CORRUPTION/RIDICULOUS JUDGMENTS - NJC probes Thalba,retires two judges

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 61824

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Jonathan 'll run in 2015 — PDP •100 opposition parties can't win

•Pg.9

— Dame Jonathan

Presidency has no information on Maina's •P.14 whereabouts — Okupe

CORRUPTION/RIDICULOUS JUDGMENTS:

NJC probes Thalba, retires two judges •Extends tenure of Bulkachuwa as Acting President of Appeal Court

•Asks President Jonathan to effect retirement of the judges •Court summons AGF, NJC, NASS over Judges’ salaries

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA —THE Judi ciary moved, yesterday, to rid itself of corruption allegations when it descended heavily on three judges. The supervising body of judges, the National Judicial Council, NJC, ruled yesterday, that the judge that handed light sentence to police pension fund thief, Justice Abubakar Thalba should be probed, while justices C.E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and T.D. Naron of Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST:

DONU KOGBARA: •P.17

Mr & Mrs

EKO ATLANTIC—From right: Mr. Bill Clinton, former USA President and Chairman, Bill Clinton Global Initiative Foundation; in handshake with President Goodluck Jonathan; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Chief host and Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives, during the dedication of Eko Atlantic 5,000,000 Square Metres, in Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Jonathan makes u-turn on UNILAG name change

—P.11

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

C M Y K

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4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyat Rufai (r); Chairman, University of Lagos Governing Council, Prof. Jerry Gana (2r); Member, Unilag Governing Council, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye (3l) watch as the Chairman Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerijie, exchanges greetings with the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, during the inauguration of the Governing Councils of four Federal Universities at the Ministry of Education, Federal Secretariat, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

CORRUPTION: NJC

probes Thalba, retires two judges Continues from page 1 High Court, Plateau, be retired.

Justice Abubakar Thalba gave a light sentence to a self confessed pension thief, Mr John Yakubu Yusufu on January 28.

Shortly after Yusufu who stole N23 billion from the police pension fund, pleaded guilty to a three-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the EFCC, trial Justice Abubakar Thalba, while relying on the provision

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

You just need to decide what kind of life you want to live. It is not everything that you see that you need to have and you will find out that most of the things you have is exactly what you need.

TAKE HEART

T

BY ELLA RANDLE

he best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our beingness — Nicholas Sparks Joel Osteen’s take on harmonious relationship brings to light some virtues that call for beautiful love between people in relationships.

“It is important for a spouse to understand that his words have tremendous power in his wife’s life.

He needs to bless her with words. She’s given her life to love and care for him, to partner with him, to create a family together. If he is always finding fault in something she’s doing, always putting her down, there will be consequences that are very unpleasant. One of the leading causes of emotional breakdowns among married women is the fact that they do not feel valued.

One of the main reasons for that deficiency is because husbands are wilfully or unwittingly withholding the words of approval women need to help them unfold. If you want to see God do wonders in your marriage, or relationship, start praising your spouse. Start appreciating and encouraging her.

Every single day, a husband should tell his wife, “I love you. I appreciate you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” A wife should do the same for her husband. Your relationship would improve immensely if you’d simply start speaking kind, positive words, blessing your spouse instead of cursing him or her.”

of section 309 of the Penal Code Act, sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of N750, 000 fine, a sum the convict quickly paid and drove home.

Though the anti-graft agency subsequently rearrested and arraigned him on another criminal charge involving N300m, civil society organizations mounted pressure on both the NJC and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar to probe the trial judge over his possible involvement in acts of corruption.

A statement issued, yesterday, by the council said: “The Council has set up a ‘Fact Finding’ Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Abubakar Thalba of FCT High Court in the Police Pension case of EFCC vs Mr. John Yusuf & Ors.”

NJC recommends retirement of two judges Meanwhile, in its renewed bid to weed out corrupt judges from the Bench, the Council, also yesterday, recommended the immediate retirement of two Jus-

tices over their alleged complicity in corruption.

The two judges- C. E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and T.D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State, were found guilty by separate committees that were set up by the judicial body to probe allegations of judicial misconduct that were levelled against them by different petitioners.

Specifically, the NJC which is headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, after an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, said it was satisfied that Justice Archibong violated his oath of office when he “dismissed grievous charges against an accused without taking his plea.”

It should be recalled that Justice Archibong swam into controversy in that case involving the discharged former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank PLC, Mr. Erastus Akingbola.

The indicted judge not only dismissed the charges against Akingbola, but further barred the prosecuting team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, comprising of five Senior Advocates of Nigeria,

SANs, from appearing before the court or another judge of the Federal High Court on the same matter following what he termed “serious and professional incompetence.” He also questioned the competence of the senior advocates.

Besides, Justice Archibong ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohamed Adoke, SAN, to disband the team of the five SANs that prosecuted the case, among whom included the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Joseph B. Daudu, SAN. However, upon close perusal of the circumstances that surrounded the case, the NJC, yesterday, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the trial judge to proceed on a compulsory retirement, noting that not only was he found culpable of corruption, but had “ refused to release the Certified True Copy of his Ruling to the Lawyers.”

More so, it noted that “the Judge issued a bench warrant on some officials of Peoples Democratic Party for contempt even when the counsel who was directed by the Court to serve them filed an affidavit that he had not been able to serve the contempt application.

Likewise, NJC, asked Governor David Jonah Jang of Plateau State to forthwith retire Justice Naron “sequel to the ‘Findings’ by the Council that there were constant and regular voice calls and exchange of MMS and SMS messages between Hon. Justice Naron and one of the Lead Counsel for one of the parties to the Suit in the Osun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal.”

His action was said to have contravened the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Fed-

eral Republic of Nigeria vide Section 292(1((b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The NJC statement A statement signed by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr Soji Oye said: “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON, at its Emergency Meeting which was held on February 20, 2013 recommended the compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice C. E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and Hon. Justice T.D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State.

“Hon. Justice Archibong was recommended for compulsory retirement to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, pursuant to the ‘Findings” by the Council on the following Complaints levelled against him:“That the Judge dismissed the grievous charges against an accused without taking his plea; that he refused to release the Certified True Copy of his Ruling to the Lawyers; “That the Judge issued a bench warrant on some officials of Peoples Democratic Party for contempt even when the counsel who was directed by the Court to serve them filed an affidavit that he had not been able to serve the contempt application; “That he made unfounded and caustic remarks on professional competence of some Senior Advocates of Nigeria; "That there were glaring procedural irregularities which showed that Hon. Justice Archibong did not have

Continues on page 57

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA — FOLLOWING the passing of the anti-terrorism bill by the Senate, and the renewed determination to tackle the menace of terrorism headlong, the Nigeria Police Force, yesterday, arraigned seven terror suspects before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

A statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Frank Mba, named the suspects as Usman Sani, Abdulrahman Musa, Mahmud Mohammed, Kabir Mohammed, Umar Danjuma, Ibrahim Musa Abba and Abdullahi Lawan.

According to Mba, the suspects who were arraigned on a 13-count charge of various offences under the Terrorism Prevention Act, Laws of the Federation, 2011, were alleged to have been behind the bombing and robbery of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Alkalari Branch in Bauchi State, on July 8, 2011.

The police alleged that the suspects stole about N17.8 million from the bank. The suspects were also accused of attacking and bombing the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters just as they were accused of attacking and robbing the then Intercontinental Bank and Guarranty Trust Bank, both in Azare of a total of N36. 4 miliom.

The statement further read: “The charges indicated that the suspects at different operations, killed four persons, including three police officers. They were also charged with being in possession of assorted types of

The terror suspects in court, yesterday.

Police arraign seven terror suspects dangerous arms and IED materials.”

The suspects could not, however, take their pleas as they

were not represented by lawyers, a situation the court considered fundamental to warrant the adjournment of the case till April

10, to enable them secure such services. The suspects are expected to take their plea when the court resumes on the

....Dislodge terrorist cell in Minna, arrest suspects

A

BUJA— THE police said, yesterday, in Abuja that they have dislodged a terrorist cell in Minna, Niger State.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of

Zone 7 Command, Mr Suleiman Abba, told newsmen after releasing cheque of various sums of money to families of deceased officers in the zone that members of

the cell had been arrested.

The AIG, who did not say when the gang was dislodged, noted that security in the Zone (FCT, Niger and

Pastor nabbed over alleged rape of 12-yr-old maid

By DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — MEMBERS of the outlawed Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, in Abeokuta, yesterday, arrested a Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, pastor for allegedly raping a 12-year-old maid.

Vanguard gathered that the pastor, who was an interpreter with the church committed the crime in his home at 6, Shamusideen, Oke-Sokori area of the town while his wife was away.

Luck, however, ran against the randy pastor when the girl reported the incident to her parents, which prompted his arrest.

Vanguard also gathered that the victim’s mother who could not stomach the incident informed the Ogbe unit of OPC and subsequently effected his arrest.

The embattled pastor, who is also a commercial photographer, confessed to the crime, saying he was influenced by devil.

When contacted, the Zonal Coordinator of OPC, Akeem Bakenne, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that investigation has commenced.

adjourned date.

Meanwhile, the seven suspects have been remanded in prison custody.

He said they would hand over the suspect to the police.

Explaining how he committed the offence,the alleged rapist said he used cloth to cover the victim’s mouth before he could have carnal knowlege of the girl. He further confessed that after the act, he warned her against revealing the secret while he gave her pain killer tablets.

Reacting to the incident, the mother of the victim said: “My daughter came home crying and telling me she was no more interested in staying with daddy Favour."

The woman said she reported the case to her husband, who decided that the alleged rapist must be arrested and face prosecution.

However, at press time, the church was said t be making moves to cover up the crime as emmisaries were said to have been sent to the victim’s parents and OPC. It was leant that the victim had been taken to a private hospital located at Totoro area of the town for medication, while a laboratory investigation was also conducted at a private diagnosis laboratory in Ogbe.

Firemen fighting fire in Gamboru market in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Kaduna) had relatively improved following measures taken by the various commands.

He said: “A cell of terrorists was to operate in Minna but we were able to get them arrested before they could carry out their heinous activities,” noting that various weapons were recovered from the gang.

Speaking after releasing cheque to the beneficiaries, Abba urged them to use the money well by investing it in profitable ventures.

He also urged them to be wary of fraudsters, adding that they should always seek assistance from the police whenever the need arises.

Kwara Police parade six suspected robbers

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN — THE Kwara State police command, yesterday in Ilorin, paraded six highway robbery suspects said to have been terrorising the state capital and its environs .

The state Commissioner of Police, Chinwike Asadu paraded the suspects at a press conference in the police headquarters.

Three of the suspects said to be highway robbers were also alleged to have specialised in stealing commercial motorcycles using grounded pepper and other corrosive substances .

Asadu also said arms and ammunition including two AK47 rifles with Nos. KP342247 and

22618, two automatic pump action guns with serial numbers 21-78INE and DT5B10; 37 live cartridges, 35- 7.62mm ammunition for AK/47 riffles and two AK/47 magazines, were recovered from the suspects.

According to him,”three of the robbery suspects specialized in motorcycle theft. They steal motorcycles in Kwara State and sell them in towns in neighbouring states.

"The hoodlums always pretend to be innocent passengers trying to hire motorcycles but they end up putting pepper or other corrosive substances into the eyes of the riders before snatching them from the owners.”

Asadu further said that his men

intercepted a green colour Golf car with number plate Abuja BB 665 BWR with four male occupants, driving against the traffic from Ilorin towards Ogbomoso highway in a suspicious manner last Monday at about 1 a.m.

According to him, “the patrol team managed to force the car to a halt for search after initial resistance from the driver who sped off on sighting the police.

"However, on sensing danger, the four occupants immediately abandoned the car and took to their heels. They were also pursued by the policemen and consequently one of them was arrested while three others escaped into a nearby bush.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 7

Army dismisses soldier for alleged kidnapping, robbery

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Gridlock on Airport Road at City Gate, Abuja, yesterday morning. Photo: NAN.

Seven French abducted in Cameroon located in Borno As explosion kills three

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI — THE seven members of a French family abducted in northern Cameroon were, yesterday, located between Dikwa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Dikwa is about 80 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital, while Ngala which is a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon Republic is about 130 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

This came as another Improvised Explosive Devise, IED, which targeted the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, patrol van exploded at the Cutoms Area of Maiduguri yesterday, killing three people.

This was barely 24 hours after

three other people, including the bomber, a woman and her child died following an explosion from an IED thrown at the JTF at the Post Office area, Tuesday.

It was learnt that unknown people threw the IED towards the JTF patrol vehicle along the Main Gamboru- Customs road which critically injured the occupants, and also damaged the vehicle due to the devastating effect of the blast.

However, although there was no official confirmation of this development, reliable sources said the authorities were making efforts to secure the release of abducted family members from their captors.

A military source who spoke in Maiduguri denied any knowledge of the release of the

seven family members as rumoured yesterday.

3 killed in gun duel Meanwhile, yesterday's blast took place at about 2p.m, leading to sporadic exchange of gunfire between members of the Boko Haram sect and the JTF operatives, a situation which led to the killing of three innocent civilians.

Some shops, buildings and a private fuel station were also razed in the process.

A hospital source at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, said that some JTF operatives were brought in to the Accident and Emergency Unit because they were critically injured in the blast.

60-yr-old pastor, 3 others docked for allegedly selling a month old baby

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE

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AGOS — A 60-year-old selfacclaimed Pastor, Simon Dike, and three other persons were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos, for allegedly selling a month and 18-day-old baby boy for N60,000.

The accused persons are Joy Uzochukwa, 27, the mother of the baby; Margaret Obinwa, 49, an auxiliary nurse and Chibuzor Ogbonna, 50, who was said to be the father of the baby.

The father of the baby is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy in human trafficking and selling of a new born baby, Obinwa; the auxiliary nurse is facing a one-count charge of purchasing the baby while Dike is also facing a two-count charge of human trafficking and failure to use all reasonable means to prevent the

commission of the offence by the mother of the baby and the auxiliary nurse.

The accused persons, who were brought to the court by detectives from State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti in Yaba, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Henry Obiazi, “all the accused persons are residents of Odongunyan, Ikorodu and the crime was committed on January 4, a day after the baby was born, at De-Ifes Medical Centre, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.”

Obiazi informed the court that Uzochukwa went to meet Obinwa to help her abort the pregnancy as an auxiliary nurse but she encouraged her not to abort but sell the baby, adding that Obinwa then introduced Uzochukwa to Dike, who wanted to buy the baby.

Dike has been married for 28 years without a child.

The prosecutor said that Uzochukwa signed an undertaking not to demand for the baby after collecting the money,

which she accepted the offer.

“Uzochukwa left Ogbonna who impregnated her because he didn’t take care of her and married another man, called Kingsley, who later hatched the plan to sell the baby boy to the men of Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, that later reported the case to the police,” the prosecutor added.

However, the Chief magistrate, Miss S.O Solebo, who presided over the case granted Uzochukwa and Dike bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with a responsible surety in like sum, while Obinwa and Ogbonna were granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

Solebo ordered that the baby should be taken to Lagos State Motherless Babies home on Victoria Island, Lagos and that Uzochukwa should be permitted to see the baby under the supervision of the matron of the Home.

The case has been adjourned, March 13 for further hearing.

BY EMMA AMAIZE

ARRI — A SOLDIER attached to the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta State, has been dismissed and handed over to the police for prosecution over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery.

The dismissed soldier and others were said to have formed a kidnap/armed robbery syndicate, which specialized in kidnapping drivers and hijacking loaded petroleum trucks, within and outside Delta State.

They usually held their victims hostage until the hijacked product was sold and discharged.

Members of the gang who were arrested, last year, by the police confessed the involvement of the soldier, but the police could not arrest him because of the misunderstanding with the army authorities on his complicity.

A military source confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that the private was fired after a newspaper report chronicling his involvement with a gang.

Delta State Commissioner of Police and internationally acclaimed crime fighter, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, confirmed to Vanguard when contacted that the army private had been handed over to the police.

Youths chase Oba out of palace in Ekiti

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — AGGRIEVED youths in Emure Ekiti, yestera y , chased the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Emmanuel Adebowale Adebayo, out of his palace over alleged strange and unprecedented deaths in the community in recent time Vanguard gathered that the youths who stormed the palace of the first class traditional ruler, yesterday morning, had sought audience with the monarch to proffer solution over the strange deaths of about 12 youths in the last two weeks.

It was further gathered that after the youths had waited for sometime and when it was apparent that no positive response was coming from the one-time police commissioner, they were said to have lost their temper.

The aggrieved youths were said to have pelted the monarch with satchet waters, and made bonfire along the roads linking the palace.

The few chiefs who were in attendance during the encounter were said to have removed their beads and run out of the palace.

The restless youths later marched through the major streets in the town and terminated at the main market, a development that disrupted the socio-economic life of the community throughout the period of the protest. d

Ladipo market traders appeal to Lagos govt over planned closure

BY ETOP EKANEM

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AGOS — TRADERS in Ladipo International Market have described as untrue suggestions that the market is unclean, even as they called on the Lagos State Government to shelve its planned closure of the market because of environmental issues.

President of the Ladipo Auto Central Executive Council (LACEC), Mr. Iyke Animalu who led traders on the weekly clean-up exercise, yesterday, in the market noted that officials of the state 's Ministry of the Environment had visited the market sometime ago and threatened to shut it down due to uncleanness.

He lamented, that as much as traders in the market tried their best to keep the place hygienic, they had problems with disposal of waste as nowhere has been allocated to them to dispose refuse.

Animalu also said the canal which passes through the market collects dirt and wastes from differentlocations, adding that traders in the market were not responsible for the accumulated dirts in it.

He said that has not even stopped them from cleaning the canal, every Tuesday and last Fridays of the month, in a bid to keep their environment neat.

While saying efforts to have the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) to allocate a space for dumping and evacuation of refuse from the Ladipo market have proved abortive, he called on traders in the market to ensure that their immediate environments were always kept clean.

Animalu said they were ready to ready to cooperate with the state's Ministry of the Environment and other relevant agencies in ensuring the market is kept clean.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PHCN: FG signs agreement with succession companies

BY BEN AGANDE

A

From left: Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside and Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha at the 2013 Standard Bank West Africa Investors' conference in Lagos, yesterday.

MDAs owe insurance firms N24bn premium

BY MIKE EBOH

F

EDERAL Government, yesterday, revealed that Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, owe insurance companies N24 billion in unpaid premiums as at January 2013.

In a circular to the Chief of Staffs to the President and Vice President and heads of government parastatals, titled, ‘Guidelines on insurance premium col-

lection and remittances — compliance with Section 50 (1) of the Insurance Act,’ Mr. Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for Finance, said the indebtedness, in spite of the yearly budgetary provisions for insurance, is unacceptable.

He said the refusal of the MDAs and other stakeholders to pay their premiums is affecting the insurance companies negatively, making it impossible for the insurance firms to meet their

various claims obligations under contracts of insurance to eligible beneficiaries.

He, therefore, directed the MDAs and other stakeholders involved to immediately begin payment of the premiums in line with the act, adding that sanctions will be meted out for non-compliance.

Henceforth, according to him, any contract of insurance entered into without payment of full premium in advance shall be legally unenforceable.

He said, “In furtherance of the ministry’s resolve to end the menace and era of non-remittance of insurance collections and premiums as well as consolidate the gains of the on-going efforts in sanitizing the insurance industry, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has issued guidelines on insurance premium collection and remittance compliance in accordance with the provision of Section 50 (1} of the Insurance Act 2003."

PUBLIC NOTICE The general public is hereby notified that the landed property situate, lying and being along Onitsha - Enugu Express Road, Nkpor - Agu and more commonly known as and called Km4 Onitsha-Enugu Express Rd., Nkpor in Idemili- North Local Government Area of Anambra State - Nigeria is the bona fide property of Messrs Jagua Pan Africa Industry Limited.

Any transaction or dealing by any person or group of persons in relation to the above property must be done directly with Messrs Jagua Pan Africa Industry Limited.

Any person or group of persons who transacts or deals in respect of the above property with any person or persons other than the above Messrs Jagua Pan Africa Industry Limited does so at his or her own risk.

Trespassers are advised in their own interest to steer clear of the above property.

Dated at Onitsha this ........ day of .................2013.

Emeka Ngoka, Esq. (Solicitor) Jagua Pan West African Limited 60A Old Market Road, Onitsha.

BUJA—TWENTY FOUR hours after President Goodluck Jonathan approved payment of N384billion for the settlement of outstanding benefits of Power Holdings Company of Nigeria, PHCN, staff, the Federal Government yesterday signed transaction and industry agreements with successor companies to PHCN, formally marking the final take off of reforms of the electricity generation and distribution industry.

Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, who signed on behalf of the chairman of the National Council on Privatization NCP, Vice President Namadi Sambo said the first set of agreements is on power purchase between the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company Ltd “Bulk Trader ” and six legacy power plants.

The Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company is designed to provide a credible and credit worthy platform for the take off of the succeeding companies to the PHCN pending the attainment of sustainable li-

quidity of the distribution companies.

Prof. Nebo explained that NBET on its part also signed vesting contracts with the 11 distribution companies.

Some of the distribution companies that signed the agreement with NBET include, Kann Cosortium, handling the Abuja power plant, Vigeo Power consortium (Benin), West Power $ Gas (Eko), Interstate Electric Ltd (Enugu), Integrated Energy and NEDC/ KEPCO in charge of Ikeja.

According to him, the agreements also included gas supply and aggregation between Geregu, Sapele, Ugheli power plants and their respective gas suppliers, as well as the agreements between generating companies and the Transmission Company of Nigeria PLC, which is expected to pave way for compensation to providers of services such as black start, spinning reserve and frequency support.

Among the generating companies recently approved by the NCP are Amperion handling Geregu, Mainstream for (Kainji), North South (Shi-

roro) Transcorp/Woodrock (Ughelli) and CMEC/ Eurafric for Sapele.

Chairman of the technical committee of the NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside said the successor companies are expected to within 15 business days after the signing of the sale and purchase agreement or the shareholder’s agreement, whichever is earlier, make down payment of 25 percent of the share purchase price while they are also required to pay the outstanding 75 percent the share purchase price withing 90 days.

In his remarks, the Acting Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki revealed that all the successor companies would meet with the bureau to finalize arrangement that gives them comfort without their taking over before full payment.

He assured that government was also making concrete arrangement to ensure adequate funding of the TCN to improve its capacity to evacuate power to give the generating and distribution companies the confidence to operate effectively.

....Labour rejects N384bn settlement, threatens to shut power sector

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

B

ARELY 24 hours after the Federal Government said it had approved N384 billion for the payment of entitlements of workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Organised Labour has rejected government's position, threatening to shut down the sector next week should government fail to reverse its position.

Under the umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, labour wondered how the government arrived at N384 billion when the technical committee comprising government appointed actuarist – Alexander Forbes, Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, PHCN, and the unions charged with the responsibility of computing the exit package of PHCN staff was yet to conclude its assignment.

Reacting to government announcement through its General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the workers argued that Alexander Forbes and BPE officials discovered and accepted fundamental errors in the data used for their computation in the course of the committee’s discussion and thus agreed to reconvene on a later date towards addressing the fundamental errors.

According to the statement “It is therefore amazing that figures can be conjured to calculate the exit benefits without reference to the technical committee.

The announcement is highly provocative.

"The figure (N384billion) is laughable because government is also aware that one third of the staff population were excluded and majority of those captured had their entitlement calculated based on two grades lower than their actual grades".

"Besides, regularization of casuals who have been in the industry for a long period is yet to be concluded and the value of their exit benefits should form an integral part of the total package.

“If the money (N384 billion) to be paid to the staff is to appreciate them for their concerted efforts towards the noticeable power improvement in the country, we shall gladly accept it and commend government for the largesse.

"But if it is for our exit packages, then government should do the right thing. It is imperative to remind government that time without number it has made pronouncement to its commitment to the rule of law which unfortunately has not been demonstrated in this case. This can only be regarded as an act of impunity, since this figure was not a product of consensus by the parties involved in this matter.”

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—9

100 opposition parties cannot defeat PDP—Patience Jonathan PDP 'll return Jonathan in 2015 — Kema Chikwe

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA— WIFE of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan yesterday boasted that 100 political parties put together can never defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, come 2015 presidential election.

Also yesterday aspirations of some politicians to the most exalted position in the land may have been dashed as the PDP through the National Women's Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe disclosed that as a party, it will bring out President Goodluck Jonathan to contest for the position in 2015.

Both Dame Patience Jonathan and Chikwe spoke at the presentation of “PDP Women in power ” calendar 2013 in Abuja.

Chikwe, a member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party explained that with President Jonathan coming out as the party ’s candidate in 2015, it would increase women participation in politics by 50 percent.

She said: “We are even more confident that when President Goodluck Jonathan returns in 2015, women would be talking about 50 percent, no longer 35 percent. As we give him unequivocal, undiluted, unreserved and unlimited support and as we march with him to 2015, PDP women will reach the promised land.”

The national women's leader while emphasising the position of PDP, however urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, who represented President Jonathan at the occasion to tell the President that PDP women were behind him.

Kema said, “tell him that PDP women in every nook and cranny, wherever we are, young or old, beautiful or ugly, tall or short, small or big, we are chatting to Nigerians: all we are saying, give us Goodluck.

“We need to start moving fast to prepare women for future elections.

Until we elect 35 percent

or more of women in the legislature, the impact of our progress will not be complete. We know of course that next dispensation will attract possible PDP female governors and more deputy governors.”

Jonathan benevolent to Nigerian women —Kema Chikwe Hailing President Jonathan for dedicating the 2013 budget to the women, the national women's leader said, “he has virtually dedicated the 2013 budget to the women.

Chikwe said: "Mr. President, the dedication of 35 percent of all construction contracts to women is really mind blowing to say the least.

President Jonathan’s benevolence to women is unbelievably phenomenal.”

I 'll never contest election —Dame Jonathan Speaking further, First Lady Patience Goodluck Jonathan said that even if 100 parties ganged up against PDP they will never defeat the party, adding that it was only the PDP that has implemented the 35 percent for women.

She said that she will never contest election in Nigeria and that anytime her husband retired she would go back home with him.

First Lady Peace Mission Building

On the First Lady Peace Mission building, Mrs. Jonathan who appealed to the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the N4 billion budgeted for the project, explained that the building was not for her, but for Nigeria, which she said would generate employment for Nigerian youths.

She explained that when Maryam Babangida and Mariam Abacha built the Women Centre and the National Hospital they did not carry the buildings when they left government, adding that she will not go with the peace mission building when her tenure expires.

According to Jonathan's wife, the peace mission project was initiated by late President Yar ’Adua, adding that other countries lobbied for the mission to be in their countries but it was given to Nigeria on a platter of gold. She noted that the United Nations and ECOWAS buildings are being maintained by Federal Capital Territory Administration.

She cautioned women to resist being used to kick against the project, as women recently demonstrated against the project, adding that if the project was for men the budget for the project would have long been passed.

She disclosed that by March, 70 percent of women will be employed, adding that Nigerian women can be President and governors of this country.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE ANGELIC REVIVAL MINISTRY The general public is hereby informed that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Apostle Michael Effiong Akpan 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Precious Michael Effiong 3. Pastor Mfoniso Effiong Michael 4. Pastor John Etim Udoh 5. Pastor Godswill Samson Umoh Aims And Objectives: 1. To preach, teach and propagate the word of God. 2. To win and save souls for Jesus Christ.

3. To promote knowledge and well being of mankind, help the needy and liberate the captives.

4. To establish and run churches, assemblies, missions and educational, charitable, religious and social institutions/programmes.

5. To spread and share the gospel of Jesus Christ and foster love and unity among people.

6. To hold Bible studies, prayer meetings, seminars, symposia, crusades, conferences and conventions.

Any objection to the registration of this organization should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Sylvester A. Aichienede, Esq. Solicitor

10— Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

2 brothel operators prosecuted by NAPTIP

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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From left: Head Card Product First Bank, Mr. Emezino Afiegbe; The Consultant PPM Corporation Mrs Delia Omatshola; Head Marketing & Corporate Communication First Bank of Nig. Ltd, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney; the Human Capital Management Development, First Bank ,Mrs. Ayo Jaiyesimi and Group Head Product & Marketing Support, First Bank, Mrs. Ezinne Obikile, during the First Bank media briefing, on Youth Excel Series Against All Odds, in Lagos Photo: Diran Oshe

AGOS —TWO brothel operators, were, yesterday, charged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, by National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic In Persons, NAPTIP, for illegally aiding young girls to indulge in prostitution.

The accused persons, Odigie Gideon and Adokie Ikare, are facing a seven-count charge.

They were accused of operating a brothel, Hotel Rosey in Bariga area of Lagos for the purpose of offering young girls for prostitution, a crime

committed on September 15, 2011.

Justice Idris held that the accused persons should continue with the former bail, and adjourned further hearing till March 15.

The court, however, revoked the bail granted Odigie Gideon, when the prosecution informed it that one of those who earlier stood as surety for Gideon, requested that he should be discharged as a surety in the matter.

The court consequently ordered that he (Gideon) be remanded in prison pending when he would able to present another credible surety.

FG to establish N47bn mortgage corporation ...as Jonathan, Clinton, Fashola speak on Eko Atlantic City project

BY JUDE NJOKU, OLASUNKANMI AKANI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, in Lagos, said his administration had concluded plans to establish a Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Corporation, NMRC, to provide funds for housing and construction sectors in the country.

This came as he flagged off the construction of the multi-billion Naira Eko Atlantic City project, to be sited on a five-million-square- metre parcel of land reclaimed from the restive Atlantic Ocean on Victoria Island, with a pledge to build three other model cities in different parts of the country.

Jonathan, former President of United States of America, USA, Bill Clinton, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and incumbent Governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola, described the Eko Atlantic City as the new tourist centre in the world.

The President announced that the Federal Government planned to build a Centenary city in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, saying all major airports would have models towns around them.

According to him, the scheme would take off with the development of major towns around the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, while Kano, Port-Harcourt and Kaduna airports would also benefit from the scheme.

He said; “Three similar cities will hit the nation’s skyline and people will now chose where to stay”, describing the Eko Atlantic City as the biggest civil engineering project currently going on in the world.

According to him, “The NMRC, which will be private-sector led, will be established as a Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement. The partners will include the Federal Government, Nigeria’s local banks and savings and loans institutions, and the multilateral institutions, especially the World Bank which is providing concessional credits of $300million, about N47 billion, the NMRC would be able to access the capital markets to raise longterm funds via bond issues.”

“We anticipate that the NMRC will provide more liquidity to the housing and construction sectors, and with its operations, would hopefully lead to reduced mortgage and construction finance interest rates. The e-collection platform created by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for a more efficient collection and management of the National Housing Fund (NHF) and the broadening of its products to include provision of credit for

informal sector workers are other complementary efforts to increase accessibility and affordability to mortgage finance. With the on-going efforts to deal with the low capital base of mortgage institutions through new policy measures, we are optimistic that more Nigerians will be provided the opportunity of having access to home ownership.”

Eko Atlantic City President Jonathan said Eko Atlantic City, “ when completed, will not only benefit the promoters of this project, but will be an important addition to our nation’s strived to promote tourism and good living.

The Project is a great example of partnership, for it brings private individuals and companies who have the knowledge and requisite expertise to transform land lost to erosion into a delightful Ocean City.”

“In addition to the Eko Atlantic city, the Federal Government will also be coming up with other cities in the country and one of the cities is the Centenary city. And the idea is to get a better city than the present Abuja where people will not need to provide basic amenities by themselves. In the next three years, three similar cities will struck the skyline and Nigerians will be able to choose where they wish to live. I believe that Nigerians turning point is now.

This year, we intend to make our major airport have major towns around it. It will begin in Lagos and Abuja. And later it will be extended to Kano, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.”

Speaking, Clinton said: “I want to thank the government and the developer for building this city.

They have reclaimed five million square metres of the land initially lost to the sea. That marks the beginning of this amazing wall, they have kept their commitment and it will work to improve the economy of Nigeria and all over the world it will bring enormous opportunities. I am convinced that within five years People will be coming from all over the world to see this wall. In the last nine years I have been asked to work in the aftermath of natural disasters all over the world.”

“I spent more than two years at UN after the horrible tsunami, I saw what happened in America when Huricane Kathrina went wild in the city where I spent my childhood in buildings buried in water because they were not prepared.

Most recently, my state in New York was hit by Sandy in which thousands of people lost their homes and many lives lost. These people will come to Nigeria. We’ve spent billions of dollars to protect the low line areas from the rising sea levels, I’ve spent part of my life now trying to do a lot of work on climate change to help people deal with the

consequences that are already under way, you have experienced it here in the recent past.”

Earlier, Fashola assured residents of the state that government would do everything to ensure that the project was delivered in accordance with agreements and specifications reached by stakeholders.

According to him,” While many may see only civil work and engineering project and the sign of an emerging city of Eko Atlantic City Project, I see much more than that. I see the symbol of man’s undying spirit in Lagos to conquer nature.

"This is because the ability of human civilisation to survive and prosper on this planet has been a story of constant battle against nature. Many times, the human spirit has triumphed. The symbols of that triumph are many across our planet.”

Patience Jonathan's disclosure of illness vindicates media —Lagos NUJ

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AGOS —NIGERIA Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, has described as a clear vindication of the Nigerian media, the recent disclosure by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, that she took ill last year and was on hospital admission for several months abroad.

The media was awash last year about Mrs. Jonathan’s medical treatment in Germany, which Presidential Media aides vehemently denied then.

While commending the Nigerian media for breaking the news on Patience Jonathan’s medical treatment abroad, the Lagos NUJ chided the media aides of the First Lady for being economical with the truth.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Council, Deji Elumoye and the Secretary, Comrade Sylva Emeka-Okereke, Lagos NUJ expressed confidence in the media, saying, “the media still remains the harbinger of truth and balance reporting.

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—11

Jonathan makes u-turn on UNILAG name change A

From left: Benjamin Dikki, DG of the BPE; Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power; Beks DagogoJack, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Transcorp, at the BPE's official signing ceremony for the winners of the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), in Abuja, yesterday

Falae blames Yoruba leaders for region’s marginalisation ....YUF urges Jonathan to address issue

BY DAUD OLATUNJU

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B E O K U T A — FORMER Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and presidential candidate of Alliance for Democracy, AD, in the 1999 election, Chief Olu Falae, yesterday, said Yoruba leaders should be blamed for the marginalisation of the region at

the federal level.

This came as Yoruba leaders urged President Goodluck Jonathan to reverse the marginalistion of the Yoruba people. Falae spoke at the meeting of the Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF, held at the residence of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo in Ikenne in Ogun State.

According to Falae, President

Jonathan alone should not be blamed for the Yoruba humiliation, but, the people in the region over their disunity. ”The marginalisation of Yoruba we are talking about is a direct cause of disunity among the Yorubas. Efforts at reconciliation gave birth to Yoruba Unity Forum.

“Disunity has brought us humiliation; we have been humiliated because of our disunity.

Politicians in other regions know the person to talk to for their ambition.

“They know that a man in Lagos can rubbish whatever we discuss here; the politicians will deal with them. This organisation grew out of efforts of reconciliation.

A party controls five states but,did not get the desired recognition because of disunity.”

A communiqué at the end of the meeting, read by publicity Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Kunle O l a j i d e , appealed to aggrieved leaders in the region to embrace the forum for the development of Yoruba race.

The communiqué signed by Chief HID Awolowo and Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, chairman and deputy chairman respectively of the forum, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps to reverse the marginalistion of the Yoruba people in the South West.

According to the Forum: “The Yoruba people are progressively being sidelined both in political appointments and placements in the ministries, government departments and other agencies of government.

BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan has reversed the change of name of the University of Lagos which he renamed Moshood Abiola University in a broadcast to mark the 2012 Democracy Day. Chairman, Governing Council of University of Lagos, Professor Jerry Gana disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during his inauguration alongside three others by the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufai, according to NAN. The name change had been the subject of litigation and protests from students and alumni of the institution while a court recently ruled that the change was illegal.

Gana who hailed President Jonathan for retaining the name of the institution. said the president had upheld the Constitution by reversing the change of name of the university.

“This is a pointer to the fact that the current administration is committed to entrenching democracy and justice in the country.”

Gana, who was responding on behalf of the four councils, said they would ensure that the universities’ communities settled down in peace.

“I assure you that we will do our best to be fair, just and honourable in the discharge of our duties.” He also promised effective leadership with integrity, honour and justice.

Gana said members would work according to the rules governing the institutions.

He thanked Jonathan for the appointments and said they would put in their best as Nigerians deserved nothing less.

The other governing councils inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, were for the University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe and Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Their Chairmen are Sen. Bob Dickson, Prof.

Rowland Ndoma-Egba and Prof. Anya O.Anya respectively.

The Chairman of the

Senate Committee on Education, Sen. Uche Chukwumerijie said the lawmakers’ job had been made easier by the appointments.

Chukwumerijie said the committee’s oversight visits to the institutions had identified lack of leadership by the absence of governing councils and the quality of members of the boards as challenges facing the institutions.

He said the Federal Government had by the appointments taken care of the issues.

“There are councils for those that did not have and the members who have been appointed are men and women of proven integrity and experience in academics.”

The lawmaker described the appointees as round pegs in round holes and the right captains in the ship.

Chukwumerijie charged the councils to immediately tackle falling standards of education, corruption, cultism and many ills that had continued to affect the development of education.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof.

Julius Okojie, said no university could function effectively without a governing council.

Okojie urged government to consider training and retreat for members to enable them to keep abreast of global best practices in university administration.

He also advocated financial autonomy for universities in the country.

Birch Freeman old boys meet Feb 24

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HE 1968-1972 set of the Old Boys Association of Birch Freeman High School, has concluded plans to hold its general meeting on February 24, 2013.

A statement by Dr. Kayode Oloruntola, said the event, which is scheduled to commence at 4:00 p.m. would take place at No. 9 Omisope Street, Ijegun, Lagos.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Senator lauds Amnesty programme under Kuku

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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ICE Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has said that the Amnesty programme for ex-Niger Delta militants under the supervision of Mr. Kingsley Kuku had been a huge success.

Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Michael Jegede, congratulated Kuku, on the award bestowed on him by Ekiti State University, EKSU, Alumni Association.

Ekiti Univarsity Alumni Association, had recently conferred on Kuku, the “Distinguished Alumni Award” for his numerous contributions to the growth and development of the institution, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.

Delta, investor friendly state —Dep gov

BY TONY NWANKWO & NATH ONOJAKE

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SABA—DEPUTY Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, has said that the current administration in the state will continue to make the state friendly for investors.

Prof. Utuama spoke at Ogwashi-Uku, while commissioning an ultramodern NNPC Mega Station, Mr. Biggs and an Events Centre built in the town by the Iyasei of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and chairman, Migfo Group, Chief Mike Nwaukoni.

Present at the event were wife of the Iyasei, Gladys; the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Majesty, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo and wife, Prof. Kamene; Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Prof.

Tony Nwaka; Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku; Prince Newton Izediunor and Dr. Willie Izediunor, among others.

Bayelsa community raises alarm over fresh crude oil spill

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—KALABA community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has been devastated by a fresh oil spill, spewing from six points at Nigeria Agip Oil Company facility in the area.

The spill points were reportedly discovered behind the community and on its western axis across the Taylor Creek between February 4 and 16.

Thick crude oil slick flowing at high speed, according to the natives, had covered the surrounding swamps and spreading to the Taylor creek.

Conducting Environmental Rights Agenda, ERA field monitors, led by Mr. Alagoa Morris, round the impacted area, the paramount ruler of the community, Chief Idoniboye Nwalia, expressed concern over the incessant oil spills in the community and its negative impact on the environment.

Though the paramount ruler explained that officials of the company had, weekend, visited the spill sites, he said: “I don’t know what to say as

the spills had continued. Sometimes, we can only guess when we wake up from sleep, we will hear about another fresh spill into the environment.

“To say anything about the spills with confidence is not there anymore. Assuming we really know

the source of the problem, then we can go to that point and correct it. So, without knowing the details, we can only guess.

“It is, therefore, a complex issue. Why I am reasoning along that line is that we have land dispute. Either of the communities claiming ownership

NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS CONFERENCE: From right: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Mr. Murina Ajibola and General Manager, Avenon Offshore Ltd, Mr. Joseph Duntoye, at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

Airhiavbere denies rumours of expulsion from PDP

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Edo State in the July 14, 2012 governorship election, Maj. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), has denied rumours that the leadership of the party had perfected plans to expel him from the party.

He said the rumour was that he would be expelled from the party because he challenged the outcome of the election at the tribunal

against the wishes of the party, adding that it was not true.

Gen. Airhiavbere made the clarification in Benin, while fielding questions from journalists at the Benin Airport, shortly after receiving national officers of PDP, led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and Edo State executive members of the party, who were on a get well visit to the party’s National Deputy Chairman, South-South, Mr. Steve Oru, who is currently receiving treatment at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, after being shot by suspected hoodlums some weeks ago.

He insisted that contrary to the rumours, he remained an integral part of the PDP family both at the state and national levels, saying that those peddling rumours that he was on the verge of being expelled from the party were rumour mongers.

“That is not true. I was the PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, the flag bearer, and I remain so. I am part of the PDP system. Our desire is to continually wax stronger and to ensure that the pillars of democracy are erected in Edo State,” he said.

Good governance impossible without strong judiciary —Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that good governance was impossible without a courageous and strong judiciary.

Speaking at the swearingin of there new judges of the state High Court, a judge of the state Customary Court of Appeal and a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in the Ministry of Justice, Oshi-

may have tried to do something funny. Youths too may be striving to get the pipeline surveillance as a means of surviving. Others too may be sabotaging the pipelines because they may feel sidelined during clamping of previous spill points.”

omhole said: “I am speaking the minds of Edo people, when I say that the Edo State judiciary had never been involved in any of those controversies that we read about across the country. It shows your (Chief Judge) leadership style and how that had impacted positively on the conduct of our judicial officers.

“The way you identify young men and women that we have just sworn in as judges is a bold statement about your style and your respect for merit, fairness and justice. I am not responsible for the

appointment of these judges.

The appointment of judicial officers should not be determined by the vagaries of politics.”

The governor commended the individual qualities of the appointed judges and expressed optimism that their appointments will further enrich Edo State judiciary. To the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Oshoimohole said “we cannot sustain development if we do not have an effective Ministry of Justice."

NBA to drag FG, EFCC others to court

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IGERIAN Bar Associ ation, NBA, is to drag the Federal, Government; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCCC, and Federal Ministry of Trade and Commerce to court over the recent directive of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, that lawyers must register with the Unit before February 1, 2013 to ensure compliance with the Money Laundering Act 2011 as part of the country’s AntiMoney Laundering and combating of Financing of Terrorism, AML/ CFT, regime.

The association took the decision, after its President, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, briefed the association at its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, of his interaction with officials of the Unit, who visited him at the association’s secretariat in Abuja, to discuss the implementation of the law with respect to Nigerian lawyers.

At the NEC, officers of the agencies, made efforts to explain their position on the matter and concluded that the law was not properly drafted.

After the matter was deliberated upon, NEC resolved to go to court to challenge the validity of the law.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—13

No reason to be sad about my father’s death —Dr. Sid

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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OP star and son of legendary late actor, Justus Esiri, Onoriode Esiri, popularly known as Dr. Sid, yes-

terday, said he was not shattered by his father ’s death.

The Over the Moon singer was all smiles, yesterday, as he encouraged the rest of the family.

Speaking on his father ’s

Late Justus Esiri (right) and son, Dr. Sid

death, Dr. Sid, said: “His life is being studied in universities in United Kingdom. He was over 70 years old and you know, any thing after 70 is a gift, so, there is really nothing to be sad about.

He lived a good life. I will like to be like him when I grow up.”

Also, yesterday, Mavin Records artiste, Tiwa Savage, and her manager-turned-fiancée, Tunji ‘T-Billz’ Balogun, were among the early callers at the Esiris’Surulere, Lagos, residence to pay their condolences.

The couple, who got engaged about two weeks ago, arrived at the place at 12:30pm.

Esiri, a Nollywood icon and internationally respected actor-entertainer, passed on Wednesday, at 70.

Paying tribute to the late actor, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC, described the passing of Justus Esiri as “painful and an irreplaceable loss to the Nigerian creative industry.

“The legendary actor was a

great influence to all television and movie lovers, who carved an enviable niche for himself in the Nigerian motion picture industry as an actor, skillful and always at his best on the screen.”

Adesanya, who expressed shock at Esiri's death, said the good works of Justus Esiri will continue to resonate for a long time, as one of the nation’s finest actors dating back

to the 80’s, when he played the lead role in the now rested Village Headmaster.

Adesanya added that Justus Esiri’s role and contributions to the growth of Nigerian motion picture industry were acknowledged and rewarded when he was conferred with the National Honours Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger by the Federal Government in 2007.

Rivers lawmaker seeks public hearing on oil pollution

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— MEMBER representing Ahoada West in Rivers Sate House of Assembly, Dr. Sam Eligwe, has appealed to the House to hold a public hearing on environmental pollution and degradation in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.

The lawmaker, who made the call following a petition by 14 oil producing communities in his area against the operations of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, said there was urgent need to rescue affected areas in his constituency from the grip of pollution arising from activities of the oil company.

Eligwe said crude oil pollution had affected economic trees, drinking water and devastated the environment.

14—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FUBRUARY 22, 2013

Presidency has no fresh information on Maina’s whereabouts —Okupe Says he is a fugitive on the run He must be brought to book by the Police As Maina weighs option, awaits court verdict before resurfacing

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL

EDITOR, NORTH & BARTHOLOMEWMADUKWE BUJA—THE Presidency yes terday declared the embattled Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, a fugitive who is on the run and must be tracked down by the police. The Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, who was speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, refuted allegations that the Presidency was shielding Maina and assured that everything was being done to ensure he was arrested and made to answer allegations of corruption levelled against him by the Senate Committee that probed pension fund administration.

According to Dr Okupe, “the Presidency is not hobnobbing with Maina. The Presidency is not shielding Maina. I also heard somebody mention that Maina is on the list of the President’s trip to Switzerland. That is not correct.

The President is not even going to

A

Switzerland.

“Whether he has regard for the Head of Service of the Federation does not matter. The police have a job to do and I believe that they have the capability to do that, and they will do it. The fact now is that Maina is a fugitive and he is on the run.

“The President cannot issue a warrant of arrest of a citizen, he cannot ask for a citizen to be disciplined, and at the same time use its own machinery to hide the person. This is not the kind of Presidency we have.

“We must search for him (Maina) and there is nowhere to hide in the world anymore. If it is true that Maina is outside the country, the Interpol can trace him and they will get him.

“When the President received the official complaint from the Senate, written by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Mr President immediately called the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, and said ‘look, this man has done this, declare him wanted.

So that carries its own implication. The President does not know what Maina would do, the President does not monitor or sit on the affairs of the Senate. At the point that the matter was officially brought to the President, he took an immediate action.”

Maina weighs option Meanwhile, Maina is reportedly weighing available options to bail himself out of the trouble he has been thrown into by the National Assembly with the Presidency.

Rattled by the NASS and seemingly abandoned by the Presidency, Maina has gone underground, just as the whereabouts of the retinue of snipers around him remains unknown.

Vanguard learnt from reliable security sources that contrary to the dummy sold to Nigerians by the wanted PRTT boss that he had gone abroad; Maina was actually being holed up in Nigeria.

The source explained that although Maina has been talking with some of his aides and associ-

ates with certain telephone numbers that appear to be foreign, the man was still in Nigeria.

The source added that the wanted man dumped the idea of fleeing the country when it dawned on him that he could be extradited from any part of the world to face his trial in Nigeria if he was found culpable in the ongoing pension row with the NASS. There were indications that following strong advice by his lawyers and associates, Maina might come out of hiding to honour the Senate invitation, which he has been shunning in the past.

Those close to Maina are said to have advised him to come out of hiding and explain his operations at the PRRT to the Senate while still pursuing the N1.5 billion case he instituted early in the month against the NASS, the Inspector General of Police and others in a bid to prove his innocence.

The case is coming up next Tuesday in Abuja and Maina is praying the verdict would turn up in his favour so that he could use that as a leeway to confront the NASS and stay on at his post.

One of his associates said: “Maina has not been found

guilty of any offence yet and all that he needs to do is to come out of hiding and defend himself and use the opportunity of the case he had filed to hang on until the matter is finally resolved.

Meanwhile, the details of how the Federal Government plans to discipline, Maina, who is an Assistant Director at the Customs, Immigrations, Prisons and Police Pension Office, CIPPO, have begun to emerge.

Vanguard gathered from top civil servants that the government can easily throw out Maina from the service for absconding from his duty post for over three days without approval from the Head of Service of the Federation.

A senior official in the HoS office said yesterday that Maina’s action, Absence from Duty without Leave, is punishable under Section 4 of the Public Service rules of 2008 and could lead to dismissal.

Absence from duty without leave is also classified under serious misconduct, such as bribery, corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, sabotage and wilful damage to public property.

Rule 030407 of Section 4 states: “The ultimate penalty for serious misconduct is dismissal and any officer so dismissed, forfeits all claims to retiring benefits, leave or transport grant etc subject to the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004.”

THE YORUBA UNITY FORUM’S MEETING AT IKENNE, OGUN STATE, YESTERDAY. PIX: SHOLA OYELESE.

From left: Senator Bode Olajumoke, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo (Yeye Odua of Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi (left) and Senator Anthony Adefuye, Yorubaland), and Chief Olu Falae, during YUF meeting at Efunyela Hall, Awolowo at the event.

House, Ikenne, Ogun State.

From left: Mr. Leke Owaile, Mr Sarafa Tunji Ishola and Baba Omojola.

Dr. Kunle Olajide, Publicity Secretary, YUF (left) and AVM E. I. Adeleye (rtd).

From left: Prof. Muibi Opeloye, Prince Charles Ekundayo and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 15

16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

BPE appeals to Nigerians over impending increase in electricity tariff A

BUJA—THE Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, yesterday, appealed to electricity consumers to accept an “impending increase in tariff ” due to ongoing reforms in the sector.

Mr. Benjamin Dikki, the acting Director-General of BPE, made the appeal at the signing of transaction and industry agreements of PHCN successor companies with the preferred bidders.

Dikki said the initial short-term increase in tariffs would result from the gradual removal of government subsidies with the private sector takeover of the electricity companies.

‘Tariffs'll fall'

He said: “I assure you that the tariffs are bound to fall in the not-too-distant future and I remind us of the dramatic crash in the price of SIM cards in the telecomms sector.

SIM cards were being sold for up to N50,000 initially, today, due to competition and investments in the industry, SIM cards now come with free air time.”

Dikki, who spoke strongly in defence of the short-term increase, said it was nothing compared to the prices currently paid by electricity consumers for fuel generators.

He described the signing of the industry agreements with the preferred bidders as a “landmark” in the present administration's effort to revamp the power sector.

Dikki hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for his “personal intervention” in the sector and appealed for a similar gesture in the transport, oil and gas sectors.

Handover procedure

He said government had proposed that arrangements be put in place to allow the preferred bidders to monitor activities of the successor companies without taking them over before full payment.

According to him, the arrangement will give the prospective core investors the “comfort that there will not be any material adverse effects on the assets they are taking over.

PDP Youth backs NWC over S-West crisis

A

BUJA—A socio-political group, Peoples Democratic Party Progressive Youth Forum, PDP-PYF, has faulted media reports that the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party removed its former National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha and Vice-Chairman, South-West, Engr. Segun Oni, in spite of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal.

In a statement, yesterday in Abuja, Mr. Emiloju Ayeoribe, National Coordinator of the group, said: “Contrary to the falsehood being peddled in some section of the media, there is no order of the Court of Appeal stopping the PDP from obeying the judgment of Federal High Court.

“The order made in respect of FHC/L/CS/1248/ 2011 was to stop the

court bailiffs and plaintiffs from forcing PDP to implement the judgments and orders of the court by pressing contempt of court charges against them.

“There is no order staying the execution of Justice C. Archibong in Suit No FHC/L/CS/347/2012 and Justice E. Abang in FHC/L/CS/282/2012— the judgments on which national leadership of the PDP based its actions.

“What the court said was ‘an order of stay of execution or further execution of the judgment and orders of Hon. Justice C. Archibong of the Federal High Court, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/ CS/1248/2011 delivered on 27/1/11 is hereby made.

“All contempt proceedings shall stay to abide the outcome of the appeal in the said suit’.”

He added that BPE would engage the bidders and CEO of the successor companies to finalise arrangements on the proposal. Dikki also assured the preferred bidders that the Federal Government would fund the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to improve its capacity to evacuate power.

“I am aware that arrangements have also reached an advanced stage for the Minister of Power to inaugurate the TCN board and for Manitoba Hydro International to fully take charge of running TCN,” he added.

From left— President Goodluck Jonathan; Mr. Bill Clinton, former President of United States of America and Chairman, Bill Clinton Global Initiative Foundation; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Chief Host, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, at the flag-off of the construction of the multi-billion naira Eko Atlantic City project, to occupy 5,000,000 square metres, by President Jonathan in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Bunmi Azeez.

TCN Vice Chair reacts

In his remarks, Alhaji Haruna Sambo, Vice Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, said government had tried to maintain international best standards in the sale of the electricity companies.

He recalled that on October 29, 2012, NCP approved five preferred bidders for the generation companies, including Geregu, Ughelli, Sapele, Kainji, Shiroro and Egbin Power Plc. Sambo said that NCP also approved 10 preferred bidders for distribution companies in Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola.

From right— Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State; his wife, Alhaja Abimbola, and Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd.), former Governor of Lagos State.

Bidders' payment

According to him, all the firms that signed the 13 legal and industry documents at the ceremony posted a bank guarantee for 15 percent of the transaction value within the stipulated period.

Sambo said that 15 days after the signing of the Sale and Purchase or Shareholders agreements, the bidders would be expected to make a down payment of 25 percent of the share purchase price.

He said 90 days after signing the agreements, they would be required to pay the outstanding 75 per cent of the share purchase price to complete the transaction.

From left— Chief Bisi Akande, Chairman Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; Mr. Pius Akinyelure, former Executive Director, Mobil, and Chief Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Airtel Nigeria.

From left— Senator Barnabas Gemade, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Governor of Bayelsa State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 17

M

Y 17-year-old son, Oliver, warned me to never, ever write about him again nearly two years ago.

Since he learned how to read, he has found the occasional comments I’ve made about him in various publications over the years utterly excruciating; and he was particularly horrified by the emotional, tearjerking article I wrote when he left home for boarding school in September 2011.

“Will you please stop making me a laughing stock in front of my friends by carrying on as if I am a lost baby who can’t look after himself?

All mothers are embarrassing, but you are worse than most; and I will permanently disown you if you ever tell your readers about my life again,” was what he said at the time.

I can’t say that fear gripped me when this threat was issued because I am far more lenient than his father…a disciplinarian who does not share

Graduating students of a university

Does university matter? rassing. But they can also be useful.

Anyway, I decided to be obedient until the dust had settled and have complied with his wishes by keeping him off this page since he issued that stinging rebuke in 2011. But it was always my intention to mention him again if he did or said anything that was especially interesting; and I’ve just decided to drag him back into the spotlight because he has just refused to go to uni-

,

Why am I so unbothered by a situation that would profoundly upset most educated mothers and why have I offered to help him apply for jobs this year? Because the world is full of failures who have degrees…and successful people who didn’t go to university or dropped out halfway

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my view that it is OK to purchase luxuries like ipads for kids who have never earned a dime.

Bluntly put, if Oliver disowns me, his Dad will become his sole income source until he joins the workforce; and he likes himself too much to toy with his main enjoyment-provider. Mums may be embarC M Y K

versity.

Why? He has always dreamed of going to an American university; but his parents want him to continue his studies in Britain for cultural, familial and financial reasons; and we aren’t willing or able to compromise; and he can’t bear the

thought of a British university, so he has calmly informed us that when he leaves secondary school this summer, he will get a job and forget about higher education.

OK, so his father thinks that this defiant declaration is nothing more than emotional blackmail and a temporary tantrum. And he may be right.

But I strongly suspect that Oliver will not change his mind. He can be almost frighteningly dogged and singleminded; and he sounds pretty serious about his plans from where I’m standing.

And though I was initially shocked when he dropped his bombshell, I quickly adopted a philosophical attitude and am now, perhaps strangely, completely un-alarmed by the possibility that my beloved offspring will never go through a tertiary institution, despite being intelligent enough to do so.

Why am I so unbothered by a situation that would profoundly upset most educated mothers and why have I offered to help him apply for jobs this year?

Because the world is full of failures who have degrees…and successful people who didn’t go to university or dropped out halfway.

Steve Jobs, the innovative

billionaire genius who founded the Apple computer/ phone empire is a classic example of a non-graduate who rose to the top. And I’d rather be him than me with my BA and fragile bank account!!!

At any rate, Oliver’s rebellion – and my nonchalant reaction to it – has triggered off an increasingly heated debate within my family and social circle.

Some of my friends and relatives think that I’m being overindulgent and downright irresponsible and should force Oliver to continue his education. One of his uncles has promised to beat him if he doesn’t change his mind.

Legitimate achievement But you can’t force another human being to study! And some of the folks around me share my view that he has an enterprising streak and is smart enough to shine without formal qualifications and become richer than all of us put together. OK, so money isn’t everything. But even the biggest intellectual snobs sometimes admit that legally acquired wealth IS a legitimate achievement.

I would love to hear Vanguard readers’ opinions about this issue

LOL? Last week, I used the term “LOL” in relation to a joke I’d heard and appreciated. It was about the recent merger of various Opposition parties.

Some mystified Vanguard readers contacted me to ask me what “LOL” means. And I suddenly realised that I too wouldn’t have had a clue what it meant if I didn’t have a textobsessed teenage child who wastes a lot of time sending SMS messages to his cronies via his mobile phone and has taught me all kinds of “cool” (that is, inane and immature!) modern abbreviations.

I guess I should know better at my advanced age, but I sometimes use this youthful shorthand-speak when I am in a frivolous, light-hearted mood.

For the record, “LOL” means “Laugh Out Loud.”

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 OVER the past couple of years there has been an upsurge in the number of private aircraft acquired by Nigeria’s “high and mighty”.

Gone are the days wealthy Nigerian expressed their “arrival” in the exclusive club by flying first class or business class in commercial airlines. Many of them have upgraded to owning private aircraft.

Most of these new aircraft owners bear the additional fantasy of chartering commercial airlines to ferry their friends and other guests to private events such as weddings, funerals and other social engagements.

Last December, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, disclosed that the number of private aircraft in Nigeria leapt from 50 in 2009 to 200 by the end of last year, thus sparking off keen interest of aircraft manufacturers and vendors on Nigeria as one of the world’s emerging most lucrative markets.

An analysis pins the jet craze list down mainly to those who have access to large pools of public funds. These include top bank executives and directors, preachers, politically connected individuals and people handling

Private Jet Craze illegally or corruptly acquired funds, otherwise known as funds from unverifiable sources.

While it is also true that quite a good number of private jet owners are engaged in legitimate economic activities in manufacturing, banking, telecommunication, and the oil and gas industry, the challenges people in genuine businesses face due to difficulties in the policy environment do not permit most of them the luxury of owning private aircraft.

One of the biggest defences of private jet owners is that their time is too precious to be wasted on uncertainties of commercial air travel. They have business executives elsewhere as their reference. This argument raises the issue of legitimacy of businesses

that create the funds for purchase of these private jets. Do the proceeds of the businesses support the splashes on private aircraft?

The Nigerian constitution generously provides for freedom to acquire properties, under which private aircraft fall. Nobody can deny people their right to enjoy their wealth, as long as they are from legitimate sources.

Severe social inequalities, where only a few individuals are enjoying the benefits of our modest economic prosperity, while the masses are wallowing in abject poverty, unemployment and exposure to decaying public infrastructure have worsening impacts where the rich display their wealth.

The growing poverty and desperation among the youth have spawned social vices across the country, such as kidnapping, violent robberies, killing of innocent citizens for money-making rituals and terrorism.

Security agencies should pay more attention to the legitimacy of the resources Nigerians flaunt. Nobody should be witch-hunted.

Appropriate taxes on consumption of luxury items could raise more funds to finance more public infrastructure.

OPINION

BY SAMPSON ORJI

I

T is a common mistake to think that just any criticism of those in authority is intended to spur action in the positive direction. Many do not fully understand the unique and complex background from which Abia State recently emerged . It was a failed state in every sense of it. For eight solid years Abia State remained under the stranglehold of despotism and demagoguery.

It was a regime that smacked of inconsistencies in word and action. People like ‘yours faithfully’ were hunted down for daring to speak out against official malfeasance and unbridled profligate lifestyle at the expense of the public till.

There was deliberate policy of state terrorism endorsed with the executive red pen. Thuggery was legitimized and it formed an inseparable arm of government. ‘Yours faithfully’ and few others who braved the situation to speak out had all the paraphernalia of executive incumbency unleashed against us. Communities like Idima Abam were almost destroyed on false information to the police in an attempt to arraign ‘disloyals’ on trumped-up charges.

These and a myriad of other vices were the woes that Abians daily struggled to live with during the eight years of Orji Uzor Kalu’s rule in Abia State.

I am not just a living witness but a victim of the misrule and highhandedness that befell Abia State for eight years. The story of what happened in Abia between 1999 to 2007 is one that would require a full-time narrative and it should be left for another day. My concern today is to draw a contrast between

Calling a spade by its name the erstwhile regime and the present one, for purposes of clarity.

What would be the yardstick to measure performance in Abia State in terms of good governance to the people. Certainly not one offered by the likes of Orji Uzor.

I am, to say the least, very stunned to note that he has the effrontery to accuse the present Governor of non-performance in the administration and management of the State’s resources. In one of his diatribes he accused the Governor and his children of amassing so much wealth and even dared to query his source of ‘wealth’.

The question is, what does Governor T.A. Orji and his children have that a governor can’t legitimately afford?

It should be recalled that in Orji Uzor’s overmastering desire to subjugate the Abia political elite, he cultivated a horrendous intolerance of any form of dissent between 1999 to 2007. This was a period that no wellinformed Abian is in a hurry to forget.

It was a period when governance equated to prodigality and ostentation, while ambiguity was the norm in virtually every official transaction. Memories of history do not fade away quickly. It is strange as it is amusing to read the former governor of Abia State in his desperate bid to convince the public of his ‘good governance’ in Abia during his eight-year rule. I can only grieve for the reading public who might not have the facts to effectively situate the two regimes and personalities. For the avoidance

of doubt, these are two extremes with a marked difference in perception, emphasis, objectives, values and priority.

During the period of that regime, when inclination to intolerance gained ascendancy over reason, and many politicians were cowed and made to cultivate a slave mentality that consistently crawled for parental adoption, there were few of us who had the steely determination to call the bluffs.

A

person’s true greatness does not fully surface until he vacates the scene, otherwise the private and public life of the present governor of Abia State would bear true of an ancient injunction that ‘honour be given to whom it is due’. Understandably, this injunction has evolved to a nascent political axiom which canvasses ‘honour’ as the function and product of the performance ethics that border on selfless service and sacrifice for collective good.

In the thinking of the ancients, ‘honour’ becomes the group recognition of the relevance of character and action to the development of human collective.

It insults the sensibilities of Abians to read Orji Uzor trying unsuccessfully to inflict dent on the character and integrity of Governor T.A. Orji, perhaps in vexed protest to the expose of his moral ills as then governor, by the sterling qualities of his successor.

It is not the fault of Governor T.A. Orji that

Orji Uzor chose to fritter away eight solid years on the altar of prodigality and ostentation and embraced actions that were visibly inimical to the objectives and logic of collective development. The spoilsport propensities in which the Abia executive arm thrived under his regime left much to be desired and riled many of us whom he hunted down with all the war chest available to him as governor. The reign of Orji Uzor’s regime was anchored on vile propaganda and cruelty that surpassed those of the Roman emperors.

Contrariwise, the conscientious, considerate spirit with which Governor T.A Orji has marked his dealings with people has earned him the respect and admiration of people like me and we are in the greater majority of the Abia populace. He has, by consistent moral uprightness, struck a note on the imperatives of selfless service to Abians, considering public good greater than his personal convenience- a clear departure from what it was under Orji Uzor Kalu.

According to Melford Okilo, "Honour is the practice of right actions". This statement bears true of the character and person of Chief T.A Orji, who merely endured Orji Uzor for eight years, being a career civil servant at the time.

The former Governor has no moral standing to utter a word against Governor T. Orji, or any member of his family because what stands sure behind Governor T.A Orji is priceless and timeless. It is beyond the mundane, and radiates transcendent value. *Mr. Orji, a was a member of the State House Assembly during ex-gov. Orji Kalu's tenure.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 19

L

ONG ago, in my village church, an elderly woman was asked to pray. In her prayer, she strayed from the liturgical platitudes that mark such church prayers, and delved into politics.

Obviously enraged by the then recent coup that overthrew the government of Shehu Shagari, she said that the military, in their arrogance are behaving as they like and riding roughshod over Nigerians because the civilians have no guns and bullets to fight back. But that they should remember that when the wrath of God comes, no one can dodge God’s own bullets.

Just as she lamented the military behaving as they like and treating Nigerians with contempt, many Nigerians, presently, are lamenting that our elected officials, including most governors, are overbearing, behaving as they like without any consideration for the Nigerian masses. They are saddened that these governors steal public funds and maintain extravagant lifestyles that will flabbergast even the presidents and royalties of the wealthiest countries in the world.

They are acutely conscious that the governors’ arrogance of power, grasping avarice, debauched profligacy and crass disdain for the common man contribute immensely to the social injustice, gross inequity, abject poverty and

unmitigated suffering that pervade this country. Quite naturally, many Nigerians resent their governors.

Why then would a governor believe that Nigerians are enamoured of him and the other governors, and will be praying to God to keep them alive so that they will continue to lead the people? It must be delusion, delusion of power.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum urged Nigerians to “pray that God will do something new in our lives and keep the governors alive (to continue) to lead the people…”.

Evidently, he is totally detached from the mood and sentiments of the generality of Nigerians, and therefore, cannot realise that most Nigerians are sick and tired of their governors. In addition, Nigerian governors are not leaders; they are dangerous leaders.

Leaders seek power with a sense of mission. They desire power out of moral conviction, commitment to a cause and an unwavering resolve to better the lot of their people. As such, power can be subordinated to the public will and made accountable to the people; and thus, employed as a selfless servant of the people. Dangerous leaders seek power for selfish reasons: fame, pomp, selfenrichment and the entrenchment of the privileges and pretensions of the political class. And as such, power degenerates into an

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overbearing instrument of selfabsorbed power elite; and is invariably, deployed as a ruthless enemy of the people.

Power deployed as the enemy of the people steals from the people, undermines the public good, subverts a principled distribution of the national wealth, panders to the greed and selfish ambitions of an elite few and relegates the generality of the citizenry to poverty and misery.

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ielding their powers at the detriment of the Nigerian masses, they perfected the art of stealing from the people. Through varying avenues, like the security vote, they divert public funds into their personal accounts. The object of the security vote is murky. After all, the Federal Government (through the police and other security organisations) is, primarily, responsible for security.

The Constitution does not empower the states to have their own police force. And the state governments’ quasi law enforcement agencies are paid from the state coffers, not the governor’s security vote. However, the security vote is money voted for

Widows take centre stage in Delta State

BY BEN ATU

W

E may not be exactly right to conclude that widows in Nigeria are completely neglected. However, this assumption leaves a question: Are they having the right deal, all cultural inhibitions considered?

Are there any government policies in place to serve their interest consistent with what obtains in many other societies? Many widows are handicapped and only survive through the goodwill of some philanthropists. According to Hellen Keller: “I find life an exciting business; and most exciting when it is lived for others”.

This is true heroism which is not the urge to suppress all others, at whatever cost, but rather the urge to serve others, something the widows desire.

On the same vein, Abraham Lincoln said: “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own”. It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice. Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.

Practical demonstration of love is the only security language that widows understand.

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and understand, and the blind can read. It is universal.

Politicians often are tempted to fall into this bracket for ephemeral reasons.

However, there are a few Nigerians who are apolitical about giving particularly to widows, many of which are viewed as less privileged in the society. Some are burdened by family and cultural antagonism and become deprived. This era of dependency and economic powerlessness is about to end in Delta State, courtesy of a new foundation established by one Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, who named it after herself, to cater for the

vulnerable, weak and the poor. Ngozi can better be described as “a burden bearer who carries the cross of others.”

She demonstrated her determination to take hurt from the lives of widows and to make them feel better during the floods of last year in which many societies suffered and several thousand victims fled their homes. In spite of her rapid response to the plight of the flood victims across the nation, her magnanimity in charity works to widows, especially in Delta State, never wavered. As a widow with passion to assist fellow widows, she started with the distribution of gift items and cash to them during Christmas. But she soon remembered that adage which says: “Do not give fish to the hungry but teach them how to fish.”

The idea behind this write-up is to highlight the plight of the aged, the vulnerable, the weak, the sick and principally the widows in our society and how best to meet them at their points of need.

In Ondo State last year, the government introduced a social security scheme for the aged. The plan was aimed at paying them some specific amounts of stipends monthly.

The programme started with the registration of those concerned in the state local governments by local governments. That pioneer social security scheme was well applauded by Nigerians, the first of its kind in the country.

Though there may be no basis for comparism between the Ondo sheme and the Ngozi Ojeleme Foundation because one is government targeted at the elderly, the other is privately driven and aimed at the widows and the economically weak. Though the similarity ends at size which is state.

Already, the foundation in Delta State has

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BY TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

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The delusion of untrammeled power

Power deployed as the enemy of the people steals from the people, undermines the public good, subverts a principled distribution of the national wealth

the governor’s use by the state assembly which, constitutionally, he is not obligated to account for.

Through the security vote, billions of naira is handed over to the governors every month. Ikedi Ohakim, as the governor of Imo State, reportedly received N26 billion in four tears as security vote.

In 2011, the governors of Rivers, Kaduna and Ondo states received N7.5bn, N8bn and N6bn, respectively, as security votes.

Governor Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State succinctly made the point when he said that security vote is “another way of stealing public funds”.

In their conspicuous consumption and wasteful spending, Nigerian governors now have a new fad. Their new fad is private jets. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Amaechi of Rivers State, amongst other governors, own jets. Akpabio, in June 2011, bought a $45 million (N7.2 billion) jet. The cost of Amaechi’s jet is $45.7m (N7.31 billion).

Apart from gratifying his insatiable greed and indulging his outrageous fantasies, a state governor does not need a private jet - an almost redundant but inconceivably expensive gadget. A state has no foreign policy.

Therefore, the job of a governor does not demand foreign travel.

With the abject poverty, crumbling social infrastructure, high unemployment, social deprivation, environmental squalor, etc, that are the hallmarks of our beloved country, it boggles the mind to think of the opportunity cost of a governor’s purchase of a private jet. The money could have been put to more constructive use in education, health, job creation, housing and other areas where it benefits the people directly.

Our country will be greater if we all learn to be involved in the elevation of the poor, enrich the widow, the vunerable and the weak in our midst; nothing is too small

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divided the state into three zones to agree with the three senatorial districts. It started from the north where a comprehensive register of widows in every LGA of the district has been documented. Working in tandem with the chairmen of the caretaker committees, each widow was paid the sum of N10,000.00 each. They were given lectures and those willing to learn new trades were assured and registered.

O

ur country will be greater if we all learn to be involved in the elevation of the poor, enrich the widow, the vunerable and the weak in our midst. Nothing is too small. In other lands, school children forfeit their lunch money to contribute to the needy’s aid scheme. There are people who contribute to things they have nothing to benefit from. While others spend their resources in the building of political empires, buying flashy cars and the acquisition of material wealth. Others with contrary belief, enjoy helping the poor and the weak. Hence, the saying: “Different strokes for different people.”

In fact, charity is more than giving money to the poor; it is the giving of our hearts, time, talents and energies to lighten the weight that others carry. That was why Ralph

The purchase of private jets by Nigerian governors is nauseating absurdity. Its preposterousness becomes more evident when it is considered that neither the Prime Minister nor the King of Norway owns a private jet; they travel on commercial airlines. Not even the British Prime Minister owns a private jet. He flies British Airways.

The income per capita in Norway is about $72,000.00. In Nigeria, it is only about $2,700.00.

Under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors Forum, the governors constitute a formidable cabal that can effectively challenge the Presidency and the Federal Government. They usurp powers not ascribed to their office by the Constitution. They impede the functions of the local governments and in some cases, seize and misappropriate funds allocated to them by the Federal Government. Cringing at the overbearing presence of the governors, state assemblies are reduced to rubber stamp parliaments. And federal legislators knuckle under their state governors, taking permission from them before taking a stance on national issues.

The powers of these governors in their home states are further reinforced by the spinelessness and gutlessness of the average Nigerian citizen who cannot raise a voice in dissent and/or protest.

Essentially, their powers are untrammeled, bordering on the absolute. And just as “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts, absolutely”, power also deludes and absolute power deludes absolutely.

*Mr. Ezukanma, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

Waldo Emerson said: “The mass of men worry themselves into nameless graves, while the great unselfish soul forgets himself/ herself into immortality.” Another great mind once wrote that “the ultimate test of man’s consciensce may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard by them.” No wonder Abraham Lincoln made it a policy to always conquer by kindness. Kindness is more important than wisdom and the recognition of this is beginning of wisdom. To be kinder than necessary, does not hurt either.

Ngozi, who hails from Asaba, the Delta State capital in Osahimili South Local government Area, LGA, of Delta State North Senatorial District, has consistently assured recipients of her benevolence that her gesture has no political undertones. Her desire according to her “is the wish to bear the cross of the widows in the State.” But those widows who are beneficiaries should endeavour to invest whatever they received in productive ventures that would sustain them and to enable them to train their children. Though they are promised a monthly payment but a careful handling of the initial payment would go a long way.

Mahatma Ghandi of India was emphatic when he said that “strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.” And Professor William James shared the views that “the best use of life is to do something that outlasts life.” It is easy to conclude that these inspirational sayings apply and complement individuals but they are equally directed at governments. For so long, the plight of the widows had for long engaged the minds of many people and communities in the country. But the will to start something has been absent. Hence a foundation like this should be an enduring catalyst in Delta State like the Ondo State social security programme for the aged. *Mr. Atu, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

20—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 22 , 2013

Family of slain varsity student in Bayelsa wants justice

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

T

HE dream of every parent is to train their children into becoming responsible citizens to care of them at their old age. But this was not to be for the Tyger family of Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State whose 21-year-old son, Tariebi Tyger, a 200-level petrochemical engineering student of the Niger Delta University was cut down in his prime.

Vanguard Metro, VM, learnt the late Tariebi was brutally killed after he resisted an initiation into an unidentified cult group. Suspected cultists had last year almost turned the state owned institution into a breeding ground prompting its security department in collaboration with the police to dislodge them.

No fewer than 68 suspected cultists, sources told VM, were identified, with 13 arrested, while others fled.

Tragedy, it was learnt, struck last December when an attempt to forcefully initiate late Tariebi into an unidentified cult group went awry.

Sadly, the deceased parents, who as police officers had in the

ies on campus at Amassoma after the flood provoked long vacation.

This, however, turned out to be the last time his parents and siblings would see him as he was reportedly abducted from his room at Amassoma by some suspected cultists. He was reportedly bundled to a house in Otuan on December 15, 2012 where he was murdered by the cultists who later threw his corpse into the river.

The cult group gruesomely murdered him, tied his legs with block sinkers and threw it into the river, it was learnt.

VM learnt that the scene of crime (the house) was located at the extreme of the riverside community and that there was a wake-keep on the fateful day at the other opposite extreme, making it easy for the perpetrators of the heinous act to execute their plan.

The parents, it was learnt, suspected a foul play few days after Tariebi left home following the unusual silence from his end after several attempts to reach him on his phone proved abortive, prompting them to search for him.

,

They forcefully took the boy from his room to initiate him into a cult and in the process, the boy passed out; they threw his corpse into the river

past helped bust crimes and other social vices in the line of duty, were not on ground to save their beloved son from these messengers of death. The agony of bereavement was conspicuous on the face of Pa Lucky Daniel, the maternal grandfather of the deceased when he sauntered into Vanguard office last week to narrate what befell his family and the need for the police authorities to bring the killers of his grandson to justice.

He noted with sadness that his grandson, whose father is from Amassoma and mother from Otuan, met his tragic end at Otuan, his maternal community, in the hands of persons who could have been his refuge.

VM learnt that trouble started when the deceased left his parents home in Yenagoa on December 10, 2012 to resume stud-

,

According to grandfather of the deceased: “His parents became worried and swung into action to locate him in his off campus residence at Amassoma.

To their chagrin and utmost disappointment, they observed that the door of his room was broken but he was nowhere to be found.

“In their frantic efforts to locate their missing son, the parents contacted his erstwhile roommate who was his closest associate at the time. He joined the parents as a sympathiser in the search”.

Pa Daniel who identified himself as the maternal grandfather of the deceased said the matter was later reported to the police.

He added: “As tension rose higher, the police arrested three boys, including the room mate who made confessional statements to the police. The cult ring

•The late Tariebi Tyger...murdered and his body thrown into a river leader, who happened to be the elder brother of one of the arrested suspects and who is now at large, is the only one that could give account of what happened to the deceased.”

Pa Daniel who failed to mention the names of the suspects and the identity of the cult leader, however, said the wealthy parents of the main suspects were making frantic moves to disrupt the cause of justice.

He said despite efforts by the parents to frustrate the matter through a court order, the younger brother of the ring leader confessed to the circumstances that led to the killing of his grandson.

He, however, said in spite of the confessional statements, the police had failed to compel the parents of the alleged killers to produce their children.

But the Police Public Relations

Officer, Mr. Fidelis Odunna, said the police had arrested persons suspected to have taken part in the murder. He said the police will soon arraign the suspects.

“They forcefully took the boy from his room to initiate him into a cult and in the process, the boy passed out. They threw his corpse into the river. We are going arraign them very soon,” he said

Okada rider alleges police threat over stolen property to be beating a gradual re-

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COMMERCIAL motorcy treat and have left the poor clist Niyi Owolabi Saheed, Niyi to his fate as they no whose motorcycle was allegedly longer appear in court or stolen by Police Corporal Goroye render support to their emFolagbade, has cried out against battled colleague. incessant threats to his life and his MOALS chairman, family by policemen of Ikorodu Tijani Pekis, did not redivision. Corporal Folagbade spond to VM’s calls. Efforts served in Ikorodu division before to reach Police Public Rehis dismissal from the Force. lations Officer, Ngozi The motorcyclist told Vanguard Braide, also proved aborMetro, that Goroye’s colleagues tive as her lines were left have been trailing him and threatunattended to. ening to kill or maim him, espeIt would be recalled that cially now that their colleague has the said the corporal seized been relieved of his job. The Okathe motorcycle from Niyi, da rider said he is now confused over his violation of the new and fed up with life as the officers traffic law late last year. Efpromised to “eliminate me at all forts by Niyi to recover the cost”. Niyi, an illiterate whose case bike failed, as he was inwith the Nigeria Police is still in *Niyi...Cries out against Police formed that it has been court in respect of the stolen mo- threat to his life transferred to Alausa for torcycle, told Vanguard that Gorcrushing. But on January oye’s colleagues wrote something on a paper and 10, 2013, Niyi reportedly found his motorcycle asked him to sign but he politely told them he with another rider identified as Ismail Olomicould neither read nor write. He was thereafter tutu, around Anibaba area of Ikorodu and raised forced to thumb-print the said document under alarm. Olomitutu confessed to have bought the duress. The Okada rider who was jittery during motorcycle from Corporal Goroye for N55,000.

Vanguard’s visit, said he was handcuffed and This led to the latter’s dismissal from Nigeria beaten up by the said policemen within the Court Police Force. premises. He said: “They told me since you have Sources hinted that the dismissed corporal decided to expose our friend to the media, we had accomplices within the Force, including shall kill you here in Lagos or anywhere in the some of his superiors in the division. It was world; you will never escape us”. also said that Goroye was a humble and diliMeanwhile, Motorcycles Association of Lagos gent officer in the division before he was imState, MOALS, who took the case to court seem plicated in the crime.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 21

EuroFinance to host conference on Treasury, Risk, and Cash Management

By WILLIAM JIMOH

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From left: Council member, Nigeria Conservative Foundation, Mr Desmond Majekodunmi; President, Nigeria-Britain Association, Mr Tunde Arogunmati; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun State on Government/Public Relations, Mr Femi Adeniran at the stakeholders forum, in Lagos.

HE Central Bank of Nige ria, CBN’s Deputy Governor for Corporate Services, Mr Suleiman Barau will be speaking on balancing global and local regulatory requirements in the current financial and economic environment at the EuroFinance fourth annual conference on “Treasury, Risk, and Cash Management”.

EuroFinance, a part of the Economist Group, said it is hosting the conference to enable treasurers and CFOs exchange innovative strategies, best practice and expert opinions from February 21st - 22nd, 2013 in lagos.

FG invites Ethiopia, World Bank to restructure Abuja Commodities Exchange

By FRANKLIN ALLI & NAOMI UZOR

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HE Federal Government has invited experts from Ethiopia Commodities Exchange and the World Bank to assist in the restructuring of Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange (ASCE).

It will be recalled that the White Paper of Odife report gave birth to the Abuja stock exchange. However, pressure from some quarters that the nation should not have two exchanges in Nigeria gave way to the establishment of the Commodity Exchange from the initial Abuja Stock Exchange.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. OlusegunAganga, who disclosed this during the week, said the revitalisation of ASCEwill help local farmers to make more income from their farm produces.

“In order to achieve this, the ministry brought in experts from the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange and also sought the support of the World Bank. They came in and looked at what we have, and then made proposals for which the ministry had set up a committee known as the Technical Working Group comprising executives of the Commodities Brokers Association of Nigeria (CBAN),” said Aganga..

The Managing Director, Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange, Mr.YusufAbdulraman, stated that the revitalisation project of ASCE must go on, but in order to get the full support and buy-in of the private sector and ensure adequate funding for the project.

“So, Nigeria will soon have a commodities exchange which is predominantly financed by the private sector,” he affirmed.

However, Nigerian Associ-

ation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines AND Agriculture (NACCIMA), said for the Commodities Exchange to work like their counterparts around the world, government should play the following roles: “Promulgation of decrees to give legal backing to the byelaws of the exchange. The bye-laws must be properly discussed, canvassed and understood by the interest groups.

Taking a small (about 25

percent) equity share of the Commodity Exchange Clearing Banks (CECB) through development finance institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI). Speaking through its Director General, Mr. John Isemede, NACCIMA said there is need for government to also set up the Commodity Exchange Commission as the apex regulatory body of the exchanges to be midwife by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which is to register and the supervise the

The conference which will be opened by the Senior EuroFinance Tutor and Director for www.transactionbanking.com Peter Green will also see other speakers include the Corporate Treasurer at the Nigerian Bottling Company, Rotimi Osadore, the Head of E-business at Stanbic Bank, Nigeria Thabo Makoko, and the Director of Finance Operations for Africa at Coca-Cola in South Africa Seye Sandey.

Peter Green noted that, “We are happy to be having the fourth annual EuroFinance conference in Lagos,” adding that “It is important to ensure that all parts of the world are up-to-date on the most current and efficient practices for treasury and cash management, so as best to maximize growth and in turn develop and bolster other key sectors of the local and global economies.”

In addition, the conference will feature segments from various experts in the financial sector as well as focus on a vast range of topics, from ranging from multinational cash management in West Africa to furthering foreign exchange management, and place a spotlight on integrated risk management strategies.

Key learning points from the conference include demonstrations of best practices for responding to the rising cost of funds, and will explore currently existing alternative funding options, which can save organizations money.

Regus plans new project for Nigerian exporters

By WILLIAM JIMOH

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HE world’s largest provider of flex ible workplaces, Regus, said it was planning an initiative for export focused Nigeria companies with its latest research as part of activities marking the celebration of the company’s Lagos Mulliner Towers centre’s 7th anniversary at the end of the year.

The company which commend outwardly focused business strategies by the exporters suggests that Nigerian companies with links to China and other BRIC nations are particularly well positioned; adding that generating growth through trade has been a central pillar in the policy strategy of many Western economies.

According to the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Deng Boqing Nigeria economy is very promising while

highlighting the country’s potentials for greatness as most populous country in Africa. “Nigeria’s economy has been performing well in the past 11 months.

The GDP grows at a rate of over 6 percent, the crude production stays at around 2.4million barrel per day and your foreign reserve increased to $45 billion.

Boqing added that the company ’s second Global Survey Report on Export Business, which canvassed opinion from more than 20 000 senior business managers in over 90 countries, shows that firms that trade internationally report better revenues and profits than businesses that stick to their domestic markets. “These include worries about property and paperwork; an issue raised by 78 percent of respondents and the challenge of building an image abroad, a concern for 35 percent of respondents while risk management is an issue for 40 per cent.

140.5

4.0

2,099.00

-30.00

18.26

0.04

115.63

-1.89

94.54

-2.12

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.74 236.8141 207.0731 167.7762 1.6536 0.2959 235.2533 24.8059 41.2596 27.7486 236.0094

155.24 237.5793 207.7422 168.3183 1.6589 0.3059 236.0134 24.8865 41.3929 27.8382 236.772

SELLING 155.74 238.3445 208.4113 168.8605 1.6642 0.3159 236.7736 24.9671 41.5262 27.9279 237.5346

CBN Exchange rate as at 21/02/2013

22—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

FirstBank unveils First Excel Series for youth empowerment PETER EGWUATU

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From right: Oliver Andrews, Director & Chief Coverage Officer, Africa Finance Corporation and Franklin Edochie, Senior Associate Investment, accepting the Project Finance African Transport Deal of the Year 2012 on behalf of the AFC, at the Project Finance Deals of the Year Awards, in London.

CBN set to implement sustainable banking principle STORIES BY PETER EGWUATU

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to implement the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) and the accompanying three sector guidelines on Agriculture, Power, Oil and Gas introduced in July 2012 and adopted by the Bankers’ Committee.

According to information obtained from the CBN website, the adoption of the principles by the apex bank means the integration of social and environmental considerations into its operations, policies, processes, procedures, as well as provision of structural mechanism to support implementation at the industry level.

The CBN revealed that a draft implementation plan has been developed and the Sustainable Banking) will regularly engage all employees as the apex bank moves towards being a lowcarbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive Bank Meanwhile, the NSBP consists of 9 over–arching Principles for : Managing environmental and social risk in business decisions; Managing the bank’s own environmental and social footprint; Safeguarding Human Rights; Promoting women’s economic participation/empowerment; Promoting financial inclusion of communities and groups

with limited or no access to the formal financial sector; Meeting the imperatives for good governance, transparency and accountability; Supporting capacity building in the sector; Promoting collaborative partnerships to accelerate sector progress and

Reporting to take stock of sector progress and attendant needs.

For CBN to provide the needed leadership, a Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Banking, Dr. Aisha Usman Mahmood, was appointed to drive CBN’s sustainability process.

Experts task Nigerians on investment opportunities in global markets

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EARNING about global markets and economic trends through education will afford Nigerians the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios and to compete effectively in an ever globalized world, experts at a workshop on global investment have said.

Describing Nigeria as an emerging market with lots of potentials, they advised that trading and investments in global equities, precious metals, forex, etc will further empower the people and improve their chances in mitigating adverse effects caused by current and future global events.

The experts, including Amro Zakaria, Managing Director, Market Trader Academy (MTA) and Steven Santamouris, Chief Business Development Officer, World Wide Markets Limited (WWM), who are veterans of Wall Street with 14 and 17 years experience respectively, spoke at the workshop titled “Learn to trade

and invest in global markets”, at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday.

To make Nigerians more aware of the risks and opportunities presented by the global market, the Market Trader Academy, according to Zakaria offers specialized educational programs and series of courses designed to familiarize traders and investors with the world’s largest and most active capital markets.

This, he said, will enable Nigerians to learn in real time how these markets work, why they are so heavily traded and how they can participate in them.

Furthermore, clients will receive an accredited certificates upon the successful completion of the “Global Markets” program.

Corroborating this, Mr. Sunday Edisi, MTA’s Africa Director, addedthatMarketTraderAcademy also hosts a series of workshops and webinars featuring top analysts and traders in the global markets from around the world.

S part of its educational initiatives, First Bank Nigeria Limited, yesterday unveiled a new product known as First Excel Series that will engender youth empowerment.

Speaking at a press briefing preparatory to the launch of the First Excel, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of the bank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said, “ First Bank is the first to introduce this kind of product in the area of youth empowerment as an integral part of its corporate responsibility.”

According to her, “At First Bank , our goal is to remain a strong supporter of efforts geared towards equipping the youths with the skills and tools required for socio-economic empowerment through our support of youth engagement initiatives, endowment schemes and infrastructure development. Our desire is to see our strategic and need driven youth empowerment interventions culminate in equipping Nigerian youths for a bright future.”

She further revealed that the bank is poised to enhance youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and tackle some of the challenges faced by youths in their pursuit of good education , research development , small and medium scale enterprises, ICT, etc.

According to her, The Youth Excel Series is targeted at Nigerian youths in federal institutions across the country, with the kick off to take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at the University of Lagos and on Thursday, February 28 at the University of Ibadan respectively. The event is aimed to inspire , motivate and encourage the youths inspite of limitations and challenges will feature renowned motivational speaker and author of the bestselling book “ A Set Back is a Set Up for Come Back” Willie Jolley.” It will also feature exhibitions of First Bank innovative products and services, job fair as well as musical performances and competitions” Ani-Mumuney added.

She further disclosed that First Bank has been tranformed into a nimble and modern bank with global standards and best practices, and we will be showcasing its interesting offerings at youth conferences.

According to her, “ Core to our educational interventions is the Bank’s endowment programme which has instituted professional chairs in academic fields in several universities across our geopolitical zones and also facilitates infrastructural develpment in some of these universities As we warm up to celebrate 120 years of out Bank’s rich heritage, we would work hard to remain the premier corporate citizen, even as we continously seek to engage in social interventions for the good of Nigerian youths and all our stakeholders.

Union Bank’s union transfers Legacy Pension to Administrators

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NION Bank of Nigeria Plc has continued the transfer of Legacy Pension for post 2005 pensioners to their Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) in line with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004.

The PFAs will consequently take over full responsibility for Pension payments for affected pensioners (excluding Pre-2006 pensioners) with effect from February, 2013. The affected pensioners have been informed via letters and SMS. In addition, a contact centre has been set up on the 4th floor in the Head office (Stallion Plaza) which can be reached via email legacypension@unionbankng.com or telephone Jimmy - 08182574989 or Bolanle - 08083174734 or on extension 2348.

This exercise is a further push by Union Bank to ensure that it fully complies with the Pension Reform Act of 2004. On completion, this category of the Union bank pensioners would have been integrated into what had been achieved with the current employees of the bank. It would be a continuous exercise until all the pensioners are covered.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—23

Partnership can make food security a reality, says Nwanze … Nigeria pledges $15m for IFAD

By JIMOH BABATUNDE, with agency reports

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RESIDENT of the Interna tional Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Kanayo F. Nwanze, has disclosed that working in partnership is the best way to achieve food security and eradicate poverty in an “ever changing world” faced with financial instability, volatile food prices and climate change.

Speaking during the 36th Governing Council of the body recently, he said more partnership means more impact, “IFAD is determined to work with its partners to make the most of agriculture’s povertyfighting powers.”

Highlighting the increase of domestic contributions to IFAD programmes and projects, which have been consistently higher than the amount generated by external co-financing, Nwanze said that it signals developing countries’ commitment to rural development.

He added that its importance as “experience shows that development is most effective when it is self-driven.”

Citing the specific challenge of expanding rural development in the face of climate change, Nwanze highlighted the need for action now. “How

we respond to today’s challenges will determine not only the shape of food systems in the near future, but also the health of ecosystems and the distribution of the world’s population,” he said.

Nwanze emphasized that the Fund is already playing a critical role in helping smallholders adapt to a changing climate and safeguard the natural resource base through its innovative Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme.

He underscored the need to create opportunities for young people who, “ without prospects, have nothing to lose and are more easily swayed by extreme rhetoric.” Nwanze also stressed the importance of women, who shoulder a heavy workload in rural areas. IFAD has long recognized that there will be no substantial progress in poverty reduction unless there is greater investment in women, who are one half of humanity.

Just after the opening ses-

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HE International Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, during the week signed a loan for 150 million dollars and mobilised another 75 million dollars through a syndicated B loan with the Bank of India for an investment in Nigeriabased Indorama Eleme Fertiliser & Chemicals.

A statement issued by IFC in Lagos said that the investment, which is expected to contribute to improved farm yields, was to support the expansion of the country’s largest fertiliser production facility.

The IFC said that the investment would also support South-South investment into Africa, as the Eleme’s parent company is Indorama, a long-time IFC client based in Indonesia.

The total project cost is 1.2 billion dollars, of which 800 million dollars will be fi-

T sion, the Governing Council, the highest decision making body of IFAD, appointed Nwanze by acclamation to a second term to continue to lead the rural poverty agency for another four years.

Nwanze, under whose leadership IFAD has increased its presence in the countries where it works, said the Fund will create the conditions to enable 80 million people to escape poverty, and will bolster its work with additional country presence.

Agricultural produce

IFC invests in Indorama Eleme firm to boost fertiliser production nanced by lenders. The total IFC financing package to Eleme amounts to 375 million dollars.

Carsten Mueller, IFC Senior Manager for Manufac-

turing, Agribusiness, and Services, said, “IFC’s investment in Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals adds value and makes use of existing natural resources, helping

Nigeria expand its manufacturing base while improving food security.

Indorama has a proven execution capacity for large-scale manufacturing operations and with our long relationship and shared commitment to Nigeria’s development; we welcome this new partnership to support further expansion in Africa.”

Rice farmers commend FG over fertiliser distribution

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ICE farmers in Jigawa during the week commended the Federal Government for distributing assorted fertilisers and seeds to them as part of efforts to accelerate paddy rice production.

The Jigawa Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has earmarked 48,000 hectares of farmland for dry season rice cultivation in the state.

The Federal Government also provided more than 7,200 tonnes of assorted fertilisers and 2,400 tonnes of improved rice seeds for distribution to the farmers at subsidised rate under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

Each farmer was allocated two bags of fertiliser was allocated to each of the benefiting rice farmers under the programme.

A cross section of the farmers told in Dutse

Adamawa LG commences cattle vaccination

said the gesture would enhance access to fertilisers and boost production.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Isa Garba, a farmer, said the gesture would ease difficulties experienced in accessing the commodity and encourage productivity.

“This clearly demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to the transformation of agriculture. It will also encourage paddy rice production in the country,” he said.

Another framer, Auwalu Ibrahim, also called for private sector investment in rice production to meet local demand.

Ibrahim stressed the need for capital investment it establish rice mills in rural areas to add value to local varieties.

He said that such investments were necessary to create market for the local produce and enhance farmers’ entrepreneurial skills.

HE Ganye Local Govern ment Area of Adamawa has commenced mass vaccination of cattle in the area against water and airborne diseases.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony at the Ganye Cattle Market, the council chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Farouk, urged herdsmen to ensure that their cattle were vaccinated.

Farouk said the exercise was free, adding that the state government had provided sufficient vaccines while the council would handle logistics and allowance of health officials involved in the exercise.

“We must appreciate government’s gesture by participating in this exercise, which would go a long way to enhance the local government position as food basket of the state,” Farouk said.

He called for peaceful coexistence between herdsmen and farmers in the area, and the need to resolve any misunderstanding through dialogue.

Fadama programme pivotal to Agricultural Transformation Agenda — National Coordinator

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ATIONAL Programme Coordinator, Fadama III, Mr Tayo Adewumi, has said the programme is necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

Adewumi said this in Umuahia during the 7th Joint World Bank/FGN Supervision Mission in the South-East zone.

Represented by Mr Sam Alabi, the Task Team Leader, the coordinator described the Fadama programme an active player in the drive to transform the nation’s economy.

He said that no fewer than 708,000 Fadama users had been registered under the ATA. “The project has reached out to many public and private institutions in the agricultural value chain.

“The journey has been challenging since 2009 when it started, but there has been increased productivity across board.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Nigeria to earn 50% foreign exchange from agro-industrial exports STORIES BY DAN GUMM

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BUJA —THE Federal Gov ernment, Tuesday, unveiled plans to earn over 50 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings from agro-industrial exports by 2020.

The plans are contained in a draft trade policy which was considered and reviewed during a meeting of the Enlarged National Focal Point (ENFP) on trade matters in Abuja.

The meeting chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Trade and Investment, Mr Dauda Kigbo, was to review the policy developed in 2002, with a view to make inputs by the various stakeholders.

The document noted that agriculture was a key economic driver and accounts for some 35 per cent of GDP but underdeveloped and inefficient despite the large land area available and favourable agro-ecological environment.

The document stated that agricultural exports exceeded US$2 billion annually, mainly concentrated on a few unprocessed products while agricultural import of about $3.5 billion were mainly unprocessed foods prod-

ucts. It stated that government was poised to put in place agricultural trade policy aimed at increasing astronomically foreign exchange earnings from agroindustrial exports.

The policy would ensure free flow of agricultural products within the country.

It is aimed at encouraging agricultural processing, link with the manufacturing sector, and value addition processes includ-

ing imports of semi-processes products for further processing.

The agricultural trade policy will improve product quality through implementing appropriate standards and operating procedures and enforcing compliance.

It is also "aimed at encouraging exports through improved facilities for handling and storage of export products and establishment of export promotion centres.”

The policy according to the

statement is aimed at improving export market information and provide appropriate incentives including encouragement to investment.

It will also help to "improve farmers’ access to productivity-enhancing inputs including imported inputs” The permanent secretary in his remarks said ENFP meeting is a body charged with the responsibility of preparing Nigeria position on all trade issues.

FG targets 25% domestic textile market by 2020

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BUJA — THE Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said the government is aspiring to increase the share of domestic market for the textile sub-sector to 25 per cent by 2020 from its present position of 12 per cent.

Speaking in Abuja at the stakeholders retreat on the textile subsector of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, the minister said Nigeria once had a very vibrant textile and garment subsector with fixed investment of $4 billion second only to South Africa in sub-Saharan Africa and third in Africa.

He said: "It also had 63 per cent capacity of textile manufacturing in West Africa and controlled 60

percent of textile market in Nigeria. Within the same period, the sub-sector had 175 fully functional textile mills that employed over 800,000 people.

"Today, the reality has changed and the picture is no longer the same. Employment is at an alltime low level with 24,000 employees working in 25 functional mills that are characterised by low capacity utilisation as at 2008.This is further compound by low export and high influx of cheap textile products," he said.

He explained that the scenario does not represent the global recognition of the textile sub-sector as a significant catalyst for economic growth and its coordinated development as a low hang-

ing fruit for creating jobs, generating wealth and enhancing overall economic development.

In order to turn around the fortune of the sector and achieve the 25 per cent market target, the minister said that "the strategy thrust requires that we revive the entire value chain including strengthening the base by boosting cotton production for domestic utilisation and potential exports, supporting existing players to expand their current operations and attracting strong brands to set up local manufacturing operation in the country.

Nigeria hosts World cashew fiesta, expo

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HE world is beaming its searchlight on Nigeria as it takes a shot at hosting for the first time from September 16-19, 2013 World Cashew Fiesta, Expo.

The 2013 World Cashew Festival and Expo promises to be the biggest cashew event ever held as it brings together 1,500 delegates from 40 countries. It will feature exhibition, networking, conference, field trip and expert training.

National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) President, Tola Faseru had noted recently that currently the nation’s annual production for just the raw cashew nuts is put at 120,000 metric tons valued at N23 billion which is equivalent to US$153 billion.

However, based on the support from the Federal Government in the activities of NCAN in line with the national agricultural transformation agenda, “we expect to increase our volume from 120,000 tons to 240,000 tons within the next six years. The cashew industry in Nigeria provides livelihood for over 300,000 families and has created over 600,000 jobs.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 25

What tourists overlook checking into hotels

By JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports

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any tourists see checking into a hotel as a very straightforward thing, although the procedures can vary depending on the destinations and the level of difficulty can increase where there are language barriers involved.

Some make the mistake of checking into a hotel without

asking the necessary questions from the front desk to ensure they get a good room.

In order to have a nice stay in a hotel during an holiday or business travel, it is always a good idea to give whatever room you are allocated a quick inspection as soon as you enter — to avoid having to ask for another room once you have unpacked and settled in.

Once you locate the front desk which is usually near the front entrance of the hotel, and you confirm that there are rooms available, you’ll usually need some identification to verify your name.

Some hotels require you to pay for the room before you get your key. Most hotels will require a cash deposit if you do not have a debit or credit card. Cash or credit/debit card is acceptable in most places.

After settling your bills and you are given an electronic key, it will not be out of place to ask for directions on how to use it, if you are not sure how to use it. Sometimes electronic keys can lose their information during your stay; you will need to return to the desk with some form of ID to have the information re-inserted.

If you are staying with others in the room, ask for two keys so that both the adults can

River Ethiope, reputed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa, has its source at the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree at Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. It flows through seven local government areas in the state. By the time it reaches Sapele, it has become deep enough to provide a harbour for ocean-going vessels. It is 176 kilometres long. Access to the site is from Warri through Abraka and from Asaba through Agbor, Umutu to Umuaja.

These rivers, their tributaries and distributaries as well as several lakes make Delta State the paradise of those interested in river tourism. They can enjoy sport fishing canoeing, speed boating, swimming and of course, varied seafood in the beautiful state.

Lagos plans holiday market for Badagry T HE Lagos State Government has concluded arrangements to construct a holiday market in Badagry, M r Ashamu Fadipe, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, said.

Fadipe, who made the disclosure in Badagry, Lagos State during the week, explained that the holiday market, which would be constructed at the Badagry Marina, would have hotel resorts, and amusement parks, amongst others.

“The Lagos State Government plans to expand the Badagry Marina and the purpose is to build a holiday market where there will be hotel resorts, amusement park

and other facilities,” he said.

Fadipe also said that the state government had commenced the rehabilitation of historic sites in the town.

He said, “The state government has started the

rehabilitation of a museum constructed at the Slave Market and it will be called Badagry Slave Museum.

“Also, the history of slave trade would be highlighted, particularly the one that has

to do with the marketing of slaves around the world.

“We would highlight that of Badagry, Republic of Benin, Congo and others, including Brazil, USA, amongst others,” he said.

BA set to help nervous flyers

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NEW book, based on British Airways’ course for nervous flyers, will help thousands of customers conquer their fears.

The book, co-written by British Airways’ pilot Captain Steve Allright, takes information from the airline’s one-day Flying with Confidence course which has helped more than 45,000 people over the past 25 years.

The book, which launches on

March 7, addresses a number of areas of concern including how an aircraft operates, turbulence and gives advice from clinical psychologists including relaxation techniques.

British Airways’ Captain Allright shares his top 10 tips from the forthcoming book: “Remember that turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous. It is a perfectly normal part of flying caused

by nature. Learn to control your breathing. When you feel anxious, hold your breath, then take a long deep breath in, followed by a long deep breath out. Continue long deep breathing.

“Combine the deep breath in with a muscle contraction.

Clenching your buttocks is most effective, as it overrides other nervous signals going up and down your spinal chord.

come and go without having to rely on one another being there.

As soon as you are taken to your room, it is advisable to look at the view through the window to see if there is anything that might disrupt sleep. Also check the air conditioning/heating and the bed.

It will not be out of place to pull back the bedspread to look for hair on the sheets or pillows, and to inspect around the mattress edges for any evidence of bedbugs.

If you plan working in the room turn on your laptop and check the strength of the wifi signal. Just as it is advisable to check that there are disposable plastic cups for water because one can never be sure about the cleanliness of glasses.

A tourist, Janis Cann, said as soon as she walks into a room, she flushes the toilet to make sure it is operational and checks grout lines in the tub and shower for a solid clean seal. “It says a lot about the age and overall condition of the room,” she said.

UK needs to adopt the Schengen System — WTTC

P

RESIDENT of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), David Scowsill said the United Kingdom’s restrictive visa policies are making the UK uncompetitive ‘, adding that the UK Government now needs to loosen visa bureaucracy for other emerging markets.

In a release made available to Vanguard, David Scowsill said it is a thing of joy that the British Prime minister, David Cameron, is vowing to relax visa rules to allow more Indians to travel to Britain for work and study. He said anything which allows people to travel more easily can only be a good thing, socially and economically, for the UK. “But this is just one small step.

The UK’s restrictive visa policies are making the UK uncompetitive and the UK Government now needs to loosen visa bureaucracy for other emerging markets like China.“China’s economy is growing faster than any other.

Yet, the UK is currently losing out on thousands of Chinese tourists to our nearby neighbours because Chinese tourists face higher fees.”

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

C M Y K

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—35

Controversy trails Kim Kardashian’s ‘fleeting’ visit to Nigeria

BY CHARLES MGBOLU

...Paid $500,000 to host Darey’s concert

R

EALITY TV show star, Kim Kardashian is presently being criticised for her ‘fleeting’ visit to Nigeria after she was reportedly paid 500,000 dollars.

Kim had been invited to co-host the highly publicised Valentine show ‘Love like a Movie’ by R&B king, Darey Art Alade at the convention centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

But the mother-to-be after some minutes on the red carpet and later, the pre-event dinner with several high rated guests, reportedly appeared only for 45 seconds to speak to the cheering crowd before disappearing into the thin air. She practically slurred ”Hey Naiiija” and vamoosed!

Tickets for the show had gone for N100, 000 with more than half of the guests buying because they wanted to enjoy an evening with Kim. They did enjoy it eventually… in a snap!

Hundreds of Nigerians took to the social media during the week to register their anger after it was revealed that Kardashian was reportedly paid $500,000 for her ‘fleeting’ visit to Lagos.

Following her controversial trips to the Middle East and the Ivory Coast earlier this year, the reality star stormed Nigeria to shake hands with her fans. But unfortunately, she left the country disappointing them.

Dressed in a black leather gown,

Kim appeared on the red carpet at about 6 pm and posed for the camera alongside other performers including, 2Face, Waje, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mo’Eazy and Zaina. She described her experience in the country as: “Its amazing.”

Since she returned to the United States, tongues have been wagging.

Those in the know described how Kim’s visit was an example of the country’s economic elite ‘blowing its money on bling puffery while most of the citizens suffer ’.

The rumour was that she’d been paid $500,000 for the honour of mixing with the petro-class.’ She arrived Los Angeles airport last Monday, looking exhausted in a white shirt and black trousers. Her smile for the cameras, could only mean she’s happy to be home.

Meanwhile, despite Kim’s 45 seconds stage appearance, the show met its expectation. Many described it as the best show ever in Nigeria.

Darey thrilled the audience with his “Boyz II Men songs which he featured Tolu (Mtn projectfame),Praiz, Banky W and Timi Dakolo. He also did a duet “Endless Love “ with Waje.

Kim is pregnant for boyfriend cum rapper, Kanye West. Shortly after arriving, the 32-year-old tweeted: ‘Just landed back home! 20 hrs of flying.

No big deal.’

10 new hot babes to watch out in Nollywood

BY AYO ONIKOYI

M

OVIE industries all over the world are the haven of delectable beautiful women who glamourize our screens, not only for their talents but also for their uncommon quantum of beauty.

From Hollywood to Bollywood and Nollywood, these extraordinary damsels

wield their God-given gifts to play with sensibilities of people. To some producers, a beautiful, sexy and ravishing beauty is as good as a box office hit.

In this era of ‘sex crusade’ where what sells is sex, sex, sex and maybe a little bit of violence, most producers believe if the talent of an actress doesn’t do the trick the sexiness she exudes is bound to get

attention and surely a wave of followers in her wake.

Now, Nollywood has had its share of drop dead gorgeous women with extraordinary curves to nail a man to the wall. From the likes of Liz Benson, Regina Askia, Clarion Chukwura, to name a few to the power houses running the show now, Nollywood is surely at the top of the

I N S I D E: Prezzo losing the battle to Goldie’s husband!

C M Y K

roof on the continent.

Of course, the power houses running the show are the likes of Omotola, Genevieve, Mercy Johnson, Chika Ika, Stella Damasus, Ini Edo and a few others. But Nollywood is producing them so fast these days even the so-called power houses are disappearing in the

Continues on page 36

Samsung’s GRAND entry brings technology face-to face with entertainment

Wrist watches the new fashion fad

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

10 new hot babes to watch out in Nollywood Continued from page 35 horizon.

There’s a new wave of the very sexiest women in Nollywood and they are not just lurking around any more, they are taking over.

Faces of the Omotolas, Genevieves, and their ilk just don’t cut it any more, new sexy storm is rising in Nollywood and fast!

These fresh faces are not only young but also very hot, pretty, sexy and talented. They are winning top roles and driving them home with a little more than off-the-counter talents, beauty and curves, they are simply adorable and desirable.

Here are the top ten: 10 new sexy storm rising in Nollywood: Damilola Adegbite Damilola Adegbite hasn't been around for too long. She doesn't need to be before she seizes the limelight. She has what it takes to be at the very top; beauty, talent and knock-me-silly curves.

She's recently the toast of the cinemas where her “Flower Girl” is making waves. Damilola is the “Flower Girl”, a perfect role which must have come her way because she looks the part and tailor-made for the role.

Michelle Bello, the producer, must have known Damilola is a 'Flower' that blossoms at every turn.

She made her mark in the high octane soap “Tinsel” playing the role of Thelma Duke but she has since left the soap train to try her hand in the movie world.

Lilian Esoro The television soap girl is currently wallowing in the euphoria of international attention after catching the eye of the world with her role as 'Nurse Abigail' in the popular television soap “Clinic Matters”. Lilian is one of the nominees to battle the likes of Mercy Johnson and Funke Akindele for the Africa Magic Viewer ’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Actress in a Comedy category.

She has plied her trade in “Estatea”, “Ayetu” and currently brandishing her talent and beauty in “Clinic Matters” and “Tinsel”.

Beverly Naya Beautiful, alluring and sexy Beverly returned from the United Kingdom some years back to carve a niche for herself in Nollywood and what she has had so far is a little more than she bargained for. Just last year she stood shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the industry to compete for the FAB Magazine's Most Stylish Actress, which was eventually won by Rita Dominic after beating the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade and Nse Itse-Akpan.

Also in 2010 she won‘Most Promising Talent’ at the Best of Nollywood Awards, and in 2011 she was City People's ‘Fast Rising Actress’. She has featured in “Up Creek Without A Paddle”,

• Damilola Adegbite “Stripped”, “Weekend Getaway” and many others.

Biola Ige Biola Ige is not exactly new in the industry but a condition that messed up her beauty took her off the scene for a while and now she's back, looking as beautiful and sexy as ever. She has one of the sexiest eyes in the industry with a figure to die for.

She's probably the only Hindu in the industry but this doesn't bother Biola, her talent and her beauty remains the hook that drags home the big juicy roles for her. In four years she reportedly featured in over 20 films.

Collete Orji Collete came into the industry a few years ago but already she has a profile that would bedazzle any producer. Beautiful, talented and sexy but most people who have met Collete keep talking about her magnetic backside which tends to sing a song many could not help but follow.

She has several claims to stardom and they include “Strength of a Woman”, “Blue Blood”, “Raindrop”, “Two Can Play That Game”, “Amaka Mustapha” and a host of others.

Chelsea Eze With a look of a 'damsel in distress' Chelsea, unlike the 'Spirit' that bears her name, has such harmless beauty which it effects can only be felt in its intoxication. She shot into prominence in 2009 winning a nomination at AMAA (Africa Movie Academy Awards) and confirmed her presence on the scene the following year with AMAA's ‘Most Promising Actress’, ZAFAA's ‘Best Upcoming Actress’ and BON's 'Revelation of the Year'.

Her most popular flicks include “Two Brides and a Baby ”, “Twist”, “Timeless Passions”, “Hood Rush” and others.

Tope Osoba Now Tope Osoba is a genuine article, just what the doctor ordered when it comes to

• Beverly Naya

• Angel Ufuoma

• Collete Orji

• Biola Ige

• Chelsea Eze

• Lilian Esoro

• Chika Agatha

• Chita Agwu

• Tope Osoba suaveness and sophistication wrapped up in beauty and brawn.

She has also got a lot on her chest to want you to want to see her films even if they are as dry as the fig leaf during harmattan.

She plies her trade in the Yoruba sector of the industry and the beau is sure coming into her element.

She was the 'stripper' that got the Senator in a twist of passion and obsession in late Bisi Komolafe's “Igboro Ti Daru” and who could have blamed the hapless law-man under siege of Tope's luscious cleavage. She has also starred in “Gucci Girls”, “Omo Tee”, “Oogun Mi”, “21 Million” among others.

Chika Agatha Chika isn't exactly Cossy Orjiakor, but this busty and beautiful Anambra State-born upcoming star is carved along the line of the likes of Mercy Johnson and maybe a little bit more easy on the eyes She waltzed her way into limelight with awesome acts in “Dream Walker ”, “Transformer ”, “Akpati”, among others Chita Agwu Chita Agwu has everything going for her: beauty and talent.

She has acted in over twenty movies and still counting. Her well-sculpted figure also makes her earn a living as a model.

With an aura of self-confidence and child-like beauty Chita doesn't have to flaunt her beauty to get noticed, if her killing smile doesn't do the job her pretty face comes hitting like a tornado Angel Ufuoma Angel Ufuoma,“a Cambridge trained lawyer, ruffling feathers in the movie industry and causing just the right stir for her talent and quiet beauty. She hasn't been more than three years on the scene but she is rising so fast she is in contention for every hot role in the industry.

She has featured in many blockbusters and recently wowed the core of Nollyword for her sterling role interpretation in “Dr. Bello”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—37

Charles Granville excites fans with two new singles

Prezzo losing the battle to Goldie’s husband!

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

W

BENJAMIN NJOKU

A

S things stand now, Kenyan rapper, Prezzo may not be ‘allowed’ to see the corpse of his beloved friend, Goldie, if the threat made by the songstress’ husband, Andrew Harvey is anything to reckon with.

During the week, Malaysian based Briton, Harvey who happens to be legally married to Goldie and also, an administrator on Goldie’s official facebook page, warned Prezzo never to bother to attend Goldie’s funeral rites. He accused the Kenyan rapper of causing a

lot of pain to the family.

However, following the threat, Prezzo during the week returned to his country.

Those in the know said, he made his flight booking last Monday.

Andrew claimed that he agreed with Goldie to keep their affair private but the mere fact that she had publicly moved on with Prezzo left much to be desired. Prezzo, Goldie and Channel O TV presenter, Denrele Edun were in the final stages of launching their reality show dubbed ‘Tru Friendship’ but all this has

Pepsi pledges suppor t for talent discovery

S

OFT drink giant Pepsi has said that it will continue to provide platform to harness the abundant talents that abound in Nigeria in the areas of sports and entertainment.

Mr. Norden Thurston, Head of Marketing Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, said this at a gala night held in Lagos last weekend to unveil the final 12 contestants at the Nigerian Idol, Season 3.

Pepsi has for over three years been as associate sponsor of the music reality TV show.

He said, Pepsi as an international brand has always been associated with

music as it had over the years signed such music icons as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyonce and very recently Nicky Minaj.

According to him, the expectation of Pepsi is that the winners of Nigerian Idol will make it big in their music career. Highlights of the event include the meet and greet session of all the 12 contestants with Pepsi music ambassadors, Tiwa Savage and Lynxxx and the electrifying performance by the duo to the admiration of the packed full audience at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the event.

been dealt a blow.

4Sho 4Shizzy star had travelled to Nigeria to spend a late Valentine’s night with Goldie but unfortunately, that was the very day she passed on. Prezzo was speechless until the following day when he penned down a poem as a tribute to his dear friend he met in the Big Brother Africa house.

Goldie’s death brought Andrew Harvey to the limelight with pictorial evidence of their 2005 Wedding which was followed with a warning to Prezzo to leave “him and Goldie’s family to mourn in peace as he had caused us lot of pain.”

HEN it comes to gospel music in Nigeria, Charles Granville’s immeasurable talent and vocal dexterity comes to mind. His song writing ability is awesome and he is also a very energetic performer.

In the course of his career, Charles has travelled far and wide winning more fans and promoting the Nigerian culture. Very unassuming but always busy pushing his musical career, Charles has again made another great statement about his awesome talent with his recent two singles enjoying massive airplay on different radio stations across the country.

The two singles he recently released are titled ‘Trip for You’ and ‘God No Be Your Mate’. Speaking concerning the new singles produced by ingenious producer, ID Cabasa, Charles said he wrote the songs based on his personal relationship with God. ‘Trip for you’ talks about my love for God and I wrote it in a way that will appeal to everyone that loves God irrespective of their religion.

‘God No Be Your Mate’, which is the second song, came

while recording in the studio.

We initially did the slower version of it before we got the one we have now. I am sure of the quality of what I just released because I took out time to ensure that both songs meet any standard anywhere in the world”.

On what he intends to achieve with the songs, “I sing basically to glorify God. I sing because people need to have a relationship with God. I look forward to doing more songs that will inspire people throughout Africa and all over the world.

r alth e v o r ’s he a e f ’ h s e n k i a F nto D To

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

T

ONTO Dikeh who made her début in Nollywood few years back is naturally fair in com ple xion . But the this , des pite has ess con trov ersi al actr gone ahead to tone her skin in a manner that makes her

to look like a ‘ weird beauty.’

Her fans are expressing fear that the actress whose green veins have become so obvious through her now thin-layered skin, may soon break down with a skin disease.

Speculations are also rife that Tonto may have gone through a whitening machine to get her

skin whiter than normal.

WG learnt from a tweet bird that despite Tonto’s denial that she’d stopped smoking, the actress is still secretly smo kin g her thin g. A concerned fan of the actress expressed her fear this way: “This girl will not kill herself.”

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 with LAJU ARENYEKA

Goldie’s last days

You’ve heard that phrase before, “Live every moment as if it was your last.”

In this season, as we remember singer, Goldie Harvey who passed on last week, it now more than ever before bears repetition. If the ‘Touch my body” singer knew that she was nearing the end of her days on earth, would she have done things differently? It’s quite difficult to say; because the dead don’t talk. But as we go through the last days of Goldie Harvey, perhaps you can answer that question for yourself.

Her final event

The last event Goldie Harvey officially attended was the 55th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The singer is said to have arrived the event in the company of Kenny Ogungbe, Founder of Kennis Music and Nollywood actor cum politician, Richard Mofe Damijo on February 12. However, because there were photos taken in the actual hall or on the actual red carpet at the grammy awards, many believe that the bunch could not get into the venue. Until Goldie’s passing on, social media was awash with mix feelings about her leopard skin dress as well as her pose on the streets of Los Angeles and not at the Grammies. There’s an event we are sure she actually attended; a pre-Grammy party with American Musicians Ciara, and Chaka Khan on February 8th.

The Diva’s last words

It’s quite difficult to decipher what Goldie’s last words were, but her last tweet is one to remember. On February 13, few hours before she passed on, Goldie tweeted on her personal twitter page, OLUWAG?LDIE ?@GoldieHarvey: “A season of abstinence enhances creativity, inner strength and major answers to prayer...?”

Goldie’s last Photo shoot

Goldie did her last photo shoot with her very close and equally controversial friend, Denrele Edun for SIMS magazine. Goldie looked Goddess-like in a black dress and magnificient make up for the shoot. Derenle was one of the last people who saw her alive

Her last Interview

Goldie’s last known official interview was with an online station, Ibakatv in November 2012. In the five minute chat, the singer spotting a revealing gold dress opened up about her growing up, education, likes and dislikes and her experience in the Big Brother House. When asked about her beauty tips, Goldie said: “Surround yourself with happy people who will make you happy, because if you’re miserable, you’ll always feel ugly.” The smile seemed to disappear from her face when asked about alleged visits between herself and Prezzo. “It’s my personal life” she said, “it’s my business and how I choose to live my life is no one’s business.” Ironically, Goldie though playfully, mentioned death in that interview. Her words: “I hate cockroaches, if I see a cockroach here, I could just take off my clothes and just die.”

The Controversial star’s last scandal

“What was Goldie’s last scandal?” This is one question that we will be trying to answer for years to come. Just when we thought that the BBA drama with Prezzo would last us a lifetime, Goldie passed on mysteriously with a lot of hullaballoo as to the cause of her death.

Then came Andrew Harvey with the wedding pictures. Before we could recover to take a breather, Ifeoma Harvey who claims to have been Goldie’s best friend says the deceased star snatched her husband, Andrew who is seriously ill in a hospital in Malaysia.

Whether friend or family, fan or foe, the Goldie situation sure makes you wonder: “What if today was my last day on earth?”

SYNOPSIS

Zero Zero Dark Thirty Dark Thirty, a 2012 American historical drama film is directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written

by Mark Boal. Billed as “the story of history’s greatest manhunt. Starring Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton.

The movie Looper starring Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt and Joseph Gordon Levitt. The movie didn’t release last week again but will release this Friday 22nd.

In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits.

Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to ‘close the loop’ by transporting back Joe’s future self.

Movie Schedule for 22- 28 February, 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Zero Dark Thirty: 11:10am,4:20pm,7:10pm.

Looper: 1:05pm, 5:30pm,7:50pm Flower Girl : 1:00pm, 3:15pm,10:15pm Silverlinings Playbook: 4:25pm, 9:20pm.

Flight: 11:00am, 6:45pm.

Django Unchained: 1:30pm, 10:10pm Jack Reacher: 9:15pm Rise of the Guardian: 11:15am.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Flower Girl: 10:40pm, 6:20pm, 10:00pm.

Django Unchained: 2:30pm, 5:35pm Hotel Transylvania: 11:05am.

Here Comes the Boom: 2:30pm.

The Meeting: 4:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Zero Dark Thirty :12:00pm,3:00pm,6:00pm,9:00pm Flower Girl: 1:00pm 7:00pm,9:10pm Silver linings Playbook: 12:50pm, 5:50pm, 8:20pm.

Man on Ground: 3:10pm.

Flight: 11;10am, 4:00pm, 6:40pm, 9:20pm Les Miserables: 11:20am, 2:20pm, 8:30pm.

Django Unchained: 2:30pm, 5:20pm, 8:40pm.

Jack Reacher: 1:40pm,8:00pm Rise of the Guardian: 2:00pm.

Pitch Perfect: 11:50am,6: 10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Looper: 11;30am, 1;50pm, 4:10pm,6:30pm, 8:50pm.

Flower Girl : 11:50, 2:20pm, 6:40pm Man on Ground: 4:40pm,9:10pm Django Unchained: 12:00pm, 5:40pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Zero Dark Thirty:11:10am,2:00pm,4:50pm,7:50pm FLOWER Girl : 12:20pm, 2:35pm,4:20pm, 6:40pm Silverlining Playbook: 11:20am, 3:50pm, 8:20pm.

Man on Ground: 12:55pm, 4;50pm, 8:40pm Flight: 2:50pm, 5:30pm, 8:10pm Les Miserable: 12:00pm, 3:40pm.

Django Unchained: 1:35pm, 4:40pm, 7:50pm, Rise of the Guardian: 1:50pm,6:20pm Hotel Transylvania : 12:00am .

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Hotel Transylvania :11:45am,1:35pm,3:25pm,5:15pm,7:10pm Flower Girl : 12:05pm, 2:20pm,4:35pm, 6:50pm The Lost Number: 2:35pm, 4:45pm.

Inside Story: 12;15pm, 4:45pm Twilight Saga breaking dawn part2: 2:10pm, 4:50pm.

Premium Rush: 12:40am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm.

Here comes the Boom: 12:25pm, 2:45pm, 4:55pm, 7:00pm.

English Vinglish: 6:30pm Safe: 11:40am, 4:25pm.

OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Zero Dark Thirty :14:15pm,19:50pm Looper: 13:40pm, 16;00pm, 18:20pm, 20:40pm Flower Girl : 3:00pm, 5:05pm Silverlinings playbook: 17:25pm.

Flight: 11:35am.

Django Unchained: 10:20am Rise of the Guardian: 10:45am Hotel Transylvania: 1:00pm

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK DJANGO UNCHAINED FLOWER GIRL SILVERLINING PLAYBOOK FLIGHT LES MISERABLE

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 —39

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Hidden germs in the Home P

eju, a very busy bank executive, came back home late one day to find her 7 year old had a fever. She took the day off the next day to take him to the hospital where various tests were carried out including for malaria, typhoid and flu.

They were all negative. Further tests showed he had Herpes, a disease generally thought to be venereal.

The truth is, The herpes virus can be picked up from a lot of places from a lot of people including the cleaning lady, your house guest or the electrician who worked on your water heater. Look out for the hidden germs in your home.

Pillows

You change your pillowcases regularly but the pillows inside can harbor bacteria and germs as well. Make sure you add pillows to the major laundry schedule so you’re not sleeping on a bed of germs — literally. Check the care label to see how to wash the pillows in the washing machine without damaging them. You can also run them through the rinse cycle two or three times for a more

thorough clean.

Refrigerator Handle - Since nobody ever cleans fridge handles the bacteria stays and has a lot of time to multiple and grow. The same goes for all those things you never think of cleaning but harbour germs-light switches, toilet flushers, remotes etc.

Kitchen Sponge - The crevices in sponges make it difficult to disinfect and users are generally just

transferring bacteria from one place to another. An easy remedy is to microwave the sponge for approximate 60 seconds, and it will improve odor too!

Toothbrush.

Although we brush our teeth every day to keep our mouths clean, the tooth brush we are using to kill bacteria might actually be full of bacteria!

Bacteria that naturally exists in our mouths inevitably ends up on your toothbrush. That

bacteria combines with particles of food that get trapped in the bristles, and results in quite a health hazard. Studies have also found that flushing a toilet sprays millions of tiny bacteria (such as salmonella and E. coli) into the air. Some of these can land on your toothbrush!

Sanitize your toothbrush weekly. To eliminate bacteria, mix a disinfectant solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Stir these two ingredients together with your brush and then let the brush sit in the mixture, bristle side down, for a few minutes. This should be enough to kill any bacteria on the brush. A higher-tech, more expensive option is to

Foremost health concerns for women today

Fatigue/Stress

G

one are the days when women took it easy.

Today’s women give as good as they get on the work arena, with dire consequences.

Cortisol, a body chemical, surges during critical times of acute angst. The problem begins when stress becomes a steady state of being. After your cortisol rises, it’s supposed to come right back

down and not stay elevated.

When you’re stressed for a long time, your body’s stores of cortisol become too low and you don’t have enough for your body to run at its optimal level.

What’s more, once cortisol stays elevated for longer than 24 hours, certain nutrients (such as B vitamins) get depleted, and cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels can skyrocket.

Coursing cortisol can also trigger free radicals that could eventually damage neurons, affecting your short-and longterm memory and your ability to think clearly.

Osteoporosis

T

his is common to women who are older but it starts when a woman is still young.

If the calcium absorption of a woman is low when she is still young, this may lead to osteoporosis when she is older.

For the benefit of those who are not familiar with osteoporosis, it is medical condition where the bones of older people

become brittle. It usually happens because of low calcium concentration in the bones which can be caused by very low calcium intake.

Younger women should make sure to exercise frequently to increase bone mass while they still can.

Calcium supplements must also be taken to reach the recommended daily requirement for calcium.

Menopause complications For middle aged and aging women, there may be a need to go to the doctor frequently because of menopause related concerns. Hormonal imbalance because of menopause can be very dangerous especially if you are unaware that it is happening. These conditions can vary from high blood pressure to inconsistent menstrual flow. If you are in the menopausal stage, you must be conscious of the things going on in your body.

purchase a toothbrush sanitizer. These gadgets use ultra violet light and are able to kill 99 percent of bacteria.

Your chopping board There are studies that say there are 200 times more fecal bacteria than on your toilet seat. Don’t ask me how they got there- just clean it.

Chances are you invest lots of time and chemical on cleaning your toilet, but not so much so your chopping board, blenders and things you use once in a while.

Tips:-

Give your house a once-over with an antiseptic at least once a week- door handles, remotes, light switches, computer keyboards and so forth Dispose of disposables.

Sponges, make up and dishcloths harbour more bacteria than the surfaces you are putting them on.

Fortunately they are disposable.

Have two footmats- one at the front door and one before you enter into the house. The germs in your house are not as likely to make you sick as the ones on your shoes.

Change mattresses, pillows and throw pillows once in a while. Air them once a month.

Iron deficiency anaemia

O

ther than calcium, a woman must also be wary of her iron intake.

Because of a woman’s monthly, visits, the level of calcium in her blood is decreased by the blood lost. To compensate for the loss of this valuable RBC component, a woman must take iron supplements daily.

Cancers common to women

The common cancers for women are ovarian and breast cancer. There is a vaccine for the former but for breast cancer, only early detection can prevent it from becoming worse. Sometimes breast cancer can be difficult to detect if the woman has undergone implant surgeries, which are becoming more and more common.

Lung cancer has also been on the rise, with more women smoking and hanging out in smoke filled clubs and bars more often. More sexual activity has given rise to higher incidents of cervical cancer, which thankfully is more identifiable with free tests everywhere.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 —41

Dress the Derrière The classy way

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or sure we have some devastating derrieres in Nollywood. From the legendary one of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde to the alluring Mercy Johnson, Nollywood is a reflection of the blessing our maker have bestowed upon us as African women.

But alas, dressing in iro and buba is no longer in vogue, and beyond the very sexy, we seem not to be able to dress our shape. Get some tips:Go for clean, tailored lines on the bottom.

Whatever you wear on the bottom should always be more tailored, such as flat front pants. With skirts, the A-line or flared skirt is a great piece to use as a base to accentuate a beautiful selection of tops. Stay away from pleats, side pockets, or anything that is going to add dimension to this area.

If you wear a belt, make sure it’s slim and the same color as your pants (a wide belt draws more attention to the area you’re trying to deemphasize). If you belt a dress, make sure the belt sits higher up at your waistline rather than your hips.

Wear pants or jeans that have a flare on the bottom.

A flared leg draws the eye away from your hips and creates a more flattering line for your whole body. Conversely, stay away from capri or tapered pants. They drive the eye right to the hips.

Mercy

Check out tunic tops or dresses.

You can wear a tunic top or dress as long as it fits properly.

(Don’t wear a tunic top or dress if it’s in any way clinging to your

Xpressions

S

I

Goodie

Dame Jonathan he has been openly called a barefaced liar on radio, national television and, worse still, on social media, yet, Nigerian first lady has braved all the odds to come out with what has come to be referred to as her lazarus story.

The protest, last week, by female Lagos based activist Jo Okei Odunmakin and

Make use of jackets.

Jackets are great for pear-shaped people because they usually have interesting details around the neckline and give more structure to the shoulder area, where you’re trying to direct the focus. When wearing a jacket, choose one that ends past your hips, not at them. A longer jacket, such as a cute blazer, creates a long, lean line and covers the hip area.

Experiment with different necklines.

A deeper, more plunging neckline elongates your upper body and draws all the attention upward. Try wearing a long necklace to fill in the neckline, which also adds to the lengthening of your upper body.

Show off your shoulders.

You want to show them off by wearing off-the-shoulder tops that expose one or both shoulders. These tops immediately attract attention and steer the eye exactly where you want it.

Ruffles or puffy sleeves on your top are also great for pears. . Try a fun scarf around your neck, a fabulous necklace, or a great pair of earrings. These items all serve to draw the eye up to your best feature — your face! .Choose materials that hold their form like wool slacks or denim. They flatter and streamline your shape. Avoid any tight knits on the bottom because they cling and accentuate your width.

Goldie: Controversial in life and beyond

Nigerians are pleased the First Lady is well, but not about being lied to her team against the imminence of government plans to build brand new offices for the first lady in Abuja were mostly ignored, and naturally so. If the first lady survived the curse of Aso Rock ,who is anyone from Lagos to even suggest she is not to be handsomely rewarded for it.

Yet the fact, indeed, is that her handlers as well as the president’s, first ignored, then vehemently denied, suggestions last year that Mrs Jonathan could be feeling rather under the weather.

Nigeria has become a largely insensitive and uncaring nation, and this is definitely not good. Yet, this glaring lack of apathy appears to be the (natural) reaction to the propensity of the ruling class from whichever part of the country, to play politics with everything including their own health and physiological well being.

belly or your hips.) One that fits properly gives a clean, elongating line while camouflaging everything underneath. The great thing about this style is that it accentuates your arms and your whole upper body and makes you appear taller and leaner at the same time.

f government has to account to us for every single step they take, celebs certainly do not. Late Diva Goldie did not see why her marital status was the business of anyone, so she never told but clearly, there are parties who think they can profit from her demise.

There is a very fine line between being ambitious and being manipulative, particularly for the African woman for whom being able to manipulate is seen in positive light; as a kind of virtue, and Goldie towed this line with admirable balance. It is difficult to understand, however, the desperation of her said English husband to prove they were still married at the time of her demise, while a current lover claims they were going to get married this year.

As though this were not flustering enough, another party jumps into the murky pond, claiming Goldie, her best friend, eloped with the former ’s husband, the Englishman, who produced pictures of himself holidaying with Goldie last December.

Goldie was the role model to millions of girls, and it’s important that they continue to think of her as a worthy one.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 42

With

Prince Osuagwu princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Galaxy GRAND: A smart phone with Nigerians in mind S

AMSUNG claims to know what Nigerians want in a smart phone and don’t think it just came out of the imagination, the phone company claimed to have transversed the length and breadth of the country to find out that besides other features that entertain and educate in a smart phone, Nigerians would always pick a dual SIM smart phone with large screen, ahead of others.

To put that discovery to test, it dropped a new smartphone, tagged Galaxy GRAND in Nigeria last week. The fact that the device was first launched in Nigeria gives an idea why two of the most distinctive features of the phone are its large screen and double SIM capability.

Powered by the latest version of Google’s Android operating system, Jelly Bean 4.1.2, the Galaxy Grand features an impressive 1.2 GHz dual-core processor that supports seamless multitasking; faster web browsing and superior graphics. Its 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display is ideal for users who want the productivity of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone.

Even with its massive screen, the device is incredibly slim, with an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold.

The vivid display provides an expansive viewing experience rendering messaging,

For govt, business elites, here comes HP EliteBook Revolve

A

L – R: Mr. Olumide Ojo, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu all of Samsung; Samsung Brand Ambassador and star musician, Banky W, and Business Head, Hand Held Products, Samsung West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, at the unveiling of the Galaxy Grand and launch of, Banky W’s ‘R&BW’ album at the weekend. multimedia and web content in brilliant color and clarity.

The device also sports a Multi-Window feature that allows seamless multitasking and running of multiple applications simultaneously without having to switch between screens.

Samsung says the Galaxy Grand is the ideal device for users with fast-paced mobile lifestyles who demand more from their phones.

S

ome other features that the mobile phone maker believes will make the Galaxy

Grand smartphone an instant hit with mobile phone users across the country include Smart Stay, which uses the front camera to prevent the device from going into standby mode while it detects a user in front of the device, and the phone’s Direct Call feature, which lets users automatically dial a call by raising the device up to the ear.

The device also features a unique Face & Voice Unlock feature that enables the users to lock and unlock their device with face or voice recognition,

providing greater security and convenience. Galaxy Grand, brings Samsung’s range of dual-SIM smartphones to six and 14 smartphone models across the world.

Meanwhile, the device maker also chose a grand way to introduce the new smartphone – the new album launch of popular Nigerian R&B music star, BankyW, manifesting the claim that its phones are not just all technology but useful for making fashion and entertainment statements..

…Now, comes the LG Nexus 4 smartphone I Android jelly Bean 4.2 brings some welcome new features that puts the best of Google in the hands of users”.

Weighing a mere 139g, the smartphone uses LCD display technology with a screen resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels, 320 ppi; and a16M colours display with dimensions of 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1mm.With the uniquely designed display photos and videos come to life with stunning clarity and crisp, natural The colour. gently-curved glass edges allow the user’s fingers to slide smoothly on and off the 4.7-inch screen, while Zerogap Touch

technology allows the user to practically touch the pixels.

Meanwhile, the scratchresistant corning Gorilla glass2, provides the needed protection for the screen.

T

here are many other features which gives Nigerian users something to do while on a date or picnic.

Camera: There is an

•LG Nexus 4

T has been the rave of the moment in other markets due to the features and tasks it can take. Now, LG has brought it down to Nigeria, saying the country was more deserving of the device due to the high value Nigerians attach to entertainment and fashion.

The Nexus 4 Smartphone comes with exciting features like the Android Jelly Bean Operating System, 8 Mega Pixel camera, 16 GB internal Memory capacity, 2GB of RAMas well as a 2,100 mAh Li-polymer battery.

Introducing the device, marketing manager, Mobile Communications, LG Electronics, Mrs. Bukola Arabome, said “LG Nexus 4 E960 has an excellent display with a fast processor and Graphic Processing unit; the

8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera.

With these, it is so easy to create a panorama with the device.

Users will be able to capture 360degree Panorama directly from their camera app. Once they have a photo to share, they can opt to share their Panorama on Google maps and Google +.

Speed: It spots a cutting-edge 1.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 processor which gives amazing speed capability to the device perhaps help users to stay ahead. Users will also be able to zip round the web, effortlessly switch between multiple apps without ever missing a beat as well as experience rich 3D graphics and gameplay.

Display and battery life: Has a large crisp screen of about 4.7 inch with detailed and beautiful resolution.

PPARENTLY device makers, HP has studied the handicaps of government functionaries and their business counterparts, to discover that to deliver is to have light, touch sensitive computers to work with on the go. Otherwise its newest new generation personal computer, EliteBook Revolve, says so. the functions and features, the device is all inch an of its business tablet portfolio. Its convertible tablet, touch-enabled notebook and pivots to let users share their work, fold to go mobile.

The device has the ability to transform with the flick of the wrist to deliver a convertible computing solution to match different needs.

HP said the device was driven by the latest, thirdgeneration Intel Core processors and optimised for Windows 8. No wonder it offers the performance and visuals of a full-power notebook alongside the flexibility to quickly switch to a tablet with a touch-enabled high-definition (HD) display.

Alongside the device, HP also designed and released a new HP Multi-Tablet Charging Module which quickly and easily charges and stores up to 10 tablet PCs with just one power outlet.

Suitable for a range of different work environments, the module secures all docked tablets with a locking mechanism and a keyed lock on the fold-back doors.

Introducing the device, commercial Director, products, Personal Computer Business Unit, HP EMEA, Gerwald van der Gijp, said that discovered that “employees want computing devices that is flexible and able to adapt to any situation.

•HP EliteBook Revolve

Vanguard, FRI DAY FRIDAY DAY,, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—43

Uduaghan approves CLO for Berger

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COMRADE VISIT: From left— Mrs Peace Obiajulu, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Mr. Peter Esele, President-General, Trade Union Congress, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Benin, yesterday.

Uduaghan, Ewherido mourn Esiri

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has described

late Justus Esiri as a legend that brought prestige and honour to Nollywood and the acting profession.

Also the Senator represent-

ing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Pius Ewherido, expressed shock over Esiri’s death.

Ewherido, in a statement, said Nigeria’s entertainment indus-

‘We prefer governorship seat to Anioma State’

BY SONI DANIEL

A

BUJA—THE people of Anioma ethnic nationality said, yesterday, that they preferred producing the next governor of the state to having Anioma State, for which they have been clamouring for decades.

Anioma appealed to the other four ethnic groups in the state, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and Isoko, to con-

cede the governorship psition to them, as they had cooperated with them since the creation of Delta State in 1991.

Chairman of Anioma Agenda, Mr. Alex Onwudiamu told newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, that their quest for the governorship of the state was predicated on the fact that others had taken their turns and it was their turn to take a shot at the top post for the

first time in history.

He appealed to their Urhobo brothers, who recently met with the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, in their quest to advance their political interest in the state in 2015, to exercise restraint, so as not to undermine the current peace being enjoyed in the state.

He noted that the Urhobo have had their fair share in the administration of the state, having produced the governors of the state for 10 years.

Stakeholders strategise over Oshiomhole’s Ogbemudia, will play a key People’s Democratic Party, and successor role on who succeeds GovSolomon Edebiri, All Nigeria

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—AS politicians in Edo State strategise ahead of the 2016 governorship election in the state, there are indications that former governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel

ernor Adams Oshiomhole.

Prior to the April 14, 2012 governorship election in the state, the Enunuedo sociocultural group, led by Ogbemudia, had met with the three governorship aspirants, Oshiomhole, Action Congress of Nigeria; Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.),

People’s Party, where the issue of development in the Binispeaking areas was discussed.

It was learnt that when Oshiomhole met with the group, the issue of succession was raised and it was agreed that Ogbemudia might play a key role in producing Oshiomhole’s successor in 2016.

try was much poorer without Esiri, who lit people’s television screens with vintage performances in Village Headmaster, The Prize, Wasted Years, The Ghost and other great movies.

Ewherido said Delta Central, Delta and indeed Nigeria had lost a great son and ambassador, who bestrode the Nigerian and African movie scene like a colossus.

Uduaghan, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Felix Ofou, said the late actor, apart from being a pioneer actor, carved a niche that gave him worldwide recognition.

He said: “He was not only one of the pioneer actors in the country, the late Justus Esiri brought uncommon touch and professionalism to his trade.

He was renowned and honoured wherever he went. He was a legend.”

Uduaghan recalled that the late actor was recognised and decorated with the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of the Niger, a feat enjoyed by a privileged few in Nollywood and acting profession.

The governor said Esiri’s role in the sitcom, Village Headmaster, had continued to serve as a reference point and an inspiration to scholars, actors and actresses, leaders and generations to come, adding that the vacuum left by the late actor will be difficult to fill.

Muslim Congress plead with Oshiomhole over projects’ commissioning

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

B

ENIN Muslim Con gress, BMC, and Management Committee of

Benin Central Mosque have pleaded with Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to commission some of the projects he assisted in putting in place, such as the

Benin Central Mosque and school.

Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, made the appeal during a visit to Secretary to the State Govern-

ment, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

He said: “The mosque and the school are wearing new looks courtesy of Oshiomhole.

We need the governor to commission these projects.”

OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has approved the return of Chief Napoleon Iffie to Julius Berger Construction Company as Community Liaison Officer, CLO, to represent the interest of Ekpan Community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The governor spoke through his Special Adviser on Security, Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (rtd), shortly after a meeting at Government House Annex with Uvwie Council Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Bright Edejewhro, and other security assistants to the governor.

He said the decision of the government was meant to sustain the peace in the area. He directed all former CLOs to return to their posts.

The governor advised the people of Ekpan and Uvwie to live in peace with each other in the interest of the development of the area and warned troublemakers to sustain the current peace in Ekpan.

Commissioning

A

S part of its support ing communitylevel conflict resolution and reintegration of exmilitants to promote stability in the Niger Delta, Niger Delta Professionals For Development, NIDPRODEV, has built and commissioned a public toilet in Oporoza community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The project is part of its programme, tagged Tomorrow is A New Day, and funded by European Union, managed by Search For Common Ground, SFCG, and implemented by NIDPRODEV. Programme Officer of the group, Mr. Arinze Ojukwu, said the project was organised to increase local awareness.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

TIMARIV denies allegation of scam

PIB delay stalls Shell’s $30bn deepwater investments — SCiN Country Chair

BY EGUFE YAFGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—MANAGEMENT of Rivers State Traffic Management Authority, TIMARIV, has described as baseless, allegations of financial impropriety against its operations.

The allegations, by a staff of TIMARIV, Mr. Peterside Chinda, in a petition pending before the state House of Assembly, accused the agency ’s management of duplication of expenses, non-remittance of tax and pension deductions from staff salaries.

Reacting, Controller General of the agency, Mr. Nelson Jaja, said: “I am yet to see a copy of the petition, but if what I read in some newspapers is what is contained in the petition, I can tell you that all the allegations are baseless and figments of the author’s imagination.

“The pettiness of the claims starts with the false identity of the petitioner.

I had checked and rechecked our staff profile with our human resources team; with over 700 staff, we could not identify any staff by the name Peterside Chinda. If the petitioner is faceless, whose onus does it then falls to substantiate these baseless claims?”

Madam Koye passes on @ 105

M

RS. Edisiye Koye of Amakosiere, in Bomadi South Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 105.

A statement by Patricia Ebere for the family, said Christian wake keep took place yesterday while interment comes up today at the family compound.

She is survived by, many children, grandchildren and other relations.

Late Mrs. Edisiye Koye

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

S

HELL Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, said, yesterday, that the uncertainties surrounding the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, were stalling its investments worth about $30 billion in two offshore deepwater projects in the country.

Country Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, SCiN, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG International Conference and Exhibition, in Abuja, did not, however, identify what projects they were.

He said that Shell will rather wait for stable and better conditions before committing such huge amounts into the projects.

He said: “Deep water portends a huge opportunity. In Shell, we have two big projects we will like to do as soon as we are sure that the environment and the conditions are right, costing us about $30 billion, and I am

sure it is the same with other international oil companies, because each of us has projects in the pipeline, but we are all waiting for the almighty PIB to make these decisions.

“I recall the Mexican story; it took them 50 years to recover from that loss in oil production and my worries are that we are slipping into that; even today, if we produce a modest allowance of three million barrels per day, 3mbpd, and just assume a modest decline rate of 10 per cent, that leaves us with 2.7mbpd.

“What this means is that for us to maintain that level of 3mbpd, we must produce additional 300,000bpd. It means that we need at least two deep water projects every year, and then you are talking about additional $30 billion investments every year for us to remain at that level, but that is not going to be easy.

“If we look at our onshore today, it is nowhere near the ca-

pacity we have today, most of what we have today comes from our deep offshore operations. But there is a lot more that we can get out of the onshore, but that is the place that has serious financing challenges. It is very clear in my mind that the potentials are there but turning those potentials to reality requires a lot of hard work, creative thinking and genuine value creation.”

Crude oil theft Aside the PIB, Sunmonu said that Shell's operations have also had to contend with crude oil theft, bunkering, insecurity and a host of others.

He urged the Federal Government to, “minimise the leakages in our operations today because we have talked about it before that crude oil theft continues to be a men-

ace; if our country is losing 100,000bpd to 150,000bpd that is huge, some of the countries that are parading themselves as crude oil production countries today cannot even boast of 80,000bpd and if we are filtering away that much, then it calls for urgent action.

“We must minimise these leakage and I am really pleased about what the President is doing about it; he is taking it very seriously and he is doing it internally and externally.

"The other important factor is for us to make sure that the contractors that are coming to work in Nigeria have a level of stable operating environment in terms of the uncertainties around their contracts, by making sure that they get paid on time.

So, the whole issue of funding becomes very important.”

Delta LG chair task residents on peace

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—CHAIR MAN of Ika South Local Government Transition Committee, Delta State, Mr. Andrew Obiazi, has charged the people of the council to remain peaceful and law abiding in the interest of the overall development of the area.

Obiazi, during a familiarization tour of communities in the council, stressed the need for them to imbibe the culture of environmental cleanliness and assured that the council would do all within the limit of its resources to address some of the challenges facing them.

Saying that he will carry the people along in the running of the council in line with the mandate given to them by the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, he appealed to the people to cooperate with his administration in his resolve to add value to their living condition.

At Abavo, HRM Obi Uche Irenuma II, appealed to the council chairman to ensure that the oil flow station being proposed for Abavo was not diverted to a non-oil bearing community.

ORIENTATION WORKSHOP: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay (right) and Director-General, NYSC, Brig-Gen. Nnamdi Okorie-Affia, at the 2013 Batch 'A' Pre-Orientation Workshop of the Corps in Asaba, yesterday.

FG, Intels construct deep sea port extension at Onne

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Federal Govern ment has commenced the construction of a deep sea port at the Federal Ocean Terminal, in Onne, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to boost the operations of Liquid Natural Gas, LNG, and other deep off shore operations. The project is being executed in partnership with Intels Logistics.

Speaking at the inspection of on-going construction in the project, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran

Maku, said the facility had to be extended because of the pressure the ports in Lagos are currently experiencing, which, he noted, was occasioned by the expansion in the nation's economy.

Maku, who visited the project as part of his Good Governance tour, said that the government had decided to develop more ports across the country with a view to meeting the increasing needs of Nigerian importers and exporters.

He explained that the absence of deep sea ports in

West Africa had prompted the government to develop these facilities in partnership with private investors He said: “This port is of great significance to the government and the economy because this region is basically oil and gas and global attention is being shifted to the Gulf of Guinea because in future, this facility will play a significant role in the supply of oil and gas to the rest of the world." He said the extended port facility sits on 90 hecters of land, adding that Intels has 20 years to recoup its investment.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—45

Nwabueze: Okupe should apologise to Ndigbo — Igbo youths

BY EMEKA MAMAH

T

From left: Bale Eguru, Chief Wahab Adebare Aina; Onitori of Orile Itori, Oba Adebisi Adebayo and Chairman Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr Lolu Ojo during a visit on the paramount ruler of Orile Itori.

HE Igbo Youths Move ment, IYM, yesterday gave the Senior Special Adviser, Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, 48 hours to apologise to Ndigbo over his alleged "uncivilised vituperations," against elderstatesman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, following the latter’s remark that Nigeria was becoming a failed state.

This was made known by

the National President of IYM, Mr. Elliot Ukoh.

In the statement entitled, "Okupe’s Disgraceful Outburst," Ukoh said, "Nigerians were shocked by the uncivilized vituperation of Okukpe over Prof. Nwabueze’s remarks that Nigeria was drifting towards a failed state.

"Okupe’s outright insult on the person of the eminent constitutional lawyer and his use of adjectives such as irresponsible and unpatriotic to describe the elder citizen’s genuine concern on the parlous state of the Nigerian ship, merely confirms Okupe as an unpolished man as only such

people use gutter language.

"If Okupe disagrees with Prof. Nwabueze or any other commentator for that matter, he should not resort to insults. If Okukpe believes that Nigerians could be fooled about the reality of the Nigerian situation, then it is lamentable and he needs to be pitied.

"Google’s failed state index, places Nigeria at No.12 while Somalia is No. 1 among over 200 countries of the world. Okupe’s master has been incharge of 34 states in Nigeria for the past one year, while Boko Haram has Bornu and Yobe States".

Union gives ultimatum to Education Minister

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

A

SSOCIATION of Sen ior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Ahmad Rufa’i, over alleged refusal of the Federal Ministry of Education to resolve outstanding labour issues in the Ministry since 2009, despite several representations to her to come for dialogue.

According to the union, issues that needed to be discussed are agreement to hold quarterly meeting with Federal Ministry of Education, stagnation of officers in the ministry and

non-payment of promotion arrears.

Others include inappropriate placement of officers, punitive posting of union officials without paying them due allowances and non-payment of allowances to officer that took part in the mandatory training organised by the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in 2010.

In the letter signed by Secretary General of ASCSN, Alade Bashir Lawal, the union lamented that several of its members in Federal Government Colleges were victimized over union activities and efforts to redress the injustices had so far proven abortive.

Group petitions IG over detention of pregnant woman

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

N

ETWORK on Police Reform in Nigeria, NOPRIN, has condemned the detention of a pregnant woman, Mrs Chinwendu Ezike, who travelled from Lagos to see her mother, Mrs. Celestina Okolie, a widow, currently being detained at ‘D’ Division Zone 9, Umuahia in Abia State, over alleged trumped-up charges.

Mrs. Ezike was, however, detained by the police as she made efforts to see her detained mother .

The group in a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, signed by its Programme Coordinator, Mr

C M Y K

Okechukwu Nwanguma, said Mrs. Okolie, who was detained along with her son, Chinagorom, was said to have earlier lodged a complaint against one Mr Onyebuchi and his brothers at Orlu Division for unlawful demolition of her landed property and forceful eviction by the accused persons.

NOPRIN, a network of 46 civil society organisations, said in the petition that a human rights lawyer, Mr. Okite, informed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, ‘D’ Division Zone 9 Umuahia that it was a patently false allegation aimed by the person who made it to evade justice for his crime against the widow and her children.

46—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Fadama: World Bank threatens to blacklist States, LGs Over non-payment of counterpart fund

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U From left: Engr. Tunde Zedomi, Council Member, NIM; Dr. Micheal Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council, NIM (Chartered); Mr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola, MD/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Ltd and Mr. Ademola Adesalu, during the Nigeria Institute of Management's visit to CRC Headquaters.

Photo: Oscar Ochiogu.

MUAHIA — T H E World Bank has threatened to stop the funding of Fadama 111 programme in states and local government areas that failed to pay their counterpart funds for the sustenance of the programme.

World Bank's representative and team leader of the 7th World Bank/Federal Government supervision

mission for the South East, Prof. Adejoh Odo, who issued the threat, said the need to ensure continuity of the programme could not be over-emphasized.

He noted that state government and local councils must pay their counterpart funds for the programme to continue.

Odo, who spoke in Umuahia during a visit on Governor Theodore Orji of

Abia State, said without the payment of the counterpart funds, the project would not go on smoothly.

In his response, Governor Theodore Orji disclosed that he had already directed the Accountant General of the State to pay the state’s indebtedness to the programme and ensure that the counterpart funds of local government councils were deducted at source and remitted to the purse of the programme.

According to Governor Orji, Fadama 111 programme is held in high esteem in the state because of the huge impact it would have on agriculture which the government has placed priority on.

His words: “Fadama 111 has made huge impact. The agriculture revolution which is being pursued by the government has received great boost by Fadama 111 and we don’t want anything to affect the programme here.”

Smuggling has reduced on land borders — Dikko

BY LAJA THOMAS

L

AGOS—THE Comp troller General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko has reaffirmed that smuggling of rice and other edible items through land borders has drastically reduced following an increase in revenue profile of the border posts.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos, the customs boss reiterated that the two borders had generated more revenue on monthly basis last year.

He however, attributed this development to attitudinal change of the importers who are paying duties as at when due.

Dikko said: “No more evasion of duty, importers are coming forward to pay duties on their imported goods. He therefore, challenged those who are perceiving land borders as haven for smuggling to visit the borders and see things for themselves and stop peddling rumours.”

C M Y K

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 —47

Kebiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director; Abdulsamad Rabiu, BUA Group's Chairman; Mr. Fallman Samuel, Regional Director, Siemens North West and Africa and Mr. Michael Lakopa, MD/CEO Siemens Ltd, Nigeria, during the signing of the $35 million agreement, at BUA London office for Siemens to build a unique SGT-500 power plant, at the BUA’s Okpella Cement factory, in Edo State.

From left: Sen. 'Gbenga Ashafa and Osita Chidoka, Corps Marshal /Chief Executive, FRSC, during the 25th Anniversary Conference, at Transcorp Hilton Congress Centre, Abuja.

From right: Kayode Awogboro, Deputy Tournament Manager, Lagos Polo Tournament; Tade Oyinlola, Tournament Manager; Muyiwa Sonubi, Secretary; Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos; Bode Makanjuola; Hon. Habeeb Fasinro, President and Jude Offor, Games member, during the Lagos Polo Tournament team trophy endorsement visit to Oba of Lagos, in his palace

Hon. Hakeem Sulaimon, Executive Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (right) presenting the 2013 Appropriation Bill to the Leader of the legislative house, Hon. Bakare Olusola, in Lagos.

Gov. Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State presenting a plaque to Sen. James Manager, Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, during the committee's visit to Government House, Uyo

From left: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs. Olanipeju Lawal and From left: Mr. Chukuka Chukutem, Head, Pharma Sales & Marketing, May & Baker Prof.Dora Akunyili, former Minister for Information, guest speaker Nigeria Plc; Dr. Ojikutu Seliat, one of the best graduating students of the College of during the Girl Show organised by UNILAG 103.1 FM, at the Main Medicine, University of Lagos, 2013 and Mr. Eugene Olewuenyi, Head, Corporate ComAuditorium of the university, Akoka, lagos. munications, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, during the presentation a plaque to Dr. Ojikutu Seliat.

Mr. Dada Ajai-Ikhile, Guest of Honour, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun, Administrator, Grace School, Master Onyeagba Chidiebere, Overall Best student; Prof. Kayode Amund, Special Guest of Honour and Mr. Roland Cilliers, Principal, Grace School, at the 18th Founder's Anniversary/Prize giving day of Grace High School 2012/2013 academic session, at the school premises, in Lagos.

Ime Ette, FCMB's Zonal Head, Calabar (left); Patricia Enderly, Cross River State Commissioner for Social Welfare (right) handing over congratulatory package to one of the beneficiaries of free eye surgery sponsored by FCMB, at an interactive session, in Calabar.

From left: Sheikh Pratsesh Patil of Sheraton Four Point Hotel, Bur Dubai; Cynthia Bantolino; Amb. Moses Essien, Country Director, Institute for Government Research & Leadership Technology (Africa & Middle East) and Mr. Rahul Untawale, during the Institute's working visit to the Emirates, weekend, in Abuja.

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Agric varsity matriculates 4,860 students

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—A total of 4,860 students were, yesterday, matriculated by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, UAM, Benue State, for the 2012/2013 academic session.

Addressing the the new students, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Kutcha, said: “Of the number, 3, 324 are regular undergraduate students admitted into various programmes, 605 are for sandwich programmes, while 931 students are for postgraduate programmes.”

Prof. Kutcha advised the new students to renounce all social vices such as cultism, indecent dressing, sexual harassment, drug abuse, examination misconduct, unlawful demonstration and willful destruction of property that could cut short their educational pursuit.

He said ”Start now to define your priorities right and quickly settle down for the academic work ahead.”

Mudi Spiken, poet, nationalist passes on

K

ANO—ONE of the few survivng Independent Nationalists and poet, Alhaji Mudi Spikin, is dead.

He died yesterday, in his private residence at Fagge in Kano, Kano State.

Late Spikin, a founding father of the defunct Northern Elements Progressive Union, NEPU, was honoured with a special durbar by Kano Emirate Council and a visit by the emir for his brillance on his return from the London Conference on self determination in 1957.

Spikin, was incarcerated several times during his lifetime for his political activism and scathing poetry. He was buried at a public cemetery in accordance with Islamic injunction.

He is survived by his widows, children and grandchildren.

Bauchi govt sues teachers over strike

BY SUZAN EDEH AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Government has filed criminal charges against officials of the Association of Secondary School Teachers, ASSUST, led by Abdullahi Tanko, over the industrial action embarked upon by the association last month.

Tanko and 13 others were sued by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice through a lawyer, Alhamdu Sabo.

Sabo told the court that, “in February the accused persons criminally conspired and operated illegally by closing government secondary and primary schools under the state Ministry of Education.’’

He added that ‘’the accused purportedly closed down the schools by harassing and intimidating teachers and persecuted those that were not willing to join the strike” The government’s counsel further told the court that the association was not a legally registered trade union, hence its opertation in the state was illegal and contrary to Sections 96,100(c), 104 and 114 of the Penal Code and Section 267 of the Bauchi State law on strike.

He then asked the court to restrain the accused persons from parading themselves as leaders of ASSUST. The gov-

B

ernment also demanded that all the teachers go back to their classes.

Sabo said: “Henceforth, no teacher should listen to any instructions from the union. Every teacher should fully resume duties because the union is not legally recognized by the state.

“The accused is thereby disallowed from giving any directive to teachers, pending the deter-

mination of the substantive suit.”

Counsel to the teachers, Joseph Kuleve, filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

Kuleve urged the court not to entertain the suit, saying that only the National Industrial Court could entertain the matter even as there was no valid case against the defendants.

He argued that everybody was entitled to exercise his or her fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution and asked the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Kundak, adjourned the suit till March 6, for hearing on the preliminary objection filed by the defendants.

VISIT: From left: Dr. Anthony Usoro, National Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases; Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, Director, Public Health, both of Federal Ministry of Health; Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health, and Rita Melifonwu, founder/CEO, Stroke Action Nigeria, during the Stroke Action Nigeria’s courtesy call on the Minister in Abuja.

....As Jonathan lauds conduct of Offa Poly students

ICAN moves against corruption

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

I

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

LORIN—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, has commended students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, for their remarkable conduct during the recent communal clash between Offa and Erin Ile communities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students and Youth Affairs, Mr. Jude Imagwe, made this

known, yesterday, in an interview with newsmen after visiting the warring communities and the polytechnic.

Imagwe, who inspected some facilities in the school, said the students should be celebrated for behaving well while the crisis lasted.

The students’ union and the institution’s management had written to the Presidency on the incident, calling on the Federal Government not only

to provide adequate security but to also find lasting solution to the recurring communal crisis.

The students were said to have refrained from joining the fray even as their union’s bus was burnt by hoodlums during the crisis.

This non-involvement of the students in the crises was said to been responsible for few casualties on the part of the polytechnic.

Lingering Adamawa PDP crisis worries group of state chapter of the party was group advised him to resign if

A

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA—THE political crisis rocking the Adamawa State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has taken a different dimension with a warning from a group that if not addressed, the crisis may compound the insecurity situation in the state.

The Adamawa Democratic Congress, ADC, in statement by its Coordinator, Mr. Yusuf Garba, in Abuja, said the unjust interference of some National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP in the affairs

responsible for the lingering crisis in the party.

Garba, also asked the NWC, to stop meddling in affairs of the party in the interest of peace.

He warned that apart from the insecurity, the PDP might also record colossal defeat at the forthcoming general elections in 2015, because according to him “the actions of our national leaders is causing a feeling of ill-will among party faithful in the state.”

While pointing accusing fingers at the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, the

he cannot concentrate on building the party at the national level.

K

ANO—THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, is soon to sponsor an anti-corruption bill in the National Assembly to complement current efforts to fight the scourge in the country.

National President of the institute, Chief Adedoyin Owolabi, told reporters in Kano, yesterday, that the institute had equally set aside funds to cater for would-be whistle blowers in a bid to reduce corruption in the country.

Owolabi who was in the state with leaders of the institute on a sympathy visit to the Kano State emirate council, said that the association took the decision as a new dimension to confront sharp practices in the system.

Smartmark debuts in Ilorin

S

MARTMARK Ltd, distribu tor of lifestyle and beauty brands and marketers of Swatch brand has opened doors to customers at the Kwara Mall, Ilorin, the Managing Director of the Company, Alhaji Layi Gobir, has said.

He thanked the state Governor, Dr. AbdulFatah Ahmed for making this possible, adding that the governor’s foresight in creating

the enabling environment for investment in Kwara was the only way forward for businesses to thrive in the state.

Segun Ogunleye, the Marketing Communications Manager of the firm, in a statement said the company was poised to give its teeming consumers in Ilorin and its environs, the opportunity to access the quality experience which the brand provided.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 49

our president to go for a second term which the PDP governors support.

• The governors also recognise the Yar’Adua/Jonathan ticket and therefore hereby support President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) to contest the 2011 election as the PDP presidential candidate for a period of four years only.”

That meeting was the turning point in the governors’ support for Jonathan who on his part described them as field commanders of the party who should not be joked with.

“The governors are the commanders in the state and as field commanders you cannot play with them,” the president was reported to have said at the end of that meeting.

Credibility of the communique

One term agreement: Fiction, facts and fables

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan had months ago declared on national television that he would not dabble into the 2015 presidential election question until 2014. His disposition nonetheless, the issue has now frontally caught up with his presidency following the disclosure

by Governor Babangida Aliyu last weekend that the president signed an agreement with northern governors not to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking on a radio programme in Kaduna, Governor Aliyu had declared that the president agreed with northern governors that he would serve for only one term in a bid to allow the presidency to revolve back to the north in 2015.

“I recall that at the time he was going to declare for the 2011 election, all the PDP governors were brought together to ensure that we were all in the same frame of mind.

“And I recall that some of us said given the circumstances of the

death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and given the PDP zoning arrangement, it was expected that the North was to produce the president for a given number of years.”

“I recall that at that discussion, it was agreed that Jonathan would serve only one term of four years and we all signed the agreement. Even when Jonathan went to Kampala, in Uganda, he also said he was going to serve a single term,” the Niger governor had declared.

Direct beneficiary Following his declaration on Saturday which was widely reported in the newspapers the following day, Governor Aliyu resorted to silence. Indeed, he reportedly ordered his aides and associates not to respond to comments or questions from journalists on the issue.

Governor Aliyu who is in his second term it is believed, would be a direct beneficiary should the president opt out from the 2015 contest. Besides him, a number

of second term governors in the north inching to advance in the political ladder would also benefit from the non-participation of the incumbent in the contest.

Among them are Governors Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto, Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano), Usman Daikingari (Kebbi), Yisa Yuguda (Bauchi), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Murtala Nyako and the convalescing Danbaba Suntai (Taraba).

Aliyu’s assertion of an agreement was immediately dismissed by presidency officials with the political adviser, Ahmed Gulak saying that there was no such agreement.

But multiple sources disclosed to Vanguard that efforts towards nudging Jonathan to an agreement were made by northern stakeholders operating from different fronts.

The first move apparently came from PDP governors many of whom in the first instance, had been opposed to the emergence of Jonathan as acting president in the wake of the crisis sparked by the ill-health of President Umaru Yar‘adua in 2010.

Following the death of Yar‘adua many of the governors quickly came round to support Jonathan, but those who were serving their second terms like Bukola Saraki still sought ways of getting the advantage over

Jonathan in the 2011 contest. But willy-nilly Jonathan with the power of incumbency persevered pulling through a decisive victory even after the PDP governors had attempted to block a meeting of the national executive committee, NEC meeting of the party in December 2010.

The governors who command the majority of members of the NEC had in backroom discussions sought to frustrate the

,

Even though he had pledged not to be dissuaded from the affairs of state by 2015 campaign drums, his rivals for the ticket are not giving up on provoking him into dancing.

In appreciation of the support he got from the governors the president also moved to appease them in several ways including the dismissal the following month of the then national chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo.

That communiqué has been described as the currency of the agreement. However, many have dismissed the credibility of the communiqué as some have said that the president cannot be tied by it.

Another attempt to bind the president to a single term was made through the platform of the G15, which had been set up by the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF to help it in its choice of a northern presidential candidate.

Atiku Abubakar who had been chosen as the choice of the NPLF to represent the north in the PDP presidential primary, Vanguard learnt, had been approached by Jonathan for support after the primaries. Atiku it was gathered had

The first move apparently came from PDP governors many of whom in the first instance, had been opposed to the emergence of Jonathan as acting president

meeting of the NEC leading to the presidential primaries until they proved their point.

The NEC meeting which eventually held on December 16, 2010 reached a communiqué which was read by Governor Ibrahim Shema. The communiqué of the meeting read thus: • Democratic systems all over the world recognise the principles of incumbency and continuity • Entrenched democratic culture persistent in presidential system and our constitution entitles

,

resorted to the G15 on whether he should meet with Jonathan and he was given the go ahead.

When Jonathan eventually met with Atiku at the residence of Mallam Adamu Ciroma in Abuja he came with Anthony Anenih, the acting national chairman of the PDP Haliru Mohammed Bello to the meeting which saw Ibrahim Babangida, Aliyu Gusau among other eminent leaders from the north.

While they discussed some sought to put the issue of Continues on page 53 C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 51

Local council:

governor. But then, Dankwambo’s apologists made haste to say that the governor needed time to articulate the right things to avoid errors. There was also this other school that 2011, the ‘deal’ was sealed believed he was playing for Dankwambo to run the out the script of the 2011 gubernatorial forces that installed him elections having won the as allegedly agreed. party’s ticket.

The allegation To those in the know, it seemingly gained was at this time that a credence in view of the compromise was reached fact that the governor which prompted the ruled the state without a unprecedented support cabinet for almost seven from Goje’s camp for months. Even though Dankwambo. there were pressures In fact, to state the and heckles from many obvious, Goje’s political quarters, no one could • Dankwambo : Battling political foes structures were literarily do anything. The State donated to Dankwambo to House of Assembly also help him secure a win against committee chairmen who were appeared muzzled up as sources the All Nigeria Peoples Party, sworn in at the twilight of Goje’s said the members were gagged ANPP’s Umar Kumo; Congress administration. To this end, not from expressing open views on for Progressive Change, CPC’s a few persons had thought that Abubakar Aliyu and others in the the new governor would soon the matter.

Reprieve at last: However, after assuming office return the governorship election. reprieve came the way of the state Dashed hopes: And when local council fully to the path of late last year, precisely on Friday, democratic rule.

But that was one finally, Dankwambo was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2011, dream that never materialized till October 13, 2012 when Governor Dankwambo dissolved the Carehe inherited the reins of power date.

Divided polity: The taker committees across the 11 and overtly maintained the status quo created by the erstwhile development apparently divided councils and appointed new Gombe polity, leaving many chairmen in their place, administration.

One of the legacies he people in the state wondering preparatory for the election. inherited was the 11 caretaker over the intentions of the

Issues as Gombe goes to polls

BY JOHN BULUS

S

HOULD the Local Government elections scheduled to hold on February 23 across the 11 councils of Gombe State eventually become a reality, it would, according to analysts mean that two basic factors occasioned it.

One: that the Governor of the State, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has harkened to the wishes of the people.

Two: that the governor has also succeeded in building his own political structure at the grassroots. For starters, Governor Dankwambo prior to his journey into the “murky” waters of Nigeria, nay, Gombe politics in 2011, was completely without a political structure both in the hinterlands and the metropolis of the state.

How Dankwambo emerged: When the news filtered down that the then incumbent governor now senator, Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje was looking the way of Dankwambo as his

successor, many called it a bluff.

This was chiefly consequent upon Dankwambo’s non-existing “presence” in the state at the time. In fact, there were hairgrey politicians in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP (the platform upon which the governor contested the election), who were waiting.

Such big shots include the former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali; the then Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Biri; former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bayero Nafada; and General Timothy Shelpidi among others.

Interestingly, all the hopefuls were loyalists of Goje.

Apparently, they had trusted on the affinity they shared with Goje to pick the PDP ticket but were disappointed when Dankwambo was chosen in their stead.

It was to the chagrin of all and sundry when on the day of the primary election early January

C M Y K

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Rivers 2015:

After Amaechi who?

GIVEN the impressive legacy Governor Rotimi Amaechi has built in Rivers State it is not surprising that many are waiting on the wings to perch on the impressive foundations he has erected.

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

I

T is not surprising that the build up to the 2015 governorship election is dividing stalwarts of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state along two lines: Abuja based and Rivers based politicians.

The Abuja politicians are reportedly scheming to take over control of the party machinery. The outcome of the tussle will decide several factors in the political arena.

Some names already being taunted as likely contenders for the plum job include Senator Magnus Abe representing Rivers South East senatorial district, Hon Dakuku Peterside, member representing Andoni,Opobo/ Nkoro federal constituency, Dr Samson Parker, Commissioner of Health in the state and Prince Tonye Princewill.

Others are Senator George Sekibo, representing Rivers East senatorial constituency the deputy governor of the state, Engr. Tele Ikiru, Fafaa Dan Princewill.

List of loyalists It is not known if the foregoing would be a consideration by the governor in choosing his successor from his list of loyalists scrambling to succeed him.

There are also speculations in some quarters that the governor thinks his successor should come from the Ogoni axis of the state which Senator Abe represents in the senate.

Some who spoke to Vanguard claim Amaechi is of the view that the Okrika axis of the state has produced a governor in the past.

Former governor Rufus Ada George is from Okrika. He was governor on the platform of the National Republican Convention, NRC party in the state before the military struck.

The member representing Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency, Hon Peterside is also said to command the right ear of the governor. Peterside also served as commissioner of Works during the first term of Governor Amaechi.

He is reportedly building political structures all over to run for the plum job.

At the moment what appears very visible is that the battle over who succeeds Amaechi would be a battle between the incumbent and the Abuja politicians. Many say that the Abuja politicians would be led

by Mr. Wike.

The two of them may also clash over who becomes the Senator representing Rivers East constituency in the next dispensation.

Some are suggesting that Amaechi given his impressive record as governor of the state could be a shoo-in for the senate seat in 2015, that is if he is not drawn into the 2015 presidential contest.

Governor Amaechi has, however, consistently denied any presidential ambition, noting that since he is from the same South South region with President Goodluck Jonathan he was not going to rock the boat.

If Amaechi does not run as Vice President then the likelihood that he would clash with Wike over the Rivers East senatorial district is very strong because the rumour mill had it that the Minister is also eyeing the office.

Many are wondering what it will be like when the two political giants from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality lock horns.

Obviously if they do it will be the mother of all political battles in Ikwerre and the state in general.

The governor is from Ubima

•Amaechi: Race to succeed him hots up

•Abe, Wike and Sekibo : Jostling for Amaechi's job in Ikwerre local government while Wike is from Rumueprikon in Obio Akpor local government area.

Remarkably, before he was appointed Minister, Wike was the Chief of Staff Government

House in the first term of governor Amaechi. He was also two time Chairman of his Obio Akpor local government area.

Governor Amaechi has said he has no interest in who succeeds him while Wike has

vowed to resist any attempt to impose a governor on the state.

Rivers people are patiently waiting watching the unfolding drama around who becomes governor come 2015.

Stak eholder s’ tto o brainst orm on LLG G aut onom takeholder eholders’ brainstorm autonom onomyy

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the judicial, executive and legislative arms of government, among others are to brainstorm on the autonomy of local governments in the country at a national public discourse.

The dialogue put together by the Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect Limited (Perception Managers) in conjunction with O ‘Ken Ventures, with the theme: “Government Authority: How Autonomous” is slated for

February 26, 2013 at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Conference Centre, Abuja and it is to be chaired by Senator Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate.

Speaking at a press conference heralding the event, in Lagos, Managing Director, O’ ken Ventures Mr. Gbenga Ojo said that the discourse became imperative given the continued controversy over the way and manner the autonomy of the local governments in the

country is being interpreted.

“Since its reform in 1985, the roles of the Local Government have come to include bringing governance closer to the people, engendering administrative convenience, ensuring effective mobilisation of resources, creating avenues for preservation of cultural heritage and common interest, and the maintenance of law and order.

However, these responsibilities have been constantly underplayed due to

several issues including the alleged overbearing influence of operators in the control of human and material resources available to the local government authorities.”

Group Head Public Affairs Directorate, Mr. Adetola Odusote said that the discourse will afford Nigerians the opportunity to aggregate their views, the outcome of which will be developed into a communiqué that can become a reference document for immediate or future constitutional reforms.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 53

Nigerians endorse Malian One term agreement: Fiction, Eminent mission facts and fables •Caution against prolonged operation •Seek effective information management

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

•Obasanjo: Under pressure to speak up

•Jonathan: Wont talk on 2015 now

•Atiku: Jonathan invited him for talks

Eminent Nigerians have cautioned the Federal Government to educate Nigerians on why it is intervening in the conflict inMali and to make its mission in the Sahel nation to be short amd smart.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, and Ambassador Jide Osuntokun lend their voices to the military intervention in Mali at the colloquium organised by the Center for Value

Leadership (CVL) in honour of Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on his 80th birthday Anniversary.

The theme of the Colloquium which took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, was “The citizens Participation in making foreign policy” Chief Mbanefo said Nigeria has a duty to intervene in the conflict in Mali because it is in her national interest to ensure that the crisisis confined to Mali and contained within that confines, to avoid a spiral domino effect. Chief Mbanefo, the Odu of Onitsha who was the Chairman of the occasion which was moderated by

French, Malian forces fight Islamists in Gao •Aliyu: Jonathan promised to serve one term

Continues from page 49 Jonathan serving one term but the issue was never seriously pressed and Jonathan was not really tasked on it.

One participant in the meetings told Vanguard this week that the northern leaders never expected Jonathan to sign an agreement given the fact that the Southeast is also hovering to get a bite at the presidential villa in 2015.

“If he had signed an agreement with us it could have been political suicide for him as it would have made him vulnerable among his supporters in the Southeast who are also desirous of getting the presidency in 2015,” a member of the G15 told Vanguard.

The deadlock did not stop former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was working quietly also to mobilise northern support for Jonathan. It is alleged that Obasanjo was able to get Babangida, Atiku, Gusau to support Obasanjo in exchange for Jonathan doing one term.

Presidential campaign rally As part of the agreement Atiku, Babangida and Gusau were expected to endorse Jonathan at the final PDP presidential campaign rally in March 2011 in Abuja.

Indeed, seats were reserved for the trio who, however, failed to show up at the last minute.

The debate is still out there whether Jonathan was part of the alleged accord or not.

It was based on Obasanjo’s understanding of such an agreement that he, Obasanjo declared at the rally that Jonathan had agreed to serve one term.

Obasanjo had said: “We are impressed with the report that Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has already taken a unique and unprecedented step of declaring that he would only want to be a one-term President.

“He has taken the first good step, let us

encourage him to take more good steps to achieve what we need to achieve for this country by voting for him in landslide victory as the first elected President of Nigeria on basis of our common Nigerian identity and for the purpose of actualising the Nigerian dream.”

The face off between Obasanjo and President Jonathan it was learnt, emanated from perceptions by the former that the incumbent president was about going back on the declaration.

Pressure is now on Obasanjo from his northern associates to speak out on the issue.

Presidency officials are, however, insisting that the president is not bound by any such agreement that for now remains in the field of imagination.

Speaking through the Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the President insisted on not being distracted by the 2015 debate.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Okupe said: “Our attention has been drawn to issues raised by some political leaders to the effect that President Goodluck Jonathan signed an agreement with some Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party prior to the Party’s presidential primaries in 2011.

“From time immemorial, for every major event or contest in the world, there is always a time and a season apportioned.

“We wish to state categorically that this is neither the time nor the season to begin electioneering campaign or related discourse for the 2015 presidential elections and so President Goodluck Jonathan will not jump the gun.

“Mr. President will therefore stoutly resist any disguised or open attempt to drag him into any debates, arguments or political discussions relating to a presidential election in 2015.”

Whether the president responds or not, his rivals in the 2015 contest have already dragged him into the battle.

F

RENCH and Malian troops fought Islamists on the streets of Gao and a car bomb exploded in Kidal yesterday , as fighting showed little sign of abating weeks before France plans to start withdrawing some forces.

Reuters reporters in Gao in the country ’s desert north said French and Malian forces fired at the mayor’s office with heavy machineguns after Islamists were reported to have infiltrated the Niger River town during a night of explosions and gunfire.

In Kidal, a remote far north town where the French are hunting Islamists, residents said a car bomb killed two.

Meanwhile, a French defense ministry source reported no French casualties.

French troops dispatched to root out rebels with links to al Qaeda swiftly retook northern towns last month. But they now risk being bogged down in a guerrilla conflict as they try to help Mali’s weak army counter bombings and raids.

“There was an infiltration by Islamists overnight and there is shooting all over the place,” Sadou Harouna Diallo, Gao’s mayor, told Reuters by telephone, saying he was not in his office at the time.

Gao is a French hub for operations in the Kidal region, about 300 km (190 miles) northeast,

where many Islamist leaders are thought to have retreated and foreign hostages may be held.

A Malian soldier in Gao who gave his name only as Sergeant Assak told Reuters he had seen at least seven Islamist gunmen.

“They are black and two were disguised as women,” he said during a pause in heavy gunfire around Independence Square.

Professor Pat Utomi, said the objective of Nigeria’s intervention in sich military operations in the sub region has not been for the ulterior motive of what is stands to benefit thereafter, but based on the concept of its leadership role and resource base.

Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Jide Osuntokun said although there have been adequate justifications for Nigeria’s intervention in Mali, the Federal Government guard against embarking on a long military intervention in the West African country which could be exploited by the sympathisers of the Islamist terrorist groups to accuse the federal government of sending troops to Mali to persecute Muslims.

Prof. George Obiozor, the former Ambassador to Israel and the United States, Prof. Bola A. Akinferinwa, the Director General of NIIA, were among other Nigerians who spoke at the colloquim.

There was a concensus of opinion that the Federal Government should effectively manage the flow of information from the Malian operation because of the sensitive nature of the Malian conflict.

Nigerian troops surround kidnappers of French family

N

IGERIAN security forces surrounded the kidnappers of a French family in northeast Borno state yesterday in an operation to rescue the hostages, a Nigerian military source said.

French, Nigerian and Cameroonian officials earlier denied French media reports that the family, who were seized in Cameroon and taken over the border, had been freed.

The Nigerian military located the hostages and kidnappers between Dikwa and Ngala in the far northeast, the military source in Borno said, asking not to be identified.

Dikwa is less than 80 km (50 miles) from the border with Cameroon where the three adults and four children were taken hostage on Tuesday.

A senior Cameroonian military official declined to comment saying the matter was too sensitive.

Citing a Cameroon army

officer, French media reported earlier on Thursday that the hostages had been found alive in a house in northern Nigeria.

“This is a crazy rumor that we cannot confirm.

We do not know where is it coming from,” C a m e r o o n Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary told Reuters by telephone from the capital Yaounde.

“What is certain is that the French tourists who were abducted are no longer on our territory.

However, we are in touch with the Government of Nigeria to intensify measures to continue the search for them along our common border,” he said.

French gendarmes backed by special forces arrived in northern Cameroon on Wednesday to help locate the family, a local governor and French defense ministry official said.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

C M Y K

56 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, FUBRUARY 22, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oji Elohor Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maduadi Elohor Catherine. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid. Federal University of Technology, Akure, NYSC and general public please take note.

ADEITE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abisoye Oluwaseyifunmi Adeite, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abisoye Oluwaseyifunmi Sokoya. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid. General public please take note.

AWOBAJO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Susan Bosede Awobajo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akintola Susan Bosede. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid. General public please take note.

MANTAL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mantal Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogidi Rose Catherine.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public please t a k e note.

EKWEDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekwedi Ewoma Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adilike Ewoma Edith.

All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and general public please take note.

ECHEMUNOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Dr (Miss) Amaka Echemunor, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr (Mrs) Amaka Emiju.

All former documents remain valid. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and general public please t a k e note.

MONEHIN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Funmilayo Monehin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliana Funmilayo K i k e l o m o Ohiogwehei. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, R e d e e m e r ' s University and general public please t a k e note.

OFOTOKUN —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kesiena Valiant Ofotokun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kesiena Valiant Obanor. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ESEMITOJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejovi Esemitoje, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejovi Kolo. All former documents remain valid.

University of Benin, Health Management Board (Asaba) and general public please take note.

OROMONA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oromona Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edith G. Eghwere. All former documents remain valid. Kadick Integrated Ltd and general public please take note.

OKUKPON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Endurance Okukpon, now wish to be known a n d addressed as Mrs. Odiase Endurance Odianosen.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UHOMANBHI —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uhomanbhi Oyeimen Tina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Peterson Tina.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G B U K A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbuka Chinyere Celestina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeh Chinenye Celestina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

C U S T O M — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Beauty Siantebe Uche Custom, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Beauty Uche Siantebe Ofiyai. All former documents remain valid. College of Education and general public please take note.

EKHAFUEDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekhafuede Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lori Faith. All former documents remain valid. OAU (Ogun State) UniB e n , U n i - Po r t , College of Education and general public please take note.

MIPHORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Franca Oghenerume Miphoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Franca Oghenekevwe Epherayire.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

N I KAT S E K P E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nikatsekpe Bemigho Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofili Bemigho Mary.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Doris Aruoture Iwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Doris Aruoture Omamadaga. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

M E N T I E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Aghogho Mentie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Aghogho Bamgboye.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AGUZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Aguzie Chima Andy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Obegoro Chima Andy . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DALI ADEOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dali Adeola Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adegoroye Adeola Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IHEOHAKWERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iheohakwere Adline Chidimma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeleonu Adline Chidimma. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name UFEGBU—This is to confirm that Ufegbu Amadi Kingsley is one and the same person as Ifegbu Amadi Kingsley as wrongly written in my certificate by the West African Examinations Council [WAEC]. All documents remain valid. Abia State Government, Office of the Head of Service, Abia State Civil Service Commission and general public please take note.

URUAKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Onyinyechi Hope Uruakpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyinyechi Hope Awosley. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKAERU—We, formerly known and addressed

PAT I E N C E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Ogbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Bello Momodu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Obianuju Agu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Obianuju Nwankwo. All former documents remain valid. Federal College of Education, Umunze; Federal Polytechnic, Oko and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Names I, formerly known and addressed as Akinfemisoye Ruth,and Ememuwe Ruth Nkeonye is one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ruth Ozah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADESOJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesoji Adedolapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebayo Adedolapo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZONOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Azonobi Jennifer Ogechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwoga Jennifer Ogechukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPOVINO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpovino Uzezi Charity, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Solomon Charity Uzezi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ZIMOHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zimoha Dabirichi Rosarii, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anuo Dabirichi Rosarii. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

as Ukaeru David Emeka, Ukaeru Solomon Chiaka and Ukaeru Samuel Obinna, now wish to be known and addressed as Chiaka David Emeka, Chiaka Solomon Chiaka and Chiaka Samuel Obinna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINGBADE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss A k i n g b a d e Oluwafunmilayo Magret, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. A d e d a p o Oluwafunmilayo Magret. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

R AY M O N D — I , formerly known and addressed as Obi Nnamdi Raymond, now wish to be known and addressed as Obi Nnamdi Elijah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OPARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Opara Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Azuwuike Chinyere Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Polytechnic, NYSC and general public please take note.

AKUEGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akuegbu Chioma Flavia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oparaji Chioma Flavia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O S U E K E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Osueke Ifeoma Charity, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchendu Ifeoma Charity. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Ikujenya Rex Owolabi and Ikujenya Owolabi is one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Ikujenya Rex Owolabi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E Z E N WATA — I , formerly known and addressed as A u g u s t i n a O g o c h u k w u Ezenwata, now wish to be known and addressed as A u g u s t i n a Ogochukwu Umeh.

All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Polytechnic and general public please take note.

EJOME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Oghenevovwero Ejome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Peace Oghenevovwero Momodu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOHWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sarah Ejomafuvwe Onohwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Ejomafuvwe Egogo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013—57

Vanguard CLASSIFIED UDOM—I, formerly known and addressed as Edu Monday Udom, now wish to be known and addressed as Edu Ekereobong George. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid.

University of Uyo and general public please take note.

IVWIGHREN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ivwighren Mercy Ogheneovo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Festus-Ochei Mercy Ogheneovo. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOKO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwoko Christiana Asia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana Asia ChikaIbeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JOKOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jokoh Margaret, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abugewa - Jokoh Margaret. All former documents remain valid.

State Univerasal Basic Education Board and general public please take note.

OSAWE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Isimeme Lenora Osawe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isimeme Abidemi Ogunseitan.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NNAM —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chineye Onyinye Nnam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinenye Oninye Nwosu. All former documents remain valid. Universty of Nigeria Nsukka and general public please take note.

IHIMODU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwakemi Omolara Ihimodu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwakemi OmeizaUsman. All former documents remain valid. Kogi State Ministry of Justice Lokoja, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and general public please take note.

NGOZI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Eugenia Edward Tamunoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Biessing Edward. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E D O G B O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Inikpi Caroline Edogbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. God’spet Assurance Caroline Inikpi Agada. All former documents remain valid. FCTA Public Health Department Abuja and general public please take note.

OJI —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oji Esther Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Osuji Esther Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ede Obiajulu Francisca, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chijioke Obiajulu Francisca. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWAIWU—I, known and addressed as Miss Nwaiwu Blessing Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agunwa Blessing Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ARUWA—I, formerly known and addressed as Abu Aruwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Abu Anebi. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Army and general public please take note.

A D E YA N J U — I , formerly known and addressed as Priince Deji Charles Adeyanju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Prince Deji Adeyanju.

All former documents remain valid.

GTBank, Bayero University, Kano and general public please take note.

BABATUNDE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Babatunde Christiana James, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ikpi Christiana James. All former documents remain valid.

University of Abuja and general public please take note.

AMAEFUNA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaefuna Ogonna Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okorie Ogonna Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A B I D D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Abidde Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oruyeigha Glory. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public please take note.

O K O R I A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoria Preye Gift, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Preye Gift Gillow. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

O N O J E TA H — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Onojetah Glory Oghenovo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Inedu Glory Oghenovo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EJIONWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ejionwu Ndubuisi, now wish to be known and addressed as M r. Ejike George. All former documents remain valid; General public please take note.

P E R E WA R I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Kemezitei Perewari, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kemezitei Tonbra Fawei. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA N O Z I E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwanozie Onyeka Benedicta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogu Onyeka Benedicta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGHOJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghoje Oghenekaro Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Masoje Oghenekaro Mary. All for mer documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWADIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Catherine Ugochi Nwadike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Catherine Ugochi Emeka-Onuoha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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

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NJC probes Thalba, retires two judges Continues from page 5 a full grasp of the Law and procedure of the Court; and that he granted the leave sought for in the originating summons that had no written address of the parties and without hearing both parties in the originating summons after he had earlier on overruled the preliminary objection.

“Hon. Justice T. D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State was recommended for compulsory retirement to Governor David Jonah Jang sequel to the ‘Findings’ by the Council that there were constant and regular voice calls and exchange of mms and sms messages between Hon. Justice Naron and one of the Lead Counsel for one of the parties to the Suit in the Osun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide Section 292(1((b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council has in the exercise of its

disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, suspended the two Judges from office with immediate effect”.

Vanguard also gathered that the council had equally extended the tenure of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal for another three months.

The Council had on November 22, 2012, appointed Justice Bulkachuwa to take over from Justice Dalhatu Adamu who assumed control at the appellate court shortly after the embattled President of the Appeal Court; Justice Isa Ayo Salami was suspended from office on August 18, 2011.

Under section 238 (5) of the 1999 constitution, “Except on the recommendation of the NJC, an appointment pursuant to the provisions of sub-section 4 of this section shall cease to have effects after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment, and the President shall not reappoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.”

Court summons AGF, NJC, NASS over Judges’ salaries

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EANWHILE, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, summoned the Attorney General of the Federation; the National Judicial Council, NJC, and the National Assembly leadership to appear in court and defend a suit that was filed by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, seeking to secure financial autonomy for the judiciary.

In his suit, Agbakoba is asking the court to determine whether by section 81(2) and section 84(1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the remuneration, salaries, allowances and recurrent expenditures of the judiciary, being constitutionally guaranteed charges (or “First Charge”) on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation, form part of the estimates to be included in the Appropriation Bill as proposed expenditures by the President as is the present practice He is also asking for a

determination whether in-line with the provisions of the aforementioned sections, “the NJC ought to send its annual budget estimates to the Budget Office of the Executive Arm of Government or any other Executive Authority as is the present practice; or send the estimates directly to the National Assembly for appropriation?

Agbakoba contended that besides independent budgeting, the funds belonging to the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund ought to be released to the NJC in full for disbursement for the needs of the courts.

Consequently, he further urged the court to go ahead and decide whether the continued dependence of the judiciary on the Executive Arm for its budgeting and funds release is not directly responsible for the present state of under-funding of the judiciary, poor and inadequate judicial infrastructure and low morale among judicial personnel.

58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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lhamdullilah, I am a Muslim. In spite of the torrent of criticisms by mostly those who refused to learn and those who learned but refused to be guided by the truth; and allowed sentiments to obfuscate their judgement, I am proud to be a Muslim.

It is however unfortunate that the actions of some of those who profess to be Muslims have continued to typify acts that are at variance to the teachings of Islam and in a bid to concretise their egocentric actions, they illegally pronounce jihad killing and abducting innocent people.

By so doing, they help the ignorant non-Muslims to further distort Islamic ideals and paint Islam in an undeserving colour. Rather than the true philosophy of peace in this life and in hereafter, they ascribe different negative meaning to

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Islamic perspective on Kidnapping, killings

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N Islam, marriage is ‘aqd, a contract. And there are three conditions for the marriage contract in Islam: Both parties should be free from any obstacles that might render the marriage invalid, such as their being mahrams of one another, or where the man is a kaafir and so on. There should be an offer or proposal (ijaab) from the walii or the person who is acting in his place, who should say to the groom “I marry so-and-so to you” or similar words. There should be an expression of acceptance (qabuul) on the part of the groom or whoever is acting in his place, who should say, “I accept,” or similar words. The conditions of a proper nikaah are that: Both the bride and groom should be clearly identified, whether by stating their names or describing them, etc. They should be pleased with one another. The one who does the contract on the woman’s behalf should be her walii, because the Prophet (SAW) said: “Any woman who marries without the permission of her walii, her marriage is invalid, her marriage is invalid, and her marriage is invalid.” There is no

t stands without doubt that these rules of conduct have been recorded in history as noble characteristics of Muslims. I have said it severally in this column that, the wars the early Muslims fought were essentially defensive as a result of persecution and threat to their lives. Islam has gained ground and widely accepted. Besides; the promise of Allah to keep the religion will continue till the end of time. Today, the image of Islam and Muslims is been battered by the activities of these outlaws on the pretext of fighting for Islam.

Every Muslim should be responsible for his action, you cannot use the action of the few to judge the majority. The individuals behind such actions as kidnappings and killings in the country are motivated by their raw passions and not that of Islam.

They may be Muslims but that does not mean their actions represent the ideals of Islam.

If Saudi Arabia some years ago in the wake of the Osama Bin Laden terror acts, could denounce the activities of the late leader of Al-Qaeda, then those who know little or nothing about Islam should better learn that acts of terrorism is not accepted in Islam.

with them. If a Muslim is defending himself or his homeland, he is supposed to be a noble fighter, and that includes fighting with courage and mercy at the same time, and preserving the rights of the defenceless people. He is not permitted to harm anyone that is not armed. Even in the battlefield during the time of the Prophet in Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and others, Muslims didn’t raise their swords against anyone without a sword. It was not permitted. There are rules guiding the prisoners of war.

Allah Most High has told us in the Qur’an in Suratul Maidah (5:8-9): O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds [that] for them there is forgiveness and great reward.

Those who take the law into their own hands are only

Osa, Lagos. I commend Alhaji, (Hon.) Yahyah A. Dosunmu, the Seriki Adinni of Eti-Osa and Baba Adinni of Ajah Central Mosque, on the way the nikkah ceremony of his daughter, Sister Simbiat Bukola Dosunmu and Brother Abdul Ganiy was conducted. It must be noted that the more the teachings of Islam are followed in the wedding ceremonies, the more blessed the union will be, the more love and harmony will be between the couple, and the less problems they will encounter in life as couple.

•Members of the newly inaugurated Executives of NASFAT Igbogb Branch

From right: Abdul-Salam Abdul-Rasaq, Sumayyah Adejoke Adefaka, Sikirat Saolabiu, Sikirullahi Saolabiu, Adam Mufutaudeen and Morufat Mufutaudeen, all graduating students, during the Walimatul-Qur'an Ceremony of Umdatul Islamiyat Arabic School, Ijoko, Ogun State, held recently.

•Alhaji Hamsat Tohir, Proprietor of Homat Group of Schools and Chairman Ikorodu NASFAT (r) presenting Certificate of Inauguaration to Alhaji Liadi Ibrahim, Chairman, Council of Elders, Igbogbo Branch recently.

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Perhaps, it was as a result of development in the country, with particular reference to the kidnap of seven foreign workers which Al-Qaeda claimed were in the custody of Jamatul Ansaru as well as the monstrosity of the Boko Haram, killing of the innocent unarmed health workers

Etique tt e of Islamic marriage Etiquett tte

By Harun Rasaq

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among others; but we will continue to say this that neither the Quran nor Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) permits such devilish act and can never be a ticket to paradise.

I was very pleased to answer this question because it will help those who don’t know and sincerely want to know the teachings of Islam!

First of all, I would like to stress that Islam forbids targeting noncombatants by killing or by kidnapping or taking them as hostages, or inflicting any kind of injury on them. There are rules on how to deal with even those who wage war against Islam.

One of the rules of conduct of jihad in Islam that the Prophet (s.a.w) highly stressed is “Do not kill a woman, a child, an old man, or a monk in his monastery; do not cut down trees.” In another version of the hadith he is reported to have said, “…do not kill traders (businessmen) or farmers.”

These clearly mean that it is strictly forbidden to target noncombatants by killing or kidnapping or taking them as hostages, or inflicting any kind of harm on them.

Even if they are combatants, there are rules on how to deal

will guide and protect the Book from distortion and that is the joy and pride of every true Muslim today as it remains the only Book that has not been tampered with, revised or edited in history of man.

Few days ago, a curious guy asked about the position of Islam on kidnapping and killings suggesting that these evil acts are tickets to paradise.

Islam forbids targeting non-combatants by killing or by kidnapping or taking them as hostages, or inflicting any kind of injury on them

it. All over the world, we have seen cases of anti-Islamic movements by some groups with Islamic connotations.

But no matter how they try, what can never be distorted is the Holy Quran and the practice contained in the hadiths. Allah knew all these will happen before He said ‘He

desperados who use Islam to further their personal interest; they have nothing to do with Islam, they have not learned that from Prophet Muhammad who was sent as a mercy to all humanity, a light of guidance, and a model for mankind.

Islam is a religion that is based on Divine Revelation which is encapsulated in the Holy Quran and the Hadiths.

marriage contract except with a walii and two witnesses and it must be announced. In addition, there could be a celebration of the marriage but in accordance to shari’ah.

It is disheartening that despite the wider acceptance of Islam in Nigeria and in Yoruba land in particular, a number of unIslamic practices based on local customs are diffused into the Islamic concept of marriage. However, I will make a particular reference to one conducted recently in Eti-

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 59

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The future and the glory boys

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NE of the questions I was asked when I came back to Nigeria was, “who was your favourite Eagle?”

I said Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amesiemeka Stephen Keshi Daniel Amokachi…… the reporter cut in. “sir, I mean in the current squad” I thought the question was unfair. I said that it was easier for me to talk about the players in the context of the matches played and any attempt to single out players may not augur well for the team’s unity.

The reporter said I was dancing round that he believed I should be able to say something on all the players as a way of looking ahead.

I surrendered, in a way. I said I should be allowed to mention but a few.

Stand in Keeper Vincent Enyeama used the Nations Cup to reestablish his position as number one in the country. During the qualifiers, Enyeama was accused of series of blunders that spelt doom for his future.

Coach Keshi was pressurized to drop him, but he thought otherwise. In a chat we had on our way from South Africa during the Nations Cup draws, he told me that he was interested in making the goalkeeper gain back his confidence and that though he will give others a chance or two, Enyeama was still in his plans.

Fate was to play a significant role in this arrangement.

Enyeama was not part of the trip to the US against Venezuela, he was on the bench when we played against Cape Verde in Portugal when a muscle pull ruled out Ejide and Enyeama stepped in. Vincent is considered as one of the few goalkeepers that do not panic when confronted with a back pass. Solid.

Godfrey Oboabona, I can talk about. As CAF Champions League consultant to Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, I was exposed to the potentials of this industrious player who still has years of football in him. There is no doubt that what Godfrey lacks in experience, he makes up in determination and energy.

Kenneth Omeruo was one of the revelations of the competition.. Strong, fearless, youthful and eager to go, he benefitted from Yobo’s “unavailability” to stamp his authority as a key member of Keshi’s future plans.

Sunday Mba, perhaps the most celebrated member of the team, thanks to two key strikes, goals that we say in sporting jargon “ Came from the blues”.

Possesses a never say die attitude. Not one to shy out

I said that it was easier for me to talk about the players in the context of the matches played and any attempt to single out players may not augur well for the team’s unity

of a fight.

Efe Ambrose was another player that won my heart.

Eager to overlap, his display of confidence on the ball was a delight to watch. Always wanted to be on the starting line up. I credit his foreign exposure.

I thank Victor Moses for opting to play for Nigeria and I am also happy that he has been rewarded for his show of patriotism. During the Nations Cup, I found out that Moses was not a 90 minutes player.

Was it the weather? Food? What?...but while on the field he gave his all and his sublime skills were a delight. Roll back to the semi final when he tied a Malian defender in knots, left him for dead before crossing for Echiejile to head home. Glad that some of his colleagues acknowledged him as the author of that opening goal.

Mikel Obi. The enfant terrible of Nigerian football finally came good. African football watchers credit him with a lot of creative work in the midfield that resulted in the stability of the team and subsequent forays that produced the desired results

Pistorius detective faces attempted murder charges

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HE lead detective in athlete Oscar Pistorius’ murder case is himself facing attempted murder charges for opening fire on a minibus carrying seven people in 2011, South African police said on Thursday.

Hilton Botha, who took the stand at the bail application hearing of the Paralympic and Olympic track star this week, is due to appear in court in May, police spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila said.

“Botha and two other policemen allegedly fired shots as they tried to stop a minibus taxi carrying seven people apparently during a stop and search routine,” Malila told Reuters.

At the time, Botha was chasing a man accused of murdering a woman, chopping her up and

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ORMER NFA Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, says he was delighted that the Super Eagles won the Nations Cup in South Africa and gradually the autonomy for football management, which he fought in his time as the leader of the football federation is gradually seeing the light of day.

“Yes, Stephen Keshi, who is like a son to me has been very busy and may not have called, same for the leadership of

Elderson Echiejile. Before now a Super Eagles material on the fringe. Workaholic. Burst of speed and energy unlimited, perfect run to connect Victor Moses cross against Mali for our first goal.

Emmanuel Emenike’s “let fly”goal against Cote Divoire remains my Nigeria goal of the tournament. I replay it again and again. The Ivorien keeper must have heard something fly pass his ear. He never saw it. Unfortunately Emenike was not hundred per cent fit as injury even kept him out of the final.

I must confess I was not a fan of Ogenyi Onazi before the final. Here is a lad who used the competition to explain why he is in Lazio.

Nosa Igiebor is also a midfielder that will serve Nigeria for a long time to come. Has latent talent, is naturally gifted and on his day can shine like a million stars.

The last player I want to mention today is Brown Ideye. We may not have seen enough of Brown during the Nations Cup, but he did enough to guarantee the attention of the coaches for future call ups.

Today, I will rest this review that has been controversial as it has been exciting even for me as the writer. I wish I will find time to publish the several rejoinders, (for and against) that I have received on some of the issues raised which are strictly personal.

Some have called me a Keshi hater, forgetting that we are products of Saint Finbarr’s College The college with the greatest football history in Nigeria ( Another controversy ?) There are others who need to be told that the moment Coach Siasia was dropped, I was the one who moved a motion on the Technical Committee floor for the immediate invitation of Stephen Keshi and there has been no regrets ever since Otunba Mike Ikazoboh dubbed it “rubbish talk”. Hon Akpofa Mathew (08038155929) will wish it does not stop, drawing a lot of lessons from it, while F. Chigbufe ( 08033236649) called it “ objective and heart warming analysis”. Win some, lose some.

It is the future that counts. I am already looking forward to March 23 and the resumption of hostilities, this time the world cup qualifiers. Again we have also waited for too long to make an impact. Over to you Big boss and the glory boys.

As I join my colleagues to mourn the passing on of Joe Ighile, the humble and gentle Sports boss of Channels TV, See you next week.

Galadima urges NFF, Keshi to close ranks the NFF, but I’m so happy and delighted that we won the Nations Cup and some other things for which we were castigated for are gradually becoming the norms in Nigerian football. “If we remain focused and avoid unnecessary controversy, we will go very far in not only winning trophies but

remaining a force in world football”, Galadima declared.

He urged the NFF leadership to savour their hard earned victory at SA 2013, instead of allowing forces of disunity to create rancour in the rank and file of the team and the NFF, at a time when celebration should be the hallmark of the nation.

Lagos international Polo tournament gets date

T

•Pistorius with his late girlfriend Reeva stuffing the body parts down a drain, local media said. The charges against Botha were provisionally withdrawn but were reinstated on on Feb. 4, just 10 days before the

shooting of 29-year-old model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp in a locked toilet at Pistorius’ Pretoria home, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

HE 2013 Lagos International Polo tournament will gallop off from February 27 at the prestigious Lagos Polo ground, Ikoyi. The tournament ends on March 10.

According to tournament co-ordinator, Tade Oyinlola, this year’s edition will attract participating clubs from Ibadan, Kano,

Kaduna and host Lagos.

The draw for the two week tournament was held at the club early this week and the coordinator disclosed that preliminaries will begin on February 23. He stated the first week will feature competition in the Dansa Cup, the Open Cup and the Oba of Lagos cup.

Italian ambassadors Cup, the Independence Cup

and the prestigious Majekudomi Cup. The tournament also attracts international players from South Africa, Argentina, Italy among others.

Teams participating in the tournament have intensified their training while organisers are doing everything possible to ensure a smooth tournament.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Don’t attack Osaze, coach begs supporters

•Osaze

S

TEVE Clarke has urged West Brom supporters not to let their feelings towards Peter Odemwingie affect their

backing for the team on Saturday.

Clarke confirmed Odemwingie is part of his plans to face Sunderland,

returning to favour after his Twitter rants against the club and the bitter onoff transfer saga with QPR last month.

Head coach Clarke knows some supporters will be in no mood to forgive Odemwingie but he has asked them to put any negativity towards the Nigeria international to one side.

Clarke said: “I understand some of the supporters might not want to forgive Peter quickly but, when they go to the stadium, all I ask is they support the team.

“If Peter scores a hattrick and they choose not to celebrate Peter’s goals, they should celebrate the fact that the team have scored.

“All we can ask is that

the supporters support the team and don’t allow their feelings over one player to over-ride the fact that the support has been great this year, home and away.”

Clarke admitted Albion’s shortage of options means Odemwingie will play again this season.

He said: “We’ve had a couple of little chats but nothing in-depth and he knows the situation.

“He knows he needs to work hard and he has to be ready for his opportunity when it comes and, for sure, it will come, because we only carry a small squad.

“Will he be considered for Saturday? Absolutely.

I’ve got 20 players available and he’ll be involved with the 20 players.

Ex-Eagles in diaspora mourn Isima

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

HE Association of Nigerian ExInternationals in the Diaspora (ANED) has said that the passage of one of their one, Okey Isima was a huge loss to the Nigerian football community.

Disclosing this in an email message yesterday, the former players said that they were extremely saddened with the death of Isima, who played for the Green Eagles in the 1980s.

While describing the late Isima as a committed and fine footballer, group, comprising the likes of Christian Nwokocha, Paul Okoku, Andrew Atuegbu, Tony Igwe, T h o m s o n Usiyan,Nathaniel Ogedegbe and Francis Moniedafe said that their departed colleague was going to be remembered for his humane spirit while alive.

“It is with a bleeding heart,deep sorrow and great shock that the Association of Ex-Super Green Eagles in Diaspora (ANED) received the sad news about the passing away to glory of our dear friend,brother and colleague,Mr Okey Isima of Nsubge in Otuocha local government area in Anambra State,Nigeria".

Continued from BP edition.

Forty-four teams are on the starting line and seeded in four pots of 11 teams each according to their current ranking.

The Preliminary Round is scheduled to start in June.

As host country, Morocco qualified automatically.

Pot one: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali, South Africa, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Zambia,

Keshi Continued from BP Reacting to news making the rounds that the striker will be out for eight weeks, following an injury copped in the Afcon 4-1 semi-final win over Mali, Keshi said from Abuja, that he feels that the reports may have been exaggerated and will be waiting for final words from medics from both the national team and the Spartak Moscow of Russia.

“Emenike is a very important component of our national team set up and we have to be concerned if he is in form, injured or otherwise and

Chukwu Continued from BP

KEEPING FIT: The Lucozade Sport Monthly Open Air Work-Out for 2013 began at the National Stadium in Lagos last Saturday with a large turn-out of Lagosians. Picture shows a cross-section of Lagosians during the exercise which had International Dance Star, Kaffy in attendance.

AWC: Namibia ready to host Africa

T

HE Namibia Football Association (NFA) president, John Muinjo has said everything is in place for the successful hosting of the 2014 Africa Women Championships.

This would be the first time the country is hosting the prestigious event and Muinjo has vowed that the association would leave no stone unturned as they plan to host, organise and deliver a successful Championship next year.

The NFA president hopes that the tournament would serve the purpose of elevating the game of women

football to a higher level in the country.

“This is our chance as an association to show we are very delighted to present something beautiful and very huge for all coming,” he told the Namibian.

"As custodians of the

beautiful game, we support the FIFA campaign Live Your Goals, which aims to encourage girls and young women to play football and we will use this avenue to show them that their dreams can come true."

Enugu Police Command ready for Police Games

T

HE Enugu State Police Command has selected its athletes for the Zone 9 Police Games scheduled for Port Harcourt, Rivers State from March 1.

Team Manager of the

Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu charged the team to put up excellent performance in order to maintain the command’s pedigree in sports. “The command enjoys a

Kenya.

The Super Eagles will host the East Africans in a 2014 World Cup qualifying game at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on March 23.

Chukwu said after the Eagles emerged champions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa the side have become the team to beat and cannot afford to enter into any contest illprepared.

“It’s now Super Eagles must be adequately prepared for competitions. We’re African champions, others will want to make history by doing everything to beat us.

“I think we should halt celebration over the Afcon victory and return to work prominent place in sports and we must ensure that place is maintained at the end of the games in Port Harcourt,” the team manager said.

He also charged the contingent to be law abiding and dedicated as

Afcon 2015 Tunisia, Ghana.

Pot two: Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Uganda, Congo, Central African Republic.

Pot three: Ethiopia, Benin, Angola, Niger, Zimbabwe, Equatorial, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, Liberia, Sudan.

Pot four: To be determined after the preliminary round. that is why we are a bit concerned about reports that he will not be available for the game against Kenya. “We can never give up about such an important player and we wish him a quick no matter what the medical team anywhere is saying”, Keshi declared.

The Super Eagles supremo praised the consistency of the top striker, declaring that even when he has several other options for Emenike, he’s also hoping that the player makes it on time to the set up ahead of the Kenya World Cup qualifier duel, as he’s trying to build a team that has started to gradually take shape. immediately. We don’t have to relax. I’ll suggest we play one or two top friendlies before the encounter against Kenya on March 23,” said the former Harambee Stars coach.

The former Nigerian defender told supersport.com that if the Super Eagles do their home work very well the Harambee Stars will not pose a hard nut to crack.

“We’re not playing the Kenyans for the first time, we’ve played them severally. Kenya like any other East African side are full of energy capable of playing 120 minutes because of their altitude.

“We must not underrate them. I’m aware they just recruited a new manager.

I don’t expect him to perform magic between now and the time we play them,” he said. winning laurels in sporting competition was all about dedication and commitment.

The team has moved to the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri for a brief closed door camping before the commencement of the Games in Rivers State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 61

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 — 63

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Afcon 2015 qualifiers:

Nigeria may draw Cameroon, Egypt Q

UALIFICATION for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morroco may turn out a herculean task for Nigeria with the Super Eagles likely to be drawn against former champions Cameroon or Egypt.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has revealed the seeding for the draw for the qualifiers which holders, Nigeria have been seeded among the top seeds in pot 1 while the likes of Egypt and Cameroon who hitherto were amongst the continent’s super powers in pot 2.

The Super Eagles are among the 11 countries named in Pot One of the draw to be held next month in Morocco.

Among the countries

seeded are 2013 quarter finalists, the Black Stars of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali.

The draw ceremony will take place on March 10 in Morocco during Caf

General Assembly, with the qualification procedure reverting to its normal format as opposed to the modified mode for the just-concluded Continues on Page 60

Chukwu wants friendlies for Eagles

F

ORMER Nigerian manager, Christian Chukwu has suggested top grade friendlies for

the Super Eagles ahead of 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of

Continues on Page 60

Keshi hopeful on Emenike

S

•Chukwu

UPER Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says he has not given up on

PUZZLE

the possibility of his top striker, Emmanuel Emenike featuring in the March 23, World Cup

qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar.

Continues on Page 60

Don’t attack Osaze, Coach begs supporters — P.60

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

STILL CELEBRATING: Super Eagles players celebrate a goal at Afcon 2013.

They could be drawn against tough opponents for their 2015 defence.

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Choose (5) 5 Lament (6) 8 Repulse (5) 10 Rush (6) 11 One (4) 14 Dining (6) 15 Persevere (7) 18 Jewel (3) 19 Tune (3) 21 Breed (4) 23 Concur (5) 24 Muddle (4) 27 Fish (3) 29 Every (3) 31 Delineated (7) 32 Disclose (6) 34 Border (4) 35 Scanty (6) 38 Purloin (5) 39 Niche (6) 40 Unbend (5)

Down 2 Meadow (3) 3 Fold (6) 4 Golf-peg (3) 5 Depressed (4) 6 Author (6) 7 Loiter (6) 9 Forecast (7) 12 Horse (3) 13 Season (4) 16 Comfort (4) 17 Weary (5) 20 Liberate (7) 22 Competent (4) 24 Reflect (6) 25 Rescue (4) 26 Toboggan (6) 28 Conclusion (6) 30 Dawdle (3) 33 Minus (4) 36 Equality (3) 37 Ocean (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Depart 5, Turn 8, Rower 9, Ass 10, Lion 11, Ague 12, Educe 13, Leered 16, Firm 18, Emit 20, Fed 22, Sin 23, Ram 24, Wide 25, Sped 28, Daring 30, Found 32, Lees 33, Tuna 34, Inn 35, Liked 36, Belt 37, Skinny

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 1, Deadly 2, Pestered 3, Relief 4, Condemned 5, Teacher 6, Urge 7, Need 8, Roe 14, Dissented 15, Tin 17, Rip 19, Magician 20, Fit 21, Deposit 26, Damask 27, Agency 29, Slab 30, Fell 31, Dud

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.

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