Jonathan sick in London; fails to meet investors * No cause for alarm — Presidency

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62020

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

80-yr-old Osun Big-name ANAMBRA: monarch burnt prosecutions INEC to decide on needed to to death inside tackle 21 date of supplementary palace corruption 6

— Accountants

polls today

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Jonathan sick in London; fails to meet investors •No cause for alarm — Presidency

BY BEN AGANDE

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ONDON, UNITED KINGDOM— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, took ill in London, United Kingdom where he was billed to chair a meeting of the Honorary International Investors Council on Nigeria. This forced his absence at the opening session of the council which held at the London Hilton Hotel in the Park Lane area of the city.

Special Adviser to the Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: •P.17

•P.24

Mr & Mrs REQUIEM MASS FOR AKHIGBE—From left: Mr. Doye Ogionwo, son-inlaw; Mrs. Ochuwa Akhigbe, daughter; Mr. Ikhane Akhigbe, son; Mrs. Josephine Akhigbe, widow; Mr. Jonathan Okhai-Akhigbe, son; Mrs. Oghor Okhii-Akhigbe, Uwekhai Okhai-Akhigbe(grand daughter) and Ms. Oshioze Akhigbe, during a requiem mass for late Vice-Admiral Okhai Michael Akhigbe, at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez. More pictures on Page15.

Oputu to deliver keynote Nigerian woman killed address at WOW in the US by neighbour 8 seminar tomorrow P.6 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

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4 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

G7 govs, others’ll return to PDP soon — Akitoye zSays leaving Jonathan out of 2015 election, a disservice to Nigeria

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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FORMER acting National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Remi Akitoye, has expressed optimism that the G7 governors and other aggrieved members of the PDP will soon return to the party due to steps taken by the Presidency and the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga

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Tukur to resolve the crises in the party.

He also said that if President Goodluck Jonathan is prevented from contesting the 2015 elections, it will be a big disservice to the country.

Akitoye, who spoke with newsmen, at the inauguration of the Atona Collectives and commemoration of the 68th birthday anniversary of Chief Olabode George, maintained that winning

Lagos State by the party was not a herculean task, saying that PDP will form the next government in 2015 in the state.

Expressing optimism that the crisis in the party will be resolved soon, he assured that the “in-built mechanism for problem resolution is being adhered to by the party hierarchy. I can assure you that the G7 governors will soon return to PDP. “In a party as large as the

PDP, there will be shades of opinions. I am very confident and I derive it from my position, I know what the President and the National Chairman are doing to ensure amicable resolution.”

On the 2015 elections, he said: “If President Jonathan does not contest election in 2015, it will be a big disservice to this nation. If you look at Jonathan’s transformation agenda, if you look at what

the man has achieved, look at the railways, look at electricity, these are the signs.

“In another few months, we would forget about PHCN and blackouts. If the President, for one reason or the other, does not contest in 2015, it will be a big disservice to the nation.

“And for one reason or the other, we will really miss him. He is one of the leaders that have really

served this country and he has moved this nation forward.”

He added that “when leaders are on seat, history does not judge them, it is when they have left office that history will judge them right or wrong.

“I am telling you that by the time he leaves in 2019, when he must have completed his second term, history will judge him well.”

Commending the former National Vice Chairman, South, Chief Bode George for his steadfastness in the party, he said George will instal a PDP governor in Lagos come 2015.

He said: “While we heartily celebrate our great icon and leader and felicitate with him on the 68th anniversary of his birthday, we must equally remember what the Atona stands for.

“We must equally remind ourselves what inspires his vision and leadership. We must remember what defines the integral essence of his personality.

“We must remember what kindles our own attraction and what invariably motivates our solid support for Chief Olabode George.”

Speaking further, he said: “It is the enduring leadership of the Atona that has held the PDP in Lagos State together for more than a decade now.

“Despite the challenges, despite the partisan tumult and external provocations, the Atona leadership has prevailed over the storm and vicissitudes of partisan furies because the Atona leadership has been earned and achieved through ethical selflessness and sacrifice.”

Also, he urged everyone to cultivate the unique “identifying illustrations of the Atona. I urge everyone here to imbibe the engaging decency of our leader. I urge everyone here to continue to rally behind the collective leadership of PDP in Lagos State so as to prepare us all for the eventual victory in 2015.

“We know we are on the side of truth. We know we are on the side of what is right and just. We will prevail in Lagos at the 2015 election. And we know that our dear President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will also prevail at the national election the same year.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

Convocation: From left, Representative of Wife of the President, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Osun State Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori chatting during first convocation and Fourth Founders Day ceremony of Oduduwa University in Ile Ife, Osun State, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Jonathan sick in London; fails to meet investors Continues from page 1 President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati who is also in London with the president, however, dispelled any fears as he said in a statement, yesterday, that the president’s sick-

ness was nothing serious, adding that the decision to seek medical advice was only ‘precautionary.’

The meeting which drew prospective investors from Europe and other countries went

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

How people treat you is their limitation; how you react is yours —Wayne Dyer

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HE capacity of the human heart to forgive is simply amazing, and forgiving constantly is a rejuvenating experience, there is no room for harbouring negativity, and keeping the heart beautiful is uplifting for body and spirit. When you are a “frontage person” by this I mean, someone likable, naturally predisposed to being successful with an amiable personality, no matter how nice you are, you would encounter a lot of loving people and also those in this category the “Haters”. And with this comes a lot of pre-judging about your person. For instance, when I meet anyone, there is an inner communication honed from within as do migrating birds. Most often, I can sense literally, if you like me or are pretending, no matter how well it is masked in a friendly facade.

When you have been unfairly gossiped about for being a carrier of light in all you try to do, you will find a way to protect yourself from these “Haters”.

Always focus your attention on what makes you happy and more creative, don’t let this border you at all. I understand that this is never about me, if a person hate or dislike themselves what room will they have to like or love another, if people are insecure about themselves, they will always find someone to lash out their frustrations upon. In time, they will realize the light is a much better choice to embrace, often they want to be like you with love from the inside, but alas, hate is a cankerworm, it holds firm roots so deep, and they don’t even know where to begin or start anew, but no one can take responsibility for another’s limitation. We always have a choice to live rightly from within.

Everyday, be grateful for life’s blessings and its gifts and do whatever you can to make your life beautiful and meaningful, and be there for others.

ahead as Co-ordinator of the Council, Baroness Lynda Chalker presided over yesterday ’s session.

Abati, while announcing the President’s indisposition in a statement yesterday said: “In the course of his on-going visit to London for a meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council, President Goodluck Jonathan became indisposed and could not be present at the opening of the meeting today.

“President Jonathan has since been examined by competent medical practitioners. He has been advised to rest for a few days.

“The Presidency wishes to assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s condition is nothing serious and that the medical attention he has sought is only precautionary.”

President Jonathan arrived London Wednesday morning for the conference and was received by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida and other officials.

The HIIC holds twice a year; once in Nigeria and once in any other country and is coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker, a former British lawmaker who later was minister of state for overseas devel-

opment and Africa.

Yesterday ’s council meeting provided an opportunity for Nigerian ministers to brief investors on steps so far taken to improve the investment climate in the country, and also to enable investors in Nigeria assure their counterparts in other parts of the world of the investment climate in Nigeria.

At yesterday’s meeting which had in attendance prominent Nigerian businessmen like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia as well as other prospective investors from Europe, ministers briefed prospective investors on what steps Nigeria was taking to make the investment climate more friendly.

The executive secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Mustafa Bello briefed members of the council the last council meeting held in Abuja while the Special Adviser to the President on Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Professor Sylvester Monye presented a full-year monitoring report on the implementation of the HIIC recommendations presented to government at previous meetings.

On the programme for yesterday ’s session, Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi were expected to brief the council on the Third Quarter Macro-Economic Performance and Outlook for 2014. The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga whose ministry is coordinating the meeting was expected to speak on Nigeria’s investment landscape in the last six months while focusing on major investment commitments in the country, investment promotion, new initiatives and policies introduced as well as efforts to improve investment cli-

mate.

Yesterday ’s meeting was attended by the ministers of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, Special Duties, Tanimu Kabiru, supervising Minister for Defence and Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo as well as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Others in attendance were foremost Nigerian businessmen, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia and members of the National Assembly.

Tension in military over promotion, retirement of Generals •Officers embark on fasting and prayers

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BUJA—AHEAD of the yearly promotion and retirement of senior officers of the Nigerian Military by the Army, Navy and Air Force Councils, headed

by President Goodluck Jonathan, Vanguard has gathered that anxiety and palpable tension has gripped those expected to go through the screening of various boards in this regard, with many officers resorting to extra-terrestrial means to see them through.

Vanguard gathered from reliable military sources that the situation became inevitable following discovery that while over 150 senior officers of the ranks of Colonels and Brigadier Generals were qualified to be promoted to the next ranks of Brigadier Generals and Major Generals across the three services, having met the criteria of attending the National Defence College and its equivalent from across the world, there were vacancies for only about

65 Generals across board.

It was further gathered that many officers including Colonels and Brigadier Generals who had missed promotions on two previous occasions are the most affected because if they fail to pass the screening this time around, they will be automatically disengaged from service at the attainment of age on rank.

Consequently, many of the officers have thrown caution to the winds and resorted to the employment of prayer warriors in either the Pentecostal or Protestant Churches, or employment of spiritually gifted pastors who claim they can see and invoke what will happen ahead, while some are on dry fasting.

The employment of Marabouts and Islamic soothsayers is also not left out and this is said to apply to officers of both religions, with promises of special offerings and donations if they are promoted.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Applicant remanded over alleged robbery

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 24-YEAROLD applicant, Oluwaseun Rasaki, has been remanded in Kirikiri Prison custody, over alleged robbery by an Ikeja Magistrate Court, pending the legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutor, DPP. Magistrate A. O. Akinde ordered that the defendant be remanded till final determination by DPP. The defendant was arraigned on a two-countcharge bordering on conspiracy and robbery.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the alleged offence on October 21, 2013, at about 9:30pm, at Km 22 Badagry Expressway Ishashi Bus Stop, Ijanikin area of Lagos.

He said the defendants, while armed with a gun and other dangerous weapons robbed one Muritala Adeoye of N85,000, two jewerllery worth N560,000 and a Tshirt worth N1,500.

According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to section 5 (b) and punishable under section 1 (2) (a) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provisions) Act , Cap 398 Vol XXii laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 as amended.

80-yr-old Osun monarch burnt to death inside palace zArsonists fingered

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — POLICE detec tives from Osun State Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 80year-old Alase of Ilase-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun state, Oba Adesina Anibijuwon allegedly burnt to death inside his palace, Wednesday evening.

The monarch, who according to sources, lost his sight eight years ago was allegedly attacked by some hoodlums at about 8.00pm inside his palace and eventually died when the palace was gutted by fire caused by the suspected arsonist.

Speaking on the incident, a traditional chief in the town, Chief Oluwagbemiga Oke, explained that the house in which the monarch was living, donated to the town by a prominent native, got razed shortly after some unknown people paid the king a visit.

According to him, the monarch had attended to five guests who came in a pink Mazda car before the incident happened, adding: “From what we were told, the house got burnt shortly after the people left.”

Also, an officer of the state fire service, Mr. Michael Ogundipe, ruled out the possibility of electrical fault , saying that findings by his men revealed that the case was arson.

Ogundipe who took officials of the state government, including the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun and Special

The burnt palace (left) and carcass of a car Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Amos Adekunle, round the palace said there was nothing that suggested electric surge from the findings made at the scene of the incident.

Children, maid unhurt It was gathered that two of the monarch’s children and his house maid escaped unhurt while the fire raged, but the monarch could not help the situation due to old age and blindness.

Although the cause of the fire disaster could not be ascertained, it was speculated in the town that the men who visited the monarch last could be responsible for the dastardly act.

Another prominent indigene of the town, Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede explained that it took the efforts of the Osun Ambulance Services and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for the corpse of the monarch to be removed from the burnt palace to the Ladoke Akintola Uni-

75-yr-old seeks divorce over wife’s alleged battery

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AGOS— A 75-year-old man, Fashola Fakorede, yesterday urged an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve his marriage to

Nigerian woman killed in US by neighbour

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NDIANA — THE body of 26year-old Adaobi Michaella Obih was found Tuesday at an apartment at Riverstone Apartments in Columbus, Indiana. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

A spokesman for the Columbus Police Department said her neighbour, 36-year-old Ryan Allen Klug, is a person of interest in the case. Ryan also lived in the apartment complex but has gone missing since Adaobi’s body was found.

The Columbus Police have not revealed how and why Adaobi was killed but they’re currently seeking the public’s help in locating Ryan Klug.

Adaobi was the first of two children and was already pursuing her Ph.D in Electrical Engineering at just 26 years old.

The late Adaobi Michaella Obih.

his wife, Funke, 49, for allegedly beating him.

Fakorede told the court that his wife had turned him into a punching bag and also inflicted injuries on him.

He said: “My wife wants to kill me, she beats me every day, I don’t want to die now, save my life.

“My wife always beat me if I asked for food or anything. She has turned it to a routine. All the scars on my body is as a result of her battery on me.”

Fakorede said his wife no longer takes care of him, adding: “She goes out and returns home at will without seeking my permission.

“She can go out for days and if I queried her, she would hit me with any dangerous weapon she could lay her hand on at that moment.

“And my daughter is also following her footstep. She brings home different men and my wife will not query her. So, I sent her away from my house.”

He urged the court to dissolve the union, saying he was no

longer in love with her and was tired of the regular battery, which had led to his ill-health.

“I am tired of the constant beating, I am afraid this woman will kill me one day. I am not ready to die now,” he pleaded.

Funke, a trader, denied the allegations, saying that she did not beat her husband and always took good care of him and respected him.

The mother of three, however, accused her husband of denying his children the right to go to school.

She said: “My husband is unable to send any of his three children to secondary school. My husband is not responsible.

“None of our children went to secondary school, all of them stopped schooling at primary school.”

She said her husband had disowned his daughter, and urged the court not to grant his wish as she still loved him.

“I have no where to go as no man will want to marry me at my age,” she said.

The court president, Mr R. I. Adeyeri, adjourned the case to November 25 for further hearing.

versity of Technolog, LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo where an autopsy would be conducted.

He said efforts to stop the fire by men of the state fire service at about 10.30p.m yielded no result as the firemen ran out of water during the operation.

House maid arrested The Police have also commenced investigations into the matter and the house maid of the monarch whose name could not be ascertained was already in Police custody.

Commenting on the development, an Ijesha High Chief, the Omu-Owode Ijesha, Chief Adejumo Operinde said all necessary rituals would be done by the people of the town in accordance with the tradition.

Describing the death of the monarch as unfortunate, Chief Operinde said there was nothing to attribute to tie the death of the monarch to as the community was peaceful during his reign.

Be vigilant, state govt tells residents Commissioner for Information, Mr Akere who spoke on behalf of the state government said the community will be provided all necessary assistance.

He enjoined the people to be vigilant and monitor strange movements in the town, stressing that the Police could not provide all the needed security for the people.

It was reliably gathered that the state Police Command has swung into action and a team of Police detectives led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has moved to the sleepy community to unravel the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—7

24-yr-old nabbed for defrauding US couple of $42,497 zI intended to further my studies with the money— Suspect

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos have arrested a 24-year-old man who posed as a lady to defraud a United States of America couple of $42,497, purportedly for the purchase of a property in Lagos.

The suspect, identified as Olafinraye Adedamola, admitted the offence while being paraded yesterday.

He was said to have connived with a Malaysian lady to defraud the couple. The Malaysian lady, according to him, was his Facebook friend, adding that he had intended to use the money to further his studies in a tertiary institution.

How he was arrested Explaining how the artisan who trained in aluminum works was arrested, spokesperson for the unit, Ngozi Isintume-Agu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said: “An intelligence report dated September 24, 2013 from Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Abuja addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU) alleged that one Olafinraye Adedamola opened a USD Domiciliary Account No. 273/6980678251/ 0 with the Demurin, Ketu, Lagos Branch of Sterling Bank Plc and through suspicious circumstances, cumulative

The suspect, Olafinraye Adedamola sum of USD 42,497 was paid into the account by unsuspecting victims abroad between August 13, 2013 and September 16, 2013.

“The suspected illicit inflows were followed by immediate cash withdrawals by

Ondo NURTW crisis deepens, mock coffin carried round the state

the suspect who appeared to have no known affiliation with the international depositors.

“SFU operatives swung into action and investigation carried out on the domiciliary account revealed that $18,129.92 is still left in the account and a lien was immediately placed on the account.

"The suspect was traced to his house at 7, Agidi Road, Oshogun, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos but he evaded police arrest and his father, a proprietor of a moribund driving school, feigned ignorance of his son’s whereabouts. However, the fleeing suspect was later apprehended by the Police.

“Olafinraye Adedamola who posed as a lady named Janet was born in 1989 in Kosofe LGA Ketu, Lagos.

"An artisan who trained in construction of aluminum but currently a driving instructor in his father’s moribund driving school located in Ketu, Lagos claimed he met a Nigerian at a conference in Malaysia who introduced him to the victim who requested that he purchased property for him in Nigeria which was the basis for the disbursement of the money into his account and that he had already bought a building at Ogba, Ikeja for N4 million and that the documents were with him.”

I intended to further my studies with the money — Suspect

The protesting NURTW members, yesterday.

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — THE crisis within the Ondo State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, took a new dimension as a mock coffin was carried round Akure, the state capital, yesterday.

For hours the protesting members of the union disrupted both business and traffic movement within the metropolis.

After the protest to the Governor's Office, Government House and round the majour streets with various placards, they took over union secretariat, vowing to resist the reinstatement of the suspended chairman, Chief Obayoriade Oladutele.

The protesters who were drawn from various branches of the union said they would resist the imposition of the embattled chairman of the union, Obayoriade.

Total re-organisation

Speaking with newsmen, their spokesperson, Mayowa Olofinniyi, tasked the state government to conduct a total reorganisation of the state council of the union in order to prevent crisis in the state.

Olofinniyi said the protest was necessitated by the alleged move of a government official (names withheld) to impose the chairman on them.

According to him, “there was the need for a complete overhauling of the leadership of the union in the state to engender peace and tranquility.

In a letter addressed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the protesters alleged that they were sent away from their various parks over four years ago for no reason.

They, however, noted that any attempt to bring back the suspended chairman would further aggravate the crisis in the union, as many of the members were already working without

fear or favour.

Dissolution of executives However, apart from rejecting the purported attempt to bring back Obayoriade, the protesters also demanded the dissolution of the executives of all branches across the state.

It would be recalled that the national secretariat of the union suspended Obayoriade over allegation of printing of illegal tickets of the union.

The executive of the union in the state however escaped the axe of the national secretariat.

It hinged the suspension of Obayoriade on the need for proper investigation of allegations leveled against him.

An aide to the embattled Chairman in his reaction said: “ God is in control and the devil will soon be put to shame in NURTW Ondo state Chapter”

Adedamola who noted that this was his first attempt, said he first met the couple on Facebook and in the course of their discussion, booked for a meeting in Malaysia.

According to him; “I posed as Janet on the Facebook, using a white woman’s photograph. I told the couple that I was an estate manager and convinced them to buy property in Lagos.

“Since they have not been to Nigeria, they asked us to meet elsewhere and when I stumbled on a business conference that was holding in Malasia, I booked the meeting.

“On reaching Malaysia, I told a Facebook lady friend to pose as Janet after telling her what to say.

That was how the deal was struck and they paid the dollar equivalent of N3.4 million into my account. I intended to use the money to further my studies because I am determined to be a graduate. I used part of the money to travel again to Malaysia for leisure in August.

“My regret is that I was caught at the end because I used my genuine data to open the account.

I guess it was because it is my first time.”

The suspect, according to Isintume-Agu, will be charged to court.

Police foil robbery, kill 2 suspects in Lagos

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS— OPERA TIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, Wednesday night, foiled a robbery operation in Ilasamaja area of Lagos State, killing two suspected members of the gang and arrested one.

One of the deceased robbers was reportedly found with Nigerian Army identity card which bore the name Sergeant Eyo B with number 93 NA\968.

The robbers numbering five, as gathered, were on the verge of operating around the area at a bout 7pm, when operatives of the squad who acted on a tip-off swooped on them.

Eye witnesses said the robbers opened fire on sighting the policemen, thereby leading to a gun duel. In the process, two of them were gunned down.

Nigerian Army identity card The identity of the arrested suspect was given as Chinonso Egbuzobi (28).

Police sources at the Lagos State Police Command revealed that the gang’s operational vehicle and ammunition were recovered at the scene.

The recovered ammunition, according to Police sources, included an AK47 rifle with number 05267; 11 loaded AK-47 magazines. Their operational Chevrolet SUV with number plate, LH 124 EKY, was also recovered.

Attempt to get reaction from the spokesperson, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Victoria Island, to ascertain whether the deceased was a personnel of the Nigerian Army failed, as he could not be reached on his mobile phone.

But the arrested suspect was said to have given the police information on the identity and locations of other members of the gang.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

BOKO HARAM:

FG convicts 11, seeks compensation for victims

Oputu to deliver keynote address at WOW seminar

BY JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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IGERIA has so far secured the conviction of 11 Boko Haram suspects under acts classified as crimes against humanity, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, has said.

Adoke made the disclosure at the third plenary of the 12th Session of the Assembly of State Parties, World Forum Theatre, The Hague, Netherlands.

The minister, who expressed Nigeria’s concern over the escalation of heinous crimes in recent times, said the country was articulating a system towards compensating and rehabilitating victims of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in line with a presidential committee’s recommendation.

Adoke said: “Nigeria is articulating a scheme of compensation and rehabilitation for victims of Boko Haram attacks in line with the recommendation of a Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation.

“Nigeria is therefore supportive of the Trust Fund for Victims of International Crimes and calls on state parties to contribute generously to the fund.”

On the International Criminal Court, Adoke said: “We are concerned about the frosty relationship between the court and AU, which appears to have worsened over the years.”

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AGOS— THE Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BOI, Ms. Evelyn Oputu, will, tomorrow, deliver the keynote address at the fifth edition of Women on Wellness, WOW, holding in Lagos.

Ms. Oputu will speak on Opportunities to Financial Wellness: Building Financial Capacity as a Valued Health Model, in an edition themed Rediscovery.

This year ’s edition, which holds at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, “is poised to bring on the WOW factor through a rediscovery expose.”

The event, divided into two segments, will have a seminar in the morning and awards gala in the evening.

Ms. Oputu will join other seasoned professionals from the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria to educate guests and provide free consultations on issues that are relevant for today’s woman and man during the WOW seminar that kicks off by 9am.

Other speakers

Others billed to speak at the event include USA-based Dr. Don Ogu, who will speak on Managing Your Sleep: A Necessity for Optimal Health, Cognitive Functioning and Emotional Health; Dr. Aham Onyike, Orthopaedic Wellness: the Desirability of Health Habits for Improved Conditions of the Musculoskeletal System, and Dr. Abayomi Ajayi of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Family Wellness: Inspiring New Perspectives in Holistic Healthy Lifestyles for Family Wellness.

Other speakers include Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, Re c o n s t r u c t i v e / C o s m e t i c

Ms. Evelyn Oputu... Opportunities to Financial Wellness: Building Financial Capacity.

Surgery: Exploiting Minimally Invasive Approaches in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Health and Wellness; Ms. Eryca Freemantle, Reconstructive Make-up, Fitness and Living Well.

Award winning Londonbased fashion designer,

Adebayo Jones, will add spice to the event when he speaks on Image, Style and Fashion: Minding the Gap. Established in 2008, the WOW seminar, put together by Allure Vanguard was instituted to create a platform to engage women and provide relevant

information with a view to bridging the gap between women and wellness by engendering total development of women through public enlightenment programmes and discourse of salient issues that affect women and men.

Threats to 2015 elections, by Jega

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

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BUJA— THE Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, yesterday, warned that insecurity, funding and the attitude of the political class might threaten the success of 2015 general elections.

Professor Jega said this while addressing graduating participants of Senior Executive Course 35 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, in Abuja.

Represented by Professor

Okey Ibiano, Jega said: “The heat and passion associated with elections in Nigeria often make it appear like war.”

“It is not possible to predict all challenges that will face the management of an election. All we have done is to learn from past challenges and try to contain them. Still, some old challenges, willy-nilly, would persist and new ones are likely to emerge.

“Three major challenges continue to face us as we approach 2015, and for want of better characterisation I name them as insecurity,

funding and attitude of the political class.

“One of the most depressing epithets of elections is that they are said to be ‘akin to war’.

“Pre-election violence has led to the death of many politicians, their supporters and innocent citizens. Widespread intimidation of voters persists and organised thugs spread fear across communities in the build up to elections.

“In any case, elections in Nigeria often produce winnertakes-all outcomes in which losers lose everything and winners win everything, akin

to payment of reparations by an enemy defeated in a war.

“In fact, election security has become a lasting issue facing the management of elections in Nigeria.

“The threats include physical attacks on INEC staff, facilities and databases, security personnel, political opponents, misuse of orderlies by politicians, violence at campaigns, intimidation of voters, snatching and destruction of election materials, among others.”

He said the threats were now exacerbated by insecurity in some parts of the country, ma-

king the conduct of elections in those parts more difficult.

He added that, “the key challenge facing the 2015 election is a widespread absence of moderation among our politicians.

“We are concerned about this because even if the management of elections meets the highest standard, insofar as the contestants are unwilling to play by the rules, there will be grave problems.

“INEC remains deeply concerned about rising conflicts within parties and among contestants.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—9

NNPC: Reps probe alleged non-remittance of $13.9bn

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE AND LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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BUJA— THE House of Representatives, yesterday, set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the non-remittance of $13.9 billion into the Federation Account by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The committee was set up following a motion brought to the floor of the House by Haruna Manu, PDP, Taraba, entitled Urgent need to verify and ascertain the volume and value of crude oil sales from January 2013 to date.

The ad hoc committee has, therefore, been mandated to investigate the volume and value of crude oil sales and remittances into the Federation Account from January 2013 to date by NNPC and report back to the House within four weeks.

This followed recent revelations that NNPC has remitted only $7 billion out of $20.9 billion of crude oil sales this year.

Amaechi's allegation

It will be recalled that barely a week ago, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, reportedly alleged the disappearance of $5 billion from the Excess Crude Account and asked for explanations from relevant government agencies.

Manu rested his submissions on Sections 162 (1) and 162 (10) of the constitution, which states inter alia that ”the Federation shall maintain a special account to be called the Federation Account into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation, except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the armed forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department of government charged with the responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital

Territory.”

‘No proper accounts'

Manu, who noted that “a shortfall of 13 billion US Dollars is unaccounted for in the period of January to August 2013,” added that “from September to date, no proper accounts have been rendered by the NNPC or records kept to show the actual amount and volume of crude oil sales by the NNPC.” He said there have been lingering issues of accountability and arbitrary management of oil revenue by NNPC, saying there was a need to compel the corporation to render accounts of how much it derived from crude oil sales within the period and the actual amount it paid into the Federation Account.

Contributing to the motion, Aminu Suleiman (PDP, Kano) and Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) argued that the investigation has become necessary considering the volume of the amount involved, saying an ad hoc committee would do a good job.

On their part, Hassan El-Badawy (APC, Yobe) and Yakubu Balogun (APC, Lagos) said the revelation was disturbing and such an act by NNPC jeopardises Nigeria’s future, arguing that the matter goes beyond the period raised by the mover of the motion to about five years.

Also, Warman Ogoriba (PDP, Bayelsa) argued that “I share the sentiments of my colleagues that there is no need for an ad hoc committee to look into the matter.

“I also have issues with the prayers of the mover of the motion that relate to finance and why are we always setting up ad hoc committees when we have substantive committees?“ After Ogoriba’s presentation, the Presiding Officer, Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, put the debate to a voice and the ayes had it.

The motion was seconded by Ralph Nnanna (PDP, Imo State).

G-7 govs give Jonathan fresh conditions

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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HE seven aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors have tabled new demands before President Goodluck Jonathan as conditions for making peace with him and the leadership of the party.

Vanguard learnt from competent sources close to the group that the governors tabled the new set of demands following indications by the Presidency that it was willing to resume peace talks with them.

It was learnt that among other conditions, the governors wanted the suspension of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of River State lifted, while the Presidency should also recognise him as the leader of Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Besides, it was gathered that the governors are also insisting that PDP must lift the suspension on Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and allow him resume as the National Secretary of

the party in accordance with the Appeal Court judgment.

Apart from the embattled secretary of the party, the ‘rebel governors’ also want recall of factional chairman, Abubakar Kawu Baraje; his deputy, Sam Sam Jaja and Ambassador Kazaure as well as removal of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as national chairman of the party.

The governors are also said to have requested the President to call the FCT Minister, Bala Muhammed, to order over his peceived assault on the G-7 governors.

They are equally reported to have asked Jonathan to restore the security aides of the governors, which were withdrawn in the wake of the political crisis and to sanction the policemen that tried to disrupt their meetings in Abuja.

One of the governors confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that they were open to any discussion that would lead to peace, but doubted if the Presidency was ready for genuine peace and reconciliation.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Eminent Nigerians honour Akhigbe EMINENT Nigerians, including former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Senate President, David Mark, yesterday paid glowing tributes to former Chief of General Staff, CGS, Vice-Admiral Mike Akhigbe, who died on October 28 this year after a long battle with cancer.

They all spoke at a requiem mass held in his honour at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, saying late Akhigbe was fearless and goodness personified.

Those who attended the requiem mass alongside Chief Sonekan and David Mark, included former CGS, Gen. Oladipo Diya; second republic Vice-President, Chief Alex Ekwueme; former Chiefs of Naval Staff, Vice Admirals AllisonMadueke, S. O. Afolayan, V. K. Ombu, Jibril Ayinla and Akin Aduwo as well as former Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith.

Others were former Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; President, Naval Officers Wives Association, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, ReaAdmiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; Gen. Tunde Ogbha; Rear Admiral A. A. Afolahan, Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe, F. B. I. Porberu (rtd), Ndubuisi Kanu, O. O. Joseph, A.O. Oni (rtd) and LON Iwuoya; Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu and Chief Don Etiebet.

They said the best way to honour a man like Akhigbe, was to immortalise the ideals he stood and died for, especially his undying love for knowledge and education.

In his tribute, Senate President said late Akhigbe was an excellent person and a devoted Christian.

Mrs. Tinubu in her own tribute described the late Akhigbe as a very disciplined and forthright officer who went about his business diligently.Vice-Admiral Madueke said Akhigbe’s legacies speak for themselves, just as he urged Nigerians to emulate him, saying: “He was a fine officer, a man with a great heart and a detribalised Nigerian.

He was an epitome of hard work, courage, discipline and love.

Mike, would help anybody and everybody and would never shy away from telling the truth.”

SSANU vows to proceed on strike over N1.6bn allowances

BY DAYO ADESULU

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FTER TWO times protest by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, over N1.6billion earn allowance, the union has vowed to proceed on strike if government reneges.

At a briefing yesterday, at the University of Lagos, SSANU UNILAG chairman,

Mr. Adekola Adetomiwa said: “The present payment template of N180,000 as against N360,000 is an outright denial of the agreed and approved template by the government for our union.”

He said that the Federal Government had approved N360,000 earn allowance for SSANU which UNILAG has refused to pay, chosing rather to pay N180,000.

According to him, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and University of Benin had been benefitting from the N360,000 template.

He insisted that the union would not relent in ensuring that its members were adequately paid like their counterparts in other federal institutions.

CELEBRATION: From left, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Rural Development; Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, Commissioner for Rural Development, and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, greeting members of Neighbourhood Watch, during the 2013 Community Day celebration, entitled: Community Transformation Through Peoples Empowerment,' in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

According to him: “Doctors at the medical centre were omitted by the UNILAG authority in the template , while names of other members of staff were also missing. Management should speak out if the money released by government is not enough to go round.

“UNILAG generates the average of N5billion Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, every year, yet nothing to show for it on campus.”

Adetomiwa stated that SSANU would not mind going to court to achieve its objective.

Explaining its meeting with the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Jerry Gana, the union leader disclosed that though the audit report stated that UNILAG was over staffed, they should be paid what was due to them.

He said: “We are not begging the university authority to pay this money, it is our right. It is 360 but 180 template. The allowances that accrued to the tune of N360,000 are: responsibility allowance, excess workload, hazard, laboratory and clinic allowance.”

2015: Tambuwal faults zoning of political offices

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mallam Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday, faulted the idea of zoning elected public offices in the country, describing it as a threat to good governance.

He spoke at the 5th Christopher Kolade symposium in Lagos. It was organised by the

Nigeria Leadership Initiative, NLI. Tambuwal who was represented by the Minority leader in the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila said doing away with zoning would help strengthen the country ’s democracy.

According to him, the decision of who held an elected public office would be the determined by the public.

He noted that if any elected

office holder knew that he or she was accountable to his electorate, he would work for the development of his electorate.

In his contribution, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nigeria, Mr. Atedo Peterside lamented what they called leadership failure in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to change their orientation to salvage the country.

Fashola said the first step

Falana vows to pursue Iyayi's death in court surrounding the death of the former president of the Academic AGOS — HUMAN Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, activist and Lagos lawyer, Mr. Professor Festus Iyayi in court.

Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday, He disclosed this while vowed to pursue the circumstances addressing journalists over Iyayi's death.

Iyayi died in a road accident on Okene Lokoja Road when the

BY OLAYINKA LATONA Archbishop convoy of Kogi State AGOS —The Bishop, V i n i n g Governor, Idris Wada Diocese of Lagos West, M e m o r i a l rammed into his car.

C h u r c h He was on his way to Anglican Communion Rt. Rev. C a t h e d r a l , Kano for a National James Odedeji has enjoined Ikeja, Lagos, Federal Government to urgently O d e d e j i Executive Council,NEC, address the insecurity challenges e x p r e s s e d meeting of ASUU when facing the country, as well as worry over the the accident occurred.

Falana, who noted that tackle the incessant kidnapping palpable fear the polity the death of the late don and other vices confronting the in occasioned by country. Speaking during Holy s e c u r i t y was a "personal loss," Communion/ Thanksgiving challenges in said the leadership of ASUU and the family of Service to mark the 14th the country. the deceased had given anniversary of the diocese at

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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Cleric calls for measures against insecurity

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him the mandated to pursue the matter in court.

towards realising efficient leadership in the country was for the people whom he described as followers to define what he called the Nigerian dream.

The governor said the country's dream must be defined to get the leaders committed to the attainment of the dream, adding that any jurisdiction where majority of the people evaded tax payment and other obligations could not call erring leaders to order.

In his contribution Atedo who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC pensions Mr. Ademola Sogunle, said in asserting authority the nation's leaders must be ready to accept mistakes for the country to be developed

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—11

ASUU, Ondo varsity on collision course over resumption order

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — THE striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko chapter, Ondo State and the university authorities are on a collision course over a directive that the students should resume for lectures.

Gates to the nation’s public universities have been shut in the last 144 days due to trade dispute between ASUU and the Federal Government Registrar of the state-owned university, R. B. Olotu in a statement in Akure directed the students to resume on Monday, November 25 for the second semester 2012/2013 session.

But in a swift reaction, the ASUU Chapter of the university dissociated itself from the purported resumption of academic activities in the university.

The Chapter’s chairperson, Busuyi Mekusi in a statement asked members to disregard the directive.

Mekusi said: “ASUU Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko Branch, wishes to dissociate itself from the purported resumption of academic activities in the university, as its members are still part of the ongoing national strike by the union.

“Members should, therefore, disregard any pull to abandon the struggle, and be steadfast until the present position is reviewed

by NEC. “ The union also wants to make it abundantly clear that it would resist every tyrannical propensity to intimidate and harass its members.”

The Registrar in his statement entitled: ‘Resumption for the 2nd semester 2012/2013 session’

directed all the students of university to resume.

“All the students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, are hereby informed that academic activities of the second semester of 2012/ 2013 session truncated as a result of the ASUU national strike are to resume on Monday, 25th November, 2013 with the continuation of registration on the University portal (http://

portal.aaua.edu.ng).

“Lectures are to start on Monday, 2nd December, 2013 It will be recalled that the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof.

Femi Mimiko had about a month ago expressed worries over the continued closure of the university by Ondo State.

Prof. Mimiko threatened that he would recall the students if the four month old strike action was not suspended.

PRESENTATION: From left, Chief Alfred Ikulayo,Professor Philomena Ikulayo, author of the book; Mrs. Kehinde Daramola, Special Adviser, Government House and Protocol, Ekiti State; Vigy Onyene, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Management, University of Lagos, and Professor Funso Akingbade, Father of the Day and Chairman of the occasion, during presentation of a book, First in Her Class, and awards for Professor Ikulayo, at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Photo by Akeem Salau.

I won’t leave any abandoned project, says Aregbesola

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — OSUN State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has assured that all the on-going projects in the state will be completed before the end of his first tenure in November, 2014.

The Aregbesola administration on assumption

of office embarked on various developmental projects mostly roads and construction of new school buildings to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.

According to the government, the dwindling resources from the Federal Government notwithstanding, the state government was not relying only on allocations from the Federal Government only to execute its projects. ...signs MoU with brewery Meantime, the governor, yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the management of International Breweries

in Ilesa aimed at expanding the company’s activities.

Aregbesola, while signing the MoU in Osogbo, said it would boost the operations of the company in the state.

He promised that the state government would create enabling environment for willing investors from within and outside to industrialise the state.

“Our administration has taken different steps to turn around the fortunes of the state economically which I considered as a giant step,” he added.

No unfinished roads in S-West — FERMA

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — FEDERAL Road Management Agency said, yesterday, in Ibadan that there were no abandoned road projects in the South West zone of the country.

This came as the agency lamented that paucity of fund had hindered it from carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation of roads in the zone.

This was disclosed by the management monitoring team to South West 1 zone comprising Ekiti, Oyo and Kwara states led by Engr. Garba Mubi.

Mubi, who was accompanied by the Zonal Coordinator, Oyo, Ekiti and Kwara, Mrs. Mary Adeniran and Engr.

Babatunde Ige from Kwara State said, “As far as I know, there are no abandoned road projects in the zone as at now.

“What we know is that some roads are due for completion between four and five years and we are moving on.

Though, the Federal Ggovernment is trying, FERMA has the problem of funding. A project which requires about N8billion, N1.5billion may be released.”

Fayemi’s govt is anti-masses — Adeyeye

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FENIFERE CHIEFTAIN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye has described the Kayode Fayemi led All Progressives Congress, APC, government in the State as anti-masses, promising to make the poor and downtrodden the major focus of his government if elected the state governor.

Adeyeye, who described the protest by some market women in Ado Ekiti yesterday, as another evidence of Fayemi’s government hatred for the masses, added that, “any government that tramples on the masses, denying them their means of livelihood will fail.”

In a release by the Director General, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement, PAAM, Mr. Bisi Kolawole, the governorship aspirant blamed Fayemi’s government for the near collapse of economic activities in the state.

LP NEC defers national convention

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HE NATIONAL Executive Council of the Labour Party, LP, has deferred its proposed Third National Convention which was formerly slated for December 19.

The party in a communiqué by its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu and National Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salam, at the end of its 17th National Executive Council, NEC, session in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said “the NEC in session noted that it would be apt for the date of the National Convention to be extended by not more than nine months from December 19, 2013 when the 3rd Convention would have been due, based on the need to build a stronger and more virile Labour Party at all levels of its organisation.”

The party, however, resolved to conduct ward, local government and state congresses across the country within the nine months.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Oshiomhole sets up caretaker c’ttee for ...as Edo Assembly suspends Chairman Orhiomnwon LG

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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lors and special assistant in the council to work with the Caretaker Committee Chairman and members of the committee until the issue is resolved.”

The statement also “directs that the caretaker committee should assume duty immediate-

ly”.

Meanwhile, the state government also appointed Osagie Obayuwana as Chairman of the committee of enquiry to look into the alleged unapproved tour by the council officials.

The statement said: “I am directed to inform you that the Governor, Adams Oshiomhole h a s approved your appointment as member of the above committee in the capacity reflected against your name above.”

ENIN—FOLLOWING the suspension of Orhiomnwon Local Government Council Chairman, Chief Roland Ibierutowhen, by Edo State House of Assembly over alleged unauthorised trip to Italy, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, set up a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the council until investigations are concluded.

The council boss and his vice, travelled to Italy with 12 of the councillors, abandoning the affairs of the council for about two weeks.

The State House of Assembly, which frowned at their action, last Monday suspended the council boss and the entire legislative house indefinitely until investigations into their trip to Italy is concluded.

However, in a statement by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Professor Julius IhonBRIEFING: From right: Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman, All Progressives Convbere, Governor Oshiomhole, gress, APC; National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Deputy appointed Mr. Iyobo Igharo as National Secretary of APC, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, during a briefing on the Anambra State Chairman, Caretaker gubernatorial election, in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Committee, in Orhionmwon Local Government Council, pending the conclusion of enquiry into the alleged unauthorised journey outside the counKWA Ibom State into key positions at the try by the chairman, vice governor, Chief national level. chairman, councillors and Godswill Akpabio, has Chief Akpabio, who secretary to the local gov- applauded President stated this after an execernment.

Goodluck Jonathan for utive council meeting at The statement directed appointing sons and the council chambers of “the supervisory council- daughters of the state Governor’s Office, Uyo,

Akpabio lauds Jonathan over NDDC MD’s appointment

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Edo deputy gov's father installed Okaevbo of Urhomehe

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BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

E N I N — URHOMEHE community in Orhiomnwon Local Government Area of Edo State, home town of the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Pius Odubu, was agog yesterday, when his father, Chief Manson Umweni

GCUOBA holds annual luncheon

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OVERNMENT College Ughelli Old Boys Association, Lagos Branch, holds its annual luncheon party December 1, at Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, Adetokunboh Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 2 p.m.

A statement by the organisers said dress code is formal.

Odubu was installed the Okaevbo of Urhomehe Community.

The Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, had earlier endorsed Chief Odubu as the Okaevbo (eldest leader) of Urhomehe community. Until his installation Chief Manson Odubu was the Odionwere of Urhomehe Community.

Thousands of dignitaries including Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, former Foreign Affais Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, attended the colourful ceremony.

Governor Oshiomhole who thanked God for giving Chief Odubu the responsibility to lead his people, said his new position was destined by God.

also felicitated with Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, whom President Jonathan had appointed and forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

Akpabio said: “I want to thank all Akwa Ibom Executive Council members for applauding President Jonathan for appointing one of us for the position.

It is important to show gratitude to our benefactor, God Almighty, who has made Akwa Ibom people to be among those appointed into national offices and to show support to the President who is doing a good job by appointing people of Akwa Ibom state into key positions nationally. ”I must specially thank Mr. President for standing by the nominee of the NDDC as a managing director from our state; and I must congratulate Mr. Dan-Abia for the elevation which is uncommon from an uncommon state.”

Uduaghan for Sapele Athletic Club’s centenary celebration

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OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is the Special Guest of Honour expected at the Centenary Celebration of Sapele Athletic Club, SAC, holding between November 23 and 30.

According to SAC President, Mr. Mike Eboh, the celebration will be formally declared open by Governor Uduaghan, on November 23, with a tee off of the Centenary Golf Tournament, while the closing ceremony and launch of centenary projects and dinner party, will hold on November 30.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—13

Court fails to rule on suspension of Obio-Akpor chairman

One killed as cult groups clash in Rivers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— AN Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, yesterday, failed to rule on an application filed by counsel to Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, seeking a stay of proceedings at a Port Harcourt High Court, on a suit filed by the suspended Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nsirim, challenging his suspension.

Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who spoke for the other two judges, said the court would inform parties in the suit on when it would rule.

Counsel to Nsirim, Emma Ukala , SAN, had urged the court to ignore the application on grounds that the appeal court was not permitted to grant applications that would stall judgment of a lower court.

He also argued that no leave of court was sought before the motion was brought, arguing that the court should disregard any act that would delay justice.

On his part, counsel to the applicants, Mr. Roland Utaru (SAN), had accused the trial judge of bias, arguing that his appeal was “in compliance with section 241 subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution that allegation or likelihood of bias is an issue of law and borders on fair hearing.”

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VISIT: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, (2nd left), presenting a memento to the Chief of Training & Operations, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Major-General Peter Isang, during a courtesy call at the governor's office, Uyo.

Edo oil communities tackle Oshiomhole, Uzamere over NDDC nominee

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—THE contro versy trailing the nomination of Edo State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has deepened as a pressure group from the core oil producing communities of Oben, Ikobi, Iguelaba and ObozogbeNugu, OBIKOBIG, has flayed alleged attempt

by Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ehigie Uzemere to impose their nominees on them as against the law setting up the commission.

A statement yesterday by the group through their counsel, Mr. Monday Agienoji, in Benin

claimed Section 2(1) (b) of the NDDC Establishment Act, CAP N86.

LFN, 2004, clearly provided that, “there is hereby established for the commission a governing council board which shall consist of a chairman, one person who shall be an indigene of an oil producing area to represent each of the following member states…”, but lamented that this provision was not followed by the governor and the senator in the nomination of their candidates.

The group said it had long forwarded the name of its candidate, Mr. Courage Enofe, to the Presidency, after allegedly receiving a royal blessing from the Benin monarch, Oba Eredi-

Stop maligning Kuku, Ateke warns ex-militants

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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EADER of Niger Delta Vigilante, Chief Tom Ateke, has warned ex-militants fomenting trouble and calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to sack his Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to desist from doing so.

Ateke also dismissed the allegation by former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir El Rufai, that he C M Y K

named N2 billion as his price to leave Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike and join forces with Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s camp.

Ateke, in a statement, regretted that notwithstanding that Kuku was the most active and effective appointee from the Niger Delta in the cabinet of the President, some disgruntled elements were doing all they can to smear him.

He advised anyone who has any issue to go

and resolve same with Kuku rather than heating up the polity and making wild allegations against him. To the former militant, some of the people making the noise were not originally supposed to be accommodated under the programme but for the magnanimity of the President and Kuku.

He said: “If anyone has any issue with Kuku, it is advisable that they should go to him and express their concerns and resolve such.”

auwa, in May, this year.

It appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan

to ignore the names already submitted by Governor Oshiomhole and Senator Uzamere.

ORT HARCOURT— TENSION heightened in Buguma, headquarters of Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, last night as two rival cult groups clashed.

Unconfirmed reports said a corpse was found floating in Buguma river.

Community sources who spoke to the Vanguard, said the crisis between the two rival groups had been on in the last four days, claiming that it got to a head yesterday.

According to the sources, the clash was over who controls the political space in the area.

C M Y K

14—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Confab ‘ll resolve vexed national issues —NULGE

BY ENYIM ENYIM NITSHA— ANAMBRA State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local G o v e r n m e n t Employees, NULGE, yesterday, said that the proposed national dialogue would resolve vexed national issues in the country.

Addressing newsmen on the issue, the state President of the union, Mr. Jerry Nnubia described the proposed confab as a welcome development, adding that it would further unite the nation instead of leading to its disintegration as being touted in some quarters.

He said: “You will agree with me that diverse ethnic groups with diverse ethnic interests in Nigeria as well as diverse culture, tradition, religion, sociopolitical and socioeconomic interests make it imperative for us to come to a round table to parley with a view to fashioning a way forward for the nation. It is about time we discussed these vexed issues to know if we could continue to co-exist as one country.”

Nnubia stressed that the security challenges facing the country today were due to the quest for political power by one ethnic group or the other.

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HPICC holds joint service

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AGOS—THE Western District chapter of House of Prayer International Covenant Church, HPICC, OkoproOrlu, Imo State, will hold its Joint Service on Saturday, November 23, at its branch in Awodi-Ora, Apapa area of Lagos State.

According to the District’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, Apostle Victor Elily, “the service is held quarterly to unite members of the church, while serving as a platform to rekindling the people’s acknowledgment and faith in the abundant blessings of God Almighty. Being a special edition, the service will see the General Overseer of the church, Rev John Oguaju ministering.”

ANAMBRA: INEC to decide on date for supplementary polls today zAPC demands prosecution of state REC zI insist on total cancellation —Nwoye zWe’re not moved —Umeh zINEC was not ready, says Kalu

BY OKEYNDIRIBE,CHARLES KUMOLU&DANIELETEGHE BUJA—AMIDST mutual accusations of fraud from the different political parties involved in the inconclusive Anambra State gubernatorial election of last weekend, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is today set to announce the date for the supplementary gubernatorial election.

Yesterday, INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega and other senior officers of the commission debriefed officials that were sent to conduct the election. Following the debriefing the commission is expected to take a decision on the date for the supplementary election.

Candidates and parties that were involved in the election were, yesterday, at daggers drawn on the legality of another election.

The All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye were united yesterday in calling for a full cancellation of the election done so far. The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, whose candidate Willi Obiano is ahead in the declared results, has meanwhile insisted that the election so far conducted should not be cancelled.

APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh while asserting that the election of last weekend was devoid of irregularities told Vanguard that APGA was not afraid of partaking in a fresh election.

Meanwhile, the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Kalu has blamed the confusion emanating from the election in Anambra State to lack of preparation by the election management body.

The commission yesterday, held a crucial meeting during which it evaluated its performance in the botched polls, an INEC bulletin released yesterday disclosed.

Should the date of the supplementary election be announced today, it is expected that the make-up polls would hold in 210 Polling Units where the election was cancelled due to irregularities.

The affected local government areas and the number of affected polling units are as follows: Idemili North, 160; Ayamelum, two; Anambra East, three; Anambra West, six; Anaocha, one; Awka North, two and Aguata,

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one.

Others include Awka South, one; Ekwusigo, three; Idemili South, one; Ihiala, South, two; Onitsha North, one; Onitaha South, 17; Orumba North, four and Oyi, four.

Also, 113,113 registered voters are to take part in the supplementary election.

Meanwhile, the APC yesterday insisted on the total cancellation of the polls as it pushed further its protest against the election with the call for the prosecution of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the State, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu.

APC in a letter written to INEC

chairman, Prof. Jega demanded that INEC discontinue all arrangements for the conduct of the supplementary election in the state as it insisted that no candidate should be declared as winner until a fresh election is held.

The party’s leadership also threatened to go to court if INEC failed to heed its advice and proceed to conduct the supplementary election.

In the letter made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the party said: “Our demand is predicated on serious irregularities and noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as

amended which characterised the conduct of the said election.”

The APC leaders cited their reasons for making their demands to include INEC’s alleged presentation of three different voters register to representatives of political parties on October 16, November 13 and November 16.

Akande also gave the example of the PDP governorship candidate in the election, Mr. Tony Nwoye whose name was contained in the first two registers but was missing in the last one which was presented on election day, describing the poll as tainted.

Other irregularities complained against included lack of result sheets and non-transparent collation of results at collation centres.

They also said that they discovered poor distribution of election materials; inadequate recruitment and poor training of INEC’s ad-hoc staff as well as recruitment of electoral officials including staff and students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University on the day of the election.

PRESENTATION: From left: Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Chairman of the occasion, Obi Chukwuka Aninshi Okonjo I, Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Royal Father of the day, and Professor Emeka Anyaoku, during the public presentation of a book “Law in Motion: Nurturing Democarcy and Development” in honour of Chief George Uwechue, SAN, the Owelle of Ogwashi-Uku, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ekweremadu attracts 140 projects to Enugu East

BY TONY EDIKE NUGU—DEPUTY Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, has attracted over 140 projects worth several billions of naira to his Enugu-West senatorial zone.

The projects include construction/rehabilitation of rural roads, erosion control, rural electrification, water, construction of school buildings, civic centres and town halls, with solar street lights installed across the five councils of Aninri, Awgu, Udi, Ezeagu and OjiRiver that make up the senatorial zone.

Awgu has the highest number of of projects totaling 34.,

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Ezeagu and Udi have 32 and 20 respectively. In the same vein, a National Youth Development Centre is being constructed in the each of the five councils. Each of the centre is estimated to cost N900 million.

Speaking during the inauguration of a three-man project monitoring committee for each of the 81 wards that make up the senatorial zone in Enugu, Ekweremadu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Projects, Mr. Bethel Onyenyiri noted that his main reason for being in politics was to better the of the people.

He said that within the

period, he had been in the Senate, he had been able to attract peopleoriented projects not only to his senatorial zone but to other parts of the South-East zone.

According to the him, the sole reason for inaugurating the Ward and local government project monitoring committee made up of a total of 258 members was to ensure effective monitoring of the ongoing projects with a view to ensuring that contractors maintained high quality of work.

He said the PMC would also enhance communication between him and his constituents since all the wards had been represented.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 2013 — 15

SERVICE OF SONGS AND REQUIEM MASS FOR VICE ADMIRAL MIKE AKHIGBE IN LAGOS. PIX: LAMIDI BAMIDELE & BUNMI AZEEZ.

Mrs. Josephine Akhigbe (2nd left) with some family members, during the service of songs, at NNS Quorra, Apapa, Lagos.

From left: Gen Oladipo Diya (rtd), Senator David Mark, his wife, Mrs. Helen Mark, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, Head of Service, Lagos State, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the Requiem Mass, at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday.

Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, Chief of Naval Staff (right) and Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Staff, during the service of songs.

From left: Mrs. Yemisi Olanrewaju, Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd) and Alhaji Musliu Smith, former Inspector General Police, at the Requiem Mass.

From left: Mrs. Gwen Nwachukwu and Senator Ike Nwachukwu, during the Requiem Mass.

From left: Governor Babatude Fashola of Lagos State, his wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola and Senator David Mark, Senate President, during the service of songs.

From left: Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba, wife of Chief of Naval Staff, Mrs. Helen Mark and Vice Admiral Ndubusi Kanu, former Lagos State governor, during the Requiem Mass.

Chief Raymond Dokpesi, chairman DAAR CommunicationS (left) and Chief Duro Onabule, during the Requiem Mass.

Cross section of Naval staff, at the service of songs.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

TRADITIONAL WEDDING BETWEEN JESIMI EDOWAYE AND ADEWALE OMOWUNMI IN LAGOS

L-r: Col. Paul Osa Ogbebor, father of the bride and Chief (Mrs)Rita Lori Ogbebor mother of the bride at the traditional wedding between Jesimi Edowaye and Adewale Omowunmi held at the Rita Lori Hotel Surulere,Lagos, yesterday.

The couple, Mr & Mrs Adewale Omowunmi Shote with the bride's father, Col Paul Osa Ogbebor blessing the couple Photos: Diran Oshe

Warri chiefs at the traditional wedding: L- r, Chief Oma Eyewuoma Chief E. F. Esisi and Chief Kofi Kartey

Alhaji Adetola Shote, father of the groom and Mrs Irene Abosede Emmanuel, groom's mother

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 —17

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SPEND a lot of time with Nigerians and foreigners who are interested in the presidential election. Most of them are shocked when I say that I intend to vote for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 because he is “my Brother”.

Some express shock because they don’t expect crude, simplistic, emotional regionallybiased decision-making from a well-educated and normally cerebral professional writer/ broadcaster who grew up abroad, can’t speak any Nigerian language and has more foreign than indigenous instincts and habits. Others express shock about my proJonathan stance because I have not made a secret of the fact that I regard his administration as lacklustre at best.

Furthermore, I am always sanctimoniously harping on about principles and bitterly complaining about leaders who have failed to transform this country into the major success story it will become if it is run efficiently and honestly. And let’s not forget that Rotimi Amaechi, the Governor of Rivers State, is my friend…and that I’ve defended him on numerous occasions since he fell out with The First Couple…whom I

,

•President Goodluck Jonathan

Synchronized detribalisation when they are in my shoes!

Meanwhile, are Jonathan’s Northern opponents saying that Jonathan should go because they have identified a super-duper Northern candidate who is likely to perform magnificently in future because he has a fantastic track record and has what it takes to drag our economy and society into the 21st century? No!

Modernising philanthropist Nigeria

should be more reflective and more consistent. A journalist

Majority of Rivers people are really sad about the fact that our President and our Governor are at loggerheads; and all we want for Christmas is for them to patch up their terrible quarrel and work together

have openly blamed for certain aspects of the quarrel.

For all of the above reasons, most folks expect me to obediently echo Amaechi’s opposition to another Jonathan term...or to at least be more circumspect and rational when the possibility of another Jonathan term is being seriously discussed. And I’m often accused of being hypocritical, contradictory, etc. I can understand why I am attracting so much criticism.

A citizen of my calibre C M Y K

•Governor Rotimi Amaechi

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who cares about her reputation should always be coolly objective. But we are all human and, therefore, deeply flawed. And I will probably stubbornly stay where I am, both politically and psychologically, for as long as Nigeria continues to be the kind of place in which tribalism is rife.

Ninety percent of the Niger Deltans I know share my views and simply aren’t willing to abandon our Oga At The Top electorally, even if they are disappointed in him and even

if they like Amaechi. As a matter of fact, the majority of Rivers people are really sad about the fact that our President and our Governor are at loggerheads; and all we want for Christmas is for them to patch up their terrible quarrel and work together.

Anyway, dear readers, practically every Nigerian who berates or chides me for pledging my vote to Jonathan for reasons they regard as silly and sentimental just happens to not be from the Niger Delta.

But you know what? I will not believe that most of my critics are capable of the saintly impartiality they expect from me until I see how they behave

Are Jonathan’s Northern opponents saying that Jonathan should go because the replacement they have in mind is a dynamic modernising philanthropist who has done laudable things like establishing a highly effective NGO in his village?

No! Jonathan’s Northern opponents are saying that Jonathan should go because they feel that it is their “turn” (even though they ruled Nigeria – ineptly and corruptly - for 36 years during the five decades that elapsed between Independence and Jonathan’s becoming Head of State in 2010).

They basically feel that it is their region’s “turn” to run the show. So don’t blame me too much for (perhaps childishly) saying that I will only give up my regional bias when they

give up their regional bias!

On reflection, it would be nice to have a synchronized detribalisation exercise – a special day on which we will all agree to simultaneously outgrow the majority mindset and to start to think like civilized nationalists rather than like unprogressive Northerners or South-Southerners or Igbos or Yorubas. But let it happen after Jonathan has been returned to the Villa in 2015!

In the meantime, he has already made some smart moves on the power sector front. But there is plenty more work to be done. Even I would not support a candidate if I thought that he was a completely lost cause. Not even if he was my same-mothersame-father blood brother.

But I have met Mr President and was impressed by some of the observations he came up with in my presence, so I know that he has what it takes to run this show called Nigeria dynamically and inspire confidence across the board. He now needs to prove his detractors wrong – and make his fans proud - by ferociously focusing on fulfilling his potential for the next few months. Jonathan should remember that votes should be earned.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 HEN a 13-year-old boy, Daniel Oikkena, embarked on the dangerous path of squeezing himself into the tyre compartment of Arik aircraft, with the belief that he would end up in America, the action sent out a strong message of migration driven by frustration. Ironically, government officials who ought to have been shamefaced, for making life in Nigeria a living hell, went to town celebrating the heroics of the young boy. The young man could have died in the process, just as so many other desperate persons that had tried to migrate through irregular means.

In recent times, migration has sparked off much interest and debates, especially in destination countries where political establishments have become sensitive to the socio-economic pressures and demographic consequences arising from the process. Consequently, European countries have taken drastic steps to contain migration surge.

The history of emigration in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has been chequered; and tumultuous. Incidents of political instability, lack of economic opportunities, bad governance natural disasters, escape from persecution or quest for knowledge and lei-

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Danger ous deser Dangerous desertt migrations sure, have over time remained as the key precipitating factors responsible for the movement of people from Africa.

Today, there is a new wave of migration inspired by the desire to be part of the globalisation process and promises of a better life. It is a development that we cannot ignore either for its positive contributions to human development or its adverse consequences, especially when caused by acts of desperation. Only recently, about 87 persons perished in the Sahara Desert. Dangerous as this route has been over the centuries, many desperate young people have fallen prey to human trafficking syndicates that extort money from them with promises to assist them get to Europe through

North Africa.

Many of these desperadoes have ended up being killed and their kidneys sold to human organ traders. Those who tried to move Southwards, notably to Central and Southern African countries, using rickety boats and rafts, have either succeeded or died. It is disheartening that millions of those trapped in this desperation are young people, full of life and energy, people whose sweat and blood should otherwise be the engine blocks to build their nation's wealth.

These are people who prefer to die in dangerous migration process because life in their fatherland has become meaningless. We make bold to say that the fault lies squarely at the doorsteps of government and its institutions.

It is the fault of the leadership and the quality of governance that is offered to the citizens.

More than ever before, the government must focus on making life more meaningful for Nigerians. We can't afford to continue to lose our best to the horrific death most illegal migration has become. We need our best and brightest here to have a fair chance of competing in the global market space.

OPINION

BY IKE WILLIE NWOBU

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DULTERY, adulatory, abortion, and abomination of same-sex marriage have strong linkage and connectivity to evil and satanic manifestations – all are instruments of destruction, distortion, and destabilisation that are packaged, powered, projected, and promoted by the gates of hell.

I expect the next line of destructive social agenda is the strange affair of husband, wife, and lover living under the same roof. The case of Maria Butzki who managed to enslave two men, Paul, her husband, and Peter, her boyfriend, into one roof thereby legalising adultery, which is designed as an acceptable lifestyle model targeted at our women and very vulnerable girls.

I took an interest in the story, which appeared in the Guardian newspaper publication of November 16, 2013.

My interest is in three reasons: Firstly, all the characters in this comedy of shame and reproach bear very strategic Christian names with apostate and prophetic manifestation – Maria, Paul, and Peter. It suggests and imposes that they are Christians, and such adulterous lifestyle and union is acceptable and accommodating in the Christian fold. Maria, Paul, and Peter are not Christians, and do not represent Christianity; no true Christian faith or institution can accept or accommodate such aberration.

Secondly, this is a transition, transmutation, and transformation from same-sex marriage brand that did not fly in Africa, to legalisation, acceptance, and promotion of this adulterous union that is designed and accepted by the West to destroy our excellent marital values in view of huge failures and record of marital disasters and divorce.

Thirdly, it’s an organised subtle orientation and

From same sex marriage to legalisation and adoption of adultery marketing of evil, to abuse our sensitivity, which is a continuation of promotion of evil that started from the promotion of abortion, encouragement of divorce, and same-sex marriage, that are packaged as human right.

In addition, the exposure of the breast and the sagging of trousers/jeans to expose the buttocks as touted by the West as being fashionable, are being embraced by our children and youths of little and poor values. Both the act of advertising breasts and buttocks are evidence and manifestation of decay and demented thinking as such human parts cannot be part of fashion accessories.

Again, this publicised adulterous union is coming at the time and period of the Commonwealth meeting in Sri Lanka. I’m surprized that Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom did not promote this aberration to African countries, with a threat of withholding / withdrawing aids, as he did in the last Commonwealth conference in Australia concerning gay relationships.

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aria Butzki agenda is a well scripted and structured design from the pit of hell, coming from the West as a choice lifestyle human rights profile, but with design of force and voice of revenge, disobedience, and disloyalty targeted at our women, wives, and families.

Adultery wounds and damages marriages; though it happens, but condemnable, parties should make amends and ask for forgiveness from all wounded souls and the Creator of all souls; it should not be legitimised.

In Nigeria, the strange culture of senseless killing, child and gang rape, incest, and kidnapping is emerging with very strange and traumatic consequences, yet to be determined in the realm and regime of the spirit. The

damage of the huge bloodletting in the streets of Nigeria through tribal/ethnic war, religious conflict, senseless Boko Haram war, raping of old women is too dangerous for us to be at ease.

Returning back and referencing Maria Butzki, her evil agenda and consoling words are captured in this quote: “People might think it’s weird, but I love both men, and couldn’t choose between them – therefore when I left Paul, there was a huge hole in my life, but the thought of never seeing Peter again was heart-breaking; so living with both men is the only way.

“The three of us never share the same bed. Although, I have a sexual relationship with each man, that side is kept very private. If Paul is out, then Peter and I might make love, and vice versa. But both men turn a blind eye, and we never discuss it with one another.”

Maria’s husband, Paul, has this say: “Maria was and still is my soul mate. The families are now in the process of buying a large house to accommodate them all”. Peter, the boyfriend of Maria, has this to say: “By now Paul and I have developed a huge respect for each other. We don’t see one another as rivals for Maria’s affections. At the same time, I’ve come to care so much for the children. It seems natural to live together. ” The story is a model of tolerance, understanding, and endurance in evil. I hope that Peter will not proceed from care of the children to the “care of their emotion”. I worry for the children, and hope that another family of Moabites is not generated. But for us, Nigeria and Africa, we should be alert, awake, and aware.

Mr Nwobu, a commentator on socio-political issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013— —19

I

T was in 1996, he was the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, under the late General Sani Abacha. It was in the days of mobile phones with numbers that started with 090-, not now now that we buy one sim card for just N200. I had the smaller Motorola type, and called Oga Mike, on a Thursday morning, to ask how he was doing, having moved into his official residence on Queens Drive, Ikoyi, as CNS. He picked and ordered me to be at his official residence the following Saturday at 4.30 pm.

When I got there , I was pleasantly surprised that my name was at the gate, and I was allowed to park inside the premises. In the second inner reception, there were other important men and women seated, about nine persons.

I could only recognise the late General Abdulkarim Adisa, who was the Minister for Works at that time. I greeted in a subdued voice and sat down. Before I was served any refreshment, Madam, Dr. Josephine Akhigbe, appeared from a door near where I was seated. I stood up to greet her and

she threw the first bomb shell of that day for me. She asked: “Clement, what is Nigerian law that governs the conduct of persons in other’s houses, whether invited to the house or not ? I quickly replied with an expression I just learnt at the Law School a few months before this encounter. “Most worthy Madam, there are many laws that will govern conducts depending on the circumstance, but God forbid that I should know all the laws of Nigeria off head,” I said.

She responded: “So God forbid that a lawyer should know all the laws off head”, and everybody, including the late General Adisa, started laughing. From that day, whenever I met Madam, we would chorus “God forbid.”

A few minutes after, Oga Mike appeared and after greeting the people around, it turned out that it was his birth day, and that he was using the occasion to honour the Rotary Club of Lagos Island.

Then, he walked straight to me smiling, with an outstretched hand for a shake. I took his hand, and he threw the second bomb shell for me that day when he asked: “Clement, how is Nigeria?” I did not know what to tell

Whatever you find to do, do it very well; we shall all pass away one day, but this Nigeria you see will remain; so the collective will of the people must be allowed to prevail

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him about Nigeria, he was the CNS. I kept quiet and just smiled, and he asked for the second time: “Clement, how is Nigeria?” I responded and said: "Oga, Nigeria is in the hands of soldiers and the armed forces", and he added: ”Nigeria is in the hands of the politicians, some in uniforms and God is watching them all”.

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he next day, I asked him what he meant by the question, ‘How is Nigeria?’ He said: "Many people do not find time to think about Nigeria as a nation.

They take many things for granted, and they feel offended when things turn out differently from what they are expecting. Always ask yourself and your friends, how is Nigeria, by so doing, you and them will think

Socio–cultural implications of the East-West coastal road

BY NNEKA OKONKWO

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HE late Chief M.K.O Abiola aptly stat ed: “It is an extension of democracy to give the economy back to the people.”

And that is the much anticipated prospect of the East-West coastal link road promised to the Niger Delta people of Nigeria. A people whose backyard has been ravaged to embellish the patios of the rich; the mandate to the government is to deliver their economy back into their hands. Therefore, they cry to be empowered with the basics: Infrastructure! Infrastructure! Infrastructure! With such vastly known possibilities, the East-West road is viewed as one of the bridges to attract investors to this paradise land.

The Niger Delta is one of the most culturally diverse regions in Nigeria and among the 100 beautiful sites in the world. Over 20 million Nigerians make boast of it as their home of origin and certainly, it is a place of rich cultural heritage. Spanning across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Edo and Ondo states, its inhabitants speak 250 dialects some of which are Ijaw, Urhobo, Efik, Fulfulde, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and Kanuri, to mention a few. Farming and fishing are their foremost means of livelihood but, over the years the region has been known for its oil.

The blessing of oil had proven to be a curse more than a resource until the restiveness in the region caused all stakeholders to understand that whoever bites the finger that feeds him would soon go hungry. However, the deplorable condition of the region could be reversed with the proposed construction of the East-West coastal road.

The 704km East-West coastal road threads through nine states of the federation that make up the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, beginning in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos and ending in Akamkpa Awi, Cross Rivers State.

The road is expected to not only bridge the gaps in distance, communication and C M Y K

trade, but also in culture, the way people have been used to living over the years.

This is so because beyond closing distance, a road opens up a people to influence and to be influenced. The word “socio-cultural” actually means relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and cultural factors. They are the larger scale forces within cultures and societies that affect attitudes and behaviours of individuals. One of the salient traits of man is that he creates society; he creates culture. His existence is wrapped up in it as he must interact with others for companionship; he must trade to experience variety and separate from his parents to set up his own family institution for the purpose of continuity. By these behaviours communities have developed their own ways of doing society – of marrying and giving in marriage, of cooking up indigenous delicacies, entertainment and art.

These cumulatively are called the culture and traditions of a people.

Most Niger Delta settlements exist secluded from more civilized society, as less than one percent of its settlements can truly be regarded as urban centres (according to the NDDC Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan). As the saying goes, “a cripple is interested in dancing but unfortunately he cannot participate”. Due to the lack of infrastructure, the Niger Delta region, to a large extent, has not been predisposed to education and development and this is made evident in their taboos, child bearing and rearing practices, family structure, attitudes, values and religious practices.

The area is known for certain harmful cultural practices that affect reproductive health and hinder equal opportunity to the sexes; the practice of female circumcision, widowhood rites, child labour and preference for the male child. Maternal mortality rate is high and the under-five mortality rate is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Female genital mutilation is cus-

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BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

,

To Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe: ‘Clement, how is Nigeria?’

more of Nigeria, than your selves and what you want and all that.”

Then I replied: "Sir, If I say Nigeria is bad, what would you say?"

His response was: “I will say you are looking from the bad side, and you may be correct, but I am asking you now to go and think about Nigeria, and as you profess to be a born-again Christian, go and pray to God to save us all and Nigeria.”

A short time after Gen Abacha died suddenly, and Oga Mike was made 'Second-in-Command' in Nigeria.

I visited him, now in Abuja, and said: "Sir, thinking about Nigeria, I am beginning to feel some uneasiness in the air, what do you think ? He replied: “Clement, this too shall pass away, this uniform, this body, all this wahala shall pass away, just always bear that in mind. Whatever you find to do, do it very well to the best of your conscience because this too shall pass away. We shall all pass away one day, but this Nigeria you see will remain; so the collective will of the people must be allowed to prevail.” Indeed, the reality of that wise saying by Oga Mike that ‘this too shall pass’, is one fact that seems lost on many on whose shoulders God has placed the leadership of Nigeria, albeit for a short while.

If all of us will think and ask ourselves, “how is Nigeria ?”, the Muslims will realise and accept, that there was a time in Nigeria when everybody drank milk and took other freebies from the

The blessing of oil had proven to be a curse more than a resource, however, the deplorable condition of the region could be reversed with the construction of the East-West road

,

tomary among the Urhobos of Delta State, and the Ishan and Bini in Edo State; while water borne diseases, attributed to unhygienic waste disposal methods, are prevalent in the area as a result of cultural behaviours steeped in ignorance and illiteracy. It is hoped that the region would be opened up to the influence of education and the influx of social missions by the construction of the East-West Coastal road, developing the requisite facilities needed to lead a wholesome life like adequate health care and schools. As a result of this, certain changes are set to occur: Change in value systems. Every community has its value system.

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egacies of traditions passed down from past generations: These values are upheld through folklore, proverbs, song and dance; and formal traditional institutions protect the cultural heritage of ethnic communities. Development though inevitable brings with it the threat to traditional values and institutions. Value systems like living in canoe houses practiced by the Kalabari people, deity worship by the Biseni and Osiama people, respect for animals like lizards and crocodile as brothers, early marriages and female circumcision.

History has shown that development heralds a change in the value system of communities. While some may be considered beneficial, others may be viewed as negative developments. For instance, the loss of indigenous language to civilization as the people begin to imbibe more of Western and

Church Priest and it was no crime to be a Christian. There was a time, many young university graduates from the South preferred to live in the North.For example, one of my good friends, Onyeka, chose to live in Jos after our youth service programme in 1980; he prospered, but just last year he was killed along with his only daughter during a night raid on a church, leaving his poor wife and family thoroughly devastated. This is surely not the Nigeria we hoped for; we got here because many of our leaders do not ask themselves, "How is Nigeria?". If we ask ourselves that question, it will help us to think as we pause over our conducts that cause schism, and threaten unity, peace and stability of this country.

If we accept that ‘this too shall pass’, that chairmanship, commissionership, house legislative membership, directorship, power, money, governorship, presidency, and elective offices shall pass away, we will perhaps turn out good leaders and become better followers. The life of Oga Mike on this earth has passed, and those whose life he touched directly and indirectly should be reminded that all we see presently shall one day pass too.

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

foreign culture in a globally connected world. Some of these indigenous traditions are still observed in part due to the separation from Western influence. As the Niger Delta opens up, it must face the reality of this threat.

Acculturation: Close interactions influence behaviour. That is why companions are said to be silent influencers because the individual unconsciously assimilates the verbal and body language of his cohorts and soon, their life style. In other words, acculturation takes place.

Acculturation strongly affects the attitudes and behaviours of a people. There already are similarities in the traditional dress of the Benin people of Edo State, the Asaba people of Delta State and the Onitsha people of Anambra State just across the Niger bridge. In addition, moving through Edo into Delta State, language begins to slowly alter from Ishan to Igbo as is seen with the people of Agbor and Anioma in Delta State possessing a mix of Benin and Igbo in their history. This is an offshoot of cross border relations. Same can be seen with the Igbo speaking Ikwerre people of Rivers State.

In a similar vein, due to the mass movement of people across Nigeria, the Yoruba culture of aso-ebi has been adopted across the nation, and events like births, burials and betrothals are marked by same clothing material which is the feature of aso-ebi.

The East-West Coastal road is expected to reduce transit time between Lagos and PortHarcourt from the rigorous six-hour journey to three hours.

This certainly would increase cross community interaction and stimulate acculturation. Apart from language and dress, a road paves the way for both variety and blend. A drive down the road may reveal that roasted plantain may be eaten with groundnuts in Lagos or fish in Port-Harcourt but later disclose that combining the sweet yam of Ondo with the tasty, red palm oil of Edo would make a sumptuous evening meal.

Like the countries of the Caribbean, handled properly, it could become a haven of rich cultural sites where tourism and hospitality thrive.

•Ms Okonkwo, a trainer/facilitator and public analyst, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 22 , 2013

Leadership tussle threatens peaceful co-existence in Festac

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

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leadership tussle capable of hampering the peaceful co-existence of residents is brewing in Festac Town, Lagos. The tussle which has pitched the incumbent President of the Residents Association, Mr. Jola Ogunlusi against some members who are no longer happy with his brand of leadership, came to the fore at a recent meeting of the Festival Town Residents Association, FTRA, The aggrieved residents are campaigning for the immediate resignation of Mr. Ogunlusi for allegedly polarising the association. At a reconciliatory meeting earlier in the month, some residents alleged that politicians have hijacked the association which was founded as a non-partisan group. The latest meeting was the fourth in the last 10 months convened by the stakeholders to mend their leaking roofs.

Festac has about 500,000 inhabitants. Three of the communities that make up FTRA alleged that Mr Ogunlusi who is in his 11th year as president, has breached the provisions of the constitution of the association. They levelled 28 charges bordering on dictatorship and alleged corruption against him.

The aggrieved group further alleged that Ogunlusi has

himself in power.

“The evidence is glaring.

How can one man manipulate everybody all these years? He has been doing things illegally for a long while. We have given him advice several times.

The position has become lucrative so he has been milking all of us. We were part of the people that made sure we have some subvention from the local government but Ogunlusi has been collecting it alone and keeping mute. When he sees the truth, he fights you with all his strength,” he alleged.

A youth leader in the area, Mr. Intola Akintunde alleged that Mr. Ogunlusi unilaterally wrote a letter to the State Government calling for the return of Okada to the middle class neighbourhood. “He has aligned with the Local Government Chairman but the alliance has selfish motives. He sold the land at second Avenue and the buffer Zone. The land is 1,000 by 600 square metres,” he alleged.

Responding to these allegations, Mr. Ogunlusi who is a veteran journalist, said he cannot be intimidated to resign from office. “They cannot intimidate me to surrender. Our election is conducted at two principal levels. I am the Chairman of a community and it is because I am elected as such that I can go to the elec-

,

He has aligned with the Local Government Chairman but the alliance has selfish motives

formed an unholy alliance with the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.

In the 30-page document detailing their misgivings, the group alleged that the Central Working Committee, CWC, and the Central Executive Committee, CEC, were the ones that should make most of the decisions which the incumbent chairman is unilaterally making.

One of the aggrieved petitioners, Dr.Alex Edoh told Vanguard Metro, VM, that Ogunlusi must step down from office. “Why does he not want to step down with all the allegations against him?” he asked, explaining that the chairman wants to further perpetuate C M Y K

,

toral college to contest for the centre. The communities will conduct election a month before election at the centre. It is when you are elected in your community that you can participate in the electoral college which produces the central executive. Having been elected as Chairman of Community Two, I contested as president at the centre and won by majority of votes cast.

“Somebody lost election and because he was not satisfied, he has to break the organisation. Those making allegations are in Communities 1 and 2.

Even in Community 2, none of the members in Community 2 support their action except Umar who is not in my execu-

* A section of Festac Town (inset) Mr. Jola Ogunlusi tive. Whatever he says is his own opinion. When they say, I should go, are the interests of the other communities taken care of?

“I wrote the letter to the Governor on Okada and Keke Marwa. As at that time, I had about five Keke Marwa and the law banned both Keke and Okada in Festac. They accused me of

using our letter headed paper for the letter. I was not the only one who wrote the letter, it was with my colleague at Mile 2, because more than 50 Marwa riders came here to seek for my intervention. What I did was to appeal to the Governor to have a second look because they are our children and some of them are graduates. If they

so hate Okada , they should not use it but they are still using Okada,” he clarified.

“I laugh at them because they don’t know what is involved.

They are not representing the residents; the residents want Festac to be recovered,” he said.

Lagos council assures residents of early completion of drainage outlets

BY AZEEZ SANUSI

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GAINST the backdrop of alleged slow pace of work on the construction of drainage channels at Dorcas Street in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, the Chairman of the Council, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan has assured residents of the area of better roads and a more effective drainage system.

Residents of Dorcas Street had complained that ongoing construction work on a drainage project in the area has rendered the entire community impassable.

The State Ministry of Environment had dug a gutter as part of the project but this has impeded movement in the area. The problem is compounded by another ongoing road construction by the Lagos State Ministry of Works.

Vanguard Metro, VM, spoke to a cross section of the local dwellers who voiced out their displeasure at the slow pace of work on the project. A lady who identified herself as Funmilayo explained that the drainage which extends to an adjacent street has been left open for about six months without any serious work to enhance its completion.

*Dorcas Street, Ejigbo, drainage channel

According to her, it is very difficult for students to make their way through the street because of the heap of sand stretching through the entire street, especially when it rains. “We are grateful for what the government is trying to do but when a project of this nature begins to drag for a long time, it causes problems for everyone,” Funmilayo said.

Another resident of the area told VM that it has become a common feature to see passers-by falling in the gutter. “People fall inside every now and then, especially those trying to go in or come out of their shops,” he said.

Meanwhile, some shops have been demolished to facilitate the construction of the drainage. The Resident Engineer in charge of Oshodi-Isolo, Mr. Bakare Akeem gave the completion date for the project as January, 2014. “Drainage construction is a sensitive project that is bound to cause inconveniences,” he said, and enjoined the people to be patient as the project will soon be completed.

The LCDA Chairman, Mr. Bamigbetan said the project was initiated by the Local Council but due to the magnitude of the work, the Ministry of the Environment was contacted, hence the Ministry is now handling the project.

“The problem started when the Idimu Road was done to raise the road level higher than the surrounding environment,” he explained. According to the Council boss, the project was embarked upon to channel water to the same destination as the Idimu drainage with the road serving as a link between Idimu and Ejigbo.

He acknowledged the suffering of the people in that locality in these words: “The people there have suffered so much and they have shown their displeasure many times. Our hope is that all these problems will now be solved and people will be able to embrace government better.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 — 21

108.7

1.35

2,792.00

-18.00

17.58

-0.02

109.09 95.15 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.73 249.6414 208.4058 169.1963 1.5352 0.3 236.312 25.393 41.2558 27.9397 237.1237

155.23 250.4481 209.0793 169.743 1.5401 0.31 237.0757 25.4755 41.3891 28.03 237.89

-2.48 +1.03 SELLING 155.73 251.2548 209.7527 170.2898 1.5451 0.32 237.8393 25.558 41.5225 28.1203 238.6562

CBN Exchange rate as at 21/11/2013

L-R: Executive Director, Commercial Banking/Public Sector, Skye Bank Plc., Mr. Gbenga Ademulegun, Proprietress, Rainbow College, Mrs. Oludolapo Odunlami, Executive Director, Corporate /Investment Banking, Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, and Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc., Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, during the inauguration of Rainbow College’s Swimming Pool donated by the bank in Asese, Ogun State on Wednesday.

High-profile persecutions needed to tackle corruption-Accountants

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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CCOUNTANTS in the Sub-Saharan Africa have identified highprofile prosecutions and whistle blowing laws as necessary measures to tackle bribery and corruption in the business environment.

This is one of the highlights of a survey of accountants in the sub-region conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The survey showed that 77 per cent of accountants in the region believe that bribery is a major concern for businesses in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, while 64 per cent said it has a negative impact on the business environment as a whole.

Also more than half of the accountants surveyed said that the law should not treat bribery and corruption more leniently in the SME sector than in the large company or public sectors.

The report titled “ the SME Sector ” was conducted by ACCA amongst 1000 of its global members. The findings reveal a concern that many SMEs are not taking the right

steps to mitigate the risks of exposure to bribery and corruption. It also suggests that many businesses have been willing to mis-state financial statements to cover up for bribery and corruption and that recourse to such practices has been exacerbated by the global financial crisis.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, Head of ACCA Nigeria, “While Sub Saharan Africa is a huge place, it is

clear that there is a consensus amongst respondents that bribery and corruption damages a business’s reputation and makes it harder to attract investment. The big question for accountants here in Nigeria is how do we tackle bribery and corruption? The research respondents said the most effective methods would be whistle-blowing laws and more high profile prosecutions.”

Dominance of oil and gas in economy bane of industrialisation — Perm Sec

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ermanent Secretary, Ministry of In dustry, Trade and Investment Mr Dauda Kigdu, has said that the dominance of Nigeria’s economy by oil and gas is the bane of the nation’s industrialisation. Kigdu made the analysis at the 23rd commemoration of African Industrialisation Day (AID) held in Abuja. He urged the Nigerian government to diversify the nation’s economy to ensure rapid and sustainable economic growth.

The commemoration has the theme “Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Development–a means to accelerate industrialisaton’’.

He said the ceremony was organised to create a platform for decision-makers, international organisation and other stakeholders to interact, highlight and proffer solution to problems militating against industrialisation in Africa. According to him, the commemoration has

assumed a global significance since 1990 when it was first celebrated. He said that industrialisation and increase in capacity utilisation were elements critical to employment generation, wealth creation and economic transformation. He said that manufacturing play a pivotal role in national development, resource utilisation as well as value addition.

Kigdu also listed infrastructure deficit, energy crisis, import dependence, poor sectoral linkages and lack of clear strategy in the nation’s areas of competitive advantage as the factors undermining the country’s development. He said that the combined effects of the deficits had led to low national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), high production cost, as well as unemployment. The secretary commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to national industrialisation.

LCCI seeks fiscal attraction for new investments

BY NAOMI UZOR

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has urged the National Assembly to ensure the inclusion of fiscal terms that would encourage the attraction of new investments and ensure retention of existing ones by the international oil companies.

In a parley with pressmen, at the quarterly press conference on the economy, the President of LCCI, Mr. Goodie Ibru, said, due to the crucial role that the oil and gas industry plays in Nigeria’s economy and in their national development aspirations, Nigeria cannot afford to “get the PIB wrong” at this time and it is for these reasons that the chamber implore the National Assembly to ensure the inclusion of fiscal terms that would encourage the attraction of new investments and ensure retention of existing ones by the international oil companies.

“Therefore we need to get a clear understanding of the PIB, its impact on the economy and what this means for Nigeria going forward. We need to stem the trend of divestments in the sector in the interest of the Nigerian economy. The provision of attractive investment conditions and our national interests are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We also urge the national Assembly to give expeditious consideration to the bill” he stated.

On the debt profile of the country, he said the use of the global benchmark of debt to GDP ratio may not be applicable to the Nigerian economy because a major component of the GDP, which is agriculture, is not a significant revenue generating activity, adding that, if we discount the agriculture component of the GDP in the ratio analysis, the ratio will be much higher than the set threshold.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Chellarams shareholders urge fresh capital injection

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

HAREHOLDERS of Chellarams Plc have advised the company to seek fresh capital injection to boost its operation.

They said that raising fresh fund from the capital market remains a cheaper means of funding companies’ activities instead of relying on short term borrowing for long term projects.

Speaking on behalf of other shareholders at the 64 th yearly meeting in Lagos, Chief Robert Igwe, said, “We need money to finance our operations. There is nothing wrong in sourcing for cheap fund through rights issue.

Since the stock price is over N4.00 per share and the company has good track record of dividend payment, it will be easy to raise fresh capital because investors will be willing to subscribe to it.”

“Instead of relying on banks’ borrowing and paying huge interest on capital, we can leverage the instrument of the capital market to boost the working capital,” he added.

While commending the company for maintaining good corporate governance, Igwe called on the company to diversify into other areas of production and possibly agriculture to boost its revenue.

Other shareholders at the meeting also called for increase in dividend payment.

Responding, the chairman, Asiwaju Solomon Onofowokan, assured shareholders of improved return on their investment, saying, “I appeal to all fellow shareholders to have trust and faith in the board and management of your company, while concerted efforts should be made to reward shareholders better this time next year. We promise that we will definitely increase the quantum of dividend going forward.”

The company had recommended 5kobo dividend, as against 10kobo paid in the previous year, saying that it was in support of a ‘conservative dividend policy’.

On fresh capital injection, he said, “For you to be able to expand your business, you need other people’s money.

What is important is to borrow, do business, take away your profit and pay back.

When it is necessary to

borrow, we will do; when it is not necessary, we will not borrow. Credit rating is important in borrowing; if you borrow and pay back, it increases your credit rating.”

The company recorded 5.58 percent and 6.75 percent decrease in turnover for the

group and subsidiaries respectively.

Onofowokan stated that despite the lower turnover, the result showed an improved profit before tax of 3.19 percent, while the group’s profit before tax lowered from N378.9 million

to N241.3 million as at the end of March, 2013 (a decrease of 36.32 percent).

The reason being that Dynamic Industries Limited, one of the subsidiary companies expanded its production capacity to almost double.

From left, Head, Human Resources, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Akin Oladiran; Managing Director, Mr. Joel Ajiga; and Technical Director, Mr. Adeniyi Ayodele, at the 2013 Vitafoam Safety and Health Environmental Week in Lagos.

ranscor p se o POWER: Transcor ranscorp sett tto increase supply tto o1 ,500MW 1,500MW

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

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ransnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp, said it is set to raise the output of the recently acquired Ughelli Power Plant from 160 mega watts to 1,500MW over the next five years.

In an appreciation letter to the shareholders of the company, also filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said that arrangement has been concluded for development of a 300 room five-star hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos to complement the flagship Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, and is set to take off in first quarter of 2014.

He explained that the success recorded in acquisition of the power plant and other strategic initiatives on would begin to contribute to the bottom-line from November, 2013.

He emphasised that the company has put a world class management team in place and are committed to developing the synergies between the natural resources portfolio and

its power interests, with a view of creating an integrated energy approach that directly links Nigeria’s natural resource wealth to the daily needs of the people.

Elumelu said, “On November 1, 2013, TUPL successfully took over ownership and physical possession of the plant. We will significantly raise output from the current 160MW to at least 1,500MW over the next three to five years.

“With a dedicated pipeline supplying gas to the plant and a long term off-take agreement, with the Bulk Electricity Trader, the return profile of this investment is compelling. The potential impact of the investment on Transcorp’s fortunes is significant. Equally important is the impact of secure and sustainable power generation on the living standards of all Nigerians. We are proud of the leading role that your company is able to play in the transformation of a sector critical to enabling Nigeria achieve her true potential.”

The Transcorp boss further stated that the company would

continue to develop its oil and gas strategy, even as he said that the existing oil block, OPL 281, is expected to begin production before the end of 2014.

Speaking on other growth strategies, Elumelu explained that Transcorp has completed the acquisition of a site in Port Harcourt for the development of another 300 room five star hotel, saying “We expect to sign the management agreement in Q1, 2014 and commence construction by the second quarter. Nigeria is dramatically underserved in the hospitality sector, and we see many opportunities to bring world class facilities to our guests from home and abroad.

“We also commenced the renovation and upgrade of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria’s premier five-star hotel. As well as a dramatic transformation of our existing facilities, this project will also see the addition of a 5,000 seat capacity conference facility and 200 serviced luxury apartments to the hotel, firmly cementing our position as the destination venue in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.

Bits

Bank staff, others remanded in prison over N2.5bn fraud

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OUR persons including a staff of the Union Bank Plc have been remanded in Kirikiri prisons after they were arraigned before an Ikeja High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding Union Bank Plc of N2.05 billion.

The defendants, who included a staff of the Union Bank plc, Salihu Mamoud, Friday Isaiah and Samuel Azaaior and Danasabe Ibrahim, were arraigned before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapoon on a three-countcharge of conspiracy to defraud, unauthorised access of computer and unauthorised modification of computer data. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Kayode Oni, alleged that the accused persons had on Jan.9,2013 conspired with others (still at large) to fraudulently transfer N2.05 billion from the General Ledger Account of Union Bank, Jos branch, by hacking into the bank’s data base (Flexcube).

According to the anti graft body, the money was transferred to various Union Bank Plc’s accounts of Gona Bureau de Change, Marina; Dankawa Bureau de Change, Marloney St., Lagos; Godswill Great Commodity Services, domiciled in Union Bank, Akure and ZHG Services Ltd., Abuja branch.

Heritage Bank secures national identity numbers project

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HE National Identity M a n a g e m e n t Commission, NIMC, has appointed Heritage Bank as one of the banks with the mandate to partake in the National Identity Numbers (NIN) Project.

With the appointment, Heritage Bank is enlisted as one of the banks to undertake the identification, registration and issuance of the identity cards to Nigerians.

Speaking on this appointment, Heritage Bank’s Group Head, Coral Banking, George Oko-Oboh, promised that the bank would deploy all its processes to ensure the efficient realisation of the goals of the national identity project.

“Heritage Bank promises to be a reliable and proud partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on this laudable national project and will deploy its innovative technology and resources in harmonising and integrating all database systems in Nigeria to be able to identify every registerable Nigerian in this country, register and issue them the identity cards.”

Executive Director, Niyi Adeseun, described the NIMC Mandate as a significant call to national duty for Heritage Bank.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 —23

Fashola decries drumping of dead ships on Nigerian waters

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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INDUCTION: From left: Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Ify Akerele; Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman of the occasion; Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, CEO, Kings Communications Ltd., Conveners of the Hall of Fame and Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Secretary-General, Abuja MoU at the 2013 Class of MMS Plus’ Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame induction ceremony, in Lagos.

AGOS State Gover nor Mr., Babatunde Fashola, has decried the dumping of dead ships on Nigerian waters , saying it endangers navigation.

He urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to live up to its responsibility of policing the waterways.

Governor Fashola also blamed the proliferationn of dead ships on our waters on the nation’s weak laws and the inability of the agency to implement existing laws.

Fashola said most of the wrecks on the nation’s waterways are vessels brought into the

M.T Victory 1: Parents of missing crew carpet NIMASA, shipping firm

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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LMOST two months after a vessel, MT Victory 1, lost balance and capsized, parents of the missing crew members have expressed biterness over the attitude of the shipping company and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over the fate of their children.

The parents of the yet to be found crew members of the wrecked vessel, stromed the Lagos anchorage and petitioned the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over the attitude of the vessel owner Multitrade Limited.

In the petition dated October 21 and addressed to NIMASA’s Director General, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, the petitioners, Messers Vincent Abiodun and Maxwell Odega, accused the owner of the vessel of gross negligence.

The father of the second engineer of the vessels Mr Vincent Abiodun, said the body of his son, Omotayo Olatunde Abiodun had not been recovered despite several pleas.

The parents of the deceased sailors also said the the vessel in question was not in class and does not have insurance on both the crew and the vessel adding that such a ship should not have

been allowed to roam the waters.

Speaking to Vanguard on the development, Mr. Maxwell Odega and Mr. Godwin Odega, said that both the shipping firm and NIMASA are yet to respond to their petitions, adding that the owner of the vessel must be brought to book for having allowed an unworthy vessel to sail on the water.

Part of the petition reads “ A non-seaworthy ship anchor at break waters from the Bonny Island on the 15th of September 2013 for reasons best known to the compa-

ny.

“The ship was there until 21 st September 2013; an ill wind started blowing until it broke anchorage and drifted with the crew members.

“A ship on anchorage had only 2nd \Engineer, 3rd Officer, electrician, welder with two ‘AB’ without the Master Chief Engr Chief mate.

“However, between 1800hrs, the turbulent water became furry, calls were put across to Mr Collins Egwagwu his wife and the Captain of the vessel for assistance which never came.

“Simultaneously, the

anchor cut off and the ship drifted till when she collided with rock at the Bar Beach where the Lagos State Government is carrying out reclamation exercise.

Invariably, the ship lost balance and capsize leaving three male, two female survivor namely SubNos 05,08 and 12.

“Meanwhile, Nos 04,06 and 10 are yet to be seen, rescued and where about unknown.

The petitioners explained that Multi-trade had been warned not to operate an un-seaworthy vessel a development that deterred officials of the

Nigerian Ports Authority from assisting when the alarm was raised.

“I strongly and vehemently demand to know the whereabout of my son as his Supposed copse has not been seen on the shore or any creek” Mr. Maxwell Odega said Speaking on the development, Chairman of Multi-Trade Mr. Collins Chijioke Egwagwu said that contrary to the claims of the petitioners, when trouble started for the vessel, both officials of the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA were alerted to carry out rescue mission.

Transport Minister calls for capacity building among women across sectors

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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INISTER of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has called for support in building the capacity of women both in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

He made the call at this year’s induction ceremony of the Maritime Management Series (MMS) Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame organised by Kings Communication Limited in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. It was aimed at inspiriring younger generation of women in the maritime, finance and oil and gas sectors to bring out the best in them.

The Minister, who doubled as the guest of hon-

our, was represented by Mrs. Yetunde Sonaike, a Deputy Director in charge of Media.

“I want to say that by next year, apart from these women who are in formal sector, we should identify and honor those who are also in the informal sector who have equally excelled in their trades so that together, all of us can have a sense of belonging and be motivated to do more.”

Senator Umar said women who sell ‘akara’ (bean cake) along the street, who have done very well should be encouraged by being honored so as to encourage them in their own little way.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia

Zainab Maina who spoke at the event through her representative, Mrs. Ibironke Lapite, a Director in the ministry said there was need to build a synergy with the organizers of the event to establish a sustainable collaboration that will transform the lives of women.

“The vision behind the initiative plays a complementary role with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and it is on this premise that the ministry finds the need to indentify and collaborate with Kings Communications Limited, the organizers of MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame. We hope to build a

sustainable collaboration that will transform the lives of women for the better,” she said.

However, the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of Kings Communications has his opening speech said the event was aimed at appreciating the strength of womanhood, adding that the event was a reflection of the importance and relevance of the female folk in the society.

He said, “Women who had and still have opportunities in both political and economic positions have given us the reason to believe that they could make leaders and managers, aside from running homes, if given the opportunity.”

country and left to block water channels.

Speaking at the just concluded 13thNational Council on Transport (NCT), said that the apex maritime regulatory agency in Nigeria; the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has failed in its responsibilities.

He said due to the danger they portend, the state had called for the vessels to be towed away, but that there was no response from anywhere.

Fashola observed that old vessels owned by foreign shipping companies have, found a haven in Nigeria where they can abandon their rickety ships. This according to him is due to the laxity of Nigerian maritime laws.

He pointed out that it costs the state government millions of naira to excavate abandoned vessels from Lagos shorelines and coastlines, a function which ordinarily should be done by the maritime safety agency.

According to Fashola, “One is at a loss as to know whether it is NIMASA’ s responsibility or the Nigerian Ports Authority, but the truth is that every vessel that beaches on our coastline creates massive ecological problem for us, such as shoreline erosions, and it costs millions of Naira by the State Government to scrap and excavate these vessels in a manner that does not suggest to us that the agency responsible for protecting the coastline is really up and doing about its responsibilities” “We are also aware that some European ship owners because of huge cost of savage and the very tight regulatory regime in Europe have found Nigeria and our waterways a place to come and abandon very old and un-seaworthy vessels, some of these vessels also find their way to our shoreline” Fashola said.

He called for renewed efforts by maritime regulatory agencies to seat up and be alive to their responsibilities.

“It therefore means that we must raise the game, we must police our waterways and it is also a very serious line of defence in terms of national security” he concluded.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

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HE Nigerian banking industry has seen its own fair share of innuendo.

Like other Nigerian colonial and precolonial institutions, the first Nigerian banks started on solid footing. With virtually the whole of the Nigerian population operating their business and public lives outside of banking system, Nigerian banks had originally been established as extensions of mother pre-existing banks to serve imperialist interests and promote compliance in the growing civil service.

Nigeria’s first bank, the African Banking Corporation, was established in 1892. No banking legislation existed until 1952, at which point Nigeria had three foreign banks (the Bank of British West Africa, Barclays Bank, and the British and French Bank) and two indigenous banks (the National Bank of Nigeria and the African Continental Bank) with a collective total of forty branches. Needless to imagine, this kind of numbers were not so difficult to manage.

The naira devaluation of the Babangida administration, however, brought about a new era of the banking system, with emergency banks springing up and mushrooming all over the place with the sole objective of taking full advantage of the huge disparity between the official and black market rates for the dollar.

Regardless of widespread criticism that trailed the Soludo-led banking reformation and consolidation exercises of 2006, it was a good time to introduce strict(er) regulations into the banking system, particularly with the hindsight of the 2008 global economic meltdown and the

desensitized to wonder why she has to do far more work than a machine which cost far more to acquire and maintain.

For reasons that are not so apparent, at least half of all ATM machines are either out of service, unable to dispense or without network access at any one time, even in big cities such as Lagos.

Many also have defective or unmanned security cameras, and certainly don’t open for 24 hours a day. Point of Sale (PoS) machines fare even worse, with only one out of three retail outlets using them.

It has been a decade since public automated machines began to appear in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja, though the first Automated Teller Machines (ATM) were introduced into the Nigerian market as far back as 1989, installed by National Cash Registers (NCR) for the defunct Societe Generale Bank Nigeria (SGBN). Yet, though major interventions by the Soludo and Sanusi have boosted confidence in the system overall, comparative confidence in the cashless systems are still relatively low.

With about 67 percent of Nigeria’s adult population being unbanked, and a meagre 30 percent of the adult population with bank accounts, the system desperately needs to seek ways to foster financial inclusion and aid the unbanked. 33 million Nigerians access the internet through mobile hand held devices. Two million Nigerians use blackberries regularly, and 80 million GSM mobile lines, The Central Bank must go out of its own meaning every other way to ensure the cashless policy Nigerian owns a mobile line. By any works by enforcing regulations and phone standards we not only have compliance to rules a modern nation in terms of communications, we can recession that has followed it. Trust in the even be accused of having extensive industry has by far been the greatest benefit regional affluence. This is as good a time of the exercise, but Nigeria continues to lag as any for cashless banking to take a behind her contemporaries in adopting a foothold on the economy. Already, there cashless lifestyle. has been a major explosion in the area According to a UNESCO study, various of online retail, particularly in fashion, factors led to the preponderance of the use travel and consumer electronics. This is of cash for settlement in Nigeria including sure to have a concurrent effect on job low level of literacy (only 50 percent of creation, from shipping to warehousing, Nigerians are literate), restriction of banking graphics to accounting, customer care services to the cities and towns only (70 to admin. Tourism can also receive a percent of Nigerians live in rural areas), major boost if foreigners can pay for inefficient banking system (the long queues goods and services with their credit or in banking halls and long cheque clearing debit cards without any fear. period has discouraged the public from Yet our own research shows just one using cheques), distress in the banking in 50 petrol stations accept cashless system (existence of distressed banks in the payments and when they do, there are system has robbed it of public confidence) no guarantees that the Point of Sales and lack of enforcement of enabling laws machines would actually work. Utilities on the misuse of banking instruments, and providers including water, electricity and this trust is the reason e-commerce picked cable television providers have failed to up, and people became more confident incorporate Point of Sale options into about paying for goods and services over their billings systems. As the cost of the the internet. cashless system crashes and the CBN It all looks good on paper. In the real lends its weight to an actual cashless world, the cashless policy would have policy, Nigerians and the economy are worked, but our country might not be as not nearly reaping the full benefits of real as it looks, for all the potholes on the the policy. roads, filth in the gutters and generator The Central Bank must go out of its carbon in the air. way to ensure the cashless policy works It is the place where the queues in front by enforcing regulations and compliance of the automated teller machine is longer to rules. If it is to build confidence it must than the queue in the banking hall in front do more than pay lip service to providing of the actual teller, who is apparently too incentives to stakeholders.

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BYUGO ONUOHA

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HERE was this nominee, several years ago, to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States of America (USA). He was a black man, if my recollection still serves me right.

His confirmation hearing was so bitter and divisive that it spilled over from the otherwise hallowed chambers of the US Senate to the streets of the country. It was so bad that in the effort to spike his nomination, the issues and questions to be thrown at the nominee would be ‘leaked’ to the public by sources 24 hours before hand.

The idea by those behind the ‘leaks’ was ostensibly to dehumanize and demonize the nominee to the Supreme Court before the American public and in the court of American public opinion.

At the end of the brutal hearing, the nominee was confirmed and he got the job. Before that nominee assumed his position in the Court, he spoke addressing many issues including what he considered the planned, coordinated, orchestrated and well funded effort by some people to find him guilty even before trial. He described it as an attempt at ‘hitech lynching’.

As events unfolded in the past two weeks or so on the subject of purchase of operational vehicles including two bullet proof cars (which some writers and commentators also refer to armourplated/armoured cars) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA; the alleged roles of the supervising Ministry of Aviation, and the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, and the diverse positions taken by individuals and groups, it has been difficult not to recall and relate what has been going on as akin to the phrase of attempt at hitech lynching of Oduah.

At the risk of naivety I want to assume that the issues and allegations are well

Stella Oduah

experience in the industry and of being a square peg in a round hole. Critics were somewhat shamed when she doubled down and went to work and began an amazing transformation (a cardinal principle of the Jonathan government) and remodelling of our airports. But it was obvious the critics were not pacified and this became manifest whenever there was a mishap in the sector. After the air mishaps, the orchestrated controversy over bullet proof cars procured by the NCAA has provided a fresh fodder for the enemies at the terminal.

In the quest to stampede Oduah out of office or get her sacked by the President, some anti corruption ‘activists’ have procured protesters to further the plot. Talking about protesters, the Nigeria variant, there was this true incident in Abuja during the Presidency of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. A group was as usual procured to sit-in with placards at a particular institution with a view to getting the leadership removed. A perceptive middle ranking officer of the institution that was besieged, acting on his own, discreetly interviewed some of the protesters and was told that each person was paid N1000 to carry the placard for a few hours.

Quickly the officer went into the office, prepared a fresh set of The campaign to oust Oduah from placards in favour of the institution and its the Aviation Ministry started leadership, arranged immediately President Goodluck money, came out, retrieved the offensive Ebele Jonathan assigned her the placards from the portfolio ‘protesters’, gave them known to the partisans to warrant a the new placards with positive messages detailed and exhaustive recall. So we and N3000 for each ‘protesters’. By the will summarize. The NCAA ordered, time the original sponsors of the procured and/or leased operational ‘protesters’ arrived the venue of the sitvehicles. Thrown into the basket are two in with their horde of hastily arranged BMW bullet proof cars that were not photojournalists, they met ‘protesters’ appropriated for fiscal 2013. The bullet carrying placards they did not bargain proof cars enjoyed duty waivers they for. I leave you to imagine their should not have enjoyed. The N255 disappointment and then to ruminate million committed to the bullet proof cars on the ‘protesters’ we see sometimes on was insensitive and wasteful. The N643 national television. It has to be said that million for the operational vehicles even not all protests are rigged. after discounting the N240 million So when the issue of Oduah moved appropriated by the National Assembly from the cacophony of voices and the in fiscal 2013, was beyond the Minister charade of ‘protesters’ to the setting up to approve without reverting to the of a probe panel by the House of Federal Executive Council, FEC. Due Representatives, I reasoned that a process was not adhered to including measure of sanity is returning to the allegedly ignoring the Public discourse. The fear remained that there Procurement Act. may be some panel members with mob It’s important to note that calls by mentality but there was also a feeling individuals and groups for Oduah’s that there could just be one or more sober sacking commenced the very day the elements in the Panel. From ‘leaked’ story broke. Indeed the campaign to oust reports to the media, the House Panel Oduah from the Aviation Ministry has written its report which formed the started immediately President Goodluck basis of their recommendations to the Ebele Jonathan assigned her the whole House.

To be concluded portfolio. She was derided as having no

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Cashless Policy: Reality and Possibilities

Oduah: Emotions trump reasons in Reps Report

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 — 25

Why I don’t read comments on blogs — Seyi Shay

*Says she hopes to get married in the next three years

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

Oluwas Seyi Deborah Joshua known as Seyi Shay in the music terrain left a promising Sony Music deal in order to conquer new territories in the world starting from Nigeria.

Born and raised by Nigerian parents in London UK , Seyi began performing at the age of six. Known for her amazingly vocal strength and stage craft, she has shared the stage with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars as well as international acts like Rick Ross , Chris Brown. e.t.c. Her latest single, ‘Chairman’ featuring Kcee had over seven hundred thousand downloads on one platform in over a week. The stylish songstress who was formerly a member of the girl group ‘From Above’ that toured with Beyonce in 2009/2010, speaks on how she’s married to her music, why she left Flytime Music, what her greatest fear is, and why she doesn’t read comments on blogs.

How did music begin for you?

My interest in music started from my very young age. I remember being five years old living in a house full of different musical influences. My mum was a chorister in choir , my brother was a radio and club DJ, my sister use to compose songs for TV.I remember my interest in music started growing from there .I was in my secondary school choir, and a community choir outside of school. My choir went to Japan at a time, and I was

the youngest member . I was given the opportunity to perform as the lead vocalist .The response from the choir in Japan was so high that i said ‘If it‘s like this now, imagine what it can be in the future’. So I decided to come back to London and tell my mum about my interest in music. She supported me but she wanted me to finish school .I continued my education but I studied music at A levels college . I went to the university where I studied music business management .So it’s always been music for me really. I understand the business side of music too, so I can read through my own contracts, do my own deals, and know what is good for me and what is bad for me How has your music business knowledge helped you in your music career?

Fast forward some years later am in Nigeria now, am not signed to any record label, am not part of any camp or any team . I do have my own team, a team I employed .I carefully selected the people that I wanted to manage me, I checked out their credentials and what they do. I selected my own road manager, manager ,my own producers, my own PR .I told them what I wanted i.e. website, branding, logos, the kind of PR I wanted and they went out and they sourced everything .That kind of decision can only come from a knowledge of what it takes in the music industry to become a brand or a success.

Why did you leave Flytime Music?

In the beginning I was with

I N S I DE:

So what defines your style of music?

I don’t like to pigeonhole myself .I don’t like to say that this is the kind of demographic I belong to, I don’t like to give my age either, because of prejudice.

And the same thing applies to music, I don’t like to say am R n b , am soul, of course by nature I am a soulful artiste in person. The music that comes

out of me , comes out of my camp is mainly whatever it is that is inspiring us at that present time. ’Chairman ‘ featuring Kcee which is one of my latest singles was inspired by the fact that Kcee was in the studio and my producer Del B had already composed the music, and it sounded like what a Kcee or a flavour could have flowed on. So we were inspired by that .We said we need one of this tracks .So I jumped on the mic and I just started singing, and then Kcee jumped on the mic and he did his thing that was after asking him to join me. That’s how that came about. ’Irawo ‘ was inspired by a particular mood I was in at a time. I felt that at that time everybody needed to be encouraged , just to let everybody know that there is enough space in the sky for all of these stars that we see .In our industry, if you are a star, and I am star let us just shine together and shine bright .So there are different inspirations.

‘Killing me softly’ was written and produced by Del B.As soon as he played it to me, I knew that it was something that I needed to have. He played it to me and said this is what I made do you like it? and I

Continues on page 26

Green Carpet: Flavour tops NMVA’s night of glamour

The frills and the thrills at AFRIFF 2013

NEW! Pg 27

C M Y K

Flytime as an independent artiste that Flytime will be promoting, because Flytime promotes that is what they do.

So I joined them with the intention of being promoted by them solely, but I was still in control of sourcing my own management, my own production, sourcing my own PR and so on and so forth.

They did a really great job of putting me on different platforms and shows. The reason our working relationship ended is because I did not have the team that I have now, then. That is my road management, my management, my team , my engine .I didn’t have that. So I spoke to Flytime this is what I need, this is what I want, that I would like to be my own brand, .So how do you feel about that? And they said:’ Fine we will still support you, we will still promote you , we will still go out and source things for you .If you want to do things your own way, you are free to do that.’ It’s not that we don’t have a relationship any more; we still do .But we don’t work together as record company and artiste. I think that is the general misconception people didn’t actually understand.

Pg 27 Continues on page 29

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Your handheld device could hold law enforcement Pg 29 accountable

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Why I don’t read comments on blogs most females just stick to that one sound that they know is good for them. For me, I do different types of music .At the moment, said yes. I have always been interested in Nigeria has only heard the afro-pop of me, Timaya, he is the king of the dance floor. Just but very soon they will hear the western , R n like everybody else in Nigeria will agree that B, soul contemporary work part of me to he can make you dance. Because ‘Killing me .Because that is really where I come from softly’ is a mid tempo song ,I wanted it to Whose advice has been instrumental to have some ginger and at that time Del B your career? played me something that he and Timaya First of all, my mum before she died she had done, and I asked him if he could get said don’t let any man stop you or hold you Timaya to come on my own song and he back from your dreams. And by ‘Man’ she said yes .I remember asking and begging meant Men .Matthew Knowles, my former for a few weeks he complied. Eventually he manager, he used to say things like: ’Practice came to the studio and I trapped him. I took makes permanent’ and he used to put us his car keys and told him :’You are not through extensive training –dancing, leaving the studio until you do my song’ and choreography, vocal classes and so on and so he did it because he wanted to go home . forth. He taught me the importance of He got on the mic and did his freestyle .That tenacity , and faking it until you make it .If it is how ‘Killing me softly’ came about. hurts just keep going until you’ve arrived Why did you relocate to Nigeria? .Sound Sultan taught me and told me to I moved to Nigeria because the time I had make sure I know and identify who my real spent with my former girl group” From family are in the industry. That way you Above” that was managed by Matthew will never get lost. He always tells me that I Knowles Beyonce’s dad had come to an need to always remember God and pay my end. We amicably broke up. Some of the girls tithe and also sing from my heart not what didn’t want to be in the group anymore .I was everybody else is singing so that I will be a the only one that really wanted to do the seasoned long standing artiste not just come music. Sound Sultan was in London that and go. year, he heard some of my demos and said:’ What was your growing up like and how You are really good why don’t you come and has it helped to shape your music career? try this out in Nigeria” .I had an opportunity I grew up with two elder brothers and one to go to the New York that year and older sister .I am the youngest and by the continued being managed by Matthew time I was born , my mother raised us as a Knowles and sign a record deal with Sony, single parent .My dad was back in Nigeria, but after like a week of fasting and prayer she worked two three jobs, at the same time the answer was so clear because just after in the U.K to make sure she could provide that, Flytime Music called and said:” Sound everything I needed .Very much grounded in Sultan has spoke highly of you, this is what the church, I had everything I needed and we would like to do with you. Why not try had a lot of love around me .But I felt like a and break into the rest of the world from single child a lot because I happen to be the Africa?, and do something different”. I am last born and between myself and my brother a believer in evolution, revolution, and before me were nine years so I felt like a change. I like to set trends. I said lord! after single child a lot. But thank God for my mum the fasting and prayer and I got a call from she is strong and hardworking .She Flytime Music , it’s not a coincidence. exercised tenacity .The way I was raised with How has it been penetrating the music a single mother that worked so well and industry in Nigeria? worked so hard helped me to understand It’s not easy because there are so many how important it is to work well not just hard female artistes and female artistes really but work well. For the fact that she ran a good don’t have that recognition , that power that race, it inspires me to run the good race too. I male artiste do yet .But hopefully, it will am clearly somebody that works very hard, change soon. It’s not been easy but thank that comes from my mum and it helped me to God I have been blessed enough to bring be grounded because I wasn’t born into a something a bit different to the table which wealthy home .I was born into a humble is my performances on stage. It’s been modest home .No matter how many people bumpy, I have had to do so many shows for know my name or know my song, I am just free, had to fight for my voice to be heard an ordinary girl trying to reach out to every .People think I just came and just started other ordinary girl. doing this. It’s because I am a proactive What are your favorite qualities in a person .I get up and do what I man? have to do.

He has to be funny, he has to be With the influx of female handsome, and he has to be artistes in Nigeria, what intelligent. stands you out?

What do you consider I don’t know if I can your greatest achievement? answer that question .I I haven’t achieved my think the public greatest yet, but so far I are the only ones have done some pretty that can answer amazing things like I that question .I have toured with Beyonce am a female and in 2009/2010 in her ‘I am” I sing and tour, I have won some perform and I pretty cool awards so far, record and write City people, Next rated songs, My intention Silverbird awards, I have is to go into the world performed on the Big prosper and multiply the Brother Africa stage in front music and all kinds of of over hundreds of thousands entertainment related of people across Africa and the things. What sets me apart world. I have shared the stage from the other females? I with some of the world’s biggest don’t know if it will be superstars and am in my fair for me to say, middle twenties and I can because I don’t know say that. I am a Nigerian what the other females black girl like how many of are like really. us can really say that? I Musically, I feel like I have done some pretty always try and go cool things but God has into different sounds done some pretty cool and styles of music, things for me.

Seyi because I think that

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Nollywood Movies: To watch or not to watch?

Trailer Review: Dayo Amusa’s Unforgivable

with ISABELLA AKINSEYE

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n this new column, communication expert and Nollywood critic, Isabella Akinseye gives her verdict on all the latest Nollywood trailers.

Hello people and welcome to the first edition of my column in Vanguard newspapers. Each week, I will be dishing out on the latest Nollywood movie trailer and showing you what works, what doesn’t and what should have been left on the cutting floor. Hopefully, this will make your decision a lot easier on whether to watch the movie or not. Enjoy!

In the less-than-two-minutes trailer of Unforgivable, what hits you immediately is drama! From the opening lines, you get this feeling that things will only get hotter and they do! From the hot steamy kissing scenes to the visible and very audible slap, it is obvious that something indeed must have really gone wrong.

If you don’t understand Yoruba, I am sorry, because majority of the dialogue is in Yoruba and unfortunately, there are no translations. For me, Dayo Amusa really has no excuse except of course she wants a very limited audience. How much would it have cost to get a translator for the trailer?

Generally, the trailer is well produced save for a scene where the lighting could have been improved. Also, less would have been more and a better selection of more toned down scenes would have made for entertaining viewing. There is far too much kissing, fighting and drama and not enough on the story line. It all seems like bits of interesting pieces all put together to get the maximum effect. The ending of which basically has a character speaking English saying, “I want to discuss with you” has no business being there and does nothing to further help me understand the movie.

The biggest strength of this trailer is the stars it features: Dayo Amusa, Mike Ezuruonye, Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot, Faithia Balogun, Bimbo Thomas, Iyabo Ojo, Niyi Johnson, Bidemi Kosoko, Lawal Aisha, and Titilayo Shobo. That alone would seal the fate of the movie and would make some people watch it irrespective of the glitches and that list includes me.

Verdict – You would enjoy watching Unforgivable if you are a fan of Yoruba movies and do not mind the odd over acting here and there but leave the kids at home.

Do you agree with me on this review? Let me have your thoughts, comments and suggestions. Send me an email isabella.akinseye@live.com Isabella Akinseye is the founder of www.nollysilverscreen.com – a one stop shop for all lovers of Nigeria’s cinematic industry. We feature trailers, reviews, interviews, cinema listings, articles, videos and red carpet fashion.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 — 27

Stories by Ayo Onikoyi

Green Carpet:

glamour

By AYO ONIKOYI

Flavour tops NMVA’s night of

Photos by AKEEM SALAU

N

Dayo Adeneye

Princess

igeria Music Video Awards 2013 took place last Friday at Muson Centre in Lagos with the usual razzmatazz that could be expected of any high octane showbiz event. High power showbiz people thronged the venue with attitude, fashion and style.

The biggest winner on the night was Flavour who took the shine out of everyone, smiling home with three awards. The closest person was Olamide who had two calls followed by Clarence Peters who also claimed two awards as Best Director and Best Cinematography for his video for Olamide’s Durosoke.

Although it was the night of the musical stars with Ice Prince, Tuface, Eedris Abdulkarim, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Banky W. all coming to claim something for themselves, some other celebrities who graced the occasion also dazzled on the green carpet.

Iretiola Doyle

The frills and the thrills at AFRIFF 2013

BENJAMIN NJOKU

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he third edition of the prestigious Africa International Film Festival,AFRIFF, last Sunday wrapped for another year, and, by most people’s accounts, it was a groundbreaking festival that has set a new standard for film making in Africa.

Apart from the series of late night parties, seminars, workshops and screening of films that preceded the festival which held in Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State, between 10th of November and 17th , this year’s AFRIFF from all indications delivered a very strong slate of films unlike the previous editions.

While some major titles such as “Of Good Report”, which was the festival’s opening film, “Lies Men Tell”, “iNumber Number ”, “B for Boy” and “Finding Mercy” which was also the closing film received impressive viewing audiences, the small titles were hardly patronised at the screening centres.

Nonetheless, the festival, attracting top producers, directors, actors and other stakeholders in the industry from across the globe, lived up to its bidding as it provided a platform to expose the works of African film makers to the world.

Interestingly, the last day of the festival was as memorable as the first day. Kicking off

with a cocktail party, which had in attendance the First Lady of Cross State, Barr.

Liyel I m o k e , organisers of the festival left nothing to chance. From Rita Dominic to Kate Henshaw, to Oge Okoye, Omoni Oboli, Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot, Aki and Pawpaw, it was a parade of fashion and style. While the festival lasted, some of Nollywood finest made remarkable appearances . For some of them, the festival was a moment of rest, and talking about their works.

But this year ’s AFRIFF belonged to the emerging generation of actors and actresses who stormed Tinapa venue of the festival looking ever ready to take over the industry from the older stars.

They include, Linda Ejiofor who had her break in Rita Dominic’s “The Meeting”, Uru Eke, Lilian Esoro, OC Ukeje, Bhaira Mcwizu, Mary Uranta, Moses Inwang, Ihuoma Nwigwe, KC Ejelonu and many others.

May D

DJ Lambo

Project Fame Winner, Moses

DJ Case C M Y K

28— Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Synopsis

By AYO ONIKOYI

T

he amazing story of Nollywood has been retold at 20. Even as young as it is in comparison to Hollywood and Bollywood who are much older Nollywood is regarded as the fastest growing movie industry in the world, creating a $250 million dollar-a-year industry that employs thousands of people .

Even though unverifiable, strong points exist that an average of 200 movies are produced monthly in Nollywood, second only to Indian Bollywood and more than Hollywood.

In the last couple of months here are top ten movies trending at cinemas across the country. Though some have moved on from the big screens to the DVD markets, yet they remain a good collection of moveis to watch or not:

F INDING MERCY:

It is the latest premièred movie showing in cinemas across the country. It was premièred at the just concluded Afriff in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

Movie Description: Two friends find themselves in a complicated situation with a motherless baby. One decides to keep the baby only to discover truths he would rather not know.

Release Date: 15 Nov 2013(Nigeria) Cast: Desmond Elliot, Uti Nwachukwu, Rita Dominic, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Tamara Eteimo and many others.

Below is the schedule for the week commencing 22th November, 2013.

The Movie SONG FOR MARIO IS releasing on Friday, attached are the art work.

Synopsis for SONGS FOR MARIO Arthur is a grumpy pensioner who is reluctantly inspired by his wife Marion to join a highly unconventional local choir. At odds with his son James, it is left to choir director Elizabeth to try to persuade Arthur that he can learn to embrace life.

Arthur must confront the undercurrents of his own grouchy personality as he embarks on a hilarious, life-affirming journey of musical selfdiscovery.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK SONG FOR MARIO Exhibition Schedule from NOV, 15 — NOV, 21 2013

U NFORGIVABLE:

A film by Dayo Amusa, a popular actress in the Yoruba sector.

Movie Description: When Sewa ( Dayo Amusa ) does all she can to force herself into the life of Damola (Mike Ezeronye) a play boy, she had assumed she was all he needed to be a changed man, but little did she know....

Release Date: 01 Nov 2013(Nigeria) Cast: Desmond Elliot, Dayo Amusa, Mike Ezeronye

ALAN POZA:

‘ALAN POZA’ is a hilarious romantic youth comedy which dwells on the sexcapades of a ALAN POZA, a young music label executive who searches for some emotional stability in a sector full of temptations and test of wills!

Directed by Charles Novia Cast: O.C Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Norbert Young,Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwerre, Okey Uzoeshi, Terry tha Rapman, Mtrill, and Evaezi. February 2013

M ISFIT:

Based on a true story, MISFIT is a film about the liberation of a victim of ritual abduction, assault and molestation.

Playing the lead role is a recipient of the 30-Nigeria-House Award, Ijeoma Grace Agu. The film is written and directed by Daniel Emeke Oriahi a Nigerian filmmaker whose works have gained considerable recognition and awards in Nigeria and abroad.

B for BOY:

B For Boy is a contemporary drama set in Nigeria, about one woman’s desperate need for a male child; which reveals the discrimination of women in the names of culture and religion.

Director: Chika Anadu Cast: Uche Nwadili, Ngozi Nwaneto, Nonso Odogwu Released Date: October 2013 C M Y K

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Song for Marion : 8:45pm About Time : 11:25am,3:45pm,6:20pm The Butler : 1:40pm Insidious:Chapter 2 : 4:00pm Ram-LeeLa : 6:00pm Finding Mercy : 1:35pm Captain Philips : 6:05pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Song for Marion : 11:50am,3:25pm About Time : 8:10pm Insidious:Chapter 2 : 8:50pm Finding Mercy : 1:40pm The Butler : 5:25pm Captain Philips : 6:20pm Battle of the year : 4:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Song for Marion : 12:25pm,2:20pm,6:45pm About Time : 11:30am,4:10pm,6:40pm,8:55pm, Findind Mercy : 12:20pm,2:30pm,4:20pm,6:50pm,9:00pm Captain Philips : 1:00pm,3:40pm,6:15pm,8:50pm Battle of the year : 1:55pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Insidious:Chapter 2 : 12:00pm,2:15pm,4:30pm,6:40pm Finding Mercy : 11:45pm,1:30pm,5:15pm,7:00pm Thanks for Sharing : 12:30pm,4:45pm, Battle of the year : 12:15pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:50pm Keeping My Man : 2:50pm,7:10pm Dark Skies : 3:15pm The Big Wedding : 12:45pm, 5:00pm 2 Guns : 11:50am,2:05pm,4:25pm,6:45pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Song for Marion : 11:20am,3:30pm,5:30pm Krrish 3 : 7:30pm About Time : 12:40pm,3:10pm,5:40pm,8:20pm Insidious:Chapter 2 : 6:10pm,8:20pm Finding Mercy : 12:30pm,4:30pm, Captain Philips : 12:50pm,3:50pm,6:30pm9:10pm Battle of the year : 2:25pm,6:30pm,8:35pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Song for Marion : 12:10pm,6:55pm Insidious:Chapter 2 : 2:05pm,8:45pm About Time : 2:35pm,6:25pm Finding Mercy : 11:50am,12:30pm The Butler : 12:55pm Captain Philips : 12:05pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—29 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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he average Nigerian in a uniform thinks he is above the law. He drives against traffic at great speed, and is careless in a convoy. When asked to pay his bus fare, he can beat up the conductor for not acknowledging him as a ‘staff.’ His car chases erring ‘danfo’ buses by hitting them continuously with his vehicle and throwing passengers into panic. And since the ‘okada’ ban in Lagos, there’s no telling how many he has confiscated. If his uniform is yellow and wine, he is more interested causing more traffic to victimize offenders than in making the roads freer. But technology has provided a way out of this neo-militaryera. An official of the Lagos state Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is now on the run for accepting a bribe from a road user. These things happen every day, but this official is a scapegoat— he was caught on camera by an i-reporter. Here are some tips for the aspiring i-reporter 1.Prepare beforehand: Don’t wait for the climax. As soon as you sense illicit behavior about to take place, be camera ready. Fumbling with your camera in the heat of the moment could turn

CAUGHT ON CAMERA:

Your handheld device could hold law enforcement accountable ugly; so when you begin to smell the action, check you battery, memory space, and click on your recording icon.

2. Play your part right: When it comes to ireporting, you could sometimes be an actor in your own movie. If you’re being assaulted, cry all the tears necessary; if a bribe is demanded of you, negotiate

or grovel. Simply put, behave as you would have if the camera wasn’t there.

3. Crash course in video recording: When it comes to video quality, the quality of the camera goes a long way.

But even with a low quality camera, you can still make some impact. It is usually better to record with your camera in a horizontal instead

Micr osof t’s online Microsof osoft’s emplo ogramme employyability pr programme makes job seeking easier

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

H

•Toke Makinwa at the launching of Aiki Nigeria recently

ave you ever tried getting a job? It is often an arduous task; Writing and rewriting CVs and cover letters, checking newspaper after newspaper, and attending endless interviews with no guaranteed outcome.

The journey of job seeking is now less frustrating with Microsoft’s newly launched Aiki Nigeria, an online employability program equipped to serve young people in Nigeria and bridge the gap for job seekers, entrepreneurs, artisans and school leavers by providing a network of accessible opportunities for various openings.

Presented in partnership with The Future Project, the portal, features a web based Job/training resource centre that aims to provide a guide for young Africans in the area of career planning, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development, Job sourcing and small business

sustainability. The objective is to create a better-informed and empowered citizenry across Nigeria; particularly among the youth demography.

The key feature of this intervention, www.aiki.ng is a web platform that provides free resources, training and career guidance services to young Nigerians. The program is designed to be a platform where young people can build networks and connect for development at a continental level.” The portal is an innovative site with resources that will enable secondary and tertiary students with information such as: how to start a business, job accessibility, online learning on skills and personal development, career tips, capacity building and networking, consulting and training sessions, meeting advisors and mentors from different occupational fields, mock interview and investors tips, entrepreneurship and project management courses.

of vertical position. If you’re involved in the incident, keep your camera away from you; at a vantage point where it can view as much as possible, or in the hands of someone you trust who is not directly involved. Also, you aren’t going to be scored for excellent shots, so try not to look into your phone too much.

4. Don’t be too obvious about it: If you want your phone ceased or broken, or if you enjoy being beaten to pulp by lawless law enforcement agents, then be sure to shove the camera in their face. But if you want to save your phone, and the figure of your face, be discrete. Avoid letting the perpetrator know that he

will regret his move for a long time, if you do, he’ll make you regret yours.

5.

Keep your phone off the radar: Some people don’t just know when to call. Don’t let anyone spoil your sting video, keep your phone off the mobile network before you begin recording.

6. Get a backup plan: To be on the safe side, try recording with more than one camera if possible.

7. Upload immediately: As soon as you have access to your phone, export the video either by email, whatsapp or by uploading it on a social media platform such as youtube or channelstv.

If you are at risk and need to delete the video as soon as possible, be sure you have properly exported it to another platform.

8. Truth and motive: Sometimes, videos can be manipulated to misrepresent the truth. This is totally against the ethics of i-reporting. The idea is to check our law enforcement, not to victimize anyone. So as you go about your digital activism, fight for truth, with the right motive-to see a corruption free Nigeria.

Black Berry 9720: Unannounced arrival, pronounced features

A

lthough the BlackBerry 9720 was launched around the same time at the BBZ10, not many heard about it. The reason for this isn’t rocket science: the 9720 is running the older BlackBerry7 operating system and not BlackBerry 10.

However, handling the phone tells that there is still cause to celebrate the old BB7.

It’s got a sporting 2.8-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels, and a 35key physical, QWERTY keyboard make typing easier.

At a cheaper price than most blackberry phones, the 806MHz processor along with 512MB of RAM, a microSD slot, a 5MP camera, support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G HSDPA and a 1450mAh battery.

At first glance the BlackBerry 9720 looks like a new model of Curve. Taking it out of the box

it feels quite solid; it weighs120g. The bottom of the screen is broken up by the classic BlackBerry keys: send, menu, escape, and power, with a touchpad in the middle. The keyboard beneath is surrounded by matt plastic. At 114 x 66 x 12 mm (4.49 x 2.60 x 0.47 inches) it’s certainly very easy to hold one-handed.

There’s a rubber strip that runs all the way round the sides and encompasses the headphone port, top left, the lock button up top in the middle, the volume and mute keys and a dedicated camera key on the right spine, and your micro-USB port and dedicated BBM key on the left spine.

The textured back plate is ribbed, black plastic with the silver BlackBerry logo, and it’s easy to remove thanks to the opening at the bottom which allows you to insert a thumbnail.

C M Y K

30—Vanguard, FRID AY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 FRIDA

Diabetes: No longer a death sentence STORIES BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

S

EVENTY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Mat thew Osindero, and middle-aged Josephine Adenike Aregbesola are two of a kind. Between both of them, they have survived a total of 60 years as people living with diabetes. In their belief, being diagnosed with the Matthew and Josephine were part of the group of people living with diabetes celebrated by the Health Education Unit of the Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government, Lagos, in collaboration with Lagos State Diabetes Association of Nigeria, to herald November 14 as this year’s World Diabetes Day. The event was the stakeholders’ meeting at the Ajeromi General Hospital - high point of the WDD event - preceded by flag off ceremony and a walk tagged “Walk For Health” to sensitise the community on the importance of regular blood checks for early detection and prompt treatment of diabetes.

Prior to this, a free diabetes screening had commenced in Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA, Ifelodun Council Development Authority, and Ajeromi General Hospital.

For Matthew, diagnosed with diabetes in 1981, he has successfully maintained “living a healthy lifestyle” for 32 years. “I have seen the good, the bad and ugly sides of this disorder,” the septuagenarian stated. But it wasnt always as easy.

Like the typical Nigerian, Matthew didn’t realise he was diabetic in time. “Initially when the problem stared, I didn’t realise it was diabetes because it wasn’t disturbing me as such. It was not until it became very severe that I was compelled to seek proper diagnosis and treatment,” he recalled.

• Josephine “As the years rolled by, and with my age, I realised that I was coming down with crisis each time I had malaria. One of my doctors introduced me to insulin injection about three years ago and the crisis has reduced ever since,” he explained.

Because of his AA genotype, Matthew is treated for malaria every month. “I take my insulin twice a day, and my food is usually small in quantity and every meal must contain vegetables. Once in a while I walk to exercise.”

Although treating diabetes isn’t cheap, and comes with its own challenges. Matthew counts hinself fortunate to afford treatment. “I must say, I am lucky, be-

Julia Oyefunke Fortune

The Chronic Disease

FIGHTER

juliafortune@hotmail.com

cause my wife is a staff of Nigerian Ports Authority, so I have most of my medical treatment there. I attend clinic once a month, get drugs that are available and purchase others from a reputable pharmacy.”

Josephine’s story is similar. Having survived gestational diabetes for 28 years, she is a classic living witness that diabetes is a survivable condition.

“I have what they called gestational diabetes, also known as type 3 diabetes. It occurs when a woman is pregnant. When I am pregnant I have diabetes but after childbirth, it won’t show, but it is still there.

Josephine’s plight began after she had hersecond child. “I was told that I should be taking sugar if I am moving around.

So I began carrying a cube of sugar with me, because of the risk of collapsing before moving three poles distance. Whenever I felt like fainting, I just chewed the sugar cube, swallowed it and I regained my strength.

“When I was pregnant with my third child, the diabetes became more pronounced and the baby was stillbirth. That was when the doctor prescribed routine insulin injection. After I lost the baby, the diabetes persisted and I was placed on drugs.”

Josephine regrets the lack of awareness and education about diabetes in her time.

“If my gestational diabetes had been properly managed, I believe it wouldn’t have become permanent,” she stated. Doctors initially placed her on antidiabetics for 21years, but she was later placed on insulin and has been taking it ever since.

She is now in her seventh year of taking insulin, and is currently treasure of the Diabetic Association of Nigeria, Lagos State branch.

Describing diabetes as a lifestyle disease, Medical Director, Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle, Dr. Sunday Oluseye, said it is “a metabolic disorder that affects the way the body handles basic food components like carbohydrates, protein and fats, resulting in high blood sugar level.

NIMR promotes health research solutions on climate change

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OWARDS enabling Nige rian researchers meet challenges posed by the impact of climate change, experts at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Lagos, have called for intensive development and application of home-grown scientific research initiatives.

The researchers who deliberated on the issue at the just- concluded 4th Annual National Conference of the Institute entitled: "Impact of Climate Change on Health: Identifying the Research Gaps", recommended use of scientific research result for application and decision making.Speaking at the event, Director General, NIMR, Professor Innocent Ujah, enjoined the three tiers of government to create an enabling environment for design and engagement of research protocols.

"The e-library under construction at NIMR will certainly provide the appropriate learning and research environment for improved health research productivity, continued training and retraining of staff will further improve health research in addition to appropriate motivation and incentives," he remarked.

Chairman, NIMR Governing Board, Barrister Handel Okoli urged scientists of the Institute to come up with creative ideas and strategies to enable the nation prepare and cope with the health implications of climate change.

"The health implications of these climate changes are yet to be fully documented in our country, making the conference theme very apt. Our position today is that we should expose NIMR to the entire country and the world so that people will know what we are doing here and see the need for health research and research funding,” Okoli said.

Stock up on yellow fruits and vegetables (1) I

N recent years and with the popularity of nutritional documentaries such as “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead,” we have come to realize just how amazing green vegetables and leaves are for us.

But while green leafy vegetables have a vast array of health benefits, we should not forget the healing potential of the other colours in the fruit and vegetable rainbow.

Yellow fruits and vegetables are packed with carotenoids and bioflavonoids which function as antioxidants, as well as large amounts of Vitamin C. Yellow fruits and vegetables often tend to be overlooked.

You know, the ones we throw in the salad just to make it look pretty.

But you will be sure to incorporate these sunny coloured super-foods into your diet once you learn just how good they are for you! Here are a few of the most nutritionpacked yellow fruits and veg you should stock up on next time you’re in the grocery store:

Health benefits of lemons

The humble lemon may just be top of

the yellow fruit chain when it comes to a true anti-oxidant punch. It is such an affordable fruit, and lemons are teeming with citric acid, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin and limonene.

What a mouthful! These amazing nutrients strengthen the immune system by fighting off infections.

Lemon squeezed in warm water is an effective liver cleanser, meaning; it aids in removing toxins from the body. By removing harmful toxins, lemons have been may even protect our bodies against cancer by actually killing cancer cells. This incredible information should have you on the way to your supermarket right now!

Pineapples, one of the world’s healthiest foods

You might consider ordering double pineapple Hawaiian pizza on your next “cheat day” after you hear what this fruit is all about.

Pineapples are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in our

• Yellow is the colour to go for when it comes to fruits and vegetables. bodies. Vitamin A protects against macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Vitamin C in pineapples protects against colds and viruses, while the calcium, phosphorous and magnesium works together to strengthen bones and protect against gum disease. Because pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties they are great for people suffering from painful arthritis

as well as protecting against carpel tunnel syndrome.

Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme complex promotes a healthy digestive system by breaking down large proteins into smaller digestible units. Pineapples are a wonderful fruit to consume during a cold or sinus infection as bromelain is a natural cough suppressor as well as being known for loosening mucous.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—31

2015: Will it be like Anambra?

IF INEC cannot conduct a free and fair election for 1.5 million voters in Anambra what is the assurance it can do so for 80 million voters spread across the country in 2015?

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR, DAPO AKINREFON & GBENGA OKE

IT had been billed to be the best election ever organized in the history of the country.

By many assumptions, it was expected to better the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election that has remained memorable in the minds of many Nigerians as the best ever election in the history of the country.

Prof.

Attahiru Jega, chairman of the election management body, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had said as much in the runup to the election.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in Awka, three days to the November 16 gubernatorial election, Jega had said: “Our objective is to make the Anambra governorship election the best so far.

Cooperation with stakeholders But, no matter how hard we try, we alone in INEC cannot succeed without the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially political parties, their candidates and the people of Anambra State.”

However, despite his assertions and promises, the gubernatorial election has turned out to be one of the worst electoral contests in the history of the nation.

Reflective of that failure was the failure of many of the voters and notably, the candidate of the Peoples

waited to no avail for the arrival of the register itself.

When the registers arrived, in many cases, they were not accompanied with the sensitive result sheets which

,

At the end of the voting last Saturday, not even the most enthusiastic fans of the INEC chairman could give him a pass mark on the election

Democratic Party, PDP, Comrade Tony Nwoye to find their names in the voters register.

Several voters who went could not vote despite the possession of valid voter ’s cards leading to u n p r e c e d e n t e d disenfranchisement of voters.

Those who did not find their names on the voters register were in some cases even lucky.

Many voters on that day

,

led many voters to question the commitment of the election officers to a free and fair contest. The fear among such voters was that the election officers would subsequently go and fill in fake results in the result sheets.

The preparations for a free and fair contest had been buttressed by the unprecedented focus of the commission on the state.

Besides the INEC chairman

who visited the state three days before the election to meet with stakeholders, at least 15 commissioners of the commission were penned down to monitor the election.

Security arrangements were backed by the deployment of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Philemon Leha and three commissioners of police to the state for the election.

An unprecedented number of security agents including soldiers were also mobilized for the election.

So with all the arrangements the commission still failed in producing an acceptable election.

At the end of the voting last Saturday, not even the most enthusiastic fans of the INEC chairman could give him a pass mark on the election.

Realizing the gaffe, Jega confessed and attributed the failure to internal sabotage.

“Our Electoral Officer in charge of Idemili North Local Government, for inexplicable reasons, messed up the distribution of ballot box papers and result sheets.

That was the cause of the delay in the distribution of materials in Idemili.

Distribution of materials “All materials were to have been distributed by Friday evening, but for some odd reasons, they made sure that they held onto some of the result sheets, and they also gave wrong result sheets to different polling units.

“I assured the stakeholders when we met in Awka that materials must get to the polling units before commencement of election.

“So, when we discovered that there was this mix-up,

and we tried to reach the Electoral Officer and the supervisor and there was confusion, and we knew something was fishy, we said there would be no deployment until we sorted out the problem.

“As I speak, we have handed over the Electoral Officer to the police because clearly what he did is a sabotage of the electoral process, including the Local Government supervisor.

“It took us until about 1pm to be able to sort out what they had jumbled up. We communicated with the community as at 1pm that we were ready to distribute to all the other wards, and materials were distributed.”

With the election remaining inconclusive, critical elements of the society were taken up on their perception of INEC’s Continues on page 32

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

2015: Will it be like Anambra?

Continues from page 31 readiness for the 2015 general elections given the developments in Anambra. If INEC could not conduct an election involving just 1.5 million voters, what is the assurance that the body could conduct an election for about 80 million voters?

Though Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman assured that the commission is up to the task, many critics do not agree.

INEC has lost integrity—Lai Mohammed Interim national publicity of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave a damning verdict on the electoral umpire saying “as of today, INEC has lost all its credibility.

If somebody in INEC could compromise the register so effectively, that names starting with certain alphabets do not appear. We are very worried about the integrity of INEC. Three things are clear, one, the integrity of INEC’s register is suspect. Secondly, the integrity of INEC as a commission, is suspect.

Potential for violence And so, the elections in 2014 and 2015 should be watched because there is huge potential for violence if something is not done urgently.”

The signal does not show it —Osoba Former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba said, in a chat with Vanguard said “It is so shocking to think that the entire body of the so called INEC, cannot organise only one state’s elections successfully.

If they can make this kind of mess in a state, what then will they make of a 36 state situation? The situation is indefensible on all fronts and it is serious indictment of those handling INEC. The signal they are giving now does not show a body that is capable and has the capacity to conduct a free and fair elections in 2015 in this country.”

Only Nigerians can guarantee it— Bamidele Aturu Rights activist, Mr Bamidele Aturu, in a chat with Vanguard, said “credible, free and fair elections can only happen if Nigerians insist on it and not what INEC wants, not what politicians want. It is not going to happen

•Mohammed: Not credible

•Osoba: Indefensible

•Aturu: Guard your votes

•Maeba: Play by the rules

•Peterside: Danger looms

•Musa: Much to be done

because of INEC or politicians.

If they have their way, politicians will ensure that they rig elections and they will never allow credible elections.

All what politicians want is to rig elections, none of them want to go through the normal process.

So, free and fair elections can only happen if Nigerians insist on it and the only way

they can insist on it, is to make sure they register, they vote and wait to defend their vote in their respective polling stations.”

INEC can’t give us free poll—Balarabe Musa Former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said “What has happened in Anambra state, is an indication of what will happen in 2015.

INEC will not be able to

conduct free, fair and transparent elections in 2015 if they cannot conduct free, fair and transparent election in just one state.

INEC has admitted that election, in Anambra State, was not free and fair and that it cannot cancel the elections right away; it also admitted that election malpractice took place.

There is a lot to be done if we must have free and fair

elections in 2015.”

We must not prejudge issues—Ebenezer Babatope We have to give support to INEC, we must cooperate with INEC and we must not prejudge issues.

I want INEC to improve and I think INEC has been doing fairly well and we should not allow what happened in Anambra to make us throw INEC into the dust bin because I think INEC will still perform well.

I only want to advise INEC that they should maintain neutrality but INEC is doing well and INEC should be encouraged to do better.

Political parties must play by the rules — Lee Maeba Former Senator representing Rivers SouthEast senatorial zone said political parties must play by the rules for Nigerians to have a credible poll come 2015.

I believe credible elections are only possible in Nigeria when political parties play by the rules and when they avoid corrupting the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) officials.

There’ll be anarchy if... — Dakuku Peterside Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Downstream in the House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Peterside said a lot of work must be done by INEC in order to avoid anarchy in 2015. ‘’A lot of work needs to be done to regain the confidence of Nigerians. If INEC fails in its responsibility, I see chaos and anarchy in 2015.

However, I am optimistic that necessary changes will be made in INEC and electoral act before then’’.

Wafi boys come of age A group of men and women who carry the memory of the brightness and bubble that was characteristic of the Warri of old are determined to rekindle that memory in the life of the younger generation

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & GBENGA OKE

T

HEY are all men in the midpoint of life but they preferred to style themselves as Warri boys and girls, on the day that they came visiting.

Stuck in the memory of the five men that visited Vanguard’s corporate office penultimate week was the fond memory of a once bubbling and effervescent city. Warri, Wafi, or lately, oil city has over time spawn its own language, culture and

unusual unity that was terribly fractured by the ethnic wars at the turn of the century.

Despite being home to Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups and many, many more Nigerians from within and outside Delta State, Warri had prior to the ethnic wars, uniquely inspired a unique culture and lifestyle that stood the Wafi man out in any gathering.

The fresh initiative to reinvent that unique Wafi culture is being spearheaded by the Warri Rebirth Initiative

which has Mr. Kes Agbosa as chairman.

Speaking on the motif of the group, he said: “We are a group of Warri and boys and girls, (in Warri, we have no men and women no matter the age), who have come together to reestablish the unity and oneness in Warri that we used to know which cut across tribes whether Urhobo, Itsekiri or Ijaw at that time when we were growing up.”

Among the Wafi boys that followed Agbosa to Vanguard

were Paul Onomi, Orgainsing Secretery, Mr. Francis Obeh, Mr. Bayo Okorodudu, Mr Emiko Okome, “Warri is a unique place.

Unique in the sense of one unity, this is why Warri has its own language, besides the ethnic languages we have, our pidgin English which is unique," Agbosa said.

"By now, Warri should have been ahead of others in this country in terms of unity but for this unfortunate incident that happened. That oneness Continues on page 34

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—33

Confab: Ndigbo on the march •Meet December 12 A broad spectrum of Igbo leaders are being mobilized to articulate a common position for the race ahead of the forthcoming National Conference.

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

I

N furtherance of their search for a common position on burning issues in the polity and in readiness for the proposed National Conference, Igbo leaders from all divides are to meet in Enugu on December 12.

The meeting is a follow up to the one held last Thursday and is to articulate common positions for the South-East geo-political zone .

Vanguard gathered that issues and questions raised at the parley, included restructuring, fiscal federalism and devolution of power, what should be the federating unitsstates or geo-political zones?

What should be the system of government, presidential or parliamentary? Should we have regional or state police?

Hinting about the December 12 meeting, an Igbo leader, who attended last week’s parley said the leaders do not want the South-East to be short-changed in a new Nigeria that will emerge from the confab.

“The Igbo want a restructured Nigeria where there is equity, justice, fairness and a level playing field for all the citizens to excel. We want a Nigeria where every citizen irrespective of tongue, religious and political affiliation will be proud to call his country and be ready to defend to defend,”

* From left: Professor Elo Amucheazu, Professor Michael Echeruo, professor Felix Oragwu and Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), after the meeting at Zodiac Hotel, Enugu, last Thursday

Onyesoh, Mrs. Maria Okwor and Evang. Elliot Uko. That meeting could easily pass for the best attended gathering of who is who in Igbo land in recent times.

Commentators expressed satisfaction with the leaders’ effort to draft an acceptable

,

Professor Nwabueze, who spoke with newsmen after the closed-door meeting, said the essence of the parley was to articulate a common position for Ndigbo during the conference

the Igbo leader said.

Chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, prominent Igbo leaders at the meeting, included Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Mrs. Uche Azikiwe, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Senator Anyim Ude, Chief Dozie Ikedife, Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi, Chief Nduka Eya, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa, Senator Offia Nwali and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).

Also present were Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Senator Ben Obi, Dr. Aja Wachukwu, Professor Michael Echeruo, Professor Felix Oragwu, Lolo Kate Ezeofor, Prince Emeka

,

Igbo position for the Confab, saying failure to do so might lead to a situation where politicians send their aides to the confab, and sandwich their individual political ambition as the Igbo agenda at the expense of group interests.

Professor Amucheazu said the fact that Nwabueze, 83, agreed to direct the deliberations is a sign that the outcome will be the best for Ndigbo and Nigeria.

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu said the Confab is a very serious matter and should not be left to politicians, adding that he is confident that this great opportunity to remodel Nigeria truthfully will succeed.

He also thanked Nwabueze for finally yielding to pressures to

serve his people and his country.

Professor Nwabueze, who spoke with newsmen after the closed-door meeting, said the essence of the parley was to articulate a common position for Ndigbo during the conference.

“We are the Igbo Leaders of Thought, we are here in Enugu to articulate our position, Igbo position, that we are going to adopt at the National Conference. We’ve set up the planning committee which will plan the whole thing; it’s going to be a process that will not end at this one meeting. We also have a fund raising committee, the other committee is the outreach committee that will take our position and go and discuss with other groups, ethnic groups,” he said.

Prof. Nwabueze is the chairman of the planning committee with Prof. Mike Echerue as his deputy and Elochukwu Amucheazi (secretary). Fund raising is under the chairmanship of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe.

Speaking on the move, Agbakoba reportedly said that what the Igbo leaders were doing was part of on-going meetings by other groups in the country, and urged Nigerians to utilise the historic opportunity to further discuss a way forward for Nigeria.

He admitted that Nigerians have been deceived in the past by previous regimes that dumped the outcome of such conferences but noted that Nigerians are wiser and would try to plug the loopholes.

“What President Goodluck Jonathan has done is important in the context of understating world history, even though he has been criticised because of the timing, and even though, we prefer Sovereign National Conference, but we have not generated the energy for that.

National conferences have been taking place across the millennia.

Devolution of power Whenever an opportunity presents itself for discussion, we must jump at it. What has happened today is a continuation of what’s going on across the country.

“Leaders of thought are meeting and articulating the best things to discuss; people want devolution of power, we don’t want this Naira federalism where states go to Abuja every month to collect money.

Our people must work for the money… Whether it is Ohaneze, Arewa, or OPC, or Afenifere, we can see that

people are suffering. We don’t need to ethnicise this. This is a massive issue about how since 1914 when the missionaries came here coupled with the traders, took our land and money, enslaved us and handed us over to the independence fighters who did not conclude the arrangements properly.

“There was a compromise among Zik, Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello. This is the first time, we have another opportunity to have a look at what’s going on.

We should elevate the issues.”

Agbakoba said the only major challenge to the conference is possible clash between President Jonathan and the National Assembly, which has also been working on the review of the constitution.

“There will be a conflict between President Jonathan and the National Assembly, which has already started a dialogue, so they are not comfortable with that. Why is Jonathan doing dialogue when they (National Assembly) are the ones saddled with the responsibility, some of them are already saying”.

However, Agbakoba urged Nigerians including the executive and legislature to put the interest of the nation first and allow the people’s will to prevail above selfish, clannish or class interests.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

T

HERE is little doubt that the year 2014 would mean different things to different people at different times and on different occasions. However, one fact remains unchanged: the year 2014 reminds us of the amalgamation of Southern and Northern Provinces in 1914 by the British to form the present Nigeria.

As it is often taken for granted and sometimes forgotten that the amalgamated Provinces were made of different nations with distinct social and cultural values. Interestingly, Nigeria harbours different nationalities whose identities cannot be mistaken for another and whose values are well defined. In fact, it is not difficult to place Hausa/ Fulani land or to describe Yoruba land or Ibo land in Nigeria. With extensive travelling and close dealings within the country, the ethnic configuration of the place is clearly evident.

That many current issues and expressions are viewed in terms of ethnicity or tribalism should not be a surprise because people are yet to rise above their recognized primitive base and instinct. For example, Mallam El Rufai (Hausa/Fulani) was restricted to his hotel and prevented from monitoring the disgraceful show (Anambra gubernatorial election) recently on the ground that he had no business in Anambra. That view was supported by the outgoing governor Obi and others.

Perhaps, another interesting feature of the ‘inconclusive‘ Anambra election was the focus by some that Dr. Ngige and his party, APC represented foreign interests – Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba.

What is yet to be ascertained is whether over 92,000 votes allotted or allocated to Dr. Ngige were transferred from Oshun and Katsina States. It is interesting to note that the PDP party in Anambra State appeared to be jubilating over the defeat of APC in the figures announced than its own regrettable dwindling influence in the state. Another interesting point to note is that the combined votes of both APC and PDP (announced by INEC) were more than that of the candidate of APGA, who has been favoured to win.

I must crave the indulgence of my

Political stability and economic prosperity:The agenda for 2014 readers for digressing a bit from the main topic of the moment into ethnic factors which have blocked, over the years, the road to the desired political unity and stability. As it is extremely difficult to defeat a sitting governor (as demonstrated in Edo and Ondo States), the current impression, finally rooted in Nigerian politics, is that APGA candidates would win comfortably. But if he should win, it should be won fairly and justly. The ‘inconclusive‘ nature of the recent election does not give credit to the reputation of many eminent statesmen from that part of the country.

Perhaps, the Anambra tragic episode would solemnly remind the country of the necessity of getting the country‘s electoral processes well regulated. It appears that the existing electoral laws and heavy presence of security forces are no longer enough to ensure a fair and just election. If elections could not be fought and won without the presence of army and the Police, then the exercise is not worth it.

Unless the country is waiting for the doom forecast for 2015, the country‘s political leadership should start now to embrace new electoral reforms that would ensure that the voters have access to voting materials and their votes count without the presence of heavily armed security outfits. Voting should be a regular and normal domestic exercise to be enjoyed by all Nigerians. It looks at the moment as if the country‘s Police

and the Army are being drawn into areas not suitable to them and as such, allegation of compromise could not be ruled out.

If electoral reforms should be undertaken before 2015, the appropriate time in the year 2014. Every capable Nigerian should have the right to aspire to any post by right. There should be right of any Nigerian to vote and be voted for in any election; the Independent Candidate issue should be reviewed as it is the practice in many developed societies. Also, the ‘gohome‘ method after screening, should be reviewed so that any voter, after screening could go straight and vote according to his or her preference.

A more fundamental flaw is the substantial compliance with electoral law often used by judges at election petition trials. It is either complete compliance to the electoral law or nothing. Winners must win totally and not partially. Nigerians are therefore looking upon President Jonathan to look into the inadequacies of the existing electoral laws, or set up a new body or resuscitate the Uwais Report (set up by President Yar‘Adua) in order to give the country a civilized Electoral Law. THE ECONOMY Many analysts have argued, with justifiable conviction, that any politically stable state would be based on economic prosperity, macro-economic stability and

thriving employment. Therefore, it follows that the current country‘s political inability could not be divorced from deepening poverty, arising from large-scale unemployment. However, some government apologists have failed to see the direct connection between poverty, insecurity and rising crime rate in the country.

It is true that the economy under the able management of Dr. (Mrs.) OkonjoIweala appears stable with the rate of growth of over 6.5 per cent (6.81% last quarter), inflation rate of about 8.5 per cent, and stable exchange rate, howbeit, with large unemployment as a recurrent problem. The high employment rate (about 30 per cent), rural poverty and drifts to urban areas, however, cast heavy shadows of doubt on the continuous ability of the Finance Minister and the present government to tackle successfully the problems of poverty and the prospects of prosperity.

Many analysts believe that President Jonathan and his government have insoluble problems on oil subsidy and infrastructural decays. It is economic sabotage for a country well endowed with crude oil to be at the same time, an importer of some refined oil products.

The point is that this government has no political will to take its hands off the downstream section of the oil industry – the domain of the private sector. Many who see in the 2014 Budget, a solution to the problems of poverty might be disappointed.

An economy which still relies on oil as its dominant revenue, which distributes its greater part of oil income to conspicuous consumption (recurrent expenditure) and smaller part to capital development may have paper higher growth rate, lower inflation, but little or no prosperity.

The Nigerian economy which thrives under tight monetary policy, high exchange rate and punitive cost of money to the real economy is fundamentally unstable (even if it appears stable) and a fertile ground for the rise of insurgency and crime. Why not root for poor- friendly policies in 2014?

Wafi boys come of age Continues on page 32 is unique to us and that is why we want to re-establish it.” “There was nothing like tribal differences and unfortunately, an ethnic war came up.

"We still believe that the war was not originated by ordinary War ri boys and girls, strangers came from outside to impose it on us. We thank God it is over and we saw that one of the first victims of that war was the unity of the people.”

One of the fruits of the new initiative of the WRI is regular meetings in several locations across the country of Wafi boys and girls who meet in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Warri among others with attendees even coming from abroad.

“We are happy to say that as at today, the branch in Lagos is picking up, they come to Warri to attend meetings and we believe with peace, Warri

From right: Mr Paul Onomi, Orgainsing Secretery; Mr Kes Agbosa, Chairman, Warri Rebith Initiative, Mr Francis Obeh, member; Mr Bayo Okorodudu, member; Mr Emiko Okome, member, Warri Rebith Initiative, and Mr Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor Vanguard Newspaper, during a courtesy visit by The Warri Rebith Initiative to Vanguard newspapers, Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

will regain its status in this country as a centre of civilization,” Agbosa said.

To rekindle the idea of unity that the people once shared,

WRI is promoting a fiesta with the theme, Wafi 2013 this December.

“It’s one way of bringing people together again, we will

have cultural display, we will eat together, dance together as we used to do. So that we can leave a legacy for our children to enjoy.”

Remarkably it will be a time of fun with the abundance of comedy given the city ’s national reputation as a grooming centre for comedians.

“That is the spirit in us. Any Warri boy or girl is a comedian, you don’t stay in a place where there is Warri boy or girl and be sad, it is part of us. Majority of them professionalized it, otherwise, we are all comedians,” he said.

Given Agbaso’s assertion that the wars that destroyed the peace of Warri fifteen years were inspired by people outside Warri, he was asked what would have been the purpose of the anarchists?

“The economic activities in Warri then were such that non

stakeholders needed to destroy the unity of the people to be able to get in or penetrate and then enjoy themselves.”

Pressed that it was really the elites within Warri and not outsiders or strangers that instigated the war, Agbosa kicked back: “If you know the antecedents of the war, you will know that there was nothing between the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw and Isoko who stay in Warri even till today.

When I use the word strangers, I meant people actually came from outside, they could be from these tribes but they never lived in Warri, they are not Wafferians.”

On a last note, he was asked where the warmongers came from and his retort was that of the peace maker: “I don’t know where they are from but I do no know that they are not Wafferians.”

Vanguard anguard,,

FRID AY, NO VEMBER 22, 2013 — FRIDA NOVEMBER

35

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Jonathan Lokpobori docked over alleged impersonation

Ijaw youths declare 7-day mourning for Sekibo

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA— THE Bayelsa State Police Command, yesterday, arraigned Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri before a Yenagoa magistrate court over alleged illegal use of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC’s insignia and unauthorised use of a number plate not approved by the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. Jonathan Lokpobiri, a former chairman of the IYC central zone and younger brother to the senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, was arrested Tuesday by security

Y

ENAGOA— IJAW youths have declared a seven-day mourning period in Ijaw nation over the sudden death of the President of the Pan-Ijaw group, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Senator Tari Sekibo.

Rising from its emergency executive council meeting, yesterday in Yenagoa, the IYC in a statement by its President, Udengs Eradiri and spokesman Dr. Agagha Clarkson, declared that aside the seven days mourning, a minute silence must be observed in hounour of Sekibo at all Ijaw functions.”

operatives over alleged impersonation and incitement of his supporters against the state government.

His arrest triggered protest among his loyalists, who barricaded the East-West Road Wednesday.

The Police, in a two-count charge read before Chief Magistrate I. O. Oweibo, accused Lokpobiri of parading himself between November 11and 19 around the Bayelsa State capital in a manner capable of instigating public disturbance in the state.

The charge also stated that the accused paraded himself in a vehicle with number plate 001 IYC, which is the number plate

Court urged to set aside judgment against firm

... call for unity

A

N Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta has been asked to set aside a default judgment and warrant of possession entered against Aku Construction Company Limited.

The said judgment was obtained by Zaccheus Olajitan and Abel Olajitan, about two years after the original suit was struck out on June 23, 2011 for lack of diligent prosecution on the

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— IJAW Youth Council, IYC, has called on aggrieved members to embrace peace and unity in honour of late Senator Tari Sekibo, President, Ijaw National Congress, INC. In a statement by Dr. Agagha Clarkson, IYC national spokesman, on behalf the National President, Udengs Eradiri, the IYC expressed “great shock over the sudden death at this crucial time when his experience is needed in leading the Ijaw nation.

“He lived a fulfilled life but fatherly role have been immense.”

Seminar

D

R. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, is to deliver this year’s Orient Club Abuja annual lecture entitled Nigerian politics: The Way Forward for Nd’igbo, tomorrow in Abuja by 1p.m.

This was contained in a statement by the club’s President, Cyril Elobi and Chairman, Planning Committee for the lecture, Phillip Udezue.

part of the claimants in the court presiding over by Justice O Majekodunmi.

Counsel to Aku Construction Limited, Odiana Eriata, in the fresh application, is praying for extension of time to set aside the final judgment entered in favour claimants on March 11, 2013.

The defendant is contending in the application that the procedure of obtaining the judgment was patently defective as the applicant was not duly served as required by the rules of the court and Company and Allied Matters Act. Justice Majekodunmi gave the judgment sought to be set aside in default of appearance of defendants in the suit.

Other defendants in the suit, who are also challenging the judgment, include Step Deveopment Limited, Coleman Wire, Cables Limited and unknown persons.

of a sitting IYC President.

Also brought against him is the charge that he drove around Yenagoa in a vehicle with customised number plate without the approval of FRSC. The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Counsel to the accused, A. Japan, pleaded with the Presiding

Edo set up c'ttee on suspended teachers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN— EDO State Government has set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the status of over 100 suspended teachers and non-teaching staff in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state with a view to ascertaining the actual number of teachers in the council.

The setting up of the committee was sequel to the alarm raised by the Chairman

of the council, Mrs Lucy Omagbon, that the council was expending 70 per cent of its monthly allocation on teachers’ emoluments, which she described as bloated.

Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education, Prince Stephen Alao, who inaugurated the committee, said the purpose was to look into the report of the Uyigue panel with a view to establishing its veracity and implementation as directed by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

1ST ANNIVERSARY: Okolugbo assures on performance

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HE Commissioner representing Ndokwa nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Sir Kenny Okolugbo, has assured Ndokwa people that over a dozen projects would be commissioned in the mandate area as part of the activities marking his first year in office.

Two cottage hospitals, a fullyequipped anti-natal clinic, a solar water project, 10 new classroom blocks in different

schools, a new fully-equipped ICT centre, new open market shops with toilets in Akoku and four road projects are some of the projects earmarked for commissioning.

He gave the assurance at a People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Ward 9 meeting in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, where he said other projects had reached advanced stages, urging the people to support the development drive of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in Ndokwa.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Magistrate to grant the accused bail due to what he term simple charges brought against him.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. F. O. Begerie, did not object.

Oweibo granted him bail of N50,000 bonds, with a resident of Bayelsa State as surety.

The case has been adjourned till December 6.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Anambra election

I

F INEC could not get this right then we should worry. What manner of people are we? If elections are too difficult to conduct, we can sit and work out a format for selecting our leaders instead of these embarrassments.— Miss Jane Njideka, Communicator.

I

don’t think INEC conducted a free and fair election in Anambra State. If they did, why would INEC reschedule election for Sunday? Do you think INEC will ever fix elections on a Friday in the Northern part of Nigeria?— Miss Nwaofor Chinaenye, Student.

Certainly, I know some persons are making frantic efforts to discredit the process of the last election in Anambra State because they were disgraced in the election.

APC can never come into Anambra or any part of Igboland.— Miss Adaora Okafor, Worker.

T

HIS country must change for good and whoever does not believe in this change shall be thrown overboard. This is not the Nigeria our forefathers fought for.

Just one state and the election is “inconclusive.”— Miss Brown Adelaide, Worker.

S

OME politicians have no shame. I would not waste my time on them.

They think Nigerians are as gullible as they are. Who will believe anyone that says: “About 1.3 million of the 1.7 registered voters were unable to vote”?— Mr. Mani Kay, Officer.

F

ROM the reports coming in, Anambra people have spoken.

They have elected whom they want to lead them for the next four years. I think our elections are expensive, destructive and unreliable.— Miss Ukomadu Cjhisom, Worker.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—37

Signal Alliance to offer IT solutions to power sector operators

Oshiomhole suspends Waste Management Board's boss

G

I

NFORMATION communications solutions provider in Nigeria, Signal Alliance Limited, has indicated its intention to offer unparalleled IT solutions to operators in the reformed power sector in Nigeria.

Disclosing this to media men, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, said that with the strategy, the 17 years old company would be bringing to bear its management expertise and creativity in the IT scene.

As part of the restructuring, Mr. Onuegbu said the company would be focusing efforts on building a new business model and offering novel services with a new company SASWARE. Listing the various areas in the power sector, where Signal Alliance's expertise would be most felt, to include Assets Management, Personnel and Customer Service management, he said with the new offering from SASWARE, they have capacity to deploy Smart Metering and tracking solutions for the sector.

CEPTAC to present Memories of Niger Delta Slave Trade Route, in P-Harcourt

A

BOOK, Memories of Niger Delta Slave Trade Route, by the Centre for Promotion of Peace, Art and Culture, CEPTAC, will be presented to the public in December at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.

Speaking with journalists on the book, CEPTAC’s President, Chief Mike Amachere, said the body, a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, conducted the research on the slave trade routes in the Niger Delta Region for future generations to know that the obnoxious trade once took place in the region.

He noted that the ultimate interest of CEPTAC was to have governments of the region to establish a slave museum that would attract tourists to the areas.

C M Y K

UN CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE: From left, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Mr. Tunc Soyer, Mayor of Seferihisar, Turkey; Mr. Mark Kember, CEO, Climate Group; Mr. Gustavo Petro, Mayor of Bogota, Columbia; Mr. Paul H. Oquist, Minister and private secretary for national policies of Nicaragua; Ms Wilma Mansveld, Minister of Environment, Netherlands and others during the UN conference on climate change holding in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday.

NUPENG moves against planned sale of refineries

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

N

IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has moved against the Federal Government's planned sale of the nation’s four refineries next year, insisting that selling the refineries is not the solution to importation of refined petroleum products, but the building of more refineries.

It wondered why government would suddenly wake up to talk about selling the public refineries in 2014, warning that any decision on the refineries without the involvement of NUPENG and its Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, counterpart, would be resisted with everything at labour’s disposal.

In a statement through its General Secretary, Mr. Isaac Aberare, the union said it “is worried about the sudden proposal by the federal government to sell the nation’s four refineries next year.

Caution must be exercised in the proposed sale as all the stakeholders must be involved, if the plan will see the light of day. NUPENG states that the sale of the refineries is not the solution to the massive importation of petroleum products into the country but the problem is government’s blunt refusal to do the Turn-AroundMaintenance of these refineries over the years to make them function optimally. We stress that a lot of intrigues, power play, selfish interest to protect the cabal importing fuel had come to play,

leaving the equipments in the refineries to rot away.”

The union argued that the nation’s refineries were organizations in the commanding height of the nation’s economy which should remain in the control of government for security and strategic reasons and should not be allowed to be sold to government cronies and front men, as it had happened in the power sector.

According to the statement, “NUPENG is of the belief that more refineries should be established, in the model of the NLNG strategic partnering and more investors given tax holidays and land to enable them construct new ones just like the initiative of the Dangote refinery instead of trying to sell the nation’s assets as scraps."

NDDC MD: Akwa Ibom urged to place Niger Delta interest uppermost

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE South-South Youths Patriotic Movement, SSYPM, has appealed to Governor Godswill Akpabio and youths in Akwa Ibom State to consider the interest of the larger Niger Delta above other sentiments on the choice of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, MD/CEO, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The SSYPM was reacting to a recent publication in which the Supreme Council of Youth Leaders, Akwa Ibom State, supported Governor Godswill Akpabio’s nomination of Chief Dan Abia to

the Presidency as the next NDDC MD, as the position rotates to Akwa Ibom State.

In the support document signed by Isantim Kenneth Okon, Supreme Leader, and his deputy, Otuekong Nse Essien, the Supreme Council of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State said Akpabio demonstrated the desires of the people of the state, emphasising that Abia possessed the right credentials and antecedents to be Akwa Ibom’s first MD of NDDC. Reacting to the development in Port Harcourt, National President, SSYPM, Chinagorom Nwankwo, said: “We

are not joining issues with Akwa Ibom State on this crucial matter. By the rotational policy in NDDC, it is Akwa Ibom’s turn and right to produce the next MD. We are only asking that the right thing be done so we do not continue to re-cycle problems in Niger Delta.

“We the youths of SouthSouth reiterate that Dan Abia be disqualified as the next MD of the commission for the reason that he has served out his mandatory eight years (two tenures) on the board of the NDDC as stipulated by the Act establishing it. That act has not been amended to create room for Abia’s come back.”

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has ordered the suspension of the Head of Edo State Waste Management Board and directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Major Oloye (rtd) to immediately evacuate the refuse at the median on Mission Road, Benin City.

This, he said is part of his determination to sustain the beautification agenda of the state government.

Governor Oshiomhole gave the order during an inspection visit to Mission Road, New Lagos Road and Forestry Street in the state capital.

The governor expressed displeasure over the median on Mission Road and said government would deal with those who wanted to sabotage his efforts.

He frowned at the indiscriminate parking of vehicles both at Mission Road, and New Benin and directed the commissioner for Transport, Mr. Omo – Ojo Orobosa to tow all the vehicles to Government House.

Warri Voice honours Turner, Pessu, others

W

ARRI — THE 2013 annual lecture/ award ceremony of Warri Voice Newspaper holds November 24, at Otonloye Hall, Ugbori, Warri, Delta State.

A statement by the Managing Editor and Publisher of newspaper, Mr. Femi Odonmeta, said the ceremony would have Chairman, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho as chairman of the occasion, while Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan would be the Special Guest of Honour with Prince K. B. Omatseye and Rev. S. E. Gbejero as Father of the Day and Spiritual Father of the Day, respectively.

The statement added that a university don, Dr. J. O. Ireyefoju would deliver a lecture titled: The Relationship Between Modern Religions and the People’s Cherished Culture, at the occasion.

38—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

INEC not responsible for arrest of election observers —JEGA

L

O N D O N — INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega said, yesterday, that the electoral body was not responsible for the arrest of some observers during the November 16 Anambra governorship elections.

Jega, who was represented by Prof.

Mohammed Kuna, stated this at a lecture entitled: “The Road to 2015 Elections; Prospect and Challenges” in London.

Some observers, including the former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, were detained during the elections which INEC later declared inconclusive.

He said: “I don’t know under what basis Mal Nasir el-Rufai went to Anambra State, and the commission has no hand in it.

“There are procedures for accrediting observers; they are usually briefed, trained ahead of the exercise.

Multichoice @ 20 rewards customers

BY EMMAELEBEKE

A

BUJA—SCORES of subscribers have been rewarded by MutiChoice, Nigeria’s foremost pay Tv company, DSTV for their consistent loyalty to the company with various prize packages.

The reward presentation which took place in different locations across the country, was part of activities lined up by Multi-Choice to mark its 20 years of operation in Nigeria.

Presenting the awards in Abuja, the Regional Operation Manager of the company, Mr. Ismahil Olalekon said it would not have been possible for the company to survive in the turbulent Nigeria business environment, without the patronage of these subscribers and their consistent loyalty to the company.

Enugu takes over NCC’s property from BPE E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Enugu State Government has formally taken over the two property of the Nigerian Coal Corporation, NCC, it purchased from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, under the Federal Government’s privatisation of the landed property of the Corporation.

The two property are the Headquarters of the Corporation located along Okpara Avenue and the Colliery Hospital all in Enugu, the state capital.

The high point of the ceremony which took place at the Governors’ Office was the signing of the Deed of Assignment and certificate of handover by Governor Sullivan Chime and the Director General of the BPE, Benjamin Dikki as well as the official handover of the property to Chime by the BPE. In his speech after receiving the documents on behalf of the state government, Chime said the event was historic, adding that the Colliery Hospital after renovation would be dedicated for Mother and Child health care services.

The governor explained that the acquisition of the hospital was necessary to make-up for the

inadequate medical facilities and boost government’s efforts in the health sector.

Chime further said that the take over would help reduce the pressure on Park Lane Specialist Hospital amaong other health institutions in the state which were now over stretched with patients.

On the privatisation of the four coal blocks located in Enugu, Chime said there were credible investors who are interested in procuring and mining coal for the benefit of the people, especially in the government proposed coal powered electricity generation.

Earlier in his address, the

Director General of the Bureau, Mr. Dikki had commended Governor Chime for his support and encouragement to the BPE, pointing out that the sale of the property was part of the privatisation of the landed property of the corporation and coal blocks in Enugu.

FORUM: From left: Mr. Innocent Azih, Anchor, Agriculture and Food Security Policy Commission, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, NESG, Mr. Fatai Afolabi, MD, Foremost Development Services Ltd., Facilitator, Agriculture and Food Security Policy Commission, NESG and Mr. Frank Nweke II, Director-General, NESG. at the NESG and United Nations Global Compact, UNGC, Nigeria Consultation on Sustainable Agriculture Business Principles, SABP’s forum in Lagos.

Anambra: Courts can’t stop supplementary election —Umeh

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A

WKA—CHAIRMAN of All Progressive Grand Alliance ,APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has dismissed claims that the upcoming supplementary election in Anambra State can be stopped by a court order, adding that the courts can not intervene until the exercise is concluded.

He also said his party was not scared of participating in the supplementary polls, insisting that APGA had the highest number of votes.

Umeh, who said this in a chat with Vanguard, insisted that the conduct of last Saturdays exercise was devoid of irregularities.

A break down of the result in possession of Vanguard, noted that APGA scored 25 per cent in 16 Local Government Areas, LGAs, even as it maintained that the party secured 25 per cent of the valid vote cast in 18 LGAs. According to him, “we have the highest number of votes, we have achieved the spread. The election can not be cancelled.

For those who are thinking about court injunction, the courts can not stop the election until it is concluded. The three

of them can not change the will of the people.”

The breakdown of the results indicated that APGA won in Aguata, Aynamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South,

Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North and Orumba South.

Also, the PDP candidate Comrade Tony Nwoye had

similar percentage in the following LGAs; Anyamelum, Anambra West, Awka North, Dunkofia, Ekwusigo, Njikoka, Orumba North, Orumba South and Oyi.

Groups want Orji to contest for Senate

BY ANAYO OKOLI MUAHIA—GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State is now under pressure to contest for the Abia Central Senatorial District in 2015.

No fewer than 25 different groups have so far called on Orji to contest the position cureently occupied by Senator Nkechi Nworgu.

Orji is, however, yet to respond to such requests, even as one of them, the Ukwa/Ngwa Interest group has promised to mobilise 5,000 youths for the governor if he declared interest in the race.

Its Chairman, Comrade Okey Nwankwo said Governor Orji’s achievements in office had made him the most qualified person to represent the zone in 2015.

He said: “There is no doubt that every senatorial zone will send their best to represent them in national assignments. This is why we are calling on Governor Orji to run for the Abia Central

U

Senatoal seat in 2015. We have analysed the achievements of the governor, his vision for Abia State and his relationship with the people of Ukwa/Ngwa zone; we found them to be laudable.

“No other person is better qualified than the governor.

This is why we passed a vote of confidence and urged him to run for senate to represent the zone in 2015. Ukwa/Ngwa Interest groups calls on the governor to consider this request by us and other groups.”

Chief Aderemi passes on

C

HIEF FESTUS Abiodun Aderemi is dead, aged 59. He was a former staff of Afribank. A wake-keep was held at his reidence, 1.

Olupitan Street, Idimu, yesterday. Lying-in-state holds today, at his home town, Gbogan, Ogun State.

There will be a funeral service on Saturday, November 23, at the National Temple of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Idimu, to be followed by interment. He is survived by his widow, brothers, sisters and children.

Late Festus Aderemi

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013—39

,

PRESENTATION: From left, General Godwin Alabi-Isama, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State Governor, and Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel laurette, at the public UNVEILING: From left, Mrs. Nwanneka Ekweremadu, wife of presentation of a book entitled, 'Aba Alapata,' written by Soyinka, at the June 12 Deputy Senate President; Dame Patience Jonathan, Chukwudi Okafor, Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Nigeria's Ambassador to Thailand, and the Executive Vice Chaiman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, at the Impact Centre, Bangkok, as Nigeria's First Lady, Dame Jonathan, yesterday, unveiled the Nigerian Pavillion, at the ITU World office, in Bangkok, Thailand.

BRIEFING: From left, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun; Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Fatai Mabadeje, and Consultant on Software Testing and Hardware Configuration, Mr. Tokunbo Fashola, during the Ministry's media briefing, at ABAT Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

COMPETITION: Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, addressing 254-man state's contingent to the National Schools Sports Competition, billed for Illorin from yesterday, November 21, 2012, in Calabar.

HAND-OVER: Out-going Commandant, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson (left), handing over to the new Commandant, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor, at the National Defence College, Abuja.

GRADUATION: From left, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, foromer Director of Human Resources, Central Bank Nigeria, CBN, and Director of ESG on LAPO Board of Directors; Mr. Oluwaseyi Amasha, Management Trainee Graduate; Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Managing Director of LAPO; Dr. Biodun Adedipe, Chief Consultant, B. Adepide Associates Limited, and Mr. Bernhard Vester, Managing Partner/Consultant, AFOS, during graduation ceremony of LAPO Microfinance Banks Management Trainnee Programme, in Lagos.

Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

FUNERAL: From left, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Titi-Laoye Tomori; daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Toyin Akomolafe with her husband, Prof. Soji Akomolafe, at the funeral service for late Princess Tejumola Alakija, former Head of Service, Oyo State, at St. Peter's Cathedral, Iremo, Ile-Ife. C M Y K

GRADUATION: From left, Segment Management Officer, Customer Insight and Segment Management Director, First Bank limited, Mr. David Adegboyega; winner, Best Business Plan Competition of Junior Achievement Enterpreneurial Programme/Student of Apostolic Church Grammar School, Gbagada, Dada Oyindamola; Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola, and Programmes Manager, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Miss Rita David, during the 2013 graduation ceremony of 'Venture in Enterprise' programme for Youth Corps members, in Lagos.

ANNIVERSARY: From left, Special Apostle & Minister-in-Charge J.F. Opetunsin, Holy Cross Church of Zion, HCCZ, Redemption Parish, Idimu, Lagos; Superintendent Senior Apostle Micaiah Gangan, and Lagos Area Conference Overseer, Holy Cross Church of Zion, Most Special Apostle Ikupolusi, at the 20th anniversary Thanksgiving Service of HCCZ, Redemption Parish, Oladun Street, Idimu, Lagos, last Sunday.

4o—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Plateau Govt suspends primary elections in Wase, Jos North LGs

150 VVF patients undergo successful operation in Sokoto

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BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS— THERE are indications that local government elections in Plateau State fixed for January 30 next year, may not hold in Jos North and Wase local government areas as the state government has stopped primary elections of the various political parties citing security reasons.

The state government in a statement, yesterday, signed by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Shedrack Best advised political parties to suspend nomination of candidates for the two local governments.

The statement read: “The Government of Plateau State after a careful study of the security atmosphere in the state is hereby suspending primary elections in Wase and Jos North Local Government Areas. All political parties intending to participate in the forth coming Local Govt elections are advised to comply with the decision."

Adefarasin, Erumaka, Ezekiel, 16 others for award

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AGOS—PASTOR Wale Adefarasin, Bishop Humphrey Erumaka, Rev O. Ezekiel and 16 other clerics are to be honoured by First Further A-far Nigeria Limited, the publisher of the Preachers’ News International and The Eastern Eye Magazine during the 10th anniversary of Preachers’ News International.

The event which is scheduled for December 4, 2013 will take place at Villa Park, Festac Town Lagos.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, publisher of the magazines, Dr Solomon Okorie, said the celebration was meant to “serve as a barometer for assessing where we were, where we are now and where we are going".

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FUND-RAISING—From left: Mr. Albert Okumagba, GMD/CEO of BGL Plc and immediate past President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association(USOSA); Alhaji Bello Maccido, Wakilin Sokoto; Mr. Hassan Musa Usman, MD/CEO of ASO Savings & Loans Plc and Mr. Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Access Bank Plc, representing Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during USOSA’s N1 billion Fund Raising Dinner.

NBA slams FG, states over state of insecurity

BY ABEL DANIEL

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AFIA— WORRIED over the rate at which innocent lives of Nigerians are being wasted on daily basis by Boko Haram and other terror groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned the failure of government at all levels to protect the lives and property of their citizens.

The President of the NBA Okey Wali, while delivering his opening speech, yesterday, at the ongoing National Executive Meeting, NEC, holding at the TA’AL conference Hotel, Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

He called on the government to adequately compensate all victims of such violence, saying “they are victims of disasters caused by the inability of the government to protect them, either by omission or commission, whether Ombatse or Boko haram. As parts of that social contract, government should compensate the victims”.

The Association said it has observed statements and actions of some politicians whose interest is to heat the polity but are antithetical to the principles of the rule of Law and respect to human rights.

“The NBA condemned the actions and activities of elected political office holders who stick themselves grossely to party meeting affairs above governance, saying “we have bluntly refused to join those who choose to play politics with everything

including their fellow human beings”.

The Association commended President Jonathan over the proposed National conference and pledge their support and commitment on ground that the report shall not be altered by the government.

OKOTO —NO fewer than 150 Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF, patients have undergone successful operation at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, in the last six months.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr Abdullahi Gada, announced this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Sokoto.

According to Gada, the patients are part of the 200 earlier screened for the surgeries.

“The operation of the remaining 50 patients will be done as soon as possible,” he said.

Gada said that some of the patients had been discharged from the hospital. “The operations were carried out to restoring the patients to normal life as women,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State House of Assembly yesterday, passed a motion calling on the state government to name the western and eastern byepass roads after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

National conference: Arewa tackles Nwabueze K

ADUNA—THE Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday opposed alleged suggestions by a Constitutional Lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze that he should be allowed to draft the people’s constitution during the proposed National Conference.

ACF in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani said it, ‘’has read with great concern reports credited to Professor Ben Nwabueze to the effect that he wants Mr President to mandate him to draft the people’s constitution for consideration in the proposed conference. ‘’We do not want to believe the reports, precisely because there is a National Advisory Committee charged with the task and responsibility of collating views for the purpose

of advising the government on the mode, nature and content of the proposed conference. ‘’That Prof Nwabueze and some sections of this country have managed to sell the idea of the conference to the government and to the good people of Nigeria does not qualify him to seek to determine the outcome of the conference up front. More troubling would be the impression created in the minds of

Nigerians that the conference is intended to produce a brand new constitution, whereas no sitting government has the constitutional right to discard the existing constitution in favour of a new one.m "We hope Prof.

Nwabueze is not attempting to make the conference sovereign irrespective of the advice by the advisory committee.’’

Adamawa to train 300 oil palm plantation farmers

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OLA—THE Adamawa Government said, yesterday, that it would train 300 oil palm plantation farmers to boost the production of the commodity in the state.

Malam Ilyasu Mu’azu, the state’s Desk Officer for oil palm production, disclosed

this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Yola.

Mu’azu said that the state government had registered more than 300 oil palm plantation farmers in three local government areas.

He listed the areas to include Toungo, Ganye and Jada.

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44— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 HE expanded General Purpose Committee (GPC) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) at a meeting held in Abuja recently has expressed concerned over what it called marginalisation of Muslims in key position in Federal government owned institutions.

Also, the council at its meeting condemn the act of depriving Muslim women of their rights to dress in accordance with the demands of their faith, noting that appropriate Muslim dressing for women in all public engagements and outings is a mandatory •Says hijab should be allowed in all public engagements requirement for all adherents of the religion.

In a communicaque issued not show sensitivity to the Federal and State attended by Principal at the end of the meeting and balance and social indices Governments and all other officers of the Council and sent to Facing the Kaaba, such as faith. Muslims who private and public key Muslim leaders from “The Nigerian Supreme are qualified should be institutions to stop the across various States of the Council for Islamic Affairs admitted and trained on a policy of depriving Muslim federation also advised (NSCIA) is concerned over scale that shows respect for the disturbing trend of a multi-religious nation such While the Constitution guarantees marginalizing Muslims in as Nigeria. key appointments in It further states: “While every Nigerian the freedom of worship Federal Government the Constitution guarantees and religious practice, appropriate institutions. Data available every Nigerian the freedom to the Council indicate a of worship and religious Muslim dressing for women in all systematic cleansing of practice, appropriate public engagements and outings is a Muslims from key positions Muslim dressing for women of authority. This is in all public engagements mandatory requirement for Muslims dangerous for a nation and outings is a mandatory which should encourage requirement for Muslims. harmony and unity based on Governments and other women of their rights to government to set up equity, justice and respect institutions which deny dress in accordance with mechanism for providing for diversity and pluralism.” Muslim females their right the demands of their faith.” appropriate relief to all “The Council also notes to dress appropriately such The meeting which was victims of the insurgency of that admission into key as wearing of hijab with military institutions such as uniforms are therefore NDA and patterns of doing so in violation of the recruitment into police and rights of the Nigerian other security agencies do Muslims. Council calls on

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Muslims are marginalised in key positions —NSCIA

,

,

Jamaatu Ahlis Sunnah Li Daawati wal Jihad in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and expedite action on it so that the muchneeded relief can be made available to all those who deserved it. “ The council also described as unacceptable the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) which produced a new curriculum from primary to secondary school, a system that it said has deprived young Nigerians of their rights to receive full and mandatory religious education.

“This is a major failing by all governments and is unacceptable. All Nigerian children must be availed of full opportunities to receive religious instruction and training until at least the end of Senior Secondary School.

The new curriculum which relegates Islamic Studies/ Christian Religious Studies (IS/ CRS) to a part of a subject (up to Junior Secondary School) and which made the subjects optional at the Senior Secondary level be reversed so that the two are made independent, core and compulsory up to the Senior Secondary level,” the council said.

ASK YOUR IMAM Sallam alaikum, I wish to know more about the assumption in certain quarters that the prophet married four wives against the belief that he married one wife. Kindly shed more light on this issue.

Ma Sallam Answer: The wives of the Prophet were Khadijah bint Khuwailid, Aisha bint Abu Bak, Sawdah, and Hafsah bint Umar al Khattab The reasons and wisdoms behind the Prophet’s marriages apart from starting a family, some were to cement his relationships with his close companions by marrying their daughters, some were widows of close companions; some were daughters of the leaders of tribes captured; the the need to form alliances within one tribe or the other; some because Allah specifically commanded him to do so among other reasons. He was married to one woman until the age of 50, after which he is believed to have had multiple wives for the reasons explained above. With the exception of Aisha, The Prophet only married widows and divorced women. I have written on it in this column before that Aisha bint abu Bakr was married because of her intelligence and retentive memory which was exemplified the way most of the hadiths were related.

His wives who knew his privacy related most of the hadiths giving us insight into his private lives. Aisha was the fourth biggest narrator of Hadith, with over 2000 narrations.

But suffice to say that before Allah revealed the verse restricting the believers to a maximum of four wives, the norm at that time was that most of the believers had more than four wives; but after the revelation, they had to comply with the command of Allah (SWT), they divorced a number of their wives and kept a maximum of four. These divorced women then married other believers, if they wished to do so. Holy Quran Chapter 33 Surah Ahzab verse 37. Besides, as a Prophet, there were others that were bethroed on him. These were because they were widows who needed not only shelter but protection of the Prophet. They were not real wives as being touted by some people. Zainab binte Jahsh, Zainab Umm-al-Masaakeen, Juwairiyyah, Saffiyah, Ummu-Salamah, Ummu-Habibah, Maimunah However, the whole life of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) is to be a perfect example for all mankind, until the end of time. Thus, his public and private life had to be made available for all the believers, so that they may follow him in all his deeds.

•The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, CON exchanging pleasantries with Alhaji Habeebullah Olatunde Agoro, Perm Sec, Ministry of Rural Development and other members of the Ministry during a Special Jumat service at Lagos Central Mosque to mark 2013 Community Day in Lagos recently.

•L-R: Alhaji H. Olatunde Agoro, Perm Sec, Ministry of Rural Development; Prince Awomodu, Chairman, Community Devt and Mr Awoola, Director, Community Devt during a Special Jumat service to mark 2013 Community Day in Lagos recently.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013— 45

Suspend strike to honour Iyayi, Ansar-Ud-Deen Youths tell ASUU

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

What Quran sa ys about Confab says Muslims scholars take a look at the convocation of National conference barring their minds on the Islamic position and what Quran says about dialogue. Enjoy it.

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

Dialogue is ordained by Allah — Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode, N ASF AT Spiritual head NASF ASFA

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ATIONAL conference is a step towards discussing issues of national interest among the citizens of a nation. Almighty Allah desires dialogue among humanity. Allah does not support unhealthy rivalry or war among humanity. Almighty Allah enjoins man to embrace dialogue to settle differences amicably. The teachings of Prophet Mohammed encourages human to create and live in a peaceful environment. When harmony is far from a country, crisis becomes the other of the day. It is a process of righteousness, harmony and peace among mankind. National conference is also a method to militate against the views of some of the angels. When God was about creating man, he called his angels and they told God that the people he was about creating would be corrupt, mischievous and would shed blood and be unholy •Sheikh Abdullah on the surface of the earth but God Almighty replied by his Akinbode grace that he will give us wisdom to differentiate good from bad which is the essence of humanity. Hence, it is not possible for everybody created by Allah to follow the same line, so there must be an avenue to rub minds together. Allah says: “obey me, obey the Prophets, and obey those who are charged with authority over you, and if there is need for any differences, meet together and refer it to Allah who is your creator and your Prophets because referring issues to God is referring issues to wisdom.”( Quran 4 verse 59).

There was also a time when Prophet Mohammed migrated from Mecca to Medina to form a new government. After settling in Mecca, the two countries had disputes and that was the first bilateral treaty at Hudabiyyah (where the prophet and the unbelievers met for a dialogue) and the dispute was settled for ten years.

Nobody should force a religion on others at the conference – Alhaji Soliudeen Olohungbebe, Imam of Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) in his second migration to Medina arranged a conference between the Muslims and Jews living with him in Medina. The prophet made effort to ensure a cordial relationship existed between both parties. He ensured the Muslim and Jews enjoyed equal right during his reign as the leader. One other important thing we can learn from the Prophets' stay at Medina was that he did not force his religion on anybody. So, the national conference should not be a medium to force religion on anyone. In fact, the national conference should be a medium to liberate the people of Nigeria from unruly laws denying •Alh Soliudeen them from their fundamental human right.

Olohungbebe

We must discuss religion at the conference — Moroof Adebesin —Moroof THERE is no gainsaying the fact that religion has been responsible for most conflicts in this country and as such the national conference should not lay emphasis on ethnicity alone. Everyone knows that ethnicity has no basis in our constitution; Nigeria is not structured on the basis of ethnic constituent. Any attempt to hold a national conference in this country without discussing religion will be an exercise in futility. I'm also of the opinion that the injustice of the colonial masters against the Muslims must be discussed at the conference. The colonialists adopted a parochial method through which they virtually eliminated all vestiges of Islam which they met on ground. This they did by using sheer force, divide and rule, and so many other subterfuges. The British bequeathed to us a legacy which was heavily tainted with their own perception of religion in all aspects of life: education, health, law. This injustice against Muslims must be addressed at the Conference if this government seeks genuine peace. Christians and Muslims must enjoy equal rights in all ramification. That is why both religious groups must be invited to the conference to have a better Nigeria. I believe the National Conference remains is committed to the implementation of measures and policies that will further promote and enhance national peace, stabili- •Moroof Adegbesin ty and progress.

A

S the youth week programme of Ansar-UdDeen Youth Association, ADYA, Lagos branch climaxed this weekend, the group has called on the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to call off the ongoing strike action as a mark of honour to late Festus Iyayi who died in a ghastly motor accident recently.

The group made this known during a seminar on “Youths, Islam, and the New World Order” as part of the week long activities held in Lagos recently.

Speaking with reporters, the group’s National Secretary, Idrees Adesina and Chairman, Barrister Taofik Murtala said the programme was imperative so

as to strike a balance between pristine Islam and the myriads of mundane forces affecting the Muslim youths.

On the prolonged face-off between the federal government and ASUU, ADYA described Prof. Iyayi’s death as a great loss to Nigeria education sector, adding that in order to honour late Iyayi, ASUU should suspend the strike and go back to classrooms.

“The Association sympathize with ASUU, it is a great loss to the education sector because Professor Iyayi contributed a lot towards the development of Nigerian education. ASUU should please call off this strike without further delay since Prof Iyayi died in the course of seeing an end to the strike”.

Lagos Min of Rural Devt marks Community Day with prayers

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HE Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development, Alhaji Habeebullah Olatunde Agoro has enjoined various communities in the state to organise themselves under Community Development Association, CDA in order to promptly benefit from government facilities.

He made this known during a Special Jumat service held at the Lagos Central Mosque to mark this year’s Community Day. Agoro stated that it is only through CDA that rural dwellers will be able to seek government’s intervention on various challenges facing them.

Feilding question from Facing the Kaaba after the Jumat Prayers, Agoro disclosed that the issue of cholera outbreak is not as serious as being projected in the state adding that government has disinfected areas affected with the disease

and help to improve on the sanitation exercise in these areas.

“We have Rural Water and Sanitation department in our Ministry and what they are doing is to assist in areas where there is outbreak and also helping to improve the sanitation of those areas.

Basically, the outbreak are water borne, and we’re providing water. So, we’re doing our best with the help of UNICEF on this issue. We have disinfected these areas and it an ongoing thing, but I want to say it is not a serious thing as being projected in Lagos. But everything is under control.”

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Akinola Ibrahin, CON, urged politicians and civil servants to consider their various positions as service to humanity, warning that everyone shall one day account for his stewardship.

•L-R: H. B Sarumi, Director, Finance and Admin, Office of Special Adviser and Rural Development, Lagos State; Habeeb Giwa, Director, Rural Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development; Yunus Monsur, Head, Water and Sanitation and Awolari Eniola, Director Community Development during a Special Jumat to mark 2013 Community Day in Lagos recently.

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50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2013 — 51

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AST week I pleaded with Stephen Keshi to have a rethink about the conditions he announced before any member of the Golden Eaglets can be invited to the Super Eagles.

Keshi had said that he would like them to graduate to the Under 20 and possibly the Olympic team before they can have a taste of the senior team.

I saw with Keshi but also I cited many players who became stars at 17 and advised that any player in that crack team that we saw win the world U 17 cup in style who had the heart to play at top level should be given a chance to at least develop.

Those world champions already have the skills from what we saw. What they need is the big heart to play at top level and that’s why I felt that some of them could be given a chance which could begin with CHAN early next year. On Wednesday, Keshi changed his position and said that he would invite some of them for the camping for CHAN. Keshi, it appears respects superior argument. I respect him for that.

I also pleaded with him to have a rethink on captain Joseph Yobo and he has also said that he would not only invite Yobo but would also give him the chance to make the World Cup team if he merits it. My position was strongly influenced by one ardent Eagles supporter called Lydia who called several times from Benin to plead on behalf of Yobo on the grounds that Yobo was now doing well and deserved to be recalled. Keshi yielded. Yobo will be back to Eagles.

I thank the Big Boss for these reconsiderations. A good leader and manager must not be rigid about his decisions.

And now that we have qualified for the World Cup I want to believe that Keshi knows what it takes for an African nation to do well at the World Cup. I popped up champaign after the 2-1 victory in Ethiopia. A reader reacted and said it was not yet time to do so.

08053068728

And now that we have qualified . . .

My position was that the Ethiopia we saw in the Nations Cup and the first leg in Addis Ababa lacked the scoring prowess that could stop us from the World Cup. They can pass the ball but they don’t know how to score. The day they develop strikers they will rule the continent.

I have always said that African football is different and sometimes difficult for Africans who have mastered and adopted the European styles. And that’s why it’s not all players who shine in Europe find their feet in African football. After struggling against Ethiopia Eagles went to London to put up what Tony Ubani called a five star performance in a 2-2 draw.

Well coached and prepared African teams can stun big football nations. Senegal beat world defending champions, France in 2002 World Cup and it a painful penalty shoot out for England to beat Cameroun after the Africans shocked Argentina in Italia ’90.

Cameroon were knocked out in the first round of Algiers 90 which was my first Nations Cup coverage.

Few months later they mesmerized the world and reached the World Cup quarter finals in the 1990 World Cup. Senegal and Ghana have all achieved same feat. Nigeria can even do better if we do the right thing. It has to do with selection without sentiments. It has to do with proper training, the type that will see weak players drop out or be sent out of camp. Fitness must be 100 percent. I was there when Clemence Westerhof drilled the players and they trained three times a day. They did road work, country race, mountain climbing, drills and drills that after USA ’94 World Cup, fifa had to write Nigeria to

inquire about our training and the kind of food we served the players.

Fifa’s letter was sent to the Dr. Akin Amao, the team doctor through the NFA. Dr. Amao is still around today.

Eagles were the fittest team of USA ’94 and but for the crisis that erupted in our camp the Eagles would have gotten to the semi-final or final of that competition. Stephen Keshi was part of that team. They camped in Holland, toured Spain and Italy before going to USA. I toured with them. I saw Bonfrere Jo doing the drills. I saw Westerhof plan the training techniques and executed them. I saw Gerry Van Iyke train the goal keepers. esterhof engaged all of them to achieve results. The training was absolutely professional. The selection was superb. It was a continuation of the work they did to win the Nations Cup in Tunisia in 1994. That USA ’94 squad remains our strongest and best as far as football is concerned. And the good thing is that Keshi was part of that team. He should know that sentiments should be out of his plans. He should know that players must not be allowed room to call the shots and that the bulk stops on his desk. He should know that no player should be given preferential treatment. He should know that he needs the courage to change Mikel Obi, for example, if he is not fighting and doing his job well. He should know a lot of things some of which I intend to put down here as part of my little contribution to our march to Brazil. For now, I want to congratulate our team again and say strongly that if the right things are done and the players get to Brazil very hungry, fit and well coached, they will do well and make us proud. More coming.

W

Battle Of Legends: Okiro assures fans Ilorin agog for 6th National billed to attend the School Sports Festival of adequate security Universal Professional

F

ORMER Inspector General of Police, Sir

Continues from B/P After 26 months of qualifying matches around the world, the 31 nations that will join hosts Brazil at the 2014 World Cup have emerged with Uruguay becoming the last team to seal their place after taking out Jordan in their two-legged playoffs.

FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke will conduct the draw and the balls will be picked out by former World Cup winners from the eight nations who have won the 19 tournaments to date. According to The Metro, these will include Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Mario Kempes, Lothar Matthaus, Zinedine Zidane and 1966 legend Sir Geoff Hurst.

According to Bleacher Report, the pots separate out the top eight seeded teams and help ensure that teams from the same confederations are separated as much as

Mike Okiro, has assured foreign wrestlers and fans

Eagles possible.There are four pots, each containing eight nations. Each pot is drawn in order, so that its teams end up in different groups.

So, once Pot 1 is drawn, each group will have their first member. And it will, in all likelihood, be the biggest team in their respective tank.

Pot 1 is for the seeded teams, which is based on the October 2013 FIFA rankings, therefore Pot 1 will contain the following, Brazil (ranked 11th), Spain (1st) Germany (2nd) Argentina (3rd), Colombia (4th) , Belgium (5 th), Uruguay (6th) and Switzerland (7th) And the authoritative American sports portal added that the Eagles might be drawn in Group F, housing Belgium, Russia and South Korea, though the likelihood of it happening is not just guaranteed, since it is a draw.

Wrestling Federation (UPWF) Championship, tagged Battle of Legends, of adequate security before and during and after the event.

The Battle of Legends, which features Nigeria’s Osita Offor, also known as De Ultimate Commander, in a heavyweight title defence against Bobby Lashley of USA, will hold on December 6 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Okiro, who was accompanied by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya, said he was delighted that a Nigerian was at the verge of bringing honour to the country after the recent exploits of the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the Super Eagles, who just qualified for the 2014 Mundial.

According to Okiro, “Nigeria is blessed with so many talents and we want tom ensure that we get the best of all the youngsters.

T

HE Kwara State capital, Ilorin will for the next ten days be the centre of attention as over 6000 will converge for the 6th National School Sports Festival.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed will declare the festival open tomorrow..

The organisers Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) have promises an exciting games having received the full support of National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM). Athletes are expected to compete in 17 scoring events and six demonstration games.

Defending champion, Cross River State will be aiming to defend its title after the team was sent forth on Wednesday by the State Governor, Liyel Imoke, who charged the team to retain the title.

Also, Niger State, a

team that is yet to make it to the top spot at the tournament is aiming for a good outing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

To create awareness within the city for the championship, a road show was on Thursday organized to drum up support from the host state.

In addition, NSSF has promised to stage hitchfree games as things have been put in place to ensure that only bonafide and eligible athletes participate in the championship.

The tournament, which received the backing of Sterling Bank will also be the first time, it is getting the support of private sector.

According to the Secretary General of NSSF, Olabisi Joseph, the screening of athletes hold on Friday before the kick off of most of the

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Amuneke faults Keshi on Eaglets F

ORMER African footballer of the year, Emmanuel Amuneke does not believe the time is right to blood members of

World Cup draw:

Eagles may face Russia, Belgium, S/Korea

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN, with Agency reports

Qatar’s design of a new stadium for the 2022 World Cup

A

F R I C A N champions, the Super Eagles are set to be placed in Pot 3 when the draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is made in the Brazilian state of Bahia on December 6. And interestingly, the Eagles may find themselves in Group F, comprising Belgium, Russia and South Korea, who coincidentally, were in the same group B with Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Continues on page 51

Amuneke

Onochie Anibeze's column — P. 51

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

Nigeria’s victorious Golden Eaglets team at the highest level.

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi told supersport.com this week that he is willing to give some members of the squad a look in but Amuneke, who coached the Golden Eaglets to success at the 2013 Fifa under 17 World Cup says it’s too early to try out the youngsters at senior level.

He said the move to the Super Eagles will be a step too steep for them to cope with.

“It’s too early (for them to play for the Super Eagles). They are not ready yet. You need to carefully groom these boys and asking them to play for the Super Eagles at this stage will be a mistake,” Amuneke told supersport.com.

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fad (4) 4 Chart (3) 6 Ache (4) 8 Leader (6) 9 Inform (6) 10 Timid (3) 12 Decree (5) 14 Scold (5) 15 Dog-lead (5) 18 Trial (6) 20 Offence (6) 24 Snap (5) 26 Player (5) 28 Terse (5) 30 Cot (3) 32 Mix (6) 33 Reimburse (6) 34 Warmth (4) 35 Crowd (3) 36 Vegetable (4)

DOWN 2 Harry (5) 3 Wonder (7) 4 Planet (4) 5 Feeble (4) 6 Toss (5) 7 Unbeliever (7) 11 Possesses (3) 12 Self (3) 13 Beverage (3) 16 Vestment (3) 17 Hurry (3) 19 Accept (7) 21 Sleep (3) 22 Adept (7) 23 Plaything (3) 25 Cereal (3) 27 Should (5) 29 Therefore (5) 30 Ray (4) 31 Dull (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Globe 7, Argue 8, Ripen 10, Stead 12, Sat 13, Mouth 15, Retired 17, Uproar 19, Fit 20, Lexicon 23, Clad 25, Rash 26, Nemesis 30, Car 31, Thread 34, Inverse 37, Ridge 38, Tan 39, Elfin 40, Bitch 41, Estop 42, Snake.

DOWN: 1, Droop 2, Gusto 3, Lethal 4, Bear 5, Vistor 6, Deter 9, Par 11, Deficit 13, Munch 14, Urban 16, Tic 18, Reverse 21, Naked 22, Shade 24, Decency 27, Mar 28, Shriek 32, Rinse 33, Aglow 35, Vat 36, Elan.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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