obesere whom he accused of leaking the video of his new song, Ebelesua on Youtube as against their agreement.

According to sources, it was alleged that there was an

V host and producer, Zainab Balogun has been named as one of the new brand influencers for Rémy Martin’s #One Life/Live Them campaign, which it launched last year.

Zainab is joined by Falz who has been chosen as an influencer again and Shody.

These celebrities embody the brand’s philosophy and lifestyle. The campaign tagline, One Life/Live Them®, which assumes its grammatical accident, identifies that t o d a y ’ s consumers are not defined by one talent or skill, but are m u l t i faceted a n d should

*Zainab Balogun C M Y K

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Obesere agreement between the duo which was for the promoter to release the musical video in contention, Ebelesua along with other videos in the video album. It’s on this alleged breach of agreement that the promoter is now threatening to sue the artiste. Meanwhile, efforts to reach the promoter proved abortive as he was said to be outside the country at the time of filling this report.

However, when contacted, Obesere who said he’s busy

working on his forthcoming hip hop album denied having anything to do with the leak.

“I know nothing about it and I can’t explain how it happened,” he insisted.

However, following the leak on April 20, 2016, the video has been enjoying massive air play.

Shot by Dr. Bee, the video is the visuals for Obesere’s recent single, Ebelesua, which featured hip hop ‘Rap Lord’, Olamide with cameo appearances by comic actor, Afeez Oyetoro popularly known as Saka, Jaywon and DJ Tee.

Fred Amata declares support for MOPICON

By Rotimi Agbana

Zainab Balogun is brand influencer for Remy Martin

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By Juliet Ebirim

be applauded for their many passions. Rémy Martin’s One Life/Live Them campaign encourages consumers to explore and celebrate all their talents.

Born and raised in London, Zainab Balogun is an actress, model and television presenter who has featured in several international campaigns for different brands. She obtained a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) from the University of Kent.

After being scouted by Premier Models Management at an early age of 16, she began professional modeling and has gone on to successfully diversify into other endeavors.

She began to appear in shows such as BBC One’s Material Girl, Bollywood movie Cocktail (2012), and The Charlatans. She went on to feature on b l o c k b u s t e r Hollywood movie “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises”.

She is currently a co-host and producer of The Spot on EbonyLife TV. , She’s also a presenter and associate producer on Jumia TV.

order to regulate and protect the Nigerian movie industry.

ETERAN actor and “MOPICON is necessary. It is Directors Guild of needed, especially in the Nigeria,DGN, president, Fred evolution of Nollywood as a Amata has declared his business, as a sub sector of the unalloyed support for the economy. We need a practice that proposed esis structured. tablishment of People have the Motion argued that we Pictures Counwant to control cil of Nigeria practitioners (MOPICON). and I say no, we T h e need to control proposal, the practice. which has That’s what come under MOPICON heavy criticism can do for us at from various this time. We entertainers, is need to protect described as the practice, to ‘necessary’ by define the code the actor. of ethics and the In a recent *Fred Amata terms with interview, the which people actor who practice and to became the DGN president early improve generally the working this year after a heated conditions of practice in Nigeria,” controversial elections disclosed he said. that MOPICON is essential in

V

ALENTED upcoming music act, Kingsley Chima Irozuru, who is popularly known as IC, is set to take the music industry by storm with a remix to his single ‘Yellow Tomato’ which was released a few years back.

According to the Abia state born artiste who has an MSc from the School of Media and Performing Arts, Middlesex University, London “Yellow Tomato remix is targeted at every woman, regardless of her skin color. It has to do with how a woman appears in a man’s eyes.”.

Continuing, the artiste who is currently pursuing his doctorate degree says”Yellow Tomato is about eulogising women. A little bit of controversy went on during the first release of the original song. A couple of people asked me why I referred to only light skinned women. I do appreciate every skin tone, but I wanted to key into the jovial side.”

The remix features R&B singer and winner of Airtel One Mic All Stars, Acetune and is spiced with a bit of highlife and upbeat rhythms. The artiste who is currently working on his EP says he would love to work with Yemi Alade , Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, D’Banj and 2Face. “I observed Yemi Alade grow from strength to strength. She kept reinventing her music and it has become what it is today”

•IC

Ijaw gospel singers out with praise album

I

N oder to promote indigenous languages in the country, a group known as Ijaw Breed Entertainers,IBE, recently launched Ijaw Praise gospel songs in Lagos. The occasion was also used to celebrate the second year anniversary of the association.

Speaking at the event, President of IBE, James Useghan said, “I give thanks to God for making this album launch a great success because we are here to give 100% worship songs in Ijaw dialect.

Mr. Ken Etete, chairman of the occasion stressed the need for Nigerians to promote our indigenous languages, declaring that “Our language remains forever when we continue to promote our culture.” He promised to support the association in order for them to promote the Ijaw culture.

According to Mr. Michael Useghan, an executive of IBE, the association will continue to discover new talents as they will help in the preservation and promotion of our indigenous languages.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—29

Design to take over Nigeria by the Fulanis Abuja 2016: Turning point lake for Lake Chad region?

By Garba Shehu HE tone and tenor of speeches of Heads of State and government at the Regional Security Summit hosted on Saturday by President Muhammadu Buhari suggest that the countries in the Lake Chad region are looking beyond the Boko Haram terrorism.

Smart leaders they are, they didn’t present themselves backslapping each other in a congratulatory mood over the enormous feat they have accomplished in the last ten or so months, substantially reducing the terrorist threats in the region to the point of being described as a mopping up operation.

They were conscious of the fact the the Chibok Girls have not been found. No success can be declared in this war without the girls being found and reunited with their families.

In addition, the world has come a long way since Gorge W. Bush stood there atop the ship “Abraham Lincoln” being saluted by the flight deck crew to read a speech announcing an end to the Iraq war. “The 2003 Mission Accomplished” banner dominated the background as he spoke. But with hindsight, the world knows that the war against Iraq is still work in progress.

The then American President, George Bush was to say to a CNN interviewer a few years later that he regretted the outlandish display. In November 2008 specifically, Bush indicated that he regretted the use of the banner, stating that it conveyed the wrong message.

There are many who believe that the United States is still paying a price for that massive public relations failure.

In all probability, the world would have benefited more from the leaders if the summiteers in Abuja had to say everything on the war situation as it enters its end in their territories but they, instead, chose to dwell on the the promise of the future and what can be done to steer the economy and humanitarian situation into better times.

While acknowledging the progress so far made, the summiteers who included French President Francois Hollande, Nigeria’s Buhammadu Buhari and ten other African Presidents, prime ministers and delegates concluded that defeating Boko Haram Terrorist Group will require a sustained comprehensive approach based on clear and coordinated plans of engagementat at the regional level. Such an approach, they said, must confront challenges relating to effective security operations, providing civilian security and civil administration, restoring stability, and promoting economic development and job

Continues from yesterday

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Massive public relations failure

By B. I. C. Ijomah

Buhari creation to break the cycle of violence in all countries where Boko Haram is active.

Among other things, they recommended the enlistment of local community and religious leaders as constantly hammered on by President Buhari; increased intelligence sharing; the prioritization of the public education system and sparing no effort in the continuing search for the Chibok schoolgirls and all those abducted by Boko Haram by pooling intelligence resources.

The leaders also agreed to support the victims of sexual violence or forced marriage by Boko Haram, and the need to provide them with appropriate support including reintegration to communities; that defeating the insurgency requires more than a Military solution but that it also requires government-led development action to tackle the root causes of insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin through the development of education and economic opportunities.

The summit agreed to address the humanitarian situation affecting millions of IDPs, refugees and host communities in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The critical situation of the inhabitants of the newly-liberated towns and villages was also adjudged to be very pathetic. The

They were conscious of the fact the the Chibok Girls have not been found.

No success can be declared in this war without the girls being found and reunited with their families summit agreed to provide and rehabilitate facilities in the devastated towns and villages with a view to creating conditions for citizens to live without fear of violence and return to

conventional life and called for additional support from the international community. They, in addition, took special note of the 20,000 unaccompanied children (below the age of 18 years) displaced by the conflict and over 6000 minors,under the age of five years, and agreed to work together with international organisations to reunite those children with their families.

One other major step toward a lasting solution towards permanent peace in the region is identified as coming through the acceleration, specifically within three (3) years, of the implementation of the Lake Chad Development and Climate Resilience Action Plan as presented on the margins of COP21 in Paris in consultation with communitiesof the Lake Chad. It is hoped that the accelerated implementation of the Action Plan would go along way in bringing development to the Lake Chad Basin.

As a matter of fact, the summit blamed the impact of climate change for the unemployment and crime in the region and urged the LCBC and other willing partners to pursue the goal of inter-basin water transfer project with a view to restoring its normal level, mitigating drought, re-establishing fishery, irrigation and navigation.

For Nigeria in particular, the period of the summit was used to receive an important visitor described as a friend of Africa, Francois Hollande who, in a literal sense killed two birds one stone. He engaged his host, President Buhari in a bilateral meeting in the early part of the day and in the afternoon,joined the other leaders at the summit.

The two presidents reviewed the activities of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF and the progress made since the Climate Change agreement, COP 21 in Paris. President Hollande gave commitment to Nigeria on the resettlement of IDPs as well as his continuing support towards the reestablishment of full security in the Lake Chad region.

Five agreements were signed between the Nigerian parties and their French partners.

Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the the President (Media and Publicity) To be concluded

ERHAPS there is wisdom in what the American said years ago “that Nigeria will be soon break up”. Prophet Ayodele a few weeks ago had predicted that Nigeria might disintegrate into about six autonomous nations. Let me caution that over the years the Igbos, have been massacred in the North in 1945, 1953, 1960s. These massacres forced Ojukwu to declare that he was going to stop sacrificing the Igbos in the name of Nigerian unity. But let us go back to history and recall the statement made by Ahmadu Bello just the very month of our independence. He said; This was published in 1960 in a magazine. Perhaps the Fulanis are trying to implement of this statement by Ahmadu Bello. The Fulanis are stressing the need for the Northerner to take over the whole country. It is not by massacring the existing population and moving in with their cattle. No. While we encourage the Government to modernize cattle rearing, and encourage the Fulanis to develop grazing in the savannah area of the North, Federal Government can assist them to have professional cattle rearing. This requires heavy investment in the savannah where suitable grass can be cultivated.

But let me also remind Mr. President that those who rear cattle in America, Brazil and other places are industrialists who have bought land with their own money. They may be assisted by government to buy lands. Mr. President is well advised to send people to America and Brazil to see how to modernize cattle rearing and do so in Nigeria.

Intention of the Fulanis In the North grass is abundant. Rearing cattle in the tropical area of Rivers State, Bayelsa, Delta State is a wrong venture because very soon tsetse-flies will engulf this area and the cattle will begin to die natural death. We are aware that the drying up of the desert is pushing them down South. The situation must be handled with care not by force The Fulanis will not force Nigerians to react accordingly.

If the President does not talk, people will talk. And when people begin to talk tension will begin to rise; the problem Nigeria will face will be more than the fuel scarcity which Mr. President has not been able to handle. If he has the intention of the Fulanis to forcefully acquire land, something is wrong.

The Yorubas certainly will not watch the Fulani’s invade their county, with the impunity with which the cattle rearers enter other states to kidnap and destroy farms calls for national

resistance. The Yoruba’s are meeting. Other ethnic groups will meet and will give the cattle Fulanis an appropriate response if Mr. President does not step into the matter and defend Nigeria.

Finally, l want to invite Mrs. Kure and all those who are drafting the said laws on acquiring grazing land compulsorily to refer their case to Nomadic Commission of the Federal Government. I served on the Nomadic Commission Board. Books were written to domesticate the cattle Fulani and send them to school. The Nomadic Commission has registered some successes. But I do not think that the Nomadic Commission has ever recommended that the migrant Fulanis should acquire land compulsorily or settle in the areas compulsorily, by massacring the indigenes of the place. Such a move will lead to a massive resistance.

It will also lead to various states expelling the cattle Fulanis from their state unless Mr. President does something that is noble and just.

Mr. President swore to protect Nigeria. He should been seen protecting Nigeria.

He must not be seen keeping silent and allowing his ethnic group the cattle Fulanis to move into various states and kill people at will. This cannot

Mr. President swore to protect Nigeria. He should be seen protecting Nigeria

happen. Nigeria is a Federation. One profession, the cattle rearing, cannot be legislated to be a National profession for which land must be compulsorily acquired. We need lands for agriculture.

As cattle rearing is important to the Fulanis, so Agriculture is important to the Yorubas, to the Igbos, to the Balyesa, to Edo people, to Anambra people, to Kogi people. And nobody will fold his hands and allow this massacre to continue. Let the massacre of people at Nsukka be the last.

If Mr. President cannot protect Nigeria from his own ethnic group then Nigerians must protect themselves from the Fulanis. Enough is enough.

We fought the civil war because the Igbos were massacred several times in the North and the last massacre lead to the civil war, Ojukwu declared that this should be the last time the Igbos will make supreme sacrifice in the interest of one Nigeria. I call on Mr. President to rise up as a President of Nigeria not as a Fulani man and condemn what the Fulanis are doing before it destroys Nigeria.

30 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

BarkaJumah

Shaaban 14, 1437 A.H.

Let's unite on moon sighting N

O doubt Muslims wait in pious anticipation for Ramadan, in full expectation of the sighting of the moon to usher in Ramadan. In the recenting past, the commencement of Ramadan had been laced with dissent voices.

Some would say, we have to follow Saudi Arabia, others would kick.

Some would querry the astronomical calculations and fault the decision.

Even those who were aware of the Prophet’s injuction on moon sighting would throw up another argument. The result was that different groups started fasting a day apart. That was before the emergenceofhis Eminence,Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa'ad as theleaderofMuslimsinthiscountry.

The Sultan has since done a lot of work in making sure that authentic and realible witnesses and moon sighter were engaged.

Thorough job done as well as ensuring unity amongtheMuslim ummah. At least, in the last few years, the situation was better.

He has ensured that physical sighting of the moon for the commencementandterminationof Ramadan fasting and other Islamic events should be in conformity with Qur‘an and Sunnah.

He has also permited the employment of science and technology as a complementary means to the physical sighting of the moon in line with the Shari’ah.

Although, astronomical calculation and computational algorithms are beyond the grasp of the general masses to master; some modern

Our religious leaders need to step up to their jobs and steer this ship, as only they can. This is a religious burden far too great for anyone but them to bear scholars argue that since premodern Muslims just did not have access to the precise moon sighting calculations we have today, we shouldn’t be held hostage to their scientific limitations upon which their medieval fatwas rested. This is not the sole use of moon sighting, it only complementary.

What we need to do at this point when Ramadan is less than two weeks is to put up a comprehensive public enlightenment to articulate the efforts the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA is doing towards achieving the set goal of reliable report on moon sighting.

Break all barriers to quick and spontenous information dissemination so that when the moon is sighted by the committee, the dissemination of the information should not be dalayed any further so as to reach all the nooks and cranies of the country in due time.

One of the excuses put forward by people is that they do not get the information on time, even though the argument may be weak considering the information technology system and the vibrancy of the social media, we still need to do this inorder to ensure that we allow time for verification since what we sometimes get on the social media are often misleading.

We need to sustain the feat and ensure that the unity becomes stronger and enduring.

No doubt, the arrival of Ramadan is confirmed by sighting the new crescent moon, or by the passing of thirty days in the month of Sha‘ban. The Prophet, (s.a.w) decreed: “Fast when you see it (the new moon) and end the fast when

Allah alone commands unchallengeable powers that forgives and answers all prayers.

Who else do we face at times of turmoil for solace other than Him? He’s our father of love, peace and joy. Ever practice justice and pray harder. Lean on Allah forever and His everlasting favors shall bathe your life. May Allah be pleased with and all your family. Barka Jumah.

Adewale Adeeyo, OON

you see it. If it is hidden from you, then wait until thirty days of Sha‘ban have passed.”

Based upon the above hadith, most jurists hold that if there is a confirmedsightingofthenewmoon in any given region or country, fasting becomes obligatory for all those living there irrespective of the proximity of the sighting.

Proximity of sighting This is provided news of the sighting reaches them in a reliable manner and time. Distance is not an issue: reliable sighting and reliable conveyance of the sighting is. This is the opinion of the Hanafis, Maliks and Hanbalis. According to these jurists, ‘Fast when you see it (sumu li ru’yatihi),’ refers to all Muslims being bound to wherever a sighting of the new moon takes place globally.

With the inauguration of states and local 'Muslim Communities' who will have interraction with the apex body of Muslims, we will see a growing voice of unity emerging from scholars and religious leaders on this issue. We need to see some sort of consensus idea even away from the issue of a moon sighting, to include other issues that affect the practice of Islam generally in this country.

Again, we also need to ignite a

more fruitful national scholarly discussion concerning fiqh in Islam. The sooner, the better. I attended a conference of Imams organised by the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, Lagos, some few weeks back where different scholars dissected and analysed innumerable contending issues. It was highly educative and thought provoking especially to those who have been doing things in the old way without recourse to the Quran and hadiths, so much that particpants lauded the programme and wanted it in a larger scale. And if such programme cannot be held nationally with eminent schorlars and jurists from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world coming to deliver papers, then we should certainly think of how we can further educate our imams, leaders and those who influence decisions and behaviours of Muslims in our environments in line with the Quran and Sunnah. Our religious leaders need to step up to their jobs and steer this ship, as only they can. This is a religious burden far too great for anyone but them to bear. The rest of us can certainly make suggestions. Beyond that, we need to rest our individualistic tendencies and align ourselves with the larger collective and the greater good of the deen. The Quran is one, the hadith is one, the ummah cannot afford to be but one. Jumuah Mubarak!

Airline assures Jigawa pilgrims of prompt airlift via Dutse airport

By Aliyu Dangida

T From left, Branch Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT Porto Novo Branch, El Hadji Rachidath Ebe; National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Samiat Mumuni; Immediate past Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade; Chairperson, Organising Committee, Alhaja Monsurat Usman during the 5th Biennial conference in Porto Novo

Cross section of Nasfat Women at the event in Porto Novo

HE management of Max Air has assured all intending pilgrims for this year ’s hajj exercise from Jigawa state that all night flights will land and take off from Dutse Airport.

As against what obtained in the past where all night operations were diverted to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, flights will now land and take off from Dutse airport, Jigawa State. Max Air served as the major air carrier for Jigawa State pilgrims during last year’s hajj operation but had to divert all night flights to Kano international airport.

The Executive Director of Max Air, Harish Manwani gave the assurance shortly after a meeting with the State governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who told them that night landing facilities had since been installed, therefore the airport was ready for operations at all times.

His words: “Last year we had to use Kano airport because there were no night landing facilities in Dutse airport. But

now we were told that the required facilities have been installed. We are going to use the airport at nights for this year’s hajj operation.”

According to him, the

management of his air career had so far visited 12 states across the country with a view to getting more patronage for the airlift of their respective states’ intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

MSSN raises alarm over splinter group in Ogun

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By Daud Olatunji

HE Muslim Students Society of Nigeria in South West has raised the alarm over the emergence of a group allegedly impersonating it in Ogun state.

The zonal coordinator of the society, Mallam Mushafau Alaran in a statement issued urged the public to disregard the purported report of dissolution of executive of Ogun state unit of the MSSN. Some sections of the media had reported the purported dissolution of Ogun state executive of the society where one Yahya Hassan was reported to have been sworn-in as the new leader of the society in the state.

Alaran who described the action as “a serious case of impersonation, rebellion and

usurping of power” urged the general public, religious leaders and groups, media, security agencies and the state government to be wary of the strange group to avoid insurgency . He said the leadership of Mallam Saheed Amisu in Ogun state remained intact , urging the security operatives to go after the orchestrators of the false information.

According to him, "we wish to categorically state that Alhaji Saheed Kayode Amisu remains the Amir/President of the Muslim students ‘ Society of Nigeria, Ogun Area Unit and maintains that we do not know of any conference in any form within the society in Ogun state in accordance with norms of the society."

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—31

Traditional, religious institutions in Nigeria:

Implications for national security (3) Shaaban 14, 1437 A.H.

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50 Nigerians to benefit from Al-Azhar varsity annual scholarship —Imam •Links extremism to bad interpretations of Qur’an

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R Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo, Egypt, said that the Al-Azhar University had resolved to grant 50 scholarships to Nigerian students every year.

El-Tayeb made this known at an International Conference on “ Islam, the Religion of Peace”, organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Abuja recently.

He said there were over 1,000 Nigerians studying different courses in the institution, adding that 400 of them got scholarships from the school. He said that the institution had designed a new syllabus to deepen

understanding of the teaching of Islam with a view to discouraging terrorism which was against the teaching of the religion.

Al-Tayeb, who condemned terrorism in its entirety, linked extremism to bad interpretations of the Holy Qur’an and the ignorance about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

The Grand Imam, who is also the Chairman, Muslim Council of Elders, Egypt, emphasised that Islam was a religion that preached peace, tolerance and rejected all forms of extremism.

He therefore, distanced the religion and its followers from shedding blood, adding that there was no compulsion in

Islam. He said that Islam recognised diversity and religious freedom, saying that Islam could cope with any system that granted equity and justice.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, advised Muslims to seek proper knowledge of the Holy Qur’an with a view to correcting wrong perceptions some people have about the religion.

The Vatican representative in Nigeria, Bishop Augustine Kasujja, urged religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence in the society by encouraging their followers to seek for knowledge about their religion.

Ahmadiyya women stage health walk, sanitation exercise in Edo

T

HE Women Servants of AllahGroup,LajnaImmaillah of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat Nigeria have concluded the Centenary Health, Walk and Sanitation exercise as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Jamaat in Nigeria in District 8, comprising Edo and Delta States.

They were supported by some elderly males and the youth wing, theMajlisKhudammulAhmadiyya, the Youth Wing of the Islamic organisationcontrollingthetrafficfor safety. The programme was part of the centenary celebration of Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Nigeria.

According to Lajnal leader, Zone

Cross section of Ahmadiyya women, Lajna Immaillah, during their Walk for Health and Sanitation to mark the group centenary celebration in Benin recently.

Some of Ahmadiyya women carrying out cleaning and sanitation service to mark the group centenary celebration in Benin recently.

8 Eastern Region, Hajia Aminat Enahoro, members from Benin, Warri, Ekae, and Orerokpe Branches gathered in Benin and walkedformorethantwokilometres through Joromi street, Ekenwa Road, Stadium Road, Edebiri, SecondFreedomandFirstFreedom Streets, sweeping and picking refuse off the roads.

“Several inquisitive residents wanted to know what the exercise was all about and we took time to explain our mission to them and to their admiration, some of them joined us in the exercise as they considered it as laudable and of immense benefit to an individual’s health and the society at large.

The women group also used the opportunity to further the awarness about Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and true Islam.

“It was very inspiring to see some very elderly members participating in the health walk, including district 8 officers who participated fully in theexercise,whichhadbothphysical and spiritual benefits,” Hajia Enahoro stated.

In Auchi, the women group also walked through several streets including Oshobughie street, Warrake Road, and the palace of Otaru of Auchi where they were receivedastheycarriedoutextensive environmentalsanitation.Twotipper loads of refuse were disposed off during the exercise.

The exercise was led by the Women leaders in the District namely: Hajia Aminat Enahoro (District Sadr), Sister Hauwa Kashim-Sumaina (Naib Sadr), Sister Wakilat Mustafa (Secretary), Sister Kautha Abdullahi (Welfare Officer). In all, 75 members of the AhmadiyyaMuslimJamaatwomen group participated in zone.

By His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Continues from last week

HILANTHROPICAssistance:Theprovisionofsupportandassistanceto vulnerablegroupssuchasindigentcitizens,andinternallydisplacedpersons is an area where traditional and religious institutions have played crucial roles.Intheclimateofeconomichardshipandinsecurityendemicinourcountry,theformalinstitutionsofgovernancedonotappeartohaveallthecapacityto meetcontemporaryneedssuchastheprovisionoffood,shelterandeducation.

Tradition, religion and peace-building InalectureIdeliveredatanInter-faithConferenceatGeorgetownUniversity, Washington DC on ih October 2009, I drew attention to the fact that although many sectarian crises in Nigeria usually develop a distinct religious coloration, the religious content of these crises is, in most instances, hardly significant. The root of many of these crises may have to be sought in the complex matrix of Nigeria’s historical, ethnic, socio-economic and political realities. The first aspect of this complex Nigerian environment, as far as peace-building is concerned, is the nexus between political competition and ethno-religious disharmony, especially at the local level. Many an unscrupulous politician would not hesitate to exploit the fragile community relations of their respective areas if doing so would gamer them some political support, however paltry andtransient.Thisunwholesomeanddivisivepoliticshastendedtopropagate hatredandill-feelingandthedemonizationofentirereligiousandethnicgroups.

It must be remembered that the Jos Sectarian Crisis of November 2008 began as a political dispute over the control of Jos North Local Government. It took little time for the dispute to escalate into a full blown Muslim-Christian Conflict with heavy loss of life and the destruction of mosques and churches, the visible symbols of the two religions’ communities. Many sectarian conflicts share common elements with the Jos Crisis. They began as expressions of local political grievances only to snowball into systemic religious crises, which affected the nation as a whole.

ThesecondaspectoftheNigerianenvironmenthasbeenthepalpablechasm between the Modem, Western sector and the traditional Islamic Society especially in the Northern States. Historically, many northern Muslim communitieshadviewedtheEuropeancolonialadventureanditsinstitutions, including the educational system, as inimical to the development of Islam and tothesustenanceoftheintegrityofMuslimSociety.Althoughalotofprogress has been registered in the last few decades in appreciating the strategic importance of modem education, including Science and Technology, many Muslimparentsstillmistrustthemodemeducationsectorandprefertoconsign their wards to the Almajirci System, in traditional Islamic schools. It has been estimated that over nine million pupils are attending these schools in the Northern States. In several of these States, there are more pupils in these traditional Islamic institutions than there are in the conventional school system .. It is therefore not surprising that the dominant form of intra-religious conflict within the Muslim Community, including that occasioned by the so-called IslamOnlyMovementandtheMaitatsineSectinthe1980sand90shadbeen predicated on this divide.

Anti-western sentiments These and other groups actively exploited the anti-modem and the antiWestern sentiments to establish a large following for their organizations and usedthemtooccasionallywreakhavoconthesociety.TheBokoHaramgroup isonlythelatesttoexploitthesecleavagestoputacrossitsmessageviolentlyand with tragic consequences. Thirdly, is the issue of Nigeria’s youth population. It has been estimated that about half of the nation’s population is 15 years and under;whileover60%of thepopulationislessthan30yearsofage.Thisyoung and virile segment of Nigeria’s population constitutes one of its greatest assets and,ifnurturedproperly,ismorethancapableinsafeguardingtheintegrityand future of the nation . .The neglect of this vital segment, however, cannot be withoutitsdireconsequences,worstofallrecruitmentandexploitationbyextremist groupssuchasBokoHaram,toachievetheirnefariousobjectives.Itis,therefore, not surprising that the overwhelming majority of the followers of Boko Haram were from this vital segment of our population. It recruited them and taught themwhatitwantedthemtolearnaboutIslam.Forthoseengagedincommerce, the movement gave them the capital to pursue their commercial activities. For those uncertain about the future and disillusioned by State and society, the group accorded them the scriptural justification to rebel and to fight the society thattheysawasthecauseoftheiroppression.TheBokoHaramleadersdidnot attendevenaprimaryschool,butyettheywereabletorecruituniversitystudents as well as graduates, to unleash terror and mayhem on innocent Nigerians.

We must never allow this to happen in this country again.

Conclusions Distinguished ladies and gentlemen with the emerging security challenges facing the nation and the wealth of experience at the disposal of our traditional and religious institutions we should, with all sincerity, endeavour to put in place the right constitutional framework to enable these veritable institutions address the daunting challenges. National Traditional Leaders Councils had workedwellinMalaysia,SouthAfricaandmanyothercountrieswithtangible results. Given our culture and political history, there is no cogent reason to suggestthatitcannotworkforNigeria;afterallithadexistedwellbeforeNigeria cameintobeingin1914.Securitymonitoringhadalwaysbeenanintegralpart of the responsibilities of the nation’s traditional councils. They had discharged theseresponsibilitiesexceptionallywell.

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble.

SCORPIO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

SAGITTARIUS; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but.

CAPRICORN;. The Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed.

AQUARIUS; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powersthat-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation.

Yet you will be lucky today.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

lady recently said to me - This weather is just not friendly. The sun is too much. Let the sun subside before I do it. And I looked at her and said, ‘Supposing it starts raining

The Weather now, what will you do?’ The truth is that the weather has never been friendly.

Of course, it is not the business of the weather to be friendly to you. But

TERROR MUDA

your duty is to do everything within your power to be able to use the weather as it is. Tell me, have you ever seen a perfect weather? Whether rain or sun, people

in “Never say goodbye”

have always complained. Yet, some people are making fortune from it, rain or sunshine. You too must do the same. For he that must succeed does not need to look at the weather.

By Kola Fayemi

PISCES; Better days are ahead of you but, you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

ARIES; If what you’re doing today ’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today.

Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now.

TAURUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble.

GEMINI; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse.

CANCER; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image.

VIRGO; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

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 career Dear Joshua, I am interested in your Astrological counselling. Kindly tell me everything about myself, especially my finance and career; would I be rich eventually, if yes what should I do to make it happen quickly.

Ambrose, Abuja.

Dear Ambrose, There are indications of financial success for you but you can not change what Almighty God Has designed for you talking about the timing (the quickness you talked in your letter) Certainly however no failure for you.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self.

Yes your dream of becoming A Professor will come to reality. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why? Because Aquarius is equally political.

Venus that was powerfully placed when you were born is all about MONEY. Thus you have special ability to make money. And as it was at positive angle to disciplined Saturn, you are not giving to serious frivolity. One major challenge here is envy by others but you will eventually overcome. Another source of challenges is your love life which looks not totally balanced.

Basically you are a family minded person. You are equally loving and caring. But sometimes your love of freedom get better off you to the resentment of your closer partner(s).Then some other times it is other party’s fault making love-business very interesting. And unless you are more careful and determined you may marry more than once.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—33

MEETING:

Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Naira Williams Ogoba Oboro Gbaraun II, Aetekpe Agadagba (left); Chief Godspower Gbenekama (right), and others at the town hall meeting of Delta State Government Advocacy Committee Against Pipeline Vandalism at Oporoza, Gbaramatu.

PHOTO: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Release funds to DESOPADEC, contractors beg Okowa

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—INDIGENOUS contractors of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, have appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to release adequate funds to the commission for payment to

Ogbe-Ijoh wants WRLN used in boundary demarcation

By Tare Youdeowei

C

ONCERNED members for Peace in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom has appealed to Delta State Government to use the Western Region Laws of Nigeria, WRLN, 1955, as guide in resolving the boundary dispute between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities of the state.

Making the appeal, yesterday, National Coordinator of the group, Friday Deinghan, while harping on the importance of the law, said: “The law clearly defines the boundary between Ogbe-Ijoh under the Warri Division and Aladja under Urhobo Division.

“In 1980, the same law was used in the creation of Ethiope council from Urhobo division and the creation of Warri SouthWest and Udu Local Government areas in 1996, so we wonder why it is difficult for government to apply same between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh.”

contractors for work done and completion of ongoing projects in the state.

The contractors, under the aegis of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors, in a statement, said: “It should be taken into cognizance that the contractors took loans to carry out jobs, but it is so

disappointing that no contractor has been paid up to 10 percent for jobs done for which, in most cases, 100 percent of job had been done.”

Chairman of the contractors, Mr Francis Obule, said: “Since contractors were paid five percent, while some three percent since October 2015, it was brought to our notice that the money that was sent to the commission (DESOPADEC) in

April 2016, a five-month interval, was N500 million.

“We will like to know if the government, under Governor Okowa, is not receiving the monthly 13 percent derivation allocated to the state from the Federation Account from which 50 percent of the said 13 percent belong to DESOPADEC as stipulated by the law under which it was established.”

Ijaw APC leaders to Buhari: Order take-off of Maritime Varsity

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—THE leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ijawland, Delta State, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate take-off of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

At a meeting hosted by former acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor Power Aginighan, the Ijaw APC leaders said: “The University was approved by the Federal Executive Council, having met the requirements stipulated by the National Universities Commission, NUC.” They urged the President “not to be persuaded by the allegations of corruption in connection with projects in the university now before the judiciary to endorse any move to scrap this specialised institution, which holds a lot of promise for economic development of Nigeria.”

The APC leaders condemned the recent vandalisation of oil installations by “a group, which styles itself as Niger Delta Avengers,” and called on security and intelligence services to quickly bring the

situation under control.

They said: “We commend Mr. President for extending the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme beyond the December 31, 2015 terminal

date and continued funding of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs inherited from the preceding administration.”

Oba of Benin: Afemai Patriots, Uvwie monarch mourn

By Kingsley Omonobi & Festus Ahon

T

HE Afemai Patriots has condoled with the people of Bini Kingdom and the Edo State Government over the passing of the Bini monarch, Oba Erediauwa.

Coordinator, Dr. Kennedy Izuagbe, and interim spokesman of the group, Mr. Lucky Anyia, in a statement in Benin, described the monarch’s passing as a huge loss to the people of Edo State at a time his wealth of experience would have greatly been needed.

Meanwhile, as the people of Benin Kingdom mourn, those of Uvwie Kingdom, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, have described the late monarch as a world class king, adding that his death was a monumental loss.

Uvwie monarch

The Ovie of Uvwie kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sidedo I, who stated this during a

condolence visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, while condoling with the Bini, said: “The life of late Oba Erediauwa calls for celebration. His reign brought peace, progress and development to his people.”

The monarch, who spoke through one of his chiefs, Chief Victor Otomiewo, said: “As we continue with the rites of passage, it is our prayers that it will be successfully concluded and a new monarch that will take Benin to a higher level crowned.”

Noting that the Uvwie Kingdom was proud to be associated with the Benin Kingdom, he commended the late Benin monarch for sustaining the historical link between both kingdoms.

Similarly, Afemai Patriots noted his sterling qualities and further described the late Oba as a detribalised monarch, a man of honour, integrity and, above all, a first class technocrat.

Eyituoyor hails Esiso’s choice as Delta PDP Chair

By Godwin Oghre

K

OKO—CHAIRMAN of Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Francis MakuEyituoyor, yesterday, hailed the choice of Chief Kingsley Esiso, as the state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying “the new state PDP boss is a hard working and dynamic person, who will pilot the affairs of the party to a higher height.

“Chief Esiso remains the best among all who signified their interests for the position, yet he is the most humble and loyal candidate.

“He will definitely deploy his wealth of political and legal experience, just as he has always done, to give the party a face-lift. His robust agenda will definitely count for the party in the forthcoming general election at all levels.”

Maku-Eyituoyor also praised the choice of the state PDP Vice Chairman, Mr. Val Areyinka; Assistant Secretary, Mr. John Okoroloko; Warri North PDP Chairman, Mr. Isaac Wilkie, and the Sapele council PDP Chairman, Mr. J. Biokolo.

Transition

MADAM Susan Igwebuike of Umunede, Ika North-East Local Government Area, Delta State, aged 94, is dead.

A statement from his son, Chief Francis Igwebuike, said his mother passed on May 17.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Funeral arrangement will be announced later.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Chief Okwor for burial

Fix date for Anambra Central rerun, IPAC tells INEC

By Vincent Ujumadu

CHIEF STEVE Okwor, Ezeudo 1 of Ikem in Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State, is dead, aged 78.

He will be buried at his compound in Ikem on May 27, 2016, after a requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Parish, Umuaram, Ikem, and a wake on May 26.

Late Chief Okwor is survived by children and grand-children.

A

WKA—THE Anambra State Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, an umbrella body

for all registered political parties in the state, yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to fix a date for the rerun of the controversial Anambra Central

senatorial election, regretting that the people of the zone have been left out of decision -making in the country’s upper legislative chambers as a result of the impasse.

Experts task students on asthma, ulcer management through diet

By Elizabeth Uwandu

T

HE NUTRITION and Dietetics Student’s Association, NUDSA, of Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, Ijebu, has concluded its health week, with a charge on students to take their nutrition seriously to stave off ulcer.

Head of Department, NUDSA, Mrs Laide Afolayan , said the underlining factor of every disease was bad nutrition, adding that the high cases of ulcer and asthma among students of the institution informed the decision to call experts to educate the students.

Mrs Yewande Akinhanmi, the

Late Chief Okwor

Agbatutu for burial

THE FUNERAL rites of Mr. Lemmy Agbatutu, aged 65, begins today, at 179 Ekiugbo-Warri Road, Ughelli, Delta State. He will be buried tomorrow, May 21, 2016, at his home-town, Orherhe Agbarho, Delta State, after funeral service

Clinical Nutritionist/ Dietitian from the State Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and one of the guest speakers, described ulcer as disease which results from open sores developed in the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract.

She, however, noted that the disease could be properly managed by students by following simple basic guidelines within and outside campuses.

On the role students play in the management of ulcer, the nutritionist said proper understanding on how ulcer was got would go a long way in shaping right attitudes among students, such as maintaining good hygiene practices during

food preparation.

She spoke of the need to avoid exposure to contaminated water and soil, staying clear from overcrowded rooms/dormitory; avoidance of exposed food to flies, insects, and reduction on consumption of half or improperly cooked foods.

Mrs. Bolajoko, a dietitian, said nutrition helped also in the management of asthma, through the build up of immunity.

Describing asthma as an inflammation of the airways, associated with shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing, Bolajoko said it could be managed, provided an asthma patient took these measures.

Rising from a meeting in Awka, chairmen of 13 political parties under the aegis of IPAC expressed worry at the lingering impasse, noting that despite the Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the election of Mrs. Uche Ekwunife and the consequent order for a fresh election within 90 days from December 7, 2015, INEC was yet to conduct the exercise to fill the vacancy.

The state chairman of IPAC, Sir Norbert Obi, who is also the state chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, observed that the delay in conducting the senatorial election for Anambra Central constituted a gross disenfranchisement of the rights of the people of the zone to freely choose their representative to the senate.

The statement by the council read: “The current state of affairs has left the good people of Anambra Central disoriented due to continued absence of a senator for the district, with the attendant loss of the benefits, and other dividends currently being enjoyed by senatorial districts."

Etisalat, Abuja Global Shapers partner to boost school enrolment in the North

E

FFORTS TOWARDS rebuilding the North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have received further boost, courtesy of partnership between Etisalat and Abuja Global

Late Mr. Agbatutu

Shapers community, an offshoot of World Economic Forum which aims at bolstering pupils enrollment into primary schools in the three states affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

The initiative which is under Etisalat’s schools support programme involved the delivery of school materials: 1000 school bags, 1000 set of school uniforms, 10,000 exercise books, 1000 set

Broadband: 'e.Stream Networks'll commit $7m in 5yrs'

By Emeka Aginam

T

O EXPAND its broadband services across the nation in the next five years, the Chief Executive Officer of broadband service provider, e.Stream Networks Ltd, Muyiwa Razaq Ogungboye has disclosed that the company would commit about $7 million in the next five years.

Ogungboye, who disclosed this during a media briefing

to unfold activities to mark its 10th anniversary holding today said that "with over 10 years in the ICT sector and presence all over Nigeria, the company leverages on providing unique combination of industry experience and expertise in our service offering to all our clients across the country."

He said that about $1.5 million was needed for expansion program this financial year.

Giving narration of a decade of the company’s connectivity, he said that, “Just last year, we came up with a five year business plan. We want to build more base stations across the country.

"Apart from Lagos State, we have one in Onitsha, Calabar, among others . We are establishing more base stations across the country to help us expand capacity. We have already signed agreement with Bitflux. We

have plans for cloud based services with Microsoft.

Coverage is our main focus.

“Competition has forced price to come down . Many thanks to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for its regulatory roles but more is needed from the authority regarding enabling environment. The operators need financial and regulatory support. We need to source money from the banks."

of writing materials to pupils in primary one in ten schools across the three states.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the materials in Yola , Adamawa state recently, The Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko said the partnership is intended to enhance ongoing efforts aimed at making basic education available and sustainable in the North East.

Also speaking, the Curator of Abuja Global Shapers hub, Jake Okechukwu Effudoh called on the concerned stakeholders to accord priority to qualitative education especially in the North East, expressing alarm over the increasing rate of illiteracy in the region.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On NL C nation wide strik eo tr ol price NLC nationwide strike ovver increase in pe petr trol

W

hen the government removed fuel subsidy they did not inform or dialogue with NLC or Nigerians.

Now they want NLC to dialogue with them. APC government keeps taking Nigerians for granted. Mrs. Pauline Osaghae, Sef-Employed C M Y K

T

omato is high, fuel increased and still scarce, a ripple effect in every other price around, and I am trying to keep up with pennies, then next thing you come up saying to shut down the economy?

It’s been shut down already.

-Mr. Lanre Johnson, Worker

W

hat will Labour gain by shutting government down? The economic circumstances dictate the removal of fuel subsidy. You don’t give what you don’t have. The masses will suffer more. -Mr. Abubakar Ogunbona, Businessman

W

hat NLC should agitate for is minimum wage increment and ensure all companies and multinationals implement it. Workers' problem is not only transport, there is inflation on everything. Miss Ebereke Kelechi, Student

T

he current crisis on oil is because we don’t have working refineries that can supply the needed volume. As long as we keep importing what affects the live of 180 million citizens, one way or the other, dollar shall be on the rise. -Mr. Femi Igwe, Engineer

N

LC should give a mandate that money saved from subsidy should be used to build refineries and increase their capacities. With a good government, importation of oil won't be left totally at the mercy of citizens. -Miss Joy Amos, Self Employed

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 35

Court reinstates impeached Kogi Speaker, Deputy, 7 Principal Officers

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, reinstated the impeached Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. MomohJimoh Lawal.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, the court equally restored the Deputy Speaker, Aliyu Akuh and seven other Principal Officers of the Kogi State House of Assembly, saying the process that led to their purported impeachment on February 16, 2016, was unconstitutional and illegal.

It said their removal was not in line with provisions of sections 90, 91, 92 (2) (c), 95 (1) & (2) and 96(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Consequently, the court voided the purported election of Umar Imam as the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, as well as the emergence of four others; Friday Sani; Lawal A.T. Ahmed; Bello Abdullahi and John Abah as principal officers of the House.

Aside the Speaker and his Deputy, others the court also reinstated were Kolawole Mathew, Osiyi Godwin, Sunday Shigaba, Ndako Idris, Oluwatoyin Lawal, Musa Jimoh and Victor Omofaye.

Specifically, the court held that

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

VISIT: From left; Mr. Usman Malah, Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mrs. Maryam Bayi, Director Human Capital and Infrastructure Group NCC; Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; Prof. Umar Danbatta EVC of NCC and Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs NCC during the courtesy visit to Governor El-Rufai.

“The continued sitting and conduct of the affairs of the Kogi State House of Assembly by the 1st - 5th defendants after the purported removal of the 1st plaintiff and other principal officers of the House and purported installation of themselves as principal officers of the Kogi State House of Assembly on the 16th day of February, 2016, is illegal having regard to section 96(1) of the Constitution and Rule 5(1)”.

Besides, it restrained the

Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Service, Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, who were 7th to 8th defendants in the suit, “from further barricading the Assembly complex and preventing the plaintiffs from accessing the hallowed chambers of the Kogi State House of Assembly to conduct their legal and legitimate duties as legislators validly elected to represent their various constituencies”.

The court however declined to declare that the security agencies, by their actions, aided and abetted the five lawmakers to carry out the purported impeachment as well as subsequent withdrawal of the Speaker’s vehicles (official and personal) and withdrawal of security operatives attached to the embattled Speaker.

It also refused to award general damages of N500 million.

Aisha Buhari donates 5 trucks of relief items, N55m to Boko Haram victims

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—WIFE of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has donated five trucks of assorted relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons,

IDPs, and victims of insurgency in Borno State.

She also released N55 million and shared it among the parents of 219 Chibok missing schoolgirls and those who lost their children during the attack on Federal

NLC urges Delta workers to support FG's oil sector liberalisation

By Ehi Eweka

T

HE Delta State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on workers in the state to remain calm and support all effort by the Federal Government and Congress in ensuring that the dynamics of liberalization of the downstream sector provide long-term solution to the problems plaguing the sector.

The council in a statement by its factional Chairman, Williams Akporeha urged the government to ensure that the benefits of the policy were ploughed back into social security, infrastructure, equipping security agencies, and all that would improve Nigerians' life.

While insisting that the council fully supported the liberalization of the petroleum downstream sector and demanded the utilization of accrued subsidy C M Y K

INSURGENCY: Army holds counter-terrorism workshop for officers

claims to offset pension arrears and workers’ bonuses in all the states preparatory to the implementation of the new minimum wage, he said it was the responsibility of government to initiate measures to mitigate the impact of the policy on the Nigerians.

He said: “Congress advise that to immediately cushion the effect of the liberalization, funds that should have accrued for subsidy claims should promptly be deployed now to all the states to provide succour in form of bonuses to the workers, settle pension arrears and pay bonuses to security agencies especially Police to strengthen security.”

He said: “While the bonuses will serve as immediate and temporary relief to workers, the Federal Government must move very quickly to consider increase in workers’ salary in terms of upward review of the minimum wage.”

Government College, Buni Yadi, where scores of students were massacred.

Distributing the relief items through a committee set up by her yesterday, the Secretary of the committee, Zuwaira Gambo said, IDPs, pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and those who sustained injuries due to suicide bombings and hospitalized at various hospitals in Borno state would benefit from the exercise.

Gambo explained that the committee which included the wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima as Chairperson and Commissioner

for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fanta Baba Shehu as member swung into action by visiting all the designated resettlement camps in Maiduguri metropolis and Gubio town which formed part of the host communities.

According to her, before visiting Gubio and other host communities, the team visited Biu Local Government Area of the state where thousands of IDPs and victims of insurgency from Debiro, Sabon Gari and Damboa Local Government Area also benefitted from the gesture.

“We are giving them cans of

Ortom seeks UN support to end herdsmen's terror Regional Director of the United

By Peter Duru

M

A K U R D I — BOTHERED by the unending killings in Benue communities by Fulani herdsmen, Governor Samuel Ortom has called on the United Nations Organization, UNO, to collaborate and assist the state government in its quest to end the wanton destruction of lives and properties in the state by the invaders.

Governor Ortom who made the call yesterday when he hosted the

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, Dr. Benoit Sossou, in Makurdi, lamented that the crisis was crippling genuine efforts by his government to engender sustainable development in parts of the state.

He said end to the crisis was of utmost importance to his administration since it would usher in peace in the affected communities and pave the way for the smooth running of the developmental programmes of international organizations and that of the state government.

OS—IN a bid to improve the skills of Commanding Officers on counter terrorism and insurgency operations, the Nigeria Army is organizing a workshop for its men.

In a statement issued in Jos

by Col. Kayode Ogunsaya, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Rukuba, “The main objective of the workshop is to improve the practical skills of commanding officers in general administration unit both in peace and war times.”

He explained that the training was also “aimed at achieving more combatefficient and functional administration of Nigeria Army units in counter terrorism and insurgency operations.”

The workshop titled: ‘Enhancing Capacity of Commanding Officers for Counter Terrorism and Insurgency Operations’ is for commanding officers from units 1, 3, 7 and 8 Division’s Areas of Responsibilities and would take place at Headquarters of 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri from 23-26 May, 2016.

The Chief Of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai is expected to declare the workshop open.

Ezinne Agbo passes on

A

woman leader in Enugu State, Ezinne Rebecca Chinyere Agbo is dead. She died at the age of 60 after a brief illness.

Her body will leave Ntasi Obi mortuary today for a brief stop-over at her residence, No 7, Bauchi Street, Federal Housing Estate, Enugu and later to her hometown, Ozalla, Ezimo-Uno, Udenu L.G.A. She will be buried after a requirem mass.

Late Ezinne Agbo

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

COMPENSATION: From left— House of Representatives member for Chibok, Gwoza and Damboa constituency, Dr. Asabe Bashir; wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari; top official of the Ministry of Information, representing the parents of the murdered Buni Yadi boys, Mrs. Aishetu Bunu, and wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, during the presentation of N25 million cheque to the victims.

From left— Chief Future Officer, Troyka Holdings, Mr. Solomon Ikhioda; CEO/Co-Founder, HotSauce, Mr. Dayo Adefila, and Managing Director, The Quadrant, Mr. Bolaji Okusaga, at the Viva Technology Startup Connect Paris 2016 briefing in Lagos.

MOTOROLA/CHANNELS: From left— Senior Regional Sales Manager, Africa, Motorola Solutions, Uzonna Izugbokwe; Director of Sales, Channels Africa, Laurent Tribout, and Communications Manager, Israel & SubSaharan Africa, Motorola Solutions, Maor Aharoni, at the Channel partners engagement session and training organised by Motorola Solutions in Lagos.

PZ CUSSONS PROMO: From left— Brand Manager, Robb, PZ Cussons, Mr. Gboyega Otolorin; Branch Manager, SPAR, Ilupeju, Mr. Starlin Raj; winner, Be A Player promo, Miss. Adegbola Adedoyin; her sister, Grace; Brand Manager, Premier Cool, Mrs Deedi Modey; and Head, Activations, PZ Cussons, Mr. Adewale Ayodeji, during the presentation of prize in Lagos.

ASTYMIN PROMO: From left— Product Manager, Fidson Healthcre Plc, Mr. Femi Ajala; Astymin Get Alert promo April winner, Ms Shakirat Akanni, and Corporate Services Manager, Fidson, Mr. Oladimeji Oduyebi, during cheque presentation to Akanni in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

SESSION ON CLEAN WATER: From left— Managing Director, Mrs Olushola Terence-Omorogiuwa; Quality Control Officer, Dozie Mbaeri; Acting Brand Manager, Miss Edidiong Ide; Assistant Manager, Quality Control, Miss Esther Okafor, and Logistics Manager, Philip Omoh, all of Rev Foods and Beverages Limited, after an interactive session on clean water supply at their Oregun factory, Ikeja, Lagos.

FREE HEALTHCARE: Residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, benefitting from Pain-Free Day initiative of Dexa Medica, makers of Boska.

BRIEFING:

C M Y K

MTN FOUNDATION: From left— HR/Corporate Service Executive, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola; Director, Col Sani Bello (rtd), both of MTN Nigeria; Chairman, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, and Executive Secretary, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, both of MTN Foundation; What Can We Do Together initiative nominee, Nenman Andrew, at the appreciation party for the 200 nominees as part of activities to launch Phase II of the initiative in Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 37

VANGUARD OL UW AD AHUNSI OLUW UWAD ADAHUNSI

AWODEINDE

DA WODU

CLASSIFIED ALI

ABUGU

TIAMIYU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechinyere Abugu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Smith Nkechinyere.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tiamiyu Idowu Waliat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babayeju Idowu Waliat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwadahunsi Sunday, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwadahun Sunday.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ms Awodeinde Olayemi Orebowale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatade Olayemi Orebowale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dawodu Olayinka Oluwabusola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olorunfemi Olayinka Oluwabusola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Ebenyi Uchenna Ali now wish to be known as Dr. AgboEbenyi Uchenna. All documents bearing former names remain valid.

General public and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). All former document remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKACHI

UZOUKWU

OK OR ONKW O OKOR ORONKW ONKWO

AJAO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okachi Doris Chinenye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okolie Doris Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Uzoukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Oruche. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoronkwo Mercy Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndubuisi Mercy Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajao Folashade Basirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egberongbe Folashade Basirat. All former documents remain valid. The General Public and Authorities Concerned, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekaete Bassey Udoh, or Miss Lorenah Ekaete Bassey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lorenah E. Ogbenna Osondu. All former documents remain valid.

The General Public and Authorities Concerned, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Awele Dumebi Ugbede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Awele Dumebi NdukaDike. All former documents remain valid.

Authrities concerned and general public please take note.

OTIRI

KAFEYIMO

IGBEN

OLUWOLE

NDUBUISI

OK OYE OKO

EKAETE

UGBEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebere Victoria Otiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebere Victoria Durugo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Fasinu Segun Kafeyimo, now wish to be known and addressed as Fasinu Segun Yetongo. All former documents remain valid. IBTC, JBN and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonogbosho Igben Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ronke Regina Oluwole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ronke Regina Yakubu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Mary Rose Ndubuisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Mary Rose Onyekwelu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoye Helen Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chuba Helen Nkiruka.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKERE

ALABI

AJANI

ERIBI

ANAELE

AISIKU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maryjane Chikaodi Okere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maryjane Chikaodi Mogaha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinwale Mondinat Alabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinwale Mondinat Jumoke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajani Funmilayo Benedicta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agboola Funmilayo Benedicta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eribi Made Alice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeegbe Made Alice.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugochi Ann Anaele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nzekwe Ann Ugochi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Aisiku Patience Aishat, now wish to be known and addressed as Aishat Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public please take note.

IKWU

ADEYEMO

FRANK

ELUKHU

ENEKWECHI

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Ejiofor Uche Daniel and Anunobi Daniel Uchechukwu refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Anunobi Daniel Uchechukwu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as C h r i s t a b e l Chiakpolambgo Ikwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Christabel Ikwu Chiakpolamugwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly addressed as Miss Adeyemo Adepeju Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udensi Adepeju Eunice. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Francis Okuokenyen Eghomien and Frank Okuokenyen Eghomien as they appear in some of my documents refer to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly addressed as Elukhu Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Oni-Ero Edith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly addressed as Ifeyinwa Frances Enekwechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ifeyinwa Frances Odiachi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEB AYO ADEBA

OJIAKU

RA VI RAVI

MOND AY MONDA

UYIGUE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bosede Beatrice Adebayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bosede Beatrice Ogunribido. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Ojiaku Chukwuemeka Andre and Ogbonna Ojiaku Emeka refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbonna Ojiaku Emeka. All former documents remain valid.

General Public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Monday Aimurovbaeki, now wish to be known and addressed as Monday Oriakhi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abieyuwa Uyigue, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Abieyuwa Kenneth Oriakhi. All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board, Edo State and general public please take note.

EJIOFOR

I, Raghavendra Narasimha Ravi Teja Mahabhashyam S/O Mahabhashyam Narasimha Sudhakar Permanent Resident of Plot-6, Road-5, Bhagyanagar Colony, Saroornagar, Hyderabad, India changed my name to Ravi Teja R N Mahabhashyam for all future purposes. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IRONKWE I, formerly known, addressed and called as Miss Ogechi Ironkwe, now wish to be known, addressed and called as Mrs Ogechi Lyon.

Documents bearing both names remain valid. General public please take note.

38 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME ADEWUNMI I, formerly known and addressed as Adewunmi Olabisi A., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajiteru Adewunmi Olabisi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINHINMI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Seunfunmi Felicia Akinhinmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Seunfunmi Felicia Lawani. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABARAH

ENUEKWE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndidi Abigail Enuekwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndidi Abigail walker.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALEDU Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Isah Mariam is one and the same person as Isah Mariam Aledu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGHOVEH

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abarah Rita Chidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekeocha Abarah Rita Chidi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Martha Eghoveh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martha Ebitigha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NOJIMU

UDEANI

I, formerly known and addressed as Nojimu Yussuf Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Lemgboye Abiodun Yussuf. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHINONSO I, formerly known and addressed as Okonkwo Chinonso Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Okonkwo Emmanuel Ebuka. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

RAHMAN I, formerly known and addressed as Rahman Tawakalitu Ajibola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jebe Tawakalitu Ajibola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IHIASO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gladys Oninyechi Ihiaso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gladys Oninyechi Namodo.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Jennifer Nneka Udeani, now wish to be known and addressed as Nneka Jennifer Akwaeze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ERUNUBE I, formerly known and addressed as Erunube Endurance Eddy, now wish to be known and addressed as King Eddy Washington. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

OLAYAJO Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that my name was wrongly spelt in some of my documents as Taoheed Ogunniyi Olayajo and Taoheed Olaniyi Olalayo. The name is Taoridi Niyi Olayajo. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank, UBA and general public please take note.

OKAFOR I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Petormeal Chigoziri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edwin Petnoral Chigoziri. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

EZEANI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Ijeoma Ezeani, now want to be known and addressed as Mrs Evelyn Ijeoma Edem.

All former documents remains valid.

General public please take note.

STANLEY I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stanley Joy Suwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martins Joy Suwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALISIGWE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alisigwe Victoria Chinago, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akujuo Victoria Chinago. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CYRIL I, formerly known and addressed as Cyril Stanley Chigozie, now wish to be known and addressed as Alukwu Stanley Chigozie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOFURHO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O n o f u r h o Oghenerume, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenerume Kagho.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

OKOJIE

OMENOGOR Confirmation of Name I wish to state that I erroneously used Omenogor Sunday Omenogor in my Account as in my National Identity Card, instead of Omenogor Omenism Sunday. All former documents remains valid.

Unity Bank Plc and general public please take note.

DANLITI I, formerly known and addressed as Danliti Shettima, now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Abubakar Shettima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENDURANCE I, formerly known and addressed as Endurance Ify Nnaike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agatha C. Nweze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALIU I, formerly known and addressed as Kadir Osuolamilekan Aliu, now wish to be known and addressed as Kadir Aliyu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MACAULAY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Modupeoluwa Abiola Macaulay, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Modupeoluwa Abiola Odunyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMARU

I, formerly known and addressed as Okojie Peter Frank, now wish to be known and addressed as Benedict Frank Imodu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Umaru Sumaila Ojo, now wish to be known and addressed as Umar Ismaila. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKUMBOR

NWANKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as Ann Udo Okumbor, now wish to be known and addressed as Ann Udo Chima. All former documents remain valid. Heritage Bank, GTBank and general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Charity Obiageri Cynthia Nwankwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Charity Obiageri Cynthia Okoro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOROMU I, formerly known and addressed as Okoromu Augustina Ibhariale, now wish to be known and addressed as Adia Augustina Ibhariale.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ILODIUBA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ilodiuba Jecinta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obalim Jecinta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TOSIN I, formerly known and addressed as Arokoola Tosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Arookoola Oluwatosin Samuel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBOWEI

DEDE Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Dede Clementina Oghenerume as used in my First Bank Savings Account, and Dede Tina in my UBA Account refer to one and same person.

All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, UBA and general Public please take note.

OBUH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obuh Ozioma Gospel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oriname Ozioma Gospel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPOWOWO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Martina Akpowowo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martina Akpowowo Eruwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPOBOME

Correction of Name My correct name is Ogbowei Remember and was wrongly written as Ogbowei Rembenber. I now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbowei Remember. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Akpobome Vivian Atarhe, now wish to be known and addressed as Dabonor Vivian Atarhe. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

MGBEAHURU

UMORU

I, formerly known and addressed as Asinobi Morgan, now wish to be known and addressed as Morgan Asinobi Mgbeahuru.

All former documents remain valid. FBN Holdings Plc and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Barr (Miss) Charis Enege Umoru, now wish to be known and addressed as Barr (Mrs) Charis Enege Ainerua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGIDA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Alice Onyeje Agida, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Joy Alice Onyeje Idah. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and general public please take note.

DEDEKUMA I was formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Dedekuma Blessing, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Iroroveva Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANIZOR I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anizor Onyinye Evangeline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwanya Onyinye Evangeline. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ATUMAH I, formerly known, called and addressed as Atumah Goldforce, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Atumah Caroline.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 39

CHANGE OF NAME EREGWA

ADIEYE

BELEONWU

EZUGHA

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Enoh Oyibo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Enoh Omamogho.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IT ANO ITANO I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Itano Oghenerobo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Oghenerobo A. Ithipri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My full and correct name is Eneruteshofo Eregwa, though in my UBA Account No.2044269609, my name was wrongly written as Eregwa Tetsofo. (Tetsofo) is the abbreviation of the name Eneruteshofo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ebasi Azibedigiri Adieye, now wish to be known and addressed as Ebasi Azibedigiri Jacob.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Nmachukwu Eugenia Ngozi Beleonwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nmachukwu Eugenia Ngozi Damians .All former documents remain valid. General please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Tony Ogunwa Ezugha, now wish to be known and addressed as Tony Chukwujekwu Ogunwa.All former documents remain vaild. General public please take note.

OGORI

OTU

MOSES

IGHOMORE

OJO-OSAGIE

IGHO

I, formerly known and addressed as Otu Ekpenyong, now wish to be known and addressed as Otu Efiom Ekpenyong .All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, Moses Isogomo Emomotimi do hereby confirm that the name Moses Emomotimi and Moses Isogomo refers to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Moses Isogomo Emomotimi. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Sterling bank PLC and general public please take note.

IGHOMORE-I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugo Sharp Ighomore, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obukowho Sharp Ugo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo-Osagie Adesuwa Cynthia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dorume Cynthia Adesuwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Igho Edna, now wish to be known and addressed as Obiokor-Igho Edna.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBONIFO

EDEHIA

ATANMOH

IBHADE

EK OMA EKOMA

KAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Josephine Eniye Agbonifo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Josephine Eniye Obribai. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My correct name is Ekhator Edehia Joseph but it was wrongly written as Ekhator Friday Joseph on some of my documents. My date of birth is June 23, 1969.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Atanmoh Theresa Ndidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Usuoyibo Theresa Ndidi. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Services, UNIBEN and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoigberale Rita Ibhade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofuonye Rita Ibhade. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekoma Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nmorka Joy. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Inchuchuwa Filibus Kaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shola Inchuchuwa Agbeni.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EJEH

ANYIAM

OLUKU

ZURGHAN

EZEALA

This is to confirm that the names Ejeh Anthony Oti and Ejeh Otunuya Anthony refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Ejeh Anthony Oti. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAIZER I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dorathy Kaizer now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dorathy Amorighoye . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Anyiam Amarachi Vivian now wish to be known and addressed as Anyiam Amarachi Orho . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Oluku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Erifeta . All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Bar Association and General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zurghan Doris Okuboere now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tekedor Okuboere Doris . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeala Mary now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkemakolam Mary.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NT AMB ANG NTAMB AMBANG

NWANKWO

NUMA

NKP AJI NKPAJI

MUOMA

OSARO

N TA M B A N G — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Nton Ntambang, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Nton Dennis – Nwankwoji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Dennis Nwanosike Nwankwo and Dennis Nwanosike Nwankwoji refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Dennis Nwanosike Nwankwoji. All former documents remain valid.

EEDC and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Numa Linda Happiness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obonoje Happiness Tebire. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation Of Name That NKPAJI is my surname; ENDURANCE and WISDOM are my English name while ELUE is my Native name. Now wish to be known and addressed as NKPAJI WISDOM ELUE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyinye Evan Muoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyinye Evan Igbinoba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbongiaban Gladys Osaro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Loveth Evbayiro. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public please take note.

IGHELE

IHEME

ANOSIKE

ATT AH TTAH

FRANCIS

DAVIDS

I, formerly known and addressed as Ighele Happiness Edebo, now wish to be known and addressed as John Happy Edebo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Iheme Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as Iheme Peace Ndidi.

All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Attah Ifeoma Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbozor Ifeoma Linda. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Choice Francis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Choice Adaunwo Chinedum Ogbobula.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Austa Davids, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augusta Agwabunma Osunwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGE

OCHALA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anosike Uchenna Lucy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndubuizu Uchenna Lucy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWA

JANE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oge Mercy Chinyere Ogba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ubochi Mercy Ogba. All documents bearing former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Margaret Agebe Ochala, now wish to be known and addressed as Margaret Agebe Orakposim. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Florence M. Ipinnaiye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence M. Dagunduro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Virginia Ada Kate Esikalam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kate V.A Ugorji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owa Loveth Gbemisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Loveth Gbemisola Oladeji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Chinemerem Jane, now wish to be known and addressed as Ifedimma Chinemerem Jane. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OYIBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogori Akuboye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orderly Ogori Akuboye.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name

IPINNAIYE

ESIKALAM

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME ADEMOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ademola Omolade Ehimwenma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adelusi Omolade Ehimwenma.

All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

LONGPUAN

MARY Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Mary Omoh Uanzekin and Mary Omoh Daniel is one and the same person but now wishes to be known and addressed as Mary Omoh Daniel. All former documents remain valid.

FCMB and general public please take note.

MAJOR

ASO Confirmation Of Name this is to confirm that Aso Patrick Ovakporaye and Aso Patrick Vakporaye is one and the same person but now wishes to be known and addressed as Aso Patrick Vakporaye.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DEJI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Roseline Longpuan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mercy Iguodala Oloton. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyelu Merlene Major, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinyelu Merlene MarkOnyegbu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the name Akinmolusun Solomon Deji and Akinsuroju Johnson Deji is one and the same person but, I now wish to be known and addressed as Akinsuroju Johnson Deji.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NWAKOLEME I, formerly known and

OVUOMANE

BADARE

addressed as Miss Gloria Ogechi Nwakoleme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gloria Ogechi Enweremadu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUH I, formerly known and addressed as Aghaye Rita Oluh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rita Oritselumewo Oluh Onuwaje. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IGBIGBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Igbigbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Evelyn Solomon Othegbudu.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OROGUN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Orogun Patience now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ewerikumo Patience Akpobomere.

All former documents remain valid, any authority and the general public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ovuomane Clement Adarighofua, now wish to be known and addressed as Udoma Clement. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sussan Nyerhovwo Badare now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sussan Nyerhovwo Badare Iyamah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EJIRO

ORIEKE

Confirmation of name That the name Egokiniovo Tracy Ejiro whose NECO June 2004 certificate bore the name Egokiniovo.

D. Ejiro is the same person, now Mrs Egokiniovo Tracy Ejiro All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Justina Ejuoghamran Orieke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Justina Ejuoghamran Otumara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Azuka Theresa Anichebe Oko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Azuka Theresa Anichebe-Dibor. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

RUTH Confirmation of Name I known as Oisa Ruth Osangbokan, hereby confirm that am the same person known and addressed as Oisa Edith Osangbokan.

All former documents remain valid, any authority and the general public to take note.

OSOSO I formerly known and called as Miss Ososo Uzoezi joy now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Egbo Uzoezi Esuoghene . All former documents remain valid,Hospital Managment Board ASABA and the general public to take note.

Fuel crisis: FG names tteam eam tto o nego tiat e with Labour negotiat tiate •NL C, TUC tto o present 7 •NLC,

BY Victor Ahiuma-Young

F

E D E R A L Government, yesterday, released names of its members of the technical committee to work with organised labour on the agreement it reached with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on palliatives, following the hike of pump price of petrol to N145 per litre.

While the government has seven representatives, NLC and TUC would present seven other members. The committee will be inaugurated on Monday, May 23, 2016.

A statement by Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director (Press), on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, said, “following due deliberation on the issue, the government resolved with the Federation of Trade Unions as follows • That the government will expedite action on the composition of the

minimum wage review committee and the committee is expected to complete its assignment and submit its report within six months of its constitution. Accordingly a technical committee will be set up to develop frame work for the working of the tripartite committee on minimum wage review.

•This technical committee will be constituted to also consider suggestion and contributions from relevant parties on the component of the half trillion naira (N500 billion) provided in the 2016 annual budget as palliatives’ measures to cushion the negative fallout of the deregulation of the down-stream sector of the oil and gas industry. •That the technical committee will complete its assignment and revert to the committee of the whole within two weeks • That the PPPRA Board will be statutorily reconstituted within two weeks to ensure effective and proper pricing and distribution the petroleum which is their main function.

The communiqué noted that the 15 man technical committee is constituted with the following m e m b e r s h i p (a) Federation of Trade Union side, seven members. TUC and Ayubaled NLC, five members, and Ajaero led NLC, two members. (b.) Composition of the Federal Government representation is as follows: Minister of Labour and Employment (Chairman), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (member), Minister of Budget and Planning (member), Minister of Finance (member), Minister of Solid Minerals (member) and Chairman National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (member).

Other members are Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Chibok girl’s rescue puts Jonathan, FFa ayose to shame —APC •As community lambasts government, media over treatment of rescued girl

By Omeiza Ajayi

A

BUJA— THE South East Zone of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, said the rescue of one of the 219 Chibok school girls who were abducted in 2014 has laid to rest claims by the then President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration that the abduction was a scam.

Zonal spokesperson of the party, Osita Okechukwu, said in a statement that the rescue of Amina Ali Nkeki, one of the abducted Chibok school girls, had also rekindled hopes of finding the rest.

He said, “We salute the gallant Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG), the Nigeria armed forces, the JTF and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for their fortitude, resilience and perseverance. For, if President Buhari had remained indifferent like the former president, the penetration of Sambisa forest couldn’t have been possible. Indeed the rescue of Amina Ali has put to

shame people like the former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan and Governor of Ekiti, Ayo Fayose, who thought the abduction of the girls was a scam.".

Okechukwu said the party’s message to the parents of the remaining school girls “is that they should bear in mind that with God nothing is impossible. Their hope should not wane, as we have every hope that more girls will be rescued.”

Meanwhile, members of Chibok community have decried what they described as the inhuman treatment meted out on their daughter, Amina Nkeki, who was abducted in 2014 and found on Tuesday. Addressing journalists, yesterday, representatives of the community condemned the description of a Boko Haram suspect, Mohammed Hayatu, caught alongside Amina, as her husband.

The chairman of Chibok community in Abuja, Tsambido Hosea, said Mr. Hayatu should rather have

been reported as their daughter’s exploiter. He said, “We condemn, in strong terms, the calling of Mohammad Hayatu as Boko Haram husband of our daughter. Upon confirmation by the Nigerian Military, he should be referred to as a Boko Haram sexual exploiter. Amina had no husband and who ever that was rescued with her should not be referred to as her husband for any reason.”

Hosea who said that Ms. Amina should have been treated as an individual different from Mr. Hayatu, added, “They should be treated separately until Amina is fully rehabilitated.

Even if he is also abducted and forced to marry her, he should not be referred to in any way as her husband, because there was never consent in getting her with a baby.”

Hosea who spoke at a meeting organised by the Bring Back Our Girls Group, called for the immediate investigation of Hayatu’s role with Boko Haram, and his relationship with Amina.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 41

Was flight MS804 bombed?

Arrest warrant issued for DR Congo opposition leader

D

EMOCRATIC Republic of Congo opposition presidential hopeful Moise Katumbi has been charged with hiring foreign mercenaries.

A government spokesman said he was plotting against President Joseph Kabila, Reuters reports.

Mr Kabila is nearing

•A picture collection showing the crashed EgyptAir flight MS804, details of

passengers on board and relatives who gathered at the airport yesterday in Cairo.

66 perish as EgyptAir plane crashes, wreckage found near Greek island

W

RECKAGE of EgyptAir flight MS804 has been found south of the Greek island of Karpathos, Egyptian aviation officials confirmed.

The Airbus A320 was en route from Paris to

Cairo with 66 passengers and crew when it went down overnight.

Egyptian VicePresident Ahmed Adel said the rescue operation was “turning into a search and recovery”.

Officials say the plane

US ELECTION: Trump’s businesses record campaign gains

D

ONALD Trump’s business empire has seen revenue jump by $190m (£135m) since the real estate tycoon entered the US presidential race, according to newly released financial documents.

His controversial calls for a Muslim travel ban and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants appear not to have harmed his business interests.

Several firms severed ties with Mr Trump when he launched his campaign.

The gains mostly came from book royalties and his golf courses.

His latest book, Crippled America, generated between $1m and $5m in royalties, Mr Trump reported.

Revenue nearly doubled at Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida from $16m to $30m. His bottled water line, Trump Ice, also saw growth.

He also appears to have benefited from the sale of Miss Universe Pageant, a move caused by his entry into politics.

is more likely to have been brought down by a terrorist act than a technical fault.

It made two sharp turns and dropped more than 25,000ft (7,620m) before plunging into the Mediterranean Sea, Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos told reporters.

Search teams in the area have sighted debris from the plane, including life jackets.

“There have been finds south-east of Crete, inside the Cairo flight information area,” Greek army general staff spokesman Vassilis Beletsiotis told AFP news agency.

The search in seas south of the Greek island of Karpathos involves Greek and Egyptian naval forces, and the British Royal Air Force.

Sixty-six people were on board Flight MS804, most of them from Egypt and France. A Briton was among the passengers.

the end of his second term and he is constitutionally obliged to step down by December.

But there is growing political tension as it is not clear if he will relinquish power.

There have been several clashes between Mr Katumbi’s supporters and the security forces in

recent days. Mr Katumbi described the charges as “grotesque lies”, the AFP news agency reports.

But a guilty verdict would end his presidential campaign.

Government spokesman Lambert Mende said that he could now either be jailed or put under house arrest.

Sudan’ll not renew peacekeeping mandate in Darfur

S

UDAN will not seek to renew the mandate for the international peacekeeping mission in Darfur in June as it believes the insurgency there is winding down and civilians are safe, its foreign minister said on Thursday.

The joint African UnionUnited Nations force, known as UNAMID, has been stationed in Darfur since 2007 with a mandate to stem violence against civilians. The U.N. Security Council will discuss a one-year renewal of its mission in June.

Security remains fragile in Darfur, where mainly non-Arab tribes have been fighting the Arab-led government in Khartoum, and the government is struggling to control rural areas. Clashes between government forces and armed groups in midJanuary forced more than 130 thousand people to

flee their homes, according to U.N. figures.

“It is time to end the mission of UNAMID in Darfur,” Foreign Minister Kamal Ismail said. “The

situation is stable in Darfur and the rebel activities receded. There is no citizen in Darfur that is under threat and in need of protection from UNAMID.”

KENYA: Govt urges critics not to protest over electoral body

K

ENYA’S government called on its opponents on Thursday not to stage street protests against an electoral oversight commission that they accuse of bias, after three demonstrations in less than a month led to clashes with police.

On Monday, police fired teargas and water cannon at protesters outside the Nairobi offices of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Some officers with batons pursued protesters, beating and kicking them.

A few demonstrators

had thrown stones.

“There are legal, constitutional and progressive ways of addressing issues without violence and shedding blood through demonstration,” Deputy President William Ruto said in comments made in the northeast of Kenya and released in a statement. The United States, Kenyan activists and international rights groups have condemned the police action. U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec said security services used excessive force.

Global antibiotics ‘revolution’ needed

A

GLOBAL revolution in the use of antimicrobials is needed, according to a government backed report. Lord Jim O’Neill, who led the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, said a campaign was needed to stop people treating antibiotics like sweets.

It is the first recommendation in the global plan for preventing medicine “being cast back into the dark ages”.

The report has received a mixed response with some concerned that it does not go far enough.

Superbugs, resistant to antimicrobials, are estimated to account for 700,000 deaths each year.

But modelling up to the year 2050, by Rand Europe and auditors KPMG, suggests 10

million people could die each year - equivalent to one every three seconds.

The review said the economic case for action “was clear” and could be paid for using a small cut

of the current health budgets of countries or through extra taxes on pharmaceutical companies not investing in antibiotic research.

Pope condemns ‘bloodsuckers’ who exploit poor workers

P

OPE Francis condemned “bloodsuckers” who grow rich by exploiting others on Thursday, saying making “slaves” out of workers and setting unfair contracts was a mortal sin.

Francis, who frequently speaks of his concern for the poor, appeared to be referring to the kind of gruelling labour often done by poor migrants in rich countries across the world, but also to many

other workers on precarious contracts.

During mass at the Vatican, he told a story about a girl who found a job working 11 hours a day for 650 euros (499 pounds) a month, paid “under the table”.

“This is starving the people with their work for my own profit! Living on the blood of the people.

And this is a mortal sin,” he said at the service in his Santa Marta residence.

•The relatives and friends of those on board the plane gather at Paris Airport the plane's supposed final destination.

Chinese Consulate reaffirms bilateral relations with generating company based by jointly undertaking Nigeria in the state. social programmes and

By Yinka Ajayi

T

HE Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Lagos Liu Kan has assured Nigerians of its commitment to the bilateral relations between both countries.

He affirmed this at the presentation of Olorushogo Primary School, which was renovated at the rate of N7.5 million by SEPCO III, a Chinese electrical

Addressing newsmen , promoting mutual befits Kan said: “We are committed between organisers and to supporting communities host communities.”

Tunisia kills ISIS commander

T

UNISIAN special forces have killed a senior commander of an Islamic State affiliate during clashes with the group in a central, mountainous region, the Tunisian Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.

Security forces are

engaged in a crackdown on Islamic State militants after they carried out four major attacks in the last year. Dozens died in assaults on a Tunis museum, a beach resort and a border town near Libya, crippling Tunisia’s vital tourism industry.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

End of medical tourism in sight

Ministers, Governors for 30th Anniversary of Healthcare magazine

•As Indian doctors train Nigerian counterparts

By Chioma Obinna

N

IGERIANS may no longer need to go abroad in search of medical treatment as doctors and other medical experts from India are in the country to help strengthen the healthcare system and reduce medical tourism that gulps an estimated $1 billion annually.

The Indian doctors are already training Nigerian doctors on new technology and trends in medicine to enable local professionals treat patients in the country, rather than refer them to India or other parts of the world.

Apollo Speciality Hospital in India is leading the chase and wants Nigeria hospitals to have the requisite technology and expertise that will enable them treat patients with any form of ailment, rather than allow them go abroad for treatment.

Trainings have taken place in Abuja and Lagos, including Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Healthcare security According to the Business Head for Nigeria, Rakesh Jalla, the healthcare security in Nigeria is not as good as what people expect, prompting many people to travel abroad for treatment.

Jalla who is also Deputy General Manager, International Marketing at Apollo Hospitals noted that: "We want the patients to be

T

SURGERY: Nigerian doctors in a hospital theatre treated in their own country.

We come here with specialist doctors to share the latest technology and see how we can collaborate to ensure patients are treated here."

Further, Jalla said the hospital is collaborating with Nigerian doctors in knowledge sharing, training.

He said Nigeria has a large population and great opportunities, stressing that Apollo is seeking greater collaboration with the government.

His words: "It's easy to invite patients to come to India for treatment, but if they are treated in their own country,

Research shows almost 50 percent of outbound medical tourism in Nigeria goes to India

19 Nigerian businesses join SUNN to fight malnutrition

By Sola Ogundipe

M

ALNUTRITION not only contributes to close to 50 percent of deaths in children under five, but also results in a massive cost for the nation: according to the World Bank, Nigeria loses over US$1.5 billion in GDP annually to vitamin and mineral deficiencies alone.

In the light of the magnitude of malnutrition, the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network recently hosted a one-day workshop in Lagos which launched the nutritionfocused business membership platform initiated by the Network. Gathered to witness the event were stakeholders in nutrition from government, civil society, donor organisations, and the private sector.

In his opening remarks Alhaji Sani Dangote, chairman

Dansa Foods, who is also the chairman of Nigeria AgriBusiness Group, encouraged other stakeholders to see the business case for investment and view improving nutrition as a great business opportunity.

Key actors that have joined the coalition include Dansa Foods, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nutricima, BASF and several other organizations, all of which formed the ‘early risers’ committed to investing more resources towards improving nutrition.

Consumer research Participants at the workshop had an opportunity to share the latest results in consumer research from a presentation facilitated by IPSOS

Healthcare, and the need for such research in new product formulation and marketing. Mr G.O. Opara representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Prof Ngozi Nnam, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria and chairman CS-SUNN, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, SUN Focal point and Head of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health and Ms Zouera Youssoufou, MD/CEO Dangote Foundation were some of the panellists and contributors at the event.

The SUN Business Network Coordinator, Dr Angela Attah stressed the need for collaboration, commitment and action in the actualisation of improved nutrition in Nigeria and globally, through business investment in order to build a virile workforce for the economy and a strong consumer base for the future.

they will be happier. There's need to let them be treated here. We come with our technology. But technology comes with money. It doesn't come without money," he stated.

He said Apollo has 54 hospitals in India and has experts that are among the best in the world.

Research shows that almost 50 percent of outbound medical tourism in Nigeria goes to India, which is among the best in this area.

Skullbase surgeon "We are trying to collaborate more with Nigerian doctors. A number of Nigerians are middle-class and they come for treatment in government hospitals. We can use our expertise to treat them there.

When we are collaborating, government should also know what we have and what we can do.

“We are planning to have a hospital here in a year or two.

We have people coming from India and the UK to treat patients here.

“When we have collaboration with the government, they can support those patients," Jalla added.

Speaking, Neck and Skullbase Surgeon, Dr. Rayappa, said: "We are here to see what we can do to help Nigeria.

“What we are doing is not something extraordinary. We collaborate and exchange information and support each other."

HE Minister of Health, Prof.

Issac Adewole and his Information and Culture counterpart, Alhaji Lai Muhammed will be special guest of honour at the 30th anniversary of Healthcare, the 1st healthcare magazine, in Nigeria.

During the event which will hold on the 25th of May in Lagos, seven governors will receive awards for their commitment and advocacy towards better healthcare in Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, the former Commissioner for Health in Kwara State and Chairman Healthcare Group, Dr. Bola Olaosebikan said that the event will also witness the launch of nationwide health campaign on seven major health diseases in the country.

"Aside from presenting seven governors with awards for their outstanding performance, some eminent Nigerians will also be presented with life time achievement awards."

Children’s product expo opens May 27

T

HE first National exhibition of products and services aimed at showcasing varieties of children's educational and health facilities, will be declared open

by Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, on May 27.

The event continues until May 29 at Lagos Preparatory School, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event which is to be cohosted by the Ministry of Education and the private sector, is aimed at aligning such service providers and the end users.

It is also to raise awareness about the availability of their provisions for childrens education and overall developement. The event is powered by Exclusively Children.

CEO School Kits Ltd, Mrs Temilola Adepetun

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—43

SUMMIT:

From left— Principal Partner, Kiishi-Lagos Limited, Adeola Adejokun; Executive Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Nneka Okekearu; Diamond Bank, Dr. Chris Ogbechie; Founder and CEO, Healthplus Ltd, Mrs Bukky George; MD/CEO, WAKANOW, Obinna Ekezie, and CEO, SB Telecoms, Afolabi Abiodun, during the inaugural edition of TAMS Summit by SB Telecoms in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

TOMPOLO: Court fixes June 17 for hearing of rights enforcement suit

By Innocent Anaba

A

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned to June 17, to hear the suit by a former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, seeking to enforce his rights.

Tompolo, declared wanted on February 12 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is seeking

Lawmaker lauds peaceful congress

By Dare Osho

G

OVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and other party leaders in the state have been commended for ensuring peaceful conduct of the ward, local government and state congresses held recently in the state.

Speaking to newsmen at Warri South Local Government party secretariat, Mr. Augustine Tete, a member of the legislative arm of the council, expressed delight with the turnout of members, who, he said, conducted themselves peacefully before, during and after the congress.

He said: “The peaceful nature of the PDP congresses was an indication that the people of Warri South fully support the SMARTagenda of the present administration of Governor Okowa.”

The lawmaker also enjoined the newlyelected executives to be transparent and shun sectionalism.

court’s protection against prosecution over alleged N45.9 billion fraud.

Respondents in the suit are EFCC, Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff.

Yesterday, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola adjourned to enable the respondents file their processes out of time.

The EFCC had filed a 40count charge against him and nine others before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the same court.

Tompolo, in his suit, filed through his lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, is seeking an order restraining the respondents from further proceeding with the charges against him.

Tompolo contends that Sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which

prohibits him from seeking a stay of proceedings in his trial, infringed on his constitutional rights to fair hearing.

Tompolo is urging the court to, not only nullify Sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA, but to also restrain the

C'ttee on crude oil theft prevention submits report

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has been advised to procure and deploy more combat vehicles and boats to the Niger Delta region to prevent further stealing of crude oil and pipeline vandalisation.

This was the recommendation of the ad hoc committee on crude oil theft

Guard your voter’s card, Ize-Iyamu urges Edo electorate

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AHEAD of the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, a governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has advised the electorate to guard their voter’s cards.

Ize-Iyamu, who addressed PDP faithful that visited him yesterday in Benin, urged Edo people of voting age to use their cards wisely, pointing out that the freedom to choose without being intimidated was a fundamental requirement of democracy, which all eligible voters should enjoy.

He said: “Elections, no matter how they are

respondents from deploying those sections of the law against him.

He argued that sections 221 and 306 were in conflict with Section 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees his client’s right to fair hearing.

conducted, cannot be described as free and fair if the electorate do not have freedom of choice.”

He urged all Edo people of voting age, who have not obtained their voter’s cards, to do so as soon as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, makes provision for the review of the voters’ register, saying that they would be doing themselves a great disservice if they were not part of the effort to change the ‘change’ which has not been beneficial.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of PDP from Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Solomon Odemwingie, has described Ize-Iyamu as “a beautiful bride” to Edo people.

prevention and control of National Economic Council, NEC, which was adopted by the council.

Briefing newsman alongside Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Deputy Governor of Enugu State and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Udo Udoma, after the 67th NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa, Abuja, yesterday, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jona (rtd), said that the recommendations made by the committee included the establishment of a special court to prosecute oil bunkerers.

He said: “The committee set-up sometimes in 2013 consulted widely with relevant stakeholders including the Armed Forces Joint Task Force, oil companies, oil producing states, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, among others.

“Key findings of the committee as to the causes of crude oil theft include inadequate operational patrol vessels to conduct patrol of entire pipeline network, massive unemployment among youths in the region and non-availability of petroleum products in the Niger Delta Area.”

Military can’t guard oil facilities —Ogbe-Ijoh monarch

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—THE traditional ruler of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, HRM Mobene III, yesterday, said that the military “cannot protect oil facilities because they lack knowledge of Niger Delta terrain.”

The Pere-Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, who spoke when he played host to Delta State Advocacy Committee against Oil Facility Vandalism, led by the Delta State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, at his palace, also suggested that soldiers, who neglected their task and allowed militants to bomb oil installations near their duty posts, should face court martial.

The monarch expressed surprise that militants would vandalise oil facilities within metres to the houseboats quartering the military, only for the soldiers to vent their anger on innocent and defenceless indigenes.

HOSTILITIES: BEDC to relocate head office

B

ENIN Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, is planning to relocate its head office from Benin, Edo State, Vanguard has learned.

Sources said the planned relocation was triggered by increased hostilities faced by the company from its host community as was told the Edo House of Assembly, yesterday.

Hinting that the power supply in Benin may fall further if the power firm goes ahead with its plan, the source said that out of a total of the low 1,271 Megawatt power generation nationwide yesterday, BEDC, as one of the 11 DISCOs, has an allocation of 109Mw. A source said: “Out of this 109Mw, the host, Benin, receives 50Mw, while the remaining 59Mw are shared among Ondo, Ekiti, and Delta.”

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Chibok girls: Amina’s rescue gives us fresh hope—Buhari •Says rescued girl 'll get best care •Recovery of Amina Ali is a sign of greater things to come •We ‘ve lost 69 soldiers-Defence Minister •Army rescues another Chibok girl

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—APPARENTLY elated by the rescue of Amina Ali Nkeki, one of the 219 Chibok School girls abducted on April 14, 2014, by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari, said yesterday, that her recovery has opened a new window of hope to Nigeria and an opportunity towards a vital information.

The President stated that the girl would be given the best care Nigerian government could offer, saying her education would be the priority of government.

President Buhari who spoke while receiving the girl, her mother and brother at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, reassured of his government’s determination towards rescuing other girls who are still at large.

Nkeki was driven to the villa at about 2:45 pm. in company of her mother, Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the presidential adviser to the President on Social Matters, Maryam Uwais.

It was, however, a struggle to catch a glimpse of the girl’s face as presidential aides formed a human shield around her.

Besides, her face was heavily veiled to prevent her from public view. Similarly, journalists and photojournalists were not allowed to get closer her as she was taken upstairs to the President’s office.

Worse feelings amongst journalists came when the presidential officials returned with a list of apparently preferred media to cover the meeting with the President.

Coverage by foreign media organisations The media included mostly foreign ones, such as Cable News Networks, CNN. Only three local broadcasting stations, including NTA, Channels TV, AIT and TVC, were allowed in. No print journalist was called up to cover the event which lasted about two hours. Giving his remarks, President Buhari said: “Amina will get the best care that the Nigerian government can afford. We will ensure that she gets the best medical, emotional and whatever care that she requires to get full recovery and be integrated into the society. For the continuation of Amina’s education so abruptly disrupted will definitely be a priority of the Federal Government.

Amina must be able go back to school. Nobody in Nigeria should be put through the brutality of forced marriage.

Every girl has a right to education and their choice of life.

Rest assured that this administration will continue to do what it can to rescue the Chibok girls who are still in Boko Haram’s captivity. Amina’s rescue gives us new hope and offers a unique opportunity to vital information.”

The President who displayed apparent emotion on seeing the rescued girl revealed that medical examination and other traumatic checks had been carried out on her. “Like others all over the world, I’m delighted that Amina Ali, one of the missing Chibok girls has regained her freedom. But my feelings are tinged with deep sadness and horrors the girl has had to go through at such an early stage in her life.

Medical personnel from government “Although we cannot do anything to reverse the horrors of her past, the Federal Government can and would do everything possible to ensure that the rest of her life a completely different course.

Yesterday, medical personnel from government and other NGOs examined her for a total of about five hours, trauma experts from UNICEF also met her. The Federal Government will assist the Murtala Muhammed Foundation which has already been providing support for the families of the missing Chibok girls and which runs a trauma and counseling faciity in Kano. They will also be involved in the ongoing work with Amina in monitoring her progress and any additional support she requires.”

Also speaking at the brief event that took place at the President’s office, Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, said the recovery of the girl was an indication that in the coming weeks, the remaining girls would be rescued. He expressed gratitude to Buhari’s government for its commitment towards security of lives and property.

He recalled that about one year ago, Maiduguri, the state capital was a no-go zone. “Your patience, persistence, perseverance, doggedness for the restoration of peace in the North East has started to yield

•President Muhammadu Buhari (2r) receiving one of the Chibok girls, Miss. Amina Ali (3rd l) as well as her family with the Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Hadiza Baba Usman (r), Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State (3r) and Amina Ali's parents during a brief cerPhoto: Abayomi Adeshida emony at State House, Abuja.

dividends. We have to put things in proper perspective. One year ago, nobody could venture out of Maiduguri beyond 15 kilometres. Maiduguri was on the verge of falling into the hands of demented marauders called Boko Haram. We were under siege until God in His infinite mercies intervened with your emergence as President.

“Here with are the abduction of Chibok girls was the kicking point, many girls, many families.

The abduction of the Chibok girls was the point. The world woke up from her slumber when the conscience of the world got pricked. We have to thank you for your efforts in the North East.

Boko Haram is now on the defensive and on the run and I am pleased to tell the whole world that not a single local government in Borno or in Yobe or Adamawa is under the control of the Boko Haram.

“With mixed feelings, with happiness mixed with sadness because 218 girls are not accounted for but a journey of a thousand miles starts with single step and the recovery of Amina Ali is a sign of greater things to come as our gallant troops engaged in the counter insurgency operations especially in Sambisa and the shores of Lake Chad”, he said.

In a similar vein, Minister of Defence, Dan Ali, revealed that the rescue of the girl was made possible due to intense military bombardment of the Sambisa forest which he said lasted for 22 days. He stated that about 150 persons held captive in the forest had been freed. The minister, however, stated that the military recorded 69 casualties in the operations.

“What we are celebrating today is your political commitment

and support which has given major boost to the success of the fight against terrorism.

“The change of military leadership at the inception of this administration injected new ideas and vigour into our military administration. Consequently Sir, the Armed Forces of Nigeria achieved tremendous success by ensuring that the safety of lives and properties and protection of territorial integrity of our country." he said.

Army rescues another Chibok school girl Meanwhile, Army spokesperson, Colonel Usman Sani Kukasheka, yesterday, confirmed the rescue of another Chibok girl. This is coming after the rescue of Amina Ali who was flown to Abuja where she met with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Villa. The Army spokesperson, however, promised to provide more details later.

Why we are holding Sambo Dasuki — DSS

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri HE ECOWAS Court in Abuja was, yesterday, told that the security details, including soldiers, attached to the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, retd., had not been withdrawn by the Federal Government when his Asokoro residence in Abuja was searched over allegations of unlawful possession of arms, 48 hours after he left office.

An operative of the Diectorate of State Service, DSS, Williams Obiora, told the court that security agents, mainly soldiers, were still in the home of the former NSA guarding him when the DSS stormed the house in search of weapons.

Mr. Obiora said: “We got to the residence on the said date to discover that there were soldiers who guarded him in the house.

Efforts to serve him a search warrant was resisted by the soldiers as they claimed that they couldn’t access him. So, we contacted our office which liaised with the military authority who advised the soldiers to allow us in because we were there legally.

Eventually, we had access to the house and we executed the search.”

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Led in evidence by the lawyer to the Federal Government, Damian Agbe, to justify Dasuki’s detention since December 2015, Mr. Obiora told the regional court that Dasuki was arrested and kept in custody for two reasons.

Among others, the witness claimed that the former NSA was being kept in the DSS custody for his personal security, in view of allegations against him on arm purchase and to also prevent him from possible escape from justice.

Personal protection He said: “There are two basic reasons he is still in our custody. One, for his own interest. For his own personal protection because some of the politicians implicated in the arms deal from the intelligence available to us…(he paused.).

Two, there is intelligence indicating that he can get out of this country, thereby evading justice. These are the two main reasons. In the course of the search, some of the suspected items that took us to

the house were recovered. These include five Tavor Assault rifles and others.”

On whether Dasuki requested DSS for protection, Mr. Obiora said he was not aware if the former NSA made any such request. “He does not need to make a request before we give him protection if his life is in danger, and we owe him a responsibility to ensure he suffers no harm,’’ he said. Pressed further, Mr. Obiora also agreed that Dasuki’s detention was not pursuant to any judicial proceedings.

Dasuki’s lawyer, Roberts Emukperuo, however, said there was no need keeping him in protective custody because he never requested protection from the DSS or anybody. Dasuki’s counsel, however, tendered an affidavit by the DSS confirming that as at August 24, 2015, the DSS had completed the investigation, querying that “if it had been concluded, there was no need rearresting him?” However, Mr. Emukperuo said the oral evidence given by the defence was mostly at variance with the documents filed before the court. According to him, a party must be consistent in stating, proving and arguing his case.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016—45

FG to provide 1bn eggs for school feeding programme

By Omeiza Ajayi

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BUJA—THE federal government has said its decision to partially deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum sector would enhance its school feeding programme.

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, stated this yesterday, when a federal government delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal, met with members of the National Working Committee and State Executive Committees of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abuja.

At the meeting called to discuss the issues thrown up by deregulation, Mohammed listed several impacts the policy would have on Nigerians. He said, “The first is the employment of 500,000 unemployed graduates,

the second is the employment of 100,000 non graduates, technicians and artisans. The third is the one meal a day programme targeting 5.5 million pupils all over Nigeria. This is the most exciting of all our programmes. Even if we are going to give these children one egg a day, it means we will need 5.5 million eggs and in a calendar year of 200 days, we will need over a billion eggs. You can imagine what this will do to agriculture.

“We have the enterprise scheme which is a system of revolving loan. We are targeting one million market women and men, 460,000 artisans and technicians and 200,000 agricultural workers to be given loans through their cooperatives to start their own businesses. We have the N5,000 conditional cash transfers to one million most vulnerable Nigerians as a first phase. Then

finally, we have bursaries, scholarships for all students in Nigeria studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

National Chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, said such meetings would be convened on a regular basis so party members would understand government’s policy. He said: “What this does is to arm everyone of us from the national and state levels so that we can speak with confidence, in addition to whatever passion we can muster about what is going on at the national level and go away with the conviction that things are not just happening capriciously with the conviction that we promised change. Change is a process, it is not an event, not something that happens the day after the government was swornin.”

Alleged N3.9bn fraud: I got N15m appreciation gift from Badeh —Witness

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—AN Estate Manager, Mr. Useni Umar, yesterday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he got N15million from the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh as an appreciation gift.

Umar, who testified as the third prosecution witness, PW-3, said the former military boss gave him the money in appreciation, after he successfully acquired two choice properties in Abuja.

The witness, who told the court that he was also a legal practitioner, said he was the one that facilitated Badeh’s purchase of 6 Ogun-River Street, Maitama and 14 Adzope Crescent, off Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

Whereas the property at Ogun-River Street was bought for N260m, the witness confirmed before the court that Badeh purchased the house at 14 Adzope Crescent from one Hon. Bature for the sum of N330m.

On the issue of the N15m “appreciation”, the witness said the defendant gave him the money through the former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Nigerian Air Force, NAF,

Commodore Abdullahi Yushau, retd.

Stressing that it was not Badeh that personally handed the money to him, the witness said Yushau told him that it “was an appreciation from the Chief”.

Yushau, who had while testifying before the court as the star witness, PW-1, revealed how N558.2m was deducted monthly from an account meant for salary of NAF officials. While being cross-examined by counsel to the defendant, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, Umar said that payments for the house came through the erstwhile NAF finance director.

He said the money was brought to him instalmentally. “It was the PW-1 that asked me to conduct a search on the property. He was also the person that brought money to me for the purchase. He paid me the purchase money instalmentally within seven and ten days.

He paid the money three times. I collected all the title documents, we went to the defendant’s house, then I gave the documents to the PW-1 who in my presence, handed it to the defendant.

I went to the Air House which was the then official residence of the defendant with the PW-1. When we got there, we met the

defendant with a man who he introduced to us as his childhood friend.

“However, I did not put all these in my statement at the EFCC. I only gave a summary statement of my own part of the story. At that time, I wouldn’t have recollected everything that happened. I am a human being and can make mistakes. In making my statement, I was concerned with my role on the two properties vis-a-vis the instructions from the defendant. It was Yushua that gave me instruction to look for the house on behalf of his boss.” Besides, the witness told the court that Badeh directed that title deeds for the two properties be registered in the name of a company, Yalikam Nigeria Limited.

Garden of life holds singles night THE Garden of Life Assembly organises a singles night, with the theme: Meeting Point, bachelors and spinsters night (Gen 24:43), on Friday, May 27,, 2016 by 10 pm at the church premises, 7 All Saint Lane, off Ighofose Street, Ugborikoko, Effurun, Delta State. Bishop Edward Orovwuje, relationship experts and other appointed men of God will minister at the event.

Estimated billing system and electricity tariff

The federal government should provided pre- paid meters to all, generated and distributed adequate electricity then raise tariff. Why introducing new electricity tariff, estimated billing system when there is no power supply in the country?

DISCO cannot supply electricity for more months now, the nation is in total darkness and yet they are sending estimated bills to consumer over power supply that was not available to usage.

Ugonwanne 08064091428

Plea bargain and corrupt cases

The fact that high profile corruption cases filed against former governors are still in plea bargaining is an indication that we have lose the war against corruption in this country.

The truth is that nothing will happen to those former governors who are facing corruption cases and charges. They know how to wriggle out of trouble because Nigerian society itself is very corrupt most especially the judiciary.

Anonymous 080571561872

Oil subsidy probe

Its quite unfortunate that the check and balance of the legislative arm of govt have been bought over by corruption at the expense of the ordinary Nigerians. Where is the hope of the ordinary Nigerians in the Nigeria polity?

Is high time that the Nigeria masses take a war against corruption to the next level by assuming the functions of the EFCC and ICPC for rapid and pragmatic transformation and development of our country as their effort over the years have not yield any visual result.

Obire 0807901800

Politicians for psychiatric examination

I strongly agree with the suggestion that our politicians go for psychiatric examination and certified mentally sane before they are allowed to contest in any election.

Anonymous writes in via email

Estimated billing and electricity tariff

The federal government should have provided pre- paid meters to all, generated and distributed adequate electricity then raise tariff.

Why introducing new electricity tariff, estimated billing system when there is no power supply in the

country?.

Ugonwanne 08064091428

Nigerians should resist crazy bill from TCN and DISCO

The problem with us as a nation is that those who are saddle with certain responsibilities do not really care when things go wrong.

Other wise, if it were to be in a decent society, relevant agencies would have retrieved the estimated and crazy bills for previous months after sustained public outcry. It is known fact that the justice of a nation is measured by it treatment to the poor and powerless! The need of the poor ought to take priority over the maximization of profit. Where are the prepaid meters promised by the previous Minister of Power? Nigerians should resist any infringement of their rights. The estimated crazy bill must stop.

Janet 08175941697 Economy challenges and Buhari’s excess foreign trips What is really happening in Nigeria? A total collapse of governance? There is confusion every where and the presidency is busy touring Arab Nations, Haaba!

The common man is suffering , the youths and their future are not left out. God is watching us and if we do not retrace our wrong steps we may end up in history like Sodom and Gomorrah. Nigeria is in a worst change now.

Barr A.O. OBI. 08056009586

Forgotten cases of looting

It beats my imagination that some former governors and other politicians with pending corruption cases in court are today senators and representatives, when they should be in jail. That government has not deemed it necessary to tackle the growing corruption in the country is understandable: its members are guilty of the same offence.

It is unfortunate that in Nigeria people get elected in public office while in detention or having criminals cases pending against them. It goes to show Nigerians are good at celebrating corruption.

Nigeria’s constitution should be amended to bar people with questionable character from vying for elective posts until they are cleared.

Until this done, criminals will continue to dominate the three tiers government.

Lekan writes in from Lagos State

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS A bad habit that lasts more than a year may turn into a custom.

—Igbo proverb Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs.

Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. Address your sayings to: editor@vanguardngr.com

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Klopp takes blame for Europa League loss J

URGEN Klopp has refused to blame his players for Liverpool’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla and insisted he is “responsible” for the side’s display.

Liverpool were unlucky not to be further than 1-0 ahead at the break after Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring and also had a goal ruled out by an offside flag.

However the Reds crumbled after the break, as Kevin Gameiro equalised straight from the kick-off, before Coke’s brace fired

Emery wants long-term Sevilla stay

Sevilla to a 3-1 triumph.

“We have to use this experience. We lost faith. I’m responsible too. I have no criticism of my players,” he told BT Sport.

“We started off really well, we scored a wonderful goal, had our chances, had a disallowed goal.

“The second half is not about the first goal it’s about not concentrating enough for the second goal.”

James Milner, captain on the night, suggested Liverpool did not do themselves justice, and Klopp admits the defeat shows his side still have a lot of work to do.

“We did not defend well and were nervous and that shows our development is not as good as we hoped but we will use this experience.

EVILLA’S three-time Europa Leaguewinning coach Unai Emery is happy to spend the remainder of his career at the club.

Emery further enhanced his reputation as he masterminded Sevilla’s come-frombehind 3-1 win over Liverpool for a third successive Europa League title.

The 44-year-old, who attracted interest from AC Milan last season, is reportedly a candidate to replace Roberto Martinez at Premier League outfit Everton, but Emery wants to stay at Sevilla.

“I am very happy here at the club. As long as Sevilla wants me we are preparing for the present and future,” Emery said.

“I work thinking I am going to stay my whole life but I know how football works.

•Emery

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•THE CHAMPS . . . Sevilla’s defender Mariano Ferreira and midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak celebrate with their Europa League trophy after beating Liverpool in the final at the St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel.

Photo: AFP

•Van Gaal

UEDIOURA’S goal against Arsenal in the English FA Cup beat Odion Ighalo’s strike versus Everton to Watford 2015/16 Goal of the Season.

The strike placed third behind Guedioura and Almen Adbi’s goal against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Ighalo had five of his goals for the Hornets among the 10 shortlisted on the official website, alongside Troy Deeney effort, before being included in the final Twitter poll and subsequently being voted the winner.

The 26-year-old, who scored 15 goals on his Premier League debut helped the Vicarage Road outfit finish 13th having amassed 45 points from 38 games.

Goalkeeper Heurelho

INNING the FA Cup could be more beneficial in Manchester United’s rebuilding than Champions League qualification would’ve been, says Louis van Gaal.

United finished fifth in the Premier League, meaning they lose their seat at European football’s top table next term, but Van Gaal thinks victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday will help galvanize his squad.

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger has previously described finishing in the top four as the equivalent of a trophy,

different kind of excitement to players and fans. United have not laid their hands on silverware since Sir Alex

eager to change that.

“Qualification is not a title…a title is the FA Cup, the championship,” he said.

LAN Pardew says Crystal Palace are not resigned to losing Emmanuel Adebayor after the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

The 32-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and indicated in the build-up to Saturday’s Wembley showpiece that he expects to leave the club.

However, Pardew insists nothing is decided and is hoping Adebayor’s big-match experience

can help Palace make history by winning their first major trophy.

“We will sit down at the end of the year, shake hands and discuss where we go from there,” Pardew said.

“He will have options.

There will be numerous offers,but nothing is decided.

“Ade has played for Real Madrid. He understands what it’s like to play in these big finals against the likes of Man United.”

•Ighalo

West Brom announce Anichebe departure

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Adebayor´s future uncertain, says Pardew

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Gomes was the big winner at tonight’s End of Season Awards Evening, picking up both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season honours at Wembley Stadium.

The Brazilian was rewarded for his fine form displayed throughout the 2015/16 campaign, during which he played 39 times and kept an impressive 12 clean sheets.

Van Gaal targets ‘important’ FA but the Dutchman thinks Ferguson’s retirement in Cup win cup glory brings a 2013 and Van Gaal is

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Ighalo misses Watford goal of the season award

•Anichebe

Toure hoping for Liverpool stay

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ETERAN Liverpool defender Kolo Toure wants to stay with the club after his contract expires next month.

The 35-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester City centre-back has established himself as a first-choice option for Jurgen Klopp since Mamadou Sakho was hit with a

doping ban last month but was unable to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League final.

Klopp has praised Toure’s influence on his squad but, speaking after Wednesday’s match in Basle, the former Ivory Coast international said he does not know if he will remain at Anfield.

NGLISH Premier League side, West Bromwich Albion, on Wednesday confirmed the departure of Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe from the club.

Anichebe arrived at The Hawthorns in 2013 from boyhood club Everton and has played 63 times for the club, scoring nine goals.

He played a peripheral role in West Brom’s campaign this season and the club have now confirmed his departure.

The 28-year-old was released alongside Benin international Stephane Sessegnon with manager Tony Pulis thanking the duo for their contributions to the club.

“The two lads worked really hard for me and were as good as gold,” Pulis told the club’s official website wba.co.uk.

“Everybody at the club wishes them all the best in their future careers.”

Anichebe has played 11 times for Nigeria, scoring one goal.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 — 47

Siasia invites Amuzie, Awoniyi, Ajayi for Korea tourney IGERIA has add N ed several high profile names to the Dream Team VI squad that’ll participate in a tourney in preparation for the 2016 Olympics.

Olhanense starlet Stanley Amuzie, KV Oostende’s Saviour Godwin and several others have been included to play for Nigeria’s U23 team in next month’s South Korea Four-Nation championship.

The squad also included Kayseri Erciyesspor defender Saturday Keigo, Azubike Okechukwu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Sodiq Popoola, Nathan Oduwa and Usman Mohammed, with Junior Ajayi ruled out of the competition after his Tunisian club failed to release him of the championship.

General secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Sanusi Muhammed said the U23 team would depart for the South Korea on May 30, 2016 for the championship which kicks off in the first week of June.

Hosts South Korea, Denmark and Honduras will feature in the tourney expected to prepare the Nigerians for the Rio Olympics in August.

Dalung Continues from BP He regretted that the N2.9 billion which President Mohammed Buhari released last year for the 2015 All Africa Games as well as the preparation for the Olympic was not effectively utilized for the purpose for which it was released. However, Dalung vow-ed that every effort would be put in place to unravel how the money was expended.

This is however, contrary to claims by the former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yalk-

Leicester Continues from BP Thai owners Vichai and Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha homeland. Claudio Ranieri’s squad were given a hero’s welcome from the club’s adopted country as they enjoyed an open-top bus parade through Bangkok during their post-season tour of Thailand.

Ranieri was a picture of delight as he and the Srivaddhanaprabha’s waved to the masses that arrived showing their

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X-SUPER Eagles stars Austin Eguavoen and Kingsley Obiekwu have hailed the ongoing SouthSouth Champion of Champions football tournament in Benin City, Edo State, saying it will help prepare teams from the region for the 2016 Federation Cup. The competition, which is organised by the Edo FA and sponsored by FROT Group, ends on Saturday.

Eight teams namely Edo FA Cup kings Inneh Stars, Dynamite FC, In-

Ex-Eagles stars Eguavoen, Obiekwu hail South-South robin basis with two tourney surance (Edo); J.Atete, Delta Force (Delta); Yenagoa Academy (Bayelsa), Akwa Starlets and Go Round FC (Rivers) are vying for honours in the inaugural competition, which has the winners going home with N1m while runnersup will receive N500,000.

The competition is being played on a round-

groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Tunisia ’94 AFCON winner, Eguavoen, now coach of Akwa Starlets, said, “I’m excited by the concept behind the competition. It will help build confidence and competitiveness in players and teams from the region.”

Sports ministry floats grassroots sports namely chess, programme in Lagos scrabble, swimming, ath-

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*Osimhen

U-20 Afcon Qualifier: Osimhen assures of win Burundi

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fit again, Victor Osimhen has assured Nigerians and fans of the Flying Eagles that the team will produce the best performance in this Weekend’s 1st-leg 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burundi.

Osimhen, 17, told footballlive.ng he had healed from the shoulder injury sustained during a test game against the National U-23 team in Abuja and predicted a win in Bujumbura, while they plan to finish their opponents off in the reverse fixture.

mut that he left behind over N640 million after the All Africa Games.

It was however, gathered the money was transferred into the Treasury Single Account, TSA introduced by the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nevertheless, the Minister while expressing the positives so far said Nigeria has succeeded in making payments for the country’s participation as well as paying for the accommodation of the contingent. “Let me say that this administration will do everything to unravel what happened to the money, I will assure you of that.”

Continues from BP concern that a group led by Mr. Chris Giwa had been threatening the peace of Nigeria football and courting a FIFA sanction for the country.

The House Committee’s move followed a motion of ‘urgent national importance’ moved on the floor of the House of Representatives on Monday, May 16, 2016 and the nation’s lower parliament thereafter mandated its Sports Committee to handle the matter.

At Thursday’s session at the National Assembly, Barrister Dalung, the Director of Legal Services in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Barr. Olatigbe Johnson and the NFF’s Head of Legal, Barr.

Okey Obi fully established that there is presently no court order nullifying the election of the current NFF Board, or asking Chris Giwa to take over at the NFF. Minister Dalung remarked: “When the Giwa group served a notice of discontinuance to the court in October 2014, the court struck out the case and made it clear that the case was dead. I don’t know anyone else who has been able to raise the dead

support for the club.

Leicester captain Wes Morgan was among those present during Thursday’s celebrations as the team recieeved a rapturous reception.

Morgan was also joined by Kasper Schmeichel, Leonardo Ulloa and Christian Fuchs during the open-top parade.

The majority of the Leicester squad was present bar internationals such as Jamie Vardy, Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kante who are preparing for Euro 2016 with their national sides.

O fewr than 2000 primary school children reported for the maiden catch-themyoung talent hunt programme which commenced yesterday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

It is an initiative of the Lagos Liaison office of the Ministry of Sports, aimed at identifying and grooming youngsters in five different sports.

Speaking at the opening session yesterday, Lagos Liaison officer of the ministry of sports, Taiwo Oreweme said the pi-

Pinnick except Jesus Christ!

“What the court did on April 8 was simply to relist the case for hearing.

It did not sack the NFF Board and certainly did not ask Giwa to go and take over the NFF.” Specifically, both Johnson and Obi read out the portion of the order made by Hon. Justice L. Allagoa, when the plaintiff withdrew the case in October 2014: “The Plaintiff having withdrawn this suit; all the orders made previously including the dissolution of the executive committee/Board of the Nigerian Football Federation vide the order of this honourable Court dated 23rd day of October 2014 seizes to have life and this matter stands struck out.”

Additionally, Obi read out a clarification made by the Honourable Judge himself, dated 22nd April 2016: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Order referred to in Order 3 is the restoration of the Order made by my predecessor, my learned brother Hon. Justice L. Allagoa when he stated that: “Order 50 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court rules 2009”: The Plain-

lot began in November last year with a train the trainers’ programme. “We initiated this as a way of identifying the youngsters early in order to train them to become future stars,” Oreweme said, adding that the kids will be shared between 5

letics and table tennis.

“They are expected to be taken up every Thursday by 100 teachers(20 for each sport) from all over Lagos in the next four years. We believe at the end of the period, they would have imbibed a lot in their chosen sports,” Oreweme said.

NOC sports medicine seminar begins

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HE Medical and Scientific Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee under the auspices of the Intertiff having withdrawn this suit, all Orders made previously including dissolution of the Executive Committee (Board of) Nigerian Football Federation vide the Order of this Honourable Court dated 23rd October 2014 seizes to have life and this matter stands struck out.”

Iheanacho Continues from BP League, scoring a goal every 93.88 minutes, making him the deadliest striker in the English topflight, ahead of teammate Aguero.

Having won the Best Fluke Goal, Best Disallowed Goal and Best First Touch awards on Wednesday, Iheanacho added the Stat of the Season to his collection on the back of having the best goals-to-minute ratio in the Premier League.

The Nigeria international finished the season with 14 goals across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa.

Goals to minute ratio Iheanacho - 93.88 Aguero - 98.88 Sturridge - 122.38 Vardy – 130.79

national Olympic Committee yesterday began a 3 day course for trainers, coaches and medical personnel from the 36 states of the federation, sports federations and some selected Universities.

The course will focus on basic fundamental principles in the area of injury prevention, sports rehabilitation, performance optimization, biomechanics, periodic medical evaluation, basic life support, sudden deaths in sports, amongst other major components in able and disabled athletes.

The 3-day seminar taking place at the Command Guest House, Apapa which is sponsored by the Olympics Solidarity is geared towards enhancing the skills and working relationships of medical personnel in their respective fields, coaches and trainers in the area of the protection of athletes, health, prevention of injury and performance optimization in sports.

The initiative which is also supported by the Lagos State Sports Commission will seek to encourage a unified front and an athletes-centred goal orientation between stakeholders and also to cultivate a suitable strategy for safe sports participation and development amongst other important components.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Leicester receive rapturous thanked them for reception in Bangkok astheirtheyoverseas support

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EICESTER City ’s Premier League season set unprecedented boundaries and now

their celebrations have too as thousands of locals came to see the Premier League champions

Fresh from their fairytale title campaign, the Foxes are in Asia basking in their success in Continues on Page 47

Rio Olympics: Dalung cries over lack of fund to train athletes

By Jude Opara, Abuja

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*Okagbare

ITH barely three months to the start of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung has cried out over the inability of the country’s contingent to embark on overseas training.

Dalung who appeared yesterday before the Senate Committee on Sports said already the 78 athletes that have qualified ought to have started their foreign camping but for the lack of funds.

Continues on Page 47

MAJESTIC: Leicester City’s Premier League season set unprecedented boundaries. The Foxes are in Asia in Thai owners Vichai and Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha homeland. They are given a hero’s welcome as they enjoy an open-top bus parade through Bangkok during their post-season tour of Thailand.

Reps endorse Pinnick’s NFF Iheanacho named deadliest striker in EPL

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ELECHI Iheanacho picked up another award at Manchester City ’s Alternative End of Season Awards on

Thursday.

The 19-year-old clocked up 752 minutes of game time in the Premier Continues on Page 47

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HE Sports Committee of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic yesterday insisted that there is no crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation, as there is no dispute whatsoever that Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick remains

*Say no controversy

the President of the nation’s football body.

At an interactive session with top officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports led by the Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solo-

mon Dalung and chieftains of the NFF led by 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, the House Committee headed by Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan expressed Continues on Page 47

*Pinnick

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Youngster (5) 7 Arrive (4) 8 Evoke (6) 9 Severe (5) 11 Ocean (3) 13 Regret (3) 15 Sole (4) 16 Cot (3) 18 Observed (4) 19 Erased (7) 20 Dagger (4) 22 Air (4) 23 Stress (7) 25 Flat (4) 27 Child (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Wand (3) 31 Performed (3) 33 Madness (5) 36 Clerk (6) 37 Dregs (4) 38 Sum (5)

DOWN 1 Twelve (5) 2 Aye (3) 3 Employ (3) 4 Chicken (3) 5 Intelligence (3) 6 Annoyance (5) 10 Stagger (4) 11 Serviceman (7) 12 Warned (7) 13 Diminished (7) 14 Penetrated (7) 16 Brute (5) 17 Storehouse (5) 18 Fixed (3) 21 Knowledge (3) 24 Jot (4) 26 Express (5) 29 Jockey (5) 32 Obscure (3) 33 Encountered (3) 34 Entrap (3) 35 Everything (5)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Remit 9, Thread 10, Cogent 11, Pilot 12, Area 15, Gape 17, Defined 20, Lid 21, Dingy 23, Ewer 25, Gist 26, Dozen 28, Get 30, Deplore 33, Idea 35, Died 36, Alias 38, Depart 39, Thieve 40, Money.

DOWN: 1, Stead 2, Grief 3, Rap 4, Edited 5, Icon 6, Tot 7, Legal 8, Steed 13, Receded 14, Aimed 16, Picture 18, Dined 19, Egg 22, Yield 24, Row 27, Negate 28, Giddy 29,Tempt 31, Oiled 32, Edged 34, Alto 36, Arm 37, Shy.

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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