NUPENG STRIKE THREAT: FG moves to avertnationwide fuel strike

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 61692

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

BUSINESS VISIT

KURAMO OCEAN SURGE:

From left: Mr. Frank Ejizu, General Manager, Samsung Heavy Industries; Mr. J.H. Chung, Vice President, Samsung Heavy Industries and Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, during a visit to the governor, weekend, on plans to establish fabrication yard in the state.

How I escaped being swept away— Survivor •Five more bodies recovered

N150

•P.6

NUPENG STRIKE THREAT:

FG moves to avert nationwide fuel strike •Okonjo-Iweala relocates to Lagos •Meets marketers, union leaders, others •NUPENG gives Thursday deadline to pay salary arrears

BY BEN AGANDE, HENRY UMORU, VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG AND KUNLE KALEJAIYE

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BUJA—IN a bid to avert the looming industrial crisis in the

country, involving National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG), oil marketers, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Coordinating Minister

Continues on page 5

PINI JASON Did we go to the •P.17 Olympics? (2)

JOHN AMODA Dispersals and emigration: The notion of •P.19 diaspora in the Nigerian usage

Mr & Mrs

DANGEROUS FUN—Fun seekers at the Bar Beach, Lagos, yesterday, despite the recent ocean surge that claimed several lives at the Kuramo Beach also in Lagos. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele.

SPECIAL REPORT: 100 years of trade unionism in Nigeria — Serial on Owei Lakemfa's latest work Pgs 28&29 C M Y K

FG to go after Boko Haram financiers, •P.7 strategists

2 — Vanguard , TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 21, 2012

Syria: UN military observers depart U

.N. military observ ers departed Damascus yesterday after a four-month mission in which they became helpless spectators of Syria’s conflict, and activists said government forces launched air strikes near the capital that killed two dozen people.

Helicopter gunships attacked Mouadamiya and Daraya, suburbs south of Damascus, activists and residents said, giving casualty tolls that could not be independently verified.

“It seems they suspected that there were rebels in the area,” said an activist in Daraya, speaking on condition of anonymity. Gunships also appeared to hit targets in the western Damascus district of Kfar Souseh, a

Members of the UN peace mission in Syria getting ready to leave Damascus. housewife said by phone.

Video footage posted on YouTube showed no movement in the streets

of Mouadamiya, with the silence broken by the sound of shelling. Control of the area has changed hands several

times, as have many other places in a war with no clear front lines.

“Our mission failed because the two sides did

not abide by their commitments,” said one uniformed observer, who declined to be named, before seven United Nations cars left a Damascus hotel carrying some of the last members of a mission once 300 strong.

The unarmed monitors suspended operations in June after coming under fire and most have already departed, leaving a small liaison office in the Syrian capital in case a chance for a political settlement to the bloodshed ever emerges. Insurgents have stepped up their own attacks, hitting tanks, military convoys and security buildings. The mandate of the monitoring mission, known as UNSMIS, expired on Sunday. The last monitors are due to leave

by Friday.

Obama, R omne Romne omneyy slam Akin’s rape comment

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RESIDENT Barack Obama called comments from Republican Missouri U.S. Senate candidate Todd Akin about rape and abortion “offensive” and “way out there” yesterday, and said poli-

ticians should not be making healthcare decisions on behalf of women.

“The views expressed were offensive. Rape is rape and the idea that we should be parsing

Somalia gets new parliament S

OMALIA moved one step closer to a new government, with the swearing in of 222 members of the country’s committee-selected parliament.

The committee tasked with approving parliamentarians swore in 222 of the parliamentarians yesterday.

The swearing-in ceremony was not quite the historic day that many had hoped for, Al Jazeera’s Nazanine Moshiri reported from Mogadishu. “Ceremony was held in the airport base, which is under the protection of the African Union,” she said. The parliament will eventually have 275 members. Only then will it be able to hold crucial votes for speaker and president by secret ballot. Despite the tardiness, however, there was a mood of new optimism on the streets of the capital.

“This will be the first time in 20 years that an election of this kind will take place in the capital,” Moshiri reported. Hussein Arab C M Y K

Isse, current defence minister and deputy prime minister, said that the delays finalising the future parliamentarians had been caused by the thorough vetting process.

and qualifying and slicing what types of rape we are talking about doesn’t make sense to the American people and certainly doesn’t make sense to me,” Obama told reporters in the White House briefing room.

In the same stead, GOP’s presumptive presidential candidate, Mitt Romney called Rep. Todd Akin’s suggestion that “offensive” and “inexcusable,” millions of Americans has lined up to register their anger against the Missouri congressman who had a

workers, comprised of an estimated 3,000 rockdrill operators, called RDOs, downed their tools on August 10 and have been demanding a 300 per cent pay rise.

The strikers said that they were not sure what to do. ”Because we work

•Obama 65 percent chance of unseating incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in the upcoming Senate race. Akin has come under torrent of criticisms over his claim that women rarely get pregnant as a result of “legitimate rape.” But the tables has turned, as McCaskill now has a 60

•Todd Akin percent chance of retaining her seat. Akin, claimed in a Missouri television interview that a woman’s body can block unwanted pregnancy and therefore rape victims should not have access to legal abortions.

The Senate hangs in an equally fine balance this year.

as a majority, if the majority goes back to work tomorrow I’m going too,” Vuyisile Mchiza, a miner, said. But ,”if the majority is not going back to work tomorrow, I’m not going either because I won’t be able to go to work while others are sitting

grieving”.

“Expecting us to go back to work is like an insult ... many of our friends and colleagues are dead,’’ another miner, who did not want to be identified told the Associated Press news agency.

Assange faces hard life in Ecuador’s embassy

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IVING on takeaway meals in a small room with a treadmill to burn off frustrated energy and a vitamin D lamp to make up for a lack of sunlight, Julian Assange has the one material thing he values most: a computer with an Internet connection.

The WikiLeaks founder

Gu Kailai gets uspended death sentence

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Chinese court has c o n f i r m e d handing down a suspended death sentence for Gu Kailai, the wife of fallen politician Bo Xilai, for murdering a British businessman.

Zhang Xiaojun, a Bo family aide who admitted to helping Gu with Neil Heywood’s murder last November, received a nine-year jail sentence, according to court sources. A statement to this effect from Tang Yigan, an official with the Hefei Intermediate Court in eastern China, followed earlier comments from witnesses who had attended Monday ’s closeddoor hearing.

Suspended death sentences are normally commuted to sentences of up to 25 years or life in prison, subject to good behaviour in prison for two years.

UK supports Nigeria’s agriculture transformation

S/African miner s shif ts resump tion dat e miners shifts resumption date S

OUTH Africa’s president Jacob Zuma has declared one week national mourning for the miners killed last week and instituted a probe into the cause of the carnage even as the striking workers post postponed their resumption of work for another 24 hours.

The incident which cast South Africa back to its dark days of apartheid has provocked global outrage.Represented by a newer union, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the striking

BRIEFS

took refuge nine weeks ago at Ecuador’s embassy in London to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over alleged rape. Having feared jail, he now finds himself living like a prisoner.

Yet British friend and

supporter Vaughan Smith, who hosted Assange at his country mansion for a year during his failed legal battle against extradition, said the Australian was in good spirits and enjoying the virtual freedom of his computer.

BY LAJA THOMAS

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UCCESSFUL imple mentation of agricultural policies and food systems have been identified as factors that could reduce hunger and contribute to better nutrition, especially among the world’s poorest nations.

This was stated by the Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina at the Global Hunger Event hosted by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, where the Agric Minister gave a five-point commitment of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to improve nutrition and minimize hunger between now and 2015. The first commitment is to “make agriculture and food systems nutritious by expanding bio-fortification.” In 2012, three pro-Vitamin A cassava varieties have been released, while orange flesh sweet potato, rich in beta carotene, is being promoted to reach one million households by 2015. Over 100, 000 ha of quality protein is presently being cultivated.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Group challenges INEC over Akeredolu's form submission claims

Offa council boss advocates autonomy for LGs

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BUJA—A group, the Democratic Values Initiative has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to resolve the puzzle surrounding the form submission of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, candidate in the Ondo State’s October 20 governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The group said it has become imperative for INEC to clear itself of any complicity in the matter especially when its image maker, Kayode Idowu has been identified as a loyalist of the ACN leadership whose loyalty had before now fetched him a job at The Nation newspaper.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Godwin Shari, the group said it has been following with keen interest the unfolding drama and the

controversy surrounding the form submission issue of the ACN candidate.

Text message

“It took a text message sent by Akeredolu, late Saturday evening, to dispel rumours about the party not meeting the deadline given by INEC. Reports in some newspapers on Sunday had detailed how reporters met brick walls while trying to confirm whether or not the ACN was able to submit the INEC forms before the rumoured August 15 submission date.

“It was reported that neither Akeredolu nor the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, offered any explanation,” the statement read in part.

The group said it viewed strongly however, a text message from Akeredolu late Saturday evening which

noted that his party still had up till Monday, August 20, to submit the forms which will confirm the party’s readiness to participate in the poll.

Registering its curiosity at the twist in the development, the group said “ we were however curious when a statement by the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation signed by the Media Director, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, on Sunday announced that the ACN candidate had indeed submitted the forms.

“We therefore demand that INEC should speak up on this issue in order to confirm its integrity and neutrality towards the poll in the state. First INEC should tell the whole World whether or not Akeredolu, which the commission had, as at Saturday, reminded about the October 20 submission deadline on Saturday, had actually

submitted the forms.

We also wish to know whether Akeredolu could submit the forms on Monday knowing full well that INEC staff would not be on duty on that day. Another aspect that INEC should clarify is whether or not the ACN could submit uncompleted forms because very crucial information which has to do with the deputy governorship candidate would be missing.

Seeks clarification from INEC

“We demand that in case the Ondo REC would not be willing to talk, the INEC image makers at the headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Kayode Idowu, who was a former editor with The Nation newspapers, owned by the ACN national leader, should clarify the issue at hand,” the statement added.

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

LORIN—THE Chair man of Off a Local Government Area of Kwara State, Prince Saheed Popoola has said that the much expected developments will continue to elude the grassroots across the country, unless the local government is granted autonomy.

Towards this end, he urged members of the national assembly in the interest of the downtrodden masses and the overall development of the country to expedite action on reviewing the constitution so that the local governments would be granted autonomy to the extent that they would be receiving their monthly subventions directly from the federal allocations.

His words,” Clearly there is no money in the

NUC accredits 14 programmes in Crawford varsity

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

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COMMISSIONING: From left: Dr. Femi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health; Mr Akeem Odunmosu, Commander, Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Lagos State and Dr Olabode Ogunbanjo, Director, Clinical Services and Training, at the commissioning of five emergency mobile ambulances in Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

US considers special residency law for Nigerian student

BY UDUMAKALU

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HE US CONGRESS is considering a special legislation that will enable an indigent Nigerian student in that country, Sopuruchi Chukwueke, have a pemanent US residency, after his visa expired 10 years ago.

Chukwueke’s bill, sponsored by U.S. Senator, Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat, applies solely to him.

It would grant permanent residency to the Nigerian, whose middle name is Vic-

tor, as long as he applies for it within two years of the bill becoming law. It would reduce, by one, the number of immigrant visas available to Nigerians and would bar preferential treatment for members of his family.

The Senate passed Levin’s legislation, S. 285, by unanimous consent on July 25. A week later, the House Judiciary Committee approved it by voice vote, so the measure that would allow Chukwueke to fulfill his dream is just one step — passage by the full House

from President Barack Obama’s desk.

Chukwueke was admitted to the University of Toledo with one condition: that he obtained permanent-residency status by last Aug. 1. Chukwueke has been in the U.S. illegally since then.The special legislation will enable him to complete his studies at the university.

Chukwue, from Ovim, Abia State, was rescued and taken to the US for surgery in his home town by a nun when a native doctor said

he should be drowned.

Eleven years and seven operations later, doctors removed the benign growths caused by the genetic disease neurofibromatosisandperformed reconstructive surgery.

Inthattime,Chukwueke,who lost his right eye to the tumors, earnedahighschoolequivalency diploma, achieved a 3.82 gradepoint average as a biochemistry and chemical biology major at Wayne State University in Detroit and won acceptance to the University of Toledo’s medical school in Ohio.

A long-shot option for

local government and I want to sincerely plead with the national assembly to make sure that they properly amend the constitution because there is the urgent need for autonomy for the local government without that there won’t be development at the grassroots.

Popoola,the only (opposition) ACN among the 16 councils in the state spoke in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Offa, at the commissioning ceremony of 1.5km Samuel Adesuyi Close declared opened by Olofa of Offa,Oba Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi,the Olofa of Offa.

He explained that his outstanding achievements was based on the support he received from his people because he was voted into office by majority votes.

GBESA—NATIONAL Universities Commission, NUC, has given full accreditation to 14 academic programmes of Crawford University Igbesa, Ogun State.

Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja, in a statement said the school scored 85.7 per cent adding that the school had earlier earned full accreditation in Geology and Mineral Sciences.

Programmes with full accreditation according to Prof. Ayanlaja are: Accounting, Business Administration, Banking & Finance, Economics, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Marketing, Sociology, Political Science& In-

ternational Relations and other programmes in the college of Natural and Applied Sciences.

He also revealed that the school earned interim accreditation in Computer Science and Information & Communication Technology adding that efforts have been put in place to rectify the deficiency.

Prof. Ayanlaja said the school is determined to produce well-rounded graduates that are molded in the fear of God. and expressed appreciation to the school proprietor, Board of Trustees and Governing Council and Senate of the University for their unquantifiable support before and during the period of the accreditation exercise.

Bizman tasks politicians on fear of God cause Nigerian leaders do

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

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LORIN—NIGERIAN politicians and other stakeholders have been urged to fear God in their affairs so that this country would be a better place for everybody to live in.

A retired civil servant turned businessman and the Proprietor of Alhaji Yahaya Olusola Sanni Foundation, Alhaji Kunle Sanni said this in Ilorin at the fifth memorial annual lecture held in honour of his brother who died five years ago.

He noted that it was be-

not have the fear of almighty God in their affairs of ruling the country that brought Nigeria to a level that everybody is seen as corrupt in the eyes of the outside world.

Sanni particularly admonished Nigerian politicians to retrace their steps before the masses rose in anger against them.

He recalled that his late brother, Alhaji Yahaya Olusola Sanni lived an exemplary life while alive as he gave out his live and all that almighty Allah endowed him with to the downtrodden hence the annual lecture became necessary.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, A UGUST 21, 2012—5 TUESDA AUGUST

POCKET CARTOON

NUPENG threat: FG moves to avert nationwide fuel strike Continues from Page 1 of the economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala has relocated to Lagos.

The minister arrived Lagos yesterday and engaged some of the aggrieved marketers, union members and other stakeholders in the downstream sector in discussions.

NUPENG , yesterday, gave the Federal Government till Thursday to pay oil marketers their verified subsidy claims or members would begin a nationwide strike by Friday, while the PHCN workers are also poised for a showdown with the government over disagreement in pension and gratuities.

Similarly, government, yesterday, assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that everything was being done to put an end to the fuel scarcity in the city.

In a statement in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe said ‘the approach taken by government at resolving this crisis is multifaceted and multi dimensional. The Ministers of Labour, Power,

and other high level officers of government have met for several hours with the aggrieved PHCN workers and virtually all their demands have been agreed upon except for the issue of severance benefits of workers.”

According to Okupe, “while the workers insist on their terms of employment, government’s proposition is based on the Pension Act of 2004.

However, this matter will most probably be resolved favourably within the coming week by the Presidency.”

Finance Minister moves to Lagos Okupe continued: “In the same vein, the coordinating minister of the economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala has shifted her base temporarily to Lagos in spite of the holidays and has been engaged intensively also with the aggrieved marketers, union members and other stakeholders in the downstream sector.

“All indications are to the effect that favourable resolutions are being reached and all matters

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

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IFE moves so fast, unbelievably so fast that before you know it, it's totally gone. Do all that you have to do in time and good time.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You may believe that you are responsible for what you do, but not for what you think. The truth is that you are responsible for what you think. What you do comes from what you think— Marianne Williamson

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N her writings ‘return to love’ Marianne’s meaningful insights showed probable cause on some erroneous belief that maybe holding an individual from unfolding into full capacity. She says that when we were born, we were programmed perfectly. Our imaginations were creative and flourishing, and we knew how to use them. We were connected to a world full of enchantment and a sense of the miraculous.

So what happened? Why is it that we reached a certain age, looked around, and the enchantment was gone? Because we were taught to focus elsewhere.

We were taught to think about competition, struggle, illness, finite resources, and limitations.

But love is what we were born with. It is our ultimate reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life.

are likely to be resolved within this week, as all these efforts are being made to ensure that the crisis that has caused a lot of hardships to commuters and motorists is not unduly prolonged and does not also extend beyond the city of Abuja in the case of the fuel scarcity.

“The Federal Government, therefore, urges Nigerians to be calm, as all hands are on deck to ensure that normalcy returns soonest,” he said.

It will be recalled that the disagreement between the federal government and oil marketers has precipitated acute fuel scarcity in Abuja which has made the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr very difficult in the Federal Capital Territory.

Staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria have also threatened to embark on strike if their expectations are not met before the federal government goes ahead with its planned privatisation of the power sector.

NUPENG gives FG Thursday deadline NUPENG, yesterday, issued a Thursday deadline to the Federal Government to pay oil marketers their verified subsidy claims or members will begin a nationwide strike by Friday.

At a briefing in Lagos, President of NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese, demanded the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, accusing her of not only undermining the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, but also paying subsidy claims to “portfolio importers” because of their alleged closeness to corridors of power.

Oil marketers under the aegis of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN; Jetties and Petroleum Tank Far m Owners of Nigeria, JEPTFON; Depot and Petroleum Products Mar-

keters Association, DAPPMA and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN are claiming N200 billion unpaid subsidy claims.

Vanguard gathered from MOMAN that only one of its members had been paid while five others were yet to be paid.

It was gathered that no member of JEPTFON, IPMAN and DAPPMA, has been paid.

Achese dismissed allegation that the union was being used by marketers, saying not even the government could use it, pointing out that it was fighting for the interest of members who had not been paid for the past five months because of the unpaid subsidy claims.

The NUPENG president equally accused the Minister of selective payment of subsidy claims and asked government to distinguish between real importers who had invested massively in the industry and ‘portfolio importers’.

Achese called on government to publish names of marketers that had been paid and those not paid as well as explain reasons for their non-payment.

He said the union had restricted industrial unrest to Abuja, the Federal Capital, because of the Ramadan and the Sallah celebration, warning that should government fail to pay the marketers between now and Thursday, the union would declare a full blown nationwide strike by Friday.

He recalled that the union’s last strike over the same matter was suspended based on a memorandum of understanding, MOU, signed by all the stakeholders and the Finance Minister that payments would commence on the subsidy owed the marketers.

We can not be used — NUPENG According to him, “NUPENG cannot and will never be used by the Federal Government, institutions, companies because we are

stakeholders in the industry. The fight and struggle for the enthronement of democracy in this country during the June 12, 1993 struggle cannot be in vain. The struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians from the hands of the military cannot be rubbished or swept under the carpet by some Ministers, like the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her cohorts in the same boat who have failed to take the country out of economic woods. It is our firm belief that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the number one worker of our great country, Nigeria, will heed this clarion call in order to move the transformation agenda forward.”

Subsidy payments “It is against this backdrop that we call on the Minister of Finance to pay all outstanding subsidy claims to the NNPC and the private depot owners, who are being asked by the same government to import fuel.

We state that the failure of the Minister to meet the NNPC and marketers’ payment obligation is a ploy to create hardship for Nigerians.

"This is a plan for them to put-up the refineries for privatisation to their cronies at ridiculous rates. That is why we want the Minister to explain the rationale behind the selective ‘payments of the subsidy claims. We also state emphatically that if the government is sincere in its subsidy payment, why are they not fully implementing findings of the adhoc-committee on subsidy, set up by the House of Representatives? “

Ongoing strike in Abuja Comrade Achese explained that “ we are involved in the on-going strike in the Federal Capital Territory to demand for payments of subsidy because of our traditional role of protecting workers who are Nigerians and members of NUPENG in the mid and downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, especially those working at the private depots. Their jobs are at stake, as the marketers can no longer keep them due to huge debts owed as a result of the nonpayment of subsidy. Our members are even being owed five months salaries as a result of the problem.”

Other issues raised at the briefing included alleged diversion of crude oil meant for refineries, bad road network across the country and its grievance with SPDC and Chevron over unfair labour practices, diversion.

According to Achese, “we condemn the illegal diversion of crude oil meant for our refineries, which is being sold at the open market. This is a clear case of economic sabotage and must stop; especially at the Port Harcourt Refinery. We use this medium to call on the Federal Government to commence the Turn-Around-Maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery to boost fuel supply in the country and other refineries.

“We call on the Federal Government to immediately commence the rehabilitation of depot roads and our national highways that are in terrible state. This will go a long way to reduce tanker accidents and fire disasters.”

6—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Kuramo Ocean surge: 5 more bodies recovered zAs death toll hits 10, 6 still missing

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, EVELYN USMAN, BOSE ADELAJA & MONSOR OLOWOOPEJO AGOS—FIVE more bodies swept away by weekend ocean surge at Kuramo beach in Victoria Island were recovered yesterday at the shore of Bar beach.

The recovered bodies were those of a two-yearold boy, Daniel Ajose, his mother, Mrs Mariam Ajose, Mr Joseph Oke, Olumide, and Alhaji Babatunde Benson, alias KC . This has brought the number of the dead to 10.

There was a mild drama yesterday at Kuramo beach as some divers whose services were employed to scout for the bodies threatened to stop further work, alleging that they had been shortchanged.

The divers numbering four explained that before they started the search on Sunday they had bargained for N50,000 at the completion of the job yesterday but those who hired them reneged on the agreement. One of the divers who identified himself as Segun said “today (yesterday), after we have recovered some of the bodies, we were given one thousand naira to share among ourselves”.

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Divers threaten to stop search He could not however, state the name of the company that hired their services, saying “a man came to us saying they were from the state government. We have therefore resolve not to work further if we are not paid. Even if they will not pay us N50,000, at least , let them pay us something reasonable because paddling boats with the present tide can be dangerous.”

Meanwhile fun seekers besieged Bar beach to celebrate Sallah, with most of them claiming to be ignorant of the ocean surge at Kuramo beach while others expressed hope that the high tide would not get to Barbeach. A fun seekers told Vanguard, “If it is dangerous, we would have been warned. The tide is favourable and there are divers around to ensure none gets drowned.

Besides, government has

worked on this beach.”

Occupants speak However, occupants of the demolished shanties were still seen at Kuramo, with some of them saying they had nowhere else to go.

One of them, Kudirat Opeoluwa, told Vanguard, “ we have even lost contact with some of our relatives.

As you know, a poor man has no friend. We are therefore left with no option than to hang around here until we have an alternative a b o d e .

The entire area had been cordoned off by security operatives, as work of sand filling went on. Relatives of some of the missing victims were also sighted at the beach. They, however, kept mute when Vanguard approached them Senior Adviser on Security and Traffic Management of Eti-Osa local government, Stanley Iyere described the surge as the most tragic in the history of the local government, assuring that the authorities would do everything possible to forestall it.

Mr. Fred, one of the occupants at the Beach, blamed the surge on the state government’s Eko Atlantic City project. He said: “For me the cause of this surge came from the Lagos State government.

Since 2009 when the Lagos state government commenced the construction of the Eko Atlantic City, the surge has begun to increase. And this year, the work got to Kuramo Beach. It happens yearly, especially from August to November, when the ocean current always rises. And because of the ongoing work at the Eko Atlantic City, the ocean current had nowhere to flow to, instead it flowed to the shore to demolish our structures.

“Before the state government embarked on the construction of the city, during this time, what we normally experienced was high tide and within hours, it would have subsided. The only thing that would be affected by the tide were the structures.

“Since they began the construction of this Eko Atlantic City, it has been from one issue to the other.

And the reason is because we are middle class

KURAMO BEACH DEMOLITION—Demolition of Kuramo beach following the Ocean surge which has over taken the much patronized beach yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

earners. The government is busy constructing home for the rich, abandoning the downtrodden. Despite this, we pay ground rent to the government, liquor licence and other levies.

“The question I want to ask the government is: what is important about this Eko Atlantic City. Why will they not favour the poor masses ahead of the so called rich of the society? If the city was not there, the surge would have been mild.”

How I narrowly escaped being swept away — Survivor Another occupant, Mrs. Amaka Obi, said “For me, I am moving my property out of this place. I will be returning to Ijora axis of Lagos, where I came from to continue my business.

There is no reason waiting behind after the government has demolished our structures.

I thank God because I narrowly escaped being swept away. The current was so strong that I had to hold on to a structure before I managed to find a balance and miraculously found myself on a safe ground.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO of a relaxation spot at the beach, Mr. Ademola Ogunbona, also recounted his experience.

He said: “The surge comes but it has not been as high as this since I relocated to Kuramo Beach in 2010.

Since I came to this place, I have never seen a surge of

this magnitude. All we had in the past was high tide.

And when it comes, it does not affect lives but structures. For this year, it started two months ago. The surge came and it demolished tens of structures which prompted the Chairman of the investors association, who ordered that the woods left undistorted be set ablaze.

“And last week Monday, the surge began again. But the peak of it was between Friday night and the early hours of last Saturday, when it wrecked havoc on the community. On that day, the ocean current was very high, leaving larger part of the area submerged by water."

Secretary of the Kuramo Tourism Investors Association, Mr. Micheal Onuwaje in his reaction said: “The actual number of those whose lives were lost cannot be ascertained at this moment but we know that in a couple of days, the ocean current will dump the bodies of those who got drowned on the shoreline.

By then we will be able to ascertain the accurate figure of those who got drowned.

“We are taking our property to our various homes. Not all our members pass the night here. Some only carry out their businesses here during the day and leave for their residences at night, while others reside here permanently".

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure

Development, Prince Adesugun Oniru stated thus: “If you are familiar with this area, you will notice that part of the measures adopted by the state government to reduce ocean surge was the Eko Atlantic City. The on-going construction of the city has saved Victoria Island and others.

What happened here has nothing to do with Eko Atlantic City. The city under construction has never caused any ocean surge in the state. This is a natural phenomenon which happens three times in a year. At this time, one cannot cheat nature.

Lagos Commissioner debunks occupants' allegations This issue is a worldwide issue (ocean surge) and this is our own share of it. The surge has nothing to do with the Eko Atlantic City.

Since the commencement of the ongoing construction of the city, it has protected the entire Victoria Island, Ikoyi and others.

One can imagine what would have happened if this intervention from the state government was not there. The entire Island would have been submerged by water.

The shipwreck also didn’t cause the surge. What ship wreck does is that one side of the ship will be accumulating sand while the other will have high erosion. The only thing ship

wreck will cause is that it will disturb the natural flow of that which nourish the shoreline.

We will remove the wrecked ships from the ocean very soon. Therefore, these two issues have nothing to do with ocean surge. The surge is caused by the high accumulation of water in the Atlantic Ocean coupled with the high waves".

Govt should have warned citizens — Picnicker Meanwhile a picnicker, Mr. Joseph Wayo, argued that the government should have warned the citizens earlier and that demolition was not the solution to the problem. According to him, “I flew in yesterday from Abuja with my family to catch fun at the Kuramo Beach. But on getting here, I was told the Beach had been demolished because of the lives that were lost in the ocean surge. For me, I do not think this is the right way to do it. The Federal Government should have seen the surge earlier before now with our two satellites which they claim are working and make a public announcement on it, urging their citizens to vacate the entire ocean line.

Okay now, will the government because of the surge demolish the entire structures in Lekki and its environs? I believe the government should do the right thing by ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of citizenry.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—7

Funds, politics delay new revenue formula

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

A

BUJA—PAUCITY of funds and high level politics have continued to delay the new Revenue Sharing Formula among the three tiers of government in the federation.

Investigations showed that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has been unable to submit a new formula to President Goodluck Jonathan as it has been bogged down by inadequate funding and the fight among several interests over higher revenue.

The current sharing formula is as follows: Federal Government, 52.68 per cent; the 36 states, 26.72 per cent; while the 774 local governments are given 20.60 per cent.

As learnt, the on-going bickering between Northern politicians and their counterparts in the South over revenue allocation has not helped the cause of the new formula. It was gathered that the Federal Government which takes more than a half of the Federation Account revenue has always

equally and subtly discouraged a new formula in which it would be allocated less revenue.

The commission’s Chairman, Engr. Elias Mbam, admitted that his team was unable to deliver on its promise of presenting a reviewed sharing formula, early this year.

His words: “It is true that I promised that by the end of first quarter 2012 we should have a new revenue formula ready for presentation to Mr. President. It is also true that I said all things being equal and I was very emphatic.

Unfortunately, you know very well that we have had a number of challenges, including national challenges. Even the budget year was moved from December to March and so many other challenges which you know as much as I do.

“So, I am saying that at the end of the first quarter I will brief you on the progress so far. It may be difficult to assure you now that it will be ready in a week’s time. But I can assure you that I will brief you on progress so far made. We have really made reasonable progress. We don’t want to start by shouting. There has been a lot of job behind the scene".

ISESE DAY—Cross section of traditional rulers at the 2012 Annual Isese day celebration held at Ojora Palace in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

FG to go after Boko Haram financiers, strategists

BY SONI DANIEL

A

BUJA—THERE were indications yesterday that the Federal Government may go after the strategists and financiers of the Boko Haram sect as a way of ending the spate of

bombings in the country.

Also being targeted by security agencies are those believed to be inciting the sect into violence through the spread of hate messages in certain parts of the country.

A reliable government source told Vanguard that

security agents had decided to look beyond those who merely throw bombs in their bid to find a lasting solution to the cycle of violence in parts of the North.

About 1,000 Nigerians have so far been killed in various parts of the country since the sect began its

PDP, ACN bicker over Okupe

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T

HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN continued their bickering yesterday over calls for the removal of Dr. Doyin Okupe as Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to President Goodluck Jonathan over allegations that he failed to execute contracts he got from Imo and Benue states after collecting mobilisation fees.

This came as Okupe acknowledged the contract with Benue State but insisted that there was no criminal conduct in the handling of the contract.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN challenged the presidency and the PDP to respond to allegations that Okupe bolted away with mobilisation fees and failed to execute the contracts.

You 're dodging issues — ACN C M Y K

Rather than respond to the damaging allegation of corruption against Okupe, ACN said PDP’s “only defence is that the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji should also be asked to resign and that the ACN lacks the moral authority to raise the issue of corruption against Okupe because according to them, the party is full of cheats and liars. This is nothing but a deliberate attempt to obfuscate issues and a case of comparing apples with oranges.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has been charged before a court of law. He has pleaded not guilty. The law presumes him innocent until proven guilty. The case is still on-going, therefore, any call for his resignation is an attempt to stampede justice.

However, the case of Okupe is completely different. He has been confronted with allegations

that he has swindled both Imo and Benue states governments of hundreds of millions of naira. He cannot continue to be the President’s spokesman until he clears himself of these allegations,” the party i n s i s t e d .

Okupe is innocent until proven guilty Hailing Okupe’s appointment, the PDP advised President Jonathan to retain him and decried what it termed campaign of calumny against his person by the ACN. In a statement by its Deputy National Secretary, Binta Masi Garba, the PDP said President Jonathan, by the appointment, “has taken the right decision to engage members of the public on salient issues of national importance.”

Describing ACN’s call as sheer blackmail that President Jonathan would not fall for, the PDP said issues of contracts were basically civil issues

between contracting parties and most contract documents contain clauses for dispute resolutions.

It added that since the anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had come out to say that Okupe was not currently under any criminal investigation by the Commission as claimed by the ACN nor had he been indicted by any court of competent jurisdiction or any panel of investigative committee, “it stands to reason under our laws that he should be deemed innocent until otherwise proven. The call for Okupe`s removal is therefore not only baseless and unwarranted, but equally malicious.”

My hands are clean — Okupe In a related development, lawyers to Okupe have confirmed that the Benue State Government actually “awarded a rural road contract to Messrs Value

Trust Investment Ltd., one of the companies in which Dr. Doyin Okupe served as chairman.”

In a statement signed by Yemi Gbonegun, the Lagosbased firm, Yemi Gbonegun and Co., described the contract award as “purely a commercial transaction.”

It explained that trouble however started when the administration of the state changed hands and incumbent Governor Gabriel Suswam took over from former Governor Akume. “Disputes arose as to the payment of outstanding payment certificate submitted by Value Trust Investment Ltd.” as a result of which the matter was referred to the EFCC, which conducted a thorough investigation into it.

“There was no evidence of any criminality”, the statement said, adding that “the parties then agreed to settlement by arbitration and the issue is in the process of being resolved amicably by both parties.

bombing activities in 2009, according to Human Rights Watch.

The source said the administration decided to take on other elements of the sect, who have decided to make life unbearable for other Nigerians.

The source said: “The focus of the search is gradually shifting from the sect’s foot soldiers, who merely go on suicide missions to the financiers, intelligence class and those who indoctrinate the bombthrowers".

Asked if indeed the sect was involved in any form of dialogue with the government, the source admitted that some form of discussion was going on with the administration but declined to give further details.

The source said the recent listing of three Boko Haram leaders as terrorists by the United States had made some members of the group to seek dialogue, apparently to avoid being designated as a foreign terrorist organisation.

“The sect has come to realise that the government is fully aware of what it is doing and that is why they have soft-pedaled. The heat is more than what the sect can take,” the source said.

Last week, a prominent northern leader, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, warned people to stop associating the sect with any religion, as its activities did not have anything to do with any of the religious groups in the country.

8—VANGUARD , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

From left, Chief Frank Omare, Commissioner for Environment; Ambassador Eloho Otobo, Director of Strategy and Deputy Head of Peace-building, United Nations, UN, New York and Mr. Oma Djebah, Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Relations to the Governor of Delta State, in Sapele during an on-the-spot assessment tour of ongoing environmental clean-ups across the state.

NIIA boss urges Nigeria to develop nuclear capability

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

L

AGOS—THE DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, has urged Nigeria to develop nuclear capability as a sovereign right and legitimate aspiration of the country, like any other nation on earth.

Prof. Akinterinwa spoke in Lagos last week against the background of the pressure being mounted on the political leadership to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreements that will limit Nigeria’s growth and development “in fa-

vour of the United States and other Western powers” that want to maintain monopoly over development of nuclear capabilities, even for peaceful purposes particularly in generation of energy.”

Akinterinwa said: “I think it is fundamentally wrong for some countries to think that they are better prepared to prevent nuclear explosion and to assume that apart from them all other countries on earth are at best, irrelevant and incompetent.

“I think Nigeria, for purpose of its strategic position in Africa and West Africa, should develop nuclear capability, there is absolutely nothing wrong

with that aspiration.”

Prof. George Obiozor, a former Director-General of NIIA and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, said that even with the historical fluctuations of the international system between war and peace, “Nigeria should embrace the imperatives of pragmatic power politics in the global context for relevance and strategic relevance.”

According to Obiozor, “Nigeria is a rising power in Africa and a regional hegemony in West Africa, with its population and natural resources, the United States has a strategic interest in dealing with the most influential

black nation on earth.''

He said it was only a matter of time, when there would be a convergence of technology and population for the world to reckon with Nigeria.

with Agency report

L

AGOS—THE longawaited market making in the nation’s capital market may soon take effect as United Bank of Africa,UBA, Plc and Stanbic IBTC Plc have been appointed securitylending agents for equities and bond transactions at the Nigerian Stock Exchange,NSE. Securities lending is the act of loaning a stock, derivative or other securities to an investor or firm. It requires the borrower to put up collateral, either in cash, security or a letter of credit.

Investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria,NAN, showed that the two banks emerged tops from the C M Y K

five commercial banks that submitted applications for the scheduled market-making activities.

Management sources at the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, and NSE, who confirmed the appointments to NAN, said other banks would soon be licensed.

The source said the commission had requested interested companies and firms to forward their operating credentials and formal applications for SEC’s evaluation and subsequent approval.

On market making, he said the commission was scrutinising market making rules submitted by NSE for regulatory due diligence and wide acceptance.

Confirming the licensing of UBA and Stanbic

IBTC, another management source at NSE said the two banks would quicken the take-off of market-making activities.

According to him, the 10 appointed market markers had concluded arrangements for a workshop on market-making activities for capital market stakeholders.

He said the workshop, coming on the heels of two securities lending agents, aimed at ensuring proper understanding and acceptability of market making before its take-off.

Earlier, Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer of NSE, said the Exchange was ready for the take-off of marketmaking initiatives.

Onyema said the Exchange was in the interim working closely with selected market

BY EVELYN USMAN

L

AGOS—THE Police in Lagos have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of a postgraduate student in Lagos.

Unconfirmed report said the student, Cynthia Osokogu, was allegedly murdered in a hotel in Festac Town, Lagos.

Details of the circumstance surrounding her death was sketchy by press time.

Vanguard gathered that Cynthia, the only daughter of General Frank Osokogu (rtd), was declared missing last month.

The post-graduate student of Nasarawa State University reportedly left the state for a business trip in Lagos.

It was learnt that her

The late Osokogu

Cynthia

body was found at Isolo General Hospital.

Vanguard gathered that the Area Commander, Area ‘E’, Mr. Gab Okoro, was personally investigating the matter. Efforts to reach the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, failed as her phone kept ringing without response.

Eid-el-Fitri: Oritsejafor, Byam charge Muslims on religious tolerance

BY SAM EYOBOKA &

OLAYINKA LATONA

L

AGOS—NATIONAL President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Chairman, CAN, North-East, Rev. Shuaibu Byam, have

SEC okays UBA, Stanbic IBTC as security lenders on NSE

BY PETER EGWUATU,

Police arrest 2 for murder of ex-General's daughter

regulators to ensure general market readiness.

He said it was anticipated that outstanding issues such as the approval process for securities lending agents would soon be addressed by the regulators.

The 10 listed stockbroking firms Ten stockbroking firms were in April unveiled as the NSE market makers.

The firms included Stanbic IBTC, Renaissance Capital, Future View Securities, Vetiva Capital and ESS/ DunnLoren Merrifield.

Others selected from the 20 firms that applied included WSTC, Capital Bancorp, FBN Securities, Greenwich Securities and CSL Stockbrokers.

felicitated with the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of another 30-day Ramadan fasting,saying they should use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration to pray for religious tolerance among other faith, love, peace, unity and progress of the nation.

In a goodwill message to the nation’s Muslim community, the CAN president congratulated adherents of the Islamic faith, on the end of Ramadan fasting, saying Nigerian Muslims should use this year’s Ramadan as a turning point to join hands with other wellmeaning Nigerians to pray and for the progress of the nation particularly to put an end to the security challenges that have left thousands dead and several others displaced.

He urged them to draw from the lessons of the 30day Ramadan and the teaching of the Holy Quran to prevail on the Boko Haram sect to have a change of heart and see Nigeria as a nation created by God for a purpose and allow peace to reign in every part of the country where people can go about legitimate duties including the practice of their religion without fear of terrorists' attacks.

According to Pastor Oritsejafor, Nigeria belongs to Christians, Mus-

lims and traditionalists and everyone of us had an inalienable right to practice his or her religion in any part of the country without any inhibition by any person or group.

Byam urges prayer for nation Rev. Byam, whose zone had been the theatre of consistent violent terrorist attacks on churches, prisons, military and police stations where hundreds had been killed in the last couple of months, congratulated Muslims in the North-East on a successful Ramadan.

He prayed that the Eidel-Fitri will also signify an end to all forms of attacks on fellow country men and women, some of whom, he said, had lived as brothers and sisters over the years.

The zonal CAN chairman lamented that the economy of the region was the worst for all the terrorist attacks in the area, stressing that it will take the region several years to recover from the devastation.

He, therefore, appealed to Muslim leaders to use the opportunity of the justconcluded Ramadan to pray for peace and unity, maintaining that no nation develops in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—9

Passenger traffic drops at Lagos Airport

WHEN ROTARIANS MET...

BY DAPO AKINREFON

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

L

I

KEJA—PASSENGER traffic dropped drastically, yesterday, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2 and the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, Ikeja,Lagos, an aftermath of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration as well as the two-day public holidays.

Vanguard was at MMA2 terminal and gathered that Aero Contractors had a few flight operations as few passengers were seen on the queues trying to buy tickets.

As at press time, Vanguard learnt that only three flights on Aero Contractors had departed from Lagos to PortHarcourt for 10:30 a.m, Lagos to Abuja for 11:00 a.m. and Lagos to Uyo for 11:00 a.m. while passengers were boarding for the flight at 1:45pm from Lagos to Abuja.

Vanguard reports that other passengers were seen on the queue trying to get their tickets for the next available flight.

Meanwhile, it was also gathered that IRS Airline had a few flight operation too ranging between one and three flights for the day.

Vanguard was also at the GAT and gathered that there were also few passengers who were busy buying tickets at the Arik Air counter.

An official of an airline, who pleaded anonymity, said he was not surprised at the low patronage by air passengers, stressing that it was always like that during holidays.

He said: ”It is normal, in fact, this one is a very long holiday, that is how it has always been.''

From left, Toastmaster Michael Okobi, Guest Speaker; Rot. Kamoru Omotosho, District Governor; Rot. Biodun Sanwo, Past District Governor and Rot. Dele Balogun, District Governor-nominee at the Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria Public Relations seminar in Lagos, weekend. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Rot. Larry Agose, Chairman, Public Relations Committee, left, and Rot. Bruce Ovbiaghele at the seminar.

Agents groan under crippling cargo cost at Seme border

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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AGOS—THE upward review of revenue target of N800 billion given to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, by the Federal Government to N1trillion by the serv-

...FAAN to evacuate illegal cars, trucks from airport

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

I

KEJA—THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian, FAAN, has said it would soon evacuate illegal cabs and trucks operating within the airport vicinity.

This is coming as the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi, received the report of the committee, which he set up on the issue.

According to him, when C M Y K

PDP asks FG to halt sand filling of Lagos beach

the report is effectively implemented, the traffic bottleneck usually witnessed on Airport Road would ease.

Also, hawkers and food vendors not duly-registered with the agency will be shown the way out.

General Manger, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Akin Olukunle, told Vanguard that the traffic jam at the airport, most especially at the hajj and cargo areas of Airport Road will be eliminated.

ice’s high command is negatively affecting importation of goods through the Seme border as agents and importers are groaning over the high cost of cargo at the border town.

It would be recalled that the Customs Service early in the year introduced the bench mark rate for the payment of duties, a development that agents kicked against.

According to maritime experts, the development, if not checked, will negatively affect affect the revenue target of the Seme border Command of the Custom Service for the year.

At a briefing, at Seme, Alhaji Bisiriyu Lasisi, Managing Director/CEO of one of the affected freight forwarding firms, said it had been observed that most import-

ers of goods have deserted Seme border because of high cost of clearing consignments.

Lasisi said importation of goods through the border is no longer profitable.

He said: “Importing goods through Seme border is like double charges, you have to detach in Cotonou and trans-load before transporting it to Lagos.”

He explained that the situation has led to a lull in business at the border.

Mr. Uche Akpala, an importer noted that the revenue target of Seme Customs Command of N9.6 billion for the year, may be responsible for jacked-up duties and levies by over 100 per cent, while business is now very difficult to transact.

AGOS—THE Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the Federal Government to halt the sand filling of the ocean and lagoons in Lagos State in the overall interest of the country.

The party also berated the Lagos State Government over what it described as “deceptive and diversionary evacuation of occupants from areas which direct government negligence has caused calamities.”

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Gani Taofik, the party said the call was on the heels of the frequent ocean surges which recently claimed lives and property at the beaches.

It alleged that the unnecessary loss of lives and property should be blamed on the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN-led administration which has “remained adamant, irresponsible and only pursuing business interest that it chose to sandfill the ocean in its purported Eko Atlantic Project where a plot of land is being sold for N350 million.”

According to the party, “We are very pained by the wanton loss of lives and property prevalent only along the coastal lines of Lagos beaches. We sincerely sympathise with the affected families. ''We are, however, vindicated because we had continually criticised the unprofessional manner the state government particularly encroaches the ocean and lagoon without due ecological and environmental impact assess-

ment.

“The Lagos State Government has abandoned the welfare of the residents and embarked on all sorts of misplaced, bourgeoisie projects at the expense of the majority of ordinary Lagosians. ''One of such projects is the Eko Atlantic Project, where the ocean is being sandfilled to build another Dubai in Lagos and currently a plot there is being sold at N350 million with minimum of two plots to be purchased. ''The effect of the project is the recurrent ocean surge and flooding around the state after every rainfall and which has led to frequent loss of lives and property.”

While it warned of dire consequences for the state, the party said it may lead the state into extinction if not checked by the Federal Government.

It said: “How on earth can a focused government waste billions of tax-payers' money to open up ocean and lagoon when it has vast undeveloped lands that would cost far less to open up?

'Surely', the selfish consideration of the ACNled Lagos State Government has beclouded meaningful development in the state. Imagine also the contradiction in the state government demolition of Makoko on allegation of lagoon encroachment, while the same government is actually sand filling our Bar Beach.

'The party is consequently demanding a stop to the Eko Atlantic Project and immediate compensation to the families who have lost members and propertý as a result of the surge.”

Mamora proffers solution to insecurity

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

I

KEJA—FORMER Sen ate Deputy Minority Leader, Senate Olorunnimbe Mamora, has said the panacea for insecurity in the country is quality leadership and the sincere fight against corruption.

Mamora also noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, have not lived up to expecta-

tion.

He said this in Ikeja, yesterday, while urging the government to be thorough in its fight against corruption.

He also said corruption that has eaten deep into all spheres of the national life of Nigerians was the major reason why the country was not able to win any medal at the recently-concluded London Olympic Games.

He said: “The improved quality of the leaders will certainly be the way to solve the present issues in the country.''

10— Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

BY DAYO JOHNSON & DAPO AKINREFON

A

KURE—THE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, ACO, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by the Labour Party, LP, to import arms and ammunition to rig the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.

Mean time, the Olusegun Mimiko Campaign Organisation has accused opposition parties of not wishing the people of the state well given the “reckless utterances of their governorship candidates and predilection to destroy existing legacies in the state.”

In a statement by its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, ACO listed the alleged plot by LP to rig the governorship election.

Ajanaku alleged that the latest of such move was the importation of arms and ammunition into Akure, saying “the Mimiko administration has started the training

Akeredolu, Mimiko trade words over Oct guber poll zLP plans to import arms, rig poll — Akeredolu zOpposition parties harbouring evil — Mimiko of thugs at different locations across the state.

These are the people he relies on heavily to foment trouble in order to create chaos during the October 20 governorship election.”

He added that “plans are on top gear to bring a large number of mercenaries from Igbiraland, his ancestral root, to come and complement the thugs that are undergoing training in the state. ''Against this background, we call on the security agents to investigate this and quickly arrest this situation in order to avoid chaos in the state. ''The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, will not fold its hands while its members are subjected

to attacks. We are a peace- loving political party as we dwelt more on ideas rather than using violence as a tool for political gain.”

In his statement, LP's Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, stated that there were plans by the opposition to destroy the massive developmental projects put in place all over the state by

Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the last three and a half years.

Olabisi alleged that the hatred was borne out purely out of spite and alarm at the continued soaring popularity of Mimiko with a view to erasing the enormous gains to the state owing to the presence of these award-winning developmental programmes.

Spokesperson for the

organisation said it was sad that Oke only last weekend vowed to, if elected, scrap among others, the world acclaimed Water Fountain in Akure, the Dew Spenner also in Akure and the Mega Primary Schools which had been lauded by the Federal Ministry of Education as not only the best in the nation but the first of its kind.

Fun-seekers throng recreation centres in Akure

A

KURE—HOLIDAYMAKERS in Akure, yesterday, thronged recreation centres to relax and catch fun as Muslims celebrated Eid-el-Fitri.

According to reports, patronage of the recreation centres was high as parents took their gailydressed children to places, such as Alagbaka Garden and Amusement Park.

Many of the children played games and engaged in other outdoor activities at the centres.

Malam Ganiyu Idris said he brought his children to the garden to enable them to interact with other children.

Idris said: “You know, we just want to please them, make them happy and buy them some foods and drinks to let them

have good time during the season.”

At the newly-constructed roundabout at Mobil Junction, Oba-Ile Road, children and their parents took photographs to mark the festival. A girl, Aminat Lawal, said she loved the place because it was beautiful and very good for photographs.

At Democracy Park, Adesida Road, Mrs Kuirat Lawal, told NAN that her family had made Eid-el-Fitri outing an annual practice.

Malam Kabiru Yusuf said it was important to go out with fellow Muslims and friends to recreation centres after the Ramadan fast. At Oba-Ile Park, Mr. Adewale Ibrahim said he brought his family to take pepper soup and soft drinks.

Yoruba leaders meet Thursday in Ikenne

I

KENNE—YORUBA Unity Forum, the umbrella association for the Yoruba nation, will meet on Thursday at the Efunyela residence of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ikenne, Ogun State, at 11a.m.

In a statement, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Secretary-General of the Fo-

rum, said Chief H. I. D. Awolowo, Yeye O’oodua of Yorubaland, is convening the meeting to discuss the outcome of the SouthSouth meeting, good and effective governance of the nation and the relevance of the Yoruba race in the development of Nigeria.

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko addressing some PDP and ACN leaders and thousands of their supporters from Irele and Okitipupa local government areas who defected to the Labour Party, at Irele Local Government Area, weekend.

Briefly

S-West not planning secession —Ekiti Speaker

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO-EKITI— SPEAKER, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adewale Omirin, has dispelled the rumour making the rounds that the Regional Integration being pursued by governors in the South-Western Region was aimed at pulling out of the country, adding that the nation can get the best constitution through the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference, SNC. The Speaker, who said the National Assembly was constitutionallyempowered to amend the constitution, argued that only the SNC could write a new constitution.

Omirin, also the ViceChairman, Conference of Speakers, SouthWest Zone, noted that the present constitution was the product of the military which has some grey areas that must be tackled once and for all.

Ogun FRSC returns accident victim's N1m recharge cards

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA—THE Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, yesterday, returned N1 million worth of recharge cards, among other items, to an accident victim, Mrs. Felicia Obanla.

The Ogun Sector Commander, Mr. Ayobami Omiyale, told newsmen in Ota while handing over the items to the victim that the accident occurred last Friday in Ota, involving five vehicles.

Omiyale said: “An articulated vehicle coming from Lagos to Sango lost control around SangoOta Toll Gate and rammed into a Mazda bus, with number-plate LAGOS XV 388 KJA. “This also rammed into a Nissan Pathfinder jeep, with number-plate TF 368 KJA, and this jeep seriously hit Obanla as she was about to come down from a commercial

motorcycle.

“She lost consciousness immediately and the FRSC Rescue Team took charge of the scene and conveyed victims to nearby hospitals for first aid treatments.''

Omiyale said although 17 people were involved in the accident, only five people were injured.

He said N11,000 cash, a cell phone, ATM cards, deposit slip, keys, among others, were also recovered at the scene of

the accident.

He said it was difficult to locate Obanla because all the accident victims had been discharged from the hospital when FRSC officials visited the hospital to hand over the materials.

Search for owner He said: “We started searching for her because of the worth of materials recovered and later found her at Medi-

care Clinic where she was receiving treatment.

“Some people had earlier come to our office, claiming to be her relatives, but we insisted that we want the handing over covered by the media.”

Obanla thanked the FRSC officials and confirmed that all the items were intact.

“I don’t know that Nigerians can be this honest, I am very proud of this country.”

...Osun drivers accuse FRSC officials of alleged bribery

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO—DRIV ERS plying the Osogbo/Ibadan Expressway have raised the alarm on the alleged extortion perpetrated by officials of the Federal Roads Safety Corps,

FRSC, stationed on the road, saying their continued stay on the road have done more evil than good.

The drivers, many of whom are commercial drivers, alleged that the FRSC officials on the road demand N500 from commercial vehicle driv-

ers plying the roads and N1,000 from private car owners.

The drivers, who condemned the action of the officials, said they have abandoned the primary duty for which they are stationed on the road which is to ensure safety of lives on the road.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—11

Delta ACN passes confidence vote on Okotie-Eboh

BY FESTUS AHON

U

SIGNING OF BILLS: From right : Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson; the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) and Leader of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Akpe, during the signing into law of eight bills at Government House, Yenagoa.

Jail break: Police beef up security at Oko Prisons

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—EDO State Police Commissioner, Mr Olayinka Balogun, yesterday, said the Command was still awaiting more details from the Prison authorities as regards the jail break at Oko Medium Prison, Benin City on Sunday.

Balogun, who briefed newsmen in Benin City, said the command had intensified security around the prison, adding that contrary to reports that armed men blew up the prison with a dynamite leading to the escape of no fewer than 10 inmates, “there was no invasion of any kind. The escape bid was purely the handiwork of the prison inmates.”

However, a resident in the area had informed Vanguard that the prison

was turned into a war zone after the invaders stormed the place with sophisticated weapons, blew up part of the prison gate which led to escape of no fewer than 10 inmates while 12 were rearrested.

The eye witness also informed Vanguard that there was a shoot out between the invaders and the police and warders.

When contacted, Edo State Controller of Prisons, Mr F. Ewulo, said: “Early in the morning (Sunday), there was an attempt jail break at Oko Prison. Investigation is on and an official statement will be issued in due course.”

Balogun noted that after a distress call from the prison at 1.05a.m. was received, “Police patrol teams from Airport Division and operatives from ‘B’ Operations were im-

Ijaw group backs JTF's onslaught against oil theft in N-Delta

BY DAPO AKINREFON

A

N Ijaw pressure group, Ijaw Peoples Congress, IPC, has thrown its weight behind the recent onslaught by the Joint Task Force, JTF, against oil theft in the

Niger Delta.

National President of the group, Mr. Ekanpou Enewaridideke, in a statement, commended JTF for its effort in ensuring the eradication of oil bunkering in the region.

Enewaridideke, who

Bunkering: Bayelsa community raises alarm over looming fire disaster

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—INDI GENES of Agoro I community and its satellite settlements on the Atlantic coast in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have raised concern of a looming fire explosion over alleged bunkering activities on Ramos River.

Indigenes of the coastal settlements, who are predominantly fishermen in a SOS to the relevant authorities, noted with con-

mediately dispatched to the scene by the Commissioner of Police.”

He added that he was physically present at the scene to ensure that the situation was immediately brought under control as the two prison inmates who had earlier escaped through the holes bored from within were rearrested.

It was gathered that security had been intensified in and around the prison environment.

cern that the continued trans-loading of crude oil from barges to bigger ships on the river could possibly trigger a fire explosion.

Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, who spoke on behalf of the communities, told Vanguard that they were now living in fear of the unknown since their people use naked flame at night in the course of their fishing.

He said: “Our people are now living in fear since the trans loading activities commenced in our

area. There is a mother vessel called Kujita stationed on the high sea, receiving crude oil from those ships that collect crude oil from the barges operating on our water.

“Where this transfer of crude oil from barges to ships is taking place is our fishing territory, where fishermen and women use lanterns during fishing at night. It is our fear that if appropriate measures were not taken, explosion may occur and this would be disastrous, coupled with the already polluted river.”

particularly commended JTF Commander, MajorGeneral Choga for his relentless non-discriminatory war against oil theft in the region, said: “Specifically, in areas such as Burutu, Warri and environs, there is virtually total reduction in oil theft as the once common illegal oil refineries have been incinerated and eradicated by JTF. Choga’s headship of JTF has led to drastic reduction in the activities of illegal oil bunkerers in the region.”

He, however, faulted claims by Trade Union Congress, TUC and National Union of Petroluem Gas Workers, NUPENG against JTF operations, saying: “We urge TUC and NUPENG to be generous with any fact at their disposal against JTF; but so far, we are convinced that TUC and NUPENG have no proof to show that JTF had erred operationally."

GHELLI—AC TION Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on the state Chairman of the party, Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh and the Acting Vice Chairman of the party in the area, Mr. Solomon Onyen.

Moving a motion for the vote of confidence at a meeting of the district at Aladja, Udu Local Government Area of the state, Chairman of the party in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Mr. Erubu Siakpebru,

said the duo had worked relentlessly to reinvigorate and take the party to its rightful place in the state.

The vote was seconded

by Mr. Samuel Adu, Chairman of the party in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Addressing the party faithful during the meeting, acting Vice Chairman, Central, Mr. Solomon Onyen, described Okotie-Eboh as a man with pedigree, who had carved a niche for himself and was leaving no stone unturned in repositioning the party to wrest power from the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the state.

Rivers partners Indian govt on establishment of medical school

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HAR COURT—RIVERS State Government is to partner with the Indian Government to set up a new medical school in the state Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who stated this at a forum with the Indian community in the state during their celebration of Indian cultural association day, said the partnership would provide manpower for the school, adding that

the state branch of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, would also provide teaching service for the institution.

He said: “Once we are sure that Indians can supply us the medical teachers, we will establish the school, because it is not good to establish a medical school without qualified teachers.”

The governor also spoke of moves by his administration to come up with stronger legislation to check indiscriminate dumping of waste on the streets of state capital.

Delta monarch passes on at 68

U

GHELLI—THE traditional ruler of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM John Okorefe, Ebelle II, the Ovie of Agbarha- Otor, has passed on, aged 68.

Otota R’Ovie (spoke person) of the kingdom, Chief Alfred Akpobome, who announced the demise of the monarch at a press briefing, yesterday,

described the late monarch as a devout Christian, and a man of justice, who brought peace and unity to Agbarha-Otor Kingdom.

He said: “His reign witnessed unprecedented development, peace and unity among the good people of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom. This is because he was peace loving and believed that no price is too great for peace.” he

Okolobo passes on

M

RS. Oyonat Okolobo, a Christian women leader in the Assemblies of God Church, Mende, Lagos, is dead, aged 49. A statement by the family said a service of songs in her honour will be held at the church on August 21, followed by funeral service at Ogoloma Town Square, Okrika and interment on the 25th.

She is survived by chil-

dren, a host of relations and her widower, Mr. Precious Okolobo, of Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Late Mrs. Okolobo

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

C-River lawmakers meet Attorney General on fresh application to ICJ

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

C

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right); Senator James Manager (left) and Mr. Afahokor Duncan, Administrator, Umeh Need Road Forum, during the forum’s 1st year anniversary thanksgiving service at St. Michael's Anglican Church, Emevor, in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Police, JTF avert communal clash zAs gunmen abduct cleric in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—WHAT would have been a violent communal clash between Uduerhe and Ekredjebor communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, was, yesterday, averted by men of the Ughelli ‘B’ Police Division and military Joint Task Force, JTF. The crisis, Vanguard, gathered, was over a dispute between Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Olorogun Jaro Egbo and some youths of Ekredjebor community, over alleged demand for development levy from Egbo, a native of Uduerhe.

A source said the Ughelli monarch, HRM Oharisi II, and other prominent chiefs had waded into the matter, calling on both sides to sheath the sword.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that some armed Ekredjebor youths went to the residence of the governor’s aide to demand for development levies.

He said: “It took the quick intervention of soldiers and the Police to arrest the situation, which otherwise would have had casualties on both sides. The Divisional Police Officer of 'B’Division invited both parties to resolve the issue with the Area Commander.”

When contacted on phone, Egbo said the

palace and the police were resolving the matter. He said: “As a leader and a traditional palace chief, I will explore all avenues before taking the matter to higher level and justice will be served at the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, Pastor and General Overseer of All Saints Pentecostal Ministry in EkredjeborUghelli, Rev. Israel Unutame, has been kidnapped.

Rev. Unutame was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday on his way to

P

ORT HAR COURT—AUTHORITIES of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC Mass Transit Scheme in Rivers State, has warned of tough times for impostors using the scheme’s brand name without authorisation.

Mr. Richard Anwagwe,

Ibori's $15m: Delta Attorney General slams EFCC lawyer

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

S A B A — D E LT A State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, has faulted comments by counsel to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, on the ownership of the purported $15m Ibori bribe, telling

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—BENIN National Congress, BNC, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, yesterday, urged Governor Adams Oshiomhole

and the leadership of the state House of Assembly to commence preparations for elections into the 18 local government areas of the state with a view to democratising the councils.

Condemning the re-

a representative of the commercial transport group, gave the warning in Port Harcourt, shortly after receiving a Grade A Certification for safety excellence in fleet operations by Rivers Sector Command of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. He said: “The NDDC Mass Transit Scheme, in recent times, is embarrassed by the tendency

of some commercial transporters to brand their vehicles in the corporate identity of the outfit without registering same under the body.”

He lamented that the trend had rubbished the image of the scheme and NDDC as a body because most of the impostors operate with vehicles and conducts unacceptable to set standards of NDDC scheme.

Democratic Party, PDP, Gen.Charles Airhaivbere (rtd) to contest the result of the just-concluded governorship election in the state at the tribunal despite the decision of his party to withdraw from the suit, the Congress admonished traditional rulers in the state to prevail on all aggrieved “political actors” to avoid tension or crisis in the state.

BNC, in a statement by Mr David Ekomwenrenren, Director of Publicity, said: “Oshiomhole and the state House of Assembly, should speed up preparations for elections in the councils as stipulated by the extant laws by reconstituting Edo State Independent Electoral Commission as soon as possible to conduct free and fair elections for the third tier of government.

him to wait till the appropriate time instead of using the media “to argue a live case.”

Ajuyah, in statement in Asaba, yesterday, reacting to media comments

by Jacobs, saying: “As a senior member of the Bar, it is not my responsibility to join issues with counsel on the pages of newspapers on a matter that is before the court."

Moslem cleric tasks political leaders on devt

N Imam in Auchi, A Edo State, Mallam BNC tasks Oshiomhole, Edo Sule Momoh, has urged solve of the governorship political office holders to Assembly on LG poll candidate of Peoples always think of their pos-

NDDC Mass Transit Scheme warns impostors

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

church.

According to a close family source, the pastor was seriously beaten before he was whisked away to an unknown destination.

The family source, who pleaded anonymity said the kidnappers, who came in a Toyota Camry, left with the 2006 model Toyota camry car of the pastor, whom they intercepted by his gate.

At press time, his abductors were yet to establish contact with the family.

ALABAR—FED ERAL lawmakers from Cross River State and some prominent indigenes of the state will meet the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on Thursday, to submit fresh facts for the appeal against the International Court of Justice judgment, which ceded Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon.

Already the lawmakers had met President Goodluck Jonathan a few weeks ago on the need for the judgment to be challenged, in view of fresh facts at their disposal, as the country still had time to appeal against the judgment before the 10 years expiration date,

which will be October 10, 2012.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, member representing Bakassi/ Calabar South/Akpabuyo federal constituency, Pastor Esien Ayi, said Cross River State Government would have gone to ICJ to file its appeal against the ruling, if it was not the responsibility of the Federal Government to do so.

Ayi said Cross River State representatives in the National Assembly had been mounting pressure on the Federal Government and had compiled fresh facts for the appeal against the judgment, adding that they will not rest until justice was done to the matter.

terity and the nation.

The Imam, who was conducting funeral rites for Col. Abudu Arunah (rtd), father-in-law of the ex-speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Zakawanu Garuba, said this would promote de-

velopment and good governance in the country.

Col. Arunah died at the age of 73 after a brief illness. He was buried in his family compound at Auchi, the Etsako West headquarters of Edo State in accordance with Islamic rites.

His dauther, Mrs. Garuba, is a chief magistrate in Edo State Judiciary.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 —13

Forum petitions IG over The group in its petition, Daily Times by Mr. Desmond

BY CHARLESKUMOLU

L

AWARD: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (middle) receiving an award of Pillar of Excellence from National Association of Ndi Isuikwato in USA from their leader after a town hall meeting with Abia indigenes in Houston Texas, USA. With them is the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mercy Orji.

Crisis rocks Anambra Labour Party zParty chairman sacked over alleged misappropriation of N6.5m

BY VINCENTUJUMADU

A

WKA—A MAJOR leadership crisis is rocking the Anambra State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, with members of the state executive announcing yesterday the sacking of the chairman, Jude Ezenwafor over alleged misappropriation of N6.5 million belonging to the party.

He was alleged to have collected the money during the last state, local government and ward congresses of the party in Anambra State.

Ezenwafor allegation

denies

In a swift reaction, Ezenwafor said those who announced his removal from office had no powers to do because they were not members of the party.

He said: “Our executive is still intact and we are forging ahead. They wanted to hold congress and the court stopped them, but they still went ahead to sack us. They only want to create confusion in Labour Party as they had done in their former parties and we will not allow that to happen.The allegation of embezzlement is frivolous and I want them to name those who allegedly gave me money.”

Following the allegation of financial misappropriation, the party set

up a five- member committee headed by Chief I.A. Anumba to look into the allegation.

After a long lengthy deliberation, the committee recommended the removal of the chairman, having found him guilty of the allegation.

According to the committee, the chairman allegedly collected money from a serving senator in the state in his capacity as chairman, but failed to account for it, claiming that he had exhibited acts of dishonesty and gross insensitivity to the

affairs of LP. Part of the report of the committee read: “Going by the enormity of the alleged actions and the seriousness of our findings, the committee is of the opinion that the state executive of Labour Party should be politically critical to issues that concern the party.

This singular act (embezzlement) has eroded the confidence of the entire members on the state chairman and has pitched him against all party faithful in the state.

Obi to CAN: Pray for better successor for me

BY VINCENTUJUMADU

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State governor, Mr.

Peter Obi yesterday in Awka urged the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state to intensify prayers for God to choose a successor that would be better than him.

Obi’s tenure would end in 2014 and politicians in the state are already warming up to contest the election scheduled for December, 2013.

The governor, who was exchanging views with the state leadership of CAN led by its chairman, Bishop Ephraim Ndife, who visited him, said the greatest legacy he would be happy to leave for Anambra people would be that he contributed

significantly in changing the psyche of the people of the state who suffered so much due to distorted and misplaced values and emulation of wrong role models in the past.

Expressing the commitment of his administration to the development of both urban and rural areas of the state, the governor commended members of CAN for their prayers which assisted him greatly in running the affairs of the state.

Obi said one of the strategies he adopted was to embark on poverty mapping that enabled government to determine the poorest parts of the state, stressing that it had helped to open up all the hitherto neglected areas.

He commended CAN for its cooperation in the successful hand over of schools to the churches, which he noted, had led to over 500% improvement on the performance of students in external examinations, including WAEC and NECO.

AGOS—SOUTH East Forum for Justice and Economic Empowerment, SEFOJE, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, over alleged plans by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye to prevent the planned resumption of publication by Daily Times Newspapers, DTN. It also claimed that the planned resumption of court action, would frustrate the organisation from making progress as scheduled.

Ezuruonwu noted that the management of DTN had proved its capacity to effectively operate the media outfit.

He said: ‘’We have it on good authority that the Lagos State Attorney-General has been approached by one Mr. Ikechukwu Obiora to once again drag the owners of Daily Times Plc to court so that their concluded plans to roll out Daily Times, Business Times, Lagos Weekend and other publications under the Daily Times Group would be kept on hold again. We view this fresh plot as mischievous.

Fear grips Imo health workers over sack threat

BY CHIDINKWOPARA

O

WERRI—FEAR has gripped health workers in Imo State, over what they termed “a careful plot to sack a good number of us through the planned privatization of all general and specialist hospitals.”

This came as indication emerged that the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, as well as the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, Orlu, are already spoiling for war with government.

The unions are arguing

that the planned privatization of the hospitals is a clandestine arrangement to massively sack their members and send them into the saturated labour market.

The workers were also irked that government had equally planned to bring in an Islamic firm to enable it secure loans from the recently established controversial Islamic Bank.

Apart from unions, some human right activists have also queried the planned privatization of the hospitals, contending that “the suspicious package would most likely lead to the sacking of workers.”

Party chieftain denies Obi's loss of interest in APGA

BY VINCENTUJUMADU

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State commissioner for special duties and former All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, senatorial candidate for Anambra South, Chief Vincent Ezenwajiaku, has debunked allegations that Governor Peter Obi no longer shows interest in the affairs of the party, saying the governor is the sole financier of the party at all lev-

els.

Addressing newsmen in Awka, Ezenwajiaku urged the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha not to have a hand in the on-going crisis in the party, reminding him that unlike Obi who said he would not seek elective office after his tenure as g o v e r n o r, O ko r o c h a needed the party for his future political ambitions and therefore needs unity in APGA.

Group warns against Boko Haram menace

BY CHIDINKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE South East Steering Committee, SESC, of Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA, has warned that the country may be heading to the precipice if activities of Boko Haram and their sponsors are not checked immediately.

The SESC Chairman, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at a briefing after their fourhour meeting in Owerri, yesterday, declared that the

level of insecurity and its attendant loss of lives was getting unbearable.

“The most sensitive issue in the Nigerian project today is the ugly security situation. The Boko Haram insurgency is getting out of hand,” Chief Amaechi warned.

The SESC boss reaffirmed that the Boko Haram affair was seriously troubling Nigeria and Nigerians, stressing that the country must not break up.

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr. Nsima Ekere(middle); Senator Anietie Okon (left) and former Military Governor of the state, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, at the annual convention of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, in Orlando, Florida, USA.

From left: Senator Magnus Abe; Dr. Chinyere Nwaneri, Programmes Coordinator; Dr. Peter Medee and Gbenekenu Kuapie, Chairman, Tai Local Government, Rivers State, during the Free School Eye Health Programme by Senator Magnus Abe in Tai Local Government Area, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

Police begin probe of alleged suicide by corporal after shooting wife, 2 daughters

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI— EBONYI State Police Command, yesterday, said it had begun full scale investigation to unravel the circumstances that led one Corporal Anthony Ugwuoke, to commit suicide after allegedly shooting his wife, Nkechi, 30, and two daughters,

Adaeze, 3, and Chidinma, 1.

Ugwoke attached to B’ operations in Abakaliki, was an orderly to a High Court Judge (name withheld).

The unfortunate incident took place on Sunday at Edda village in Ugwuachara of Ebonyi local government area of the state.

Speaking with Vanguard,

Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Kpirikpiri Police Station, Superintendent Sampson Etta, who wondered why the late Ugwuoke decided to kill himself, lamented that Ugwuoke shot his wife at the upper shoulder while his children sustained various degrees of injuries from gun shots.

According to him, the

Elechi accuses politicians of hijacking Boko Haram

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI—GOV ERNOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, yesterday, accused selfish politicians of hijacking the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram to destabilize the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Governor noted that such antagonism against President Jonathan started immediately after he (Jonathan) emerged the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate in the last general election in the country.

Elechi who stated this when he received members of the Muslim Com-

munity who paid him an Eid-el-Fitri homage at the government house, Abakaliki, condemned moves by the Federal Government to dialogue with the sect.

He argued that there was no basis for anybody to compare the sect’s agitation with that of the Niger Delta militants, who were granted amnesty by the federal government, insisting that the activities of the Boko Haram in the country was politically motivated.

He said: “When oil was subsequently discovered in the area, its tapping process polluted their environment and this affected their agricultural, environmental and general wellbeing.

Though the youths from the area might have overreacted, their actions were still justified than that of the Boko Haram, which has no case to make. Immediately Jonathan was announced the winner of the primaries at the Eagle Square Abuja, Northern Governors started receiving text messages from their people accusing them of being Anti-Islam” Earlier, Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Leader of the delegation Alhaji Suleiman Ogah, who commended the Governor for his developmental efforts especially at the rural areas, emphasised that "Islam as a religion does not preach violence but peace."

MASSOB dismisses planned redeclaration of group had applied to the Biafra Republic by group United Nations for recogBY VINCENTUJUMADU

A

WKA—THE Move ment for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has dismissed the planned redeclaration of Biafra Republic on November 5th this year by the Biafran Zionist Movement,

C M Y K

BZM, saying the declaration was done by MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike when he hoisted the Biafran flag at Fauks road, Aba, Abia State on May 22, 2000.

Leader of BZM, another Biafra pressure group, Mr. Ben Onwuka, said last week that his

nition and that following acknowledgment of the application, the declaration would be made on November 5th.

Reacting to the development yesterday, MASSOB director of information, Mr. Uchenna Madu said the stage of declaration in the struggle had passed.

police on receiving information about the incident, rushed to the scene, rescued the wife and children presently in a critical condition at the Federal Teaching Hospital, FETHA. Etta explained that efforts to get details on what led to the shooting spree from Mrs. Ugwuoke proved abortive as doctors in the hospital prevented any form of interaction with her.

“We were not able to obtain any detail as to what led to the shooting spree in the family. We don’t know whether it was domestic or spiritual. The wife of the deceased who was shot at the upper shoulder is in a critical condition in the hospital and the doctors are not willing to let us talk to her until she is stable. My men went to the hospital but couldn’t obtain details. The children are responding to treatment” It will be recalled that on August 19, a police corporal, Mr. Anthony Ugwoke attached to B’ operations in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state and an orderly to a High Court Judge (name withheld) shot himself dead after shooting his 30 year old wife, Mrs. Nkechi Ugwuoke and his two daughters.

The police public relations officer, PPRO, Ebonyi state command, Mr. Sylvester Igbo who confirmed the incident, said the body of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, FETHA. According to Mr. Igbo, one berretta pistol, expended shells and one live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

APGA accuses PDP of plot to destabilise Imo govt

BY VINCENTUJUMADU

E

NUGU—THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, yesterday, accused the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of a plot to destabilise the government of Imo State under Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The party also alleged grand design by PDP to create a state of anarchy, which would subsequently lead to the creation of a state of emergency in the state starting from Wednesday, August 22, 2012.

National Chairman of

APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, at a briefing in Enugu on the said plot to destroy Imo State, said: “The PDP wants to destabilise and dismantle the APGA government in Imo state. They want to achieve this by causing mayhem that will give rise to a call for the declaration for a state of emergency in Imo state.

"APGA condemns this intention of the PDP and hereby warns that PDP which APGA defeated thoroughly in the Governorship election in Imo state in 2011, cannot take back Imo state through the back door."

Youths deny cult war in AAU

BY SIMONEBEGBELEM

B

ENIN CITY— YOUTHS from Ekpoma, in Edo State, have described as untrue reports that two persons were killed in a fresh cult clash at the state owned Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.

There were reports that two persons were killed recently in a fresh cult war between rival groups in the university.

However, spokesman of the youths, Ehime

Oseghale, asserted that “the university has been peaceful and we have not heard any gun shot or any fight or killing within the university community.

“We are not aware of any cult clash let alone death of students. Such rumours or reports are misleading.”

He added that academic activities in the university which resumed for the second semester on July 22, had been running unhindered and without threat to the peace in the university.

Commissioner empowers 2,000 youths

S

APELE—NO fewer than 2000 youths from various communities in Delta State, have received cash donation for self empowerment projects from the commissioner representing Okpe, Sapele and Ethiope West Local Governments on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr Henry Ofah.

The commissioner made the donation during a one

day skill acquisition workshop for the youths of Oil Producing Communities in the State, which held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

Presenting the cash donation to the youths, the commissioner noted that the workshop was both timely and apt considering the emerging realities in the economy and the need to brace up to the social-economic challenges facing the people of Niger Delta area.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—15

Advocates of state police call for regime change — Ex-IG

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA—FORMER National Security Adviser and one time Inspector-General of Police, Mohammadu Jimeta, declared, weekend, that prominent Nigerians, including some governors, spearheading the call for the establishment of state police were dishonest about the call, noting that it was another ploy of working towards regime change.

According to him, Nigerians should be watchful and wary of these persons making these calls because “it is an undercurrent and a sinister plan that will lead to the proposal of a regime change through other means and the nation will be heading for doom if it is allowed.”

Speaking against the backdrop of General Ibrahim Babangida’s support for state police, Jimeta said: “There is a lot of misunderstanding and total ignorance about the establishment of law and order institutions in a democracy.

“It is true that General Babangida(rtd) was my former boss and I served under him. What I want you to know is that there is a wide margin of differences of opinion between us even when I served under him. We operate as professionals in our different fields.”

Commotion as IEDs-laden car fails to explode in Maiduguri

BY NADAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI—IN what would have been a bloody Salah in Maduguri, Borno State, yesterday, a suicide bomber abandoned his Toyota Camry saloon car, loaded with explosives

that failed to detonate, at a drinking joint. Time was 4.20pm.

Vanguard gathered that security agents had, Sunday, in Maduguri, received an intelligent report that a suicide bomber in a Camry saloon car had

maneuvered his way from Damaturu, Yobe State capital, en route Maiduguri.

It was also learnt that all the heavy security check-points on the major roads leading into the town from Damaturu up till yesterday failed

WEDDING: From left— Prof. Amos Utuama, Delta State Deputy Governor (middle); Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information(left) and Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, during the wedding of the son of Oyovbaire, to the daughter of Ekuerhare, in Abraka, Saturday.

Gunmen set primary school ablaze in Yobe S

USPECTED mem bers of the Boko Haram Islamist sect, yesterday, launched an attack on Damagum Central Primary School, Yobe State, setting part of the school on fire.

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Toyin Gbadegesin, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the Damagum Police Division and Catholic Church were also attacked, though the police repelled the attacks.

No casualty was recorded but the police claimed they are after the attackers. Damagum has been attacked three times this year by hoodlums.

Meanwhile, Kano State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, also confirmed the arrest of one person connected with an attack on a military check point at Gyadi-Gyadi area of the state, Sunday.

Idris confirmed the arrest when he paid traditional Sallah homage to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in his palace.

He said the suspect, who has a bullet wound,

was arrested while trying to escape, adding that in-

vestigation into the matter was on to determine

the extent of his involvement in the crime.

... as govs meet on state police, polio eradication, others

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—THE 36 state governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, will, tomorrow, resume their meeting where the issues of constitution amendment and state

police are to dominate discussions.

The governors will, at the meeting, harmonise their positions to be presented at Thursday ’s National Economic Council, NEC, meeting at Presidential Villa.

The governors had, last

week Tuesday, put off discussions on constitution amendment till after the Ramadan fast.

Chairman of the forum and governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, had in a statement, suspended meeting.

He said: “Forum differed debate on the issue of constitution amend-

ment until after the fasting, when all members would be back from the Umrah (lesser Hajj).

“Forum resolved to intensify efforts on polio eradication in the country.”

At tomorrow’s meeting, the governors will also discuss on how to totally eradicate polio in Nigeria.

to arrest the suspect, but instead created heavy traffic jam in the city.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Someone suspected to be a terrorists had visited the area in a Camry and parked close to one of the drinking joints well patronised by majority of Tudu customers.

“When he tried to detonate the explosives in the car, the explosives refused to explode.

Rather, heavy smoke engulfed the car, and when he tried a second time without success, he left the car and ran into the crowd and escaped.

“We immediately alerted the security agents, and when the Anti-Bomb Squad arrived the scene, it was discovered that the vehicle was loaded with containers and cylinders of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs. “I was about 10 metres away from wher the vehicle was watching what the occupant was doing.

At first, we thought it was an electrical fault, which he wanted to rectify, so we continued drinking. We decided to run for our lives when we sensed it might be a bomb.”

Confirming the incident, Joint Task Force, JTF, spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, said: “We received a distress call from Tudu bear joint behind the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri.

“We had intended to brief newsmen tomorrow (today), but now that you have called, all I will tell you is that a Camry car, which was loaded with IEDs failed to explode when the master minder (now at large) ran into the crowd and escaped before JTF arrived the scene.”

62-yr-old allegedly kills wife over sex, Ogogoro lands 8 in court

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & IBUWARISO EMMANUEL

L

AGOS—A 62-year-old man has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing his wife over sex, while eight persons were arrested for allegedly drinking local gin (Ogogoro) and smoking in an unacceptable manner in the public.

The eight persons, including four women, have been arraigned before an Apapa Magistrate Court in Lagos, while 62-year-old man, Christian Agbaga had been remanded in prison custody by a Yaba Magistrate Court, Lagos.

The deceased, Regina Agbaga, was said to have been strangled by her husband at their home at Ligali Street, Ajegunle,

Lagos, on their matrimonial bed.

The accused, Agbaga, is facing a murder charge under Section 221 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Trial magistrate, Mrs. S. K. Matepo, ordered that he be remanded in prison custody.

Meanwhile, the accused eight, Nkereuwen Akpan, 29; James Patricia, 39; Jenifer John, 27; Salami Kazeem, 37;

Festus Opara, 35; Princess Pius, 26; Gold Johnson, 27 and John Idoh, 32, were charged on a two-count charge of misdemeanour and unlawful assembly.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Uche Kalu, told the court that on August 14, at 1:20am, at Kazuma Roundabout, Apapa, the accused persons unlawfully gathered to smoke and drink the local gin in a manner to cause fear and

panic in the neighbourhood.

Kalu said the offence contravened Sections 409 and 44(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Trial magistrate, Mrs A. Shonubi, however, granted them bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in the like sum each and adjourned the matter till September 17.

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Sokoto set to explore oil deposits

BY ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE

S

OKOTO—GOVERNOR Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has said his government will soon begin exploration of oil deposits on the plains of Sokoto through to Kebbi.

Wamakko spoke when the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, led district heads and other traditional title holders, including former President Shehu Shagari, to the Presidential Lodge,

on a Sallah homage.

The governor, who spoke in Hausa, said: “Oil is the pride of some parts of the country. I want to inform you today (yesterday) that there are oil deposits on the plains of Sokoto State.

“We will intimate the Federal Government on the development with a view to exploring these deposits. At the state level, we shall put in everything we have towards actualising this.”

He called on the District heads to mobilise their subjects towards embracing dry season farming, adding that

“the state government had concluded arrangements to provide water pumps for distribution to farmers in the rural areas to enhance dry season farming.”

He also added that only actual farmers would benefit from the water pumps, while traditional leaders would be involved in identifying the real farmers.

Earlier in his address, Sultan Abubakar harped on the need for all tiers of government to embark on development projects that would impact meaningfully on the lives of the people.

COMMISSIONING: Mr. Efioita Ephraim, Port Manager, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos (left), and Miss Oyenike Okeowo, Acting Regional Manager, West, African Circle Pollution Limited, ACPML, at the commissioning of 12 specialised trucks procured by ACPML at Tin Can Port, Lagos.

Journalist's son electrocuted in Abuja

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—A nineyear-old son of Alhaji Sani Abubakar, Abuja Bureau Chief of Newsday Newspaper, was, yesterday

morning, electrocuted.

Vanguard learnt that the boy left his family house in Jukwei area of Abuja to State Security Service, SSS, quarters, also in Jukwei, in the early hours of yesterday to

feed his Pigeon, when he met with his untimely death.

According to eyewitness account, the boy climbed an over-head water tank platform to feed the Pigeon when he slipped. In

Nyako tasks traditional rulers on security

BY UMAR YUSUF

Y

OLA—GOVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has told traditional rulers in the state that they have a big role to play in the security challenges facing the North.

He charged the traditional rulers to rise up to their responsibilities in the task of ensuring peaceful and harmonious co-existence of the citizenry.

The governor spoke in Yola, yesterday, when he received Adamawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, which paid him the Eid-El-Fitr homage.

He observed that the current security challenges needed the cooperation of all to be checked, adding that traditional rulers, who are the custodian of the people, should be able to identify mischief-makers in their domains and report accordingly to security agents.

The governor noted with regret that the issue of insecurity had polarised the northern states along religious, tribal and other inclinations, stressing that the traditional rulers in the region should form a common front to address the issues within the

shortest possible time.

He said: “Parents and guardians also have greater roles to play in the current security challenges. This, they can do by monitoring the movement of their children and wards, and the groups they associate with.”

He added that it was only through agreement, understanding and dialogue that the current security challenges in the country can be resolved.

He called on any group that was aggrieved to go into discussion with the appropriate authorities towards solving the problems.

an attempt to regain balance, he was said to have held on to a live electric cable belonging to Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. It was gathered that residents of the quarters, who knew his parents, rushed to inform his father, Alhaji Abubakar, who mobilised men to bring down the boy’s body.

Abubakar, who is Vice Chairman of Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Press Corps, said: “Because of his love for the Pigeons, I instructed him to remove them from the compound so he can concentrate on his studies.

“Unknown to me, he kept the Pigeons at the SSS quarters, which is not far from my house.

“He woke early this morning (yesterday) and went straight to look after his pets. I was woken up from sleep to be informed of the sad event and rushed to the scene.”

Dass council sends SOS to Bauchi govt over flood disaster z50 houses, 20 farmlands destroyed

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—CARE TAKER Chairman of Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, has appealed to the state government to adopt measures aimed at preventing further flood disasters in Dass, the council headquarters.

Sadiq, who noted that one person was killed in a recent flood in Dass, explained that flood was threatening some areas in the council, hence the need for proactive measures to ensure that the council was not flooded again.

Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Dass, he said he had written to the state government seeking its assistance to en-

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

sure the council was not flooded again, adding that he was optimistic that the state government will help out.

Sadiq explained that no fewer than 50 houses and 20 farmlands were destroyed in the recent flood in Dass, which he said also washed away some feeder roads and bridges.

He added that the council had within its limited resources assisted victims of the recent flood in Dass, and called for more assistance from individuals and organisations to cushion their sufferings.

It will be recalled that the recent flood disaster in Bauchi State affected 12 other councils, destroying houses and farmlands.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

Do you support specialised women banking?

T

HE idea is not a bad one if properly handled. I believe that if we can encourage our women with such banks (so they can start at least small scale businesses), they will be able to make something big and improve their welfare, children and family.—Ms. Laju Arenyeka, Journalist.

I

don’t think it is a bad idea. Really. Gener ally, women have challenges in getting access to credit facilities.

So, it is not a bad idea if we have a banking system that don’t just collect money from women, but also dedicated to giving them credit.—Mr. Ralph Nwoke, Lawyer.

I

N the 1960s, banks in the West experi mented with womenspecialised bank. In Scotland, a branch of women’s bank was opened by the National Commercial Bank in 1964. Such banks enable women manage their own financial affairs.—Mr. Chinedu Chiweoda, Businessman.

W

HY should we have a special ised banking for women and who will be servicing the bank? Will it be targeted at those women who are not working, full-time housewives or, better still, those engaged in petty trade?—Mr. Shuaibu Yakubu, Naval Officer.

I

T is not necessary. I thought we are talk ing about equality in Nigeria. What purpose will it serve? Are women complaining that they don’t get equal treatment in banks? I don’t think having specialised banks for women is necessary.—Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe, Lecturer.

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F it is possible, no problem! Some cou ple may not buy into it if they manage their affairs together. Couples can also decide to have different accounts. I like joint account, but I would prefer a specialised account for women.—Mrs. Doris Mgbeme, NYSC Member.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—17

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HAVE to return to the topic of ourdisastrous outing in the just concluded 2012 London Olympics for two reasons. One, the culprits in this national disgrace had resorted to their trademark blame-game. The Sports Ministry will blame the administrators, the administrators blame the athletes, obviously for denying them the opportunity for monetary handshake at Abuja, the athletes blame the administrators for pocketing their camping allowances, and the commentators blame the National Sports Commission!

Truth is, there is enough blame to go round till we forget. The next outing, we repeat the same bungling and play the same blame game! Nobody is bold enough to put a finger on what is wrong with our sports and nobody takes the firm, even ruthless action necessary to correct the ill.

My second reason for revisiting this subject is that the sports industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Sports and entertainment are the two most important sectors for youth empowerment. A poor youth from the poorest neighbourhood can box, run, jump, swim, sing and dance his or her way out of the ghetto and out of poverty.

Athletes at the Olympics Most of the athletes at the Olympics and footballers in the leagues of the world were born without any spoon at all; some, like Mohammed Farah of Team Great Britain, are refugees; many had seemingly insurmountable backgrounds; these youths, particularly Blacks, would not be the celebrities they are today but for sports! It is, therefore, sad that Nigeria still treats sports like a mere past time for the idle and unserious. That should not be.

We need to get serious!

We have paid lip service to the revival of our sports till the lips are blistered. It has not worked because we have ignored the fundamental truth about sports.

All sports are first and foremost entertainment. Once it fails to entertain, it dies! The death of

Did we go to the Olympics? (2) entry into our sports, athletics held its own and produced the likes of Mary Onyeali, Falilat Ogunkoya, Dele Udoh, Innocent Egbunike, Yususf Ali, Tina Iheagwam, Henry Amike, etc.

Our football was a great entertainer and national unifier!

Our economy was also robust then.

There are not many Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister of our foreign legion of professionals our football is the most lamented today who were as good as today. Yet, week after week, we Segun Odegbami and his play in empty stadia! generation and the generation International matches are often before them! And when I say “as offered for free to spectators to fill good”, I mean patriotic, the stadium. Yet no question is passionate, dedicated and asked. The revival of our sports, disciplined! The simple reason especially our football, must start why the Odegbamis did not play by answering the questions, why in foreign Leagues was purely do we play in empty stadia? Why economic. In their time our are sponsors not interested in our economy was so good that one sports? Identify the ills and find British pound was only equal to people who can provide the 68 kobo. So there was really no solution. Money thrown at incentive to play abroad. problems we have not identified Moreover, our sports, easily ends up in private pockets. especially football, were in good There are still people who hands and our footballers lived remember that before football, well here! Keshi was forced to athletics, which has taken the go abroad to save his career back seat today, was the king of when the NFA overzealously sports. In the sixties the banned him and Tarila household names were the Violet Okoronwata. That’s a story for Odogwus, Sam Igus, Emmanuel another day.

Ifeajunas, David Ejokes, etc.

Key to our success in the past Others were boxers and we was the calibre of our sports produced African, administrators then: great men Commonwealth and World like Sunday Dankaro, Isaac Champions too numerous to Akioye, Chief Ojido, Chief Orok mention here, and Olympians Oyo, Chief Lekan Salami, like Jerry Okorodudu, Davidson Samuel Ogbemudia, and Chief Andeh and Peter Konyegwachie.

Jim Nwobodo. These were men Even after football made a bold

who brought integrity to sports administration and made personal sacrifices to the growth of sports. In their time there were no scandals as we have it today.

In their time, there were more people watching Eagles in training than watch matches today! After them, thugs and corruption took over the arenas and drove away fee paying spectators. Meanwhile, the collapse of our economy caused an osmotic outflow of quality footballers for greenbacks, while bad administration forced athletes like Francis Obikwelu and Gloria Anozie to take foreign citizenship!

Manner of vultures Without spectators our sports died and the few sponsors folded their tents and left. Then all manner of vultures picked up the carcass of our sports and fed fat on it. The FA started hawking matches to Governors who could afford it! They neither accounted for such money nor cared if spectators came to the stadia or not!

Football has a tradition. The only time the English FA Cup final was played outside the Wembley Stadium, was when Wembley was under reconstruction! When they took matches away from the National Stadium, Surulere, away from the prying eyes of critical Lagos fans, they perfected the fraud and selfdeceit! Nowadays Nigerians hardly know when and where our FA (they call it Federation) Cup final is played! And they

don’t care! In only 18 years, South Africa has built a respectable League! Our socalled professional league is so corrupt that winning away match is inconceivable! As for athletics, all the competitions that used to prepare our athletes are all dead!

I observed during the Olympics that almost all the dramatis personae had a sporting pedigree. It was not long ago that Lord Sebastine Coe, the London 2012 LOC Chairman, ran and won gold medal for Britain. Many of those who handed out the medals were past Olympians. Was it a coincidence that Akioye and Dankaro were also footballers? How can it be that as old as I am, I cannot recall when many of those running our sports today, except Chief Patrick Ekeji, played the game? Today, those who have no business in our sports have used blackmail, propaganda and bootlicking to sideline those who ought to run the sports. For us to progress, this must stop.

We must do what is necessary to save a very important employer of our youths; dissolve all the associations and let those who understand and have passion for the sports run them.

Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, is advertised to be visiting Nigeria in September. The Federal Government, I repeat, must impress it on him that as things are, our football is NOT yielding returns on our investment and may continue the free-fall and never serve the needs of our youths. Sack the NFF. Let those with proven business acumen and interested ex-footballers chart a new FA Board and run it like the English FA—as a business! Government must not fund the new associations and FA for more than five years within which they should be able to fill the stadia and learn how to make money through merchandising. The idea that sports cannot survive without free government money is a lie that feeds the opportunists in the arena of sports; the same people who run to Zurich to shout about government interference!

OPINION

BY EMEKA OPARAH

Continued from Pg 18 VEN the children who are born and bred inside these barracks will never forgive their parents and the country for exposing them to so much ridicule and dilapidated living conditions. In addition to providing decent accommodation for the junior officers, particularly, the issue of promotion should be addressed quickly to give most of the officers and men back their groove.

The next subject is espirit de corps in the force. This has to be revamped expeditiously if discipline is expected to return to the force. I remember in 1999 when then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, ordered the immediate retirement of every military officer who has held any political position.

That was a masterstroke in bringing back discipline and boosting morale among the military men. In those heady days, especially under IBB and Sani Abacha, junior officers in juicy political positions did lord it over their superiors who either held command positions or none. Today, the military is better in that regard; but that has been compromised in the Police.

If you extrapolate the number of political office holders in Nigeria (including local government chairmen, members of the House of Assembly, members of the National

E

How M.D. Abubakar will reform Nigeria Police Assembly and top government officials) as well as corporate executives and other high net worth individuals, HNIs, we might be looking at over a million policemen on guard and orderly duties. But question is: Do we have a one-million man strong police force? One only hopes some of the folks parading in police uniform are not private armies or the highly unfashionable state police coming into force “nicodemuously”. Even so, how many are then left to protect the people, fight crime and maintain law and order? As a matter of fact, some powerful men and women have more than four policemen following them and opening doors and running errands for them. And the rest of the people are left at the mercy of suicide bombers, kidnappers and armed robbers!

One more thing, please: The Osayande Committee recommended the abrogation of the eponymous Ministry of Police Affairs, which it suggests has done nothing to better the affairs of the police, literally. “We are saying that the placement or super-imposition of the Ministry of Police Affairs is an anomaly. The Ministry, the committee said,

determines police projects and awards its contracts, including organising and running training programmes involving billions of naira with no input from the police, who are the end users. The result, he added, “is that some of the projects executed are not priorities to the Police. This is an aberration, which has led to abuse, misapplication and haemorrhage of the limited resources made available to the Police”. The committee recommended that the Police should be empowered to determine its priorities, draw its budget based on its needs and be held accountable for the use of the funds.

I couldn’t have put it any better than the Osayande Committee has so eloquently and prudently done. The operational efficiency of the policy is dependent not only on disciplined and well-paid officers and men, but also on adequate modern equipment to work. The Police need operational vehicles, telecommunications equipment, training and what have you to be the best they can be. Have you wondered why Nigeria police put up outstanding performance when they go on peace-keeping missions or training abroad? It’s all about motivation, remuneration, welfare, facilities and training. Concluded • Mr. Oparah, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

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N unnecessary controversy has been making the rounds between the Delta State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the rightful owners of the $15 million (N2.4 million) which the commission alleged former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, gave as a bribe to it in 2007.

The dispute arose when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on July 25, 2012 ordered the amount forfeited to the Federal Government. The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah, promptly applied to the Court to direct that the fund be restored to the Delta State Government, its original and rightful owners. The state’s argument was that since Chief Ibori was the Governor of Delta State at the time the bribe was allegedly offered in 2007, the money belongs to Delta State taxpayers and should be returned to the state’s coffers.

However, the EFCC has indicated its decision to contest the Delta State claim when the motion on notice comes up in court on

Give Ibori’s $15m to Delta State September 17, 2012. We find the EFCC decision inexplicable and unwarranted because it has not proffered any cogent reason to enter into this tussle.

Is the commission implying that after blowing a whistle that Chief Ibori bribed it with that sum it is now determined to keep the bribe to itself rather than return it to the coffers of the state government from where it was taken in the first place? What then is the value of its whistle-blowing?

Nigeria should borrow a leaf from precedents set in more functional legal jurisdictions. For instance, in April this year, the Southwark Crown Court in London, the

United Kingdom, convicted Ibori of fraud and stealing of amounts totalling $77 million or about N12.17 billion and promptly ordered that the money be returned to the Delta State Government, the original owners. It was the same UK court that was able to convict Chief Ibori, which the EFCC was unable to successfully prosecute in a Nigerian court. Nigeria and the UK share the same legal tradition and the UK case should act as a natural precedent.

Delta is one of the states in the Niger Delta still reeling from the post-militancy syndrome in the creeks, where a lot of crimes, especially armed robbery and kidnapping, are being battled daily by the state government and the citizens. It requires all the funds it can lay hands on to hasten development, increase youth capacity, accelerate job creation and reduce crime.

The EFCC should kindly direct its attention to exhaustive investigation and diligent prosecution of cases it is pursuing, rather than busy itself chasing after money that does not belong to it.

OPINION

BY EMEKA OPARAH

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HE first time I met the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Alhaji M. D. Abubakar, as AIG Zone 2, I left his Onikan, Lagos, office without any iota of doubt about his ultimate ascension to the highest position in the Nigeria Police. Perhaps, I was divinely inspired to think that way. But his intelligence, passion and forthrightness, which came through while we conversed, added to his very athletic look (a rarity among the generally protuberant Nigeria policemen) and calm mien made me prophesy to him openly that he would be the next IGP-as I gave him a farewell handshake. The rest, as they say, is history.

M.D. Abubakar ’s appointment as IGP came at a particularly interesting time, in a manner of speaking. There could not have been a better way to test the credentials and capabilities of a police chief than now, with terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery having literally turned Nigerians into refugees in their own land. So, many (particularly his critics and those who wanted his job) would not envy Abubakar as he confronts these triumvirate of evils bedeviling the lives of hapless Nigerians. Thankfully, he seems to have risen to the challenge quite sure-footedly with some steps he has so far taken.

Perhaps, I was most delighted by his open refusal to swear in two new AIGs recently for what he described as indiscipline. The two AIGs, Drs. Julius A. Ishola and Alex E. Okeke, from the Veterinary and Medical Departments of the Force, had worn their new ranks to the IGP’s conference room, venue of the ceremony. Apparently miffed by their action, which smacked of impatience and disregard for procedure, the IGP refused to decorate the duo with their new ranks-since they had jumped the gun and were already wearing it anyways. Said he: “I expect that the C M Y K

How M.D. Abubakar will reform Nigeria Police Commissioners of Police should not be putting on their new ranks because if they do, I do not know what I am going to decorate them with. So you should take note of it now”.

Earlier, a week into his appointment, the IGP had earned public acclaim when he ordered the immediate withdrawal of police checkpoints across the country. That, in itself, was a masterstroke which resonated highly with the people of Nigeria, who have long been suffering the dire consequences of police highhandedness on the road. The argument has long been that the checkpoints predisposed the men in black to bad behaviour, including extortion of motorists and disruption of traffic without any positive impact on crime prevention and control. Even if the rate of car snatching has quadrupled since the IGP’s directive, Nigerians seem to be happier and it will be a matter of time before both the police and the people will adapt to the new realities.

S

o, one is tempted to ask: Is this how this reform-minded IGP will change the Nigeria Police? The answer is yes and no. Yes, because indiscipline is one of the challenges facing the police. But no, because indiscipline is not the only challenge the Police are facing. As a matter of fact, the other challenges are direct forebears of indiscipline, which means, if they are resolved, indiscipline will be curtailed if not totally eliminated. So, what are these challenges?

Thankfully, the Police Reform Committee, headed by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, AIG Parry Osayande (rtd), has just delivered what can be described as a blueprint for transforming the Police. Top on the agenda is

motivation, which encompasses remuneration, welfare (including housing) and promotion. The Police are unquestionably poorly paid. All the stark evidences are there for even the blind to see. Aside those who perform illegal duties or provide orderly services to top politicians and businessmen, the rest are incapable of sustaining themselves and their families. Of all the figures that have been bandied and are still being bandied, the IGP’s monthly salary, as revealed by the Osayande Committee, has taken the cake at N711, 498 compared to the DG of SSS’ N1.336m and the Chairman of EFCC’s N1.5m.

Hear Osayande: “It is the recommendation of the committee that the remuneration and general conditions of service of Police personnel should be reviewed upward to boost morale, instil discipline and restore the dignity of the Nigerian policeman”. Gbam! There’s really nothing more to add. It is preposterous to hire a hungry man or woman to protect anybody. A hungry man, they say, is an angry man.

And indeed, the hungry man would rather look for something to eat than police or protect anybody. That’s what’s going on in the Nigeria Police. It is said that the entry package of police officers in the UK is the highest in the country. The idea is to attract intelligent graduates to the police. It goes without saying that any employer who offers peanuts as salary will have monkeys working for him. And the attitude of Nigeria policemen has amply demonstrated so much.

When last did you enter or drive past a Police Barrack?

And when last did you enter an Army Barracks, Naval or Airforce Base? You will shudder at the comparison. While the others are tolerable, the Police Barracks across the country are an eye sore, mostly. This has to be changed urgently. The buildings have to be renovated and made more habitable.

Continues on Pini's pg •Mr. Oparah, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,AUGUST 21, 2012— 19

, T

HE notion of Diaspora attained public policy relevance during the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency. Nigerians who had emigrated to the United States were engaged by President Obasanjo to become partners with government in the promotion of the nation’s development.

Recently in South Africa, the African Union celebrated the Diaspora in America much as Nigeria in 1977 celebrated the cultural achievements of the Diaspora in the Festival of Arts and Culture. The Guardian of Tuesday June 26, 2012 in its editorial on the new ambassadors and their postings highlighted care for the well-being of Nigerians living abroad as the focus of their commitment to “citizen diplomacy” introduced into the Foreign Affairs Diplomacy Discourse by Chief Ojo Maduekwe, himself on his way to Canada as Nigeria’s Ambassador. The Guardian editorial addressed the issue thusly: “The displeasure of Nigerians in Diaspora over the seeming nonchalant attitude of many foreign embassies to their

plight is legendary. Often, this is occasioned by undue zealousness on the part of the Nigerians, many of who get into avoidable problems. But the embassies also appear to give priority of service only to the privileged officials and their families”.

Abike Dabiri’s yeo-woman effort in highlighting the significance of Nigerians in Diaspora is underscored in this The Guardian admonition. Laudable as this foreign policy development is in itself, there is need to appreciate what is denoted by the word Diaspora. Its origin is to be found in the history of the Jewish nation.

From that historically specific description of a national condition the word Diaspora has been extended to cover many other conditions where the notion may promise and imply more than the reality can deliver. It has been used to describe the emigration of Europeans to the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc. It has been co-opted by African American affirming cultural origins in Africa to cover their forced relocation through the

,

slave trade for enslavement in the Americas. In this particular usage the enslaved in the Americas and the Caribbean have described themselves as Africans in Diaspora. The Nigerian usage is the latest appropriation of the notion to describe what is still emergent, namely the full blossoming of an American ethnicity, viz of NigerianAmerican ethnicity. In this particular usage all the problems in the non-Jewish adoption of the notion of Diaspora are evident as will be seen in the dictionary explication of the word Diaspora.

T

he word Diaspora denotes a historical event, namely the dispersion of the Jews after the Babylonian exile. Stemming from that event the word describes the Jews thus dispersed. In the time of the Apostles, it was applied to Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine. The dispersion was contextualized by facts. *There was a Jewish nation formed in pre-Exodus Egypt; *There was a land of promise conquered and settled clan by clan under Joshua. *In exile through Assyrian and

Umeh's antics and tactics

BY JOHN OKATTA

I

HAVE always maintained that crisis is a sine qua non to any human interaction. Ipso facto, the different and differing whims, caprices and idiosyncrasies of human beings must of necessity clash and twist. However, what separates the great mind from the lesser mind is the essential character to resolve this disruption and disharmony to a harmonious end. In this wise therefore, dialogue as in a round table discourse always pave the peace way. Every crisis, no matter the magnitude, must necessarily be resolved through dialogue. For instance, the Niger Delta militancy, the Ogoni Peoples imbroglio, the OPC and other ethnic militia menace have all been resolved through bilateral or multilateral discourse. Same goes for all the strike actions and civil protests, including the everrecurring inter and intra-party squabbles.

Even the current Boko Haram hurricane shall ultimately be contained through a defined dialogue.

Therefore, fire brigade approach in the form of summary and spontaneous expulsion and suspension has never solved any matter in contention, rather this approach exacerbates the issues in the fray.

The likes of Orji Uzor Kalu, Atiku Abubakar, Joshua Dariye, Bori Martina, Rasheed Ladoja, Ayo Fayose, Audu Ogbe, Barnabas Gemade, Chris Uba and numerous others have all suffered this defective and defeatist fire brigade approach at one time or the other only to be recalled soon afterwards when the futility of such a sham beckons.

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Again, it’s a classic case of a decline to descent to ebb away the pillars and titans of any enterprise with such an intimidating and inciting strategy.

The foregoing brings to the fore therefore, the huge blunder committed by Chief Victor Umeh, the embattled Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in instigating the expulsion of Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor from the party without availing him (Nwobu Alor) the opportunity to advance his arguments. The plot was swift, summary and sealed.

But still this evil plot remains unarguably brusque, brutal and bizarre!

It’s an incontrovertible fact that Nwobu Alor remains the arrow head of the electoral victory of APGA in Anambra State, especially as it concerns the gubernatorial contests as he always sits atop the state’s campaign organisation whenever the chips are down. He knows the terrains inside out; little wonder he’s always drafted to lead the onslaught at the nick of time because an Igbo adage holds that “Gbuo Dike gbuo dike Mbosi ogu achuba Dike”. If Chief Nwobu Alor is then so strategic in the political fortunes of APGA in Anambra State (APGA was only surviving with the Anambra gubernatorial victory), it becomes petty, petulant and phoney and in fact, preposterous purporting to sack him from APGA in the State. It’s a miscalculation to doom, and just like the above mentioned political giants who have been expelled and suspended and recalled afterwards, the purported expulsion of Nwobu Alor remains what it is; a farce because it was a tactical blunder committed in bellicose frenzy.

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Dispersals and emigration: The notion of diaspora in the Nigerian usage

A political relationship between Nigerians who have adopted the lands of their immigration as their homes and the Nigerian government is geared towards bridge-building

Babylonian captivity, the Jews retained their nationality and consciousness of their peoplehood rooted in the priestly institutions of the Mosaic Law and the Land Promised. Their homesickness is recorded in the following Psalm: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, we wept, when we remember Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song: and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy” (Psalm 137:1-6).

All the pains of exile, of forced relocation from home to a “strange land”; of joy of home rudely shattered are expressed in this home song. There is a homeland of a people, a patriotism impossible to severe; a home longing that nothing of the “strange land” could destroy.

It is the home longing that defines the Diaspora as the home-sick people dispersed. The Diaspora looks forward backward to home coming and to a re-union.

The African-American nationalist’s adoption of Africa as the Zion and of themselves as the Dispersed is only marginally historical. Prisoner-Taking-Wars were waged with the help of African middlemen and prisoners in chains were transported to be enslaved to strange lands by strange peoples. The slavemaking transaction determined where brothers captured and transported together would be auctioned to their buyers. One brother is bought for labour in Spanish Cuba, another for labour in Dutch Surinam, another for labour in British Jamaica and

There is time for everything and no mortal can stop the tide on a natural course; if the stakeholders don’t believe in you anymore, please honourably step aside

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A committed and progressive- oriented national leadership of the party would have exhaustively discussed the allegations of backward, brutish, and bestial leadership of the national chairman of the party so as to make amends and chart a way forward, but rather the depraved core of the party’s leadership was gingered and goaded into this fire brigade approach, leaving out the substantial issues attendant in the allegations as advanced by Chief Nwobu Alor. This smacks of having a skeleton in the cupboard and being culpable as alleged. One would have expected the know-it-all Chief Umeh and his cohorts to first of all tackle the allegations and prove their case rather than travelling through this cul-de-sac that obviously has no exit.

W

e recall, in this instance, that stakeholders and leaders of APGA ably led by the vice chairman, board of trustees, Dr. Tim Menakaya in their wisdom called for an interactive forum to discuss this current disconnect in the APGA family. But unfortunately this Chief who ‘’bestrides” the party like the Lord of the manor, challenged this eminent assembly.

another for labour in English Virginia. Slave women bore slave children for their European captors-owner. Cross-breeding under condition of forced labour produced the rainbow race of the New World Americans.

A new kind emerged in the context of plantations; in these plantations and conditions of enslavement a new culture and new humanity was produced by the enslaved as they adopted the land of their captivity as their land. Of those who could have qualified as the dispersed, the Ajayi Crowthers knew enough of their ethnic home and returned into their Abeokutas. The Returnees are the creolized of Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Diaspora in the American cultural politics is of an adaptive normative usage. The Nigerian employment of the same is a cultural policy. A political relationship between Nigerians who have adopted the lands of their immigration as their homes and the Nigerian government who seeks to earn the support of their emigrants is geared towards bridge-building. But the effectiveness of such policy is not facilitated by the use of the blanket term, Diaspora to cover Ekiti, Ijebu, Igbo. Nupe immigrants who are busy networking these various immigrant ethnicity into wider associations of more inclusive association of “Yorubas”, “Igbo”, “Hausa” in America. There is no Diaspora of Nigerians, because Project Nigeria is still a project.

And immigrant Nigerians are first and foremost Americans. The policy of the Nigerian government to such immigrants should entail cultivating them as intermediaries between their emigrant government and their immigrant government. This should be one task that the new ambassadors should address as a suitor courts a beloved.

He squealed on their audacity to “usurp” his inalienable authority/leadership. He even went as far as discarding the essence and the location of this defined dialogue.

Not yet done, he threatened to “fire brigade” the “recalcitrant” Menakaya with expulsion, whilst calling him names for daring to delve into his domain.

Consolably however, right thinking persons even in his own camp condemned his rather awkward stance in this regard, his disregard for old age and his loquacious vituperations against the elders and leaders of the party.

Another Igbo adage holds that “the death that lurks around the dog doesn’t allow it to perceive the smell of faeces”, also “the smallish bird (Nza) challenges its gods to a bout after having its fill”. Chief Umeh has obviously got to his zenith and now in El Dorado that he challenges and charges at his elders, benefactors and mentors, forgetting that he who gets to the top shall still meet the same people on his way down.

Lastly, no warrior, no matter how great, survives wars/attacks from different angles same time and nobody bites more than he can chew. Fighting the likes of Nwobu Alor, Governor Peter Obi, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, Dr. Menakaya, etc, same time with the same missile is a journey to selfdestruction and simply suicidal.

Our dear Chief with the sky-bound cap and the “octopus” of the great APGA, my candid submission is that there is time for everything and no mortal can stop the tide on a natural course. If the stakeholders don’t believe in you anymore, please honourably step aside; after all, great men and great minds feel the pulse of the ovation and step aside if the heat becomes unbearable and sustained.The wise reads the hand writing on the wall!

•Mr. Okatta, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Anambra State.

20—Vanguard , TUES DAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 TUESDAY,

BY BOSE ADELAJA

T

REE planting has always been encouraged as trees are known to enhance the natural beauty of the environment. That was the case with Igbogbo/Bayeku Road in the Ikorodu area of Lagos which enjoys a peaceful ambiance because of the trees that line it from one end to the other, casting a beautifying shade over road users. History has it that the trees were planted over two decades ago.

This explains why many, for a long time, delighted in taking a walk from Igbogbo to Bayeku while savouring the shade and cool breeze the trees provided. Though these trees are popularly appreciated for this beneficial effect on road users, the story presently is one that borders on expressed worries about the danger they presently represent on account of the age of some of them.

For example, within a space of one year, the road has more or less become a disaster zone as no fewer than 12 road users, including school children, have met their untimely death there.

The unfortunate individuals died after trees fell on them.

Vanguard Metro, VM, investigations revealed that the trees, which are patricularly of the Melina species with fibrous roots, have out-lived their life span.

O

ne of the residents, Mr. Onaolapo Ayinde, who lost a relation to a fallen tree,

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These trees have become deathtraps; I think she was trekking home when one of the trees fell on her; I found her trapped underneath the tree; she died on the way to the hospital

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recounted thus: “These trees were meant for beautification and agricultural purposes, but have now become death traps. I lost a cousin, Gloria; the only daughter in our family. It was raining that day and she was on her way home from the shop when she met her untimely death. She called me few minutes to the tragic incident that her taxi was faulty and she had to alight at the nearest bus-stop. I think she was trekking home when one of the trees fell on her. Having waited for a long time, I decided to trace her and found her trapped underneath the tree; she died on the way to the hospital”.

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DEATH TRAP! Lagos residents cry out over falling trees A major disaster almost occurred on the road last week following a rainstorm in the early hours of the day which knocked down an entire tree and it fell across the road (from the root).

Fortunately, an 18-seater bus narrowly escaped being smashed by the stricken tree. To express their appreciation and praise to God for their narrow escape from death, the passengers and driver repeatedly shouted a loud Halleluyah!

Similar tragedies and neartragedies have been recorded on this major road when the breeze blew branches off the trees on the road.

Again last year, one of the trees fell and an oncoming vehicle ran into it. The driver lost his life, while the vehicle was smashed beyond repairs. Also, on July 10 of that year, one of the trees fell across the road, cutting off the entire Bayeku from other communities. Although the youths were mobilised to restore normalcy but success was not recorded till 2pm of the following day after road users had resorted to trekking long distances before getting to their various destinations.

Two weeks ago, a land speculator by name, Ladega, ran into one of the trees early in the morning of the day; he also lost his life while his car ended up a wreck. He joined a long list of others who lost their lives under similar circumstances; that is, when trees or their branches suddenly fell on them.

A

walk round the commu nity showed that the trees have grown so large and their base exposed following sustained onslaught by the wind and heavy rainfall over the years. It was also discovered that road users avoided the use of that road for a time, but due to the absence of an alternative route they have since started

using the road again, the danger of falling trees notwithstanding.

Some residents who spoke with VM said the trees have expanded beyond the area, thereby depriving the Power Holding Company Nigeria, PHCN, the opportunity of erecting their concrete polls in order to render effective service to the community as required. This has left Bayeku and its environs behind the PHCN target schedule.

Mr. Odumade Olanireti said: “Communities like Ofin and Igbogbo have benefited greatly from the PHCN target goal as the concrete polls have been erected but I heard from a reliable source that Bayeku could have been the next target but for the trees which have occupied the major road”.

Another resident of Greenland Estate, Mrs. Oshileru Ifedapo, urged the state government to come to their aid and save residents from untimely death.

“Many have died when the trees fell on them; who knows the next victim? The government should come to our aid before it is too late,” she pleaded. uring VM’s, visit to the area some road side traders were found under some of the trees. Many of them said they could not afford to rent a shop in the area. “We usually take to our heels once we notice it’s going to rain,” they chorused. Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Adegbenga Basanya, proved abortive as his cell phones were switched off.

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LAWMA embarks on waste for food initiative

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

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HE Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, in partnership with Tasty Fried Chicken TFC, a popular eatery in Lagos, at the weekend, kicked off a wastefor-food campaign aimed at integrating children and eatery operators into its recycling project. The Authority said this is in line with its determination to reduce the volume of waste dumped at its various land fill sites and to create resource regime while pursuing the cause for a cleaner Lagos city.

In his welcome address during the official launch of the campaign, Mr. Ola Oresanya, Managing Director, LAWMA, said the waste for food campaign is aimed at encouraging children and members of the public to sort waste from source, adding that the campaign will encourage communities to be

actively involved in segregating their waste as the burden of managing waste cannot be left for the government alone.

According to Oresanya: “The society has been living beyond the sustainable capacity of the planet for a very long time, and our challenge is to find ways of living our lives in ways that do not contribute to global warming, climate change, deforestation, resource depletion, or the destruction of habitat and biodiversity. In essence, we must learn to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

“Recycling is a key element in modern waste management. It is the transforming of used materials into new products. In achieving this process, it must be stressed that segregation of waste from point of generation is of utmost impor-

tance. It is a fact that each person generates an average of 0.5kg of waste daily making up over 10,000 metric tonnes of waste collected each day by LAWMA. “The purpose of this initiative is to bring a sense of collective responsibility to the corporate organisation and the children. The PSP operators who are to provide waste collection services have been consistent in waste collection while the new process which is recycling is the next level for sustainable waste management. Sorting of waste makes available raw materials for production of new products, saves energy, conserves natural resources, reduces pollution and ultimately generates employment. One kilogramme of waste collected guarantees a pack of food from TFC for children on daily basis,” the LAWMA boss stated.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 21

By VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

I

NTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation, ILO, has attributed the high incident of human trafficking, forced and child labour in Nigeria and other African countries to the high rate of poverty and unemployment.

At a meeting of National referral mechanism for Nigeria, in Lagos, ILO’s Director for Nigeria, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOW AS, Ms Sina Chuma-Mkandawire, lamented that the wish to escape poverty and unemployment has helped in feeding the supply side of this ruthlessly exploitative and abusive practice of human trafficking, forced and child labour.

According to her, the movement of people in search of gainful employment and a better life is a natural phenomenon, adding however, that when the decision to move is based on false information and untenable promises, deceit and diverse methods of coercion for the purpose of exploitation, then it becomes unacceptable.

She said, “It becomes a criminal act perpetrated in order to obtain unscrupulous gains which are pocketed by depriving victims of their fundamental rights as human beings and as workers.

“As we all know, unemployment in Africa is pervasive. National economies are dominated by rural, informal and unregulated sectors. Poverty and the wish to escape it feed the supply side of this ruthlessly exploitative and abusive practice of human trafficking.

In most cases, those who fall for it are deceived and misinformed about life and working conditions on the other

From left: Mr Malachi Davids - Express Logistics Centre, Manager Operation, DHL Nigeria Plc, Mrs Funmi Glover Human Resources, Admin. Manager , Nigeria Trainer , DHL NigeriaPlc , Mr. Femi Olaiya , Customer Service Anglophone Africa , DHL Nigeria Plc and Mrs Yemisi Adeyegbe , Credit Controller for Logistics Aviation and Natural science Trainer DHL Nigeria PLc At the Welcome to my Country Certified International Specialist (CIS) Training Workshop 2012 in Lagos. Photo By Diran Oshe

ILO blames human trafficking, forced labour on poverty, unemployment side. They are promised a better livelihood for themselves and for their dependent; a better opportunity to escape poverty. But these are only deceitful statements craftily designed by traffickers to appeal to the vulnerability of victims and arouse

their urge to escape poverty.

“Unfortunately, almost invariably, the reality on the other side is abuse, rape and sexual exploitation, long hours of poorly paid or uncompensated work with no access to legal redress.

Stakeholders laud FG’s release of N300bn for capital projects

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the Nigerian financial sector have commended the Federal Government for releasing N300 billion for capital projects in the third quarter of 2012.

162.45

+0.65

2,438.00

+38.00

20.36

+0.65

113.78

-1.49

95.77

+0.17

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR 154.8 POUNDS 242.9586 EURO 191.0387 FRANC 158.9975 YEN 1.9494 CFA 0.2704 WAUA 232.4657 RENMINBI 24.3441 RIYAL 41.2778 KRONER 25.6508 SDR 233.6706

155.3 243.7434 191.6557 159.5111 1.9557 0.2804 233.2165 24.4232 41.4111 25.7336 234.4254

155.8 244.5281 192.2728 160.0247 1.962 0.2904 233.9674 24.5022 41.5445 25.8165 235.1801

CBN Exchange rate as at 17/08/2012 C M Y K

Speaking in separate interviews in Lagos, the stakeholders said the release of the fund will help bring about an increase in economic activities, among others.

Mr Eddie Osarenkhoe, a former President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), described the decision as a right step that would boost cash flow in the economy.

Osarenkhoe explained that it would trigger numerous capital projects which would generate economic activities.

He said that it would also facilitate the implementation of 2012 budget, stressing that the budget’s poor implementation in the first half of 2012 was due to lack of funds for the ministries to execute projects He, however, advised the government to ensure that the money allocated for specific capital project was spent judiciously.

“The ability of government to properly monitor the funds will further lead to growth in the economy,” he said.

Mr Wole Olowu, General Manager, True Bond Micro Finance Bank Limited, Lagos, corroborated

Osarenkhoe’s view as he commended the release of the money.

Olowu said that if the fund was effectively utilised, it would revamp the infrastructure deficit and have multiplier effect on the economy.

According to him, there would be more roads, potable water and adequate power supply, which would attract foreign investors into the country.

Olowu held that ineffective monitoring of budget implementation could negate the objectives of building infrastructure.

“The government should work toward ensuring that the money does not go to individual pockets,” he said.

He urged the government to ensure the money was spent on capital projects it was meant for so as to have positive impact on the life of the people.

Mr Ayodeji Fagbenle, General Manager, Cash Craft Assets Management Limited, Lagos, urged the government to tackle leakages in the economy.

Fagbenle, however, contended that allocating more funds for capital projects would boost national development.

“Trafficking in human beings is not only a serious crime, but it is also an abuse of an individual’s human rights. Being trafficked results in the sustained physical and psychological abuse of the victim solely for the financial gain of others and it starts the moment the individual is deceived, persuaded or forced into the hands of the traffickers.

“Trafficking has consequences not only for the victims but also for their families and the nations involved.

The victims, especially women and girls, are at the risk of pregnancy, maternal mortality, sexual transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. Child prostitution and child labour deprive children of the opportunity to pursue and achieve their potential, thereby depriving the nation of vital human resources for development.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, Mrs B. JeddyAgba, recalled that NAPTIP was established in August, 2003 as a Federal Agency with the statutory mandate to handle all issues on human trafficking in Nigeria.

He said “The Agency by its mandate has the statutory responsibility to provide assistance to trafficked persons and transform them into functional members of the society. Pursuant to its mandate, the Agency articulated a National Policy on Protection and Assistance to Trafficked Persons (NPP ATP) in Nigeria for use by stakeholders for the rehabilitation of victims. The Policy which is in line with internationally acceptable stai1dards and best practices has also been adopted by the ECOWAS as a regional document.”

22—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Lafarge Cement to boost electricity supply with 30MW

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

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AFARGE Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc has announced plans to contribute its quota towards the alleviation of Nigeria’s power crisis, by adding 30 megawatts of electricity to the national grid for use by residential homes.

This is even as Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has charged the company to go for ISO 26000 - Social Responsibility, before the end of this year.

Lafarge says it currently has a 90mw Independent Power Plant at Ewekoro, Ogun State.

Mr. Paul Rogers,

Industrial Director, who disclosed this during the visit of the Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu to Ewekoro Plants, said that 60 mw carries the entire load at Ewekoro plants I and II, and they still have an excess of 30 megawatt to channel to the national grid through the NIPP

(National Integrated Power Projects.)

“The 90 megawatt plant which was commissioned last year, has six units of 15 mega watts and will go a long way to ensure smooth operations of our plants (Ewekoro I and II) without power interruption which will

translate to increase production volume for the Nigeria cement market. “The investment is a strong demonstration of Lafarge WAPCO’s strong commitment to the Federal Government’s Backward Integration Policy which emphasizes on availability and affordability of cement in the country through the encouragement of local cement manufacturers,” he said.

On products quality, Rogers maintained: “For 52 years of our company ’s existence, we have focused on quality. Our Elephant Cement (CEM 1) has won many SON Gold awards and bronze award for CEM 11 products. In similar vein, we have MANCAP Certifications for CEM I, CEM II A- L, CEMII BL and MANCAP all for our Elephant, Elephant Supaset and Lafarge

Powermax. We equally have ISO9001:2008 for Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management System.”

“As a member of the global Lafarge family, health and safety, quality, innovation and customer service remain uncompromised key business priorities for us.

Our focus on quality is consistent within both local and International requirements.

We continuously leverage on the benefits of our Group’s commitment to innovation – a 150 million Euro annual R&D budget and the world’s biggest building research laboratory in Lyon, France.”

In his response, Odumodu commended the management of the company for quality products, continuous innovations, job creation including health and safety procedures.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

Fidson Healthcare achieves 181% increase in Q2 PAT

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IDSON Healthcare Plc has announced a significant increase of 181 per cent in its quarter two profit for the period ended 30th June, 2012.

According to the result for the period filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, a copy of which was obtained by Vanguard, the company rose from a negative financial position in 2011 to robust state, posting profit after tax of N152.83 million from deficit of N188.63 million.

This was after parting with N65.502 million as tax for the period. The profit before taxation also improved significantly to N218.34 million from the previous N188.386 million, thus representing huge 215 per cent increase.

The gross earnings at N1.99 billion was 49.3 per cent increase over N1.34 billion recorded in the same period of 2011.

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Further breakdown of the result showed that total assets grew by 9.8 per cent to N10.22 billion, as against N9.31 billion in corresponding period of 2011.

However, the cash and bank balances went down by 45. 3 per cent to N11.62 million from N21.22 million, the selling, distribution cost and administrative expenses worsened over the period, rising by 16.3 per cent to close at N1.70 billion.

The result was in tandem with the management’s expectation that barring any disruption in its operation in the second quarter, the 2012 results would be an improvement on 2011.

The Financial Director, Mr. Olatunde Olanipekun, said, “Fidson, being an ingenious organisation has always found a way out, even in the murky waters of tough businesses and we know that we will perform even better in the coming year.”

The Chairman of the company, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, noted that the company had recorded major improvement in its activities in the year, adding that its various strategic investments in its business were beginning to payoff.

He said, “in 2011 fiscal year, the company made history by being at the forefront in the war against faking, and we progressed in the development of the Biotech factory. We also restructured our sales policy and achieved considerable reduction in debtor ’s balances.”

Olanipekun said the company had decided that in spite of the difficult situation to pay dividend in 2011, adding that it was in keeping with their track record of rewarding shareholders.

“Ordinarily, common sense will require that we don’t pay dividend given the harsh economic climate. But, we want to maintain a reputation.”

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

Heineken raises Tiger beer bid to $6.4bn

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EINEKEN NV has raised its offer of more than $6 billion for Fraser and Neave’s stake in the maker of Tiger beer as it tries to fend off a Thai rival, a source close to the situation said on Friday.

The Dutch brewer’s revised offer for Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) (APBB.SI) of 53 Singapore dollars per share compares to its earlier bid of S$50 and a partial offer by the Thai billionaire’s group of S$55 per APB share.

Heineken, the world’s third biggest brewer, is seeking control of Asia Pacific Breweries to gain a larger slice of one of the last beer markets that is still growing rapidly.

But Heineken’s efforts have been complicated by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Thailand’s secondrichest man, as he tries to expand his Thai Beverage empire in the Southeast

Asian market.

The source said Heineken had raised its offer for the 58 percent of APB which it does not already own. That includes the 40 percent of APB held by its longtime partner Fraser and Neave, a drinks and property conglomerate.

But it was not clear the new offer would seal the deal, the source said.

Both Heineken and F&N declined to comment.

Sources had earlier said a sweetened offer could depend on F&N not accepting the partial Thai bid. It was not clear whether the new offer was conditional.

ThaiBev recently became F&N’s largest shareholder with 26.4 percent.

Charoen’s son-in-law, through his group Kindest Place, separately offered to buy F&N’s direct 7.3 percent stake in APB at S$55 per share.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 23

Budget Implementation: Pressure on FG will negatively affect Naira STORIES BY MICHAEL EBOH

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HE heightened pressure on the Federal Government of Nigeria for improved implementation of the 2012 budget will have a negative impact on the country’s currency, say analysts at Financial Markets Dealers Association.

The FMDA, in its Monthly Financial & Economic Report for July 2012, also said, the pressure for improved budget implementation will likely force the government to take steps that will hinder efforts to checkmate rising inflation.

It said, “Efforts to stabilize price through support for the naira might face difficult challenges on the basis of heightened pressure on budget implementation that might see

more funds injected into the economy with inflationary pressure imminent in such circumstances.”

However, the FMDA is optimistic that the country’s currency will record a slight improvement at the end of August following efforts by the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, to ensure price stability through support for the currency.

It stated that the country will witness increased inflow of foreign exchange, arising from the attractive yields in the debt market, a development which has brought about an increase in investors’ confidence.

The FMDA said, “The Naira may retain the relative appreciation

recorded against the dollar in the past month in the near term following the MPC’s resolutions to support the naira relative to price stability.

“Moreover, the rising and unabated investors’ confidence in the Nigerian treasury bills and the fixed income markets on the back of attractive yields will further facilitate foreign exchange inflow.

“The behavioural pattern of yields on FGN bonds at the close of this month might continue in the near to medium term following the issuers bent on floating Diaspora bonds and more Eurobonds in an attempt to strategically reduce FG domestic debt on the back of high interest rates.”

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is expected to auction Treasury

From left: The Managing Director of Learn Africa Plc, Fred Ijewere; the CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema and the Chairman, Learn Africa Plc, Emeke Iwerebon, at the African & Caribbean Business Expo held in London.

Bills, TBs, worth N70.65 billion in the week ahead.

Also, Treasury Bills worth N50.65 billion and Open Market Operation Bills worth N116.15 billion are expected to mature in the week ahead.

In their weekly bond watch, released yesterday, analysts at Dunn Loren Merrifield, DLM, predicted that the market is expected to be liquid and active as traders will try to cover their positions, considering the injection of funds from the monthly budgetary allocation (FAAC) and excess crude account.

“However it is not unlikely that the CBN will continue with its liquidity tightening measures via its Open Market Operation activities.

On the planned inclusion of Federal Government of Nigeria’s, FGN, Bonds in JP Morgan’s emerging markets government bond index from the fourth quarter of 2012, The analysts at DLM said, Potentially, this is expected to bring about US$1 billion into the Nigerian bond market.

“We understand that Nigeria meets the minimum requirements to qualifying for the index which includes, but not limited to, being classified as a low/upper-middle income country by the World Bank for at least two successive years, the availability of two-way daily pricing on the bonds and a sufficiently liquid bond market among others.

“We also believe that the Central Bank’s lifting of restrictions on foreign investors’ participation in the bond market in July 2011 could have helped to facilitate the inclusion of the government bonds in the index.”

Access Bank gets ISO 27001:2005 certification for information security

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HE British Standard Institute (BSI), has rewarded Access Bank Plc with the International Organisation for Standardisation’s, ISO, 27001:2005 certification, for information protection and security.

The ISO 27001:2005 certification, gives a systematic approach to minimising the risk of unauthorised access or loss of information and ensuring the effective deployment of protective measures.

Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, Director, Banking Supervision Department, Central Bankl of Nigeria, CBN, who was C M Y K

represented by an official of the Banking Supervision Department, CBN, Mr. Sola Ogunmoroti, commended the commercial bank for the feat.

She emphasised the need for banks to ensure the deployment of an effective control mechanism for their information technology infrastructure to checkmate cyber crimes and ensure the safety of electronic transactions.

She said, “The certification of Access Bank is coming at a time the whole world has realised

the importance of security of transactions.”

Commenting on the certification, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, who was represented by an Executive Director of the Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, assured that the commercial bank would continue to develop processes that would ensure high quality and safe banking services to its customers.

He said, “This is a confirmation that certain standards have been met, but

a beginning of another journey. We know that it confers on the bank additional responsibilities. We assure not just the CBN, but the BSI, that management is aware of these responsibilities and we are committed to ensuring delivery.”

Also speaking, Mr. Joe Osojie, Group Head, Credit Risk Management, Access Bank, , said, “Access Bank embarked on this project to set the framework for the management of information security for our e-business platform.”

B-R-I-E-F CIBN restructures, promotes management staff

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

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HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has embarked on a restructuring exercise aimed at strengthening its operations and processes with a view to meeting the expectations of stakeholders in the banking industry and economy at large.

This is necessitated by the numerous innovative ideas and projects initiated by the current leadership of the Institute led by Mr. Segun Aina, OFR, FCIB, which are aimed at ensuring that CIBN realizes its ambition of becoming a world-class institution in banking and finance education, ethics and professionalism. Top on the key initiatives include benchmarking programmes of other banking institutes in various countries; creating a new administrative structure for the Institute; enhanced Certification programmes; reviewed ACIB Syllabus which will lead to 4 routes to ACIB; development of a Competency Framework for the banking industry; improved Continuous Compulsory Development programme (CCPD) and establishment of a Banking School to deepen knowledge and skills in the industry.

To drive these initiatives, the Institute promoted three Principal Managers to Assistant Directors. The newly promoted Assistant Directors are Mr. Segun Shonubi, former Principal Manager Membership Services; Mr. Oluseye Awojobi, FCIB, former Principal Manager Education and Mrs. Rukayat Yusuf, former Principal Manager, Consultancy, Training and Research. Part of the restructuring exercise includes the creation of Group Heads to provide effective and efficient leadership for the various divisions in the Institute including Membership Services; Learning and Development; Capacity Building and Certification; Finance and Corporate Services; Ethics and Professionalism and Other Bankers Committee Division; and National Secretariat Annex, Abuja.

The Office Holders and indeed, the Governing Council are confident that the new Management structure and team will not only improve the service delivery of the Institute to its numerous stakeholders but also position it to benchmark leading banking institutes globally.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Substandard Oil: LUPAN proposes joint committee to stem influx Stories by PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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UBRICANT Producers Association of Nigeria, (LUPAN) has proposed committee of key stakeholders and regulatory agencies like Directorate of Petroleum Resources, (DPR), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Custom Service NCS) and LUPAN, to help stem influx of substandard and fake lubricants.

LUPAN made this resolution when it visited DPR through where Mr. Emeka Obidike, LUPAN, Executive secretary, said the Association’s concerns over was what he called threat to the lubricant industry by the indiscriminate importation of substandard lubricants and the faking/adulteration of member’s products.

He further said that the problems threatening the lubricant industry are instances where base oil, (the chief ingredient for oil production) is being packaged and sold as blended product.

He therefore proposed a committee to be set up comprising of key stakeholders and relevant regulatory agencies like DPR, SON, Nigerian Custom, LUPAN, MOMAN amongst others to be saddle with the responsibility of ensuring importers comply to set standards and regulations.

He also requested for a policy or regime whereby all im-

porters of finished lubricants will be duly authorised by DPR using criteria like the granting of import permit for lubricants, importer ’s full data, analysis report on each products, list of products among other key issues.

Contributing, Mr. Isiguzo Isaac, General Manager, Operations of Dozzy Oil & Gas who led the visit to DPR said that the solutions to deal with the menace within the reach of the agencies that necessitated the visit.

The DPR Managing Director who was represented by Mr. Olumide Adeleke, Head Pipeline and Installations commended LUPAN’s initiative and said that to seek a common ground on solutions to tackle the menace which portends danger to users of petroleum products, the nation’s economy, which could also crippled the local industry if urgent steps were not taken to arrest the disturbing trend was a welcomed development.

“I am proud to associate with this progressive association called LUPAN, and their effort in sanitizing the petroleum industry is a collective fight that we all must support.

In as much as we are clamouring for standards to be adhered to by manufacturers and consumers to get value for their money, we must be civic about how we go about the fight and this visit is a step that LUPAN knows exactly what they are doing”. Adeleke said.

From Left: CustomerService Representative Mouka, Ms. Ebunoluwa Adeyemi, Deputy General Manager,Marketing, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Oyewole Adegoke and ProductManager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Stephen Uwazota during the Eko Expo 2012 at theLekki Free Trade Zone.

Quality, driving force of Star — MD, NB F

OLLOWING a successful re-launch of Star Larger beer in its new look, the brand owners, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said superior quality has been the driving force of the product. Walter Drenth, Marketing Director of NB plc, who spoke at an event in Lagos, said superior product quality has been the driving force of Star; while adding that consumers have come to trust the brand because of its consistent quality over the years.

“The brand has the heritage of being brewed under strict quality standards since 1949 and the consumer promise remains uncompromised. Another factor is the strong distribution network. The brand has a very strong distribution footprint which spans the length and breadth of Nigeria. It is therefore not by accident that the ever refreshing Star is widely distributed and readily available across the country and is C M Y K

within the reach of consumers.

The Star brand, right from when it was initiated, has maintained a constant message of bringing “brightness” to its consumers.

This is always reflected in all its marketing campaigns.”

Drenth stressed that another factor that adds to Star’s equity is the fact that it has one of the best communications across all media. This Communication has been consistent over the years. Again, this does not hap-

pen by accident. It is a well thought out process that has made the brand young and fresh despite the fact that it has been around for 63 years. Star is one of the best run brands to come out of Nigeria.

Etisalat’s extends TalkZone offer E

TISALAT has extended the nationwide ac cess to its product; TalkZone, to the 36 states and the Federal capital Territory (FTC).

The service which offers customers call rates as low as 1k/sec is now available to all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with a tariff offer of up to 98 percent discount on calls made to etisalat lines and 20 percent discount on calls made to other networks.

According to Oluwole Rawa, Director, Marketing Segments and Strategy of Etisalat, said the TalkZone tariff offer is available to its easystarter and easycliq subscribers and gives customers the opportunity to enjoy flexible discounts on calls made to all networks.

Explaining the mechanics of the tariff, Rawa said: ‘’Migrating to TalkZone from easystarter or

easycliq is easy and free, needed to dial a code. He further reiterated Etisalat’s commitment to delighting its customers by giving them value for money. “The number one focus at Etisalat is customer satisfaction, and the essence of this discount offer is to give all our subscribers value for their money no matter what part of the country they are calling from,” he said.

He added that it is a way of further encouraging subscribers who have been loyal to the network to do more talking and in turn, achieve more in their businesses or pleasure each day. “What is the essence of belonging to a network, when you cannot talk as long as you want? Etisalat gives you that pleasure and value, no matter how much airtime you load and anywhere you are in Nigeria,” Rawa said.

BRIEF

Luezer’s Archives: Noah’s Ark’s Creative Director nominated into Juror

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gain, Noah’s Ark Com munications has recorded another feat in the global advertising landscape with the nomination of its Creative Director, Bolaji Alausa, as one of the three top Creative Directors selected across the globe to serve as Jury in the Luezer’s Archive’s International Students Ad contest.

According to a blog post by the Editor of Luezer ’s Archive, said Bolaji Alausa is the only African among the three Judges which also has Francisco Vaile from Brazil and Ben Gough, Leo Burnett, London saddled with the responsibilities to review and adjudicate the entries for the contest to ascertain the deserving eventual winners.

Luezer ’s Archive is a worldwide Advertising Archive that is globally regarded as the ‘Bible’ of Advertising. The Archive is published monthly in which all creative Advertising Agencies across the globe have equal opportunities to enter their works for considerations.

Out of the thousands of entries received, only 70 best works are published.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director, Noah’s Ark Communications, Mr Lanre Adisa, described Alausa’s nomination as another milestone achievement for the company and an endorsement of the creative ability of the Creative Director and the Agency as a whole.

“To be selected as part of a 3-man Jury amongst thousands of Creative Directors across the globe is not a small feat to attain; it is a clear confirmation of the creative competence of the individual in question and that of the Agency as an organisation” Adisa stressed further that the achievement is not only for Noah’s Ark Communications but also for all its esteemed Clients for the opportunity given to the Agency to articulate its creative dexterity through their different brands. He also added that Bolaji Alausa’s nomination has once again put Nigerian advertising industry in global limelight.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—25

Mobil, Shell mobilise to clean up oil spills

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

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HE Nigerian units of American oil giant, ExxobnMobil, and its Anglo Dutch counterpart, Shell, re currently mobilising to clean up some oil spills cited around their areas of operations in the nation’s oil rich Niger Delta.

Although Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, MPN, insist that the source of the hydrocarbon remains unknown, even as fingerprinting of collected samples is ongoing, the its spokesman, Nigel CookeyGam confirmed to Vanguard that the company “is assisting with the clean-up in cooperation with local authorities.”

However, his Shell counterpart, Precious Okolobo, insisted that “there was no spill.” He said in a response to Vanguard’s enquiry that “We experienced a pump failure at the flowstation (Nembe Creek) as a result of which some oil leaked into a saver pit located within the facility. We quickly shut down and repaired the pump and it is back in service.”

But environment activists, the Environmental Rights Action, ERA, a member of the Friends of the Environment, FoE, in a telephone interview with Vanguard said on Sunday that the international

oil companies had mobilsed to clean up the spills.

The Non-governmental organisation, NGO, based on “the fishermen’s account” is convinced that Mobil and Shell are liabilities for the spills. It argued that the fact that the companies are doing the clean up showed that they were responsible.

“We will soon conclude our reports on the spills because we have spoken to the

fishermen at Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State and those at Nembe, in Rivers State,” the NGO said.

Apart from Mobil, other oil companies including Total E & P, Afren Plc and Addax Corporation also have operations around the area.

But Mobil said it had to do the clean up in compliance with the law, which demands that the nearest facility to spill area should do the clean up

pending the conclusion of investigations into the matter.

In two separate incidents last week, Mobil confirmed that oiling from an unknown source was sighted along the shoreline near Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, while indicating that relevant authorities had been informed. Similarly, Shell said on Friday it had contained oil leaked from a failed pump within a flow station on Nembe Creek.

The Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore and the Chairman of Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, Mr. Dapo Abiodun during a media chat on Fuel Subsidy and the Ethical Deficiencies in Public office in Nigeria at Vanguard Newspaper Headquarter in Lagos.

Banks refusal to fund fuel import heighten scarcity threats

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

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TRONG indications has emerged that financial institutions in the country have refuse to finance fuel importation, which may lead to scarcity of petroleum products in a couple of days.

This could however, be as a result of the nonpayment of petroleum subsidy to oil marketers by the federal government.

According to report, oil marketers belonging to various bodies such as Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN are yet to be paid the sum of N200 billion by the federal government as subsidy payment.

Speaking with newsmen recently in Lagos, chairman of C M Y K

Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, Mr. Dapo Abiodun said by the end of this week, oil marketers would have exhausted all their products.

“By the end of next week none of us will have products at the depots because banks are not opening their offices for anybody anymore.

“The only people that have products is the NNPC because they have done all the swoop arrangements, they have all the vessels floating when they bring in the products, they will start to run demurrage,” he said. When all petroleum products are exhausted, Mr. Abidun noted that oil marketers will shut their doors which will lead to scarcity of petroleum products.

As chairman of DAPPMAN, Mr. Abiodun said“none of my members have been paid since the last time we attempted to strike. Only onemember has been paid in MOMAN. N200 billion is what is outstanding

but government is campaigning that they had paid us some amount of money.”

He however, suggested that the federalgovernment should stop banks for charging their interest pending when all the money owned to marketers have been fully paid.

“Government has not done that and the banks are happy counting their interest.

“If i can’t pay for a particular month, the banks will debit my account every month. Why they do that? It is because they have the books to our tank farms. If there was no collateral they will not do that and by then they will have started to cry out.

“All the banks are doing current evaluation to make sure that what marketers are owing is still covered by their assets.

As long as this is happening, they are not willing to cry out.

So the government in their wisdoms has not told the banks to stop the interest,” he said.

Subsidy Mr. Dayo Abiodun said DAPPMAN is in full support of the removal of subsidy adding they are not the beneficiaries of subsidy which is contrarily to what the masses think.

“We fully support the removal of subsidy. This subsidy payment cannot be sustained.

NNPC outstanding payment as of May is $7 billion which is about N1.5 trillion. We in DAPPAM we got almost $400 billion that is about N2 trillion as at the end of May. So at the end of this year we will be looking at about N4.2 trillion.

So we cannot sustain that.

“The early we start accepting the fact that we cannot continue to sustain subsidy the better for us.

Refineries Labour and Civil Society Organisation have urged oil marketers to invest more in establishing refineries in order to wipe out subsidy and create jobs for Nigerians.

BRIEF ELECTRICITY: NERC bars new consumers from connection fees

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he Nigerian Electricity R e g u l a t o r y Commission, NERC, has announced that new electricity customers no longer have to pay connection fees to be connected to the grid for their electricity supply.

The NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi noted in a statement made available to our correspondent in Abuja, that new electricity customers will now directly purchase the materials required for connection and make such materials available to officials of their local electricity distribution company for connection to the electricity grid.

“There will be no direct exchange of monies between the customer and officials of the electricity distribution company for the purpose of connecting the customer.

“The customers will, however, receive the list of materials required for connection from their DISCO (electricity distribution company, formerly known as PHCN) Service Centre. The materials, when purchased, will be evaluated for quality by the DISCO,” Amadi stated.

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his new regulation is part of the new connection methodology released by NERC as it strives to rid the power sector of corruption and protect electricity consumers from fraud and extortion often committed against them by electricity companies.

“We are determined to plug all holes of fraud and corruption in the system and ensure that the consumer gets the best possible service with electricity that is efficient, safe and affordable,” said the NERC boss.

He explained that the new regulation was developed after rigorous engagement

by NERC with various stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies, civil society and electricity consumers.

Several forums were convened by NERC to discuss and debate various proposals for connection methodology leading to the adoption of this methodology.

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

BRIEF US regulators issue final safety rule

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S oil and gas regulators on Wednesday unveiled a revised set of offshore safety rules since the Macondo spill disaster that aimed to improve upon technical failures in the incident and clarify interim rules for industry.

The final set of rules received hundreds of pages of comments from companies, professional associations and other stakeholders.

Among other things, the text tweaks requirements for blowout preventers, including record-keeping, testing and and third-party verification of blind shear ram capability. It also includes new standards for casing installation, cementing and testing.

Industry had complained, among other things, that the interim rule’s reference to multiple professional standards was selfcontradictory and confusing for operators. Certain situations, it contended, called for different procedures and imposing a one-size-fits-all standard could even make the situation worse.

It also complained that costs of compliance were lowballed.

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry trade group that submitted detailed comments, said it was reviewing the rule.

“We ...hope that they carefully considered the language used in the document to allow certainty and clarity for the industry,” a spokesman said Wednesday evening. “Our number one priority is safety.”

Others criticised the rules for not going far enough, particularly on blowout preventer issues.

Environmental groups have called for stricter penalties and more redundant safeguards.

Jacqueline Savitz is a senior campaign director with Oceana, a group that has repeatedly filed suit against the government for its offshore drilling practices on the grounds they offer inadequate safeguards for the marine habitat.

In her view, the rules “offer little comfort” and are “minimally helpful to begin with.” “When you add to that lax inspection and laughably low fines you just end up with a recipe for another spill,” she said.

The government has said that outstanding issues may be taken up in future rules.

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Man overboard reduction device debuts … DPR mandates operators to adopt new tool

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

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O reduce the high rate of man overboard incidents and attendant costs in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the industry regulator the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has directed the use of a very high frequency Maritime Locating Device, MLD. ”Man Overboard” is an incident during which a person falls from a boat or ship into the water and is in need of rescue.

The regulator explained that the device is meant to complement the Offshore Safety Permit programme and was initiated after “careful review of Best Available and Safest Technology, BAST.” Given the high risks involved in global oil and gas operations, industry stakeholders re constantly challenged to device new tools that will not only reduce loss time, but also enhance operational safety while boosting output.

Identifying the incidence of Man overboard, MOB, the single largest cause of marine fatalities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as workers in offshore oil and gas and other marine industries are often exposed to such risks.

Already, statistics from industry regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, show that over the last seven years, between 2005 and 2011, more than 33 percent or one third of the fatalities in the offshore industry resulted from the man overboard incidents.

The incidents occurred mostly in the areas of helicopter ditching, supply boat mishaps, crane failures and other marine incidences.

During such incidents, whoever sees the person’s fall should shout “man overboard” to alert other crew members and attempt to maintain visual contact with the person in the water.

By pointing continuously at the victim, the person can aid the helmsman in approaching the victim.

Cost implications xplaining the cost benefit of the Maritime Locator, the DPR noted that MOB incidents are costly compared with the maximum outgoing costs to implement the MLD. It said, “For a vessel with 11 crewmembers, the maximum outgoing costs to use the MLD spread over five years (taking into account the maximum purchase cost of the units and ongoing optional maintenance costs) will be $20,119. The potential cost to an

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organisation experiencing a single man overboard incident without the MLD in use may be as high as $642,000.” It added that such huge cost is catastrophic to the organisation’s reputation and its ability to continue operating at the same capacity or profitability.

This is so because a variety of costs are usually associated with MOB through search and rescue, incident investigation, legal expenses, reputational damage, insurance premiums and impact on productivity and transit time.

Thus, a cost and benefit approach justifies the use of technology to avert a MOB incident, and thus limit the negative financial implications to the offshore oil and gas industry in Nigeria and provide speedy recovery of the MOB casualty (ies) from the water.

According to the DPR, “This approach (MLD) will greatly assist in the fast recovery of MOB casualties; it enables swift self-recovery by the casualty’s own crew and in the case of helicopter ditching or rig abandonment, provides incoming Search and Rescue assets with direct, accurate position data to locate survivors in the water, since time in the water is directly related to a casualty’s chances of survival, rapid recovery is critical.”

By implementing the MLD, it is expected that operators and service providers that

experience a man overboard incident will negate or significantly reduce resulting costs in the areas of legal expenses, reputation and productivity and transit time.

Furthermore, the device can be used to reduce the likelihood that an MOB event results in a fatality, and consequently help operators reduce insurance costs by negotiating better insurance premiums.

Legality of action efending the legality of its action, the DPR said it is based on the powers conferred on it pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 44 of the Petroleum (Drilling & Production) Regulations 1969, as amended shall ensure that all offshore workers (swap inclusive) have capabilities of response in case of a Man Overboard incident.

It argued that this can easily be achieved through lifejackets equipped with Very High Frequency, VHF marine survivor locating devices.

“The maritime survivor locating device uses a VHF radio to automatically transmit distress alert to multiple receivers, up to 10 nautical miles away. The device will provide precise Global Position Satellite, GPS coordinates directly to the rescue vessel’s VHF radio within 10 metres of the casualty’s position.”

Accordingly, the industry regulator directed that the

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maritime survivor locating device be incorporated into all existing and new lifejackets used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. “The device must be rugged, have a fully waterproof construction, complete with strobe light to assist visual homing for use in the harshest of marine environment.

“The industry was directed to implement this safety measures to eliminate further loss of life and enhance safe operations,” it dded.

Causes of MOB incidents The followings have been identified as factors that can cause a fall overboard from a vessel: •Slips, trips and falls caused by ship’s ropes, nets, lines etc.

•Unstable working platform or sudden change of direction due to high seas •Working at height or over the side •Moving parts and machinery on board •Fatigue from prolonged working hours or night shifts Apart from falling overboard, the individual may also be exposed to many hazards including cold water, exposure, deep water, high swell, boat propellers, moving vessel(s) and marine biology (e.g. sharks and jellyfish) as well as the likelihood of injury caused by the fall itself.

These hazards could in turn lead other consequences such s water intake, exhaustion, shock, dehydration, head injury/concussion and physical injury. Others could be blood loss, shark attack/jellyfish sting, paralysis, hypothermia and even death.

MOB detection devices n view of the frequency of MOB incidents in the industry, new technologies are being developed that can be used to assist in the retrieval of people who fall overboard.

For instance, many Global Positioning System, GPS, chart plotters designed for marine use that have a Man Overboard button (MOB). This button is pushed as soon as a man overboard alarm is raised, causing the plotter to record the latest known position of the person overboard. This allows the boat to be easily returned to the fallen crew member even if visual contact is lost.

Furthermore, several manufacturers make alarms which can automatically detect a man overboard incident. The hardware consists of individual units worn by each crew member, and a base unit. Some systems are water activated: when an individual unit comes in contact with water, it sends a signal to the base unit, which sounds the man overboard alarm.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—27

Fuel scarcity bites harder in Abuja

Chevron partners Seabulk on content development

By OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI

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BUJA – Even as the faceoff between the Federal government and major oil marketers continue, transporters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and its environs continue to face a hard time as for the fifth day running, many filling stations in the city refuse to open for business.

This is in spite of assurances coming from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, that it has abundant stock of petroleum products to last for another forty-five days.

Ahead of the Eid el Fitri festivity and the envisaged heavy movement of people for the holidays, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC had tried to assure the public that it has stepped up fuel supply to the Federal Capital Territory and across the nation to meet up demands.

The government denounced the appearance of long fuel queues in the major cities of the country, noting that there was absolutely no reason for oil marketers to embark on strike over unpaid fuel imports.

It further warned Nigerians against panic buying, noting that it has abundant petroleum products to go round the country without any fear of shortage throughout the period of festivity.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, last Thursday called on the marketers to end their purported strike action and cooperate with the Federal government to ensure effective products distribution to all parts of the country especially during the festive season of Eid-el Kabir.

Alison-Madueke noted that the government was prepared to do everything in its power to ensure that Nigerians get products to Nigerians all over the country, even as she disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) has more than 40 days stock of petroleum products at its disposal.

She explained that the observed panic-induced fuel queues in Abuja have nothing to do with shortage in supply of petroleum products and that marketers and private depot owners are being adequately supplied with products.

“As at today, the PPMC has stepped up supply of

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NNPC Board: L-R; Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Bernard Otti; Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Andrew Yakubu; Board Chairman and Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; other board members, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, MR. Daniel Kifasi; and Mr Steven Oronsaye, during the inauguration of new NNPC Board at the NNPC Towers in Abuja … last week. products to Abuja and environs. This situation will be sustained from now through the period of the festivities. I can assure you there is no shortage of PMS or any other petroleum product now or in the foreseeable future as the PPMC has a 45-day fuel sufficiency in strategic reserve,” Alison-Madueke stated.

The Minister said NNPC was working in concert with other relevant agencies to ensure that petroleum products get to the end users at approved prices.

Oil marketers have said the

reason for the strike was the Federal Government’s failure to pay them for fuel imports, a claim which has been described by government officials as not accurate.

A statement issued by Paul Nwabuikwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala described the marketers claim as baseless and inaccurate.

He explained that marketers with legitimate claims have been fully paid adding that only ones yet to receive payments are those

indicted by the AigImoukhuede Presidential Committee which investigated fuel subsidy payments.

The statement noted that, “The claim by. The true position is that the Federal Government has been meeting its obligations to oil marketers in respect of all legitimate claims.

“For instance, between April and May 2012, Batches D/12 and E/12 involving 14 oil marketers with a claim of N17 billion were fully settled through the issuance of Sovereign Debt Notes and other relevant documentation.

Bayelsa Govt, Samsung partner on local content

By UBONG NELSON

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HE local content initiative of the Federal government , continues to progress as companies are engaged in capacity building plans in the country.

Recently, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, received a high powered delegation of SAMSUNG Heavy Industries from Seoul, Korea, led by the Senior Vice President, Mr. J. H. CHUNG, to discuss and conclude plans to establish a fabrication yard in Bayelsa State, to cater for potential LNG and Off-shore business in Nigeria, and to train Bayelsa youths in SAMSUNG’s Geoje shipyard in South Korea.

Recall that in April 2012, SAMSUNG sponsored a pilot team of 20 youths from Niger Delta, to their world-class fabrication yard in Geoje, Korea, for training in several areas of welding, cutting, sandblasting and painting, and upon graduation, certificates of completion, and excellence, were issued to the participants.

Globally, SAMSUNG Heavy Industries has achieved unbeatable leadership in the high-

tech high-value ship building sector,.

It is Asia’s leading construction company by providing the best quality and technology. In its operation, SAMSUNG Heavy Industries has recorded the lowest accident rate in carrying out its activities, because of its strict safety management standards set out. At SAMSUNG Heavy Industries worldwide, promoting perfect construction with a priority on quality, has earned the company, the No.1 spot in customer satisfaction.

These are the standards the company is transferring to Nigeria’s economy, via capacity building. It is the intention of SAMSUNG and their Nigerian affiliate, to partner with Bayelsa state government in youth empowerment, and skills development in the first instance. The second stage will consist of the construction of a world-class mega fabrication yard for LNG carriers, and maintenance. In addition, the yard will be capable of fabricating large offshore structures and offer employment to the trained youths.

It is believed that at full capacity, this facility will employ approximately 10,000 indigenes and also stimulate other secondary and tertiary businesses in the state.

HEVRON Nigeria Limited, CNL, operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, has announced its support for Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited (a wholly Nigerian owned marine transport company) in the recent acquisition of a Dynamic Positioning Platform Supply Vessel, DP2 PSV. The vessel, built in the USA (2011), was acquired to support CNL’s Joint Venture drilling campaigns as liquid mud cuttings vessel combined with gravel pack operations.

At the launching of the boat christened “Al Kat” (TBN Seabulk Victor), held at Eko Support Services Ltd Base, near the Harbour Control Tower, Apapa Ports, recently, CNL’s General Manager Nigeria Content Development, Mr. Raymond Wilcox, explained that the charter is another proof of the company’s continued support for Nigerian Content Development.

He said, “CNL is pleased to have supported Seabulk Offshore in achieving this significant milestone and this reiterates the company ’s commitment to the Nigerian Content Development aspirations of the federal government.”

As part of its strategic Nigerian Content empowerment process, CNL contracted Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited to provide support vessel services to its JV drilling operations both in offshore and onshore locations in Nigeria. The oneyear contract is the first of its kind to a wholly Nigerian company in a service industry dominated by foreign investors.

General Manger of Seabulk, Mr. Pere Nduku, thanked CNL for awarding the contract to Seabulk. He committed to superior performance saying, “Nigerian companies can deliver on their promises given the opportunity. In our pursuit to aggressively expand our fleet and meet the demands of our clients, the company has fully purchased and added to its fleet, a state-of-the-art DP2 Platform Supply Vessel built in the USA in August 2011.”

The vessel has advanced technology features with a large deck and liquid mudcarrying capacity. Her shallow draft enables her to operate in near coastal offshore locations and shallow water depth ports, such as Escravos. Her dynamic positioning (DP2) is critical to its safe operations.

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28—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF TRADE UNIONISM IN NIGERIA

Photo: Bunmi Azeez

•Marching to el-dorado...during the fuel price hike protests in January

Why govt rejected initial minimum wage bid This is the ninth edition of the serial on OWEI LAKEMFA's latest work: "One hundred years of trade unionism in Nigeria". The eighth part was published yesterday.

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The government threw out the recommendation arguing that by recommending a living wage, the commission went outside its terms.

The Report, it said, had hiked wages by between 58 and 100 per cent whereas the cost of living index dictates that increases should be between 15 and 20 per cent

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OODLUCK narrated what followed: “We were arrested but the strike went on because it was fully planned. We were taken to court but we were allowed bail. We came out and started to organise the strike in earnest. Bishop (S. I.) Kale intervened, he came to our mass meeting at 97, Herbert Macaulay Street. He was booed and almost punched and I had to come to his rescue. He was my principal at CMS Grammar School.

After this the government gave an ultimatum (to all those who heeded the general strike of June 1). All civil servants were to be given sack paper. We told them if they were given, they should keep them as souvenirs for the future.

Release of the Morgan Report But government said if they did not go back within forty eight hours, it would dispense with all their services. We replied government that within forty eight hours, it should resign.”

Government, according to the Labour Ministry Permanent Secretary, M. A. Tokunboh, delayed in releasing the Morgan Report and White Paper. “Because of the revolutionary nature of the changes proposed by the Commission it was difficult for the Federal Government to take definitive position on them without

the concurrence of the regional governments, two of which were in fundamental disagreement with it.” On the third day of the strike, the government tried to take the sail out of it by releasing the Morgan Commission White Paper. But the differences in the views of the Report which was mainly in the workers' favour, and the White Paper which sought to dilute it, merely added petrol to the burning strike.

dependent commission of inquiry emphasised as far back as 1948 that it was unable to accept the contention that men on the lowest wage level are, or ought to be, unmarried. Therefore, the basic wage must be such as will suffice to keep a home together... Basic wages in Kenya were fixed on similar lines. In the Francophone Africa surrounding Nigeria, a system of family allowances to workers was instituted even at the height of the colonial era.” Based on this stated prin-

of exploitation that had been built into the Nigeria wage structure over the years since the economic depression of the 1930s.” The government threw out this recommendation arguing that by recommending a living wage, the commission went outside its terms. The Report, it said, had hiked wages by between 58 and 100 per cent whereas the cost of living index dictates that increases should be between 15 and 20 per cent. It, therefore, slashed the recommended salaries.

It also threw out the recommendation that the new wages should take effect from October 1, 1963. A nine month salary arrears government said, would disrupt its six-year development programme. So the new wages would take effect from April 1,1964. The White Paper also tore

Fundamental submission A fundamental submission by the commission was that the worker is a citizen with a social background and has responsibility to take care of his immediate family. It, therefore, argued that “... even if a man is not ‘his brother’s keeper’ in so far as his extended family is concerned, he is very much the provider for his family, i.e. his wife or wives and children. And it must be borne in mind that the fact that a man has no education or special training to enable him to undertake employment other than at the bottom of the ladder does not and should not debar him from getting married and raising family.”

On this recommendation, T. M. Yesufu a member of the Morgan Commission wrote later that “Even within the African context, Nigeria was late to wake up to this reality. In the Sudan, an in-

•Workers with cost of living index during a strike ciple, the Commission recommended that workers in the country should earn between N22 and N33.60 depending on what part of the country they live.

This is in contrast to the then going rates of between N7.80 and NI5.17.

Yesufu’s analysis of this was that "...this wide extent of the difference between the actual low prevailing wages and the determined desirable social minimum wages, represented the degree

the recommendation that the new wages be made applicable to the private sector. The government’s logic was that it did not consider it necessary to enforce minimum rates without due consideration of the peculiar circumstances within each industry and the ability of the employer to pay.

It also dismissed suggestions that appropriate measures be taken to enable junior employees negotiate with their employers on Continues on page 29

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—PAGE

Continues from page 28

the new wages issue. This, argued the White Paper, would amount to “state intervention” in collective bargaining.

The government, however, accepted recommendations such as the establishment of a National Wages Advisory Council and an industrial court to adjudicate on industrial disputes. The rejection of the commission’s main submissions and their modification angered the striking workers.

Attempt by Labour leaders to change covernment M. A. Tokunboh, drawing from his official records as Permanent Secretary of Labour during the strike, wrote that this general strike”.. .lasted 13 gruesome days. It was the most serious confrontation ever experienced by a Nigerian government. Demonstrations were organised in Lagos and other parts of the country against the Federal Government; there were confrontations with the police in the efforts to break up demonstrations and prevent pickets at factory gates.

Political party activists and thugs terrorised people and opponents; waves of violence were reported in many parts of the country; underground news-sheets of a political character calling for a change of government and the introduction of progressive measures were published; a section of workers called for a take-over of government by the Armed Forces.

Threats by letter and telephone calls to government by the functionaries were reported. Life became generally unsafe and people became frightened by the prospect of a prolonged strike.

Every working activity within the country was brought to a standstill. Anti-Balewa politicians gave money to some strikers to prolong the strike.

The striking workers received some clandestine financial assistance from abroad. It was the greatest confrontation which seriously eroded the Balewa administration’s credibility and was on the verge of toppling it before the Federal Government yielded to the workers demands.

The writer, Robin Cohen quoted three main leaders of the JAC on this issue. First was Wahab Goodluck who asserted that”... in its development (the strike) had raised possible political action which with a development Marxist -Leninist party could have led to a proletarian revolution. The second was Michael Imoudu’s contention that the strike was “... a test case between the workers and the government. The strike will lead us to take over the reins of government from them”..The third JAC leader quoted was Emmanuel Achamba who declared during the strike “We will take over the government without apology... Army or no army, police or no police, there is no harm in a citizen of this country trying to rule this country.”

Full scale revolution There were indeed deliberate attempts to overthrow the government and transform the strike into a full scale revolution. For this, two radical trade unionists Jonas Abam of the Dockworkers Union and Sidi Khayam of the Seamen Union, along with Comrade Adebayo, a teacher and Victor Lenard Allen an Irish and lecturer from Oxford University were arrested and tried. There was a comic aspect to this trial. While out on bail, an elaborate plan was hatched to smuggle Allen out of the country.

He was disguised and went all the way to Idi-Iroko, a border area with neighbouring Benin Republic. Unknown to the revolutionaries, the state security agents were involved in the ‘plan’. They simply picked him up at the border.

The unionists were tried and convicted. The Labour Movement distanced itself from the conspirators who during their trial got assistance mainly from outside Labour. This was to affect the unity of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in later years when Abam became the Genral Secretary of the powerfull Dock Workers Union, DUN. Sidi Khayam

later fell sick and died while Comrade Adebayo left home for a walk and was never seen again.

Radical historian, Dr. Segun O. Osoba wrote that the 1964 general strike was “... a reflection of the general mood of distress among the articulate and politically conscious groups in the country over the growing ineptitude, reaction and kleptocracy in the various governments of the federation.

The mammoth strike, which probably involved more than a million workers all over the country, took only thirteen days (June 1-13, 1964) to bring the Balewa Government to its knees.” On its knees, the government gave in to workers' pressure. On June 13, 1964 the general strike came to a formal end with government’s guarantees that no worker will be victimised in any way over the strike, dismissal and warning notices given workers would be withdrawn and that the strike period would be regarded as leave with pay without prejudice to the normal annual leave.

Primary causes of the strike On the primary causes of the strike, both sides agreed that a tripartite negotiation team made up of government at federal and regional levels, the JAC and the employers association, NECA, be set up immediately on the Morgan Commission Report. The negotiations began on the first work day after the strike.

The Government team was conscious of the fact that its very existence may depend on its outcome. The powerful Finance Minister who once headed the Labour Ministry, Festus Sam OkotieEboh, headed negotiations.

Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe who had presided at the failed Ibadan 1962 Workers unity conference, J. M. Johnson the Minister of Labour, Waziri Ibrahim, member of the ruling NPC party and Minister of Health, with another party faithful, I. C. Obande, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office were on the Federal Gov-

ernment team.

Messrs H. U. Akpabio, Z. Mustapha Ismail and J. U. Umolu represented the Eastern, Northern and Mid Western regions respectively. The JAC delegation had its chairman Haroon Adebola who was also the United Labour Congress, ULC, president, as well as ULC General Secretary, Lawrence Borha and its deputy president Johnson Oladele James, Wahab Goodluck and Samuel Udoh Bassey, President and General Secretary respectively of the Nigeria Trade Union Congress.

Negotiations and agreements Their counterparts in the Nigeria Workers Council, NWC, Nnaemeka Chukwura and Emmanuel Okongwu were also in the team as were the legendary Michael Imoudu and radical JAC activist, Emmanuel Okei-Achamba.The employers were represented by D. Fleming, C. E. Abebe, J. Ade Tuyo, D. A. Borrie and A. D. G. Paxton.

In a record fourteen days, negotiations and agreements were wrapped up. Workers won all their major demands including Morgan salary increases and their applicability to the private sector.

It was also agreed that “The Daily Wage System should be gradually abolished and all skilled workers should be transferred to the Permanent Establishment”.

The agreements also amended the Trade Union Act (cap 200) to “prevent employers from interfering unduly with trade unions (and made it illegal for an employer to refuse to recognise a registered trade union.”

The workers had won a decisive victory, the government conceded defeat and got recalcitrant employers in the private sector to implement the agreements. Its Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour wrote that the Agreements. “... ended the great confrontation that once again brought strength, power and recognition to the Labour Movement and set in motion a chain of events

that changed the course of the country’s history.

It was another lesson in the power of unity within the Labour Movement. JAC was the only cohesive force at the time in the midst of divisive and irreconcilable elements represented by the political parties.

"It was an uneasy atmosphere of peace after a devastating strike that became a political struggle against the Balewa government.

JAC, therefore, assumed a role of importance in the affairs of the country as a factor representing the working people”.

Continues tomorrow

,

Why govt rejected initial minimum wage bid

29

The mammoth strike, which probably involved more than a million workers all over the country, took only thirteen days (June 1-13, 1964) to bring the Balewa Government to its knees.” On its knees, the government gave in to workers' pressure

,

Position of power As an indication of its position of power, JAC agreed to call off the strike on June 13, 1964, after government had undertaken to negotiate the recommendations of the Morgan Commission and to ensure that the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, was represented at the negotiation. Government also agreed to pay workers for the days of strike and to effect the withdrawal of cases in court involving some strikers.”

The political character of the 1964 strike was never in doubt.

Mobile policemen on alert ...to prevent a strike C M Y K

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

BRIEF Power: FG commissions Delta IV

BY FESTUS AHON

T

HE F e d e r a l G o v e r n ment, Friday, commissioned GT 18, a unit generating 130 mega watts in Delta IV, in the Ughelli Power PLC, assuring Nigerians of improved power supply before the end of the year.

Commissioning the unit, the Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji said government was working hard towards achieving stable supply of power in the country, adding that government was doing everything to support the Ughelli power plant.

Congratulating the Chief Executive Officer of the Ughelli Power Plc, who was going on retirement, Nnanji who was dazed on arrival with a serious protest from workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN from the Edo/Delta zone, said privatization of the company was not meant to undo the workers.

He insisted that privatization of the power sector would pave way for better supply of power in the country.

According to him, workers should not be threatened by the move to privatize the sector.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Power plant, Engr O.A Udeh said the station would produce additional 200mw before the end of the year.

He said, “Our expectation is that GT 16 will return to service in October while GT 17 returns to service in November 2012.”

According to Udeh, “GT 18 that is being officially commissioned is the biggest contributor.

“The other units are GTs 8 and 12, Hithachi 25 gas turbine generators, contributing 15MW each,” adding; “as at today we have available generating capacity of 360MW from seven units.”

“Holding that the GT 18 came back to service in July, 2012, he said the power plant was generating 230MW from four units when he took over as the Chief Executive Officer some months ago.”

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G

HANA needs to spend $26 billion on infrastructure such as roads and electricity to support economic growth led by the start of oil production for export in 2010, according to the World Bank.

The investments to “upgrade basic infrastructure” should have started that year, Dante Mossi, senior operations officer with the World Bank’s office in the West African nation, said in an interview in Accra, the capital.

“Ghana needs to keep up with the growth of the economy and the growing needs of the people,” he said.

The West African nation’s economy, with a gross domestic product of 74 billion

Ghana needs $26bn for infrastructure — World Bank cedis ($38 billion) forecast for this year by the International Monetary Fund, grew 14.4 percent in 2011, the fastest pace in sub-Saharan Africa.

This year, expansion of 9.4 percent is projected, according to the Finance Ministry. The IMF forecasts growth of 8.8 percent.

The country needs to invest in energy, roads, water, sanitation, education, housing and employment creation, Mossi said.

Ghana, which is Africa’s second-biggest gold

producer after South Africa and the world’s second-largest cocoa grower after neighboring Ivory Coast, started output at the offshore Jubilee oil field, operated by U.K.based Tullow Oil Plc (TLW), in December 2010.

The rapid pace of economic growth led to a 16 percent decline against the dollar this year as companies seek dollars to boost their investments. The cedi has since slowed its declined, losing 0.8 percent in July and

less than 0.1 percent this month, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The currency was little changed, gaining less than 0.1 percent to 1.9528 a dollar by 5:55 p.m. in Accra.

Conoco Phillips restarts Boreas-1 drilling

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L-R: Nigerian Content Analyst, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Mr. Ebisan Akinsnya; General Manager, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Mr. Wole Akinyosoye; Manager, Nigerian Content, CNL, Mrs Olabisi Soji-Oyawoye; Deputy Manager, Community Development, Public Affairs, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, Mrs. Jane Ashimi; General Manager, Nigerian Content, CNL, Mr. Raymond Wilcox, at the commissioning the boat, Al Kat, recently acquired by Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited, which was chartered by CNL to support its JV drilling campaigns.

ONOCOPHILLIPS has finally been able to restart drilling in the Greater Poseidon area off Western Australia following a twoand-a-half month wait for Transocean to fix a blowout preventer.

In late May, the BOP on the semi-submersible rig Transocean Legend was pulled for repair after drilling the Boreas-1 exploration well to a depth of 4009 metres.

Several attempts to repair the BOP were unsuccessful, but co-venturer Karoon Gas said today the BOP is fully functional and drilling has resumed.

Boreas-1 is the first of a minimum five exploration wells in the Greater Poseidon area.

ConocoPhillips and Karoon have made three discoveries in the area — Poseidon-1, Poseidon-2 and Kronos-1 – and are aiming to build reserves to underpin a liquefied natural gas project

Chevron appeals ban on Brazil operations U

.S. oil major Chevron Corp said late it has appealed a court injunction barring the company from operating in Brazil.

Earlier this month, a Brazilian court banned Chevron and drilling-rig operator Transocean Ltd. for their roles in an offshore oil spill last year. The two companies had 30 days to halt operations or face hefty fines.

The latest ruling is part of court cases related to a drilling accident last November at the Chevronoperated Frade offshore oil field. The accident caused an estimated 3,700 barrels of crude oil to seep from cracks in the seabed. Chevron faces fines from local environmental and oilindustry regulators, while both companies face civil and criminal lawsuits brought by a federal prosecutor.

Both companies have

denied any wrongdoing in the accident. Transocean previously said that it will appeal the court’s ruling.

Chevron Brasil, the company’s local unit, “acted diligently and appropriately” to the incident, the company said in a statement. The company is “actively preparing to restart the field” after conducting studies to ensure start-up and operations will be “safe and incident free,” Chevron said.

Chevron voluntarily halted operations at Frade after separate seeps were discovered in March.

Brazilian state-run energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro, or Petrobras, will offer the two companies help in tackling the country’s justice system, Exploration and Production Director Jose Formigli said Wednesday. “There is no motive for this embargo,” Mr. Formigli said.

Chevron is lead operator of Frade, which holds estimated recoverable reserves of between 200 million and 300 million barrels of oil equivalent, with a 51.7% stake. Petrobras, holds 30%, while the Frade Japao Petroleo Ltda. consortium has the remaining 18.3% share.

Transocean operates 10 drilling rigs in Brazil, including seven for Petrobras.

Transocean also has single rigs leased out to Eni SpA, BP PLC and Vanco. While the company’s rigs continue to operate in Brazil, Mr. Formigli did say that Petrobras would feel an impact from the loss of the rigs should the ban be upheld.

The lack of drilling rigs capable of operating in deep waters offshore Brazil has been a major stumbling block to increasing production in the country, according to

Petrobras. Petrobras expects to end 2012 with a fleet of 40 rigs operating offshore Brazil.

The company is in the midst of a $237 billion investment plan through 2016 aimed at tapping recently discovered oil fields off the country ’s coast, which could turn Brazil into one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of crude oil.

Last month, Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency, or ANP, cited Chevron for 25 infractions related to the incident and said that the company would be fined up to the 50 million reais ($24.8 million) allowed by law. The total fine will be determined later in August, ANP officials said at the time. ANP officials also said that they would meet with Chevron to discuss restarting output at Frade ANP officials cleared Transocean of any wrongdoing in the accident.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, A UGUST 21, 2012 — 31 TUESDA AUGUST

SOUTH AFRICA Entry Visa:

Foundation alleges discrimination

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

F

RESH diplomatic row may be brewing following the denial of entry visas to a delegation of members of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, DSFN, by the South African High Commission in Nigeria.

The delegation was billed to attend the 2012 World Down Syndrome Congress holding in Cape Town South Africa, but was denied entry visas on allegation of possession of invalid Yellow Cards.

Findings reveal that the action of the High Commission may not be unconnected with the recent faceoff between the Federal Government of Nigeria and their South African Counterpart concerning the Yellow Card Vaccination Certificates which was, however, resolved after the South African Government apologised for acting inappropriately.

However, since the denial of the visas to the delegation, several of the children living with Down Syndrome who were among those affected, have become withdrawn, moody and generally dejected.

This development, according to the National President, DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi, interpreted

as a feeling of rejection by the society that is supposed to protect and care for them.

Speaking in Lagos to register their greviances over the matter, Mordi who condemned the action, accused the Commission of discriminating and stigmatising people with Down Syndrome.

Mordi said the excuse of the delegates holding invalid and fake Yellow Cards was vindictive, callous and an insult to the Foundation as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Her words: "The Foundation's delegates which included parents, children and volunteers had made the application for the visitors’ visas on the 27th of July, 2012 at the VFS office and had their Reference Number SALA/ 270712/0145 and had made arrangements, hotel accommodation, congress registration and so on in preparation for the trip only to be given the excuse which is not only suspicious and totally unacceptable but smacks of arrogant disregard for charity organisations working hard to make a difference in the lives of people living with challenges and an insult to our government."

Further, Mordi argued: "For the benefit of doubt, all

the Yellow Cards submitted by the delegates as a prerequisite requirement were obtained from Local Government Councils that have the constitutional right to issue such vaccinations and all the delegates have been vaccinated as many of them have travelled outside Nigeria with the same Yellow Cards and were not subjected to stigmatisation as was shown by the South African High Commission, "she explained.

She said DSFN had written to both the Federal Government and South African Government over what it described as injustice to the children.

She added that denial was a vindictive continuance of what occurred few months back.

Mordi who was billed to receive an award on behalf of Nigeria at the Conference, regretted that the action had denied Nigerians with Down Syndrome the opportunity to interact with their counterparts all over the world.

"We are surprised that a fellow African country could deny us the opportunity of helping vulnerable children that the UN has endorsed that they should be taken care Continues on Page 33

•Cross section of the children with Down Syndrome and officials of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria during an activityin their office in Lagos.

Lagos boosts emergency services with 5 new ambulances

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

F

IVE brand new ambu lances have been added to the fleet of ambulances owned by the Lagos State Government.

The vehicles, valued at N30 million each were commissioned at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, as part of efforts to further reduce morbidity and mortality in the state.

Commissioning the ambulances which have brought the number of functioning ambulances to 30, the State Commissioner

for Health, Dr Jide Idris said the procurement became necessary following the sharp rise in incidences of road traffic and domestic accidents across the world including Lagos.

The vehicles are meant to forestall loss of lives of victims of road traffic and domestic accidents by being available to promptly conveying them to nearby hospitals when the need arises.

"We are recording high mortality and morbidity rate on our roads and in our homes, fire incidences, col-

Experts worry over Ischaemic heart disease in Nigeria

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

M

EDICAL experts and practitioners in cardiovascular medicine have expressed worry over the rising incidence of Ischaemic Heart Disease in the country.

Expressing concern recently in Lagos, during the 5th edition of the Cardiovascular Summit organised

by Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, NEAR, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, who described Ischemic Heart Disease, also known as Coronary Artery Disease, as the “Next Epidemic” in Nigeria, called for drastic measures to be put in place to stem the tide.

In a presentation on the Nigerian Perspective on the disorder, Emeritus Professor of Cardiology of the University of Ibadan, Prof.

Ayodele Falase, stated that C M Y K

previous studies in Nigeria revealed insignificant incidence of Ischemic Heart Disease compared with the

developed countries.

Attributing the rise in the cases of Ischemic heart disease in Nigeria to increase

in the standard of living which, enhanced adoption of western dietary habits especially amongst urban

•L-R: Professor A.O Falase, Emeritus Professor of the University of Ibadan; Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Adeyemi Johnson, the Director of Cardiology, Reddington Hospital; Enrico Liggeri, Country Manager, Pfizer Near, Dr. Kodjo Soroh, Medical Director, Pfizer NEAR, at Pfizer’s Cardiovascular Summit held in Lagos recently.

elites, Falase, urged the promotion of our local diets which contain less saturated fat as well as increased physical activity .

He called for more emphasis for local diet and exercise.

On his part, Consultant Cardiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Prof. Osaretin Odia, identified the modifiable risk factors as; hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, cigarette smoking and obesity, sedentary living, age and gender as the non modifiable risk factors.

Odia, who also suggested that Sub- Saharan Africa may be at the early phase of the epidemiological transition of the disease, recommended the following preventive strategies including: increased attention of health officials on the primary prevention Continues on Page 33

lapsed buildings and so on.

This is the reason why the state government is putting emphasis on emergency care so as to reduce the rate of mortality and morbidity in our state.”

Further, Idris said: "We have one of the best ambulance services in the country but we still have a long way to go and we want to do more."

One of the ambulances is to be dedicated to the Rapid Response Squad who would accompany paramedics to an accident site to provide security.

Meanwhile, the state government plans to expand provision of ambulances to other hospitals to improve the emergency services across the state.

Each ambulance is equipped to handle medical emergencies including; cardiac related problems, burns among others. On board are burns kits, defibrillators, ventilators and emergency boxes.

Idris also remarked that the state government plans to invest in training of personnel and restructure emergency units in the state hospitals.

Already, moves are on to partner with some private establishments who had signified interest in training paramedics for the purpose of the service.

In a statement, the Commander, Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Mr Hakeem Odumosu pledged that the squad would continue to work with the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, to provide an enabling environment for the paramedics to do their job.

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Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 21, 2012 TUESDA

Family health takes centre stage at 2012 NAWOJ week ...As Coca-Cola promotes healthy living

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

HE need to promote a healthy family with a view to ensuring a progressive Nigeria took the centre stage last week at the 2012 edition of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Family Week in partnership with The Coaca-Cola Company with theme: "Healthy Family, Progressive Nation".

Stakeholders who gathered at the event maintained that role of the family was key in achieving a better Nigeria.

In his presentation at the occasion titled:"Building A New Nigeria: The Role of the Family Towards National Transformation", the Minister of Information,

Mr. Labaran Maku who was represented by the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo pointed out that for a nation to progress, the family must be a healthy.

His words, "For the nation to be a healthy and fruitful one, it must have been nurtured under the most enduring values which our nation was known for" Maku decried the erosion of the basic ethos of the country's national values by the gradual and the near total elimination of family values as young parents put money and work ahead of upbringing of children.

The Information Minister stated that the lapse had led to the culture of vices such as cultism, hooliganism, examination malpractices,

rape as well as religious fanaticism, adding that the time to act is now, to right the wrongs and get the country back on track with the family as the starting point He said:"As stakeholders in the destiny of our country, we must ensure that our children are brought up in the fear of God, righteousness, honesty and integrity as well as a total abhorrence for violence and evil."

He called on journalists, particularly, members of NAWOJ to promote the importance of good parenting in their various articles.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire who was represented by the Permanent Secretary,

• Participants during the six-kilometre Work-free Health Walk Exercise from Allen Avenue, to the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos , last Monday to mark the NAWOJ Family Health Week. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Risikat Akinyode said that a nation could not progress if the health care of its citizens was not given necessary priority.

Her words, "Of particular attention is the health of our women who are mothers and have been

divinely blessed in the multiplying race. The complex roles of catering for our families and striving for excellence at our workplaces demands that we pay greater attention to our health. Our health is key to our personal, family and national prosperity The Lagos State Commis-

Health Mission offers free surgery for 15 indigent patients

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

UT for the free Benign Jaw Tumour Surgery Mission held in Owo, Ondo State, last month, 15 indigent patients might have never smiled again.

In several ways, the Mission, put together by the Health, Education, Work and Shelter, HEWS, HEWSF, in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, held from June 18-22, 2012, was in a life saver.

Dozens of patients came from far away places such as Sobe, a border town between Ondo and Edo States; Iju Ishaga, in Lagos State, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, and Ado, in Ekiti State.

They were forced by the prevalent challenges of poor access to care, cost of surgery, dearth of surgeons in hospitals within their communities and towns to take advantage of the free surgery provided by this Mission.

There was Rebecca Ilevbadje, a 13-year- old girl who had suffered swollen jaw for two years and had long given up hope of relief after being presented with a huge bill for the surgery. They never went back. But when they heard about the free surgery, it seemed too good to be true and before she showed up for the exercise.

Christopher Samuel, another 13-year-old with a jaw tumour, had earlier been sent into the interior part of Kogi State, to avoid the stigma associated with his condition. His parents could not afford the cost of removal of the tumour untile the Mission came, and messages sent to the Samuels in Ikpeme, Ondo State compelled the father to take him to enjoy the benefits of the free surgery.

Clement Akinsanmi, 61, and John Ajala, 58, both had suffered swollen jaw for eight and 10 years respectively also took advan-

tage of the free exercise, when assistance came their way through the HEWS Foundation's intervention.

Other beneficiaries were a 15-month-old baby boy born with benign jaw tumour - a rare occurrence at birth and 10-year-old Bimbo Elegbeyemi from Iwaro Oka, Akoko, Ondo State , who was discovered, during surgery, to have an additional tumour in his neck region. Both tumours were removed.

Most of the beneficiaries had lived with their condition for between one and 10 years maily due to poverty and ignorance about the manifestation and nature of the disease.

The HEWS team discovered that ignorance among the indigent especially in rural communities is a majorly contributor to its prevalence hence the urgent need to create awareness about specific

and maxillofacial conditions in general. Benign Jaw Tumour as an intriguing disease is not only an unpleasant sight to behold due to its nature of presentation but can do grievous damage to the mouth, jaw and face of a sufferer and has the tendency to become malignant if not treated early.

The HEWS team argued for a proactive and collective approach by all stakeholders in tackling these conditions beginning withenlightenment and public awareness campaigns.

With a primary focus in the health care sector to provide free Cleft Lip and Palate surgeries to indigent Nigerians especially children, of HEWS Foundation, however, widened its scope, giving the need for intervention in other related health care areas due to high incidence of such deformities. This led to the extension assistance to in-

clude cases such as benign jaw tumour, lockjaw etc and other conditions on a need and availability basis.

Volunteers including Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, and Dr. Obitade Obimakinde, a Maxillofacial Surgeon, both of the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as well as Dr. Olufemi Ogundipe, a Maxillofacial surgeon from Federal Medical Centre, Owo, were on ground.

The HEWSF management team comprised the Founder/President, Mr. Remi Adeseun, Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Shola Soji-John, Mr. Dotun Abosede, Project Manager, Mr. Lekan Olayiwola, finance Manager and Mrs. Yetunde Jacobs, Programme Officer and their partners, Sahara Energy Limited, Rodot Nigeria Limited,

•Ilevbadje Rebecca.

•John Ajala

•Abefe Abdul Mananu.

•Bimbo Elegbeleye.

•Christopher Samuel.

B

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sioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Aderemi Ibirogba who was represented by Mrs Olugbemi Ozojiofor said that in order to have a healthy family, it was important to tackle peculiar challenges which developing countries faced "In Nigeria, the family's health is challenged by problems such as inadequate health facilities, sanitation, potable water supply and lack of shelter.

The Nigerian family is currently threatened by bomb blasts, collapse buildings and vandalisation of social infrastructures in events of civil protest. Therefore let us all bequeath such a healthy family legacy and lay sustainable structures for a progressive nation for our up coming generations."

Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to promote sustainable communities and an active healthy population, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, last week partnered the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in the celebration of its Family Week'; an initiative aimed at enlightening women and the general public on the importance of strong family ties and active healthy living in nation building.

The NAWOJ Family Week commenced with a sixkilometre walk which kicked-off from the Ikeja Local Government Council to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Alausa, Ikeja.

The walk sponsored by Eva premium table water from the stable of The Coca-Cola Company attracted over 300 participants including NAWOJ members and their families, male journalists, National Youth Service Corp, NYSC members, some Coca-Cola employees, market women and members of the general public

Vanguard, TUESD AY, A UGUST 21, 2012 — 33 TUESDA AUGUST

Exercise made easy L

AST week I left off with a list of possible excuses for not exercising and a promise to dispel those excuses by continuing to answer the list of questions I posed. Let’s continue with question 3: What is your current level of exercise?

Zero, 1 hour/week, 20 min 2 - 3 days/ week; 20 min/day (6 days), 30 min or more/day (6 days).

If you are exercising at all then you fall into answers b – e and that’s ok to excellent depending on where your level is at. According to Cancer Research UK even moderate exercise is enough to reduce the risk of several types of cancer.

Below is an excerpt from the article: “By being physically active, you can reduce the risk of breast, bowel and womb cancer. Keeping active could help to prevent more than 3,000 cases of cancer in the UK every year.

Just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, five days a week, can have a positive effect on your health. And the more active you are, the more you can reduce your risk of cancer.

Moderate activity doesn't have to cost you money or too much time. It includes anything that leaves you warm and slightly out of breath, such as brisk walking, gardening, dancing or housework.

Even small bits of activity are beneficial, and can add up over the course of a day.

It sounds like a cliché, but you can increase the amount of activity you do by making small changes like taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking some of the way to work, school or the shops. Even if you have been inactive for years, becoming more active now will have a positive effect on your health.”

For more information about the organization and to read the complete article visit the following link: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/ healthyliving/exerciseandactivity/ physical-activity-exercise-and-cancer.

I highlighted some of this article to illustrate that with a little creativity moderate exercise is achievable in the home and the workplace – no excuses, get out and start exercising. Let’s look at question 4: What do you consider proper exercise?

This is an important question for you to answer because understanding what exercise and how to incorporate it into your schedule. Again look at the above article.

You don’t need a gym or a track to get fit.

All of us have busy lifestyles so look at what you’re doing and modify it to an exercise routine. If you work at a desk, get a set of smart bells (5 lb. or so) and use them to stretch or do isometrics to tone.

When taking the stairs, quicken your pace a little and feel your heart rate increase.

If you like watching TV, do sit ups and

Julia Oyefunke Fortune

The Cancer

FIGHTER

juliafortune@hotmail.com

pushups or get a treadmill. It’s amazing what is available just by opening your mind to possibilities.

On to questions 5 and 6: Where and when do you exercise?

Hopefully by now you can see that the trend here is to abandon the excuses and adopt the attitude that “I need to exercise and I can exercise anywhere and anytime”. And this is place where you really need to be: knowing that you can be free to shape up and trim down with

no restrictions.

Next week I will cover the four remaining questions dealing with some lifestyle choices and how they affect your workout, lifestyle, and health. Until then – stay healthy!

You can read more about exercise in my book “Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor”.

Available at Glendora International Bookstores – Ikoyi, Alausa-Ikeja & Abuja; All correspondence to juliafortune@hotmail.com

Foundation alleges discrimination Continued on Page 31 of properly. We are really sad, because the opportunity we could have had to get more support for our children that need medical help and the opportunity of collecting our Award as the first African country to be bestowed of such honour has been dashed. We have already briefed our solicitors ,” she hinted.

Speaking Legal Adviser of the Foundation, Amugo-Umukoro Sylvia said already, the Foundation has written to the Embassy to explain what made the yellow cards invalid.

She threatened that the Foundation would not fail to go to court to seek compensation should the embassy fails to respond to their letter. According to her,

"These cards last for 10 years and were obtained from government recognised medical centres and by medical trained personnel on vaccinations. We got them on different dates, by different people and different point. What makes it invalid? We also want to know if there are specific places or colour of cards they want applicants to come up with and how much it should cost."

Worry over Ischaemic heart disease in Nigeria Continued on Page 31 of ischemic disease, community–based control of the major risk factors, control of hyper-cholesteronaemia through the modification of dietary habits and government‘s support especially in the discouragement of western dietary habits through its food and health regulatory agencies.

In his remarks, Country Manger, Pfizer NEAR, Enrico Liggeri, reiterated Pfizer’s continuous commitment to education of

physicians and the general public saying the Summit is part of Pfizer’s contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care in Nigeria and the NEAR region.

Emphasizing the objective of the summit, Medical Director, Pfizer NEAR, Dr. Kodjo Soroh, said: ‘We need to get prepared for this prevailing CHD incidents and that is the essence of this Summit, to come up with some recommendations for government on how to stop the further rise of

CHD. Goal of the Summit was to raise awareness on the rising incidence of Ischemic Heart Diseases in Nigeria and seek cohesive preventive measures as well as actionable recommendations for the Federal government.

With the theme “Ischaemic Heart Disease”, the Summit provided a platform for healthcare practitioners to engage in discussion on the current trends in the disorder and its management.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

M

Y husband and I own a shop and we both work together. Women are always smiling at him.

Some try to flirt with him and prefer to order from him. He has not cheated on me but I don’t like what is going on. So sometimes we fight. My husband is a handsome man and knows how to thrill women. But I don’t want any woman looking at him like that. What do I do? Mrs James Dear Mrs James, you can stop women from looking at your husband by chaining him to the bed in your room and keeping him as your prisoner. Does that sound like something you want to try? If you marry a handsome man or woman, people will notice them. Beautiful people get noticed. It is not their fault.

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Alternatively, use wet wipes to clean up when you cannot take a shower. Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Cloth is great for keeping fresh. Once your husband knows you are making efforts to smell fresh, it will be easier for him to try oral sex. As for the G spot Vibrators, go for Euphoria G Spot Rabbit Vibrator. It is the best in that category – Uche Well done sir. Please I have a sexual problem and I think Sex Voltz or Max Testosterone supplement is what I need. Which one do you recommend? Thanks – Chidi Dear Chidi, if you have weak erection or no erection at all even when the desire for sex is there, then what you need is Sex Voltz. Sex Voltz is ideal for harder erections, stamina and multiple rounds of performance. But if your erections are okay but you just don’t have any desire for sex, then you need Max Testosterone. Max Testosterone is ideal for men with low libido who hardly feel like having sex, especially middle aged and older men – Uche I am 26 years old and I don’t enjoy sex at all. I release within seconds which gives me a headache – Mudiare Dear Mudiare, you need to see a doctor about the headaches. You shouldn’t get headaches after sex. As for your premature ejaculation, apply Stay Hard Delay Cream or Emperor’s Delay Cream on your penis minutes before intercourse and you will last longer. Using delay condoms will also help you last longer. Try Pasante Delay Condom.

It is very good – Uche And that’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Men and women in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can also order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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34 — Vanguard,

TUESD AY, AUGUST 21, 2012 TUESDA

Heart disease prevention:

NHF promotes healthy nutrition

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

A

S the war against car diovascular disease deepens in all parts of the world, health and nutrition experts have identified the role of healthy nutrition in formulating the best and most cost effective strategy in winning the war against cardiovascular disease.

The experts comprising stakeholders in the food industry, gathered at a sensitization workshop organised by the Nigeria Heart Foundation NHF in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, where the NHF's Heart Check Labelling Programme was promoted.

Chairman, NHF's Board of Trustees, Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, said the heart check idea was to help promote the health and socio economic well being of Nigerians, especially in prevention and control of heart diseases.

"Healthy nutrition is an important part of healthy lifestyle and awareness of healthy foods is a prerequisite for attainment of healthy nutrition. With this in mind NHF initiated the Heart Check Labelling Programme.

"When the Heart Check logo appears on any product or its packaging, this indicates NHF is satisfied the product complies with laid down nutritional standards based on NHF's heart check policy.

"The heart check food labelling logo provides incentives for shoppers to instantly identify products on the shelf that are heart friendly. Heart check labelling programme across the world develop community awareness on healthy

foods and provides opportunity for healthy food choices," he added.

President of the NHF, Dr Kingsley Akinroye said the objective of the programme is to reduce the risk factors for non-communicable diseases that stem from unhealthy diets and also increase the overall awareness and understanding of making informed choices that influence diet and health.

"Food labelling has great potential to Influence food choices, assist the consumer in making healthy dietary selection thereby influencing consumers' ability to reduce intake of CVDs risk factors e.g total cholesterol, total saturated fat, high

level of salt and low fibre."

Akinroye worried that NCDs would be responsible for more than 75 per cent of all deaths by 2030, adding that 33 million people died from NCDs in 2008 globally.

Prof. Olusola Omueti, Director Nutrition, NHF, in his presentation entitled: Role in Healthy Heart Nutrition" lamented the low level of awareness of Nigerians on heart health foods and recommended a strongly- built synergy among stakeholders.

He argued for promotion of healthy diets in accordance with national guidelines and international standards.

• L-R: Dr. J.O. Awobusuyi, Consultant Nephrologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Olusola Fasubaa, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Ekiti State, Dr. P.T. Adegun, Chief Medical Director, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Mr. Abasi-Ekong Udobang, Health Portfolio Manager,MTNF, Dr. Deji Ajayi, CMAC, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, at the MTNF Community Screeninig Exercise carried out in Ekiti State, recently.

NIMR empowers pathologists, scientists to meet WHO accreditation

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

I

RKED by the poor laboratory result outcomes in Nigeria, no fewer than 24 Stepwise Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation, SLMTAs, have been trained by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR as part of strategies to strengthen and improve laboratory practice in the country as well as accelerate international accreditation.

The two-week training funded by IANPHI was in line with the WHO-AFRO’s Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation, SLIPTA, initiative in accordance with its core functions of setting norms and standards and building institutional capacity.

The task–based, hands –

on-training programme which was the first of its kind in West Africa was established by WHO-AFRO, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, the American Society of Clinical Pathology, ASCP and the Clinton Foundation to facilitate implementation of the SLIPTA initiative.

Addressing the 24 participants comprising Pathologists, Medical Laboratory Scientists and other scientists, the DirectorGeneral of NIMR, Prof Innocent Ujah explained that the country was on its path of high quality laboratory practice in various hospitals and clinics for the overall benefit of all patients.

Ujah who lamented that the issue of laboratory quality in Nigeria has remained a source of concern to many clinicians and scientists in

the country disclosed that only two laboratories in Nigeria were International Standard Organisation, ISO certified.

He said the two week training has afforded the participants opportunity to learn to assess and accredit laboratories such that standards are maintained and improved upon.

According to him, “The programme aims to strengthen laboratory management, achieve immediate laboratory improvement and accelerate the preparedness toward accreditation.”

Explaining the importance of the training he said: Public health laboratories provide timely and reliable results primarily for

care.

“They require leadership, time, attention, resources and continuous commitment to evaluation and improvement. Poor laboratory quality leads to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of clinical conditions, inability to conduct adequate surveillance.

“By 2011 there were 5,349 diagnostic laboratories operating in Nigeria, out of these, only two (NIMR Human Virology Laboratory and Pathcare Nigeria Limited laboratories) have ISO15189 accreditation while the 445 Nigerian Air Force Hospital Laboratory achieved the 5- star ranking under the WHO/AFRO SLMTA programme.”

65-year-old Eku Baptist Hospital for commissioning

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

D

•Cross section of participants at the just concluded two weeks training of Nigerian Scientists as SLMTANs by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR in Lagos.

the purpose of disease control and prevention. Clinical laboratories provide accurate diagnosis of on-going, recent or past infections for appropriate case management. Therefore, for results of laboratories to be credible and contribute positively to improving healthcare they need to implement laboratory quality standards.

To achieve this, health laboratories should be encouraged and supported to achieve international accreditation. "Accredited Medical Laboratories have capacity for well –functioning quality management systems, technical competence, timely and customer focused services that contribute effectively to patient

ELTA State Commis sioner for Special Duties (Special Infrastructure), Mrs. Orezi Esievo, has said that the 65-year-old Eku Baptist Hospital, currently undergoing total rehabilitation by the state government would be commissioned in December, this year barring unforeseen circumstances.

Esievo who stated this during a guarded inspection tour on the project and other on-going projects in the state, expressed satisfaction on the quality of job done so far on the project which, she said, was receiving government priority attention.

While saying that the project has reached ad-

vanced stages of completion, she however, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work by some contractors handling various projects in the state, addding that they (such contractors) should step up their pace by ensuring that they deliver on time and according to specification.

The Commissioner who was conducted round the various wards at the Hospital by the Medical Director, Dr. Ese Aboloje alongside the contractor, Deux Project Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Eke, ordered the immediate provision of state-of-the-art medical equipment at the hospital, particularly at various wards where work has been completed.

Her words: “This project

is funded by the State Government as a priority project and 50 per cent fund has been released for the provision of state-of-the-art medical equipment” Esievo said, adding that the equipment on ground does not commensurate with the money paid so far.

“I am disappointed with the slow pace of work by the contractor and I have ordered that they should step up their speed in order to ensure that the project is commissioned in December, this year as agreed”.

The Commissioner who was in Agbor,Isele-Uku and Asaba monitored the ongoing rehabilitation/construction of state-of-the-art model primary and secondary schools.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—35

BY JUDE NJOKU •An abandoned project

“F

or which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.

Lest after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him saying, this man began to build but was not able to finish”.

This biblical passage is being fulfilled in today ’s Nigeria as the nation’s landscape is now dotted with a plethora of uncompleted or abandoned infrastructure as well commercial and residential housing projects.

In the housing sector, built environment experts who have begun to develop goose dimples over the the plethora of such uncompleted and abandoned projects, point to a number of factors as being responsible for this ugly development. They include: the high cost of land, no thanks to the Land Use Decree of 1978 which was made a part of the 1979 and 1999 constitution, thus making its amendment rather difficult; the near absence of mortgage facilities, the high cost of labour and the outrageous prices of essential building materials.

T

he lack of proper cost advice, cost planning and cost control were also fingered as the major reason for the numerous uncompleted or abandoned infrastructure projects in the country.

Speaking to Vanguard Homes & Property on the issue, the Registrar of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, Mr. Godson Moneke gave reasons for the

HIGH POINTS *Cost of projects are usually over-bloated because the relevant experts are shoved aside *Lack of cost advice, cost control and planning contribute to projects abandonment *Civil servants and political office holders see contracts as a means of siphoning public funds *There must be adequate budgetary provision and regular cash flow *Cost estimation should be done before embarking on any project

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Why uncompleted and abandoned projects dot the landscape numerous abandoned civil and heavy engineering projects in the country. “Most projects in Nigeria are overestimated because proper cost advice is not sought, while proper cost control and proper cost planning are not observed,” he said, adding that the scenario is worse in public sector projects because of the absence of cash flow planning.

He noted that money meant for projects are not released as and when due and as a result, civil servants usually cashed in on this development to defraud the nation. Moneke who called for proper budgetary provisions and funds allocation to projects, explained that it would

eliminate the present practice of allocating huge funds for administrative purposes.

The QSRBN Registrar also faulted the way civil and heavy engineering projects are executed in the country.

According to him, it is only in Nigeria that there is total absence of cost planning for such projects. Describing this scenario as a big shame, Mr. Moneke noted that it is one of the major reasons for projects abandonment.

“Cost is a very critical and significant factor; you don’t embark upon any project if you don’t do proper cost analyses,” he said, but lamented that Quantity Surveyors who are cost experts, have been shoved

aside in civil and heavy engineering projects.

“Because Quantity Surveyors are shoved aside on such projects, projects costs are over- bloated, while cost control and cost planning are undermined and everything goes haywire,” he said.

T

he former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, noted that some people appointed to supervise projects execution are incompetent and illequipped to do the job. He decried the overbearing nature of political office holders, some of who see these projects as a means of siphoning public funds.

He called for the adoption of cost auditing in the construction process.

“Contract and cost auditing are not part of the construction process. If we make cost auditing part of the process, it will make people to become more serious. Civil works and heavy engineering projects gulp a lot of money but cost audting is not part of the process, if cost auditing is made part of the process, it will keep people on their toes,” he said.

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Engr Kunle Adebajo, agreed that lack of proper cost analyses is one of the key factors Continues on page

HAZARDS

Tips on how to clean ceramic -tile floors C

eramic-tile floors can be cleaned easily with nothing but warm water, but be sure to sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose soil or grit. Never use a sponge mop to clean ceramic-tile floors. It will pull the dirt right into the grout tracks. This makes the floor more difficult to clean. A micro-fiber mop picks up all the dirt that a sponge mop leaves behind. Pour the ingredients into a bucket and use a rag or microfiber mop to clean. If you do use a

rag and the on-your-hands-and-knees method, be sure to wipe in a circular motion across the floor. Don’t forget the cabinets and baseboards. If you have really dirty grout, use a brush.

needs to be damp, not soaked. This will enable the floor to dry quickly. Wash the floor and be ready to be amazed by the sheen.

Clean hardwood floors se boiling water and two teabags to clean hardwood floors. The tannic acid in tea creates a beautiful shine for hardwood floors. Let two teabags steep in the boiling water for a few minutes. Pour the tea into a bucket. Take a soft cloth and wring it out in the tea. The cloth merely

Fill in any Scratches f there are scratches that stand out after cleaning the hardwood floor, simply take a crayon the colour of the floor and rub it on the scratch to fill the gap. Turn a blow dryer on high, heat the area where the crayon was applied and buff it with a soft cloth.

U

I

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

UK house prices are falling, says RICS H

OUSE prices are falling and more drops are expected in the coming months, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS, said last week.

A balance of 24 percent more surveyors reported falling rather than rising prices last month, the most negative reading since June 2011, the RICS said.

London, which has had strong interest from overseas buyers, is the only region where more surveyors reported price rises than falls.

The West and East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside were the areas where surveyors were the most likely to report house prices falling.

The start of the school holidays meant activity in the market tailed off further, with the number of new sellers coming to market declining for the third month in a row, while demand from buyers remained broadly flat despite the wet weather, the study said.

RICS said it had found marked regional differences however, with the North and North West regions seeing demand from buyers generally rising over the last four months in a row, while demand has either been unchanged or dropped off elsewhere.

Some 15.1 sales per surveyor were recorded over a three

month period, the lowest figure seen since October last year.

RICS said that the the difficulties many buyers are having in getting a mortgage has contributed to the drop in transactions.

Sales are expected to pick up slightly in the next few months, but both prices and sales figures are likely to show a deterioration in the next year, the study found.

Peter Bolton King, RICS global residential director, said: “Despite the terrible weather seen in many parts of the county last month, a steady number of potential buyers still got out there to test the market.

I

N a bid to decongest the traffic on the road leading to the ancient town of Ikorodu, the Lagos State Government has awarded a contract for expansion of Ojota-Ikorodu road to a Chinese company.

The contract, which comes in three phases will cost the sum of N29 billion and will comprise construction of nine pedestrian bridges and a modernized Bus Rapid Transit route from Ojota to Ikorodu.

These facts were disclosed at Ikorodu by Governor Babatunde Fashola during a ceremony to mark his 1,900 days in office. Fashola who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Olufemi Hamsat, an engineer, also announced plans to expand the BRT bus terminals to enable them accommodate a minimum of four buses.

The Government, he said, is also planning to construct an alternative road from Ojodu Berger to Ikorodu. The project will gulp about N60 billion.

In the area of housing, he said that his administration in order to provide quality and C M Y K

Cement Dangote cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Burham Cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Elephant cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Sandcrete Blocks 6 inches vibrated per block---N130 9 inches vibrated per block---N150 6 inches hand mould per block---N80 9 inches hand mould per block---N90 Sand Soft per tipper load ---N13,000 Sharp double tipper load---N23,000 Gravel double tipper load---N25,000 Gravel single tipper load---N18,000 Granite per tipper load----N120,000 Reinforcement 8 mm (153) pieces per ton ---N125,000 10 mm (153) pieces per ton---N136,000 12 mm (93) pieces per ton---N161,000 16 mm (93) pieces per ton---N172,000 20 mm (53) pieces per ton---N122,000 Woods Timber (hard) 1x1x12---N1,000 Timber (hard) 2x2x12---N800 Timber (hard) 2x4x12---N700 Softwood 2x2x12---N260 2x3x12---N300 Plywood 3x3x8---N3,500 2x4x8---N2,400

•UK property

Chinese firm bags N29bn contract to build Ojota -Ikorodu road

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

Building materials watch

affordable homes for the teeming population of Lagosians had embarked the construction of low cost houses and encouraged home ownership financing through mortgage. The government has also put in place policies that would enhance conducive environment required for

proactive public private partnership in the delivery process.

Among these are completion and commissioning of 256 housing units Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu; 336 housing units of Sir Michael Otedola Housing Estate, Odoragunshin; 88 housing units of Millennium Housing Scheme, Gbagada and presented Sub-Lease Title Documents to 1,000 house owners among others.

Roofing Sheets Corrugated iron sheets per bundle---N10,000 Asbestos (Super) 4x8 per piece---N1,600 Asbestos (Solo) 4x6 per piece---N1,500 Wall tiles (ceramic) 6 x 6 per square metre------------------N1,200 20 x 20 (China) per square metre----------N1,100 20 x 25 (China) per square metre---....N1,400 Floor tiles (ceramic) 14 x 14 (Spain) per square metre------------N1,800 14 x 14 (Brazil) per square metre------------N1,420 13 x 13 (Spain) per square metre---------N1, 550 45 x 45 (Spain) per square metre-----------------------N1,900 40 x 40 (Marble Spain) per square metre-------------N3,800 30 x 30 (Marble Spain) per square metre-------------N2,000 Plumbing Materials Galvanised conduit pipes per length 20 mm diameter -----------------------N170 25 mm diameter---------------......N170 PVC conduit pipes 20 mm diameter per length ----------------------------N120 25 mm diameter per length--------------N130 Source-----------Cement tiles and building materials market along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

Collapsed buildings: Built environment experts set to monitor construction sites

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE seven professional bodies in the nation’s built environment under the aegis of Building Collapse Prevention Guild BCPG have proffered solution to the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings in the country.

Disclosing the new initiative to tackle the disturbing wave of collapsed building, the chairman of the Guild, Mr. Kunle Awobodu noted that the serious problem of building collapse would not solved by rhetoric and mere promulgation of laws.

Awobodu, who is the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB and a former Chairman of the Lagos State branch of the body, gave details of the new approach.

“We have evolved a practical approach to solve a man-made problem that has so much cast aspersions on the professionals in the Nigerian construction industry.

When a problem has reached epic proportions, it is subjected to serious research. Data remain a fundamental stimulus to research of this dimension.

Records reveal that no structural engineer or professional builder was involved in any known building collapse cases here in Nigeria. That is ample proof of one advantage derived when prospective clients patronise authentic construction professionals”, he said.

He stated that it is prudent to have somebody that should be held responsible for the failure of a project, pointing out that, that is the more reason a building owner should play safe by committing a construction professional to sign the

professional attestation form that will make him culpable if he or she did a shoddy job. He stressed that once there is an iota of doubt on such a person’s professional competence, the client should immediately report to the construction professional bodies or BCPG for necessary remedial action.

On the modus operandi of the practical approach, the Guild’s boss noted that “our monitoring activities would adopt persuasive and non-confrontational approach. We are more or less observers that should show interest in the construction activities in our localities. We shall endeavour to know the construction professionals handling sites in our localities. Number of sites in each cell, type of building foundation related to soil test report and other factors will be determined and reported.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—37

ENVIRONMENT WATCH

New initiative to reduce time-to-market for carbon market projects T

HE United Nations E n v i r o n m e n t Programme, UNEP has unveiled a new standardized baseline* for the region’s electric power grid - a major step forward in efforts to boost access to climate-friendly investment in Africa that will reduce, by an estimated six months, the time it takes for carbon market projects to reach the market. The new emission factor, which encompasses all grid-connected utilities operating within the Southern African Power Pool, SAPP, would serve as a ready-made benchmark against which the Greenhouse Gas, GHG impact of future sectoral investments in the region can be measured.

Adoption of the new standardized baseline will enable renewable energy and other climate-friendly projects within SADC to be brought to the carbon market faster than previously possible. This is because a new baseline and harmonized approach would effectively eliminate some of the most challenging steps in the project cycle, thus streamlining the complex design, approval, and auditing processes required by projects to sell UN-regulated carbon credits.

regional GHG emission factor for the power grid.

“Previous rules and methodologies didn’t particularly match the local context, leaving many countries with a low emission baseline.

This new development enables more projects currently under development, including those utilizing hydropower, wind and solar resources, to increase their supplemental revenues from carbon credit sales,” Hodes said.

“Domestic hydropower generation and other intercountry power transfers were previously unviable, as they would have produced too few carbon credits. But as the region has a fully interconnected electric power grid-the SAPP-the new regional benchmark is not only

appropriate, but also more beneficial. Pre-ratification of the new figure by each country through its CDM authority will further streamline African access to carbon funding,” he added.

T

he move was initiated in a joint petition, filed by ten SADC member states, to create a common baseline for the region’s electric power sector under the CDM. Today’s submission to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) caps more than a year’s worth of research and consultations with energy and climate actors to quantify, validate, and pre-ratify a unified benchmark for the subregional power grid.

“Harmonized regional approaches such as this can

facilitate a more rational approach to financing capacity additions to the grid that also take climate change into account,” comments Engineer Joao Caholo, Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC. “They can support African governments to gain a bigger slice of global investment into renewable energy and climate-related finance. We are proud that southern Africa could play a pioneering role in this.”

Cooperation in the generation, trade, and efficient use of electricity offers opportunities to both improve energy security and create regional markets.

These objectives have been articulated by the recent meeting of the African Energy Ministers in Maseru, Lesotho.

G

lenn Hodes of UNEP’s Risoe Center, which leads the organization’s efforts in carbon finance and activities related to the CDM, said having such a baseline would make future efforts to boost clean power investments in SADC countries more efficient.

Until now, some Southern African countries had little or no participation in the CDM, despite significant potential.

Among the factors behind the slow uptake was the lack of a

•Oil spillage in Ogoniland: UNEP has welcomed Federal Government's decision to clean up the area

World Urban Forum begins Sept 3, as 3,000 register

By JUDE NJOKU

N

O fewer than 3,000 participants from 114 countries have registered for th the 6 edition of the World Urban Forum, WUF 6, slated to begin in the Italian city of Naples on September 3.

The premier global conference on cities and urban issues will address four major focus areas, namely urban planning, addressing institutions and regulations, including the improvement of quality of life; equity and prosperity (distribution of wealth and opportunities); productive cities (competitive

and innovative cities); and, urban mobility, energy and environment.

Meanwhile, participants at the forum, according to a statement signed by Mr. Paul Okunola of UN-Habitat’s office in Abuja, have till Friday, August 24, 2012 to complete their registration.

The World Urban Forum, a bi-yearly event, brings together key stakeholders and is regarded as the most comprehensive international forum for deliberations on urbanization and its associated challenges. Jointly organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme,(UN-Habitat), the

Government of Italy, the Campania Region and the City of Naples, the theme for this year ’s WUF is ‘The Urban Future.’

T

he statement said that the online registration portal will close on Friday, 24 August 2012, at 12:00 noon.

Accreditation with WUF6 photo badge, the statement said, will commence at the WUF6 venue on 30 August 2012 from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m daily, to enable participants avoid long queues during the official opening day on Monday, 3 September 2012.

Online registration, which is on individual basis only, is in

six categories. Okunola stated that several parallel sessions, including an additional 160 networking, side and training events as well as the World Urban Forum exhibition, will be held to showcase some of the world’s leading cities and innovations in urban development.

“The debate is already underway with nearly 1,500 people signing up for the online e-Debates at www.worldurbanforum.org , where people who will not be able to travel to Naples are able to join the debate and contribute to shaping the Forum’s discussions,” the statement said.

Mailafia canvasses upgrade of Park Rangers to paramilitary status

T

he Minister of Environment, Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, has said that all Park Rangers in National Parks nationwide will be upgraded to paramilitary status.

She made the disclosure recently in Abuja during the inauguration of the Steering Committee on the Commercialisation of National Parks.

A paramilitary is a force whose function and organisation are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state’s formal armed forces. Welcoming the members of the committee, Mailafia explained that the establishment of the committee is an important milestone in the commercialisation process which began over a decade ago, when National Parks were listed on Section 6 (Part1) of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act 28 of 1999.

She charged the committee to work assiduously within the terms of reference (TOR), which include: reviewing and updating any policies existing on forestry, wildlife and ecotourism; articulating fresh policies on the conservation and protection of National Parks; reviewing and updating the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the National Parks services; reviewing and agreeing on the role of the National Parks Services and other stakeholders within the framework of commercialisation, and subsequent introduction of Public Private Partnership (PPP) where viable in the National Parks; coordinating the interface between the National Parks Service, Park operators and other stakeholders in the unfolding partial commercialisation of the National Parks; and, ensuring the successful implementation of the partial commercialisation of the National Parks.

The minister noted that the membership, spread across relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), was deliberately designed with a view to articulating a commercialisation framework that would ensure active participation of communities’ stakeholders in the sustainable management of the parks.

C M Y K

38— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Re: Tales from tenants (2) Dear Yetunde, All that the Lagos State government has

,

H

i, The problems associated with landlord versus tenant relationship are innumerable.

From indiscriminate hikes in rent to molestations over how occupants manage the premises. In extreme cases, landlords and tenants have had to trade punches or taken their grieviances to the courts of law.

Almost every tenant has a story or another to tell about their landlords, from the bizzare to the hillarious. Stories of greed, jealousy and hatred and of course, kindness and love.

A couple of weeks ago, we published stories from two respondents who narrated some perculiar tales.

According to Amune, he strongly suspected that his wife of barely four years was killed by his landlord who disliked her from the first day he brought her into the house. The old man he said, wanted him to marry one of his young daughters.

Amune’s wife was considered as the clog in the wheel of his plans, so she had to go, at least, that was what Amune said his mother was told by some spiritualists.

Today, we bring you some of what our readers have to say on the issue.

Dear readers, we will still love to hear from you on this topic. Share your views/opinion and contribution with us by sending them to our address: The Human Angle, Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or e-mail us via:

humananglepage@yahoo.com Cheers!

A. Emmanuel.

L a g o s

giving me this opportunity.

More ink to your pen.

Olusegun Faseyi Lagos.

Dear Yetunde, I read your piece on the plight of tenants and I

When the old woman started making fun of him, he could not stand the shame, suddenly, he rushed at her and knocked her down

continued to do in the last decade or more is to covet the people’s land, use the people’s money to fund it and sell them off to themselves, their family and cohorts, who at the same time will use money stolen from government’s shaddy deals to acquire such houses.

Thereby running a vicious cartel at the expense of the m a s s e s .

If government is serious about housing the masses, let them take cue from nations such as Cuba and Isreal who have recorded great successes in this area and stop fooling us by making stupid laws that are almost impossible to enforce.

We live in a capitalist economy, therefore the investor or manufacturer reserves the right to sell or rent his apartment according to market demand or as he desires. After all, he may decide to lock up his house and no one can hold him to any crime for doing so.

Our government in this particular situation must learn to put it’s mouth where it’s money is.

Thanks so much for

,

want to share my experience. I live in a two bedroom apartment in a compound I share with several other tenants and our landlord. I have never seen such a greedy, troublesome man before.

Until he died two years ago, he held sway as the only landlord in the area who could get away with anything, including murder.

I say this because he contributed to the cause of death of one of the t e n a n t s .

The lady, a divorced woman in her early 50’s lived alone in a self contained apartment.

Early one Saturday morning, we began hearing babalandlord, shouting at the top of his voice, swearing at the tenants.

This was a regular occurrence, so most people do not pay much attention to him.

However, this particular day was different because we soon realised he was talking to the woman.

We all called her mummy, so when I heard her voiced raised at him, I had to come out to see what was

h a p p e n i n g .

From what the woman was saying, we soon realised that babalandlord had made a pass at the old woman and she had rebuffed him. Not wanting to take no for an answer, he started nagging at the woman and complained that her surrounding was dirty.

For that, she must leave his house at the end of the month, even without the expiration of her rent. We all knew it was no empty threat because he had done it to some others in the past.

He was no stranger to the local Police station and even those in the vicinity. He was so notorious that the Police got tired of his problems and would always tell the tenants to go and make peace with him.

When the old woman started making fun of him, he could not stand the shame, suddenly, he rushed at her and knocked her down.

Everyone screamed and we rushed to assist the woman up.

Babalandlord stormed out of the compound and went into his apartment.

It wasn’t his first time of doing such a thing.

The woman who became his wife number four was a tenant in his house.

Later that evening, my wife told me that mummy was not feeling fine and had been taken to the hospital that afternoon.

Her blood pressure had shot up dangerously.

Some of us went in to see her and advice her to ignore babalandlord.

That was the last time we saw mummy alive. It was around evening when the neighbours discovered that mummy had not been seen outside all day.

They knocked and there was no response, so they forced the door open and there they found mummy on her bed, stone dead.

The tenants raised alarm and went to get the Police.

Though baba tried to escape, he was arrested but later released because his children and family members rose to assist him.

To be continued

Asisited by Onozure Dania

Friends Searching Males

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relationship.08139507850

•Emmy, 23, needs a lady that will love him.

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Also note that we do not run any match-making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with anyone claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk.

Henceforth, only messages sent through the numbers readers want to be contacted on will be published.

This notice is necessary in order to serve you better in our refreshingly different style. To get your requests published, just text it to the code number 33055. For further enquiries, call 08026651636. Cheers!

Do you fall in love too quickly?

BY ONOZURE DANIA

W

ho falls in love faster, is it the men or women?

When it comes to love, most of us fall into two categories.

One, those who don’t think they deserve a lot and two those who are looking for the “perfect" person who does not exist.

Lets talk about those of us who don’t think we deserve a lot.

Don’t feel bad or get discouraged, many people really don’t feel they deserve a lot when it comes to love.

Women who feel that they don’t deserve a lot have a tendency to quickly fall in love and as a result are more likely to get their hearts broken over and over.

I don’t need to tell you that it is because you are being so needy, clingy or pushy, which some ladies and men probably already know. So, how do you stop yourself.

More importantly, how do you avoid men who are incapable of the kind of relationship you really need, but he’s not giving you.

If you are an hopeless romantic lady, then the downside of being a hopeless romantic person, is that you always fall for guys you barely even know. Your romantic mind builds up a character that is often times so different from the real person.

Your romantic mind also thinks that you know exactly how to spoil the person of your own imagination so much that he loves you eternally.

But most times the more you give, the more he pulls away. And when he tells you he is not feeling it, you get really confused.

Isn’t this what men want from a woman? Stop the

romancing of men and identify enduring qualities in a man.

You can have a healthy and balanced relationship. What you need to do is the power of having a clear thought and vision of the kind of person who makes you truly happy.

Once you conceive it in your heart and confess it with your mouth, it takes a life of its own.

You will find your general attitude towards the men you meet changing and see them for who they really are. Then you will begin attracting men closer and closer to your soul’s desire.

While you can easily come up with the external appearance; tall and handsome, financially secure, sense of humour, a University graduate and all of that, the truth is that the quality of the relationship is not so much about the romantic qualities of the person as it is about the quality of the way that person is towards you.

What he makes you think and feel about yourself, men, other people and life in general.

If you are hooked on looks, money, fame, possessions, how they make love and status, the ability to see relationships clearly, love or otherwise is extremely difficult.

Healthy, balanced and fulfilling relationships are less about the experience of falling in love and more about what happens in the days, weeks, months and years afterwards.

His real time actions rather than your romantic imaginations will show you whether or not he is the person you want in your intimate life.

sexy, busty and beautiful lady, for a relationship.08136062970 •Tj, needs a serious, caring and pretty girl, for a serious relationship.

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Vanguard anguard,,

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

VIRGO; As Saturn enters your Star Sign today it is important you are more practical and seek all important supports of the influential people around you.

Be more loving.

LIBRA; The more ambitious you are today the better for your cause. And here is a good day to plan for the future but you must do away with whatever can not be placed above board. Yong-at-heart among you may be in for a romantic day.

SCORPIO; Even if you are tempted to gamble by whoever and/or whatsoever reason you must resist it or else you would be the loser. Being aggressive may help SAGITTARIUS; Provided you are willing to co-operate with other poople things will not go out of hands but exhibition of inordinate ambition can earn you avoidable trouble.

TUESD AY, A UGUST 21, 2012 — 39 TUESDA

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

GUESS for some times now, you have been thinking of doing that new thing. And anytime you think about it, you console yourself by saying, it is not worth it, you don’t need it now, it will

A new thing never work, it has never worked. Haba!

Are you God? How do you know it will not work when you have not tried it? Is there any harm in trying?

TERROR MUDA

My friends go ahead and do that new thing you have never done before today! Learn a new thing, read that new book; learn that new skill, improve your-

in “Never say goodbye”

self. Do not remain in one place or position for too long. Always add value to who and what you are. Where are you now? Are you still where you were last year?

Do a thing today and experience new excitement.

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN; Element of luck will assist you. Those of you who are more hard working will have more positive things to show for your efforts. Take care of your health.

AQUARIUS; Many natives of this Zodiac sign will be excited either because of romantic interest within your working arena or practical advancement at work.

PISCES; Reason with those you can take as veterans within your base of operation because if you want to force your way without carrying necessary and more experienced people along it would back-fire now or soonest ARIES; The more creative you are the better for your cause. However is typical day when too much expectation can bring disappointment. Be more family minded.

TAURUS; If your priority is financial success you may not be disappointed provided you prepare for a few challenges. For now both your mental energy and physical attributes are enough to win you love not MONEY. Be more receptive.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; This is your day when both good luck and your personal efforts will bring you success. Try to be as caring as possible to those within your base.

CANCER; Although there will be challenges at the end of it all you will have genuine cause to smile.

The more secretive you are the better for your cause.

This is not the right time to ignore your sex life. Do away with unnecessary argument.

LEO; This is not the right time for you to either gamble with money or take friends for granted. Secret lovers may be in for an exciting day.

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,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Should I remain hopeful?

Dear Joshua I want your in-depth analysis and tell me about my social life, and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life. I am hopeful though Anonymous Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, Yes be very hopeful. And what you will find hereunder will answer your questions Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame. The best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility.

As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted.

Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 46th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 46th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 48th year on earth.

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Group donates N1m medical equipment to Delta hospitals

I'm not on the run —Lawan

H

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—A GROUP, Umeh Need Road Forum, yesterday, donated medical equipment worth N1.2 million to Oleh and Ozoro central hospitals, Isoko South and North Local Government Areas of Delta State, as part of activities to mark its first year anniversary.

Making the donations, which saw the hospitals receiving one infant incubator, a photo-therapy scanner, a giant stabilizer, 75 bedspreads and pillows and five towels each, Administrator of the group, Mr. Duncan Afahokor, said the donation was aimed at reducing mortality of children born prematurely and also as a result of jaundice.

Noting that the hospitals needed at least 10 incubators each, he said the donations were also intended to draw government attention on the need to adequately equip the hospitals with modern facilities.

INSTALLATION: From left: Mrs Joy Wamake, past DG; Lion Hob Lawal, past International Director; Lion Wayne Madden, International President; Lion Sam Ekpuk, new District Governor and Ambassador Segun Bamigbetan Baju, during the installation of Ekpuk as the new District Governor 404A of Lions Club, Port Harcourt.

P

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan has ordered Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to ensure that it provides affordable houses for owners of houses demolished or to be demolished, to alleviate their plights.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who relayed the President's directive when he hosted some residents of FCT after the Eid prayers, at his official residence in Life Camp, said the palliative measure as ordered by the President, would cushion the effect of the exercises on the victims.

He solicited the understanding of Abuja residents on the matter.

He said: “The demolition exercises carried out in the last three months were not a deliberate act to inflict harm and impoverish those affected but to rescue the Abuja C M Y K

home as soon as the hajj rites were over, insisting that he was innocent of the bribery allegations levelled against him by oil baron, Femi Otedola.

The lawmaker said the reports that he always wept whenever he faced police interrogators on matters relating to the alleged bribe were a calculated attempt to portray him as guilty.

Lawan also said the claim that members of his dissolved committee had disowned him on the bribery charge was misleading.

He stated he was prepared to do anything to clear himself on the alleged bribe.

Not all N-Delta youths are ex-militants —Kuku

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

DONATION: From left: A student of Itolo Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos, receiving books donated by the president, Rotary Club of Iponri, Lagos, Rotn Segun Akinwotu, to the school.

Jonathan orders affordable housing for demolition victims in Abuja

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

ON Farouk La wan has said that he is not on the run contrary to insinuations in some quarters, insisting that there is no reason for him to be on the run because he is not afraid of anything.

The former chairman of the adhoc committee of the House of Representatives on fuel subsidy is currently in Mecca on hajj where he spoke yesterday.

Lawan said he was purely in the holy land to perform his religious obligation and not because he had to run from Nigeria.

He promised to return

Master Plan and for security reasons among others.

“We are not demolishing houses because we want to cause pain to anybody. At times we take such a decision because of information at our disposal. We, as an administration, know the

agony the affected people are going through.

“We are going to do something in tandem with the directive of President Jonathan to make sure we provide some solace on a long term basis by building houses in FCT that are affordable to those affected,” he

explained.

The minister explained that the impending demolition exercise was imperative to restore FCT to the path envisaged by its founding fathers as he pledged some succuor for affected residents to cushion the effects of the demolition.

Labour threatens strike in Benue over N100m National Housing Fund deductions

BY PETER DURU

N

IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, Benue State council, has warned that it would be forced to call workers out on strike over the failure of the state government to refund to workers, the N100 million accumulated deductions for the National Housing Fund.

Labour also hinged it’s proposed action on the failure of the state government to ensure speedy payment of teachers’ salaries and

the implementation of the N18,000 new minimum wage for primary school teachers in the state.

Benue State Chairman of NLC and National President of Agricultural and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, AAEUN, Mr. Simon Anchaver, issued the warning, yesterday, while fielding questions from Vanguard in Makurdi.

He said: “We have consistently raised several issues before the state government bordering on the welfare of work-

ers in the state, one of which is the issue of our leave bonuses, which is not being consolidated by the state government.

“The state government is owing workers backlog of leave bonuses and it is as if the matter had been swept under the carpet. We also have on the table, the issue of accumulated excess tax deductions from workers’ salaries, which was supposed to be refunded to them, till date that has not happened and workers are not happy about that.

ORT HAR COURT— Governors in the Niger Delta have been told to build capacity among youths in the region.

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and co-ordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, who made the appeal, weekend, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when he met with Ogoni youths, said it was disturbing that many youths in the region were appealing to be listed in the amnesty programme.

He noted that his task was not to gazette every Niger Delta youth as ex

militant, appealing to the governors in the region to come up with an alternative capacity building programme for youths in the region, adding that at the moment, he lacked power to accommodate fresh names in the ongoing amnesty programme He said the list was closed on October 4, 2009 after repentant militants and their leaders had keyed into the proclamation of amnesty by the Federal Government.

Stressing that governors should also come to the aid of youths seeking to be productively engaged, Kuku said he would soon evolve a special programme to train Ogoni youths on environmental remediation.

Sapele Okpe leadership tussle escalates

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—THE lead ership tussle rocking Sapele Okpe Community, has taken a dramatic turn, as the former chairman of the community, Mr Michael Egbejule, was, weekend, arrested by security men.

A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard, that the chairman’s arrest was on the order of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, Benin City, Edo State.

The circumstances surrounding the arrest of the ex-chairman, were at press time, skeletal, though his loyalists claimed he was arrested for kicking against a plan by the interim executive

committee, led by Mr Moses Ogodo, to conduct a fresh election into the executive committee, which he is presently challenging before the state high court, Sapele.

When Vanguard visited Sapele police station, yesterday, the former chairman was seen writing his statement.

An elderly man in the community, who preferred anonymity told Vanguard that the arrest of the former chairman was to enable him answer questions on allegations of financial misconduct levelled against him in a petition by one Mr Joseph Ogodo, also a community elder, in which the later had prayed the AIG to arrest Egbejule, over alleged financial recklessness.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—41

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Failed contract is between Okupe and Akume — Gov Suswam FOR the first time since the controversy over an alleged multimillion naira contract allegedly abandoned by Presidential Aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe in Benue State broke out, Governor Gabriel Suswam commented on the issue last weekend. In an exchange with newsmen in Otukpo, Benue State, Suswam absolves himself from blame even as he used the opportunity to debunk insinuations that the state is insolvent. Excerpts:

BY PETER DURU

W

HAT is the exact state of the finances of Benue State?

The finances of the states depend on the federation account, once there is problem in the federation account, it affects all the states, not just Benue. Of course, there are delays.

The problem which I think is just minimal, lies simply with the biometric exercise that we are carrying out to sort the issue of over bloated pay roll and strength of the civil service.

You will agree with me that when you start the process of computing and data capturing you could sometimes experience some hiccups and in the process, it affects one or two persons.

For instance, the deputy governor and I had in some cases missed our salaries and it is not because there is no money. This is exactly what has affected few people but the state government is not owing anybody.

What exactly is the problem between the State House of Assembly and the Executive that has compelled the legislators to demand for the sack of the Commissioner for Information?

I think the Commissioner for Information said something, but I thought that it is something that is resolvable.

There is no conflict between the two arms of government.

I do not think there is any problem.

Assembly members' sensitivity But you see, the House of Assembly became very sensitive to some of the things the Commissioner said. I was also to some extent sensitive to their remarks because I expected that they would have gotten the fact when they said that government was owing salaries for nine months.

And you know that in Benue if you owe salary for one month, it won't just be something in the realm of speculation because the news will be everywhere.

It is a common knowledge C M Y K

*Gov Suswam that the country is going through some financial challenges and no state is

excepted. But, one thing I do is to prioritize salary, once money comes, salaries are

paid before any other thing is done and I don't joke with that.

You have been mute over reports that Dr. Doyin Okupe defrauded the State in the execution of a contract.

Why? That is because we are not the ones who gave the contract. However, the person who did, Senator George Akume, as I read in the Newspaper has made a press statement to that effect through his media aide. I wasn't involved in that deal.

The media aide asserted that they gave a contract and there were issues. So, I'm waiting for them and I think it will get to us to know.

Like I said, I read in the papers, the statement made on behalf of Akume by his aide and I believe Senator Akume is in a better position to address that problem.

But, government is continuum, the present administration ought to have taken the matter to the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) because the amount involved is over N700million and it is big money for a state like Benue?

I agree with you but if you read what the media assistant to Senator Akume did say, she said the problem arose with them and that they are handling it.

You know, that I didn't have the privilege of being given a hand over note by my predecessor.

I didn’t, I have told you this several times before, no hand over note was given to me.

‘EFCC must be encouraged to do the right thing'

BY INNOCENT ANABA

T

HE recent withdrawal of some charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against Pinnacle Oil and Gas and others, alleged to have been indicted in the subsidy scam, has raised concern in some quarters, as it was at first perceived as a ploy by the anti-graft agency to compromise the charges.

But from the affidavit filed by EFCC, seeking the withdrawal of the charges, it was obvious that the agency acted in good faith as it was honest enough to admit that the companies and individuals were charged to court in error.

The move by the commission has received commendations

from stakeholder who noted that it is a right step in saving tax payers’ money on a matter that abinitio, would not fly.

EFCC must also be commended for moving past the era of prosecution by ambush and intimidation by ensuring that matters were properly investigated and the understanding that it would not do the commission any good to go on with matters that could not be won, even if the people at the time feel otherwise.

It is instructive to note that the Presidential panel headed by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, which submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan, had specifically indicted 25 companies.

Industry watchers and observers, including ordinary

Nigerians, had stressed the need for the companies to be prosecuted by the Federal Government, which the EFCC has taken up.

While the timely prosecution of the subsidy scam beneficiaries is of great importance, not only to the commission, but to re-assure Nigerians that crime does not pay, like the Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, noted at a recent civil society groups meeting with him, same cannot be sacrificed for thoroughness, which is the only way the commission can secure conviction.

Lamorde, who acknowledged the desire of every Nigerian to see that those who have made billions at the expense of the masses in the name of oil subsidy are in jail, cautioned that care

must be taken, so that a solid case is built; one that can ensure that these individuals end up in jail.

It is in this regard that one may commend the commission for not being carried away by the sentiments being expressed, but actually putting in effort to ensure that things are done right.

Unlike in years past, when the commission will haul suspects into detention centres and then fish for evidence, the commission has started on the right path.

Nigerians want it sustained (that is, properly investigate cases before they are charged to court).

Lamorde did inform at the meeting that it took the London Police over seven years to build a case against former governor

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—43

OBASANJO: Where are his friends?

THREE time Nigerian ruler, Olusegun Obasanjo drew attention and patronage from far and wide during his stewardship of the country. The scant attendance at the launch of a book on him last Tuesday, however, showed that things are not the same for the man once hailed as the father of modern Nigeria.

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

P

OLITICIANS are known to be fair weather people with no permanent friends, but permanent interest. The reality of this axiom seems to be playing out in the political camp of former President Olusegun Obasanjo following recent occurrences.

Gone are the years when Obasanjo would cause a serious stir in the entire country because he wanted to hold a function.

Those were the years he held sway as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In those days, dignitaries across the country and beyond scrambled for Obasanjo’s invitations and even those, who were not invited to those functions sometimes gate-crashed, all in the name of currying the political favour of the Ebora of Africa (African deity).

Some of the events which were must-attend include the celebration of his village tagged; Ibogun-Olaogun Day, Owu Day, his birthday and launch of his Presidential Library. At these occasions, billions of naira were realised by Obasanjo with ease.

Presidential library And what happened during the launch of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library where over N2 billion was realised at a stretch speaks volume on the influence Obasanjo wielded when he was the cynosure of all eyes.

As a three-time head of state and chairman, Board of Trustee, BOT of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whenever Obasanjo sneezed, governors and other who is who in all the sectors including the economy caught cold. Now, things appear to be changing as recent development seems to be indicating.

Then, governors, ex-governors, incumbent presidents across African countries, diplomats, technocrats, politicians and royal fathers across the country were at his beck and call but today, they hardly attend OBJ’s functions.

His acclaimed political sons and daughters across the country seem to have abandoned their erstwhile political godfather.

They were loudly absent at the

recent book launch by their political godfather held in Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library hall in Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Arguably, Obasanjo is the most celebrated Nigerian leader, who at the same time paraded an array of benevolent politicians during and shortly after he exited the most plum job in the country in 2007. Penultimate Tuesday, it became obvious that Obasanjo, who was honoured for his meritorious service as head of state and President of Nigeria might have been abandoned.

It was a day that a book titled: “Olusegun Obasanjo: Passing the Torch” written on his personality and achievements by a prominent personality, Ambassador Albert Omotayo, was launched. His usual ‘ Chief launchers’ were no where to be found and the few ones who showed interest sent representatives.

Attendance: The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was invited by Obasanjo, could not come in person. She sent a representative in the person of the Minister for Water Resources; Sarah Ochekpe. Governors of Kebbi, Kaduna and Katsina states also sent representatives.

The Kebbi governor sent his deputy, Aliyu Khalil, his Kaduna counterpart sent the state Chairman of the PDP, Nuhu Audu while their counterpart from Katsina sent his AttorneyGeneral.

Attorney general Even the host governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was also represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Shuaib Salisu. Surprisingly, ex-governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke drove himself to the venue early and waited till the end of the programme.

Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; foremost businessman, Oba Otudeko; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; National Secretary of the PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel all sent representatives.

The ultra-modern 700-capacity hall was scanty with journalists, ushers and security operatives constituting a sizeable number of the population.

*Obasanjo: Has he been deserted?

Those who personally attended Obasanjo’s latest show were former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Proprietor of Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti and legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, who chaired the occasion. Also in attendance were PDP chieftain, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and former Minister of Defence, Mr. Adetokunbo Kayode.

Reactions to the low turn-out of dignitaries Chief Afe Babalola, who chaired the occasion, fired the first salvo when he expressed his

disappointment over the scanty audience, adding that, he had expected the hall would be packed in honour of the great Nigerian leader.

According to him, what happened today might mean one of these; may be Baba decided to celebrate it in low-key or people did not get the information about this.

“As a matter of fact, the decision to accept to be chairman of this occasion was not one that came easy for me. I have been turning down all invitations. However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCON is a man for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration and from whom I enjoy a measure of goodwill,” he

said.

Corroborating Babalola on the perceived boycott of the event by Obasanjo’s political associates, former head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan said, “ Chief Obasanjo can be likened to biblical prophet who is never honoured in his own country and among his own people (Mathew Chapter 13 verse 57 and mark Chapter 6 verse 4) “Chief Obasanjo is acknowledged and respected worldwide for his achievements and leadership qualities. But, it has not been the case at home.

What I am saying therefore is that we must learn to celebrate our heroes rather than pull them down.

“Other countries that we think are better than our country also have their bad sides which they cover. It is only when we celebrate our heroes that emerging leaders can see them more as guiding lights and the heroes can work harder to achieve more for the country.”

Obasanjo, however, felt indifferent to the complaint as he maintained sealed lips throughout the five-hour programme.

Tributes to Obasanjo: Dame Patience Jonathan, who was represented by Ochekpe, described Obasanjo as an enigma and urged researchers to work on other notable personalities.

According to her, “Obasanjo has devoted his life to the service of the nation and humanity. He is a patriot who is still actively engaged in peace mediation efforts and advisory initiatives. It is important for all Nigerians especially the youth, who we will hand over to eventually, to have a good understanding of their socio-political antecedents.”

‘EFCC must be encouraged to do the right thing' Continues on page 42 of Delta State, which made securing his conviction easy.

From the list of indicted companies as submitted by the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede committee, the names of the companies and individuals listed on the charge were not on the list.

It was gathered that EFCC during its check, which it was learnt was thorough, it was discovered that the companies and individuals were not indicted, but curiously were charged to court.

EFCC’s counsel had told the court, while praying that the charges to be struck-out, that he had the power of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to withdraw of same.

“I urge the court to strike out the charge. The charges preferred against the defendants in this case were misconstrued by the prosecution and were

inadvertently filed against the said defendants. A review of the prosecution’s case and the evidence available to the prosecution clearly show that the defendants did not commit the offences for which they are charged,” the commission’s counsel further contended.

“The complaint in consideration of the above fact had decided to withdraw the criminal charge before this court against the defendant,” the commission said. *Lamorde: EFCC chairman Any effort by the antigraft agencies to carry out their are well investigated and right duties diligently must be parties taken to court that the encouraged and it is on knowing commission must be encouraged that EFCC has realized that it is in its effort of riding the country not just about rushing individuals of corrupt persons and and organisations to court that companies. mattered, but ensuring that cases C M Y K

44— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

LAGOS BEACHES CLEARING:

Fun seekers adamant, throng Badag

BY LEKE ADESERI, South West Regional Editor with agency reports

T

HE General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Femi Osanyintolu, after the an early morning ocean surge on Saturday that sacked communities around Kuramo Beach in Lagos, leaving several persons dead and others missing, identified ocean surge as a

problem in communities around beach fronts which had wreaked havoc in the past.

He also ordered residents living or doing business around other beach fronts in the state to leave immediately. To buttress the point, the State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Segun Oniru, also ordered the immediate evacuation of the state’s waterfront communities saying

the move was necessary to avert disaster at the waterfronts.

Osanyintolu identified places from which residents are expected to move as Badagry and Ojo Waterfront areas, Bar Beach, Kuramo Beach, Goshen Estate, Maiyegun and Alpha Beach.

Hundreds at Badagry, Bar beaches Hundreds of fun seekers again thronged the troubled Lagos Bar beach

and other beaches in Badagry area to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr holidays that marked the end of 30 days of fasting

by Muslims.

According to reports, the major beaches visited by the fun seekers in Badagry area were Sapo, Aivoji and Suntan. Some fun seekers engaged in swimming, photography, horse riding, musical performances and games, such as billiard and snooker.

Miss Folake Mohammed, a beach visitor, told NAN that she enjoyed herself, stressing: “Coming here to relax and receive cool breeze means a lot to me. Having a place like this around Badagry without going through the expenses of travelling abroad is interesting to me.” Mohammed said that she came from Okokomaiko in Lagos and expressed a wish that events, such as the festival, happened regularly.

Mr Soji Mohammed, a trader, said that leaving all merchandising activities to engage in relaxation was something good for him. He said: “Everyday I move around trying to make money but today I depart from the tradition to spend part of that money through relaxing and enjoying myself.”

Soji Momodu, a civil servant, said it was nice leaving the pressure of everyday work to catch fun at Badagry beach where a lot was happening, noting: “As you can see, I look refreshed here now, having

Holiday makers at the Bar Beach, yesterday

Kuramo Beach, overwhelmed by ocean surge C M Y K

Picnickers at the Bar Beach, yesterday

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012— 45

Agberos outsmart Fashola on traffic rules •Still operate on roads but in mufti

gry, Bar beaches engaged myself in activities different from what I do everyday. Here at Sapo beach, there is no dull moment.”

He promised to continue the relaxation throughout the holiday, saying, “by the time I return to work on Wednesday my productivity will be better enhanced.”

NAN reports that beer sellers, photographers, food ven-

dors, horse riding operators enjoyed increased patronage.

Also, the Marketing Department, Badagry West Local Council Development Authority, the owner of Suntan beach, was busy attending to visitors and made money from gate fees and car parking charges.

At Aivoji beach, some worshipers conducted church services.

BY BOSE ADELAJA

B

Lagos State governor, Fashola

ARELY few weeks after Lagos State government signed the Traffic Bill into law, which restricts officials of the National Union of Roads and Transport Workers, NURTW, to their motor parks, some members of the union have devised a smarter way to continue with their nefarious activities on the roads.

This time around in mufti, to confuse the general public that they are complying with the new law.

Lagos mortuaries overflow with unclaimed corpses

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

T

HE issue of corpses and dead animals on the roads and highways will never cease to constitute an irritating, embarrassing and environmentally unpleasant sight not to mention its public health implications.

Today, a corpse on the streets and other public places in Lagos is headline news. No bystander, pedestrian or motorist, would ignore a decomposing human or stray animal body lying by the sidewalk, the gutter or middle of the highway - victim of one misadventure or the other.

Such development is readily described as abominable and disrespect of the human element, which, even in death, deserves to be respected. That is why every responsible Lago-

sian does the right thing by calling attention of the authorities to take care of such bodies.

But a decade and a half ago, things were not done this way.

Once upon a time, unidentified or unidentifiable dead bodies littered the streets of Lagos confetti, and no one cared - because there was no care available for such eventualities. Hence, hardly would a day go by without one or more corpses on the roads and streets are left to rot away.

Problem of unclaimed corpses By every standard, the old mortuary at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, was an eyesore - not helped by the increasing problem of unclaimed corpses. However, following the commission-

ing of a state-of-the-art 52-chamber mortuary, to replace the moribund morgue, the problem of unclaimed corpses prevailed.

The old mortuary was eventually closed down and the building converted into a histopathology laboratory where cases of suspected cancer investigations are carried out as part of the necessary steps to get the teaching hospital and college of medicine accredited.

The new mortuary was gradually upgraded into a100-chamber facility and it is the second ultra modern mortuary facility to be floated by the state administration after the one at the Gbagada General Hospital.

Today though, the story in the state is different.

Although removal of corpses from the highways is statutory responsibility of local government councils, neglect of this activity by the aforementioned occasioned an executive mandate by the State Governor to the Ministry of Health to take over the duty of ridding the streets and roads of corpses by setting up of the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU,.

It was in response to the spate of corpses on the roads, the Lagos State government instituted the SEMHU as an arm of the State

Ministry of Health tasked with the responsibility of evacuating human corpses from the roads.

Since the Unit was launched August 21, 2000 to rid the streets of Lagos State of corpses and other health-related hazards, the story has changed for the better.

W

hile there is no specific data, Vanguard investigations reveal that the SEHMU which has had its work cut out has so far picked in excess of an estimated 25,000 corpses to date, or an average of 2, 000 bodies per year.

Unclaimed and unidentified corpses continue to populate the morgues and the state government is often compelled to carry out series of mass burials. Unclaimed bodies readily pile up at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja; Isolo General Hospital and Gbagada General Hospital mortuaries.

Several of the bodies which are often in various stages of decomposition, and there were instances of corpses kept at the mortuaries for upwards of one year.

Although the Director of the SEHMU, Dr. Olayeni Adeyemo, was not available to speak, it was gathered that the unit combs highways and public places to evacuate the dead bodies daily and drops them in the state’s mortuaries where they are treated as coroner cases.

Today, a corpse on the streets and other public places in Lagos is headline news

Vanguard investigation revealed that the drivers are forcefully exploited particularly when the park chairmen have unexpected guests. Their boys would then be sent out to raise some funds to cater for entertainment among other expenses. This is not limited to motor parks as almost all the bus-stops have officials controlling them.

The dues, ranges from chairman’s money, security money (meant for security operatives), visitors’ entertainment, chairman’s lunch) to mention just a few, are being collected from the commercial bus drivers and any driver who fails to comply will be severely dealt with.

Vanguard’s visit to some busstops like Iyana Ipaja, Ketu, Odogunyan, Mile 12, Oshodi, Mushin, Palmgrove, Ojodu Berger, Pen Cinema and Obalende revealed that the ‘Agberos’ are fully operational at their unauthorised roads though many of them are now in mufti, abandoning their green-white-green uniforms.

Badaru Tijani, a commercial bus driver, who claimed the job is always tasking, told Megacity: “At the main park, you have to pay N1,200 and at different busstops, you pay a minimum of N400 during the trip. In a nut shell, the earning from the first trip goes for park payment and settlement, some with tickets and others without. How will I survive other necessary expenses like fueling and minor repairs.”

Expensive clothes and jewellery Investigations reveal that these payments are collected in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evenings. Chairmen of the ‘Agberos’ live flamboyant lives, live in the best homes, ride in big cars, wear the most expensive clothes and jewellery and flirt with the society ladies.

In a chat with Vanguard, some commuters Mrs. Aminat Keshinron, Nkem Odunm and Kingsely Osahon reacted negatively to this act saying the government having passed the law was supposed to put men of the State Security Service SSS, on the roads to checkmate these excesses and restore sanity.

However, an official of Lagos State branch of NURTW, Comrade Paul Ogini, dissociated the Union from the nefarious ploys, saying those on the roads were mere touts and were not sent by the Union. He said: “There is a clear difference between ‘Area boys’ and NURTW. Our members are duly informed and cannot operate on the road; anybody found collecting dues on the roads should be brought to book by the government.”

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY,

AUGUST 21, 2012

Edited by Ogbonna Amadi amadi_o@yahoo.com

The truth about the ‘robbery’ incident at Basketmouth’s lounge

A

•Jessica and Justine

Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake marry in a secret ceremony J

ESSICA Biel recently revealed she was in no rush to wed her superstar beau, Justin Timberlake but it appears no rush to her literally means a couple of weeks as she reportedly wed the star this weekend.

Jessica biel justin timberlakeAww, Jessica and Justin reportdely wed on Sunday. Copyright [Getty] The A-list duo are believed to have tied the knot at a secret ceremony on Saturday with Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake heading to Jackson Hole ski resort in Wyoming for their private wedding.

According to American gossip site, janetcharlton.com, the newlyweds fooled everyone, a source telling the publication this weekend: “They pulled a fast one on everybody! They are in the middle of their ceremony at a very fancy private estate and members of the wedding party are staying at the Four Seasons Hotel there.”

And if that doesn’t convince you that Justin is well and truly off the market now (sobs) perhaps the fact wedding cake designer, Sylivia Weinstock was also seen at the Jackson Hole.

The Wyoming venue is pretty significant to the pair, they got engaged there at Christmas.

The wedding news is a sneaky surprise from the private couple who only officially revealed they were engaged last month.

Jessica even said recently that she was ‘too busy’ to plan a wedding — and we all fell for it. Last Thursday she was in London for the premiere of Total Recall and just three days (and some jet leg) later she was getting married.

Jess, you had us fooled!

Hollywood director Tony Scott commits suicide; jumps from bridge

T

•Tony Scott

HE director of ‘Unstoppable’, ‘Top Gun’, ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’, Tony Scott has committed suicide.

The 68 year old younger brother of popular movie director, Ridley Scott, jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California yesterday Sunday August 19th at about 12.30pm.

Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Departmen found contact information in his car, which was parked near the bridge, and a suicide note in his office.

A passerby who saw Scott jump from the bridge called 911. His body has been recovered from the water.

Scott’s last film as a director was 2010’s Unstoppable. He is survived by his wife, Donna Wilson Scott, and their twin sons, Frank and Max.

DAY after popular c o m e d i a n Basketmouth officially opened his lounge about a month ago, some armed robbers tried to rob the place.

But contrary to reports making the rounds that the robbers invaded and robbed customers of the Lounge, I can tell you for a fact that the report is false.

According to people who were at the lounge when the incident occurred, the robbers never got inside because of the armed mobile policemen stationed outside the lounge, who opened fire at the robbers. At least one of the robbers got hit. They disappeared before they could be captured.

And yes, Basketmouth was inside the Lounge when the attempted robbery took place, and

yes, people inside panicked when they heard the sound of gunshots outside the bar, but before anyone could really come out to check what was going on, it was all over.

Everything happened on the street, not inside the lounge.

•Basketmouth

Promoter apologises to Banky W and EME over false allegations

T

HE allegations against Banky W and the EME crew over the cancellation of the EME concerts in Canada and California have now been proven false.

Promoters of the EME North American tour, Royal entertainment, have issued a statement on their company Facebook page two nights ago apologizing publicly to Banky W and the EME crew. They stated that Banky W and the EME crew should not be held responsible for the cancellation of the shows as reasons for canceling are genuine and unavoidable.

In the press statement, chief promoter and director of Royal Entertainment, Eche-Enzina Emole says “We have come to find out that this information was 100% false. As you can imagine, my partners and I felt betrayed

•EME crew

and went on a public tirade against EME, and Banky W. Sparks flew, tempers raged, and certain statements were issued, on twitter ” Royal Entertainment also stated that they were fully informed about the cancellation and both parties agreed to release a public statement apologizing to fans on the issue but instead, Royal Entertainment and its partners took over social and online media making false allegations against Banky W and the EME crew.

When asked about his reaction to Royal Entertainment’s public retraction and apology, Banky W said “We have accepted the apology. It’s time to move on.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—47

Police in Oyo State round up ex-convicts that formed notorious robbery gang

By OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

F

IVE notorious criminals who were granted amnesty in 2011 for committing atrocities ranging from stealing, armed robbery and murder and consequently given the opportunity to re-integrate into the society were recently, rounded up by the Police in Oyo State for terrorizing residents of Ibadan and its environs.

The alleged criminals: Lukman Rafiu, Benjamin Ojo, Adebayo Adeniyi, Wasiu Adegoke and Muniru Adigun were paraded by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, Tambari Yabo Mohammed at Police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan last Tuesday. The Police boss regretted that instead of the suspects to appreciate the extension of mercy granted to them through the amnesty, they formed alliance and later became more notorious than they were when incarcerated.

He said the exploits of the robbery gang dated back to their prison days.

Granting of amnesty Mohammed said: “The fiveman alliance started shortly after they were granted amnesty and released from prison and thereafter, it has been terror for Ibadan residents and environs. The suspects were arrested by police officers from Idi-Aro Division following a tip-off. The five notorious criminals were responsible for various robbery incidents at Timdan supermarket, Airport road, Ibadan, a shop at testing ground area, Iwo road, Sherrif petrol filling station at Alakia road, Ibadan,

The robbery suspects

an Alfa shop at Iwo road and several other robberies which they confessed to.”

AIG Mohammed said that the legal bottlenecks have not really helped matters. He was embittered that when criminals are arrested and taken to courts, it is the court that releases them and the accused would end up causing more harm in the society.

“Segun Kehinde and Lukman Rafiu were earlier charged to court for murder in 2007, but were granted amnesty and released in 2011, while Benjamin Ojo and Muniru Adigun were charged to court for robbery but were also released in an unclear circumstances in 2011. Segun Kehinde was also

charged to court for burglary and stealing and was released in 2011. They all met in prison and regrouped after their release to form a formidable armed gang.

On their arrest, four locally-made cut to size single barrel guns and six cartridges were recovered from them.”

When speaking with Crime Alert, one of the suspects, Lukman Muniru who said he neither smokes Indian hemp nor cigarette, asked this correspondent: “Have I not spoilt the name of my family? Ah, I have spoilt the name of my family already. What will people who see me on television or newspaper be saying?

What led me to this inglorious

and disgraceful act? We used to steal generators before we graduated into robbery. I always hired motorcycle and used it to carry members of my gang. At times, I would get N20,000, N15,000 and at times N5,000. I am a generator mechanic. It is when I don’t have any work to do that I go into robbery.”

Police sources hinted that though the suspect had earlier proved difficult but when he saw the policeman who had earlier interrogated him he opened up.

The suspect further revealed how they always stole generators while working. “I have lost the count of generators we stole.

There was a time we stole about

Merchant navy alerts over illegal entry of ships into Nigeria

By DONALD ARJI

T

HE Nigerian Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Maritime and Petroleum Security and Safety Corps has sent a strongly worded petition to the President Goodluck Jonathan, to institute a high- powered probe into the alleged involvement of some officers of the Nigerian Navy in the illegal entry of ships loaded with refined petroleum oil products into the country.

The Director-General and Commandant of the Nigerian Merchant Navy, Commodore Benson Edema who made the allegations in a release said some officers of the Nigerian navy in connivance with some government officials attached to the office of the SecC M Y K

retary to the Federal Government, “evaded and confiscated all relevant documents relating to the number of ships and the name of agents that came into Nigeria with loads of refined Petroleum Oil products and the total amount of tonnage and litters of Petroleum products on board brought and offloaded in Nigeria.”

According to Commodore Edema, “ The Nigerian Navy, NN, conspired with Petroleum fraudsters to issue clearance and permits of entry to vessels without petroleum products on board to proceed alongside jetty and terminals for offloading since 2003.

They connived with a top official at the office of the Secretary to the Federation in Lagos to gain access to those relevant documents

they seized and also to use the influence of the top federal government official to evade and seal up the headquarters of the Nigerian Merchant Navy ship base in Lagos. After that, they confiscated all items related to the tonnage and litters of petroleum, PMS, Diesel, AGM, and kerosene, DPK, to prevent the security corps from carrying out their maritime Petroleum security operational duties in Lagos, Delta and Benue States.”

He alleged also that “the activities of some officers of the Nigerian Navy have been distracting the attention of the Federal Government from getting to the root of oil theft and those security agents involved in collecting the subsidy money without supply-

ing petroleum product and the diversion of same products from offloading at jetties point. ”In November, 2007, the Nigerian Merchant navy alerted the Federal Government over the increasing rate of illegal firearms and ammunition being smuggled into the country through the sea and land borders.

Unfortunately, two days after we raised this alarm, officials of the Nigerian Navy invaded our Ship Base in Lagos for raising the alarm and prevented us from carrying out our lawful duties.

If that raid was prevented, the rate of rampant illegal firearms that gain entry into the country would have been checked drastically,” he stated.

25 new generators from a shop.

If a generator is working, we can steal it before the owner knows anything. We would carefully extend the cable to where our motorcycle is parked and then suddenly cut the wire and speed off.”

The leader of the gang who gave his name as Niyi Adebayo initially denied going out with the gang but later confessed that he was the one holding gun at a filling station at Adegbayi where they robbed. When asked how much his gang made, he said he did not know but confessed that he was given N15, 000 and at another time, N15,000.

Notorious robbers The police boss added that other suspects were at one time or the other arrested but let off the hook by the court. He also narrated how two notorious robbers operating on a motorcycle popularly called ‘okada’ attacked and robbed one Lebanese, Fariz Fawaz of his Blackberry bold-3 phone, valued at N80,000, adding: “Corporal John Balogun of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, who witnessed the incident pursued and arrested one of the robbers on the ‘okada’ used while the other escaped.”

The arrested suspect, one Mutiu Wahab a.k.a. ‘Eba’ led a team of SARS operatives to Beere area where the second suspect, one Sulaimon Yusuf was arrested. He too led the policemen to Oke-Ado area where the stolen blackberry phone was recovered.

48—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Mer cedes Benz CLS-Class Shooting Br ake redef ines coupe concept

•Rear

•Interior

BY THEODORE OPARA

C

OUPES are usually two-door cars. But Mercedes Benz has changed the rule. First it created a four-door saloon coupe and as if that was not enough, the renown world auto maker has added an estate coupe to its lineup which it called the CLS-Class Shooting Brake.

A masterpiece in every sense, the Mercedes Benz CLS Shooting Brake is unique in appearance and Weststar Associates, Mercedes Benz representatives in Nigeria says it would introduce this •gshow stopper•h in October this year, as there is nothing like it in the market so far.

Mr. Mirko Plath, Weststar Associates Managing Director could not dows with frameless side hide his excitement over windows and dynamic the planned introduction roof sloping back towards of the new CLS-Class the rear creates a basic Shooting Brake into the stance which makes it look ready for take off. It Nigerian market.

Hear him, is only when taking a •g”Mercedes-Benz is second look that it beonce again setting an ex- comes clear that the ample when it comes to Shooting Brake actually creativity of design, and has five doors and offers as such highlighting its “more” in terms of funcleading role in this area: tion.

In essence it represents in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is an unprecedented verquite clearly a coup?, but sion of a sports car with with five doors and a roof five seats and a large tailwhich continues through gate. It is a special propoto the rear, it promises sition for people looking some remarkable new to differentiate themselves possibilities. The long from the mainstream, and bonnet, narrow-look win- who do not wish to com-

promise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coup?, has the potential to become the role model for a new mar-

of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A complete-

ly new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used.

Ford raises the bar with 4 years extended service programme

F

ORD Motors has continued to raise the bar in the Nigeria automobile market with innovative offer to the

Dr kayode Olagunju, Corps Commander, FRSC, with Bisi Adeyemi and Joseph Owolabi of ExxonMobil, at the ExxonMobil Drivers Certification Programme in Lagos.

C M Y K

ket segment - adds Plath.

He explains that the CLS coup? already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options ? offering five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from.

Customers have a choice

benefit of their growing customers.

The American automobile manufacturer recently unveiled a four year or 120,000 kilometres extended service programme for its customers in Nigeria thereby breaking the usual three year or 100,000 kilometres warranty that was obtainable in the country before now.

Unarguably, the first of its kind in the country, the after sales free service package is being offered through Ford’s two dealerships in the country – BriscoeFord and Coscharis Motors.

Speaking during the unveiling of the programme in Lagos recently, General Manager, BriscoeFord, Mr. Krishna Kulkarni and the Executive

Director, Coscharis Motors, Mr. Raju Sawlani explained that the offer was aimed at boosting the position of the Ford brand in the country.

According to them, customers satisfaction is not negotiable as far as the Ford brand is concerned in Nigeria as the company will always do its best to ensure that the customers get the best out their Ford vehicles.

“Customers satisfaction is what the Ford brand is noted for globally and we will not relent in providing that unequalled service,” said vsiting Ford Motors Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Ezio Tuniz.

The Regional Manager who is in charge of the sub-Saharan African

market explained that the incentive of free service was part of the Ford brand promise to meet customers expectations in the Nigerian market.

The free service is available on the new Ford Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, FSeries trucks and ESeries vans.

Part of the offer include tyre rotation, engine oil change and filter changes, spark plugs, clutch disc, engine belts and hoses, wiper blades, replacement of brake pads and lining when worn, shock absorber replacement etc.

Ford, it should be recalled has been churning out very exciting models in the last decade that has won more customers ever since.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012—49

Stallion flaunts top European models L

eading automobile marketing company in Nigeria, Stallion Group, last weekend organised a test drive of the European vehicle brands under its stable.

The test-drive was to acquaint the local media with the latest development and innovation from the European-made brands marketed by the Group which include Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda.

Addressing the journalists at the Porsche centre in Victoria Island Lagos, the newly appointed managing director in charge of the European brand, Mr. Julian Hardy outlined the unique qualities of European automobile brands.

According to him, the European brands are steps ahead of others in terms of built-quality, reliability, technologial advancement, fuel efficiency, comfort and safety,hence they have maintained the lead in ranking by leading organisations like JD and Associates ranking.

According to him, these vehicles are high profile products and are built to last longer than their competitors”.

To buttress his points further,the managing director stated, they are top

on JD and Associates reliability ranking and you can buy them with confidence”.

The managing director explained that their aim is to continue to introduce the latest models from the stables o f

these leading European auto-maker to the benefit of their customers with improved after sales backup.

After the lest drive which lasted for about four hours, the journalists scored the trio of European engineered Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda range of automobiles A+ in a performance and scientific proficiency road test that started from the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island Lagos to Banana Island Estate through Chevron Pavilion, Lekki Peninsula Lagos.

A+ is the highest rating ever in a county road

test usually arranged to determine the efficiency, standard and performance of any vehicle designed to standard.

The test drive offered local media the prospect to also compare the engineering proficiency of European engineered brands to products of

evolving Asians including Japanese and Korean series of vehicles.

Mr. Julian Hardy, deputy managing director, European Brands, Stallion Motors said this much at the pre-test briefing when he recounts the numerous viewpoints of European engineered vehicles,

Mercedes Benz exploits excite Weststar W E S T S TA R Associates Limited, authorised distributors of Mercedes Benz in Nigeria is still

basking in the euphoria of its success as the best commercial vehicle and best brand in Stuttgart, Germany. The world leading

BriscoeToyota partners mechanics on fight against fake part B

riscoeToyota, a sub sidiary of R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria) PLC, has taken a giant stride in the fight against the use of fake auto parts by partnering with Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN), the umbrella body of auto technicians in the country. R.T. Briscoe recognizes the Mechanic and Technician Association as an important stakeholder that purchase and make use of various Spare Parts for repair, servicing and maintenance of vehicles contracted to them by individual and corporate customers.

At a meeting with the association recently, Briscoe Toyota enlightened the technicians on the advantages of genuine, and dangers of using fake auto spare parts. It was pointed out that the use of fake parts contributes to

accidents and loss of life, vehicle breakdown, reduction in the life-span of the vehicle and ultimately loss of valuable time and money, while genuine parts on the other hands helps in averting these unsavory situations.

Briscoe Toyota said this was part of their strategy to entrench the culture of using genuine spare parts for auto repairs by the mechanics and technicians in the country. But beyond this, the members being the users of Spare Parts, the company is also willing to support them with regular supply of genuine spare parts at affordable price to enable their members retain and maintain their existing chain of customers, attract and secure new ones and make more sales and profit in their businesses.

The Chairman of MOMTAN, Alhaji Arowo-

which he said are value-driven with the best value for money.

The test drive according to the management was one of the numerous showstoppers lined up to precede the Stallion European Motor Show slated for September 2012.

The show is intended to hype and help motorists rediscover the poten-

tials of European engineered vehicles such as Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda range of vehicles.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hardy has said “Top European car manufacturers like Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen prod u c e some of the best performing vehicles on the road and are evidence in many consumer reports’ test which has shown how sturdier in design and build strength are European brands of vehicles.”

He also said European vehicles are generally safer with shorter braking distances in case of serious accident and their acceleration, handling, performance and steering response remains the best yet.

lo, expressed his delight at the step taken by R.T. Briscoe and his desire to partner with the company in achieving this feat.

In his words, ‘none of his members would claim not to have heard of, or transact businesses with RT

Briscoe at one time or the other in the past, and that the company is living up to a name that has become the generic name for Toyota Genuine Parts in the Nigerian Automobile market’.

commercial vehicle maker emerged top at a recent poll by over 8000 readers who voted who voted to select Mercedes Benz as the best commercial vehicles for 2012. Five Mercedes Benz commercial vehicles and two Mercedes Benz service solution emerged victorious in the poll.

This development, according to Weststar Associates Managing Director, Mr. Mirko Plath confirms the quality of the products in the auto industry.

“The seven awards is a delight to Weststar as a representative of the brand in Nigeria. This has once again proved that

our product line-up puts us in a perfect position above the competition, he said. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was voted winner in the category “vans up to 3.5 t” for the 17 th consecutive time. The Sprinter which has been highly successful in its segment for many years is the first van to be optionally equipped with the “7G-Tronic” sevenspeed automatic transmission while the new Mercedes-Benz Actros category on the had won the “long-haul truck” category.

The new flagship of the MercedesBenz commercial vehicles division is economical, safe and very eco-friendly. The proven Actros wins in the category “dump trucks up to 32 t”. More than 700,000 vehicles sold since its market launch in 1996 make the Actros the most successful heavyduty truck worldwide.

MercedesBenz New Actros has won the coveted title of International Truck of the Year 2012, becoming the first manufacturer in nearly two decades to win the award in consecutive years C M Y K

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Song completes Barca medical A

LEX Song is close to becoming a Barcelona player after passing his medical with the Catalan giants.

Arsenal and Barcelona agreed a £15million deal for the Cameroon midfielder at the weekend and he travelled to Spain on Monday morning to undergo a medical.

Having passed the tests, the 24-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Spanish giants on Monday afternoon before being presented to the club’s fans.

“He has a very low body fat percentage and very good muscle quality. All the tests have come out satisfactorily and he is available to the coach,” Doctor Ricard Pruna told the club’s official website.

T

ON SONG . . . Arsenal’s forward, Alex Song g acknowledges cheers from fans after completing his £15million move to Barca.

Kompan eam spirit ompanyy hails tteam Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes the Eastlands

NO CAUSE FOR ALARM . . . Man City Captain, Vincent Kompany takes control of the game against Southampton

outfit have proved their champion team spirit remains intact.

City needed to come from behind against promoted Southampton to get their Premier League title defence off to a winning start in their season opener at the Etihad Stadium.

The 3-2 success may not have seen City at their most destructive but Kompany felt it was a performance full of the qualities which yielded a first league title in 44 years.

The 26-year-old told City TV: “We have always proved to be very difficult to beat at home.

“Maybe we will just get belief out of this. Maybe that is why we always keep coming back and it never seems to be fin-

ished.

“I don’t even need to say it loudly. Last season proved how crucial it [team spirit] was for us, in the last games.

We showed we wanted it as much.

J

C M Y K

•Mourinho turn to England, but only if a club proves their de-

sire to have him as their manager.

A

•Walcott

“I will go where people really want me and, when that moment arrives, they’ll show me they really want me,” Mourinho told BBC. “But I have to repeat this always: I am at Real Madrid. I like very much to be [there].”

“I one day want to be back in English football, yes. I always said that.”

Mourinho believes his success is down to his willingness to do all he can to bring happiness to fans, who he insists are the reason club’s exist.

Gerrard insists there is no reason to panic

L

IVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that his team were stunned by their 30 defeat at West Bromwich Albion but is adamant there is no reason to panic.

Brendan Rodgers’ first

Premier League match as Liverpool manager on Saturday turned into a dispiriting experience for everyone connected with the club, as Albion romped to a shock victory after defender Daniel

OTTENHAM boss team is in need of that, Andre Villas-Boas but when we have them has dropped his strongest all together the quality of hint so far that Jermain the player is tremendous.

Defoe has a crucial role “It is a different situato play in the club’s fu- tion for him now. I have ture. The England inter- nothing to do with anynational had looked set to thing that happened in leave White Hart Lane in the past. the off-season after fall“He is our striker, is ing down the pecking playing extremely well, is order under Harry Red- full of confidence and has knapp last season. been deadly in front of Defoe netted in the 2-1 goal.” defeat to Newcastle on Saturday, and Villas-Boas has informed the striker will remain an important player in the squad.

The Portuguese tactician told reporters: “He always has this killer instinct. He scored in midweek for his country, scored for us during preseason and again here [at Newcastle]. He is showing that touch that we need up front.

“Jermain accepts that we are looking for one more striker because the •Defoe

Wenger hopes ffor or W alcott deal Walcott

Mourinho: I’ll go where I’m wanted OSE Mourinho would welcome a return to the Premier League but he will only join a club who prove they really want him. Mourinho caused a sensation when he was appointed manager of Chelsea in 2004 and he continued to stir things up during his three years with the club.

He left Stamford Bridge in acrimonious circumstances but despite the manner of his departure he was linked with a return following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti and Andre Villas-Boas.

Currently with Real Madrid, Mourinho has been tipped with a return to the Premier League with either Manchester United or Manchester City and the ‘Special One adits he would love a re-

AVB praises ‘deadly’ Defoe

Agger was sent off.

But Gerrard felt the onesided nature of the score was harsh on Liverpool, who missed several good chances before falling behind to a stunning strike from Zoltan Gera.

RSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is working hard to try and sort out a new contract for winger Theo Walcott.

The 23-yearold’s current deal at the Emirates expires next summer and so far talks over a new contract for the England man have failed to tie him down to a new deal.Walcott, who has been linked with both Liverpool and Chelsea over the close season, is thought to be happy to stay at Arsenal but is yet

to commit his future long term.

Wenger, who is still reeling from the blow of losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United this week, will not want Walcott to be the next big name to leave the club with his contract running out.

The Frenchman, however, says the Gunners are working hard behind the scenes on a new contract offer for the former Southampton trainee, who has been with Arsenal since 2006.

“We are still trying to extend his deal,” he is quoted as saying by The Sun.“When a player doesn’t want to stay, you either force him or you let him go.”

Xavi hails Villa comeback

B

ARCELONA mid fielder Xavi believes the return of David Villa was the highlight of Sunday’s 5-1 mauling of Real Sociedad.

Villa made his first competitive appearance of 2012 at the Nou Camp to complete his recovery from a broken leg - scoring just nine minutes after replacing Pedro as a second-half substitute.

By that point, the game had been won thanks to a Lionel Messi brace and efforts from Carles Puyol

and Pedro, but Xavi was left in no doubt what the most important thing was.

Xavi said of the 30year-old on Canal Plus: “He has suffered a lot, he had a major injury and he is back. The truth is that the best thing of all is the return of ‘Guaje’ Villa.”

Pedro echoed those sentiments, saying: “Villa’s return is the best piece of news of the game. He scored a goal and it’s an absolute joy to have him with us.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 51

London 2012 Paralympics:

Nigerian powerlifters get high ratings

BY BEN EFE

N

IGERIAN para lympics powerlifters have been tipped to do well and possibly redeem the battered sports image of their country as the countdown to the London 2012 Games trickles down.

Baring any circumstances, Nigeria is assured of three gold medals from that event and other participating nations are showing

enough respect to the country’s powerlifters.

According an Asian coach, Nigerian powerlifters are some of the best in the world and they stand between his athletes and the gold medals at London 2012.

The Nigerian medal hopefuls include Grace Ebere Anozie. She won gold in the women’s over 82.5kg at the 2012 FAZZA International Powerlifting Championship, Folashade Oluwafemiajo who is a top con-

tender for the women 75kg title and Daleth Obioma who won silver in the men’s 100kg at the last paralympics games in Beijing, China.

Nigeria Paralympics Committee Secretarygeneral, Dr. Frank Thorpe, however, disclosed that the athletes are in high spirit and are not under pressure considering the expectations from Nigerians, after the London 2012 Games debacle by their physically balanced counterparts.

Women set entry Record T

HE greatest number of women Paralympians ever will compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it has been announced.

In just nine days time, a record 1,513 female athletes will compete against each other across 18 sports in various London 2012 venues.

The number of women participating at the Paralympic Games has been increasing over time; more than doubling since the Barcelona 1992 Games two decades ago.

In 1996, at the Atlanta Games, 790 women represented their countries.

Four years on at Sydney 2000, this grew to 990.

By 2004, over a thousand women Paralympians – 1,165 to be exact – contended for medals, with this number rising to 1,383 at Beijing 2008.

Of the 20 sports that will be played in London this summer only five and seven-a-side football will not feature female athletes.

Eko 2012: Coach Alabi says Ondo is training to win medals from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 performances from our

J

OSHUA Alabi, Ondo State Assistant Taekwondo coach has said the state taekwondo practitioners are ‘battle ready’ to win laurels for the state at the upcoming National Sports Festival.

The festival, tagged, “Eko 2012”, will hold

in Lagos.

Alabi said on Monday in Akure that the state’s athletes had been issued ‘state of the art equipment’ for their training, so as to motivate them to improve on their performances.

“We have equipment that will bring out better

athletes. We will ensure that we win medals in all the categories we are featuring in.

“If 20 athletes are required in the festival, we will field them because we have amazing talents in the state and they are ready to bring glory to our ‘sunshine state,” he said.

Nigeria’s Ruel Ishaku in action at the Beijing 2008 Olympics

ARS Nigeria champions vow to conquer Africa

N

IGERIA’s contin gent to the pan-African Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) Soccer Championship holding in Nairobi, Kenya, have vowed to make their countrymen proud by bringing home the trophies for the male and female categories of the pan-African U17 youth

tournament.

The winners of the Airtel Rising Stars national finals - the Jos male team and Port Harcourt female team are Nigeria’s representatives at the championship in Kenya. Both teams emerged favourites at a keenly contested national finals held last month at the Agege

Township Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony organized for the teams by Airtel Nigeria, captain of the female team, Success Elendu assured Nigerians that Port Harcourt girls will rule Africa by emerging overall champions at the tourney billed to kick off August 20th.

Festival: Coach urges NSC to fight against poaching

K

ALLY Agogo, the Head Coach, Lagos State Sports Council has appealed to the National Sports

National athletes contesting during at the All Nigeria /Cross River Championships

Commission (NSC) to expedite the fight against poaching in Nigeria sports.

Agogo said in Lagos that poaching of athletes by other states was one of the factors militating against the growth of sports in the country.

He said the surest way the NSC could fight poaching was to compile the database of athletes and the states they represent before any National Sports Festival.

The coach observed that the trend of poaching usually become rampant when the bi-biennial National Sports Festival is approaching and that the compilation of a database would not make poaching possible.

Agogo said that poaching could also be reduced if every

state gives “ robust welfare package,’ to their athletes, stressing that an athlete with attractive monthly package would not be easily lured away.

“Poaching has eroded the originality of coaches and the standard of sports because they no longer put in their best to train and develop athletes.

“The NSC should help fight against it to ensure that lazy coaches are forced to work hard to discover and develop their own athletes.

“At the approaching of each festival and most times with the support of their state sports council, lazy coaches go round to lure athletes from other states with money.

“These athletes are promised employment but are usually laid off after the fiesta.’’

52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 53

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Keshi pleads concentration Continues from BP Nigerian had a right to ask and make inputs to the team. “But what I will plead and ask for is to be left alone to concentrate on my job as the national coach. I will take advise from every well-meaning Nigerian, but I will not take insults and distractions”, he declared.

The Big Boss, as Keshi

is fondly called, said his team was on course to qualify for both the Nations Cup in South Africa and the World Cup in Brazil, but was aware that certain people would still want to cause disaffection in the national team. He asked such individuals to leave the team alone and join in the task of building a national team that Nigerians will be

proud of.

He again acknowledged the huge support he has received from the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, led by, Aminu Maigari and all other stakeholders and said with such support the team is united in its quest to return to the pinnacle of African and indeed global football.

Eagles ready for Liberia Continues from BP number of invited players.

And following several queries about the psychological readiness of the team, despite the huge pep-talk that coach Keshi delivers daily, Team Psychologist, Robinson Okosun, says there is no cause for alarm as the team is in the best frame of mind for the game against Liberia. “We have

players who are exposed and have been in constant touch with my office. Luckily for me , I also have a Head Coach, who doubles as a super psychologist and motivator to the players, which has made my job easier. I don’t think there should be any fears about the state of mind of our players whether foreign or local based because what we are going for now is to qualify for the Nations

Cup and the World Cup and do very well at both tournaments”, he declared.

ANCHESTER City striker Sergio Aguero has played down concerns about the knee injury he sustained during Sunday’s 3-2 win over Southampton.

The Argentine, 24, was carried off on a stretcher after eight minutes following a challenge by Nathaniel Clyne.

Aguero tweeted that it had been a “tough hit” to his right knee but said there was “no significant injury”.

City expect to find out the extent of the injury in the next 48 hours once the results of a scan are known.

Play media Aguero has become a key player for City, scoring the goal that gave them a 3-2 victory over QPR on the final day of last season to secure the Premier League title.

Brazil Continues from BP game in football between Mexico and Brazil, while Mexico were underdogs but at the end they defeated Brazil,” he said on a phone interview.

Continuing he said “In a nutshell, the girls

should ensure they do their best but never underrate their opponent,” Obienu.

Nigeria last Sunday kick started its World Cup campaign on a promising note by defeated Korea Republic 20.

Aguero eases fears over knee injury

•Aguero He scored a total of 23 league goals in his debut season following

last summer ’s £38m move from Atletico Madrid.

Ghana Continues from BP Hayes doubled the lead five minutes into the second half, heading in a cross from Kealia Ohai, and made it 3-0 in the 74th with a rightfooted shot from just outside the penalty area. She completed her hat trick two minutes into injury time.

Germany beat China in the other Group D game on goals by Lena Lotzen, Anja Hegenauer and Luisa Wensing and an own

goal from Lin Yuping.

The U.S. plays China on Thursday and finishes the first round against Germany next Monday.

In Group C, Canada routed Argentina 6-0 behind Adriana Leon’s hat trick and goals by Shelina Zadorsky, Jaclyn Sawicki and Catherine Charron Delage. Yun Hyon Hi scored twice in the first half, and Kim Un Hwa and Kim Su Gyong had second-half goals to lead North Korea over Norway 4-2

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 — 55

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VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Brazil are beatable — Obienu

By KATE OBODO

A

S the Super Falco nets battle Brazil in their second group game of the ongoing FIFA U-

20 World Cup in Saitama, Japan Wednesday, former vice chairman of the Nigeria football Association, NFA, Richard Obienu has said that the

Eagles ready for Liberia

•As Okosun assures on team’s mind set A FTER a heartwarming goalless draw against the Menas of Niger Republic last Wednesday in Niamey, the Nigerian national side; Super Eagles returned to camp yesterday with homebased team skipper, Chigozie Agbim, the first to arrive camp.

Obviously, leading by example, Agbim strolled into camp unnoticed at about 1pm and was received by Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta, who quickly sorted out his accommodation arrangement at the Bolton White Apartment abode of the team. .

About an hour after Agbim’s arrival came Kano Pillars striker, Sani Sanusi, the one his teammates like to call Ronaldinho. Then there was a deluge of players from all the clubs, with Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars with four players each still topping the list of clubs with the highest Continues on Page 53 TODAY'S

team could beat Brazil if they can repeat their form against Korea in the opening game.

According to the Enugu based lawyer, “ we can beat Brazil just as we did in the opening game against Korea Republic, so no team is unbeatable.” Example is the just concluded Olympics

Continues on Page 53

Women U-20 World Cup: Americans trounce Ghana

M

AYA Hayes scored a hat trick to lead the United States over Ghana 4-0 Monday in the Americans’ opener at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup. Kinda Addai’s own goal in the 20th minute put the U.S. ahead.

Continues on Page 53

RUNNING AGAINST TIME: Super Eagles in training.

Keshi pleads concentration, not distraction

F

OLLOWING an uproar at the weekend that higher authorities in sports in the country were making moves to monitor every activity of the national team, the Super Eagles

PUZZLES

ahead of its crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia, Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, says it was a normal development, but pleaded that he should be given peace of mind YESTERDAY'S

to do the job entrusted to him.

Keshi, who has midwifed a near perfect blend between home based players and their foreign counterparts since he took over the

national team, says he would rather not comment on the interest of top sports officials at all levels in the national team, since every

Continues on Page 53

•Keshi

ANSWERS ACROSS 1 Blemish (4) 4 Cushion (3) 6 Bulk (4) 9 Vase (3) 10 Splendid (8) 11 Remain (4) 14 Resin (3) 16 Climb (5) 19 Hugged (8) 21 Danger (5) 23 Differ (8) 24 Choose (5) 27 Knock (3) 31 Unfasten (4) 33 Adorned (8) 34 Fire-arm (3) 35 Yield (4) 36 Plaything (3) 37 Dumb (4)

DOWN 2 Chef (4) 3 Rant (4) 4 Manufactured (8) 5 Run (4) 6 Melody (5) 7 Skill (3) 8 Grow (5) 12 Barrier (5) 13 Overhead (5) 14 Breach (3) 15 Deserve (5) 17 Grant (5) 18 Eject (5) 20 Disorder (8) 22 Circuit (3) 25 Thrust (5) 26 Hag (5) 28 Warmth (4) 29 Dross (4) 30 Exploit (4) 32 Counterfeit (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Lawful 5, Thwart 8, Maintain 9, Loud 10, Fen 12, Pater 15, Sew 17, Use 18, Irk 19, Air 20, Demon 21, Inn 22, Spa 23, Sum 24, Lee 26, Ladle 29, Pie 33, Base 34, Inclined 35, Severe 36, Tangle.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 2, Awake 3, Fang 4, Lima 5, Tingle 6, Walk 7, Route 10, Frail 11, Nurse 12, Pedal 13, Timid 14, Rinse 15, Skimp 16, Wince 25, Evade 27, Agile 28, Licit 30, Ideal 31, Fete 32, Kiln.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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

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