EKITI 2014 RALLY: Soldiers stop Amaechi, Oshiomhole by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62170

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FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Jonathan sets up c'ttee over Abacha loot 14

EKITI 2014 RALLY:

Soldiers stop Amaechi, Oshiomhole •Outrage, condemnations trail action BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, INNOCENT ANABA, WAHAB ABDALLAH, DAPO AKINREFON, CHARLES KUMOLU, GBENGA OKE, IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI & JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that political parties can continue campaigns up to 24 hours to the election. The section reads: “For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”

DO-EKITI—Out rage, yesterday, trailed the fencing off of some governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from Ekiti State by agents of the Federal Government hours before the police placed a 60-hour restriction on movements into and out of the state. The APC governors who were to join other party stakeholders for a rally in Ado-Ekiti on the last day of campaigning for tomorrow’s gubernatorial election were either physically stopped from entering the state or stopped from leaving their states. Other APC

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

The people's governor •P.17

Mr & Mrs

AMAECHI'S ORDEAL— Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi ( in brown attire); discussing with APC National Deputy Chairman, South, Chief Segun Oni; and former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, (below left) and some APC leaders on his ordeal in the hands of security operatives at Itagbolu-Olorunsogo, Ondo State, as he was prevented from entering Ekiti State for the APC, Mega Rally, yesterday. Below right: Gov. Amaechi's convoy being stopped by security operatives on his way to Ekiti.

More tributes pour in for late Arisekola-Alao C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

INDUCTION—The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Engr. Andrew Yakubu (centre) being dressed by the Honourary Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Engr. Alex Ogedengbe (left) and Technical Secretary of the Academy, Engr. I. K. Inuwa, during the induction of the GMD as a Fellow of the Academy in Lagos, yesterday.

EKITI 2014: Soldiers stop Amaechi, Oshiomhole Continues from page 1 chieftains, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who succeeded in making the trip to Ekiti through Akure airport were, however, denied the opportunity to fly back and were compelled to return by road. Meanwhile, the police has announced the deployment of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Mr. Bala M. Nasarawa and five com-

missioners of police to ensure law and order during the election and thereafter in Ekiti State. In another development, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has detailed plans to curtail rigging in tomorrow’s election among which are the use of customized ballot papers for the different local governments in the state. The main contenders in tomorrow’s election are

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

When you encounter rejection, shake it off and move on. Sooner or later you will succeed if you don’t quit. Don’t personalise it; because someone rejects what you have to offer doesn’t mean you are being rejected.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness and the state of joy is ever lasting when it comes from within— Take Heart Quotes

NHAPPINESS lies in that gap between what we have now and what we think we need. But the truth is, we don’t need to acquire anything more to be content with what we already have. We don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy. Your life is magnificent not because someone says it is, or because you have acquired something new, but because you choose to see it as such. Don’t let your happiness be held hostage. It is always yours to choose, to live and experience. And from the experts of wisdom notes, Mack and Angel Hack comes this beautiful saying. “As soon as you stop making everyone and everything else responsible for your happiness, the happier you’ll be. If you’re unhappy now, it’s not someone else’s fault. Take full responsibility for your own unhappiness, and you will instantly gain the ability to be happier. Stop seeking in vain to arrange conditions that will make you happy.” Simply choose to appreciate the greatness that is yours in this moment, and the right conditions will start to line up around the contentment you seek.

the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the APC; former governor of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a serving member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele of Labour Party. There are other 15 candidates representing fringe parties in the off season gubernatorial election. Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State were two of the governors who Vanguard confirmed were denied entry into Ekiti State by agents of the Federal Government yesterday. APC in a statement detailing the development said that its governors were prevented by security agencies apparently acting on "orders from above" from travelling to Ado-Ekiti for the party’s final campaign yesterday, for the Ekiti State Governorship election scheduled for tomorrow.

Oshiomhole/ Amaechi The party ’s National Publicity Secretar y, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the helicopter that was to ferry Governor Oshiomhole from Benin to Ado-Ekiti was refused permission to take off from the Benin Airport. According to the APC, while the plane carrying Governor Amaechi actually landed in Akure, his convoy was stopped at the border between Ondo

and Ekiti States and ordered to turn back, because he would not be allowed to reach AdoEkiti. The party said while Governor Amaechi’s convoy was being detained in order to force him to turn back, the convoys of the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs came and were allowed to pass. "These acts are illegal and definitely not in line with the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaign for the election will only end at midnight on Friday. "It also represents a manipulation of the electoral process when all the candidates will not be allowed a level playing field to campaign for the election. There is no clearer manifestation of the federal government’s allergy to free, fair, transparent and violence-free election than this," the party said. “Several months ago, we warned that Nigeria under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan was sliding into fascism and we were pilloried in certain quarters for daring to make such a statement. "Today, we have sadly been vindicated. Not even in the worst days of the abhorrent military dictatorship were things done this brazenly, with citizens being denied their fundamental rights of free movement, free assembly and free expression, all because of the desperation by the ruling party to win elections at all costs. "We therefore call on all good people of Nigeria and indeed all the countr y ’s international friends to speak out against what is happening before things get out of hand. If democratically-elected governors could be so shabbily treated, despite the high office they occupy, what will happen to ordinary Nigerians in the hands of an increasingly-fascist government," APC queried.

Condemnations

Yesterday ’s developments were condemned by Governor Fayemi and other APC leaders who managed to come for the mega rally. They described it as a descent into dictatorship and urged Nigerians to resist the moves by the Federal Government. “A situation where state governors and other citizens can no longer move freely in the country is highly condemnable. This is the height of intolerance. “What has happened to freedom of movement, freedom of association,

freedom of expression and freedom of choice, which are well entrenched in the constitution of the country?", they queried. Civil right activists, lawyers and others also flayed the development. Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Olarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, also a former Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, governorship candidate in Ondo State, said: “It is an unfortunate development and must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians. It is fascism that is now in the offing and if we don’t nip it in the bud, it might consume all of us and the entity called Nigeria could be also consumed." Lagos lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu condemning the stopping of the governors said: “The governor and any Nigerian can move from one place to other without let or hindrance or visit anywhere. They have the constitutional rights as guaranteed by Section 41 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." Mahmud Magaji, SAN, said: "This is purely a constitutional issue. The constitution as it stands today guarantees every citizen the right of freedom of movement throughout the length and breath of Nigeria. Moreover, in a democratic setting, governors have certain privileges they ought to enjoy ahead of ordinary citizens as provided by the law. In the instant case, the governors that were barred by security agents from entering Ekiti State are members of the ruling political party in the state. They have the constitutional right to go to or leave any part of the country. The security agents by usurping such constitutionally guaranteed rights have gone beyond their powers. Their action is nothing but an invitation to anarchy”. Sebastian Hon, SAN: "First of all, the action of

these agents of the government breaches the right of the governors to freedom of movement. They have the right to move without restriction from any quarters. The action of the security agents also has the tendency to abridge their right of association. The constitution clearly gave them the right to associate with whoever they wish to associate with. Consequently, it is my view that the military has violated their constitutional rights as enshrined in sections 37 and 40 of the 1999 constitution as amended. “Additionally, their immunity under section 308 of the constitution has been breached. With the way things are being done in this country today, we may wake up one day to hear that a governor has been arrested, which is clearly unconstitutional. The act of using military men to perform purely civil duties that ought to have been performed by the police is also highly unconstitutional." Jubril Okutekpa, SAN: "There is no law in the country that permits security agents to stop any citizen from visiting or entering any state of the federation. The action amounts to gross violation of fundamental rights of the governors as citizens of this country. This is a very dangerous precedence because if governors can be stopped from going to any part of the country then we are in for it. After all, these governors have the right to associate and share their political feelings with others. What is going on in this country shows that we are yet to learn our lessons and appreciate the tenets of the democracy we are practicing. We have simply shown to the world that we are under a civilian rule with a military mentality”.

Our democracy lacks justice, decency —ACF Continues on page 14

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Islamic cleric docked for defrauding, poisoning two men BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

AGOS — A magistrate's court sitting in Igbosere, Lagos has remanded a 45-year-old Islamic scholar, Alfa Jamiu Alao, for allegedly giving a substance suspected to be acid to his clients, King David Orji and Raimi Oluwaseyi, to drink after allegedly obtaining N3 million and $116,000 to assist them with spiritual protection. The Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Nosa Izevbizua, alleged that after the duo allegedly drank the substance, they reportedly collapsed and were rushed to hospital for treatment. When the condition of one of them became critical, he was flown abroad for further medical attention. After investigation, the suspect was charged before an Igbosere magistrate's court, Lagos on a four-count charge of felony, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and administering substance suspected to be acid on his victims. The Police prosecutor, Inspector Marcus Okon, told the court that the accused committed the offence in April at Mayfair Estate, Ajah, Lagos and on April 8 at Ijabi Quarters, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the magistrate, Mrs. Olanipekun admitted him to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the matter till June 30.

How conmen murdered ex-Customs officer, daughter in Lagos •Sell victim’s property for N375m BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — THREE persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 64year-old retired female Customs officer and her 10-year-old daughter in Lagos. The victims were last seen on May 10, 2014. Surprisingly, the mastermind of the murder was discovered to be an agent, who reportedly told policemen that he killed both mother and child in order to cart away the deceased's N375 million realised from the sale of her property. Vanguard was informed that an alarm was raised over the sudden disappearance of the retired Customs officer identified as Angela Uzo Kerry and her daughter, Obiajurum, last month. Angela was said to have told one of her relatives that she was going for a prayer session at Sango Ota, Ogun State on May 10. But apprehension reportedly set in after the relative visited Angela 10 days later, only to discover that her door was locked with her whereabouts unknown. Tension heightened after efforts to reach her through phone calls proved abortive. Consequently, policemen at

The suspects Oko-Oba were contacted, following which investigation commenced. The policemen were said to have traced Angela’s Toyota car with number plate LND 554 AZ, which she drove that fateful day, to an uncompleted building around Alakuko area of Lagos, via its tracking device. Police sources told Vanguard that two persons whose identities were given simply as Sholotan and Akinniyi were arrested in the uncompleted building. Police sources said: "We first ar-

rested Akinniyi who told us that Sholotan gave him the car to keep until he found a buyer. Thereafter, Sholotan was arrested and he took us to Sango, where the main suspect, Azeez, was arrested.

Suspect offers police bribe "When we arrested Azzez, we asked him about Angela and her daughter’s whereabouts. Rather than offering us reasonable answer, he offered us a N9 million bribe to stop further investigations. But the offer was

turned down. "When we insisted on knowing where the victims were, he told us he had killed them. Azzez confessed that he deceived the Customs officer that he was a spiritualist. He said he told her that members of her family were planning to kill her and take over her property. In order to avert their motive, he asked the woman to bring documents of all her property for him to pray on them. "But Azeez took the documents and sold three of the property located at Ajah, Omole and Oko-Oba for N375 million without the woman’s knowledge. He said he killed them during their visit to Sango for the purported spiritual cleansing." The suspects, as gathered, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Police sources at SARS hinted that part of the on-going investigation will include locating where the bodies were buried. Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, failed as her phone rang without response.

Ex-Badagry LG boss seeks divorce of 33-yr-old marriage •As Abeokuta court dissolves 10-yr-old union BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — A former chairman of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Babatunde Alabi, has approached an Ogun State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta seeking dissolution of his 33-year-old marriage to his

wife, Modupe, over alleged negligence. Babatunde, who told the court that his enstranged wife was uncaring and irresponsible, also claimed that his wife had threatened his life and that of his mother to the extent that his mother could not come to his

house. He further explained that his wife started causing trouble only three weeks after their marriage by accusing his mother of being a witch. Alabi said: "She told me that she saw my mother in her dream pursuing her with a cow trying to kill her. My mother got blind and her two legs were paralysed as a result of the trouble she gave her and eventually died.” He, however, submitted that he was no more interested in the marriage, praying the court to dissolve their union immediately because he could no longer withstand the trouble. The presiding judge, Olayinka Majekodunmi, adjourned the case till July 14 for hearing due to absence of the defendant.

Court dissolves 10-year-old marriage

Aggrieved residents of Lungu village, Gwarimpa, made bonfire on Abuja-Kubwa expressway during a protest over demolition of their buildings by Development cControl in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Meantime, an Ake Grade II Customary Court in Abeokuta, yesterday, dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between Sukannmi Adenekan, 35, and his wife, Elizabeth, over his wife's troublesomeness. President of the court, Mr Olalekan Akande, held that efforts to reconcile the couple proved abortive.

Akande held that it was evident that the petitioner was no longer interested in the respondent anymore. He, therefore, dissolved the marriage and awarded custody of the last child to Elizabeth till he was of age while the first child should decide who to live with. The court also ordered that Adenekan should pay N3,000 monthly allowances for the upkeep of the last child. Adenekan, who resides at 30, Mokola Street, Abeokuta, had urged the court to dissolve his marriage to his wife. He said: “My wife is too arrogant and makes trouble with me always. She usually fights, provokes and disrespects me. “She does not give me rest of mind and treats our two children and me with disdain. I cannot take it any longer. I pray the court to separate us, so that I can have peace." Elizabeth opposed the petition because the marriage was blessed with two children, aged nine and two years. She said: “I want the court to know that I am not ready for dissolution. I own the property in his house and he also owes me N80,000. “If that is what he wants, I am not prepared to give him custody of my children."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 7

15 burnt to death in Kogi auto crash BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

OKOJA— FIFTEEN persons have been reported dead in Kogi, following a motor accident which occurred Wednesday night on Magongo-Okene road. The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Godwin Omiko, told newsmen in Lokoja yesterday that the accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred about 10:15 p.m. at the border between Kogi and Edo states. He said the victims were mostly public health officers under the employment of the Local Government Service Commission of Kaduna State. According to him, the public health officers were 400-Level students travelling to Cotonou, Benin Republic, to write their first semester examination at Houdegbe North American University. Omiko said eight male and six female adults were among the dead, along with a female child on the trip with her mother. He said the accident occurred when a Toyota bus with number plate Kogi LG 25 DAH rammed into an oncoming Toyota Hiace passenger bus with number Lagos AAA 463 XD which also hit another vehicle in the front. He said: “Due to the impact, the passenger bus immediately caught fire, thereby burning 14 of the passengers beyond recognition.

“Three victims, including a female child, were rescued by FRSC officials but the child later died in the hospital few hours later.” Omiko said 12 of the victims had been given mass burial at the public cemetery at Magongo in the presence of policemen from Ogori Police Di-

vision while the corpses of the female child and that of two other male adults were deposited at the Obagende General Hospital morgue. He also said one Idris Abdulahi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace bus believed to be responsible for the crash, had been arrested and is now in Police custody. The Sector Commander said pre-

liminary investigations revealed that the driver was drunk and drove recklessly, which caused the accident. He advised Nigerians to avoid night travel, saying apart from poor visibility, rescue operations could be difficult in the night.

BY EVELYN USMAN

COLLAPSED BUILDING: Officials of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), inspecting one of three uncompleted storey buildings that collapsed within one month in Onitsha, Anambra, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Police parade 4 rapists in Ebonyi BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI — EBONYI State Police Command, yesterday, paraded four suspected rapists from Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government Areas of the state. The rapists, who confessed to the crime, were paraded for assault, attempted rape, robbery, malicious damage and other related offences. Briefing newsmen at Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chris Anyanwu, who lamented the high incidences of rape related offences in the state called on parents, guardians and community leaders to work assiduously to ensure that the menace was nipped in the bud. He said: “On June 8, Mrs. Hanna Augustine Chukwu, 82, a native of Umuira Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area, boarded a commuter bus from Enugwulangwu road. The driver, one John Isaac, dropped other passengers and on noticing that the woman was the only one left in the bus, stopped and dragged her to the rear side of the vehicle and raped her. "After the act, he robbed her of N8,500 and drove away. When he was later apprehended, the suspect admitted committing crime. “On June 12, at 11 a.m, Happiness Nwali, a 30-year old female

Teenager stabs friend to death for raping sister

The suspects from Obeagu Isu Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was in the farm cultivating wheat when one Okwudili Okoye came around and lured her to a nearby uncompleted building where he pounced on her with a motive to rape her. “A struggle ensued between the duo with the suspect gaining upper hand as he hit the victim on her neck, breast and wrist with bricks in an attempt to strangle her. It was with the help of two passers-by, who were attracted by the loud screams of the victims, that she was rescued.

“On May 16, 2014, Ifeoma Obasi, a 23-year-old SS3 student of All Saints Secondary School, Effium and a native of Okporo village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State hired a motorcycle operated by her close relative, Friday Omenyi. "On their way, Friday Omenyi veered off towards Okporo forest where he attacked her and tore her dress before having unlawful carnal knowledge of her. When arrested, the suspect confessed to the crime.” According to the command’s spokesman, the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

One of the victims.

AGOS —TRAGEDY struck, yesterday, in Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos State, after a teenager allegedly stabbed his friend to death for raping his sister. Trouble, as gathered, occurred after the suspect, identified as Isaac Usim, currently on the run, was informed that his friend, Kehinde, raped his younger sister who was sent on an errand, Sunday. Isaac was said to have engaged the 17year-old Kehinde, a vulcanizer who was said to have left Ibadan for Lagos in search of greener pasture, in a fight. In the process, Isaac allegedly stabbed Kehinde with a screw driver in the neck. Eye-witnesses said Kehinde was first rushed to Saint James Hospital, from where he was referred to Falati Hospital. He was said to have breathed his last before he could reach the hospital, apparently due to loss of blood. When news of Kehinde’s death filtered in, hoodlums were said to have invaded the alleged killer ’s residence at 44, Prince Fadina Street, where they descended on members of his family. But for the intervention of some concerned residents, the suspect’s younger brother would have been lynched. Other occupants of the building were said to have fled for fear of being caught up in the attack. As at last night, the residents were yet to return. However, his father and younger brother were reportedly arrested by the Police. Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, condemned the killing of the alleged rapist, describing the act as barbaric. Braide said Usim had no right to kill someone, no matter the circumstances.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

CAN advocates caution over arrested 486 suspected insurgents

AGM : From left — Managing Director, Julius Berger Plc, Engr. Wolfgang Goetsch; Chairman, Julius Berger Plc, Dr. Mohammed Imam, and Vice Chairman, Engr. Heinz Stockhausen, at the presentation of the 2013 annual report during the company's annual general meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

BY SAM EYOBOKA

AT I O N A L President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday, warned the nation’s security agencies against jumping to conclusion that the 486 persons arrested in Abia State last Sunday were traders, arguing that the fact that one among them is a wanted insurgent is enough to do a thorough investigation of their mission. Pastor Oritsejafor also expressed disgust that the media recently went to town with reports that the ongoing National Conference had recommended the taxation of churches and mosques in the country, noting that checks have revealed that no such decision was reached by delegates nor the religious committee of the confab. Rather, he said, the committee only re emphasised the need to maintain the status quo which is to pay tax on all businesses owned by religious organisations including schools, hospitals and other income generating business organisations. The CAN President warned the Defence Headquarters not to be hasty to classify the over 486 people arrested by security operatives on Sunday in Abia State as travelers because there is need to establish where they were coming from and where their destination was. Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, had, Wednesday in Abuja, told journalists that the 486 persons were traders, adding that the arrest of the travellers was not targeted at any group of persons or individual, but done in view of the general security situation in the country. He said when the suspects were interrogated, one of them, who had been on the watch list of the Department of State Services, DSS, since 2007 was identified.

N10BN JET SCAM:

Court orders Reps to stop probe of Alison-Madueke, NNPC BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, aborted moves by the House of Representatives to commence hearing on the allegation that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, spent about N10 billion on chartered private jets. In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, ordered the legislative house to shelve its plans to begin probe into the allegation on June 25. The judge further directed all the parties to maintain status quo till July 3, a date the High Court slated to hear the substantive suit that is challenging the powers of the Public Accounts Committee, PAC, of the House of Representatives to investigate such allegation. The court order was sequel to an oral application made by counsel to the minister, Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN), who, yesterday, informed the court that despite the pendency of the suit, the House, on May 23, wrote a letter to the Petroleum Minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, asking them to ensure that they appeared before its probe committee on June 25, 26 and 27. Uwa told the court that the House had in the said letter threatened that it would not hesitate to invoke its powers and issue a warrant of arrest against the

zReps accuse court of interference minister should she fail to appear before the committee on the aforementioned dates. He said: “My Lord, the 2nd defendant in particular (House of Reps), in their letter to my clients, said they noted with dismay that we approached this court in a bid to stop them from performing their constitutional duties. They also boasted that no arm of the government has the power to stop them.”

Letter of under taking

Besides, Uwa told the court that they had already written a letter to counsel to the House of Reps, Mr. A. B. Mahmood (SAN), requesting him to enter an undertaking that his client would not take any action capable of overreaching or jeopardising the ‘Res’ of the dispute before the high court. He said: “We sought an undertaking from him that his client will not proceed with the hearing as planned so as not to destroy the ‘Res’ of this suit or make nonsense of the proceeding before this court. “If they are allowed to conduct the hearing, our suit, which has already been granted an accelerated hearing, will be overtaken by events and thus occasion an irreparable damage on my client.” The House of Reps, through its lawyer, Mr. Aminu Sadauki, insisted that the court lacked the requisite powers to stop it from going ahead with the planned probe. According to the House, “ we cannot enter an

undertaken on behalf of an arm of government carrying out its constitutional duty. “If my Lordship makes the order as prayed by the plaintiff, it would amount to granting their reliefs even before hearing the substantive suit. I, therefore, urge this court to refuse this application.” On its part, the National Assembly, which was joined as the 1st defendant in the matter, through its counsel Mr. Obasi Nwabueze, said they were equally served with a letter from the plaintiff seeking the maintenance of status quo. Nwabueze said his client resolved to leave the issue to the discretion of the court.

Court berates House

After listening to all the parties, Justice Mohammed stressed that though Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution conferred exclusive powers on the National Assembly, he however noted that Section 6 of the same constitution imbued the court with the statutory powers to mediate and adjudicate disputes involving any organ of the government. He berated the House for accusing the court of attempting to usurp its constitutionally guaranteed oversight function, noting that the 2nd defendant, having already briefed a lawyer and submitted itself before the court, ought to have shown respect to the court by putting its planned action in abeyance pending the outcome of the suit. Justice Mohammed ruled:

“The court has the inherent power to intervene with a view to protecting its sanctity and integrity. Consequently, I hereby direct parties in this suit to maintain status quo from now till the next adjourned date.”

Minister, NNPC’s suit

It will be recalled that the Petroleum Minister and NNPC, in their joint suit, prayed the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves, their members, committees or agents from summoning or directing them to appear before any committee, particularly PAC, which was set up by the House of Reps to conduct the investigation. Besides, the plaintiffs sought for an order of the court stopping the House of Reps committee from asking any official of the ministry or NNPC to produce any paper, note or other documents or give any evidence in line with a letter from the House dated March 26, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. They are further urging the court to issue an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from issuing a warrant to compel the Minister’s attendance, or the attendance of any official of the ministry or NNPC, with regard to the investigation and to also in the alternative, make an order of status quo, directing the parties to maintain the current position with regard to the investigation, as of the date of filing of the suit.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—9

Clerk yet to serve Adamawa Gov, Deputy impeachment notices Lawmakers acting PDP script— APC

OLA— THE Clerk of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Francis Gabsenso, has said that he was yet to serve Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari, the notices of impeachment. The Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, had Wednesday directed the clerk to serve the duo with the notices. The Clerk told newsmen in Yola yesterday that the governor

and his deputy were out of town. “I went to their respective offices, but met their absence,” Gabsenso said. Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, a former member of the state House of Assembly, said the Clerk was wrong in attempting to serve the governor and his deputy with the notices without the House sitting and adopting the procedures of the day.

He urged the House to stop what he described as “rush to impeach” the governor and his deputy, saying the move portrayed the lawmakers as pursuing a selfish agenda in which the Speaker and his deputy would be the major beneficiaries. Waziri urged the legislators and executive to resolve their misunderstanding amicably in the interest of peace and development of the state. Meanwhile, All

Progressives Congress, APC, in the state has described the impeachment move as unfortunate and selfish. A statement issued by Rev. Phineas Padio, the party’s Publicity Secretary, said the House was acting the script of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “This is blind ambition by members of the House and the good people of Adamawa will resist it,” he said.

AGM : From left— Mr. Andrew Alli, President/ CEO; Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman, Africa Finance Corporation; and Dr. Adesegun AkinOlugbade, Executive Director & General Counsel, all of Africa Finance Corporation, at the corporation's 6th Annual General Meeting after its First International Credit Rating.

2015: Abacha set to contest Kano governorship BY SONI DANIEL, Northern Region Editor & MUHAMMAD ABDULSALAM

ANO— THE Presidency may have finally cleared the coast for Mohammed Abacha, the son of late General Sani Abacha, to join forces with pro Jonathan supporters and win back Kano State for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, next year. Competent sources told Vanguard that Wednesday ’s withdrawal of the N446.3 billion money laundering charge against Abacha was aimed at giving him a clean bill to be able to run as PDP gubernatorial candidate in the next election. A close associate of the family admitted, yesterday, that the Abachas were very excited about the withdrawal of the case against Mohammed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and that he would likely proceed with his gubernatorial campaign programme. Some well wishers were also said to have stopped by on Wednesday and yesterday to congratulate Abacha and sympathise with him over his lingering trial by the government. A top source in Kano explained, yesterday, that the Presidency, which considers Mohammed Abacha as one of

the most influential young politicians in Kano, had primed him to challenge the rising political clout of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and secure victory for PDP in 2015.

Political structure The Presidency, it was further learnt, believes that it was the solid political structure put in place by Mohammed Abacha that secured victory for Kwankwaso, who defected to APC last year. The governor, who is said to be nursing a presidential ambition on APC’s platform, is, however, facing severe opposition from the Presidency particularly, after installing the former Central bank of Nigeria, CBN’s Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as Emir of Kano, against the wish of the Presidency and his party, which reportedly preferred a different person. The feeling in the Presidency is that with the appointment of the former Kano governor, Ibrahim Shekaru as a minister and the quashing of the charge against Abacha, it would be possible for them to whittle Kwankwanso’s political influence and make PDP take over Kano in the next election.

Campaign posters emerge In preparation for the takeover of the mantle of power by Abacha, his giant, colourful and intimidating campaign posters have been placed by the side of the Kano State PDP Secretariat along New Court Road, Jedi Jedi Quarters of Kano metropolis in addition to opening of his campaign office along Audu Bako Way, also in the city. Adorning the big office are the posters of Mohammed, President Goodluck Jonathan

and the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. A Kano politician described Mohammed Abacha as someone who enjoys a very “smooth relationship and support of the youths of the town” and also has a deep understanding of the politics of the state. The politician said: “Let me tell you, the junior Abacha enjoys the support of the people and also has a good working relationship with Shekarau.”

Supreme Court honours Oputa BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—THE Supreme Court, yesterday, conducted a valedictory session in honour of late Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, lamenting that his death “left a void in the Nigerian judiciary that would be difficult to fill.” Though the CJN noted that men such as late Oputa “come too few and far between,” she said the judiciary would take solace in the fact that the eminent jurist left outstanding legacies that the legal community would not forget in a hurry. “He is most revered for his balanced handling of the Human Rights Violations I n v e s t i g a t i o n Commission, or the Oputa Panel, inaugurated by President Olusegun Obasanjo on June 4, 1999, to investigate abuses during 15 years of military rule, a charge which he executed with professional applause.” Meanwhile, among dignitaries that attended the valedictory session yesterday was the deputy governor of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere, former governors of Anambra and Rivers states, Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Peter Odili, respectively.

How APC can save Nigeria, by Nda Isaiah BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

UBLISHER and Presidential aspirant, Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah, has urged National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, and other members of the National Executive Committee, NEC, to be fair to all as they embark on the task of “rescuing the country from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.” In a 454 word, eight paragraph congratulatory letter to Odigie-Oyegun entitled A Call to Action, Nda Isaiah said Odigie Oyegun and the NEC could not afford to fail or disappoint Nigerians across party lines,

who have so much faith in them. He said: “I wish to congratulate the Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and all members of the first elected National Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress, APC. “Each member of this NEC has a history of hard work, service delivery and a deep commitment to progressive ideals. “In the light of the misrule of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the last 15 years and the deep desire for change across the country, this choice is at once a challenge and an

opportunity. “It is a challenge because those who voted for the NEC under your leadership and millions of our party members want change; they hope that your team can bring this about. “It is an opportunity because Nigerians across party lines are fed up with an incompetent and clueless PDP Federal Government; they hope our party, APC, will be the alternative platform. “We can offer and, more importantly, put into action forward-thinking policies that are the pillars of a truly effective government under your leadership.”

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

IPMAN lauds court over ruling

BUJA—INDE PENDENT Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, yesterday commended Justice Valentine Ashi, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for granting a stay on a contentious case before him where recondite point of law and other extenuating circumstances have been brought before the court. A statement by President of IPMAN, Chief Obasi Lawson, said members praised the judicial courage and incorruptibility of Justice Ashi in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1479/2014. The statement read in part “IPMAN as an institution has always believed in the old saying that judiciary is the last hope of the common man, we have been vindicated. We have no doubt whatsoever in our mind that this is a step in the right direction. It is instructive to note the contributions and peace initiatives of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, we are indeed very grateful. “Our Association uses this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO and various stakeholders for their continuous support and goodwill. We also want to thank all our past leaders for their respective contributions towards peace in IPMAN.''

LUTH workers suspend strike BY CHIOMA OBINNA & BOSEDE OYELOHUNNU

AGOS—NORMAL medi cal services will today resume at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba as the doctors and other workers; yesterday suspended their action that brought healthcare delivery services to a halt at the nation’s foremost health institution. The health workers under the auspices of Joint House unions and the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, LUTH branch, had embarked on an indefinite strike since June 2 to press home their demands. Confirming the strike suspension to Vanguard, President of the Association, Dr Omojowolo Olubunmi and spokesperson of the Joint House unions, Kehinde Adegoke said with the new development, all workers were expected to return to work today. According to Olubunmi, the decision to suspend the strike was taken after ARD’s emergency meeting where the members unanimously agreed to suspend the strike based on positive response from the hospital management on most of their demands including the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Federal Ministry of Health, LUTH Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Elders of the profession and other well-meaning Nigerians. Reviewing progress made by ARD on its demands, he said the association was able to achieve more than 50 per-

LASU slashes fees, reopens June 23 BY IKENNAASOMBA

AGOS—AUTHORITIES of Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, yesterday, directed students to return to campus June 23, ahead of resumption of academic activities following implementation by the Governing Council of the reduction of the university’s tuition fees by 34 to 60 per cent across the various faculties as directed by the state government. A statement by the university ’s spokesperson, Kayode Sutton, reads: “Sequel to the Lagos State government’s agreement to the reduction of the Lagos State University School Fees by 34% to 60% across different faculties, the university management has come up with the precise amount to be paid by students in all departments and faculties. In a swift compliance to

this agreement, the Governing Council of the University has approved new school fees which now ranges between N76,250.00 for a final year student in the Arts Department (49.3% reduction), and N158, 250.00 for a 200 level Engineering and Medical (Direct entry) student. “In the new school fees as approved by the Council, a 100 level student in the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication will now pay N103, 250.00, and a 200 level student (Direct Entry) will be required to pay same fee, while a 200 level returning student pays N88,250.00. For the College of Medicine, a fresh student is expected to pay N115, 750.00, ditto, a final year medical student, while a 200 level (Direct Entry) student in the same College pays N158,250.00, representing a 36.4% reduction.

cent reduction in hospital fees for minor surgical procedures According to him, “The hospital has also issued a letter on tenure of residency training to reflect August 2013 circular, and a commitment to implement immediately the expected circular from the Federal Government on the

subject matter. Also, a list of new resident doctors in all outstanding departments and employment of house officers have been released. The management will also kick start a new close User Group (CUG) means of communication within the hospital. “We were able to get the management commitment to en-

sure regular availability of materials, stationery, consumables and upgrade of infrastructure, and a communiqué that was jointly signed between the hospital management, our association and other unions in the hospital under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity that holistically addressed the issues.

SIGNING: Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation, Mrs Lilianne Ploumen (left) and MD /CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Nicolaas Vervelde during the signing of a partnership between Nigerian Breweries Plc and Psaltry International Company Ltd in Lagos, yesterday. Photo By Diran Oshe.

Labour seeks quick passage of PIB BYVICTORAHIUMA-YOUNG&SEBASTINE OBASI

AGOS—LABOUR and civil society leaders yesterday in Lagos, called on the National Assembly to step up passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, to save the nation’s oil and gas sector from collapse. At a one-day interactive enlightenment workshop on Petroleum Industry Bill, which has the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, represented, labour and civil society leaders insisted that PIB was adjudged to be one of the most important legislative bills in the history of the country due to the critical role of the petroleum sector in the Nigeria economy. Speaking, a vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Issa Aremu, contended that PIB must make provisions that recognised and upheld the interests and welfare of organized labour and workers represented by Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, respectively. Aremu said “the Bill must ensure that all companies operating in the Nigerian oil and gas industry comply with all international labour conventions that have been ratified by Nigeria; the collective agreements with the labour unions and the extant labour laws as a minimum in all their dealings with the Nigerian workers and their representatives. ''The Bill must also ensure the mandatory recognition of the right to freedom of association and effective collective bargaining by all companies doing business in the Nigeria oil and gas industry irrespective of where they are located.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—11

More tributes pour in for late Arisekola-Alao ...We'll continue his philanthropy, son pledges BY OLA AJAYI & OLASUNKANMIAKONI

ORE tributes yesterday continued to pour in for the late Ibadan business mogul, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez ArisekolaAlao. At his Olowokekere residence in Ibadan, politicians from diverse parties put their differences aside and freely exchanged pleasantries. The family was also preoccupied with reminiscing the good times they shared with the late philantropist. His son, Idris said, “We are sad that he left us suddenly. It is a monumental loss for his family, Oyo State and the world at large. “My father was known to be a lover of the masses and his place will be hard to fill. We will also continue his philanthropic posture and we shall continue to follow the path he left behind.” Meanwhile, the remains of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao who died on Wednesday in a London Hospital is expected to be interred today by 9am according to Islamic rites. Vanguard gathered that some officials of the state government, including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, were despatched to London to bring the corpse home. Also, the state government has declared today a work-free day for workers in the state. In his own reminiscence, nephew of the late Aare Musulumi, who is Special Assistant to the Oyo State governor on Pubic Information, Mr. Demola Solalu, who could not utter a word on the day of his death, said yesterday that; “He left at a wrong time. He sponsored me throughout my education. There was never a day I asked him for assistance and he would deny me. “He was really a God-sent and a lover of the masses. He was an instrument to the blessing of many Nigerians and the world at large. He will forever be missed by all and sundry.”

Arisekola-Alao will be missed – Fashola Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state in his own tribute yesterday, expressed sadness at the passage, saying that he would be missed by all for his widely acknowledged philanthropy, statesmanship and entrepreneurial leadership. In a condolence message to the family of the deceased, the governor said Arisekola left a vacuum that would be very hard to fill in Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general. While condoling with the government and people of Oyo State, Fashola said the indelible mark left by Alhaji Arisekola in the field of commerce and industry and the

contribution he made to the economic development of the South West region and Nigeria in general would never be forgotten in a hurry. The governor urged all those left behind by the late astute businessman to take solace in his good deeds while alive and prayed that Allah grants the soul of the departed rest.

Roll call at his residence Callers at the late business mongul’s residence included; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Elder Wole Oyelese, former Minister of Power and Steel, and Chief Ebenezer Obey, popular gospel musician. Some traditional rulers such as Elejigbo of Ejigbo, Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Seriki Hausawa of Ibadanland, Zungeru, Mallam Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, Chairman, Arewa Council, Owatapa of Itapa, Oba Olapade Agoro and many others.

From the condolence

register Governor Amosun wrote: “A good man is gone to rest in the bosom of the Almighty Allah. We will miss your smile, warmth, candour, inspiring thought and leadership, a devoted Muslim who cared for all and sundry, philanthropist of repute.” President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero wrote: “No word to use in describing his death but shocking and tragic. When we look at the mystery surrounding his sudden demise, we wonder why. He will surely be missed by all Ibadan Indigenes, Oyo State and the country at large. Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Minister of State, FCT, wrote: “It is with the deepest sense of sorrow that I mourn the sudden demise of our Patriarch, the Aare of Ibadanland and Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, a religious leader, philanthropist and bridge-builder par excellence. This is indeed a great loss to the

people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. He was an icon and a rare humanist whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.” Dr. Dejo Raimi, PDP chieftain: “You never gave us any sign that you would leave this sinful world so soon. But as a devout Muslim philanthropist for the common people and high chief in the Islamic environment who showed no symptom of death before giving up the ghost, you came, you saw, you conquered.” Oyo State NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, a.k.a. Fele wrote: ”It’s a great loss to humanity. I am still yet to believe that Baba is gone. I pray Allah to forgive him and grant him eternal rest. Chief Ebenezer Obey in turn wrote: “He was a man who believed in equality and religious tolerance. He will be forever missed by all and sundry. He practiced his religion with all his heart and he accommodated everybody irrespective of their religion or nationality”

Don laments delay in rescue of Chibok girls, Boko Haram swap

Professor of Coun selling and Criminal Justice at the University of Ibadan, UI, Professor Oyesoji Aremu, has called on the Federal Government to effect a swap of the Boko Haram detainees in exchange for the over 200 abducted girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state. Speaking ahead of the forthcoming launch of his book titled, “Policing and Terrorism: Challenges and Issues in Intelligence”, the author who shortly turns 50, said the trauma the girls and their families were going through should be brought to an end. He said, “The girls are in a terrible situation in which they don’t know what may likely happen in the next minute because with insurgents you cannot predict what will happen. Don’t let us talk about their education because that is post rescue efforts. Some of them might have been put in family ways.''

Baba Aladura, Akinsanya for burial today

FINAL MEGA RALLY: From left—Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and National Chairman, South, APC, Chief Segun Oni, during the Final Mega Rally of the party, ahead of the June 21 election, at the newly-constructed State Pavillion, in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday.

APC calls for probe of alleged assassination attempt on Omisore BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO—THE All Pro gressives Congress, APC, in Osun State yesterday urged the Lagos State Police Command to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Tuesday, to unearth the truth or otherwise of the story. The APC said, “this is absolutely necessary because the source of the story is a psychopathic and serial liar who has been known

to tell a lot of falsehood to draw undeserved attention to himself and create a false impression of goodness that is antithesis to his natural disposition.” According to the APC, any story emanating from the Omisore and PDP camp should be taken with a pinch of salt because, “Our experience with these people over the years and in the run_up to the coming election is that they are a fountain of lies that hardly runs dry.” Omisore, through his media aid, Diran Odeyemi had told newsmen in Osogbo on

Wednesday how some hoodlums allegedly stormed his Lagos residence on Tuesday night with the intention to assassinate him. But the APC in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, in Osogbo noted that “most of the time, violent events of a fatal nature have been staged by these people, who turn around to accuse others of responsibility for criminal activities undertaking by themselves. So when they now tell you of an assassination attempt, it will make a lot of sense to investigate thoroughly to get to the bottom of the story.''

HE remains of the Supreme Head of The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Abel Olujimi Akinsanya will be buried today at Ikenne, Ogun State. Akinsanya, who until his death was the leader of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church, the umbrella body of all the Cherubim and Seraphim church worldwide, died April 17, 2014, aged 90. Baba Akinsanya was survived by widow, children and grandchildren.

.Late Akinsanya

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Ocean surge threatens Bayelsa communities BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—THE ancient coastal settlement of Koluama clan in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State is at the mercy of the ocean, as the sea has washed away all the buffer land protecting the communities. Already, the Federal Fishery Ocean Terminal, which was located in the area in the 70s had since been washed away by the sea. The elders and chiefs of Koluama clan, yesterday, in Yenagoa, raised a fresh alarm over the ocean threat, which claimed the original Koluama settlement in 1953. The Ibenanaowei of Koluama clan, King Solomon EdiMangi, the Kolu XI, flanked by other prominent indigenes of the troubled area, including the Amananaowei of Koluama I community, HRH J. Leghemo and the Amananaowei of Koluama II community, HRH Newton OgboinbiriMienye, blamed their woes on a combination of forces. The monarch said: “Our woes started in 1953 when a combination of perennial high flood of the lower Niger Delta basin and coastal erosion precipitated by powerful explosions from oil and gas exploration and seismic activities of the then Shell D’ Arcy, predecessor of the present Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, washed Koluama city into the sea.

“On June 15, the inhabitants of Koluama I community woke up to see a brand new river that has been suddenly forced open by the rampaging waves of the Atlantic Ocean on parts of the remaining buffer land and its vegetation that shielded Koluama I community from the direct attack of tidal waves from the sea. “The new river that has been forced open now connects the Koluama River on whose bank the community is situated facing the Atlantic, thereby, expos-

ing the community to the direct attacks of waves from the sea. “Prior to Sunday's incident, Abadi Olobia and Funiweiama had been washed away by previous tidal waves from the sea which is now threatening to submerge Koluama II community.” He called on the state and Federal Governments to urgently, dispatch a team of environmental experts in coastal or marine erosion to the area to assess the situa-

tion and take immediate actions to address the problem. The Federal Government, he added, should, through its relevant agencies, commission a comprehensive environmental study of the impacted areas as well as provide shoreline protection and embankment of the Koluama communities from Digetoru Ruver estuary on the West to Sangana River in the East bordering Southern Ijaw and Brass Local Government Areas of the state.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: Alhaji Dokubo Asari (4th left); Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah (3rd right); Mr. Tony Uranta (2nd right) and others at the recent launch of Evah’s two books and a farewell ceremony for the remains of late Isaac Adaka Boro, from Lagos to Bayelsa.

EPZ: Jonathan, Clark, Olu of Warri urged to intervene in Itsekiri, Ijaw media war

HE Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah, has described the media war between Ijaws and Itsekiris over Ogidengben Export Processing Zone, EPZ, issue as a dangerous wind blowing across the Niger Delta that genuine leaders must stop before it gets out of control. In a statement, the Niger Delta activist said that people of the region must learn from history in order to save it from self-destruction. He urged President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Edwin Clark and the Olu of Warri to intervene and stop the media war between the various stakeholders. Evah, who was Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress, INC, umbrella body of Ijaws during the Warri crisis, lamented that the lack of brotherly love had robbed the Niger Delta of peace and progress over the years. He said: “The whole world

laughed at the Niger Delta people when Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobos were fighting a bloody war over a single local government in the '90s instead of coming together to demand for 200 local government areas in Warri zone. If Kano State got 44 LGAs after Jigawa State was carved out of Kano, what stopped our leaders from demanding for countless LGAs because of our larger water mass in Warri zone? “Anytime government plans to develop any part of Warri area,

all the ethnic groups will display hatred. But if government abandons us and we remain in poverty, all the fueding groups will romance each other in love. It is a shame, our people need spiritual deliverance." Evah, who halted the dredging of River Niger without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), through the court during the Abacha regime, added: “All the South-West governors worked for Chief Olusegun Obasan-

jo during his second term bid. We expected total commitment from our South-South governors. “We have only four governors including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan working for Mr. President. We have lost two strategic governors to the opposition. We want the Niger Delta governors to use the limited time ahead of 2015 presidential election to work at the national level instead of distracting him with avoidable local crisis.”

2015: Ogbemudia tasks Edo politicians on credible candidates BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—FORMER governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, yesterday, urged political leaders in the state to consolidate on the gains of good governance in state by ensuring that suitable candidates emerge ahead of the 2015 state and National Assembly elections and the 2016 gov-

ernorship election in the state. In a statement, the elder statesman, urged the people of the state to support the 2015 presidential ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan, warning that the people of the state will continue to yearn for good governance “and central to the search for good governance

is the selection of suitable candidates for offices. “Very early in 2015, we shall be called upon to elect capable candidates to the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly. We shall also be electing a new president. On this, I wish to plead, before hand, for support for President Jonathan’s re-election."

Ex-militant leaders laud FG over training programme

O M A D I — FORMER Niger Delta militant leaders, have commended the Federal Government over the just concluded non-violence and entrepreneurship training programme for Phase 2 ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region, which took place in Calabar, Cross River State. Speaking with newsmen at the conclusion of the training programme, the National President, Phase 2 ex-militant leaders, Mr. Aso Tambo, said that the training was a huge success as participants were equipped with entrepreneurship skills, non-violence and conflict resolution techniques and to be self-reliant. Tambo noted that exagitators came from within and outside the country for the training programme and thanked President Jonathan and Mr. Kingsley Kuku for the training.

Students laud Uduaghan over LG boss' appointment

GHELLI—BURUTU Students Congress, BSC, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State for the appointment of Chief Julius Takeme as the new transition committee chairman for Burutu Local Government Area. President of the group, Mr. Wayas Ebi, who spoke to newsmen in Ughelli, yesterday, described the appointment as well deserved. He said: “We urge him to use his wealth of experience to fast track meaningful development in the council.” Congratulating Chief Takeme on his appointment, he said: “Takeme's political track record is enough to convince anybody that he will run an all inclusive administration. We also thank leaders of Burutu Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for their support in the appointment of the people’s choice and the most qualified person to run the affairs of the council."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014— —13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

EKITI 2014: Soldiers stop Amaechi, Oshiomhole Continues from page 5 On his part, spokesman of Northern Delegates to the ongoing National Conference, Mr. Anthony Sani said: “I do not want to believe the Federal Government has the moral right to prevent the movement of governors who are in the opposition, precisely because functionaries of the federal government have visited states that are controlled by opposition parties without the governors denying them such rights. Most of all, democracy without a viable opposition is a sham. "Therefore, it would be very necessary to let the affected governors to know the reasons for such denials lest such actions convey an impression that our own brand of democracy is lacking in liberty, justice and common decency.”

PDP is inviting chaos —Tsav

APAPA/OSHODI EXPRESSWAY: We're on schedule —Julius Berger

Also, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said: "What the PDP has done is not fair, that is injustice at its peak. The party is allowing its governors access to Ekiti and denying APC governors entrance. It is grave injustice. What they are doing amounts to invitation to chaos in the country."

guard, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh noted that the action was carried out as part of security measures to ensure a free and fair election in Ekiti State, and that tomorrow’s election is for Ekiti people and not those he described as strangers who were out to allegedly influence and manipulate the people with money.

Action carried out to ensure total security — PDP

PDP is determined to rig the election

Meanwhile, the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday threw its weight behind the restrictions placed on the way of some APC governors and party members who were travelling to attend the campaign rally for their Ekiti State counterpart. The party said it was completely in order. Speaking with Van-

— Dakuku Peterside Chairman House Committee on Petroleum, (Downstream), Mr. Dakuku Peterside described the incident as an act of intolerance and the determination of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to rig the elections. His words: “The fears of many Nigerians, particularly lovers of democracy that the PDP control-

Jonathan sets up c'ttee over Abacha loot

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

C M Y K

BUJA—JULIUS Berger Nigeria Plc has promised to meet the 40-month completion deadline for the full rehabilitation of Apapa/ Oshodi expressway in September this year. Managing Director of the company, Mr. Wolfgang Goetsch, in an interview with Vanguard at the company ’s 44th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Abuja, said: “I can tell you that Apapa/ Oshodi expressway is ongoing, in line with our contract, ahead of schedule. “I sympathise with users that have to use this road on a daily basis with harrowing experiences on that highway. We are sure that the project will be commissioned in September this year.” Goetsch, who assured motorists and other road users of the company’s commitment to complete and deliver the projects at the stipulated time, pleaded with Lagosians to bear with the company for the next three and half months.

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

B U J A — P R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, set up a committee to fashion out the best way to invest part of the recovered loot of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. This followed the planned release of $227 million, about N36.32 billion, from the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, which is part of the looted funds recovered from the Abacha family. To ensure the proper utilisation of the funds, President Goodluck Jonathan decided to constitute an inter-ministerial committee to identify the best projects and programmes in which to invest the funds. According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the coordinating minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Nwabuikwu, the President had also directed that part of the funds be saved in the Future Generations Fund, which is one of the funds managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA to help secure the economic future of both Nigerian youths and unborn Nigerians. “We can confirm that Nigeria will on June 25, receive the sum $227 million from the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, part of looted funds recovered from the Abacha family,” the statement said. In line with the agreement reached with the Principality of Liechtenstein, it was stated that the World Bank will assist in monitoring the utilisation of the funds in specific projects. The return of the funds is the culmination of a robust 16-year effort by the Federal Government of Nigeria to retrieve the funds.

led Federal Government is determined to rig the June 21 Ekiti Governorship elections have started manifesting and it marks another dimension in the impunity and desperation by the PDP controlled Federal Government to capture power at all cost even at the cost of lives of Nigerians. This is worrisome and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy and liberty".

We have nothing to do with it —Ekiti Police Command

The Ekiti State Police Command, however, absolved itself of culpability, saying it knew nothing about the affair. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Victor Babayemi, told Vanguard that “the police has got nothing to do with the issue.”

IG deploys AIG, 4 Commissioners of Police; restricts

movements

Meanwhile, Police authorities in Abuja declared, yesterday, that the tough security measures being put in place for the June 21 Ekiti governorship election were informed by intelligence reports available to the force showing that there were plans by criminal elements to undermine the electoral process. Consequently, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has placed an order restricting movements within the boundaries of Ekiti State with effect from 6pm on Thursday (yesterday) June 19, 2014 to 6am of Sunday June 22, 2014. The IG has also deployed one Assistant Inspector General of Police and four Commissioners of Police to Ekiti for effective coordination of security operations throughout the period of the election. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police is AIG Bala M. Nasarawa.

He is to supervise security arrangements and assisted by four Commissioners of Police. While CP Ikechukwu Aduba will function as CP in charge of Ekiti State for the period of the election, three other CPs will be specifically saddled with the responsibility of supervising security arrangements in the three senatorial districts of the state. They are: CP Danladi Y. Mshelbwala (EkitiNorth), CP Mohammed Ibrahim (Ekiti-Central) and CP Augustine Eubakhabokum (EkitiSouth). CP Hosea Karma (CP in charge of PMF) will be charged with the responsibility of supervising the operations of the Police Mobile Force and other special Strike Forces. Confirming the deployment, Force Public Relations officer, CSP Frank Mba said: “In this regard, the states of Kwara, Ondo, Osun and Kogi which are contiguous to Ekiti state will have increased police presence. Therefore, all entry and exit points in and out of Ekiti will be maximally policed.

APC CONVENTION: Abia delegates threaten court action over allowances

MUAHIA—SOME delegates of Abia State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, at the party’s recent national convention, have threatened to sue a factional leader of the party in the state, Chief Ikechi Emenike, over alleged unpaid allowances. A statement by the leader of the aggrieved delegates, Chief Johnson Nwokonna, alleged that most of the delegates were not paid their entitlements. When contacted, the

factional chairman of APC in the state, Mr. Fabian Okonkwo, said: “Chief Emenike has no right to sign the money. We have appointed him the leader of the party in the state, while I am the chairman. I was the one who signed the money from the party ’s convention committee chairman, Governor Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State and I shared the stipends to delegates from Abia State. So if anybody is asking about the money, the person should ask me

and if anybody is threatening to go to court, the person should go to court against me.” It will be recalled that the state chapter of the party had been embroiled in crisis. While a faction loyal to Emenike claims authenticity, another faction recognised by the South East caucus of the party, led by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu respectively, is also claiming to be the recognised faction.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014— —15

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16â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard , FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

CONDOLENCE VISIT TO LATE ARISEKOLA-ALAO'S IBADAN RESIDENCE, YESTERDAY. PIX: DARE FASUBE

From left: Idris Arisekola-Alao, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi,Oba Otudeko and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, at the late business mogul's residence, yesterday.

Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin, Ogiyan of Ejigbo (left), and Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Timi of Ede.

From left: Farouk Arisekola-Alao, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Chief Lekan Alabi.

Alhaja Bose Adedibu, wife of late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu signing the condolence register.

Cross section of female mourners, at the deceased residence

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 —17

The peoples’ governor

S Ekiti State indigenes prepare them selves to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election – which will take place tomorrow – I feel moved to reflect on the character of the incumbent Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, whom I’ve known since we were both young students and workers in London. He has distinguished academic career credentials that are especially appropriate for the Oga of a state that is famed for producing intellectuals (it is often said that almost every family in Ekiti contains at least one PhD!). He is a prolific author who has lectured in Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia; and he has been, to name but a small handful of the posts he held before he entered politics, an Adjunct Professor of Security Studies at the National Defense University in the US, a Member of the Management Review Board of the ECOWAS Secretariat, an Advisor to the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the pioneer Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (a research and training institute that was dedicated to the study and promotion of development, peace-

several other underground activist assignments. He has also delivered on large chunks of the eight-point agenda he unveiled in his inaugural speech on October l6, 2010.

building and human security in Africa). But he is not an emotionally remote Oyinbo-ish bookworm who inhabits an ivory tower and struggles to relate to anyone who is not a foreign-trained egghead. Fayemi is a true Man Of The People. He was educated in Nigeria as well as abroad. He understands down-toearth local realities as well as sophisticated international environments. And I can honestly say that he is one of the most sincere, caring, uncorrupt and utterly unpretensious people I have ever met. Whenever I express a high opinion of a Nigerian dignitary, certain Vanguard readers – I call them The Usual Cynics! - accuse me of having been paid to do so. But I can swear on the Bible that Fayemi did not ask me to write this flattering article or offer me a dime. And that even if he HAD offered me money to sing his praises on this page, I would have firmly rejected it because he is an exceptional Nigerian who deserves free, honest, heartfelt compliments. For me, this is about the quality of an individual, not a matter of one party ’s candidate versus another party’s candidate. Fayemi happens to belong to the APC. But I’d have regarded him as ideal, whatever party he belonged to. When one looks at Dr Fayemi’s CV, there is so much to admire. He has bravely risked his life. During military rule, he ran an opposition radio station – Radio Kudirat – and undertook

Whenever I express a high opinion of a Nigerian dignitary, certain Vanguard readers – I call them The Usual Cynics! - accuse me of having been paid to do so

He kicked off by assuring his constituents that: “...The vision is clear…It is to make poverty history in our land. While it is going to be a daunting task, it is not an insurmountable challenge…Ekiti State is bigger than us all…” And he has indeed made great strides in terms of participatory governance and accountability, infrastructure, modernisation of agriculture, education and human capital, healthcare, industries, tourism and female empowerment. Fayemi’s progressive attitude towards gender issues is one of the things I like about him. He has said that: “The skills and experiences that

women bring to the leadership table are as important as what men have to offer.” And he has always treated his clever, charming and hard-working First Lady, Erelu Bisi, like an equal partner. Erelu Bisi Fayemi is, in her own right, a force to be reckoned with. As far back as I can remember, she was sturdily standing by her man, but not in a slavish way, and eloquently championing the female empowerment cause with his help. The Fayemis are a great team and inspirational role models. Even when they were kids, they were un-frivolous, mature and just plain decent. They have, for the past 30 years, made substantial sacrifices and embraced socio-economic reform initiatives with passion and compassion. They are not arrogant or greedy or interested in wealth acquisition or oppressing citizens. When they eventually made it to Government House in Ado Ekiti nearly four years ago, I cheered like crazy, knowing that Ekiti people were lucky to have them. I hope that I will have cause to cheer again after tomorrow’s election. 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.

OPINION Koko: Enough of the unending hostile policies BYOKOFU UBAKA OMAMULI

DMITTEDLY, now may not be the appropriate time to ask for an apology from a president still struggling under the challenges of insecurity and sundry distractions. Suffice to say such is one unavoidable outcome of an embryonic democratic process, and more seriously, a litmus test to the salient issue of competence and astuteness. However, an unreserved apology from the Presidency and the Delta State government to the people of Koko is in order and in fact long due. If for no reason, at least, for keeping the people in the dark for so long as to the reason or reasons justifying the relocation of the twin-project of EPZ and Petrochemical Plant from Koko to Ugborodo after so much have been sacrificed by the people of Koko to have the projects take off there without any hitch. This isn’t the first time the people of Koko were shortchanged in the scheme of things and denied the advantage of being allocated vital projects. In 1988 when toxic substance was dumped in Koko habour, the compensation paid by the Italian government never got to Koko. Worse was the relocation of a specialist hospital to Irrua instead of Koko where it was originally designated as part of the many conditions entered into with the Italian government as consequence for the dumping and arresting any eventual out break of disease which arising from the dumping of the waste in Koko. In all this, the late Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu (1939-2011) and then military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and some Itsekiri leaders were accused of denying the people of Koko what legitimately was theirs. Again, successive administrations have been avoiding the Koko port as if it is a plague. Incidentally, one of the reasons for the relocation of the projects from Koko to Ugborodo, as was being rumoured in some quarters,

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was ascribed to a narrow potion between Koko and Eghoro along the Benin River estuary. It has been the reason or excuse for abandoning the Koko quay, which has been adjudged the only natural habour in sub-Saharan Africa. With the Kokoport going comatose, there is no single Federal Government presence in Koko. During the twilight of the Alhaji Shehu Shagari first term in office, the Koko port was approved to be upgraded to accommodate more berths and also a Nigerian Navy Training School. These projects were diverted to Sapele for no convincing reasons order than the shallow point at Eghoro/Lagos Junction along the Koko/Ogheye estuary. Yet, navigating from the Atlantic Ocean, you will arrive Koko first before Sapele. How come Sapele is accessible by that same route and was never a barrier to the now comatose Sapele port? Does the fact that Koko people are not militant in their approach the reason why they are not considered important to the administrations of President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan? Those in government must understand that one good turn deserves another. The present administration may not consider the people of Koko as constituting any threat to its re-election bid in 2015 because of its size. But Mr. President and Dr. Uduaghan are better put on notice that the people of Koko are angry over the relocation of the twin-project of EPZ and Petrochemical Plant to Ugborodo. More annoying is government’s silence over the relocation. 2015 is but a few months away, and for the people of Koko, it could be pay back time! It smacks of arrogance on the side of government when certain policies are not explained to the people. Ordinarily, the people deserved to be informed on any action of government. It is unfortunate that some of those elected into positions at all levels of governance in this country are insensitive to the yearnings and interests of the people. Little wonder any government may wake up and carry out a policy without gauging the peoples’ pulse regarding the

acceptance or otherwise of such policy. When Mr. President, on May 19, 2012 announced the approval of EPZ and the construction of a Petrochemical Plant in Koko, the nation applauded the move, convinced that it will ensure that all the waste from oil exploration are put into beneficial use and at the same time, ease the effect of the continuous dumping of toxic substance on the environment. There won’t be any need over stressing the developmental benefit of the foregone projects to the country’s ailing economy, and the strategic location of Koko to play host to the projects. Koko can be accessed by both land and sea. What’s more, it is connected to the national grid. It is peaceful and safe for investors; it has not recorded a single case of kidnapping. I ask, what other factor is considered in the location of any of the two projects mentioned above? Imperatively, there was no contrary opinion to the fact that Koko was not suitable as host to such important project. After painstaking investigations by an expert team of technocrats and engineers, the Presidency issued a blueprint on the suitability of Koko for the twin-project. It therefore means that Koko could not have been considered in isolation. Other viable communities were assessed alongside Koko. The terminal point was that Koko was the most viable. Hence Mr. President’s announcement on May 29. It remains to be seen why and how the twin-project was relocated to Ugborodo, another community in Delta State without a word from government justifying the relocation. Although no reason was given by either the Presidency or the Delta State government on the relocation, it seems that both tiers of government were not convinced of their action in relocating the project. I am of the view that the relocation has no justification, hence the Presidency and the Delta government could not explain their actions to the people, or at best issue a blueprint on the relocation.

*Mr. Omamuli, a commentator on national affairs, wrote from Koko, Delta State.

18 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 THE proposed N15.8 billion National Emergency Relief Programme, with the bulk expected to be invested in the rehabilitation of the North East, is a major proposal in countering the effects of the insecurityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the region. It must be stated that the amount would prove inadequate for the damage long drawn security challenges have visited in the area. Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala announced the initiative with former British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown. Governors K a shim Shettima (Borno), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe) and the Director General of the National Emergency Relief Agency, NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, were also present. The three-pronged programme is a collaborative effort of the federal, state and local governments, private sector, as well as international partners. It includes provision of relief to victims of the insurgency, repair of infrastructure and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative. It was hatched during the World Economic Forum for Africa, which Abuja hosted last month.

Rehabilitation, New Route To North East

These bold steps demonstrate the readiness of Nigeria, its private sector players and international allies, to address the plight of Nigerians in the theatre of conflict. The package is an incentive for all concerned to redouble efforts to end the insurgency. An end to the conflict is important to ensure that the money is not wasted. If the conflict persists, the impact of the package would be lost in the further damages the insurgency would cause. The package is small, but its impact would depend on how well it is utilised. A respectable range of financial assistance to hasten the return of normalcy in the stricken zone, with more provided as more needs are identified, is more useful than lavishing funds in ways suggestive of encouraging rebellions, violent agitations

and insurgencies in Nigeria. Other initiatives should follow. The elite in the region, major beneficiaries of the resources of the region for years, should invest in its rehabilitation. The insurgency calls their leadership to question. Their answers should include packages for ameliorating the state of the people, many of whom are in circumstances that are beyond their widest imaginations. Rampart poverty in the region and damage to its resources have increased. The political, traditional and religious leadership of the North East would bear a primary responsibility to ensure an end to the conflict. The return of normalcy in the region is important for the implementation of the rehabilitation package. Issues that resulted in the insurgency are more local than they are made to seem. Without support of local leadership, that understands the terrain, efforts to end the conflict would be wasted. Nigerians are desirous of peace in parts conflicts persist. We support more investments in peace for their proactive impact.

OPINION

Arrest of suspected Boko Haram members in Abia BY CHARLES URATTAM

HE recent arrest of 486 suspected Boko T Haram members, including eight girls, by the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Asa, near Aba, Abia State on June 14 has once again raised the question of how secure the entire country is presently? It also underlines the belief in some quarters that the insurgents are finding their ways to the southern part of the country which before now was a no go-area for them. Coming a day after bombs were discovered in a Pentecostal church in Owerri, the Imo State capital that shares border with Abia State, calls for serious concern and concerted response efforts. The timely arrest of the suspects who were moving in the convoy of 35 buses at the odd hour of that day has shown that the Nigerian military personnel in Abia State are very much alert. Many security agents on duty at such an odd hour would have been asleep fail to notice or stop the suspicious convoy. It is another milestone in the fight against insecurity in the country by the Nigerian military. It could be recalled that the 144 Battalion of Nigerian Army at Asa was established at the height of the kidnapping saga that once grounded activities in the commercial city of Aba. The security agents should do everything possible to fish out the two buses that

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reportedly escaped with their occupants as they still portend danger to the people of the state and its environs. Also to assist the security agents in their investigation is the unnamed person who came to secure their release, but was arrested. The alleged statement credited to the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima that the arrest of the suspects was a sign that if the Boko Haram insurgency is not tackled in the North, it might consume the whole country, is misguided and unwarranted. The claim by the military authorities that one of the most wanted terror kingpins was among those arrested is a clear confirmation that the insurgents are becoming more desperate to destroy the country by all means and pull down government at all levels. It is also an indication that they now have have allies or collaborators in the Southern part of the country who are determined to use them to achieve their devilish aims. It has been proved in our clime that nothing is impossible, especially as the 2015 elections are fast approaching and people who have lost out of the power equation are desperate to stage a comeback by all means. The security agents in the course of investigation should beam their searchlight at all corners, because some political opponents are capable of doing anything

to destabilise the present government in Abia State. Before the arrest, they have been doing everything humanly possible to bring the government down, but have failed. So nothing is ruled out here, because we all saw ahead of the 2011 elections how politically-motivated kidnappings became rampart in the state, especially the commercial city of Aba. There is urgent need for regular security meeting involving all stakeholders in the state to raise awareness of the people on need for security consciousness. No stone should be left unturned in nipping in the bud the forces of darkness trying to make a return to the state. t would be recalled that at the peak of I the kidnapping menace in the state which turned Aba to a pariah city, those suspected to be behind it and their allies were in the fore-front in calling for the resignation of the state governor and declaration of the state of emergency in the state. It took the timely intervention and commitment of the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji for the scourge to be tackled. For almost two years plus, billions of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funds which would have been used in the development of the state were channelled into fighting the kidnapping. Special allowances were arranged for the

security agents and provision of operational equipment and the people were very cooperative. It was during the period that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government established the Military Battalion in Asa and another Military Base at Abayi, Ngwa area of the state. The state government provided adequate incentives for the security agents which motivated them to fight the kidnappers until their kingpin Osisikankwu was killed in a gun duel. Since then the state government has been adequately funding and supporting the security agents, thereby making the state one of the safest and secured states in the country today. The arrest of the suspected Boko Haram members at Asa is a true manifestation of the level of security in the state which was made possible by the massive support of the state government. The development is also a signal that the state is not and can never be a safe haven for criminal elements and their collaborators under any disguise. Other state governments have a lot to learn from Abia State on how to fight insecurity. No wonder, today the state governor, Chief Orji is a recipient of several awards on security by different organisations and countries. *Mr. Urattam, a security consultant, wrote from Ikeja, Lagos

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014— —19

OKO Haram came to lime light in 2007, just as expresident Olusegun Obasanjo was planning to hand over power. What he did not know was that his colleagues from the North had a different agenda to take power permanently, and Boko Haram was part of their bargain. When he handed over to a Northerner, the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua as President, his Northern colleagues must have thought to themselves that it was better to allow the late President conclude his amnesty programme with the Niger Delta militants and then follow up with amnesty for the Haramites. Boko Haram was an instrument in their strategy to either wrest power from any nonNorthern President or get even with the South. But our leaders from the South did not seem to appreciate the level of determination by their Northern counterparts to take over power. When, unfortunately,President Yar'Adua died, the North quickly reverted to the plan to use Boko Haram for power negotiation, and as President Goodluck Jonathan,GEJ, a South Southerner who most of them in error thought was an Igbo man, became President, and suggested

he was willing to serve out his constitutional eight years term, the North became visibly shaken in anger. They politicised, tribalised, sectionalised and brought religion into every consideration and reasoning. Our leaders, and even a section of the press, continued to allow politics to be mixed with religion, tribalism and selfishness till the Chibok girls' incident in April. Even then, many failed to see the real cry and message from a concerned mother; and while they made senseless jokes out of the national calamity with “ Na only you waka come? and there is Godooh”, the international community ran down to help us. Many Nigerians continue to cry for a different zonal approach to check the spread of terror from the North to the South, but our opposition politicians sing different tunes. GEJ only last week announced, for the umpteenth time, that there are forces committed to use terror to undermine the country's corporate existence. What better ways can such forces work if not by causing bombs to explode in key locations in the South? They are targeting churches. And that is my concern because first they are Muslims, second they hate Christians and third, they started with killing Christians in the North

Can we say then that Governor Okorocha, having grown up and lived most of his life in the North, has attracted terror through his kindness to his own friends?

at their onset in 2009.They want to use the same method this time, and they have their agents in high society, offices, military, politics, to distract Nigerians and our leaders who are falling over their heads in swallowing their lies.

rophet T B Joshua was the first to expose a Haramite who confessed to planning to destroy the Synagogue Church of All Nations early this year. Then the Lords Chosen Church, both in Lagos. But now they want to export terrorism to the South East. In February this year, these agents chose Imo to attack the convoy of the Senate President who was attending a funeral in Nkwere. We heard nothing about who did it; people played politics with it. Governor Nyako said it was GEJ and Igbo people hating Northerners, etc. Just last week,

Boko Haram, Chibok: Deconsructing religious fundamentalism BY BOBSON GBINIJE

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires Than him who conquers his enemies; For the hardest victory is the victory over self”. -ARISTOTLE (384-322Bc) HEN schizoid hysteria and lunatic martyrdom becomes the driving force in any sect, religious collectivity, society or individual, it precipitates weird characteristics manifested in sectarian violence, hate, intolerance and fundamentalism. Hence, religion has become the greatest predator on man and Percy Shelley posited thus: “Earth groans beneath religious iron-age and Priests and Imams dare babble of a God of peace even whilst their hands are red with guiltless blood”. Religion is a belief in the worship of the ultimate power greater than man. It is like a burning candle in a multi-coloured lantern, you see it from your own perspective. But the desire to make others see it from our own religious stand point or die is the cause of religious schism in Nigeria. It is a grotesque display of blind extremism and gross intolerance for one to be monotheistically fanatical. Religion is supposed to bring out the best in us as Muslims, Christians, Hindus, etc. The cardinal matrix of love remains the organic fibre of all religions, but it has turned out to be otherwise. There is only one God which we call by many other names and He is the quintessence and perfect exemplification of love. We are therefore not serving God when we end up fighting and killing ourselves in the name of Islamism or Christianity. It is broad daylight solipsism for which we must all be ashamed. Sometime ago, a Danish newspaper made a sarcastic picturesque reflection of Prophet Mohammed and this immediately ignited

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Islamic violence all over the world. To compound matters the print media in France, Britain, America, Belgium, etc, reran the so-called offensive cartoon leading to and fueling more violence in parts of the world, including Nigeria. It must be stated with unequivocal clarity that democracy in Denmark is not reflective of democracy in Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Nigeria. In these other areas, democracy is still gestational and embryonic, and so matters that touches on what people love with passionate depth should be treated with some modicum of respect, but that does not justify the unleashing of horrendous mayhem on people of other faiths. How a cartoon in far away Denmark affects a Nigerian Christian remains a puzzle. Is the Boko Haram’s ongoing furore and rancid genocide in Maiduguri, Kastina, Bauchi, Gombe, etc, that has led to the loss of property and lives right? Is the practice of Sharia conductive to Nigeria’s peace? Is the Islamic theology and practice inherently violent and intolerant? When will this recurrent decimal of Islamic fundamentalism and violence stop in Nigeria? Are reprisals by Christians the best way to respond? Wither goeth the principles, practice and tenets of Islamism and Christianity in Nigeria? Why have successive governments in Nigeria not been able to solve the problem of religious violence and intolerance? Is religion now equivalent to gangsterism? Is it now a Mafioso-like cult? Is religion a new version of terrorism? Is it an indirect protest against political, socio-economic dislocation? Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 the orgy of religious violence leading to a bounteous harvest of corpses, loss of lives and property has continued with unabated regularity. In 1962, 1963, 1964 Kano, Sokoto, Jos and Kaduna were very volatile cities of religious violence. The volatility was given a political colour in the 1966

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

Imo and increasing terror threats

Governor Shettima warned that Boko Haram will spread to the South of Nigeria, and in less than seven days of his prophecy, bombs were found inside the Winners Church in Owerri. Who wants to make Imo a centre of insecurity in the South East and why? It is also baffling why Jihadists usually kill ‘unbelievers’ who showed them kindness. People confirm that during riots in the North, it was those who knew them well enough to trust, that got hit first. Can we say then that Governor Rochas Okorocha, having grown up and lived most of his life in the North, has attracted terror through his kindness to his own friends? If the truth be told, Governor Okorocha has done more to help Imo-Muslim relationship than any past Governor of Imo State, and I wonder if he must be rewarded with violence and insecurity? Imo is a purely Christian state. A drive around on a Sunday will confirm this. Could that be why they have singled us out? All the North Eastern states are APC-dominated. Again Okorocha is the only APC governor in the South East. Yet he now avoids matters of the South East, all in the name of APC. He did not attend their last two meetings and did not join in their solidarity visit to GEJ this week, although the bomb in Owerri was one of their cardinal reasons for that visit. Since Governor Chibuike Amaechi joined the APC, Rivers has really known no peace: from oil wells matters to the Judiciary.

We are sick and tired of religious violence in Nigeria and any reprisal from Christians will deal a fatal blow to the fragile edifice of Nigeria’s nationhood

pogrom that led to the mass decimation of the Igbos in Northern Nigeria, which led to the call for all Igbos to return home to Eastern Nigeria, culminating in the Nigeria/ Biafra civil war (1967 -1970). In the '80s we witnessed the Maitasine and Zak Zaki religious schism. Specifically, at the college of Education in the outskirts of metropolitan Kafanchan in Kaduna State at about 8:30pm on Friday March 4, 1987 activities were entering their second day of the “Mission 87 crusade” organised by the Fellowship of Christian Students, FCS. It was holding at the college's convocation Square and the preacher, Reverend Abubakar Bako, a one-time Moslem from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria mounted the dais and started to speak.

n the course of his remarks he made references to certain verses of the Koran in Arabic and sought to interpret what these meant in English. There were some Moslem students in the library which was not too far from the convocation grounds. They were listening to what the preacher was saying and they took exception to his interpretation of the Koran, arguing that he had no authority to do so. This later led to a religious conflagration that left in its wake genocidal destruction of lives and property that has now crescendoed into the Boko Haram holocaust and the Chibok saga. The examples are innumerably many. But for how long are we going to continue to put up with this religious madness in

Governor Okorocha must not let his romance with APC affect his role in Igbo matters because he is our governor. We have PDP, ANPP, Labour and the rest who look up to him as their Governor. Imo must review and re-plan her security strategy hence forth, for there is danger! Security agencies should have functional anti- bomb and explosive detection equipment installed at all border roads to monitor movements of goods and persons from all sources. Vigilantes should be documented, trained and empowered to handle all guncarrying herdsmen, while the people must be well educated about terrorists and their modes of operation. Papa David Oyedepo of Winners should bear in mind that the army and police may have saboteurs; the church should ensure that an eagle- eyed born again Christian is in-charge of the investigation of the bomb found in one of its branches in Owerri. Tangible evidence might be destroyed and witnesses scared away if the matter is left to the whims and caprices of the law enforcement agencies alone. CAN and PFN should rally round Winners to use the information from the arrested men in Owerri to help the nation and the believing church of God.

*Mr. Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

Nigeria? It is now time to act. Enough is enough. There must be a Federal Government sponsored bill seeking for life imprisonment and the death penalty for religious bandits and fanatics who terrorise, maim and kill others in the name of their god or whatever. The Federal Government of Nigeria must educate and sensitise religious groups on the fact that Nigeria is a secular state and that they are statutorily obligated to the payment of taxes to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This must commence immediately. The government must stop sponsoring pilgrims to their holy lands and all Pilgrims Welfare Boards must be reorganised to reflect the present religious realities on ground. The Bible and the Koran assert that God Almighty or Allah can fight His own battles. He does not need a galaxy of hypocrites, criminals, terrorists, miscreants, hoodlums and ignorant looters to fight for Him. It must be courageously said that the violent antics of moslems over the years shows that Imams and Muslims scholars are preaching a post-Modernism Intifada, Jihad and Fatwa for their selfish political ends and must be condemned in no uncertain terms. They must be prevailed upon to re-orientate themselves and their teachings. They must be told that love, friendship, tolerance and brotherhood are the key words and that the idea of infidels does not exist as we are all children of Allah or God Almighty. The idea of a passport to Heaven for killing non-Muslims is based on parochial judgemental fallacy. The Federal Government must set up a new and vibrant council on religious affairs incorporating a broad spectrum of the memberships of all faiths. We are sick and tired of religious violence in Nigeria and any consequent reprisal from Christians will deal a fatal blow to the fragile edifice of Nigeria’s nation hood. Boko Haram’s callous spilling of human blood through senseless bombings, has done tremendous disservice to the country’s floundering search for a confluence of national interests.

*Mr.Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Brave victim battles to reclaim bike from robbers BY WILSON YAFU, WARRI

ANY days for the thief, one day for the owner. This popular saying aptly defines the violent episode of how Dennis Mejiren, 23, recovered his brand new purple Q-Link motorbike (Okada) moments after two armed men had dispossessed him of it at Otu-Jermi, headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area. Dennis who re-lived the unforgettable experience to Vanguard Metro, VM, said: “I took these two men, not far older than me, from Ubogo Junction in the morning of Wednesday May 21. We were heading to an agreed destination when they asked me to stop at the Jeremi Stadium. There, one of them pulled a seeming locally fabricated pistol. Pointing it at me, they asked me to come down from the bike after taking my money, over N2500 in my pockets. “I did yield to their threat, but I jabbed the one holding the gun as they tried to make away with my bike.

Fighting the robbers He fell, losing hold of the gun in the process. This happened at the Agbowhiame Road right in from of the Jeremi FM Radio Complex. The JFM gateman was watching the unfolding drama, with his big Alsatian dog barking. I called on the gateman to assist in fighting the robbers, but the sight of the gun discouraged him.” According to him, the robber

The victim, Mejiren, recounting his ordeal we sighted them on the OviriEwu Road. The community vigilante communicated their Ewu counterparts, but they diverted towards Okparabe and we followed without their knowledge.” In the climax of the drama, the robbers reversed by Okparabe community on sighting the community’s vigilante who had been alerted and waiting. “We were already on that road, so they were now riding towards us. I had disguised with the cap belonging to my Okada colleague. So the robbers had no idea I was the one they had robbed and now chasing them. “As they approached, I dis-

I disembarked from the bike and started moving quietly towards them; with a machete I borrowed from a local farmer, I cut the one riding my bike on the arm; both robbers fell from the bike and we and the locals swooped on them

who tried to escape with the bike returned to the scene where he was wrestling his partner in crime. “With two against one, they overpowered me and zoomed off with my bike after one of them had hit me hard on my head with the gun three times, leaving me bleeding profusely from three cuts on the head. “Luckily, a fellow Okada rider came along. I explained to him and we chased after them. At Agbowhiame, we were told they headed towards Erhuwaren. We followed that through Kiagbodor to Oviri Olomu where C M Y K

embarked from the bike and started moving quietly towards them on their right of way. With a machete I borrowed from a local farmer, I cut the one riding my bike on one arm. They both fell from the bike and we and the locals swooped on them.” Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu who confirmed the incident gave the names of the arrested suspects as Victor Philip and Paul Ogilo. The Delta PPRO, however, held that the alleged gun the suspects employed in attacking Mejiren was only “pistol like”, while

...Displays his head wounds

also referring to the victim’s bike as “unregistered.” The victim, however, maintained thus: “What they pointed at me when they took my bike

was a shot gun. And they meant to shoot me. My luck was the gun malfunctioned. I would have been dead.” “When Police arrived the

scene the robbers had been badly injured, the motorbike recovered and suspects confessed to the crime and others. Preliminary investigation is on,” DSP Kalu added. The suspects and the recovered bike were still in custody at the Jeremi Divisional Police Headquarter. Mejiren who spoke to VM at Oginibo where he resides is still nursing pains on the stitches on his battered head. His final word was an appeal to the police authorities to release his bike. “I just acquired the bike. I have valid proof of ownership and I appeal they release the bike to me to enable me continue with my okada work which is what sustains me,” he stated.

Nigerian Navy has done well —Obanikoro BY BOSE ADELAJA

The Senator who said he was two months old in his new appointment enjoined the organisation to expand its horrizon, saying there is room for improvement. He said: “They have done well but I enjoin them to raise the level at which they are performing. I am happy with the level of performance of the Nigerian Navy but there is room for improvement. I am happy with them and want them to keep up the good works. “There are good hands among them. I am saying this with confidence. I am barely two months old in this office and we must not forget that when someone is new in any field of endeavour, mistakes and corrections will be made but one’s ability to learn will yield a lot of improvement. “So far, the Navy has done well and there is need for all of us to rally round them so that they can perform better. All hands must be on deck to ensure Nigeria as a nation overcomes all the challenges she is facing right now.’.

HE Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has thrown his weight behind the Nigerian Navy, saying it has contributed immensely to the security of the nation, especially as regards safety on the nation’s territorial waters. Senator Obanikoro who spoke with journalists in Lagos shortly after he flagged off the Navy week in commemoration of their 58th anniversary which took place at the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS, QUORRA, Apapa, urged Nigerians to support the organisation which had recorded laudable achievements in the past 58 years. Highlighting its contribution to the nation’s economy, the Senator, said the Nigerian Navy had played a vital role to the progress of Nigeria as regards protection of maritime facilities and that of the oil industry. Obanikoro said the 58th anniversary, was to showcase what the security organisation had done to ensure safety on the nation’s territorial waters, adding: ‘’I want us to take cognisance of the fact that the Navy is playing a very vital role in Nigeria giving the fact that oureconomyisnotmaritime like any other nation. Also, if you look at the role the Nigerian Navy is playing, an occasionlikethismakes sense to showcase what it has done in ensuringsafetyonourterritorial water and that *Senator Obanikoro being accorded a salute of honour at the of our Oil industry.” occasion

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 21

Nigeria to benefit from N15.55bn Dutch Growth Fund ‘We see great opportunities in Nigeria’

IGERIA is one of the countries to benefit from the Nether lands’ N15.55 billion (about 700 million Euro) Growth Fund to be launched in July, the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation, Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, has said. The decision to include Nigeria in the preferred list of countries came on the

heels of the discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and his Dutch counterpart, last year. Aganga confirmed this during the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum in Lagos. The Netherlands minister is currently in Nigeria at the head of a delegation of over 20 Dutch businessmen to tie win-win trade and investment rela-

tionships. The Dutch Growth Fund will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs and SMEs to form Joint Ventures with their Dutch counterparts, expand their businesses and also invest in critical and thriving sectors. Aganga said, “Netherlands is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. Within the last five years, the value of trade between Nigeria and Netherlands has

FROM LEFT: Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Nimota Akanbi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen; and Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, John C. M. Groffen, during the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum, in Lagos.

grown from about $2.5billion to about $10billion. “In addition to the fact that there are so many Dutch companies operating and doing well in Nigeria, there is also the E700m Dutch Growth Fund, which the Government of Netherlands is planning to establish which will be accessed by Nigerians in partnership with Dutch entrepreneurs who can bring in their know-how and innovation. This will make Joint Ventures easier between the two countries.” He noted, “I want to commend the Dutch Government for this. When I went to the Netherlands about two years ago when the Fund was about to be created, I appealed to the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation, Hon. Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, that Nigeria should be included as one of the countries that will benefit from the Fund. “She promised that she would visit Nigeria and give us an update on the Fund. I am delighted that she has fulfilled her promise of visiting Nigeria but the good news is that she has confirmed that Nigeria is among the countries that will benefit from the Fund.” Speaking during the event, Ploumen said the decision to include Nigeria as one of the benefitting countries was based on Nigeria’s huge economic potentials as the biggest economy in Africa, adding that the Fund would also help to fast-track inclusive economic growth, especially in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. She said, “The Dutch Fund will promote the Joint Venture and investment of Dutch companies with their Nigerian counterparts. Nigeria has been included as one of the countries that will benefit from the Fund because we see great investment and growth opportunities in Nigeria. “Within the next three to four years, we will be investing 700million euros into the fund, which is open for all sectors of the Nigerian economy. The objective is for us to enhance inclusive economic growth in Nigeria, which is the largest economy in Africa.

Oyo secures N31.14bn World Bank loan for flood management BY EMMANUELELEBEKE

HE World Bank has approved a loan package of N31.14 billion (US $200 million) credit facility for Nigeria to improve Oyo State’s disaster risk management capabilities. The facility is expected to strengthen community-based resilience capacity, and provide support for risk assessment and early warning systems in Ibadan. A statement from the World Bank said the project investments will have considerable long term benefits such as improved city functioning and less impacts of flooding on livelihoods and other socio-economic activities in the city. C M Y K

Marie-Francoise Nelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria said “Nigerian cities are growing at a scale never seen before and are exposing more people to disaster impacts. Floods and other climate-related shocks are a severe threat to the achievement of the country ’s development goals. “It is critical that these cities are able to face these significant challenges, and prepare for potential natural disasters and climate change.” The statement noted that the Oyo State Government had requested the World Bank’s support to finance a flood management project, in recognition of the need for an integrated and long term solution to flooding in Ibadan. The World Bank stated that the

Ibadan Urban Flood Management project will benefit the 3.1 million people living in the city, specifically the 40,200 who reside in flood prone areas. It maintained that the project will establish early warning and flood response actions and will also finance the rehabilitation of Ibadan city drains, roads and bridges, as well as restoring the flood damaged Eleyele dam. The World Bank added that the project will also develop a long-term flood risk management framework, adding that it reinforces Oyo State government’s early warning and response capabilities and leverages existing World Bank projects such as the Community and Social Development Project, CSDP in Oyo.

166.3

-2.75

3,139.00

+3.00

17.49

0.43

114.48 +1.03 106.05

-0.31

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.73 262.1436 209.9067 172.2668 1.5137 0.3011 237.6733 24.8278 41.2525 28.145 238.3306

155.23 262.9907 210.585 172.8234 1.5186 0.3111 238.4414 24.9085 41.3858 28.236 239.1008

155.73 263.8378 211.2633 173.3801 1.5235 0.3211 239.2094 24.9892 41.5191 28.3269 239.8709

CBN Exchange rate as at 20/06/2014

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Skilled manpower can attract investors to capital market — ADEYEMI By PETER EGWUATU

ocal investors can be attracted to the Nigerian capital market when there are adequate skilled manpower in the financial industry, Mr. Tunde Adeyemi, President, DAVIDS Graduate School of Finance, has said. He said the dearth of skilled manpower in the financial industry has been one of the major reasons why there has been low fund raising in the Nigerian capital market. He added that there is need for fresh university graduates to get practical knowledge of what is expected of them when seeking employment in the financial sector. According to him “DAVIDS Graduates School of Finance is here in the country to help train Nigerians in the field of finance and other related discipline to acquire skills that will help them gain employment or be self employed. Even, some workers with past academic qualifications need to be retrained to acquire modern skills that will boost performance of their organisations.” “For the Nigerian economy to grow faster, we need to develop skilled manpower that can drive local investors to invest in the capital market. Foreign investors have taken over our market because of their highly acquired skills and knowledge of investment,” he added. While commenting on the mission of the school in the country, he said “Our mission

with this programme is to commence a process of giving opportunity to willing graduates and would –be graduates to develop the skills that will help them in making a great career leap and contributions to the existing crisis –ridden financial market. The programme is centred on provision of leading edge programme for finance analysts, bankers, accountants, actuarial finance & insurance experts and lawyers. We provide practical tuitions and rigorous training and study that will afford every

participant the opportunity to make a meaningful impact his/her next employment decision after leaving school. In fact, overall, we are here to develop skills and bridge the academic, professional and industrial expectation gap, supporting students with skills needed to compete effectively in the industry and stir the entrepreneurial spirit in the chosen field of study; backed up by international certification and professional exposures.” Continuing, he disclosed that the school has visited

many universities in Nigeria to partner them so that students who are about to graduate and the graduating ones can seek practical skill from seasoned practitioners who comprise of both local and international experts. According to him “The curriculum is subdivided into two basic `modules to be taken in two different period and completed by an internship period of between 2-4 weeks; leading to certificate in the five specialised areas. The training is scheduled to commence from August 11, 2014 at the Backcock University, Ilishan–Remo, Ogun State. The tuition fee has been reduced to enable greater number of participants to take advantage of these peculiar courses,” he stated.

From left: Head, Economic/Regional Integration Cooperation, European Union (EU), Juan Casla; Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu, presenting a complimentary plaque to the European Union Ambassador, Michael Arrion during EU delegates courtesy visit to the DG in Abuja.

MASTERCARD: Financially excluded, under-served customers still live within cash economy M

asterCard has stated that both the financially excluded and underserved customers in the banking industry still rely on cash as a means of payment. This was disclosed when Mastercard unveiled the “Road to Inclusion” report at the Card, Automated Teller Machine, ATM and Mobile Expo in Lagos. According to the report from the company “Both the financially excluded and financially underserved still live within a cash economy. Instead of benefiting from bank account features like direct debits, internet banking or buying discounted goods online, the bulk of excluded and underserved Nigerians use cash to pay for everyday items such as telecommunication (93 percent), clothing (92 C M Y K

percent), transportation (91 percent) and food (73 percent). Though cash as a payment method remains prevalent, there are strong concerns about the safety and security in carrying cash. 56 percent said that the main benefit of a bank account is that it is safer than keeping cash at home. Another benefit of banks is the interest that they offer.” Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa, MasterCard, disclosed that the new report profiles the financially excluded and underserved in Nigeria and five other emerging markets (Egypt, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines), providing insights into how to bring them into the economic mainstream.) “Road to Inclusion was commissioned

by MasterCard to better understand what financial exclusion or under service means to the millions of people within this group, and what has triggered their choices. This is to better provide services that engage this marginalised audience and help them to reap the benefits of financial inclusion” she added. In Nigeria, the average age of the financially underserved and excluded is 28 years old. 91 percent have achieved secondary education or above, and 64 percent hold a job. The average family household income of Nigerian respondents is just $200 a month. This results in lower disposable income, leading 41 percent of this group to cite “not having enough money” as the main reason for not having a formal bank account.

Other reasons were that they “don’t want or need” a bank account (17 percent) or they feel that they need cash on a daily basis (four percent). In testing whether prepaid cards would appeal to the unbanked and under-banked, the research showed that 66 percent thought that prepaid cards were “unique and different”, 60 percent said that prepaid cards were “relevant”, and 58 percent said they are likely to apply for a prepaid card. While 65 percent of the respondents have heard of prepaid cards, none have used them. Interestingly, once educated about the concept, 53 percent of all respondents recognised that they would benefit from prepaid cards by not having to carry cash, while 26 percent acknowledged that prepaid cards would help them keep control of their spending.

CAP to drive revenue through improved operational efficiency By NKIRUKA NNOROM

hemical and Allied Products, CAP Plc, will focus more on and invest in plant efficiency in the course of the year to improve customer service delivery and drive revenue generation, says the chairman, Mr. Larry Ettah. He spoke at the company’s 49 th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, saying that CAP will leverage innovation with the support of its technical partners to grow and reinforce the quality of its brands, while seeking ways to reduce operational cost. He added that the distribution channels will be geared towards reaching the under-served retail end of the market by opening more Dulux Colour shops in order to make the brand more accessible to consumers across the country. Speaking on the financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2013, Ettah said that the company weathered the challenges in the business environment within the year and posted turnover of N6.2 billion, a growth of 18 percent over N5.23 billion recorded the previous year. He stated that the company also achieved profit before tax of N2.1 billion, which represents an increase of 26 percent over N1.66 billion in 2012, and profit after tax of N1.42 billion as against N1.12 billion in the previous year, representing 27 percent increase, attributing it to relentless efforts of the management team towards the sustained growth and profitability of the company. He indicated that the company expanded its spread during the year with the opening of eight new Dulux Colour shops in various parts of the country in Umuahia, Dopemu, Akure, Jigawa, Abuja, Katsina, Aba and Ughelli. “We successfully executed the Dulux Mobile Room Makeover, an innovative marketing campaign in the Nigerian clime to the delight of our teeming customers. We commenced ink jet coding of our product packages, making adulteration more difficult,” he said. “We ensure that our products continue to met global quality standards, hence retained the NIS ISO 9001:2008 certification of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON),” he added. Shareholders at the meeting approved distribution of N700million dividend, which translates to 100kobo per share.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 23

Stakeholders support Youth Agripreneur initiative to end unemployment By JIMOH BABATUNDE

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina, has called for entrepreneurial skills development for profitable agriculture and agribusiness enterprises among African youth. Just as the Director of Agriculture and AgroIndustry Department (OSAN), with the African Development Bank, Chiji Ojukwu, underscored the need for application of research, science and technology to enhance agricultural productivity as a way of making agriculture attractive to youth. They both spoke during a three-day workshop on Engagement of Youth Entrepreneurship for Agricultural Transformation in Africa held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan recently. The workshop aimed at raising awareness on the importance of engaging youth in agribusiness and following a value- and supply-chain approach, making a case for engaging African youth in agribusiness as a solution to the high youth unemployment on the continent, and building consensus around a multinational program for African youth engagement in agribusiness to address youth unemployment, contribute to economic growth, and poverty reduction. Dr. Adesina said agriculture has become the new buzz in Nigeria, with vibrant, young graduates moving into the business of agriculture. “President Jonathan, in 2013, launched the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) to create a new generation of young commercial farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs (“Nagropreneurs”)” He added “This will develop a total of 760,000 ‘Nagropreneurs’ within five years. Today, young graduates and bankers are leaving the banks and heading for agriculture. The new millionaires and billionaires of Nigeria will be in agriculture. It is a new dawn.” The Minister said the youths will be assisted the Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZ), which he said is the ministry’s new model of unlocking wealth from agriculture in rural areas. “We are developing staple crop processing zones

(SCPZ), which are new agricultural infrastructureenabled zones to attract agribusiness investors into rural areas. “The staple crop processing zones will solve the infrastructure challenges and constraints of the agroprocessing industry, drive social and economic impacts, offer a superior operating environment for downstream players as well as create a new platform for private sector investment in agriculture.” The Minister disclosed that Agriculture is the key for Africa’s future as the size of the agriculture and agribusiness sector in Africa is expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2030. About 20 African countries have thrown their weight behind the IITA Youth Agripreneur (IYA) initiative—

a pilot scheme that is engaging youths in agriculture with clear signals of ending youth unemployment in the continent. The initiative has also been endorsed by the IITA Board of Trustees, according to Dr Namanga Ngongi, IITA Board member. I YA changes the mindset of young people towards agriculture and equips them with various opportunities in the production and marketing of agricultural products, cutting across value chains such as cassava, banana/ plantain, soybean, maize, vegetables, livestock, and fish production. The countries supported the IYA initiative in a communiqué at the end of a conceptualization workshop on Engagement of Youth Entrepreneurship for

Agricultural Transformation in Africa held at IITA in Ibadan recently. About 200 participants reviewed the current unemployment situation in the continent, and noted that youth unemployment and underemployment are high, with over 70% of the population between 15 and 24 years in many countries under-/ unemployed, if not outright unemployed. The countries noted that the present situation threatens not only food security but also the national security of all African countries, and may compromise the attainment of the targets set under the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Chief Executive Officer, Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), Mr. Nanno Kleiterp (left) with the Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe when tKleiterp visited the bank to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the agricultural sector, in Lagos.

Malawi to adopt Nigeria’s GES-TAP for agric devt ...as over 40, 000 FCT farmers receive farm inputs BY GARIEL EWEPU

HE Malawian government has expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s Growth Enhancement Scheme Touch And Pay, GES-TAP, programme to help farmers and also boost food production in its country. This was disclosed by the visiting delegation of Malawian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who were at GESTAP redemption centres in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where field officers of International Fertiliser

Development Centre, IFDC, explained how the system operates. Expressing satisfaction about GES-TAP, Malawi Deputy National Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme Coordinator, Osborne Tsoka, said what prompted their visit to Nigeria was the success story they have heard about the federal government’s policy on farm inputs distribution to farmers through the electronic-wallet technology under the GES scheme to enable farmers have direct access farm inputs. Tsoka further stated that in

Malawi the government uses voucher system which had faced challenges to meet the demand of farm inputs by farmers, decided to come to Nigeria to study and understand how GES works. “As a result from the challenges we are experiencing on the payment voucher, we decided to move from it and we will like to use the e-voucher, and that also made us to come to Nigeria because we heard that you have done better in terms of using the electronics system. We have come and seen that the GES system is the best.”

Impact of IITA’s maize germplasm in Africa higher than imagined

he of President of the International Corn Foundation, Dr Soon Kwon Kim, said the improved maize germplasm developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and disseminated across Africa is improving livelihoods, and the impact on the continent is greater than earlier imagined Dr Kim disclosed this while reviewing the contribution of maize streak resistant varieties at a seminar organized by IITA West Africa Hub entitled: “Promotion of IITA maize streak resistant (SR) varieties and Striga tolerant or resistant (STR) varieties.” Probably the most devastating disease that attacks maize in Africa, maize streak virus (MSV), leads to stunting, and farmers may lose 100 percent of the crop. Striga (a parasitic weed), on the other hand, attacks cereals and legumes and losses are in the neighborhood of US$8bn, endangering the livelihoods of millions of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr Kim who is currently also Chair-Professor, Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea had worked at IITA at a time when MSV ravaged maize farms in sub Saharan Africa (SSA), and he was part of the team that developed the maize streak resistant varieties. The work earned IITA the first King Baudouin award. The team also made remarkable breakthroughs in developing Striga tolerant / resistant maize varieties. Dr Kim noted that after the development of those varieties, IITA with funds from the Korea International Cooperation Agency , and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, promoted them in Bénin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo with the joint efforts of FAO-PASCON (Pan African Striga Control Network) and the Semi-Arid Food Grain Research and Development (SAFGRAD) project. But beyond these countries, several other African countries have benefited from this work. For example, Dr Kim recalled that Kenya’s maize that was ravaged by streak virus two / three years ago, recovered after germplasm from IITA resistant to the disease was introduced. He called on IITA to do a more in-depth study that would put into perspective the contribution of IITA improved maize varieties across the continent. Dr Kim also shared some thoughts on the way forward for Africa’s agriculture, stressing the need for sustainable intensification that would not abuse the natural resource endowment of the continent.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

PAAR: European, African countries seek Customs assistance STORIES BY GODFREY BIVBERE

OLLOWING the authentication of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, process introduced by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, countries from Europe and Africa are seeking the assistance of the Service to improve their system. Disclosing this to Vanguard recently, Deputy Comptroller (DC) of Customs in charge of I n f o r m a t i o n Communication Technology (ICT), Yusuf Bashar, said that they have had visits and invitations from countries in both continents. Bashar gave the names of some of the countries as Ghana, Tanzania, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Netherlands and others. According to him, “We have countries that came to look at how we are able to achieve what we have achieved; Ghana came; Tanzania was here, we have the Comptroller General of Customs, CGCs from Benin Republic and Cameroon that also came here. “We have been to Amsterdam to see the Netherlands Customs on this, we have been to the United Kingdom, UK on

HE berthing Commit tee of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Warri port has petitioned the management over extortion by the Ecravos marine pilots, a claim the pilots have denied. The berthing Committee comprises the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), shipping companies and agencies. The Ecravos marine pilots is a group of young locals with vast knowledge of the waterways in the Delta area who assist ship captains to navigate through the shallow waters. A letter signed by Igberebuo Efe, leader of the Committee said that a vessel was recently delayed and suffered extortion and intimidation in

Nigeria commences implementation of 2006 Labour Convention

* Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (left) and NSC Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, during the 13th Seminar for Judges at Abuja. the same issue. These are people and institutions who wonder if it is true that Nigeria has achieved this and if it is true, they want to come and see how it could be helpful for them. “The management of Ghana Customs from their Director-General down, where here and they spent one week with us in Abuja looking at how to do it. If you look at it

people thought that Ghana had the best of situation but unknown to them, the prophet at home is here in Nigeria. “We have given them information as a fellow African country at no cost so that they can establish their own trade facilitation like we did and if they have any challenges they will still come back to us,” he stated. He pointed out that stakeholders are sup-

posed to keep forwarding their documents to the platform to enable Customs to continue to generate and profile information to produce the PAAR but if importers and stakeholders keep these documents with them until the goods are in the country, then it is no longer PAAR but Post- Arrival Assessment Report that is not the spirit of PAAR itself. He said Customs

management funded the establishment of the Nigeria Trade Hub, NTH, which is supposed to make business transaction in the country faster and easier. “To ensure compliance, the management of NCS funded the establishment of the Nigeria Trade Hub, NTH; it is to guide compliance for any body that needs to do any business with Nigeria.

NPA’s berthing committee accuses marine pilots of extortion BY GODWIN ORITSE

BRIEFS

the hands of the pilots. The Committee said that the action of the pilots is causing delay in the inward movement of vessels that call at the Delta ports. While the Committee argued that the advertised draft of vessels coming into the channel is put at 6.4 meters, the pilots are claiming that the permissable draft is 5.4 meters The committee said “ We the shipping agents operating in the Delta Ports area wish to draw your attention to the recent extortion and intimidation from Ecravos pilots saying that any vessel above 5.8 meters draft cannot come into Warri pilotage area. “They are asking for N200,000.00 (Two hundred before such vessels are allowed to proceed inward. “We the shipping agents

know that NPA draft for Warri is 6.4 m eters as advertised by NPA. “The situation is causing delay in bringing in vessels to the port. “It may interest you to know that M.T. Apha Prosperity was delayed for about three days before proceeding inward. This situation is unacceptable to us, as we can-

not compete with our counterparts in other ports. Commenting on the development, the Director of Operations of the Escravos Pilots, Captain Solomon Prebo said that no pilot has extorted money from anybody, adding that whatever is given to the pilots is done with free will of the ship agent. He insisted that the

permissible draft of the channel is 5.4 metrers and not 6.4metrers being caimed by the shipping agents. He said that if any vessel must pass through the channel, it must do so within the stipulated draft adding anything short of this will not be handled by any pilot.

IGERIA has com menced the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 which has come into force, even as the Federal Government reiterated its desire to improve the welfare of seafarers in the country. Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government in Lagos, the Director General of the nation’s maritime regulatory agency, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, expressed hope that Nigerian seafarers will get placement on both Nigerian and foreign flagged vessels. Akpobolokemi made government position known at the special session with the ship owners and seafarers on MLC. The NIMASA boss explained that government’s dedication to the development of human capacity in the sector has made the agency to commit huge resources towards the training of cadets through various programmes including the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). According to him, “We have also recently facilitated the training of over 700 seafarers on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to enable them update their mandatory certification,” he said. The NIMASA boss said that the Nigeria instrument of Ratificationoftheconvention was presented by the leader of the delegation, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu at the ILO office during the 102 session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Minister stresses need for adequate legal framework

INISTER of Transport,Idris Umar, has stressed the need for adequate legal framework for the substainance achievements and further development in the maritime industry. Speaking at the 13th Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in collaboration

with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), specifically mentioning some of the achievements to include the operation of the giant West Africa Maximum (WAFMAX) vessels at Onne and Lagos with capacity to carry 4,500 units of 20 feet equivalent containers. The significant reduction in time ships spend, from when

they arrive to when they depart the country, which is usually called a ship turn-around time.. Umar said the country was pursuing a set of objectives which in short and long terms frames would not only transform Nigeria into the hub for international freight and trade in the West and Central African sub region, but would also encourage ro-

bust competition, slide tariffs on port services, eliminate multiple and arbitrary change in addition to optimally providing gainful employments. Umar noted that the decision to embark on deep sea port development was borne out of the reality that the nation’s ports have currently been stretched beyond their designed capacity.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—25

Ekiti 2014: The forces, factors and facilitators By GBENGA ARIYIBI

FTER months of horse trading, accusations and counter-accusations, campaigns and rallies in various towns and villages, the 18 political parties registered for tomorrow’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State are set for battle. Though the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC through its Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Useni Halilu Pai had assured the people of the state of the readiness of the electoral umpire to conduct free and fair polls, for the people of the state the general feeling is that the pudding is in the eating. With all the facts on ground, the contest will mainly be between three gubernatorial candidates namely Hon Opeyemi Bamiddele (Labour Party), Ayo Fayose (Peoples Democratic Party) and the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Ekiti has about 732,156 registered voters and has 2,195 polling units with Ado Ekiti having the largest chunk of voters estimated at 134,141; Ilejemeje Local Government area of the state has about 11,795 registered voters making

But the duo of Fayose and Bamidele picked their running mates in person of Dr Olusola Eleka, a former university lecturer from Ikere Ekiti, while Bamidele settled on Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade, a former civil servant in the state from Emure Ekiti as his running mate. However, Dr Fayemi running mate is Prof Modupe Adelabu, a former university lecturer from Ado Ekiti. Candidates’ chances Chances of each of the candidates and the factors that would assist them are analyzed below: Ado Ekiti Ado Ekiti, the state capital has been the focus of the candidates mainly because it has the highest number of voters of all the 16 councils in the state 134,141 representing almost one in five of the voters are resident in Ado. There is the likelihood that the three candidates would share the votes of the electorate in the town but Fayemi and Fayose are expected to share the number of The three candidates have key politi- highest votes. Some goodwill ariscal actors to pull out the votes for ing from the pioneertheir parties ing infrastructure development schemes it to have the least number of regisinitiated by Fayose such as the dualitered voters in the state. sation of township roads, the New GovA lot of factors would determine the winner of tomorrow’s election, some ernor ’s Office, Fountain Hotel, of which are past record of the candi- Adetiloye Trade Fair Complex, Presidates’ achievements, their popularity dential Lodge and the Ajilosun Maramong members of electorate, religion, ket among others stand him in good key and prominent supporters of the standing in the state capital. Many also candidate in each of the local govern- remember his violent aggression against the traditional institution in the ments, ability to mobilize fund etc The issue of rotation of governorship area. Counting for Fayemi is the pace with slot between the three senatorial diswhich he has sustained the developtricts of the state, especially the agitament of the state capital and what has tion by the people of the Southern Sencome to be described as legacy projects atorial District of the state prior to the PDP primaries has died down, as non around the town including a new Govof the three leading gubernatorial can- ernment House, the Civic Centre and didates in persons of Fayemi, Fayose the pavilion among others. Bamidele and Bamidele of APC, PDP and LP re- on his part has touched the people of Ado Ekiti through his welfare prospectively is from the district. grammes. Running Mates

Key political figures that will determine the outcome of the vote in Ado Ekiti include Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Bisi Egbeyemi, a former Ado Local Government Chairman, Sunday Ibitoye, also immediate past chairman and the present chairman, Tope Olanipekun. All of these key actors from the town are committed to Fayemi making Fayemi to be the favourite in the town. Fayose would be helped by key actors like former Senator Bode Ola, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, a former deputy governor under Segun Oni’s administration, Taiye Fasuba, a former chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Segun Ola and a former chairman of NURTW, Chief Omolafe Aderiye would work vigorously for the success of Fayose in Ado Ekiti.

Boundary of the town Bamidele has his own team to drive out the votes, the most conspicuous being Chief Remi Oguntuase. Ikere-Ekiti Ikere-Ekiti, a one town local government area with a voting population of 45,747, is the second largest town in the state with a great population of youths. It is not surprising that it is leaning towards Fayose. Fayemi has, however, lately been received with enthusiasm following the award of the construction of a dual carriage road to run from Ado-Ekiti end of Ikere road to the boundary of the town with Ondo State. The three candidates have key political actors to pull out the votes for their parties. Among the prominent supporters of the APC in the town are the

former governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, Hon. Funmiyi Afuye, a commissioner in Fayemi’s cabinet, Bolu Akomolafe, a former member of the House of Assembly and the prominent politician, Babade Kayode, who just defected from PDP to the APC. Fayose would count on the support of his running mate, Dr Olusola Olubumi Eleka who is from the town, former member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Dayo Okondo and maybe, two of the deputy governors who served under him during his stint in office, of Suvr. Abiodun Aluko and Chief Bisi Omoyemi who are all from the town. Fayose would also count on the goodwill arising from what he did for the town while in office, especially the extension of the dual carriage way from Ado Ekiti to the town which helped to link Ekiti State with Iju-Ita Ogbolu in Ondo State. Bamidele also has his trenches in the town through the support of some of the youths and one of the wives of former Governor Olumilua. Indeed, the Olumulia family is unique in its political spread as one of the sons of the former governor, Muyiwa, who is a Special Adviser to Fayemi, is also strongly backing his boss. Oye local Government If the home boy advantage, a theory propounded by the former governor, Segun Oni during the rerun election, is anything to go by, Fayemi who hails from Isan Ekiti is expected to benefit from this advantage. Besides Fayemi, other party bigwigs in the party chieftain who are also from the council area include, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ganiyu Owola-

Continues on page 26

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

The forces, factors and facilitators in Ekiti Continues from page 25 Ido-Osi yes are on the influence former Governor Segun Oni, who hails from Ifaki community, in this local government area can do following his defection from the PDP to APC with some of his supporters. Apart from Oni, the only member of the PDP in the House of Assembly, who has also defected to APC, Mrs. Oriniowo Olubunmi Anike is from the council. Therefore, with Oni leading others including Senator Olu Adetunmbi, Otunba Femi Olanrewaju a.k.a Ijakoko and Babatunde Odetola, APC stands the chance of winning the area. The PDP would push the likes of Prof Tunde Adeniran, Chief Segun Ilori and Chief Femi Akinyemi, who are

•Fayemi

S/N 1

Position Governor Dep Gov

•Opeyemi

Governor Dep Gov

3 4 5 6 7

Governor

•Fayose Continues from page 26 bi, from Ilupeju and the Director General of Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, who is also from Ire-Ekiti. However, to run bone to bone against these APC political iron pillars, are former Senator Ayo Arise, who was instrumental to the establishment of the Federal University with the main campus in the town, while he is expected to be supported by other party chieftains like Dr Jimi Oke, Chief Segun Olanrewaju and Otunba Davis to get substantial votes for the PDP. But Fayemi would sweep the polls in his home Local Government Area.

10 11

13 14 15 16 17 18

THE CANDIDATES

Name of Candidate

Sex

Party

Age

Qualification

VINCENT BANKOLE AJAYI

Accord

BL, LLB

AKINYEMI ADEOLU

Accord

B.SC

SSCE

OPEYEMI FOLA AKINYEMI M TAIWO OLU PHEBE

OSEKITA O. VICTOR

B.SC

ALE OKE KEHINDE

MBA

Governor

PRINCE P. BAMIBGADE

ACPN

Dep Gov

IBRAHIM COMFORT

Governor

OROKO BOLA

DIPLOMA

ACPN

WASC

ADC

B.SC

ADC

SSCE

Dep Gov

OGUNDIPE LAWRENCE

Governor

MUSA ADEBAYO AYENI

APA

B.SC, M.SC

Dep Gov

ABEFEYO MARGARET

APA

B.SC

Governor

JOHN KAYODE FAYEMI

APC

PhD

MODUPE A. ADELABU

APC

PhD

Governor AYODELE S OLAYINKA

CPP

HND

Dep Gov

CPP

B.SC

OLUWAFEMI F. IDOWU

Kowa

DIPLOMA

Dep Gov

Governor OGUNKOLADE JOSEPH

OLUWADARE A. FAGBORO I. M

Kowa

SSCE

Governor

AJIBOLA J. AKINWALE

MPPP

B.SC

Dep Gov

CHIEF ABRAHAM K.DAODU M

MPPP

BAMIDELE M. OPEYEMI

Labour

B.A

OGUNLADE FUNMILOLA

Labour

B.A

Governor Dep Gov

cumbent chairman, Dr Adio Folayan, are prominent indigenes who are likely to work for the success of Fayemi in the election. The PDP can boast of people like Chief Bisi Kolawole, his brother Prof Dipo Kolawole, Mrs Busola Oyebode, the PDP Women Leader in the state to drive out the votes. Bamidele has Chief Odunayo Ategbero as one of his prominent supporters. Irepodun-Ifelodun This arguably would be the most keenly watched race in the state given the deep political interests at play by the prominent indigenes from the area. Fayose, the PDP candidate, Bamidele the Labour candidate and Niyi Adebayo, the former governor of the state are all from this local government area and would be determined to win the Lo-

Dep Gov

Dep Gov 8

staunch members of the PDP into combat while Labour ’s troops are being marshalled by Chief Akin Olayisade. Given Oni’s entrenched dominance in the state, the opposition to Fayemi may not count much. Efon Local Government Although, Efon-Alaaye, another one town council area, was a stronghold of the PDP during the Fayose era, the permutations changed under the present administration on account of the huge number of political appointees in the town It is an incontrovertible fact that the likes of the present commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who was a commissioner in the old Ondo State, Chief Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, former deputy speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Dapo Karunwi and the in-

B.SC

Governor

ILESANMI B. EMMANUEL

NCP

NABTEC

Dep Gov

MRS.ADEGBOYE ADEOLA

NCP

G.C.E

Governor

PRINCE BANJO GBOYEGA

PDC

MBA

Dep Gov

LAWAL B. OLUTUNDE

PDC

B.SC

Governor

AYODELE PETER FAYOSE

PDP

HND

Dep Gov

DR.OLUSOLA OLUBUNMI

PDP

PhD

Governor

ANIMASHAUN GOKE

PPA

HND

Dep Gov

AGUNBIADE AYOKUNLE

PPA

NCE

Governor

GBENGA ADEKUNLE

PPN

WASC

Dep Gov

RUFUS KEHINDE S.

PPN

WASC

Governor

ADEKOLA ADELEKE AYO

SDP

MSE&T

Dep Gov

AYENI OPEYEMI ISAAC

SDP

SSCE

Governor HON. ADENIJI A. PHILIP

UDP

Dep Gov

UDP

MRS. FOLUSO A. LAWAL

B.ED WASC

cal Government Area to their parties. Although, the three parties are popular in the council, but observers are of the opinion that the influence of Adebayo (son) and father may work in favour of the APC. Other APC henchmen on ground include former Information Commissioner, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, who just defected to the party from PDP, Mojeed Jamiu and his brother Hakeem from Igbimo-Ekiti, Churchill Adedipe, Ayodeji Odu and Deji Adesokan all are there to provide succor to APC. While Mrs Bola OlatundeBruce and Martins Ibikunle are of the LP, the state secretary of the PDP, Dr Tope Aluko, Dipo Anisulowo and Ambassador Toye Olofintuyi are there to fight for the success of Fayose at the poll. Ekiti South West This is the home of some of the most prominent politicians from the state some with name recognition from the second republic among whom is Senator Bode Olowoporoku, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ambassador Dare Bejide and Chief Idowu Odeyemi who are all of the PDP. Marshalling the forces for Fayemi is his Chief of Staff Yemi Adaramodu, Hon. Ife Arowosoge, Richard Apolola and Modupe Ogundipe, a former chieftain of PDP and now of the APC in the council. Though overtly apolitical, eyes would be on the human rights activist and legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN) who is also from this council.

Change in calculation Although, PDP used to be popular in the council, especially with the presence of the likes of Bejide, Chief Idowu Odeyemi and others, but since the coming on board of Fayemi the calculation has changed, and this has overshadowed the influence of the PDP. The only prominent members of LP in the council area include a former member of the House of Assembly, Abiola Olowokere and another politician, Femi Oloniyo. Their effort may, however, not count for much for Bamidele in this Local Government Area. Ise/Orun No doubt that PDP has a long list of politicians in this council area, but the challenges before the party is its ability to translate this asset to pulling out the votes. The PDP chieftains include the ministerial nominee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Bimbo Owolabi, Ropo Ogunbolude, who are Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—27

Continues from page 26 all former governorship aspirants of the party, Owoseni Ajayi, the deputy DirectorGeneral of the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Dare Omotosho, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo and former member of the House of Representatives, Titilayo Akindahunsi among others. The APC forces are being marshalled by the deputy governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, whose mother hails from the town and the Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo. Although, Adeyeye, a prince of the town, has just been nominated by President Jonathan for ministerial appointment, which is expected to influence the voting pattern for PDP, but records have not really shown that this factor has earned the community more votes in the past. Ikole Local Government One major factor that is likely to help Fayose here is presence of top PDP big wigs in this area including acting South-West, National ViceChairman of the party, Chief Ishola Filani and the state chairman of the PDP, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe. However, Fayemi also has strong followers in this area, including Chief Akin Fasae, Mr. Bunmi Awotiku, Chief Segun Ajibulu and the APC Women Leader in the state, Mrs. Funke Owosemi The Labour Party has Akogun Bunmi Ogunleye and Alhaji Saka Adeleye. Ekiti West The APC had until recently had a large sway over this area until the emergence of the Bamidele phenomenon in Ekiti Central Senatorial District which has become a sort of worry for the APC chieftains in the area

Tomorrow's battle However, tomorrow’s battle would be marshalled in the area by the state chairman of the APC Chief Jide Awe, the son in-law of the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, himself a member of the House of Representatives, the former chairman of the council, Hon Tajudeen Akingbolu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, Hon Fasakin of the State House of Assembly for APC among others. The PDP’s forces would be marshalled by former Senator Clement Awoyelu, Chief Akin Osuntokun, Hon Tope Ademiluyi and Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi.

•Jonathan

•Tinubu

The forces, factors and facilitators in Ekiti Ijero Ordinarily, the presence of the immediate past Minister of Police Affairs, who hails from Ipoti-Ekiti community of

•Jega

INEC’S PLANS AGAINST RIGGING

ustomized ballot papers for each of the 16 local governments areas. Ballot papers assigned to a particular local government are unique and cannot be used in another. •Customised result sheets unique to each Polling Unit (PU) that cannot be used in any other polling unit •The Commission has serially the local government should have is expected to influence votes in favour of the PDP in the area, but unfortunately, lack of political structure and strong home backing may affect the minister. Also, PDP chieftains, Kayode Alufa and Yemi Arokodare, a former house Representatives member, former party chairman, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, from Ikoro are other PDP members, who should have given APC a good fight, but the presence of Hon. Omowumi Ogunlola, a House of Assembly member and Chief Femi Oyebanjo and other stalwarts of the party may give the ruling party a victory. Apart from the human influence, the performance of Governor Fayemi, with the construction of major township roads and inter-city roads could also be an added advantage to the chance of the rul-

numbered all ballot boxes such that they cannot be transferred to other PUs and so that once a ballot box is snatched and stuffed it cannot be brought back to the PU. •The Commission has given additional training to the staff recruited to conduct the election so that they can perform their tasks with proficiency and integrity.

ing party in the area. Emure Already, Emure-Ekiti still appears tense over the murder of their illustrious son, a 33-year old man, Foluso Ogundare who was a strong supporter of Bamidele of the LP, said to have been shot and killed by people suspected to be members of a rival party during a ward meeting of the party. Although, Emure used to be a strong hold of PDP, the ruling APC has also made incursion into the place since the coming on board of the Fayemi administration. Also the choice of running mate, Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade from this town by Bamidele may be an added advantage for the LP candidate. Ekiti East Two prominent PDP members, including former deputy governor, Biodun Olujimi

and former Speaker, Femi Bamisile and Hon Ajibola a.k.a 50-50, the only PDP member of the state House of Assembly may have great influence on the political permutations in this council. Expectations that Bamisele would have been appointed as running mate to Fayose raised optimism for the PDP here, but to what extent the failure of the PDP candidate to pick Bamisele would affect

him remains to be a guess. Ilejemeje Local Government The ruling APC has some political office holders such as a serving commissioner, Chief Folorunso Olabode ,the chairman of the council, Prince Adegoroye Bamigboye, Princess Iyabo Fakunle who recently defected from PDP to APC to command its forces on ground. While the PDP has Hon Duro Faseyi, a former member of the House of Representatives and Chief Dipo Arogunmasa, former council chairman and Chief Kole Akinwumi, a two time commissioner in the state to slug it out with the ruling APC members in the area. Moba This has been an APC stronghold since the advent of the current democratic dispensation. It has always voted against the PDP. In the 2007 general elections, it produced Saliu Adeoti, the late deputy speaker of EKHA and he was a strong backer of Fayemi. There are no indications that the tide has changed and the PDP may find it difficult to excel here. The APC is in charge here. But the likes of Pastor Kola Oluwawole and Jackson Adebayo of the PDP would try to resist the APC dominance in the area, but it would be to no avail. Gboyin The PDP is expected to perform well in this area based on the presence of the likes of former Senator Gbenga Aluko, former Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi and Senator Sola Akinyede. However, the APC is expected to parade party members led by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, member, House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparuyi, Paul Omotosho and Chief Aderemi Ajayi a Special Adviser to the governor on Chieftaincy Matters to the governor Election in this area is expected to be keenly contested going by those paraded by the two parties. Be that as it may, watchers of political trend in the state are of the opinions that it may be difficult to conclude categorically at this point that party any of the parties would easily dominate.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

HERE is no doubt that many laymen, not excluding myself, are often confused about some sweet economic jargons and interesting elegant statistical figures being constantly thrown at them. However, some are no longer stranger to the melodious music of macro-economic stability of the domestic economy. Perhaps I may add my view, at the risk of causing more confusion, to the vexed question of surplus funds to the money market in an economy whose real sector is virtually starved of funds for development. It looks as if the term •gexcess liquidity•h is a method devised by our Central Bank to describe surplus (unnecessary) funds in our monetary system in order to sustain price stability and avoid inflation. To the ardent supporters of the ‘Classical‘ theory, any increase in the supply of money would automatically lead to increases in price, and as expected, inflation would follow. Inflation to many of us laymen, represents a process of rise in prices. Thus, inflationary process can come about as a result of change in demand and supply conditions or both. However, the essential feature is that demand exceeds supply at the existing price level. This is more likely to happen if the zone of full employment is reached (about 3 per cent unemployment in developed economies). At the state of full employment, any direct impact of more funds in the economy will tend to impact directly on prices until adjustment is made. In the Nigerian example, the case of excess liquidity (excess funds in the system) is an exergenerated one and often, deceptive. The real economy sector, the engine of growth, is already thirsty for development funds (which is inadequately supplied at high cost) and would soak any imaginary excess. Also, there is no need for increase in prices following increase in demand because such increase could easily be met from unsold stock. Perhaps sustained increase in supply of funds (arising from fresh monthly allocations) by the Revenue Allocation Committee) is what the real sector of the economy needs for sustained growth and development. Also, the country‘s idle manufacturing plants need fresh injected capital for development to full capacity. It is the views of many analysts, and

Excess liquidity funds: Inflation and deception justifiably shared by many patriots that the theory of excess liquidity requiring mopping up of excess funds through the sale of Treasury Bills to avoid inflation is disingenuous, mildly put. The Nigerian economy is characterized by high unemployment, low capacity utilization and high cost of production. It is expected that increase in loanable funds would tend to stimulate effective demand, raise industrial capacity utilization and increase prospects for more employment. It is observed that the Nigerian Monetary Authority, the Central Bank is conservative in nature and is mortally afraid of the dreaded scourge of the economy. Inflation, it is agreed, if not properly treated could develop into hyperinflation, and subsequently, destroy an otherwise flourishing economy. It is the method of treatment rather than the intent that calls into question the ability of the doctor. Inflation has two sides – the demand and supply conditions. The Central Bank‘s solution had been, and still is partial – based on the demand equation leaving out the supply angle. The Central Bank‘s strategy to combat inflation has been based on the discredited monetary policy, i.e. interest rate manipulations. In the 19th century and the early 1930s, the Bank of England held dearly to its Bank Rate – the lending rate of interest to the money market – to effect business and economic environments. A reduction in the Bank Rate would increase borrowers and stimulate the economy while an increase would have

the opposite effect. The ineffectiveness of the Monetary Policy with its super angel, the Interest Rate suffered disgrace in both Britain and USA. Higher rate of interest did not stop speculative booms of the early 1920s while lower interest rates did nothing or little to affect misfortunes of the Great Depression. Capitalism as an economic concept was at its lowest ebb. Lord Keynes thought interest rate as an indirect way of influencing investment, and thus, a •groundabout way•h of influencing economic activity and of little practical utility. While the god of interest rate failed woefully in the Depression of the 1930s, it was the bold step of President Roosevelt of the United States who implored the use of fiscal measure of budget surplus (spending more than income) to stimulate the economy through many public works, clearing of drains, building of docks, building of houses and roads. The injection of more funds into the economy saved the US from the depression. Similarly in Britain, Lord Keynes through his great book, •gThe General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money•h revolutionized economic thinking by invoking the awful contribution of government in creating and maintaining full employment. The message is clear – inject more funds into the economy through infrastructural developments to stimulate effective demand, get idle plants operational, produce more goods for home demand and export and increase employment.

The vital question being asked is, why the Federal Government through its fiscal (Finance Ministry) and the Central Bank (through discarded Monetary policy) inflicting on the nation such economic misery?. Its seemingly progressive fiscal policy is constantly being obstructed by the harsh monetary policy of the Central Bank. The attitude is entrenched, not new. Instead of ‘easy money policy‘ (low interest), the country is saddled with punitive high lending rate to the productive sector of the economy. In the early 2000s under the controversial President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Executive and the Central Bank stood unwisely against a more progressive legislature. This is borne out of the bloated 2002 federal budget which did not escape the sharp eyes of the Central Bank. The ex-Governor of Central Bank, Chief Joseph Sanusi (not the present Emir of Kano) was reported to have said that, •gthe full implementation of the 2002 budget as approved by the National Assembly would dampen prospects for reestablishing macro-economic stability for sustainable growth during the year. We vouch on the need to sterilize the resultant excess liquidity by raising interest rates•h. The then Minister of Finance (Alhaji Adamu Ciroma) agreed that such N437 billion deficit would cause inflation and negate the poverty eradication policy. Hmm! Birds of the same feathers (classical economists in the 20th century) placed in the corridors of power. Yes, budget deficit of such magnitude could be inflationary if expenditure was meant to finance frivolous consumption and not strictly on infrastructural reconstructions. Now the economic dilemma is: For fifteen (15) years, the ruling party has been chasing the shifting shadows of macroeconomic stability with reduced inflation. We are told that this had been achieved, but at what cost? There is still large pool of unemployment which increases every time graduates are turned out, and poverty is deepening in an atmosphere of frightening insecurity. What should be expected, a wait for a change of government in 2015 or, formation of a genuine national government to handle the problems of today?

Our plans — Fayemi, Bamidele, Fayose speak By DAPO AKINREFON

ITH the June 21, governor ship elections in Ekiti State finally here, the three frontline candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP, have traversed the state in an attempt to sell their plans for Ekiti people.

Kayode Fayemi Dr Kayode Fayemi’s manifesto for his second term is tagged “Roadmap to Rapid Economic Growth and Development” othe r w i s e known as the Ekiti Agenda. The agenda, according to him, is made up of policy thrusts of •Fayemi

his administration from 2014 to 2018 and beyond. He was quick to stress that having kept faith with Ekiti values, the people of the state have kept faith with him. He expressed optimism that Ekiti is moving forward under his administration with the future of the state already assured.

Opeyemi Bamidele For the Labour Party Governorship candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele,

•Opeyemi

his manifesto marks a turning point in the history of the state. Bamidele pledged to engender unprecedented economic growth and development in all facets if elected governor of the state. He promised to improve on the lives of the people through Integrated and Commercial Agriculture, robust Infrastructure that would provide jobs for over 400,000 unemployed youths, regular water supply, low cost housing units, Human capital Development and other pivotal areas of the economy. His words: “I call this manifesto a blueprint for Ekiti Growth and Development because I know that this is a contract with Ekiti people and we will do our best to wipe away poverty and raise the bar of governance to the admiration of all”.

Ayo Fayose Mr. Ayodele Fayose has dubbed his mission as a journey to rescue Ekiti people from poverty. He believes in welfarism of the masses. Among other things, his vision is

•Fayose to help the Ekiti State University College of Medicine get an accreditation, an all inclusive government, deependemocracy and also, to improve welfare of teachers if voted into office. Hear him, “When I come back, I will give you jobs and do local content. I left N10.4bn but they have sold all these properties. They have taken away our wealth all in the name of being progressives. They are only retrogressing.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

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32— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

s e t o u fr om Brazil from Q20 14 W orld Cup 201 World

EPORTER: “After having beaten Spain, what are you expecting next at the World Cup?” Chile player Jorge Valdivia: “We are expecting an aeroplane to Belo Horizonte.” “It’s disgusting and I don’t like it.” -Cameroon coach Volker Finke after Alexandre Song was sent off and Benoit Assou-Ekotto aimed a headbutt at teammate Benjamin Moukandjo in the 4-0 loss to Croatia. – “We are not falling apart.” – - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque after the champions’ elimination. – “Goodbye to the golden years.” – - Spanish daily Marca on the demise of the World Cup champions. – “They have to realise it could be a long, frustrating summer if we don’t get it right.” – England captain Steven Gerrard on the importance of beating Uruguay.

We can beat Portugal – Klinsmann blasts

SA coach Jurgen Klinsmann reckons his team have the belief to beat Portugal, -even without the injured Jozy Altidore. Altidore hurt his hamstring in the USA’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday and appears likely to miss Sunday’s Group G clash in Manaus. Klinsmann revealed he had urged his men to move on from their opening-game triumph at the World Cup, and believes they can overcome the “amazing” talents of Portugal, who may have to make do without captain Cristiano Ronaldo due to his

ongoing fitness problems. “We only talk now about how we can beat this Portuguese team with all these amazing players they have,” the German told reporters this week. “This is our goal and we believe in it and believe we can go to Manaus and beat them. We want to get in the next round and if it takes beating Portugal then this is what we have to do.” Klinsmann was also unwilling to reveal his plans to cope with the injured Altidore should the 24-year-old be confirmed unfit for the clash in Manaus.

Expect better against Bosnia

UPER Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel insists that Monday’s draw with Iran is a “good result” for the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles struggled to break down a well-organized Team Melli side and must now pick up creditable results in their final two group games against BosniaHerzegovina and Argentina to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. Mikel however believes the 0-0 draw against Iran is not a bad result. “We are not under pressure. Winning the first game in every tournament counts. We didn’t get that. We got a good result even though winning would have been perfect,” Mikel said. The midfielder then predicted an open game when the African champions face BosniaHerzegovina in their second game at the ongoing Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil. The Super Eagles drew 0-0 with Iran in their opening game of the tournament despite enjoying 72 per cent of the possession at Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães, Curitiba on Monday. Mikel believes Bosnia will play less conservatively than Iran and insists that a strong performance is required by the Super Eagles if victory is to be achieved. “Bosnia will attack more than Iran did (on Monday). They will play a more open game and hopefully we will find more spaces to cause them problems,” he said. A defeat could ultimately end the Super Eagles’ chances of further progress in the competition but Mikel insists the team will not bow out in tame fashion. “Nigerians must keep

praying for us and believe because it’s not over yet. “The first game is always important and it’s a pity we could only draw against Iran but we have to approach the second game against Bosnia with all seriousness. “The game against Iran was complicated. They are a very difficult team that just came out to defend. “They didn’t give us any space to play and made it very difficult for us. They always had 11 men behind the ball and it was really difficult for us because we couldn’t

Bos ‘ll b

–V S

create much chances as we wanted,” he said. Nigeria’s game against Bosnia will hold at the Arena Pantana, Cuiabá on Saturday.

UP coa has po must de to ge campa followi draw w The S will be matche Argent went s saying forth 10 are to s qualify

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 33

Eagles a – Mikel

•Algerian coach, Halilhodzic,

•Pepe

Pepe banned, fined for Mueller headbutt F IFA on yesterday banned Portugal defender Pepe for one match and fined him for the head butt he carried out on Germany’s Thomas Mueller in their World Cup clash. A FIFA statement said that the 31-year-old Real Madrid defender, who was red-carded for the incident, had been fined 15,000 Swiss francs (12,300 euros). Pepe’s arm caught Mueller during Monday’s Group H match and the German fell to

snia, Argentina be difficult

rounds. “ It was too bad we could not beat Iran. We returned very upset.” “The next two group matches will be very difficult. We have to win against Bosnia anyway. It is the game of our lives to qualify. We will focus much in this match,” he told globoesporte.globo.com.

the ground grimacing. Pepe infuriated at what he considered Mueller ’s playacting then pushed his head onto the German’s forehead and got an immediate red card. Germany, already leading 2-0, went on to win 4-0. Uruguay’s Maxi Pereira, already banned for his red card against Costa Rica in their Group D game on Saturday was fined 10,000 Swiss francs (8,200 euros).

Spain mourns end of era for weary heroes

Valere

PER Eagles assistant ach, Valere Houandinou, inted out that Nigeria efeat Bosnia on Saturday t their World Cup aign back on track, ng the shock goalless with Iran on Monday. Super Eagles credential tested in their next two es against Bosnia and tina, and the Togolese straight to the point, the players must put 00 percent effort if they scale both hurdles and y for the knock out

Belgium were too fit for us - Halilhodzic

PANISH newspapers and football fans yesterday mourned the end of an era for their national team after the world and European champions crashed out of the World Cup in a humiliating 2-0 beating by Chile. Photographs of midfielder Andres Iniesta with his head in his hands made the front pages of the press, sharing the space in some cases with coverage of the swearing in of Spain’s new king, Felipe VI. “The end... A terrible end to the most glorious era”, ran the headline in leading Madrid sports daily Marca. “Goodbye to the golden years.” Marca commentator Santiago Segurola called it “the end of an excellent generation and the start of a new era”. He blamed Spain’s failure to score or stop Chile on “big mistakes and a sense of brokenness, of exhaustion”. “A monumental challenge awaits their successors. They will have to restore the prestige suddenly lost by Spain.” Marca analyst Angel Lara said the defending champions’ World Cup exit in the first stage marked the end of the international careers of heroes of the Spain’s squad of recent years such as Xavi Hernandez, top scorer David Villa, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso.

LGERIA coach Vahid Halilhodzic says his side struggled to match the physical condition of Belgium as they fell to a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday. The north African side surprised the Red Devils by taking a first-half lead through a Sofiane Feghouli penalty, but succumbed to goals from Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens to begin their Group H campaign with defeat. Algeria maintained their lead until the 70th minute when the Manchester United player headed in the equaliser and then the Belgians struck a winner 10 minutes from time. And Halilhodzic attributed the failure to hang on to a lack of fitness on the part of his squad. “We let them play in the second half,” the 61-year-old told reporters after the game. “We should have run a little bit more, we should have dared a bit more. We didn’t think Belgium would score this second goal. Physically, the Belgium players are much stronger.

2014: Airtel partners OSMI

N a bid to delight Nigerians and enable them connect and follow activities at the on-going Brazil 2014, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Optima Sports Management International (OSMI) that will ensure the broadcast of onfield and off-field activities on Nigerian Television stations during the month-long global soccer fiesta. With the partnership, Airtel Nigeria becomes the official telecommunication partner of OSMI for the broadcast of the world cup on its partner terrestial stations across the 36 states of the nation including the Federal Capital Territory. This partnership is coming barely a week after the telecommunications operator unveiled the season four of the annual Airtel Rising Stars Football tournament for boys and girls under 17 years of age. The Brazil 2014 will feature a total of 64 Live Matches, 25 Highlight Programs and Road To Brazil to be presented by a select team of sports analysts comprising renowned sports commentators and ex-internationals.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—35

Why I love Tiwa Savage — Olawale, Project Fame Winner By ANOZIE EGOLE Olawale Ojo is an up and coming talented singer who is ready to prove his relevance in the Nigerian music industry. Ever since he emerged the winner of 2014 edition of the MTN sponsored Project Fame, he has proven that he is the next kid on the block. In this interview, he talked about his career and why he loves Tiwa Savage.

Half of a Yellow Sun is not banned — NFVCB How I predicted Kefee’s death — Ara 5 hidden features in Galaxy S5 Samsung never promoted

How would you describe your experience in the Project Fame and why did you go for the competition? It was a great experience. Immediately my friends brought the form to me in school, I developed the interest in the competition. So when it was time for auditions, I went to Ilorin. And to tell you the truth, I auditioned three times in two different cities, Ilorin and Ibadan before the judges finally saw something in me and allowed me into the competition. When I first auditioned in Ilorin, I got a ‘no’, and when I went to Ibadan, I also got a ‘no’. Then I decided to go and meet another judge because the same judge auditioned me in Ilorin and Ibadan. But then, as God will have it I got a ‘ yes’. The Project Fame house really helped me a lot; I learnt how to be an entertainer and a performer amongst other things. How did you feel when you were announced winner? I was overwhelmed with joy and short of words. At the beginning of the competition, I never thought for a second I was going to win, but on the day of the grand finale, I told myself, this is it, I might be the winner. When my name was announced, it was mixed emotions. I just kept on reminiscing on the journey, how I got into the competition, the good and the bad times, the rejection and the acceptance, I almost cried, but then I was excited. What’s the concept behind your new video, ‘Is Nothing’?

Continues on page 36 C M Y K

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Half of a Y ello w Sun is Yello ellow not banned — NFVCB

Why I love Tiwa Savage T

Continues from page 35 I recorded it the first time I entered a recording studio. DJ Klem who produced the song played the beat, and I loved it, but the truth is that I was really nervous, and I kept telling myself is nothing, that was how I got the title of the song. I developed that taught and gave the interpretation as a young guy who, after winning a music competition might be nervous, but still believe that the sky is his starting point. Do you feel under pressure seeing the success of the other Project Fame winners and runner-ups: Iyanya, Praiz and Chidinma? I won’t call it pressure, I’d rather call it a motivation to work harder and do my part. I am at the experimental stage of my career now and I am still getting to discover my style as an artiste. I have a good team, and we are going at it slow and steady. I have the right team; the guys at Ultima Studios, M.etal Entertainment and Zebra Stripes Networks are helping out a lot. In the Project Fame house, you mixed a lot of Yoruba in your music, and listening to your song now, I hear a lot of Yoruba, Is that still your music direction? If not, , what would you call your genre? My genre of music is Afro-pop, but I can assure you that it is deeply laced with Yoruba language. Is Nothing has a Fuji influence, but right now I am in the studio working on other songs. I am releasing a new song called “Jupa” next week. In my album you will hear a lot of Apala and highlife. You are currently a student. How do you combine school with your music career? It has really been hard, I wont lie about that. I am trying so hard to make it work, I promised my parents that music will not affect my education and I plan to make that happen. But sincerely, it has not been easy, I have had experiences sleeping in the studio and heading out very early to Ogbomosho for an afternoon lecture.

I auditioned three times in two different cities, Ilorin and Ibadan before the judges finally saw something in me and allowed me into the competition

What’s your ultimate goal as an artiste? Right now, my short-term plan is to make Olawale a household name in the music industry where fans would recognise my sound and know it’s me. On the long-term, I am heading for a Grammy. Which artiste or artistes would you like to work with? I love Tiwa Savage; she is an energetic performer and a brilliant musician. There is a lot to take away from her. I can never forget performing with her on Project Fame stage. I love Sound Sultan and Don Jazzy, because they have good contents too. I will love to work with three of them. What are you currently working on? I am presently in the studios working with new producers. I am releasing an EP “Almost Famous” this year, but before then, I plan to release two new singles next week. Word to your fans? I love you all and please don’t stop supporting my music. I will continue to make

he National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, which has been severally accused of banning Chimamanda Adichie’s blockbuster movie Half of a Yellow Sun has come out to clear the air, saying it never banned the movie but was following due process to make sure the film does not contravene some provisions of the Board. The NFVCB restates its position that “the movie is not banned as speculated and that the Board has dutifully exercised due diligence consonant with section 36 (1) (b) of NFVCB Enabling Law ACT 1993, CAP N40 LFN 2004 which stipulates that ‘ a decision on a film shall ensure that such a film is not likely to undermine national security’. Through a release made available on Wednesday, the Board said it has duly communicated the exhibitor of the movie in a letter dated May 27th, 2014 explaining the status of the film and requiring the distributor to expunge/edit some clearly stated objectionable aspects of the movie. Saying “once the areas highlighted are resolved, the NFVCB as a regulator shall

communicate a rating of the film as may be deemed appropriate. It is note-worthy that since the correspondence from the Board to the Exhibitor, a response is yet to be received that may facilitate further regulatory actions as may be deemed necessary” the release reads.

Why I celebrated my birthday with less-privileged — Naomi Emmanuel N

ollywood actress Naomi Emmanuel who is popularly known as ‘Nurse Titi’ in soap opera Clinic Matters has revealed real reasons why she celebrated her birthday with the less-privileged, including blind and motherless babies. The actress visited Pacelli School for blind and partially sighted children,and also proceed to Heart of Gold Children`s Hospice, both in Surulere, Lagos. According to the actress who broke down crying on seeing the plight of the children,“I am here today to celebrate my birthday with the less privileged ones and the abandoned children here at the Heart of Gold Hospice, to make them feel at home, make them feel loved by people, so I want to use this opportunity to celebrate with them and have them rejoice with me as well. I turned down other sorts of celebration to visit these homes to put smile on their faces because we never appreciate what God has given to us until when visit Homes like this.” Naomi also said, “Since all my birthdays has always been all about drinking and having fun with friends and family members, I decided to do something different this time around and then I was like “Why can’t I have this celebration with the less privileged ones, do something extra and celebrate with people who have lost hope and feel •Naomi they have limited time in the world Emmanuel by giving them hope that there are still people out there who care for them”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—37

Late Kefee’s remains arrives Nigeria ... As Sammie Okposo convenes meeting in honour of late singer

owever, top gospel singer and Glo ambassador, Sammie Okposo has reached out to his colleagues in the music industry to come together for an emergency meeting in honour of late Keefe who passed on last Friday in faraway United States of America after having been in a coma for 15 days. “By now you must have heard of the sad news of the passing to glory of our dear friend, sister and colleague”Kefee”. It’s such a painful and great loss to the world. We will miss her greatly but as we grieve and mourn lets remember her for the great things she achieved and the lives she impacted and changed for good, because in matters like this we can only ask God questions we cannot question God. To this end there will be a meeting on Monday the 23rd of June in the morning at Zamar Entertainment in Surulere, Lagos to discuss issues, activities and events concerning how we will pay our last respect to our precious jewel “Kefee”in alignment with her family burial plans” declared by the ace singer in a statement posted online and sent to concerned quarters.

By IYABO AINA

HE body of Nigeria’s favourite gospel singers Kefee who passed away on Friday, June 13, 2014, after being in a coma for 15 days has finally arrived in Nigeria, ahead of a burial which will hold this month. Report has it that, the body which was flown into the country on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos at 4PM via a Delta Airline aircraft. The body was received by a few family members. Although sources haven’t confirmed if her husband, Teddy also came to Nigeria.

’s fe e e K d te ic d e r p I w o H death — Ara T

•Ara

HE Nigerian female talking drummer, Ara has many other gifts aside drumming with which she is known worldwide. But none of them includes the gift of clairvoyance or seeing into the future as the beautiful drummer revealed recently. Ara, who is a friend to Late Kefee has disclosed on a Best of Nollywood’s chat forum that she had a dream concerning Kefee’s death and that she called the late singer to pray hard to avert it. In her words: “I want to use this forum to appeal to my colleagues in the music industry. Less than two years ago, I had a dream about Keffee and immediately called her and narrated it to her, I also appealed to her not

to make a joke of it....the rest is history. Early this year, I had a dream and contacted Efe of NOW music as he’s the only one I could call and told him to please organise a forum for all musicians to assemble and pray against death amongst us (please confirm from Efe). It’s sad we had to lose my girlfriend, sister and colleague...so sad. When a revelation comes like that, it means there is a way out. Once again, we need to come together as a body under one roof to rebuke and pray about this revelation I had early this year. Yes, we all have different sources of prayer but this is a prayer we all must observe together. I beg you all. I didn’t want to speak out but I have no choice than to”.

Adokiye debuts in Nollywoood as ‘Ogbanje’ W

•Sammie Okposo

ave-making pop singer, Adokiye Kyri an, who told Weekend Groove last year that she would be making a foray into the movie industry has made good her words as two films starring the Imo State Peace Ambassador have been released. Adokiye features in Ogbanje and My Brother, My Enemy. In the star studded Ogbanje, Adokiye stars as a possessed house-help who ends up initiating her employer ’s daughters into the spirit world. While in the My Brother, My Enemy, the singer plays the role of a secretary of a telecommunications company who she and her boyfriend dupe unsuspecting subscribers of their certain benefits.

•Adokiye

— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

t’s another world cup, and this time, it’s in Brazil, the street party capital of the world except now they are pretending not to be in party mode (what with all the demonstrations and all). It can only be expected that there will be big hair, pouty lips and miles of flesh in abundance. Not only are Brazillian women famed to be some of the world’s most beautiful, they are also the women who have had the most plastic surgeries. As the football goes on, a million and one side shows carry on simultaneously, mostly involving dance, cavorting and ‘behind-the-scenes’ action. Traditionally, the number one soccer event in the world opens with sexy- the last time, the globe swooned not only to the lyrics but to the provocative swaying of Shakira‘s Waka Waka in South Africa 2010. With more than 683 million views as of June 2014, she was the popular choice for this year’s opening, but JLo and Pitbull supplied the sexy fix just as much with the notso-popular We are One in an opening that has been mostly described as ‘disastrous’. Running, kicking, sweating, diving and disrobing on those screens will be an almost overwhelming number of incredibly attractive men with foreign accents and soccer-level thighs in the best physical shape of their lives. For female fans, this is both a blessing and a curse. Female fans of men’s soccer put up with a lot of crap to watch the sport they

•Didier Drogba

•Sexy football fan

Women like soccer too!

love, much of it from male fans — accusations that they’re only into it because their boyfriend is, that they don’t really understand the intricacies of the game, that they have no business occupying space at viewing centers or at games that real, male fans could be occupying. They’re catcalled, derided, and quizzed as though they don’t belong there. Basically because men’s football is so very maledominated, female fans tend to be very wary of doing anything that makes them stand out as “female” or “feminine”. They will wear trousers to games, not skirts; flat shoes, not heels; they won’t wear too much make-

up; they don’t want to be accused of being there to look at the boys, not to watch the football. It’s almost as if this gendered/ sexualised element of

watching football would detract from how much you enjoy the sport. Having spoken to more than a dozen female fans, the conclusion is that with

our without fake eyelashes and push-up bras, female fans are authentic. Some grew up playing it with the boys, some fell in love with the sport alongside a parent, others became fans after getting swept up in World Cup fever as adults. They’re in it to see the national team spirit, to support the best athletes in the world, to see the usual configuration of professional European leagues completely upended and reordered on the world stage. Advertisers pay scant attention to the statistics, and at their peril. 2011 statistics show that though soccer is not the most beloved sport for the ladies in the United States, African and English women love to watch the beautiful game far more than any other sport. Women have been a big part of the viewing audience for the better part of the last decade, at least for the major events. According to Forbes, 5.2 million women tuned into the Women’s World Cup final between Japan and the U.S. (compared to 8.3 million men), making it the fifthmost viewed sporting event among females. Well informed sports retail concerns both online and instore have the good sense to create and offer distinct female lines. Now, female fans are doing more than cheering and providing comfort: they have genuine interest in the game, just for the love of it. Nigerian women like to watch Nigerians play in the World Cup, period! The one month of the World Cup should be a time of bonding of the sexes.

Kano govt partners Dana on maternal, child health ...de-worms 5,000 pupils BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

s part of her corporate social responsibility towards enhancing maternal and child health, Dana Drugs Limited, earlier this week, dewormed about 5,0000 school children in Kano State. The three-day event flagged-off by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Ministries of Health and Education as part of activities marking the year 2014 Maternal and Child Health Care Day. This is as the de-worming of under five children is notably one of the intervention points of maternal and child health care.

Pupils of three primary schools benefited from the exercise with Wormidan (albendazole) tablets/ suspensions. These were Kawo Cikin Gari Primary School from Nassarawa Local Government Area; Kwalli Primary School from Kano Manucipal Local Government Area and Maikalwa Special Primary School from Kumbotso Local Government Area. According to the National Marketing Manager, Dana Drugs Limited, Mr. P N Murthy; the Kano Branch Manager, Mr K.S.Khiani and the SP of Kano branch, Kabiru L Muhammad, the event was the fourth in the company’s series of nationwide school-based de-worming project which began in 2013 with Osun, Lagos and Niger states. The exercise which featured the presentation of customised gifts to the pupils was preceded by a lecture on child health.

At the de-worming event.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

ape and sexual assault against women in Nigeria have become issues in dare need of global intervention. Although there has been concerted efforts towards protecting the rights of the girl child as well as women in their homes and society at large, there is still much to be done, to put an end to it. The Department for International Development (DFID) project, an initiative of the British Council in Nigeria which according to the UK High Commission, is specifically aimed at helping to combat violence against women and to assist the victims of sexual violence, psychologically and otherwise, is one of the UK’S numerous strategies to combating the ugly trend. Also last week, the British High Commission in Nigeria organized a forum that heralded the London Global Summit on violence in conflict, where the issue of domestic violence against women both in Nigeria and other countries around the globe, was extensively discussed. The forum culminated in a protest to “# Bring Back Our Girls” The British Deputy High Commissioner, Peter Carter expressed the need for committed efforts towards ensuring that actions are taken against marginalization of women in key sectors of countries’ economies. Bringing to justice the perpetrators of violence against women and the need to provide support for the victims and also providing an international frame work in which those who committed the violence would be punished, were addressed at the conference. Carter, who disclosed UK’s long term relationship with Nigeria and its readiness to provide more practical assistance to help Nigeria strengthen her defense and security institutions with needed expertise to fight terrorism, added that the conference in London, specifically, was organized to look into challenging issues in Nigeria, both in the area of violence in conflict and the terrorists insurgencies. The conference, hosted by British Foreign Minister, William Hague, ensured participation of all Nigerian regional heads and governments that are working with Nigeria to help them recover the abducted Chibok school girls and also combat

Towards ending violence against women

From left: Bose Ironsi, Yemisi Ransom-Kuti: BDHC, Peter Carter; Itoro Eze-Anaba and Chino Obiagwu at the forum.

the insurgencies in North East, Nigeria. Also reiterating the UK’s commitment towards assisting Nigeria to combat violence against women, be it physically or emotionally, the Commissioner said, “It is imperative to look at the whole issue of violence against women, and how it totally affects the society. It is also important to look at how we can combat the impunity of menace, and better protect the victims, supporting them in every way possible.” he said, adding that “there is need to avoid early marriage which is happening in the northern part of Nigeria.”

he Deputy High Commissioner, who emphasised the need for sex education, also stressed that it is important for the United Nation, international organizations, NGOs and others, work together to eliminate sexual violence in conflict and also to breakdown the cultural impunity that goes with it. Also stressing the need to pay more attention to violence against women and girls in

By VERA ANYAGAFU and PRISCA SAM-DURU

If we had waited for the government or organisations, we would have waited forever, but the women stood up and said no, we want the girls back and alive and we want support for them and their parents

the society, the chief panelist, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, noted that the London global summit on sexual violence was expected “to critically address the issue of violence against women and girls in Nigeria and affected countries across the globe, as well as provide opportunity to talk about other related issues.” Commenting on the increasing number of cases of violence against women, she said, “At the Mirabel center of the Lagos State teaching hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja, Lagos, we noticed that for one year now, we have had over

280 people coming to receive treatment. There are several reported levels of violence against women, and it is difficult to determine which area is on the increase or decreasing. It is rather difficult to compare notes.” Mrs Eze-Anaba also noted that “It is important to start from creating awareness. Also, the Federal government of Nigeria should endeavour to put money into the Human Rights Funds and implement the international instruments that they have signed up to.” Her words, “ The Human Rights Funds is not working

— 39

right now and the government can actually begin to look at how they can put money in that fund and then the government can also implement the international instruments that they have signed up to. They can domesticate it. They can put in place mechanism to ensure that it is enforced, so that ordinary Nigerian can benefit from the provision of those instruments. We have a lot of laws on human rights at the national assembly and at different States House of Assembly. We can pass them into law and ensure they are implemented, so that we can begin to see what changes it can make in people’s lives,” She pointed out. Mrs. Yemisi Ransome Kuti a member of the panel, focused on the need for victims, fathers, women, girls and the perpetrators to have a platform where there can be dialogue. According to her, “There is sexual violence in peace time not to talk of in times of conflict. If during peace time we are experiencing so much domestic violence, incest, violence against girls, boys, women and violence against everybody at the moment, then we shouldn’t wait till there is conflict before taking action.” “I don’t think there’s anyone that is excluded. Women are murdered, men are murdered and violated in several ways. What we are saying is that prevention is better than cure. The people have to be fully involved in governance structure so that we don’t get to a situation where the society breaks down. We also need to tell women that we must move from the position of the afflicted, those who are always looking for who will do something for them because our creator has given us charge of the human race.” She said. Citing the protest demanding release of Chibok Girls, Ransome Kuti said, “If we had waited for the government or organizations, we would have waited forever, but the women stood up and said no, we want the girls back and alive and we want support for them and their parents. And international community stepped in. In this case of sexual violence against women in conflict, this evil is perpetrated against women and we must take the bull by the horn and work together.”

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Why Curved TV rents the air in Nigerian TV market

T has been nearly 80 years since the first public demonstration of television took place in a crowded laboratory in London. Since that time television has advanced from blurry black and white pictures to stunning highdefinition images with life-like depth, realism, color and resolution. How were these achievements made and how will they affect our technology? Over time, there has been advanced introduction in TV technology which has brought about tremendous improvement in picture quality. The cathode ray tube, otherwise known as the picture tube, pioneered the development of electronic television systems. CRT’s are a vacuum tube, containing electro guns and a fluorescent screen

used in viewing images. They were however superseded by the Liquid-crystal-display televisions (LCD TV) and LED TV’s which are thinner, lighter and have lower manufacturing costs. Next came the World’s first 84” ULTRA-HD TV, which equals 4 units of 42-inch TVs and delivers an unparalleled picture resolution of 2160p which is 4 times higher than full HD. ULTRA-HD TV uses Resolution Upscaler hardware which delivers higher detail from the existing SD/HD external sources. The TV’s Triple XD Engine comes with a TruMotion of 240 Hz with the benefit of fast screen refresh rate which guarantees quality viewing of fast movies and sports.

The ULTRA-HD TV also has Smart TV ecosystem, featuring well over 1,000 applications. It comes complete with 3D glasses. But recently, LG went a step further to introduce the Curved OLED TV into the Nigerian market. The advanced Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) TV is equipped with incredible picture quality, stunning design and innovative technologies. The precise curve of the screen ensures that your eyes are equally distant from all parts of the screen, providing the most natural and immersive viewing experience. The innovative technology of OLED TV permits a simpler internal structure. This means the TV

is unbelievably lightweight and pencil-thin, only 4.3 mm front to back at its thinnest point, making it slimmer than the Smart Phone. Features includes sound Picture Quality. By switching off individual pixels, blacks are rendered truly black, creating an “infinite” contrast ratio.

4 Colour Pixel: This technology adds an unfiltered, white sub-pixel to the traditional red, green and blue and generates a brighter picture with a wider range of colours and superior colour accuracy, giving it an edge over other OLED TV technology.

5 hidden features in Galaxy S5 Samsung never promoted T

he business of mobiles today is no longer about the name, screen or size. It’s the best of the technology in that device. A customer expects to get real value from the entire ecosystem surrounding the device. Decision to buy a phone depends on one's value expectation and proposition the device is able to bring about. It's either you are deriving first hand information as fast as you want from the device or it’s making your easier one way or the other. So, when Samsung debuted its latest smartphone the Galaxy S5, the features

which made headlines, included the popular Finger Print scanner technology which provides ultimate security for usage and payment services; the IP67 Water and Dustproof technology with modifications in rubber seal surrounding it to prevent any leakages. Another is the revamped S Health app and new heart-rate sensor on its back. The new S Health app can sync with Samsung’s Gear line of wearables, including the Gear Fit fitness band, and it offers guided coaching and feedback while you work out. But upon usage, there are

other very important features which for whatever reasons were not promoted. At least five of them could be useful for Nigerian phone lovers. The 5 untold stories of S5: *Smart Remote: S5 has built in infra red blaster that can control just any media device,. When activated, S5 can be used to control television, Airconditioners and other appliances. *SOS Alert : Just by three continuous press on power button , you can send SOS alerts to 4 pre designated numbers. These SOS message will be accompanied with

Google Map Location of where the sender is, Photos, an audio of the environment of the user. *Kids mode : This feature limits children's access to apps which upon activation, the user has designate as Kids friendly. * Privacy Mode : this allows the user to hide documents, pictures, files which can only be visible with a certain unlock pattern. *Tilt for play list : with this feature, while a user is listening to a certain type of song, the phone can automatically look for similar other songs just by adjusting or tilting it horizontally.

be available in different capacities, including 5KVA, 3KVA, 1.5KVA and 1KVA. Cyber power claims to be the first inverter in Nigeria to

integrate Automatic Voltage Regulator, AVR and Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS having opened shop since 1999.

The inverter that uses ‘I better pass my neighbour’ to power ATMs I

F you’ve ever witnessed a breakdown in power supply while using the Automated Teller Machine, ATM, in an offsite location, you will know that something more than the Nigerian electric power supply is needed to power the cashless initiative. But trust technology, any problem it cannot solve, perhaps could better be addressed in another name. Now a Nigerian technology company has just announced that its power inverters, Cyberpower has the capacity to boost ATM powers and solve the ‘out of service’ nightmare that many ATMs have given users. Besides, the inverters are

said to have the capacity to power air conditioners, microwave, freezer, refrigerator, pumping machine and other home appliances. It also functions as Uninterruptible Power Supply, UPS and can be used for computers, servers and telecoms applications. Technically, Cyberpower is designed and developed by state-of-the-art micro-controller technology for lighting, generator, heater, refrigerator, motors, and other apparatus to provide resources in a crisis or when regular systems fail. Outstanding features that give it its unique outlook are said to include its noiseless and maintenance free nature and

automatic changeover ability. The device is said to have competitively low cost-tobenefit ratio, faster charging, which is 3 to 5 times faster than other brands. The high point is its generator compatibility, being able to work with all generators including the popular and low cost ‘I better, pass my neighbour ’ brands for low income earners. Other features include the affordable DC input voltage and battery expansion capability, automatic voltage regulation, intelligent display which tells you all you need to know from inverter load, battery remaining capacity among others. The inverter is said to

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 — 41 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Better opportunity to make money may come your way but those who want your affection and vice versa, may not allow you to concentrate fully. Take advantage of the opportunity to establish friendship with influential people. GEMINI: Most of the exciting happenings are within your base of operation. And healthy relationships may start between you and other members of your work force. Take the initiative. CANCER: When it comes to passion/romance, you come first. And on a day like this when love is in the air, you can’t be left in the cold. Don’t be selfish please. LEO: Financial success may be what you want to celebrate with members of your opposite sex who unexpectedly arouse your passion. VIRGO: Many will desire you strongly today but you’ll equally attract the green-eyed monster called jealousy especially from your established relationship. Movement and communication will do the magic

By Richard Eromosele

guess you know what the word’Retrieve’ mean. This simply means to get back something from the place it is now, especially a place it ought not to have

Retrieve Yourself been. Many of us have lost it all – our identity, our values, our self esteem, our personality, our vision, self worth

TERROR MUDA

etc. If you have lost all of this what can you do? Get back your personality. Get back your selfesteem. Be the man or woman you are destined to be. Be

in “Never say goodbye”

the person you are created to be and unleash yourself on the world. Be the best God destined you to be. Retrieve yourself from whoever you have subsumed it before.

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Romantic Venus and sexy Mars are bringing influences of money, friendship, real love and leadership to earth’s inhabitants. What do you want? SCORPIO: Venus, Mars and Pluto at work today will influence many of you to give more time to matters-ofthe-heart, especially physical side of it. SAGITTARIUS: Love is in the air but if care is not taken, members of your opposite sex you see as your superiors (or boss) may become entangled. Watch it. CAPRICORN: Influence of the Moon today actually wants you to work hard but if you ignore love, you’ll not be able to concentrate on what you are doing. Friends will drive your fun-seeking vehicle along social circles. AQUARIUS: Some of you will be falling in love for the first time. And those of you who are old in the act will have rare excitement and satisfaction. Money can come in.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: You will find it relatively difficult to ignore love as attractive members of your opposite sex may go out of their way to gain your attention. ARIES: Powerful emotional feelings may overwhelm some of you and make you crave secret affair (with your subordinates?) It’s important you don’t allow scandal.

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 is wrong with me? Dear Joshua, I have written you many letters without response, I hope I will be lucky this time around. What’s your e-mail address? Although, I am interested in my financial affair and will like to know what awaits me in the future as the ups and downs are giving me concern, what I want you to tell me is: Who is working spiritually against my marriage? I have married four times. Why? Obi, Oyo. Dear Obi, If you have spiritual warfare, it is in your financial affairs. You were endowed with special ability to make money for both yourself and other people. However, three things can militate against your finances namely; inability to hold on to your gains for too long (miscalculation) jealousy and occultic manipulation by those who are green with envy. Yet, whatever happens, dire financial misfortune is not meant for you, especially if you heed advice from your star; your being spiritual will assist you. Fortunate placement of the Moon and Venus in Libra and Sagittarius endowed you with charming and magnetic personality which will make it easier for you to attract members of your opposite sex who will be willing to make you happy. But after sometime, your hidden aggressive personality and tendencies to worry will come out to the resentment of members of your opposite sex. Some other times, you promise more than you can deliver. Then yours is a jealous soul (yes everybody was born with jealous traits) but yours is extraordinary and if you have reason to doubt the other person, you may not be able to forgive. The summary here is that there’s not much spiritual aspect working against you here but your too strong or powerful personality is what you will need to work on: if at all you have problem with love. One sure bet is members of your opposite sex cannot do without your magnetic pose.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—43

Drop impeachment plan, Okorocha begs Adamawa lawmakers BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O PRIESTS' AGM: From left— Most Rev. Lucius Ugoji, Catholic Bishop of Umuahia; Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; Dr. B. N. Nwogu, Chairman of the occasion, and Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, Bishop of Orlu, at the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests in Umuahia.

Lagos APGA congratulates Umeh, sues for unity

OLLOWING the Court of Appeal ruling affirming Chief Victor Umeh as the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Lagos State chapter of the party has congratulated Umeh and the National Secretary, Alhaji Shinkafi and urged co-operation of all to strengthen the party. Acting Chairman of Lagos APGA, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Akata, in a statement, appealed “to the national leadership to be magnanimous in victory and extend a hand of co-operation to Mr. Maxi Okwu to build a united APGA and advised Okwu to accept the judgment in good faith and join hands with Umeh for a united and stronger party.” The party sought the support of the national leadership towards Lagos APGA because of the strategic nature of Lagos to the South-East and the country.

Judge releases journalists' ID cards, bans them from court Enugu— An Enugu High Court judge, Justice Eno Oluedo, yesterday, released the identity cards of two journalists she confiscated on Tuesday. Oluedo also barred the journalists from her court, saying they should obtain a written permission from the chief registrar if they wished to cover the court. The release of the cards followed a petition by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, journalists to the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Innocent Umezulike, and the Chief Registrar of the court, Mr. Eko. The journalists had asked the two officials to intervene in the matter as they did not contravene any of the court’s rules to warrant the seizure of their identity cards. They were in the court to cover a case involving one Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, a former boxer, who has been in prison custody since July 25, 2011 on the orders of the judge. The boxer was, however, granted bail by the Court of Appeal in Enugu on November 20, 2013, following the court’s

assumption of jurisdiction in the bail application. The appellate court had ruled that the trial judge denied herself jurisdiction in a case she was competent to

dispose. The former boxer was unable to meet the bail conditions and had applied to the appellate court for their variation.

Abia restricts Keke operations in Aba BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—ABIA State government has restricted the operation of tricycle operators, popularly called Keke, to 7p.m. in Aba, the commercial capital of the state. The government also restated that the ban on commercial motorcycle operation, also known as Okada, in the state was still in force, and warned those, particularly security operatives, who flout the ban to desist from it. A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa directed that any motorcyclist arrested would have his motorcycle seized and parked at the premises of Ministry of Transport where it would be burnt.

Despite the ban on Okada, it is still common to see security operatives, including paramilitary men, ply the streets of Aba and Umuahia with motorcycles and, sometimes, carrying passengers. While it is easy for police and other security operatives to arrest civilians with Okada, it is difficult for them to arrest fellow security operatives using Okada.

Ohanaeze, Arewa youths trade words over Boko Haram suspects BY ANAYO OKOLI

M U A H I A — OHANAEZE Ndigbo Youth Council, OYC, has lashed out at the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, over the latter ’s attack on

Condition of Imo court complex worries workers, litigants BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI— THE deplorable condition of the High Court building, Nkwerre, is now causing serious concern to workers, litigants and their counsel. Some of the workers, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, lamented that the C M Y K

state government appeared not worried about the deteriorating condition of the court complex. An obviously aggrieved staff told Vanguard that a fraction of the roof of the building was blown off several months ago, adding that the report had earlier been made to the

appropriate quarters. The worker, however, expressed shock that despite the report, no serious attention had been paid to the problem. He said: “Sometimes, especially whenever it rained heavily, the court was forced to adjourn.” Some lawyers and their clients, who spoke on the

WERRI—THE Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor’s Forum and Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has called on members of Adamawa State House of Assembly to drop the impeachment move against Governor Murtala Nyako, in the interest of the peace of the nation. The governor’s appeal came on the heels of media report that Adamawa State House of Assembly has served impeachment notice on Governor Nyako. Okorocha also advised President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the matter and see that the impeachment move against Nyako was halted. He said: “With the horrible security situation in the country at the moment, it would smack of insensitivity for anybody to be talking about impeachment of a sitting governor.” He opined that the energy that would be dissipated on the impeachment could be expended on the effort to recover the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

issue, expressed worry that it might get to a point when the building will totally collapse, if nothing was done immediately to stem the rot. Our correspondent who visited the court complex yesterday, noticed that the bad building housed the Customary, Magistrate and High Courts.

South-East governors on last Sunday ’s arrest of 486 suspected insurgents in Abia section of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway by soldiers. AYCF was reported to have warned South-East governors to stop the arrest of Northerners in their area, saying the people arrested were not insurgents. Reacting to the Arewa youths’ stance, OYC in a statement by its national President, Okechukwu Isigozoro, warned Arewa youths to stop politicising the security situation in the country. The group said the 486 suspects were arrested by the nation’s security operatives, and not South-East governors.

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

The Church is now corrupt— ANGLICAN BISHOP

My nomination, call to service — ORU

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—BISHOP of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Benin Diocese, Rt. Rev. Peter Imasuen, has lamented that the Church had been infested with the corruption virus, which he said has eaten deep into the fabrics of those in authority.

BY FESTUS AHON

G H E L L I — MINISTERIAL nominee, Dr. Steve Oru, has described his nomination as a mandate for action and promotion of Nigerians' interests. He promised to work with President Goodluck Jonathan in the actualisation of his transformation agenda. Oru spoke during the sensitisation rally of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at Oghara, Sapele, Ughelli and OtuJeremi. He said: “People of Delta Central are pleased with the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama. “We are overwhelmed by their responsible and prudent administration. “The primary reason for this rally is to remove all shades and manifestations of political darkness in Urhobo political landscape. “I am confident to declare that every other party apart from PDP is dead in Delta Central. “The cries of Urhobo people had been heard and we now have a minister. I can assure you that with God on our sides, we shall perform well for the good of our people and promotion of the party.”

In his sermon yesterday in Benin at the Second Session of the 17th Synod of the church, Bishop Imasuen insisted that the church was not left out in the corruption virus as some of those in the church were also involved in corrupt practices. He said: “It will be difficult to eradicate corruption in Nigeria because those saddled with the responsibility are themselves

corrupt. “The religious leaders, who are supposed to speak against it are themselves corrupt— in words and actions. “It is our prayers that the God of salvation will intervene in our country and save us from total collapse. The effort of all genuine men of God is needed to bring God’s redemptive power to mankind.”

Bury personal interests, warring Edo lawmakers told BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

E N I N — DEVELOPMENT Alliance Platform, a nonpolitical organisation in Edo State, yesterday, told warring members of the state House of Assembly that what should be paramount to them is the development of the state and not their personal interests. The group, comprising leaders of the civil society groups in the state, called on the lawmakers to withdraw all the pending cases in court and reconcile their differences in the interest of the people. Addressing newsmen in

Benin, it condemned the tension created in the state as a result of the crisis, and warned that the people of the state may be forced to close down the Assembly if the lawmakers failed to find speedy solution to the problem. The group, in a statement by Mr. Austin Osakwe, Rev. David Ugolor and Pastor Olu Martins, said: “It is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God. “These 24 individuals were elected by the people to fulfill the fundamental requirement of democracy and representative governance. So they are there representing the people who sent them. “The people are asking for

good road, quality education, functional hospitals, security and not fighting among themselves.”

Arisekola was humane in spite of wealth, says Ita-Giwa

HE Chairman, Conference Committee on Environment at the ongoing national confab, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has described late businessman and Islamic leader, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao, as a man that was humble and amiable despite his great wealth. In a statement yesterday,

Delta youths pledge to make 2015 election violence-free

socio-political group, Ejele Support Group, ESG, has said it was up to the task of making sure that the forthcoming 2015 general elections in Delta State were conducted in a free and peaceful atmosphere to pave the way for the election of a credible

and accepted candidate as the next governor of the state. Chairman of the group, Mr. Clement Lily, who spoke in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state, said it was already consulting with stakeholders across the 25 councils of the state, with a view to

sensitising the people on the need for free, fair and credible elections in the state, come 2015. Lily said: “We will make sure that , elections in Delta State are conducted in a rancour-free environment, so that the people can enjoy the beauty of democracy.”

Ita-Giwa eulogised the deceased, adding that Alao’s death is a great loss to Oyo people and the nation at large. She recounted his hospitality and philanthropic gestures towards the needy and less-privileged, which made his Ibadan home a Mecca of sort. “I join millions of Nigerians in commiserating with the Oyo State Government and the family of late Alhaji Arisekola Alao. So many qualities stood him out, but I am particularly touched by the fact that despite his stupendous wealth, he was humble, amiable and very hospitable. “I pray that the Almighty Allah will fortify the family he has left behind and for the repose of his soul.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

On the ongoing national conference, the cleric warned that the recommendations of the confab should not go the way of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa’s panel set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which he said did not see the light of day. He insisted that the warning becomes imperative as majority of their resolutions and suggestions will affect some persons who are now in government. While praising Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for the provision of infrastructures in the state, he called on him to create an enabling environment for the private sector to operate, saying that it was only the sector that could create employment for the youths.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Super Eagles in Brazil

ESHI still outranks some past white coaches Nigeria ever had. Football is not about two plus two and getting four as answer. Every team in the World Cup is there for serious business. Did Spain crucify their coach?— Mr. Akinajo John, Computer Engineer.

do not agree that Keshi is to be blamed in the match against Iran. Yes, Nigeria played a draw in the first game, but it will not be the same in the second. It is either we lose or win and that does not make Keshi a bad coach.— Mr. Alex Okelue, SelfEmployed.

RANIANS actually came to make sure Nigeria did not score, and they got it. We need strikers that can hold onto the ball even within the 18-yard box; causing confusion in the enemy’s territory. I believe they will win their next match.— Mr. Inno-Kwaz Ubong, Lecturer.

UR team played well except for mistakes from the bench. I still believe our team will make it to the second round, our opponents are beatable. Please, let us control our emotions, after all football is just a game: lose some, win some.— Mr. Jerome Samson, Worker.

GAINST Bosnia or Argentina, Nigeria need to play wide, use speed and defensive play. The IranianNigerian game should be a lesson to our coaches, that football is continuous adjustment and strategising to win.— Mr. Kazeem Aremu, Businessman.

IGERIA has advantage and power in the wings. That is from where we scored more goals. I know many people will say it is not modern soccer, but that is Nigerian soccer for you. Any coach who jettisons the wings has failed ab initio.— Ms. Blessing Ezeokoye, Student.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—45

Bomadi APC expresses confidence in state exco

Court restrains AG, Police from arresting realtor

BY DANIA ONOZURE

N Ogun State High Court sitting in Otta, has restrained the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and four others, including the Inspector General of Police, from arresting a Lagosbased estate agent, Chief Tesilim Almaroof, over a land matter. Also ordered not to be arrested or prosecuted alongside Almaroof is a businessman, Bashorun Adebayo Ajao. Trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Ojo, also restrained the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Police Area Commander, Sango Otta and Divisional Police Officer, Agbado Police Station, from arresting, prosecuting, detaining, torturing or harassing the two men, pending the determination of the suit against the respondents for allegedly violating their fundamental rights to acquire and own property at Agbado area of Ogun State. Justice Ojo also directed the respondents to maintain status quo ante bellum, and not to take fresh steps in respect of a letter purportedly written on April 25.

Book on Oyerinde for launch June 28

BOOK on the murdered , private secretary of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, is to be presented in Abuja on June 28. Titled, Olaitan Oyerinde: His struggles for a Better Nigeria, the presentation will hold in Abuja. The event will be supported by Edo and Osun State governments, Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Library. Special guest of honour is the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, while the chief host is Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. C M Y K

THISTLE PRAXIS AR-CSR CONFERENCE: From left: William Derban, CEO, Fidelity Bank, Ghana; Brian Kuwik, Senior Vice President and Africa Regional Head, Accion; Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant, Thistle Praxis; Dr. Ayo Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates; Hajara Adeola, CEO, Lotus Capital; Dr. Franklin Ngwu, Lecturer, Glasgow Business School and Prateek Shrivastava, Co-Founder, Beyond Branches International, during the opening session of the ongoing Thistle Praxis AR-CSR conference, in Tinapa, Calabar, yesterday.

A-Ibom denies allegation of ethnic bias in appointments BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU

YO—Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has described as false and baseless, an allegation published by a local tabloid that Governor Godswill Akpabio has been ethnically biased in appointments and in location of capital projects in the state. Umanah, in a statement by Mr. Idris Mabadeje, Information Officer, Ministry of Information and Communications, said the report was intended to incite the people against the governor, who has been fair to all. According to the statement, a local tabloid had alleged that Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, where the governor hails from, has eight chairmen and members in government establishments, follow-

ing the recent approval of a federal Polytechnic for the area by the Federal Government. “The Federal Government must have based its decision on established parameters. The location of the institution in Essien Udim represents equity in the distribution of federal higher institutions in the three senatorial districts of the state. “I recall that during last week’s visit on him by the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the governor had called for the upgrade of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to a fullfledged university. That was a demonstration of the governor ’s genuine intention to ensure even spread of federal institutions across the state,” it said. Umanah, who querried

when it became an offence for a relation of the governor, who has risen through the ranks, to become Managing Director of an establishment, said that his boss had been fair and impartial in the appointment of indigenes into federal positions across the state. The commissioner called on those accusing Akpabio of ethnic bias to pause and ponder on the spread of federal appointments, including ministerial positions, managing directorship of the Niger Delta Development Commission, chairmanship of both Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and Local Government Service Commission and Tourism Board in the state, among other nominations and appointments by the governor.

Rivers to ballot allocation of residential plots in New City

REATER Port Harcourt City Development Authority is to conduct a balloting process for the allocation of residential plots in the Low Density Area of Phase 1A in the New City, Rivers State. Four categories of applicants are expected to participate in the ballot exercise, namely: the political/public office holders; public servants/civil servants; professionals and businessmen and non-indigenes. The plots will also be allocated to host communities of the Phase 1A development. It was gathered that about 632 applications received are being proc-

essed by the Authority, to determine those who will participate in the balloting process on June 21, 2014. Fielding questions from reporters, the Administrator, Dame Aleruchi CookeyGam, said that the Authority considers immediate development a priority for successful applicants within 18 months of allocation, as land banking will not be encouraged. She added that the Authority was providing infrastructure and municipal services in the area. Mrs Cookey-Gam stressed

the importance of planned cities as a catalyst for promoting economic growth, adding that structured development and the provision of municipal services brings about conducive environment and promotes investments, as same was what the Authority was mandated to accomplish. The Authority, in April 2014, announced the sale of serviced plots for residential use in the Low Density Area of the New City and submission of application forms closed May 16, 2014.

OMADI—All Progressives Congress, APC, Bomadi Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, has expressed optimism in the capability of the state executive and a governorship aspirant, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, to bring the desired change to the state. Chairman of APC Bomadi, Mr. Azorbo Paul, said that the party unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the state Chairman of the party, Prophet Ode Jones and members of his executive on the success of the party’s national convention. Azorbo commended the leadership qualities of Olorogun Emerhor in encouraging of members to be committed to the ideals of the party. He said: “We charge party faithful to support the leadership of the party at the national, state and local government levels in their bid to provide good governance in the country.”

Group lauds Jonathan on siting of Maritime Varsity in Gbaramatu

socio-cultural group, Movement for the Actualisation of the Dreams of Niger Deltans, MADND, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for locating the Maritime University and Dockyard in Kurutie and Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. According to the chairman of the ex-militant group, Mr. Josiah Oyakoghan, “President Jonathan has taken everybody by surprise, especially the people of the Niger Delta. This is the type of thing the Niger Delta people have been clamouring for over the years. With this, we are confident that more developmental project will follow."

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Suspected herdsmen shoot two in Bauchi BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—UN KNOWN gunmen suspected to be herdsmen yesterday attacked Bar Arewa area in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, injuring two people. The victims were shot on their legs during the attack by the gunmen who escaped shortly after the incident. The Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, in the state, DSP Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen said “the gunmen suspected to be cattle rearers trespassed into people’s farmlands in Bogoro and disagreement ensued between them and the villagers. ”In the process, one Simon Laichau and Ahmadu Samaila were shot by the assailants on their legs and the gunmen escaped to an unknown destination.”

Groups condemn police ‘attack' on Makoko BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

UMAN rights groups under the umbrella of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, and Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection, CEE-HOPE, have berated the Lagos State Government over what they described as a recent onslaught by some policemen on residents of Makoko, in a bid to evict them from the community. The group, who described as barbaric, a recent incident, where at least three persons were reportedly injured by the police during an operation to evict the residents, acting on an alleged orders of the state government, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to probe the recent killings. They also urged the Federal Government and the National Human Rights Commission to compel all the parties to maintain status quo until the final verdict of the court. C M Y K

Police recovers 500 stolen cows in Zamfara BY SALISU MARADUN

USAU—THE Zamfara State police command has recovered over 500 cows from suspected cattle rustlers in the state. The state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Tijja Baba who made this known in an inter-

view with Vanguard, at Gusau, the state capital, explained that his men recovered the cows following intelligence reports from some patriotic Nigerians in the state. Baba further said that the police also recovered two AK47 riffles and other dangerous weapons from the cattle

thieves, following a raid of their hideouts. According to Baba, in the process of the raid, dozens of cows were found in the bush, while two suspects were arrested with the two AK-47 riffles andsome sharp knives. The state police boss said that all the recovered cows

were currently under the custody of the command, adding that, “my men will not relent in their efforts to making the state crime free.” He explained that the 24hour patrol currently going on in all parts of the state would continue until crime was completely wiped out in the state.

‘Majority of Kogi teachers have fake certificates' BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

MEETING: President Kobian/Mercury Ltd, Mr. Sajid Shaikh (left) and the Managing Director, Coscharis Technologies Ltd, Mr Mukoro Sunday during a business meeting in Lagos recently.

Jang's aide accuses Plateau lawmakers of gross abuse of powers

OS—MR. Yakubu Jang, Spe cial Adviser to Plateau State Governor on Special Duties, has accused members of the State House of Assembly of “gross abuse of legislative powers”. Jang, who was reacting to the law makers’ resolve to investigate him, following a petition that accused him and several others, of financial impropriety, said that it was “unconstitutional” for the house to initiate investigations over a petition whose authors were “faceless”. “The law is clear on this issue. The writers are a faceless group that goes by the name ‘Plateau Patriotic Front. The group has no address and cannot be reached,” Jang told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jos, yesterday. “The petition is signed by one Felix Obadiah, but the phone number he gave is fake; it has 10 digits – 0805818229 – and that clearly shows that it is a non-existent group that should not be taken seriously. “By law, the House cannot deliberate on a matter relating to my conduct without a resolution of the House published in its journal in the official gazette of the state government,” he added. The Special Adviser wondered why such groups should be taken seriously, and opined that similar groups could emerge to distract government from its focus if they were to encouraged to so,

by the law makers. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the petitioners, in the petition submitted on May 15, 2014, had accused the law makers of looking the other way while Yakubu Jang, and many others, were siphoning state resources. The petition also raised many questions over the management of the SURE-P funds accruable to the state, and also alleged illegal deductions from Local Government Councils funds. It specifically accused Jang of illegally operating a bank account for the salaries of civil servants along with Mr Pamson Dagyat, the state’s statistician. “In this account, he (Yakubu),

decides when salaries are to be paid; he makes his money when he chooses to punish government workers by simply withholding salaries to allow interest to accrue to him.” But Jang, while reacting to the specific issues, dismissed them as “utter rubbish”. “The allegations are very ridiculous; They alleged, for instance, that N50 billion SURE-P money has been mismanaged in a state whose total SURE-P allocations to date is less than N5 billion. Their claims are just funny,” he pointed out. “I am not afraid of being investigated; we run an open system here and cannot be afraid of any investigation.

OKOJA—CHAIRMAN of Interim Management Committee of Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr. Steven Aku has said that majority of teachers in the state possessed fake certificates. Aku, who spoke during an interactive session with newsmen in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, also said that the activities of fake certificate syndicates had reached a wearisome level, prompting the board to embark on certificate verification exercise for teachers. Apart from this Aku further attributed the problems of basic education in the state to bad attitude of teachers. His words, “It is worrisome when someone who had never passed through the four walls of a tertiary institution forges a certificate to gain employment as a teacher, thereby affecting the quality and standard of basic education. ”We are set to visit all schools where they claimed to have got these certificates to ascertain the authenticity of their certificates. We urge those who regard themselves as teachers without genuine certificates to quietly leave the system before the law catches up with them,” he said. Aku also decried the high rate of ghost teachers in the state, adding that, “Some people who worked in Abuja also draw salaries on monthly basis from the state government as teachers.

DataPower, Primex offers free ICT training to fresh graduates

technology firm, Data Power Technologies Limited and human resources management firm, Primex Consulting have partnered to train fresh graduates and jobless youths in basic computer applications to brighten their chances of getting jobs in the labour market. Chief Executive Officer of Primex Consulting, Frank Oyorhigho said in the 21st century, computer literacy is taken for granted in other climes, adding that the idea is not for profit but a sort of social responsibility

project, SRP by the two firms. According to him, the alarming unemployment rate in the country, informed the preparatory capacity building so that their chances of employability will be brightened. He said beneficiaries of the initiative will be trained in basic computer applications that will assure them a space in the labour market, while his organisation will handle the human resources development aspect of the two-week training programme, which is expected to start from Lagos before going

to other parts of the country. Business Development Manager, Data Power, Technologies Limited, Michael Adeniyi said there is enough infrastructure to accommodate the first 1, 000 beneficiaries, who will not pay the cost of the training. He said: “DataPower Technologies Limited has been accredited by the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, since May 2012. It is our way of complementing government’s efforts in reducing the army of the jobless youths in the country. Beneficiaries will not pay for the training programme.''

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NDE plans job opportunities for graduates through GAP

IMPEACHMENT NOTICE ON NYAKO:

Hold Presidency responsible —Tsav BY CHARLES KUMOLU

ADUNA — THE Na tional Directorate of Employment, NDE, said yesterday that it is providing job opportunities for graduates through its Graduate Attachment Programme, GAP. The NDE Coordinator for Kaduna State, Alhaji Isa Tandama, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna. He said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between the "work experience" requirement demanded by employers as condition for employment. According to him, the scheme would provide an opportunity for the beneficiary to make himself indispensable to the employer through his contributions to the organisation within a period of six months. "GAP is another programme under special public programme targeted at degree and HND holders,” he said. According to Tandama, GAP is still running in the state but due to cash constraint, only 20 youths were recruited instead of the usual 50.

Jigawa to complete grass control project on Hadejia River

UTSE — THE Jigawa State Government said, yesterday, that it was committed to the completion of grass control project on Hadejia River. The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jinjiri, said this during an inspection tour of the project at Matara community in Kirikasamma local government area of the state. He said the state government in collaboration with the Hadejia River Basin Development Authority had so far cleared several kilometres of grass on the river. He said: “The state government is committed to the typher grass control on the river to enhance effective utilisation of water resources. “The project is designed to clear devastating grass, control flooding and enhance agricultural activities.” Jinjiri said the state government had also executed various water projects to enhance access to safe drinking water by the rural communities.

FORMER Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has said that the Presidency was behind the impeachment notice given to Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, noting that the present administration now operates like a military government. He also said that the closure of Yola airport yesterday, was done to ensure that the state governor remained in the state so as to serve him the notice. Tsav in a statement regretted that Nyako had been excluded from different meetings con-

vened by the Federal Government on the security situation in that part of the country, while other governors whose states are under emergency rule were invited. His words: “The purported service of impeachment notice on Governor Nyako and his deputy, from all indication, shows that the Federal Government has hands in the saga. "Firstly, Nyako was not invited for meeting of 'save school initiative' in Abuja with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, while his Borno and Yobe counterparts whose states are also under emergency rule were invited.

“Secondly, Yola airport was deliberately closed yesterday to prevent Nyako from travelling in order to facilitate the service of impeachment notice on him. This constitutes wrongful confinement, intimidation and act of indignation to a democratically elected governor and could be invitation to chaos. “All airports in Nigeria are under Federal Government. No one can close any airport in Nigeria without the consent or authorisation of the President. We see the hands of the President in this saga. He has become an emperor with military powers.”

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (Right); Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed (left); and the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman during the 72nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Accra,

PRESIDENCY: Yuguda's campaign posters flood Bauchi BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI — POSTERS an nouncing Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State’s interest in the 2015 election, yesterday, flooded Bauchi, the state capital. The posters were printed on Yuguda’s behalf by a group known as National Concerned Professionals, NCP. Chairman of the group, Dr Mohammed Chindo, told newsmen that the NCP decided to come out to canvass for Yuguda’s presidency because they believed that he had performed well as governor, hence the most suitable for the job in 2015. He said: “We are a body of professionals with membership scattered all over the country and working for the endorsement of Yuguda for the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

”Yuguda is a person of exemplary character and a charismatic leader you can trust to deliver. We have seen how he has transformed the state from where it used to be. ”The governor has touched the lives of the common men in the state with his people oriented policies. We used to know how the standard of living of the people was in this state before he came on board. Today Bauchi has been transformed in terms of human empowerment, health, education and transportion among others.” On the report that Yuguda is eyeing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Chindo said they, as professionals, believe that it was better for him to contest and lose the presidential bid than win as a senator, adding that the senatorial seat was too small for the calibre of people like

Yuguda. H e s a i d : ” We n e e d Yuguda at the national level as president in order to transform the entire country the way he has transformed Bauchi State. "Already, we have toured the entire North-East for his endorsement as president in 2015 and we plan to move to the other regions in the country for the same exercise soon.

Legal Aid Council trains 500 on alternative dispute resolution

ADUNA — THE Legal Aid Council of Nigeria trained 500 persons drawn from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State on alternative dispute resolution, its North-West Zonal Director, Mr Enoch Azariah, has said. Azariah stated this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna. “The training was held across the three senatorial districts under the council’s “Access to Justice For the Poor, AJFP,” programme. He said the training was sponsored by the Japanese Social Development Bank and the World Bank. He said the training offered the participants, alternative means of settling disputes without recourse to violence or litigations in regular courts to resolve disputes. “This will arm existing dispute resolutions institutions such as district heads, village and religious leaders with alternative dispute resolution skills through mediation,” she said. He said the programme was initiated to also assist the poor to know their legal rights. Azariah pledged that the council would continue to sensitise Nigerians on their fundamental rights and assist them in seeking redress. He acknowledged the support of local governments to the activities of the council, saying they had facilitated the refurbishing of 19 of its offices, which had helped people at the grassroots to benefit from its services. “Minimal legal matters such as matrimonial courses, land disputes, investment and inheritance cases will now receive quick attention,” he said. Azariah urged the people to visit the centres, not only to know their rights but also to access relevant legal services where appropriate

Free business directory debuts soon

HE IVH Directory will soon be launched in Lekki, Lagos. The IVH directory is a business directory aimed at giving SMEs/businesses a platform for more visibility and more growth as over 10,000 hard copies of the directory will be printed and circulated free within Lekki/Ajah/VGC to start

with. All subscribed businesses will be given free online listing. An added benefit is the access the subscribed businesses will have to an annual exhibition and conference with a pool of likeminded professionals in their field and more. IVH is published by Publishers of the three year old not-for-sale SEE Inspirations magazine.

48â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard , FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

VISIT: From left: Professor Kole Omotosho, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Louis Mnguni, and Prof. Niyi Akinnaso, during the visit by the High Commissioner to the Governor, in Akure.

AGM: From left: Mrs Rose Hamis, Company Secretary, Mr Larry Ettah, Chairman, Mrs Omolara Elemide, MD/CEO, and Mr Solomon Aigbavboa, Director, at the 49th Annual General Meeting of Chemical and Allied Products Plc in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

LAUNCHING: From left: Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, Mrs. Ebime Ekperare and Dan Imani, at the launch of a water factory by Tompolo media consultant. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire.

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SIGNING: From left: Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, Chief Client Officer, Mansard Insurance Plc., Tosin Runsewe and Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Babatunde Osho, at the signing of MTN/Mansard collaboration on MTN Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ello Life in Lagos

From left: Ogho Emore, CEO, Brimass Ltd, Brian Tracy ,motivational speaker, Stephen Ojji, COO, Brimass Ltd, and Chukwuemeka Agbata, founder, www.ICT with CFA.com, at the leaders conclave 2.0 in Lagos.

AGM: From left: Andrew Alli, President/CEO, Africa Finance Corporation, Mr Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman, AFC, and Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, Executive Director & General Counsel, AFC, at the AFC 6th Annual General Meeting.

OPENING: Peter Oladipo, Sales Manager, Kazeem Olasunkanmi, Admin. Manager and Mr. Fatai Oshungboye, Branch Manager, with staff and children of Gods Heritage Private School, during the opening of Shoprite's 10th and biggest store in Ibadan.

From left: Director, Registration and Regulation Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Macdonald Guruba, and Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii at the briefing on the arrest of Prof. Dayo Oyekole, over fake and unregistered drugs by NAFDAC in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

From left: Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, Executive Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Dayo George; Head of Lith and IP, Mrs Erewa Odiri, and General Manager, Miss Abimbola Okoya, at BATNF Start-Up Ogun Youth Enterprise Training in Abeokuta.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—53

Delegates bicker over arrest of 486 Boko Haram suspects STORIES BY HENRY UMORU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

OUTHERN and Northern delegates almost engaged one another in a freefor-all yesterday, when a motion on the arrest of 486 Boko Haram suspects in Abia State was presented for consideration. Tempers rose and almost boiled over but for the quick intervention of the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, which averted the breakdown of law and order. The drams started when a South-South Delegate, Chief Sergeant Awuse, in a motion on a matter of urgent national importance, drew the attention of the conference to the weekend’s arrest of the suspects and called on security agencies to beef up security around oil installations in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State. Referring to the report of the Defence Headquarters that a kingpin of the Boko Haram Islamic sect was among the 486 suspects arrested, Awuse said: “We do not want Boko Haram in our area. We want the Confab to beg the security agencies to be very more proactive. From dependable security sources, we have been told that the apprehended Boko Haram members are not the only ones. Many of them have already infiltrated the city. “We can’t wait further because we have been told that one of the wanted persons was found among the 486 Boko Haram members. We have to be a little bit more proactive on this matter. One of our Governors, Alhaji Ibrahim Shettima (Borno State) was quoted to have said if

Boko Haram succeeded in overrunning the North, they will want to extend to the South.'' He added that a situation where 486 ‘traders’ were traveling in 35 buses at night claiming to be looking for jobs was questionable. Hardly had he finished his motion than a delegate from the North, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu stood up, saying the arrest of the suspects could lead to serious crisis, warning that “a warning is enough for the wise.” Amid protests from Southern delegates, Dalhatu said the arrest of the suspected Boko Haram members was an ominous signal of dangers ahead. His words: “We must exercise great and serious caution when we address serious national issues on the floor of this house. For us to quote a newspaper report as authentic sources is not the best; we were told that those arrested in Abia State are migrant traders. “We have been so far informed that only one of them could be a suspected Boko Haram member. Port Harcourt has been receiving people and visitors from other areas. When traders travel to the North at midnight, we don’t describe them as armed robbers. They do their legitimate businesses. “Let nobody here think because I dress the way I dress or speak Hausa that I am a Boko Haram member. Now, we understand that Northerners have to pay to get identity cards. The security agencies should note that if other Northern states decide to retaliate, the consequences would not be imagined.

••Recommends death penalty for rapists of minors •Others face life imprisonment

HE National Conference has recommend death sentence for those found to have raped minors just as it recommended a life sentence to other rapists. Delegates at yesterday’s plenary, while considering the report of the Conference Committee on Civil Society, Labour, Youths and Sports, chaired

by Bola Ogunrinade, unanimously adopted the c o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendation that death penalty be meted out to anyone found guilty of raping a minor. They also unanimously agreed that any government official found guilty of embezzling public funds or monies meant for pensioners be given life

imprisonment. The conference also proposed 50 years imprisonment for any judicial officer found guilty of corruption or abuse of office and to be stripped of all official entitlements. Meanwhile, the Conference kicked against the committee’s recommendation to allocate 30 percent of decision making in the country to youths.

Kutigi walks out Ex-NAWOJ president over misconduct

MMEDIATE past President of National Association of Women Journalists, Ms Asabe Baba was humiliated yesterday when the Chairman of the National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi walked her out of the conference for misconduct. Baba, a delegate from Gombe State representing NAWOJ at the conference had left her seat for another when another delegate, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), unsure of her identity, raised an alarm. Ahamba said: “Chairman, there is a woman sitting here. She is not a delegate. She has no name and tag to identify her,” stressing that it was a security risk, more so, when she veiled her face. He said that she could not be identified as a delegate and if she was one, she should go to her seat rather than occupying another person’s seat. Provoked, Baba, reacted by saying that Ahamba’s statement was irresponsible.

“This is the height of irresponsibility. Is it because I am wearing a veil?” she asked. The development attracted the conference’s attention and the shouts of “it is enough” rent the air. But Ahamba wouldn’t give up. He insisted that the woman should go to her seat. At this point, the Vice Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who was incharge of proceeding directed her to obey the rules of the conference, get her tags or leave the hall. A little hesitation on Baba’s path to obey the instruction prompted the leadership to call in two police officers to escort her to the door. Baba, who had returned to her designated seat at this time, however, sat tight on her seat until some intervention came from some delegates especially the women, who encouraged her to obey the instructions.

54—VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 O be successful in the world, it is essential to possess correct knowledge, for without correct and complete knowledge, no action, whether for the world or the hereafter, produces effective or correct results. And unless the results of deeds are correct and complete, there can be no success in the hereafter. The Quran completely possesses the principles and guidance by which man, by acting upon, can achieve the goodness of this world and the hereafter. Whoever recites Bismillah hirRahman nir-Rahim, asks for complete and correct knowledge, as well as perfection in deeds, Rahamanir-Raheem Again, you can only which produce excellent results. In other words, he asked for remembering Allah Through His knowledge of the Quran and good 3000 Names with this ayah. It is deeds, and further requested mentioned in Tafsir Ruhul Bayan perfection in these. One who that Allah has three thousand receives the correct and complete names. He revealed 1000 to the knowledge of the Quran, and angels, 1000 to the prophets, 300 furthermore is blessed with are mentioned in the Tawrah, 300 excellence in works, is successful in the Zaburah, 300 in the Injil, and and achieves goodness in this 99 in the Holy Qur’an. One name He has kept to Himself without world and the hereafter. When Bismillah was revealed; revealing to no one. All these Jabir was reported to have said that according to scholars have been when: In the Name of Allah, the condensed into the three names Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; contained in the ayah. Teaching children to say was revealed, the clouds gave way by moving to the East, the winds Bismillah could be a means of ceasedblowing,theoceansbecame forgiveness for parents. It was reported from Abdullah bin Abbas calm, the creatures prepared themselves to listen, the shayatin that as soon as the tutor says to a were pelted with fire from the child, read: In the Name of Allah, heavens and Allah, swearing an the Most Gracious, the Most oath by His honour, declared: Merciful; the teacher, the child and Anyone who says this name of mine the child’s parents are all upon anything, I will surely impart guaranteed freedom from the fire barakah in that thing. Ad Durrul of Jahannam. It was reported that Prophet Isa (Jesus a.s) passed by a Manthur and Ibn Kathir grave whose inmate was being

Wonders of Bismillah (2)

In Ad-Durrul Manthur, Ibn Umar t is reported as saying that surely, whenever Arch Angel Gabriel used to bring message to the Prophet, he used to first recite the ayah. In Bismillah there are three names of Allah:1)AllahwhichisHispersonal nameindicatingthatallprojectscan only be initiated by the will and wish of Allah. 2) Rahman (mercy) which is His attributive name indicating that only Allah can keep that project intact and existent guarding it against destruction. 3) Raheem (Most Merciful) which is also His attribute name indicating that only Allah can, through His mercy and grace, enable any person to derive benefit from that project. Other uses of Bismillah: Islam is not confined only to the masjid and madrasah. It is a way of life. Each and every aspect of a Muslim’s life is supposed to be deen. It is for this reason that Rasulullah has shown the ummah simple methods which would render each and every worldly affair of his to become deen and for which he will be rewarded. Thus every activity of a person will become an ibadah. By doing this, he will draw closer to Allah and distance himself from the accursedShaytan.Andbynotdoing this he will deprive none other than himself. According to Ibn Abbas in Ad-Durrul Manthur, Rasulullah has said that people are unaware of the blessings of one ayah of the Holy Qur’an which was revealed to no one other than me and Sulaiman u. That is: Bismillahir-

Arisekola: Huge loss to Islam — Sheikh Zuglool

LEADING Islamic scholar, writer and founder of Daru Dawah Islamic centre, Isolo, Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool, has described the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Abdulazeez Alao Arisekola as a star in his own time, adding that his death was a big loss to Islam in Nigeria. Sheikh Zuglool reacting to the news of the death of Arisekola said: “Allah created some people like cows, chickens; their type will be many in numbers; He created some like lions, elephants; their type in creation will be very few; Allah created eras and star-like people in them.”

“Aare Musulumi was a star in his era. Few are figures who excel in social, business and political landscape with the most important one, religious life. Alhaji Arisekola’s exit is a big loss to Islam in Nigeria.” He continued: “Your life reminds us of Abubakr, Uthman and Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (during the time of the Prophet) who spent their wealth and life for Islam and humanity. We pray Allah grant him firstclass Al-janah and also give muslims in Nigeria the strength to bear this loss, Amin,” Zuglool said.

status in the hereafter: Rasulullah was reported as saying that any du’a which begins with “Bismillahir-Rahamanir-Raheem” is not rejected. By saying: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the scales of my ummah will become heavy on the Day of Qiyamah”. The other people will ask: “Why are the virtues of the Ummah of

Personal name

tormented. After some days he happened to pass by the same grave again. This time there was no punishment. The inmate was in great comfort. This surprised him a great deal. He asked Allah: “Lord, what brought about Your mercy so that you have lifted the punishment from this person?” Allah I replied: “O Isa, when the man died, he left behind a child. When his mother took him to the madrasah, the child said: Bismillahir-RahamanirRaheem. In the presence of the teacher, it does not befit me to keep on punishing his father while he called me Rahman and Rahim. Hence, I forgave him.” Bismillah - A means of deliverancefrompunishment:Itwas reported from Abdullah bin Mas’ood that:theayahhas19letters and the angels of hell are also 19; anyone who says the ayah will be safeguarded against the 19 angels of Jahannam. Tafsir Qurtubi and Durrul Manthur, volume 1 page 9 Bismillah – It is a means of high

by the earth; a means of safety against faces becoming distorted; and a means of safety from stones raining down from the heavens. Ghunyatut Talibin Page 157 A Hadith Qudsi Rasulullah said that the angel Jibreel made a mention of this hadith under oath that he heard it from the angel Mika’il under oath who heard it from the angel Israfeel under oath that Allah said; “By my honour, grace and grandeur, whoever reads: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful and SuratulFatiha jointly once, then you be witness that I shall not burn his tongue and I will save him from the fire as well as the punishment of the grave and on the day of Qiyamah. Saying Bismillah Before Wudhu: Rasulullah said: “One who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, his wudhu is incomplete.” Tirmidhi. It is reported from Abu Hurairah that anyone who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, only the

To be successful in the world, it is essential to possess correct knowledge, for without correct knowledge, no action, whether for the world or the hereafter, produces effective or correct results

Muhammad so heavy?” Their prophets will reply: “In the utterances of the Ummat of Muhammad thereissuchanhonourablename of Allah that if it is placed on one side of the scale, and the sins of the entire creation are placed onto the other side, then the side with the virtues will be heavier.” Other wonders of Bismillah Rasulullah was reported to have said that as long as people keep on saying: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, it will be a means of safeguarding them against sickness; a means of granting riches to the destitute; a means of freedom against the fire; a means of safety against being swallowed

sins committed by the limbs which are washed in wudhu will be washed away; and one who says Bismillah before wudhu, the sins of the entire body will be washed away. Mishkat Saying Bismillah Before Meals: Umar Ibn Abi Salamah reported that Rasulullah said to me: “Say Bismillah and eat with your right hand the food that is in front of you.” Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi The scholars have said that it is preferabletosaytheBismillahaloud so that it is a reminder for those who forget. Also, Ibn Hibban is reported as saying that if Bismillah is said prior to utilising any bounty of Allah and Alhamdu-lillah is said after utilising it, the user will not be asked to give account of that bounty on the Day of Qiyamah.

nd Sheikh Imam Musa Abdulsalam, guest lecturer, (2 left);Imam rd Musbaudeen Olawale, Branch Missioner, NASFAT, Igbogbo, (3 left) and other members of the Mission board during the Pre-Ramadan lecture held at Igbogbo Central Mosque, Igbogbo, Lagos

From left: Alhaji AbdulRasheed Alabi, Branch Chairman, NASFAT Igbogbo; Engr AbduLateef Oduntan, chairman of the occasion; Prince Bola Badewa Special Guest of honour and Alhaji Babatunde Yakub during the event.

From left: Alhaja R. Alinson, Alhaji Busurat Balogun, Women Leader, Alhaja Sarata Akoni and Alhaja R. Raji members of the Women Management Committee, Igbogbo NASFAT during the event.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—55

Lagos Hijab Ban: MSSN, govt disagree ••As court fixes July 1 for hearing

Chibok girls: It's a national shame — Muslim bodies •Say: Boko Haram not representing Islam BYADERONKE ADEYERI

HE Conference for I s l a m i c Organisations, CIO, has described the inability of the government to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls sixty-five days after they were kidnapped as a national shame just as it maintained that the Boko Haram insurgents are neither representing Islam nor Muslims. The group which is a conglomerate of Muslim organisations in the SouthWest made it known at a press conference on the state of the nation. Speaking on a number

this moment. We pray the Almighty Allah to ensure the safe return of the Chibok girls.” “At this juncture, we would like to reiterate that the Boko Haram insurgents are neither representing Islam nor Muslims. Muslim leaders across the country have vehemently condemned the nefarious activities of the criminal group. In fact, it would appear that the Boko Haram campaign is even targeted at Islam and Muslims.” “It is on record that the insurgents have killed more Muslims than nonMuslims since their

It is on record that the insurgents have killed more Muslims than non-Muslims since their emergence

of national issues, Sheikh AbduRahman Ahmad who was represented by Imam Qasim Badrudeen, former Amir, MSSN, Lagos unit, stated that against the background of the growing insecurity and other ugly developments in the country, it has become imperative for the Lagos Muslim Community to lend its voice so that peace may reign. Boko Haram menace/ Chibok girls The Council urged the Federal Government and the international community to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the over 200 abducted school girls, stating: “It is a national shame that the girls are still in captivity up till

in the town who chased and apprehended them. Had they escaped, the attack would have been blamed on Muslims in the town and the conflagration that might have ensued afterwards would have been grave.” “We reject the attempt by Christian leaders to sweep the case under the carpet, and demand that the state police command thoroughly investigate the matter and arraign the suspects accordingly. We call on the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter to ensure that justice is done.” Clamour for Christian governor in Lagos The group described the call for a Christian governor in Lagos state in 2015 as preposterous and undemocratic. “This demand is rather preposterous, and utterly undemocratic. It is capable of polarising the state along religious lines, and jeopardising the peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the whole of the SouthWest.” “Never in the history of Lagos or any other state in the South-West was any governorship candidate formally nominated or elected based on his or her religious identity.” We state unequivocally that any attempt by any political party to foist any candidate on Lagos on the basis of religion will spell doom for such candidate at the polls.

emergence. Recent developments across the country have tended to lend credence to the growing concerns among Muslims that-the so-called Boko Haram insurgents may be non-Muslims tutored to act as Muslims, with a view to maligning Islam.” The group continued: “A case in point is the May 18 foiled attempt by some Osun State Christian leaders to launch a fake Boko Haram attack on a church in Ikonifin Olaoluwa Local Government of the state, with a view to implicating Muslims and smearing Islam.” “Their attempt to disappear into the thin air was foiled by some youth

From left: Engr. Balogun Kilani Lukman, Sec Gen Council of Islamic Organisations, (CIO); Imam Ismail Yusuff, Amir Lagos Mainland Muslim Council; Alhaji Ishaq Ayandiran and Imam Quasim Badrudeen, former Amir, MSSN, Lagos during a Press Conference organised by CIO, on the activities of Boko Haram held in Lagos.

HE last has not been heard on the legal imbroglio between the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, and the Lagos State Government over the ban on the use of hijab (Muslim veil) in public schools in the State. At the resumed hearing on the case, Wednesday, counsel to the state government, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) who is the Solicitor-General of the state informed the Lagos High Court that they have filed a counter affidavit against the application of the applicants on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 stating that the State government is against the application of the MSSN and will not negotiate with their counsel outside court. It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had initially sought for an

out of court settlement when the case opened on May 27, 2013 before the former judge handling the case; Justice Oyewole offered to give them time to negotiate. A situation the MSSN called 'unnecessary delay tactics'. The State Counsel, Barrister Pedro told the court that the 'out of court negotiation' had broken down and prayed for an extension of time in order to file a counter affidavit to the application of the MSSN. Counsel to the MSSN, Barrister Hassan Fajimite, told journalists that the State government wasn’t really interested in the 'out of court settlement. “For over a year that the government applied before Justice Oyewole that they wanted to settle out of court, they never met us as

lawyers representing the applicants and when they eventually met with us recently, on the letter they wrote through their Attorney-General, we realized they weren’t ready to concede to us our rights”. Fajimite however asked for a new date for the commencement of proper hearing of the case which he believe should be fully taken. Justice Onyeabo adjourned the case to Tuesday July 1, 2014. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the case was adjourned, the Amir (President) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, Engineer Kaamil Kalejaiye said they won’t rest until justice and their fundamental human rights has been restored no matter how long it takes.

UIMGA doles out scholarships again

HE University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association (UIMGA) said it has spent over N5million on scholarship scheme since the programme commenced. This year’s award ceremony which took place on the

15th June, 2014 at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque was witnessed by members of the Association, some members of the university community, including beneficiaries smiling home with thousands of naira in scholarship.

Islam forbids killings of innocent people — Clerics

EAGUE of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, has said contrary to the practice of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, Islam is against killing of innocent people irrespective of their religious affiliation. It also advised governments at all tiers to eradicate corruption and impunity from the polity so as to facilitate growth and development in the country. This was contained in a statement by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Sheik Habibullahi Adam Al-Ilory and Secretary General, Imam Ahmed Aladesawe, in Lagos recently. “Islam forbids forcing people to embrace Islam as Allah has stated in the holy Quran that ‘there should be compulsion in religion." “There is no provision in Quran that enjoins the killing of innocent people or Christians as Allah has stated emphatically that whatsoever kills an innocent person is perceived to have killed the whole of mankind.” On the stance of the insurgent group on western education, the clerics said there was no provision whatsoever that forbids education, western or otherwise as “prophet Muhammad himself encouraged all

faithful to ‘search for knowledge from the cradle to the grave.’” The group warned that unless something urgent was done, the level of corruption would further impoverish the masses and affect good governance. It stated, “In view of the foregoing, we call on governments at all levels to as a matter of urgency and utmost priority to review all relevant laws that slow down our criminal justice system.“

Criminal justice They should also strengthen all anticorruption agencies, so as to enable them to combat corruption without fear or favour and review the country’s judicial system to meet up with new challenges.” The clerics also advised the Federal Government to create conducive environment for businesses to thrive by providing cheap and regular supply of electricity and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with business registration. The league also called on the Federal Government to carry out a thorough investigation into the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Benue State by Boko Haram.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Saka Adewumi, President of the group, stated that the scholarship scheme came into existence as part of the resolutions reached at the Education Summit organised by the Association in 2015 adding that 38 students from various Universities comprising of two Ph.D, five M.Sc. and 21 undergraduate students have benefited from the scheme. Also speaking at the occasion, the General Secretary of the group, Shamsideen Adewusi,pointed out that over N5million have so far been expended on the scheme. In a lecture titled: “Zakat: Tool for Educational Development”, Dr. Uthman Ibrahim of Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, emphasised the need for all Muslims at the helm of affairs in the country to show more commitment to the education of the Youth. Cheques were later distributed to twenty beneficiaries of the scheme. Students from various Universities in the country including the University of Ibadan, University of AdoEkiti, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology Minna and Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto among others benefited from the scheme. The chairman of the Scholarship Committee; Alhaji Abdulahi Adelakun expressed appreciation to individuals who have contributed to the scheme.

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20 , 2014

Spain crowns new King F LANKED by his family and before Spain’s Parliament, Felipe VI was formally proclaimed the new King of Spain Thursday, following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos. The new King, clad in military uniform, promised to head a changed monarchy “for new times,” in an address before the packed parliamentary chamber. “We have a great country, we are a great nation — let us trust in it,” he told the packed parliamentary chamber and the millions watching nationwide. After swearing an oath promising to uphold the constitution, the new monarch expressed his respect for the Parliament and the nation — as well as his own emotion at becoming monarch. Felipe paid tribute to his

Spain’s newly crowned King Felipe VI, poses with family members on the balcony of the royal palace after a swearing-in ceremony . To the far left is his father, Juan Carlos, who abdicated after a 39-year reign. To Felipe’s right is his eldest daughter, Leonor. She is 8 years old and now first in line to the throne. To Felipe’s left is his wife, Queen Letizia; his daughter Sofia; and his mother, Queen Sofia.

father’s “extraordinary” legacy over nearly four decades, including his leadership as the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in. He also thanked his mother, Queen Sofia, for a lifetime of hard work and devotion to the Spanish

people. Felipe spoke of the need for a monarch to unify his country and to work with its political leaders, a message with added significance at a time when many in the country’s Catalonia region want a referendum on independence.

S/Sudan Bishops slam leaders over stalled talks Both the government of

ELIGIOUS leaders from South Sudan yesterday accused warring factions of stalling peace

talks to prolong fighting as the government and rebels continued to boycott negotiations.

Pakistanis flee troubled region

HEIR belongings piled high on buses, rickety donkey carts and tractors, thousands of refugees poured out of Pakistan’s North Waziristan on Thursday, terrified by both state troops and Taliban insurgents fighting for control of the troubled region. Pakistan announced the start of a full-on military offensive on Sunday to quash an increasingly assertive Taliban insurgency in

the ethnic Pashtun region, the base of some of the country ’s most feared al Qaeda-linked militants. Troops have since encircled the mountainous region on the Afghan border and fighter jets have pounded villages and militant hideouts, sending a wave of panicked refugees spilling into the nearby region of Bannu, as well as Afghanistan.

President Salva Kiir and rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar are refusing to restart talks aimed at ending six months of bloodshed, which has already killed thousands of people and displaced 1.3 million. The government says it objects to comments made by Mahboub Maalim, the executive secretary of the East African bloc brokering the talks, IGAD, who said the idea that a military solution to the conflict could be pursued was “stupid”. Rebels, meanwhile, have objected to the participation in the talks of civil society groups, religious organisations and other political parties, complaining that they were not involved in the selection process.

Sunni militants capture Iraq’s second largest refinery

UNNI militants hung their black banners on watchtowers at Iraq’s largest oil refinery, a witness said yesterday, suggesting an ever-increasing stranglehold on the vital facility by insurgents who have seized vast territories across the country’s north. A top Iraqi security official and a militant fighting for control of the plant said the government still

held it. The fighting at Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad, comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not

imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said. The Iraqi witness, who drove past the sprawling Beiji refinery, said militants also manned checkpoints around it. He said he saw a huge fire in one of its tankers. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared reprisals.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014—57

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20 , 2014

LIFE AFTER SERVICE:

The Power to appoint Chief Justice lies finally with the Governor Being excerpts from “Appointment of A Chief Judge of a State in Nigeria - My Experience and The Ascent of Pragmatism and Constitutionalism”contributed by Hon. Umezulike to Judicial Integrity Independence and Reforms: Essays in Honour of Hon. Justice M. L. Uwais (GCON) (CJN) BY JUSTICE INNOCENT UMEZULIKE

NTRODUCTION: The not infre quent delays, toxemia and heavy politics involved in the appointment of a Chief Judge of a State Judiciary seem to indicate that perhaps, the least known, most generally ignored or misunderstood, and least carefully evaluated provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are those dealing with the appointment of a Chief Judge of a State in Nigeria. In this contribution to a book in honour of the greatest Chief Justice of Nigeria (Justice Mohammadu Lawal Uwais GCON, CJN), this writer will strongly contend that the process of appointment of a Chief Judge of a State is purely a Political/Constitutional process rather than geographical, cultural, or idiosyncratic one. Hence a process which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria seems to treat as political should not be ridiculously objectified to the extent that meta-legal factors outside the process are entertained and perhaps given some consideration and accord. It will also be contended in this paper that those who designed the Constitutional process plainly contemplated that the involvement of the Governor and the House Of Assembly of a State must be first or paramount importance and obviously final. We shall return to this shortly. Before that, we must pause here to acknowledge the

obviously legitimate, valid and final. And it cannot be impugned by reference to meta-legal factors outside the constitutional process. What therefore does the Constitution say? Under Section 271(1) thereof it is enacted as follows: “The appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a State shall be made by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the State.” The above provision is clearly determinative of the process of appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of a State. This paper is not concerned with the provision of Section 271(4) of the Constitution which deals with appointment of a Chief Judge on acting capacity. Under Section 271 subsection (1) above, it is clearly stated that the appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a State shall be made by the GoverThe power to recommend cannot in nor of the State on “the recommendalaw, grammar and syntax translate or tion of the National Judicial Council, mean the power to appoint subject to “the conhonour of being invited to contribute a firmation” of the appointment by the chapter in a book in honour of the House of Assembly of the State. The greatest Chief Justice of Nigeria. above provision when reduced to its Hon. Justice M.L. Uwais GCON, last analysis comes to this: CJN needs no introduction in the mu•The appointor of a Chief Judge of nicipal and international legal commu- a State is the Governor of that State; nity. His contribution to legal educa•The organ that confirms or rejects tion and development of the Nigerian the Governor’s appointment of a Chief law remains unarguably unequaled. Judge is wholly and solely the State There deservedly will be many more House of Assembly; tributes to him by the legal communi•The organ that recommends canty. And the obviously deserves every didates for such appointment is the accolade. National Judicial Council. The ConThe constitutional provisions: In his stitution clearly sets forth, assigns and characteristics elaboration Justice Mar- delimits the functions of these organs shal once said: “Let the end be legiti- in the appointment process. Each ormate, let it be within the scope of the gan is under a solemn constitutional Constitution and all means which are duty not to transcend the limits of its appropriate, which are plainly adopt- functions and powers. ed to that end, which are not prohibitUpon the unjaundiced reading of ed, but are consistent with the letter Section 271 (1) of the Constitution, the and spirit of the Constitution, are con- clear surmise is that subject to the constitutional”. firmation by the State House of AsIt is therefore to be contended that in sembly, the power and duty to appoint the appointment of a Chief Judge of a a Chief Judge of a State vests solely State once the provisions of the Con- with the Governor. And the duty of stitution Of The Federal Republic of the National Judicial Council is fairly Nigeria 1999 are clearly satisfied or closely and mainly confined to mere complied with, the process becomes recommendation of the candidates for

the appointment to the Governor of the State. This conclusion of law is reinforced by the clear provisions of paragraph 21(1)(C) of Part I Third Schedule of the same Constitution, as follows: “The National Judicial Council shall have power to – (C) recommend to the Governors from among the list of persons submitted to it by the State Judiciary Service Commission persons for appointments to the offices of the Chief Judges of the States and Judges of the High Courts of the States, the Grand Khadis, Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the States and the Presidents and Judges of the Customary Courts of Appeal of the States.” Furthermore, under paragraph 6 of part II of the Third Schedule of the Constitution it is clearly provided as follows: “The State Judicial Service Commission shall have power to advise the National Judicial Council on suitable persons for the nomination of the office of – •The Chief Judge of the State; •The Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal; •The President of the Customary Court of Appeal; •Judges of the High Court of the State;•Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal and; •Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal”. What one can clearly take away from the above constitutional provisions is that the process begins with the State Judicial Service Commission which usually recommends three nominees to the National Judicial Council which in turn makes its own recommendation to the Governor of the State. The Governor finally goes to the House of Assembly for the confirmation of the nominee.

Constitutional provisions As we have indicated above, the power to recommend cannot in law, grammar and syntax translate or mean the power to appoint. Hence the N.J.C. should make its recommendation in deference to the equally legitimate constitutional rights of the Governor and the House of Assembly to exercise their discretion. Of importance, of course, is that none of the constitutional provisions stipulated that the Governor shall nominate to the N.J.C. They clearly state that the Governor shall appoint. Section 271 of the Constitution clearly presents appropriate division of responsibilities between the Governor, the N.J.C. and the House of Assembly. The involvement of the N.J.C in the appointing process would have been greater than nominal if the Section provided that: “The Governor shall appoint a Chief Judge of a State by and with the advice and consent of the National Judicial Council.” To be continued

The raison d'etre for NPF pensions (2) By FRANK MBA This is the concluding part of this piece which was first published in Vanguard, yesterday

OWEVER, blaming the victims for woes they did not inflict on themselves, is at best an unkind cut and an injustice of the worst kind! As earlier stated, one of the reasons the Police Force opted to have its PFA is to right the wrongs of the past and prevent a repeat of becoming perpetual victims in our country. Our history of excellent management of corporate entities is incontestable. Companies such as NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, NPF Mortgage Bank Plc, NPF HMO and NPF Multipurpose Cooperatives Limited which have been operating profitably over the years under the relevant regulatory agencies are proudly owned by the Police. The NPF Microfinance PLC is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and is the undisputed and widely acknowledged best microfinance bank in the country. It needs be stated that the setting up of the NPF Pensions Limited is worthy of celebration. Its operation offers an average policeman a sense of fulfillment as issues relating to his job and career would be ably addressed to suit his peculiar needs. Firstly, it will help to address the issue of multiple registrations peculiar with existing PFAs. Secondly, it will ensure uniformity in contribution and accurate remittance of pension retirement benefits to all retirees under the scheme. Thirdly, in all Police Commands there will be Pension desks, manned by officers, which will be integrated electronically with the NPF Pensions Limited to enable easier and faster transactions between Police officers and their PFA. No doubt, this will facilitate prompt payment of retirement benefits with little bureaucratic processes. Fourthly, it will afford commensurate returns on investments arising from operational profits which NPF Pensions Limited can make and this will be ploughed back to improve Police welfare.

Opening for job opportunities Fifthly, NPF Pensions Limited will provide another opening for job opportunities for Nigerians, thereby helping to tackle the problem of unemployment and other social ills, including crimes often associated with lack of decent jobs. Furthermore, it is also easier to identify Police officers who have Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) such that payouts would be made to the true beneficiaries only and thus help to eliminate fraud. Also, there is a measure of assurance with regards to the security of funds which are now in the custody of a licensed Pension Fund Custodian (PFC). As a matter of fact, the setting up of NPF Pensions Limited is a win-win situation for all the relevant stakeholders – the Federal Government, PenCom, NPF Pensions Limited and other PFAs, Police personnel and the general public. Finally, as we draw our curtain on this write up, we wish to express our immense gratitude to all those who have in one way or another assisted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc along with his Management Team in his golden, trailblazing innovations and unprecedented welfare measures, among which the setting up of the NPF Pensions Limited has become the icing on the cake, cautiously designed to make the lives of the officers and men of the Force better. Now, more than ever before, the officers and men can proudly and patriotically serve their country knowing that indeed, after service, there is Life! •CSP Frank Mba, is the Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force. Concluded

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014— —59

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

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VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E RT S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D M E D I A L I M I T E D (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 , E A S T PAV I L I O N , TBS, LAGOS.

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TAN ambassadors preach Nigeria in Brazil

WO exinternationals – Waidi Akanni and former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia are leading a delegation of 15 young Nigerians who are on a mission to Brazil to support the Super Eagles as well as project the good image of the country. The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, have been a constructive force here sending out positive messages of Nigeria to the rest of the World. President of Tan, Akanni explained that they undertook the journey because they have real-

ized that football and sports in general remain the only unifying factor in Nigeria. ‘’We’re not unmindful of the good luck that has come the way of sports since President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan assumed office. He has brought his Midas touch to bear on Nigerian sports and we are indeed grateful for his love and support for sports”, Akanni said. Also speaking, Siasia said that TAN remains a private sector initiative established to breathe a new life into Nigerian sports.

“Thunder” Balogun for Centenary Awards UK •As memorial cup finals holds tomorrow

IGERIA’S soccer legend, Teslim “Thunder” Balogun has been selected for a posthumous honour in the United Kingdom version of the Nigerian Centenary Awards for his contributions to the promotion and prestige of Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially in the UK, during his life time. The Nigerian Centenary Awards UK, endorsed by the Nigerian High Commission to Britain, “is being held to recognize and celebrate the unique achievements of

Nigerians who have participated in the British society over the last 100 years. Billed for June 27, at the Waltham Forest Hall, Forest Road, London, the event designed as a classy Gala Night will attract eminent Nigerians, diplomats, captains of industry, top media executives, celebrities and the Nigerian community in the UK. Meanwhile the finals of Teslim Balogun Memorial U-15 football competition also organized in his honour comes up tomorrow at the Campos Square, Lagos.

GTBank Heritage Cup winners celebrate

KO Boys High School and Queens College, Lagos are still savouring their feats. after emerging champions of this year’s Guaranty Trust Bank Heritage Cup football competition for secondary schools in Lagos state. Eko Boys defeated their Saint Gregory counterparts by 3-0 with Kehinde Idrisw scoring a brace while Femi Ibitoye contributed a goal. Queens College and Ansar Udeen Girls High School Itire played a 22 draw within the regulation time Queens College outscored their counterparts by 4-3 in the ensuing penalty

shootout. Champions in both categories went home with a giant trophy plus cash prizes of N750,000 each while the runners up pocketed N500,000 each. Kings College Lagos won the third place for the boys while, Ansar Udeen College Isolo were third in the girls category. In his post victory speech, Skipper of the Eko Boys High School, Emmanuel Obiora said “I simply feel great! We have been trying to achieve this feat since last year. Our victory didn’t come as a surprise because we have really worked hard.”

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Kanu: Eagles can win group F

ORMER Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu is confident the side have the quality and ability to see off Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Argentina, in their remaining World Cup Group F encounters. The Super Eagles got their Brazil adventure off to a slow start as they played out a goalless draw against Iran in their opener last week, and next face the Golden Lilies at Arena Pantanal on Saturday. Stephen Keshi’s men will then close out the first round against global titans Argentina on June 25, but Kanu, who played at three World Cup finals during his professional career, is confident the team

Continues from BP on a bright note yesterday, with Blessing Okagbare extending her reign over the women 100m. It is the fifth consecutive year she is winning the title. She finished 11.06 seconds to dust off the field on the newly installed tracks of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Okagbare’s time is the sixth fastest

Continues from BP Sports Vanguard can reveal authoritatively that a deep-rooted animosity in the camp has finally torn the team into three camps with each camp commanding their own loyalists. On one side of the camp are players who are loyal to skipper Joseph Yobo and who want him to make a record appearance for the Eagles after hitting 98 caps while the second group are loyalists to one of the assistant coaches of the team who has been described as very influential in the camp. This group consists of players he was said to have influenced their selection. . They are alleged to be very bitter with Emmanuel

C M Y K

are more than capable of beating both their remaining opponents and qualifying through to the last-16 as group winners. “We can beat any team. We can beat Bosnia and we can also beat Argentina. But to

achieve this, we must work hard,” he said. “It’s too early to write off Nigeria’s chances. It’s just our first game and we have to now move forward. “We have to learn from it, draw from the positives and move on.”

Beat Bosnia, Okonji-Iweala charges Eagles

IGERIA’S Coordinat ing Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has charged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to beat Bosnia in their next round of game in the ongoing World Cup tournament in Brazil. According to the Minister, Nigeria could still make

it even after the draw with Iran Monday. In a one liner statement on her Facebook page sent by her Media Adviser Mr. Paul Nwabuko, OkonjoIweala said, “Go, Nigeria! We can still do it. Bosnia, here we come!” Nigeria plays Bosnia this Saturday.

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

Bosnia coach Continues from BP

Victor Moses (l) dispossesses Iranian opponent of the ball during their barren Group F opener.

Okagbare time on the IAAF world list this season, it is the fastest time in Africa. Her Ivorian rival, Murielle Ahouré has also done the same time and both women will likely clash at the African championships in Morocco later in August. Okagbare was chased to the finish by hard fighting Gloria Asumnu

D-I-V-I-D-E-D! Emenike who is the point-man of the Eagles. They alleged that Emenike has become swollen-headed, proud and arrogant and therefore have vowed to cut him to size by not giving him passes. This could be attributed to the colourless outing of Emenike who before now was the engine room of the Eagles and contributed immensely to their winning of the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. The case of Osaze Odemwingie is a pathetic one. I learnt that Osaze is lonely in the midst of the camps as he is left alone to sulk Coach Stephen Keshi recent attack on him by saying that he did not play to instructions in

who finished 11. 17 seconds, it was her season’s best. Justina Sule was third with 11.63 seconds. Deborah Odeyemi was fourth with 11.63 seconds, Goodness Thomas fifth with 11.65, while Dominique Duncan making her debut in the championships was sixth with 11.66. The men’s final will be decided today as the championships continue.

the game against Iran. On the contrary, however, it was Osaze who breathed life into the attack of the Eagles in that colourless goalless encounter. A very dependable source in the camp described the situation as worrisome that such divisions exist in a team that everybody is looking forward to playing as a unit to beat Bosnia. Though Coach Stephen Keshi could not be reached for comments, I gathered that he had been indifferent to the goingson in camp. Nigeria have now failed to win any of their last nine matches, extending the longest winless run by any team taking part in this tournament.

Brazil World Cup. Bosnia were dumped 2-1 in their opening match by Argentina while Nigeria ended their encounter with Iran on a stalemate. Both countries need an outright win to brighten chances of progressing to the second round. The Manchester City top striker has been handed a catapult to use in shooting down the

Eagles of Nigeria”, a Bosnian Journalist told me at the Main Press Centre in Sao Paulo. I also shot back that Keshi would unleash his anger of not beating Iran on Bosnia with Emenike and Osaze that they won’t know what hit them after the match on Saturday. The match which comes up in muggy Cuiaba in the heart of the South American

hinterland would see the Bosnian coach Susic throwing up his attackers Izet Hajrovic, Zyjezdan Misimovic, Senad Lulic and Dzeko to look for goals as they could not afford to lose to Nigeria. Happily, Super Eagles first choice keeper, Vincent Enyeama has declared readiness to face the expected ‘bombardment’ from Bosnia attack line to be led by Dzeko.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014— —63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Today's Matches Italy Switzerland Honduras

Costa Rica France Ecuador

5 p. m. 8 p. m. 11 p. m

Results

D-I-V-I-D-E-D!

Colombia Uruguay

3 camps tear Eagles a-p-a-r-t

2 2

Ivory Coast England

1 1

Go shoot down Eagles •Bosnia coach charges Dzeko, Lulic

•As Osaze sulks

DIVIDED: Super Eagles players train in Campinas, Sao Paulo yesterday.

vs vs vs

HEN the Super Eagles step out against BosniaHerzegovina tomorrow in a make or mar encounter which would determine their stay in the Brazil 2014 World Cup, they may not be united..

Continues on page 62

OSNIA striker Edin Dzeko has been charged by coach Safet Susic to lead by example and score goals that would down Nigeria and brighten their chances of moving to the second round of the Continues on page 62

•Dzeko

Okagbare remains Nigeria’s fastest woman BY BEN EFE HE 2014 All Nigeria/ Cross River Champion-ships took off Continues on page 62

8 pages of Sports Vanguard and more stories on pages 32 & 33

•Okagbare

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Leathery (5) 5 Quicker (6) 8 Regional (5) 10 Life (6) 11 Parched (4) 14 Gift (6) 15 Trouble (7) 18 Beverage (3) 19 Child (3) 21 Glass (4) 23 Dissuade (5) 24 Grasped (4) 27 Colour (3) 29 Fish (3) 31 Varied (7) 32 Universe (6) 34 Wise (4) 35 Uncertain (6) 38 Follow (5) 39 Avoided (6) 40 Trade-mark (5)

DOWN 2 Scull (3) 3 Look (6) 4 Heated (3) 5 Level (4) 6 Dirty (6) 7 Beat (6) 9 Hire (7) 12 Rodent (3) 13 Expensive (4) 16 Monster (4) 17 Famous (5) 20 Boring (7) 22 Unfortunately (4) 24 Barrack (6) 25 Minus (4) 26 Claim (6) 28 Minor (6) 30 Record (3) 33 Pip (4) 36 Gist (3) 37 Managed (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Flinch 5, Step 8, Order 9, Ass 10, Mine 11, Dawn 12, Essay 13, Hectic 16, Torn 18, Edit 20, Orb 22, Rot 23, Den 24, Pier 25, Peer 28, Deform 30, Still 32, Diet 33, Ease 34, Ire 35, Along 36, Lame 37, Stance.

DOWN: 1, Flashy 2, Insecure 3, Commit 4, Presented 5, Sedated 6, Tray 7, Pant 8, One 14, Corpulent 15, Din 17, Roe 19, Demotion 20, Oil 21, Brittle 26, Relent 27, Impede 29, Idol 30, Seam 31, Lag.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.