Gunmen kill another 50 in Taraba by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62128

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

P-SQUARE:

Searching for Paul seeks God's light in the dark intervention

8 •Glo may cancel contract •Peter's wife replies fans

—A VANGUARD special report on power sector collapse Pgs.39-41

Gunmen kill another 50 in Taraba

BY SONI DANIEL, NDAHI MARAMA & JOHN MKOM

•Ambush motorists, kill two APC leaders •Boko Haram has declared war on Nigeria—Buhari •Cameroon slams Nigerian Muslim clerics 59 •Col. Umar lambasts Nyako; says he is inciting Govs against FG

UKARI—DAR ING gunmen, yesterday, defied the dusk-to-dawn curfew and attacked Gidan Aku community on the outskirts of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing no fewer than 50 persons and injuring many others.

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COLUMNISTS:

Do our laws support our economic well-being?

•P.24

Where is the Nigerian •P.19 leader?

Mr & Mrs

AWUJALE @ 80—From Left: Publicity Manager, Sub-planning Committee, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun; Chairman Troyka Holdings, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo; His Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland, and Vice Chairman, Subplanning Committee, Chief Fassy Yussuf, at a press conference to mark the beginning of Oba Adetona's 80th birthday celebrations held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

EMERGENCY RULE EXTENSION: Committee

sessions 9 Presidency yet to write us begin at Confab

— NASS C M Y K

Summon Okonjo-Iweala, CBN gov, others

2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

PRESENTATION—From left: Mr. Louis Odion, Edo State Commissioner for Information; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; author of the book and Commissioner for Information &Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; Prince Gbade Lana, Commissioner for Information, Oyo State and Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Pascal Dozie,during the public presentation of “Giants of History” at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Gunmen kill another 50 in Taraba tion. Addressing journalists Wednesday, Umar said that the lingering insurgency in four local government areas of the state was not peculiar to Taraba but was a national crisis affecting no fewer than 15 states of the federation. While regretting that the attacks have seriously affected the state, Umar announced the deployment of 50 more soldiers from Yola to assist the ones on the ground in quelling rising violent attacks in the state. “Information available shows that the insurgents came from Nasarawa State and they camped at the Coast of River Benue close to Ibi", the governor said. “We have deployed 50 soldiers from Yola to add to the troops on the BY PASTOR ITUAH ground who were deAlways be willing to go that extra mile to achieve ployed from Serti and your goals. Decide to be unstoppable, no matter Takum and with a reawhat, and you will be unreachable. sonable number of policemen on the ground, we hope the situation would improve. BY ELLA RANDLE “We have concluded arrangements on how to Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it visit the internally diswill strip today of its joy— Take Heart Quotes placed persons and render immediate sucTOP blaming others for your troubles. The ex cour to them. That is why tent to which you can achieve your dreams de- we have dispatched 28 pends on the extent to which you take responsibil- trailers laden with relief ity for your life. When you blame others for what materials to the affected you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you LGAs. give others power over that part of your life. trying ‘I have ordered that to be everything to everyone.Doing so is impossi- despite the curfew in ble, and trying will only burn you out. But making Wukari, the General Hosone person smile can change the world. Always one pital there should be step at a time. Focus on what you want to happen open for the treatment of in your life. the victims of the crisis. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great The 24-hour curfew earsuccess story. If you awake every morning with the lier imposed in the area thought that something wonderful will happen in had been relaxed and your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll would be in force from 12 often find that you’re right. No matter how good or noon to 6 a.m.,” the govbad you have it, wake up each day thankful for ernor said. your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately “We remain committed fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what to the security and well you’re missing, try thinking about what you have being of the public. Unand be grateful for them. fortunately some people

Continues from page 1 The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons allegedly came from Nasarawa State through the plains of Benue River and descended on their victims while the residents were asleep. According to a lawyer in the community, Luka Agbu, the “attackers were very hostile to us and did not spare even children or the aged. "The attackers shot at people and burnt houses at the same time without any intervention by the security forces. We are helpless here and we plead with the Federal Government to deploy special troops to rescue us from this unfortunate

and deadly attacks. “Our people are being killed by gunmen, we are losing property on a daily basis. What kind of a country is this?” Agbu queried. But as the dust began to settle, a contingent of soldiers and anti-riot policemen were drafted to Wukari community to contain the situation although most of the community members had deserted the area for fear of further attacks. In the meantime, acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, has warned the people of the state to desist from politicising the current spate of violence and join hands with government in finding a lasting solu-

LIFEWORDS

TAKE HEART

are using these security challenges to achieve political goals. Security of our dear state is too sensitive to play politics with,” he said. The Acting Governor sympathised with four women who delivered at the Mutum-Biyu refugee camp and promised that government would render free treatment to every victim of the attacks in the area.

....Ambush motorists, kill 2 APC leaders Meanwhile, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have shot dead the Kala/Balge council chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Modu Janga and the party ’s youth leader, Alhaji Abba

near Mafa town on the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road. The deceased were returning to Gudumbali from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when their vehicle was ambushed near Mafa town. According to an eyewitness and resident of Mafa, Babagana Usman Mafa, “the insurgents blocked the road with wood and tree branches, after identifying occupants of the vehicle, the gunmen shot them on the spot, and fled towards Dikwa, a border town with Cameroon. “The party chairman alongside other passengers in the ambushed vehicle, were first stopped by flagging down the driver for identification, before three gunmen on motorcycle shot dead two people at close range; and fled towards Dikwa,” Usmani said in a telephone chat Wednesday in Maiduguri. He said the gunmen did not rob the party officials, as their vehicle was abandoned at the scene of the incident, adding that the road was also closed for two hours by soldiers and policemen to prevent further

attacks. On whether other vehicles were ambushed during the attack, he said: “These gunmen could have targeted the APC officials returning to the council area of Kala/ Balge, before they were ambushed on that road leading to Gudumbali, the council headquarters.” Council chairman of Kala/Balge, Alhaji Alifa Bukar Rann confirmed the incident, yesterday, in Maiduguri. He said: “Two officials of APC were shot dead near Mafa town while returning to Gudumbali for party official engagements”. When contacted for confirmation over the incident, yesterday, in Maiduguri, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Gideon Jibrin’s phone number could not be reached, but a security source who is not authorized to speak on the matter said “armed hoodlums ambushed a vehicle on Dikwa Road on Monday; and two people were feared dead, before the security agents closed the road for two hours to prevent further attacks”.

Boko Haram has declared war on Nigeria —BUHARI BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

AGOS—THE Boko Haram sect has declared war on the country and Nigerians must unite across all divides to frustrate the inhuman agenda of the group, erstwhile head of state and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has said. In a strongly worded condemnation of the recent bombing of Nyanya bus park issued yesterday, Gen. Buhari said the terrorists have through their unmindful bloody campaign man-

aged to unite all strata of Nigerians against their agenda and put themselves at the periphery of humanity. Whilst also flaying the abduction of hundreds of school girls in Borno State, Gen. Buhari said the terrorists have shown that they neither respected creed nor colour in their merchandise of death. In the statement entitled “Nyanya bomb blast and the fight against terrorism in Nigeria,” the former military ruler turned politician said: “Sinister terror and hatred have again reached from the shadows to steal the lives of innocent Ni-

gerians. In Nyanya, 72 people were killed by a car bomb. Hundreds more were injured in the devastation. Their killings served no purpose except for those who exalt in evil. The bomb blast quickly came and went like the deadly thief it was; but we shall be left to endure the pain and loss from this terrible act for a long time to come. "What the nation lost is irreplaceable. The number 72 seems like just another grim tally among the death statistics that have become all too common. But what

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6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Court remands siblings for conspiracy, robbery

AKURDI — A Magistrates' court in Makurdi, yesterday, ordered two brothers, Mzuaii Uaaku and Terzungwe Uaaku, to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi, for alleged conspiracy and robbery. Mzuaii, 35, and Terzungwe, 25, both farmers, hail from Mondo village in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The police prosecutor, Cpl. Adama Owoicho, told the court that Oragbai Terna of R.C.M Primary School, Oragbai, reported the case at the Oragbai police station on March 28. He said the complainant was at home when his son, Terso Terna, reported to him that he had been attacked. He said the accused persons, in the company of three others now at large, attacked Terso at gun-point while on his way to Oragbai village. Owoicho said Terso was beaten up by the accused when he failed to meet the demands for money by his assailants, adding that his son sustained injuries following the attack. The prosecutor said the accused persons were subsequently arrested at Oragbai on April 4. He said investigation into the case was ongoing and prayed the court for another date for mention. Owoicho said the offences contravened Sections 6(1) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap RII Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. However, when the case came up for mention, the plea of the accused persons were not taken for want of jurisdiction. The magistrate, Mrs Franca Yuwa, adjourned the case till June 30 for mention.

Policeman rapes, impregnates pastor's 13-yr-old daughter in Anambra A

WKA—A POLICE ser geant (names withheld) has been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly raping a 13year-old daughter of a popular pastor at Nkpor in Idemili Council Area of the state. The young girl, said to be two months pregnant told her parents last Saturday who was responsible for her pregnancy. According to a close family source, who does not want to be quoted, the girl told her parents that the policeman had threatened her against telling anyone about the affair. The source said the threat

made her keep the secret until few days ago when she complained to her mother about some symptoms, which after thorough investigation led to her confession of being pregnant. According to reports, the policeman initially denied the allegation and was supported by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, which made the victim's parents to petition a human rights group and the state Commissioner of Police. After the petition, the policeman was said to have accepted responsibility and agreed to take

AGOS — A mechanic, Suleiman Ajibade, 28, was yesterday brought before an Apapa Senior magistrates’ court in Lagos, charged with beating one Mr Femi Alede to a pulp. Ajibade, who resides at Irede community in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of breach of peace and assault.

PPRO, Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed that the command received such report but said investigations were ongoing with a view to ascertaining the level of culpability of the said policeman. The command image-maker, stated that proper investigation in the matter was necessary, because the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Gwary, does not tolerate acts of indiscipline by his officers and men. According to him, "the matter is under investigation and I will brief the press on it later."

Man shot dead hours after son's wedding BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

Commuters queue to board buses on resumption of work after Easter holidays, at Oshodi in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

SUSPECTED RITUALIST DEN:

17 suspects arraigned over attack on Police officer’s house BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Police Command, yesterday, arraigned 17 suspects who attacked the house of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police at Ijaye in Abeokuta on Monday before a magistrate's court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta. The suspects were arraigned on a four-count charge of malicious

damage, conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace. Some youths, Monday, allegedly attacked the house of the retired policeman over the rumour that it was being used for ritual killings. But 17 of them were arrested by policemen who prevented them from wreaking more havoc. At the hearing, counsel to the

Mechanic, 28, docked for assault, breach of peace

care of the girl till delivery. He promised to be giving the girl's family N20,000 monthly for the girl's up keep, which the father turned down, demanding N300,000 to enable him take proper care of her daughter till delivery. In the girl's statement to her parents, she was quoted as saying that the policeman ordered her at gunpoint to have sex with him on her way from school, a claim the suspect denied, saying the action was carried out mutually between them and not by force. When contacted, the state

The prosecutor, Inspector Friday Inedu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 23 at the same address. Inedu said the accused, with others at large, unlawfully assaulted Alede by beating him to a pulp, which caused him bodily harm. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 166 and 171

of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Senior Magistrate, Mr Adeyemi Amos, granted Ajibade bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till April 28.

accused persons, Kayode Akinsola, applied for bail, describing the suspects as mere onlookers without criminal records. He urged the court to grant his clients bail in most liberal terms considering Section 118 (2) and Section 36 (5) of Criminal Code Law of Ogun State proceeding law. “They are just onlookers and not criminals,” he said But the prosecution counsel, Banji Sangotokun, opposed the bail, saying the suspects had conducted themselves in a way that breached peace in the state. In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Anthony Araba, granted the suspects bail in like sum of N50,000 each with one surety each in like sum which must be tax payers.

SABA—TRAGEDY struck, weekend, at Owa-Oyibu in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State when an elderly man was shot dead few hours after his son's wedding. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident and gave the name of the deceased as Ifeanyi Okonkwo. According to her, "it is confirmed that an elderly man whose name is Ifeanyi Okonkwo of Aliohen, Owa-Oyibu was shot dead by unknown persons on the night of April 19, 2014." According to the report, his son got married on that Saturday and left with money, the gift items and his wife to Agbor, his base, only to hear that his father was shot. The PPRO further said that the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary while investigations has begun. Meantime, the state police command said apart from pockets of minor cases, the command witnessed a peaceful Easter celebration. The PPRO said: "The success can be attributed to better strategies put in place by the crime -busting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, the hardworking officers and men of the command and moreover, the support of members of the public. "We planned and with our daily 24-hour patrol and intelligence gathering, we were able to nip some crimes in the bud."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 7

Farmer forges signatures, steals N2m from bank •How I withdraw customers' money — Suspect L

BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — A 54-year-old farmer has been arrested by the Police Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged fraudulent withdrawals of money from customers' accounts in a new generation bank. The suspect, Godwin Diavel, has allegedly succeeded in withdrawing about N2 million from different customers' accounts within and outside Lagos. But he met his waterloo, last Thursday, after he went to the Ogba branch of a new generation bank to withdraw N500,000 from the account of one Saheed Ademola Adegbola with a forged signature. Explaining how he was arrested, spokeswoman for the Unit, Ngozi Nsintume-Agu, said on noticing that the picture on the bank’s system was different from the customer's, the cashier posed some questions which the suspect, who hails from Oghare in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, could not answer and subsequently, contacted the unit.

Chronicle of his fraudulent withdrawals Preliminary investigation, according to Nsintume-Agu, revealed that the suspect had been engaged in the fraudulent act for long, using pseudonyms. According to her, "sometime in

Godwin Diavel, the suspect. February 2014, the suspect was arrested at the Ejigbo branch of the bank where he identified himself as Peter Okoro while attempting to seek information on another customer's account. He was subsequently held and handed over to the Police. "Also on October 4, 2013, he was caught at Opebi branch where he identified himself as Samson Omobo and fraudulently impersonated another customer and attempted to withdraw N300,000.00 from the customer's account. "Similarly, on January 29, 2014, the suspect was at Ilupeju branch

of the bank and impersonated one Sunday Onwuabaizo and successfully withdrew N470,000.00 from his account. "Again, on November 19, 2013, he was at Abule Egba branch of the same bank where he impersonated one Chinedu E. Onwutaly and fraudulently withdrew N220,000.00. "Also sometime in 2013, he was at Abraka branch of the bank where he succeeded in withdrawing N470,000 from the account of one Kabiru Mohammed Baday.

How I withdraw customers money — Suspect In his confessional statement, Daviel stated that he usually goes to various bank branches, picking up used withdrawal slips by customers. Thereafter, he said he would take the slips home and study the signatures before forging them for presentation.

He stated that he had on several occasions succeeded in withdrawing money from customer's accounts in Delta State, adding that he was arrested at Opebi while attempting to withdraw N300,000.00 and was handed over to Police. "The case was charged to court but was struck out because the bank did not come to give evidence," he said, adding that he has no account with the said bank. Investigation, according to the unit’s spokesperson, was on-going, adding: "It is strongly believed that the suspect belongs to a syndicate that specialises in forging documents and defrauding innocent Nigerians and financial institutions. Effort is on top gear to arrest other members of the syndicate. Suspect will be charged to court, soonest. "The Commissioner of Police, SFU, CP Umar Farouk Idris, assures account holders of sustained Police cooperation with banks to secure their deposits against activities of fraudsters like Godwin Diavel. "He enjoins other banks to place suspected persons on nationwide alert and promptly report them to Police for arrest and prosecution. He also advises account holders to protect their personal information and always destroy used deposit/withdrawal slips before leaving the bank."

Edo nursing students protest imposition of principal, others

Gunmen kill another vigilante leader in Delta BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ARRI—UNKNOWN gunmen in Delta State, yesterday, killed Kpufman Migagan, another vigilante group leader, at Otokutu Junction, Ughellii South Local Government Area. The incident which happened at about midday is the second in attacks against vigilante leaders in the area in one week. A similar killer squad also shot dead Udu Vigilante Leader, Prosper Erhinyojare, at a relaxation spot in Ekete, Udu locality last Friday. Migagan, Vigilante Leader in Igbudu, a Warri suburb was reportedly driving in a Toyota Sienna bus towards Warri when the armed men waylaid and shot him to death. Luck, however, ran out on one of the gang members who was said to have died from gunshots from their victim who engaged them in a shoot-out before his death. The unidentified corpse of the dead assailant was lying at the Jeremi Police Station.

Freight forwarder nabbed over cocaine shipment to Gabon

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

ENIN CITY—STUDENTS of the Edo State School of Nursing, yesterday, protested alleged imposition of a principal in the school, non-accreditation of the school in the last two years and insufficient teachers in the stateowned institution. The placard-carrying protesters lamented that the state government transferred the principal of the State School of Midwifery, whom, according them, is not a nurse, to head their school, asserting that they need someone who would understand the challenges being faced in the school. They protested to the state Government House, the Edo State House of Assembly complex and the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benin City. The Vice President, Students Union Government (SUG) of the school, Marris Osadolor, said: "What we want now is how to get our accreditation and not changing principals from school to school. "Until government restores our accreditation and give us a new principal, the school will not open and that is the reason we are pro-

The protesting students, yesterday. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike. testing. "They assured us that they are going to do something about our accreditation. We don't have enough lecturers, no school bus as promised and we are demanding that those things be restored. "The few lecturers we have are just managing to teach three to four courses. We lecture ourselves too and we don't want that anymore." Efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Health, Dr

Aihanuwa Eregie proved abortive. However, an official who pleaded anonymity explained that "the principal was sent there in acting capacity because their substantive principal retired few days ago and with time, a substantive principal will be appointed. But in any case, what is their interest about who becomes their principal? Their responsibility is to go and study in the school."

On the accreditation of the school, he said: "The non-accreditation does not affect the students already in the school. The school suspended admission of new intakes while those already there would complete their programme. The state government through the ministry is already working to ensure that the school and that of midwifery get their accreditations back."

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday, arrested a 37-year-old freight forwarder, Mr. Nyeaka Chidiebere Anslem, in connection with the shipment of cocaine to Gabon at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. This is just as the agency seized 2.460 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden inside female shoes and voltage regulators at the airport. Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar explained that the seizures were made in a consignment of female shoes from Brazil on board an Ethiopian Airline flight and a shipment of voltage regulators meant for export to Gabon on a DHL cargo flight. Umar added that so far, a freight forwarder had been apprehended for trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country to Gabon.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

P-SQUARE: Paul seeks God's intervention zGlo may terminate contract zAs Peter's wife replies fans BY AYO ONIKOYI, BENJAMIN NJOKU, CHARLES MGBOLU, IYABO AINA, KEHINDE AJOSE & JULIET EBIRIM

HE last may not have been heard of the widely reported crisis rocking the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of P-Square fame, as Paul prays for God's intervention. Meanwhile, the telecommunications giant, Globalcom Nigeria Limited may be forced to review its four-year contract with the pop twins. A source close to the telecoms operator told Vanguard yesterday on telephone that Glo may terminate the endorsement deal, which it has with the pop twins since 2010, should they go ahead with the break-up. According to the source, the telecoms giant entered into a contract with P-Square and not with any of the twins. “Since Glo has a contract with P-Square, and not with Peter or Paul, their breakup will definitely lead to the termination of the contract,” the source explained. Meanwhile, when Vanguard visited the Squareville residence of the pop twins at Lola Holloway Street, Omole Phase 1, Lagos, the place was a shadow of its old self. Silence pervaded the vicinity, even as cars were seen parked outside the compound, indicating that there were people inside the house.

would be resolved as soon as possible. He said: “If these rumours are true, I will see it as a typical African family feud. I pray they resolve their differences as soon as possible. People shouldn’t make things worse by peddling unfounded rumors.” Reacting in the same vein, concerned fans of P-Square attacked Peter Okoye’s wife, Lola, accusing her of being responsible for the alleged breakup of the duo. But Lola has fired back at her accusers, saying “I think silence is the best answer.”

Toni’s pain

Moreover, a friend of the twins and ex-wife of hip-hop star, 9ice, Toni Payne, has taken side with the wives, saying people have wrongly blamed them for being the cause of the breakup. Writing on her Twitter

handle, Toni Payne said, fans have been unfair to the wives of the pop twins. She wrote: “Call me a feminist, but I will always stand in solidarity with any woman that is being wrongly accused. That will not change anytime soon. “I had to fight for my freedom. I fell into depression and lost half my body weight. They wanted to kill me; they don’t care about the damage they do to you.” With arguments almost always frequent in the duo’s lives, there have been increased call for the rumour mill to leave their wives, Lola and Anita, out of the fracas.

This latest disagreement had intensified as the years rolled by with their individual talents of singing and dancing further pulling them apart. Peter wants to be identified as a singer as much as a dancer. Jude, their elder brother, has however repeatedly dropped songs Peter has performed from making the final cut because he feels Paul’s songs would do better in the market. Inside sources said this is the major reason Peter wants to opt out as he can no longer stand being just the ‘dancer’ in the group.

Appeasement Precedents

Paul and Peter have indicated in several interviews in the past that arguments have always been part of their lives. The twins argue every time an album is close; with intense debates on which song goes in or out. They faced similar problem in 2005 with their Get Squared album and in 2007 with the highly successful Game Over album. Danger, 2009 and Invasion, 2011 were not different.

Sources also said that Peter had so protested that the videos of Alingo and Personally were shot to appease him. In the videos, Peter is featured as singer and dancer. Vanguard learnt that Jude had planned to revert to the statusquo in their coming album with Paul doing the songs. The decision put Peter in riot mode; forcing the group to stall the release of their sixth studio album whose fate is hanging in the balance.

Paul prays

One of the twins, Paul Okoye took to his Facebook page yesterday to express his concern over the ongoing face-off between him and his twin brother. “After the storm comes the calm. Hoping for better days ahead as one family. God’s intervention,” he wrote. Also, popular R ‘n B musician, Djinee, while reacting to the alleged breakup, expressed optimism that their differences

HOME MADE: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and Mr. Darius Ishaku, Supervising Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, during the presentation of smart phones produced by youths in Calabar, at the National Executive Council meeting, State House, Abuja. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Agbakoba sues A-G, NASS to court over Marriage Act BY INNOCENT ANABA

ORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohommade Adoke (SAN) and National Assembly before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, challenging what he termed the discriminatory position of the Marriage Act and Matrimonial Causes Act to his Christian belief in marriage.

Agbakoba, in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, is challenging the unconstitutional restriction and interference with his right to religious freedom and freedom from religious discrimination by the state through the Marriage Act and Matrimonial Causes Act contrary to Section 38 and 42 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as

amended). He is further contending that he is a Christian and so was entitled under the Constitution to conduct his marriage in accordance with Cannon law, but that the state through the Marriage Act and Matrimonial Causes Act compels him to conduct a secular marriage contrary to his faith/belief. According to him, he wants to, like adherents of other faiths such as African Traditional Religion and

Islam, resolve his marriage disputes in courts manned by persons knowledgeable in Cannon law, but is compelled by the state through the Matrimonial Causes Act to use secular courts manned by persons with little or no knowledge of Cannon law. This, according to his suit, violates his right to religious freedom and freedom from religious discrimination. Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

Pipeline tapping, ‘Nigeria problem' hits UK Exxon Mobil BY OMOH GABRIEL, with agency reports

XXON Mobil in the United Kingdom, UK, has reported that its pipeline has been tapped into by thieves to siphon fuel. This has made oil operation in Britain to experience what the West had termed a ‘Nigeria problem’ of frequent crude oil theft. Media reported that more than 30,000 litres of diesel was involved, worth 41,000 pounds ($70,000) at pump prices. While fuel tapping from UK pipelines is rare, media have reported a small but growing number of fuel thefts from vehicle tanks. The theft of metals, such as copper cable, has led to communications and rail network disruptions. Police said that they had arrested two men, aged 32 and 34, in connection with the theft. Exxon Mobil said it was working to reopen one of Britain’s main underground fuel pipelines after the discovery of a tapping device and a stash of diesel that police believed was siphoned off by thieves. The company, which operates as Esso in Britain, said yesterday that the device was found on the Midline pipeline that transports fuel from its Fawley Refinery near the south coast to its Birmingham fuel terminal in central England. “Our specialists are now working to remove the tapping device, repair, test the pipeline and restore it to normal operations as soon as possible,” Exxon said in a statement. Police launched an investigation after a large quantity of diesel was found in an industrial storage unit at West Wellow in Hampshire, southern England.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 —9

sacrifices and work extra time, including working weekends, to enable them do a thorough job. In his contribution, a member of the committee and a delegate representing Bayelsa State, Chief Francis Doukpolagha, said it was impossible for any committee to do a thorough and holistic job in less than a week, but appealed to the committee chairman, Aliero, to liaise with the leadership of the conference for possible time extension. In his response, Aliero said the work plan was presented and approved by all the delegates at the plenary, adding that his committee did not have powers to alter the work plan.

VISIT: Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (2nd left) and members of Senior Course 36 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State, during their visit to the governor, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

C'ttee sessions begin at confab, summon Okonjo-Iweala, CBN gov, others BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA— DELEGATES at the ongoing National Conference, yesterday, broke into committee sessions with the Public Finance and Revenue Committee summoning the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, top management staff of the ministry and the Acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr. Sarah Alade, and her team to appear before it today and Friday. The committee also expect all ministers, heads of agencies, institutions and parastatals appearing before it to explain how activities at their ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, were being carried out. Similarly, the Committee on Energy, led by Senator Rashid Ladoja, is to summon the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, top management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, operators in the oil and gas sector to come up with documents and policies that would, among others, help the committee to effectively carry out its assignment. Also to appear before the Committee on Public Finance and Revenue between today and Friday are the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Chairmen, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and

the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC. Others include top management staff of Debt Management Office, DMO; National Planning Commission, National Lottery Commission; Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI; Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; Nigerian Shippers Council and other agencies involved in revenue generation.

Why the summons

The delegates will probe the effectiveness, efficiency and their relevance of the MDAs, with a view to proffering solutions to the myriad of problems affecting them in order to block all loopholes and wastage.

Collating the views of members, the Chairman and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Adamu Aliero, explained that the committee’s secretariat would serve them notices of summon to enable them appear today. According to the work schedule, each of the MDAs is allocated only one hour to make its presentation, in view of the tight schedule of the committees. During the deliberations, the committee rejected suggestions that questionnaires be sent to the MDAs on the ground that the information that may be returned to them might not tally with the true picture on ground.

The committee members also complained about the short period allocated to them to conclude the assignment. In his explanation, a member of the committee and a delegate representing the South-South geopolitical zone of the country, Chief Sergeant Awuse, who noted that the committees were set up to enable members have direct interaction with the technocrats, however, advised committee members to be cautious of information posted on websites by MDAs.

Time factor

According to Awuse, in view of time constraint and heavy workload, committee members should make

Boundaries C’ttee

In a related development, the Committee on Land Tenure, National Boundaries, also resolved to summon the former Director-General, National Boundary Commission, NBC, Alhaji Dahiru Bobo, to furnish it with very important information on the nation’s boundaries, in order to address the problem of porous boundaries. Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Mamman, who noted that a member of the committee and the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Mustapha, had agreed to speak with Bobo on the need for him to appear and furnish the committee with verbal information, said the committee would also write the present Director-General, Dr. Muhammed Ahmed, for members to share from their wealth of experiences on the nation’s borders. Mamman said the committee, which put up subcommittees on traditional rulers to enable it brief the Land Reform Committee on their roles before the military Land Use Act, also said that there were professionals, legal and judiciary sub-committees.

Abacha fired me because of Obasanjo, Yar'Adua— GAMBO JIMETA BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA— FORMER Inspector-General of Police and delegate to the ongoing National Conference, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, yesterday, narrated how he lost his top police job on account of his pleas for the release of General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd.) and late General Musa Yar‘Adua (rtd.) from detention under the Sani Abacha regime. Jimeta, who recalled that his intervention at that time was in the interest of the nation, however, regretted that he

became another casualty of that regime as he was eventually forced to go on self-exile on account of persecutions by the Abacha regime. Besides Obasanjo and Yar ‘Adua, Gambo said he also pleaded for four other unnamed persons incarcerated by that regime. Jimeta spoke during the inaugural sitting of the National Conference Committee on National Security, which he chairs. He recalled that his untimely exit from service and subsequent witch-hunt by his employer left him with

no alternative than to reluctantly seek exile for nine months at the expense of the wife, children and family members he left behind. He said: “As the IGP then, I advised the former ruler, Sani Abacha, to release the high profile political detainees like Olusegun Obasanjo, Musa Yar ’Adua and four others. But Abacha refused to do so, removed me and they wanted to kill me.” Alhaji Jimeta said he was not at the National Conference to push for anybody’s interest except the

country’s, adding “ wherever there is a positive endeavour to find solutions to what is worrying the nation, I will gladly go and do it not because I am invited. “That is why I am saying I am not working for anybody but for myself and my conscience and the well being of my children and greatgrandchildren to come.” He assured that his committee would proffer solutions that would permanently solve the country’s security problems, saying members of the committee have the required expertise and experiences.

10— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Court strikes out charges against NAICOM boss BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has struck out the charge against the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of National Insurance C o m m i s s i o n , NAICOM, Mr Fola Daniel. Daniel was charged to court on a six-count charge of criminal misrepresentation of facts involving Alliance and General Insurance Limited and deliberate falsehood. Trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, struck out the charge following an application to withdraw the case by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mr Mohammed Adoke, SAN. The application was based on the constitutional powers vested on the AGF to institute and to discontinue criminal cases. A private prosecutor, Mr. Chijioke Ndubuisi had filed the motion together with a sixcount charge against Daniel at the court and subsequently wrote for a fiat of the AGF. The AGF declined the fiat, but instead elected to do the prosecution. In the said charge accompanying Ndubuisi’s motion, it was alleged that Daniel deliberately made a number of misleading and malicious misrepresentations against an insurance company, Alliance and General Insurance Limited to a number of public officers and agencies with the intention of damaging the reputation of the said insurance company. It was further alleged that Daniel committed the same offences against Fidelity Bond Group, by representing that the Group had infracted the Insurance Act of 1997.

2015: Tinubu has no plans to impose any candidate, says Lagos APC BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS—LAGOS State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described insinuations making the rounds that the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu plans to impose a governorship candidate on the party ahead of the 2015 governorship election in the state as false, unfounded, baseless and mere rumours. APC in a statement yesterday

by its Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said it was a well known pattern in political demarketing, which the opponents of the party use to confuse and deceive Lagos residents. The party explained that at present, it merely zoned the choice of its governorship candidates to the Lagos East senatorial zone in line with the tenets of justice, equity and fairplay. According to Igbokwe, “The unholy rumour about the

imposition of a candidate when we are still far from the process of gubernatorial primaries fits into the sorry political calculation of the perennial losers, who will cling to any straw to whittle down the overwhelming support APC enjoys in Lagos. We note that the rumour of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu imposing one candidate or the other is not new and had formed the outlandish and specious response of the weakened and dying opposition

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: From left — Mr. Louis Odion, Edo State Commissioner for Information; author of the book and Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; his Lagos counterpart, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Prince Gbade Lana, Commissioner for Information, Oyo State, and Mr. Pascal Dozie, Chairman, MTN Nigeria, during the public presentation of “Giants of History” at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

in Lagos to the unprecendented support Lagosians give to the APC. We note that it was once rumoured that Asiwaju Tinubu had concluded plans to impose another Muslim candidate in Lagos. We note that at a stage, it was the rumour that the Asiwaju had concluded plans to impose his wife as the next Lagos State governor. Now, it is the rumour that Asiwaju Tinubu has concluded plans to impose a certain aspirant who is neither Muslim nor his wife just because the party decided to zone the next governorship to Lagos East when other zones had taken their turns in governing Lagos. “Lagos APC notes that there is a rich list of competent, well qualified and worthy aspirants from Lagos East senatorial constituency, who have indicated interest in contesting for the governorship of Lagos. We note that these rich assembly of devoted party men have worked for the interest and progress of the party in Lagos and at the national level and the party owes them a free and transparent process through which one of them will emerge as the party’s flag bearer in Lagos. ''We therefore, counsel our members to remain steadfast and continue to chart the progress of the party. We enjoin the aspirants to continue their mobilisation towards a free primary and be assured that they will have a level playing field.”

Aregbesola tasks FG over abducted students, others BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS—GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, yesterday in Lagos, called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rescue of the remaining abducted Government Secondary School girls in Chibok, Borno State and stop other acts of violence by insurgents in parts of the country. This came as his Lagos counterpart, Mr. Babatunde Fashola blamed the socioeconomic and political crises facing Nigeria on leadership vacuum. Aregbesola, spoke at the public presentation of a book titled, “Giants of history: Making of our world”, authored by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba. The governor, who was the Keynote Speaker, lamented the lacklustre attitude of the Federal Government towards the abduction incident, saying; “The implication of the abduction on national security psyche and image are enormous. I am so depressed about what is

happening in the country and I do not know how to put it. “I cannot understand the rationale behind the kidnapping of school girls; girls who left their homes with sole ambition of acquiring knowledge only to end up as companions to criminals and sycophants. It is frightening. “I urge everybody to do everything humanly possible to

put an end to this sad development. “The Federal Government must rise up to this; everyone in authority must act now. As horrible as Afghanistan is, we never read of abduction of human beings, let alone school children. Also speaking, Governor Fashola, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occassion

said, Nigerians had great people that could make the difference but were not allowed to occupy the right positions. Fashola, lamented that there was leadership vacuum in the country, which had remained unfilled in many spheres of the country’s national life because the rich human resources had not been well harnessed.

Awujale at 80: Monarch harps on tackling corruption BY DAUD OLATUNJI

B E O K U TA — T H E Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, yesterday, said that traditional rulers are not exempted from corruption in Nigeria. The monarch however, declared that the country would not overcome its socioeconomic challenges except corruption is weeded out from all strata of Nigeria’s existence. Oba Adetona, while addressing newsmen at his

palace during a special interview session organised by the Renaissance Group to mark his forthcoming 80th birthday and 55 years on the throne, lamented that corruption has become endemic, which requires divine intervention. The traditional ruler said; “Corruption has become part of our life in this country, from our leaders and even the Obas are not left out, there is corruption everywhere. It is the greatest problem facing us as a country, and we have to overcome it to move forward.” He emphasised that the

country is rich in every aspect of human endeavour but, that corruption will not let the nation grow. “People should refrain from being corrupt. If we as the people change, our leaders or anybody coming to corrupt us will also change,'' he said. The Renaissance Group had earlier described the traditional ruler as an incorruptible ruler, who is transparent and equitable. The group outlined programs for the celebrations, which will be between Sunday, May 4th and May 10th 2014.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 11

S-West PDP stalwarts seek dissolution of caretaker committee BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—SOME members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the South West, have asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to nullify the appointment of the party’s Southwest Zone Caretaker Committee. The plaintiffs, Ishola Filani (Ekiti), Chief Pegba Otemolu (Ogun), Adedeji Doherty (Lagos), Rasak Akanni (Oyo), Bolaji Jeje (Lagos), Orimolade Olanrewaju (Ondo), Olawunmi Oshinmoluke Yuba (Ogun) and Banji Obasanmi (Ekiti), are contending that they remain the valid Caretaker Committee members of PDP by virtue of a court order, noting that PDP cannot appoint any other persons to replace them. Trial judge in the matter, Justice Okon Abang, has adjourned till May 16, for judgment in the suit. Other plaintiffs in the suit are Shola Oludipe (Ondo), Lawal Waheed Olatunde (Oyo), Emmanuel Oladejo (Oyo), Olalekan Abubakar (Lagos), Seun Adesanya (Ogun), Semiu Babatunde (Ogun), Prince Tope Ademiluyi (Ekiti), Tunde Olowofoyeku (Osun) and Prince Omoniyi Alo (Ondo). They are asking the court to declare that based on judgment delivered by Justice Abang of April 9, 2013, following which they were appointed as the Caretaker Committee of the Southwest Zone until the conduct of a zonal congress to elect new officers, PDP was not at liberty to dissolve the committee until new officers had been elected. They also want the court to hold that the resignation of their positions in the committee was to enable them contest for a

substantive office during the congress, scheduled to hold on August 24 last year, and since the congress was cancelled, their resignation is, therefore, of no effect. The plaintiffs want the court to restrain PDP from appointing any other persons in their place as the party’s Caretaker Committee in the Southwest Zone.

In a supporting affidavit, Filani, who was chairman of the ‘old’ committee, said the court had directed the PDP to set up a caretaker committee to run the party’s affairs in the Southwest, consisting of the plaintiffs, who were “ duly elected delegates from the constituent states of the Zone,” pending the conduct of a new congress. He said PDP announced a timetable for the congress sometime in June 2013 and

VISIT: The Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye praying for Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming election, Mr. Ayo Fayose (kneeling down) while Ogoga's wife, Olori Margaret (left) watches at the palace in Ikere Ekiti yesterday.

Aregbesola, Adeleke, others at Oyinlola's Easter party in Okuku Monday night held a secret The meeting which took place BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO— AHEAD of the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola

meeting with his predecessor in office and former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as parts of his efforts to win a re-election.

Fayose vows to restore education varsity ... As Bamidele promises women empowerment BY GBENGAARIYIBI

DO EKITI—IKERE Ekiti will again become a university community as the Ekiti State 2014 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose has promised to return the University of Education, Ikere, which was scrapped by the

scheduled the congress for August 24, 2013. “It is clear that unless this court intervenes, the second defendant (PDP) will defy the order of this court set out above and constitute an illegal and invalid Caretaker Committee in place of the plaintiffs and the first defendant (INEC) will proceed to recognise the illegal contraption as representing the Southwest Zone of the PDP,” he averred.

Fayemi administration. Fayose, who made the promise, according to a press statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Idowu Adelusi in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said he initiated the university, adding that what he did for Ikere when he was governor, nothing was added by the administrations that came after him. He said “My two deputies are from Ikere. Likewise the positions of chairman of Local Government Service Commission, special adviser on local government and Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, which were ceded to Ikere. “The road dualisation from Ado to Ikere started by my administration was not continued. I will continue with the project and stop it along Akure Road. Ikere people are wonderful and I

have a great respect for them.” Meanwhile, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the state, Opeyemi Bamidele has vowed to promote women empowerment if elected governor of the state in the June 21 election. He spoke during his electioneering campaign in both Erijiyan and Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state, yesterday. Bamidele, who expressed worry over the level of participation of women in politics in the state, pledged to change the trend if elected the next governor of the state. According to him, women’s interests in professional and political careers would be enhanced and protected to put them in a vantage position where they won't be oppressed.

at Oyinlola's country home, Okuku lasted less than one hour. Sources told Vanguard that the governor arrived Oyinlola’s residence around 9:30 pm and left the house few minutes after 10 pm. Though details of the meeting were not immediately known, it was reliably learnt that the two men held talks on political developments in the state, particularly the August 9 governorship poll. Both Aregbesola and Oyinlola later took photographs when Aregbesola was departing Oyinlola's Okuku residence. Earlier in the day, the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District in the Senate and a close associate of Aregbesola, Professor Sola Adeyeye, was sighted in Oyinlola's Okuku residence, in company of the former governor. Apart from Aregbesola and Adeyeye, who visited Oyinlola, two of the three aspirants that contested the last governorship primaries of PDP in the state, Isiaka Adeleke and Wole Oke both attended the Easter party Oyinlola organised, earlier touted to be strictly for the PDP members.

Osun holds economic summit BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO—AN Osun State-based Civil Society Organisation; Peoples Welfare League, PWL, is organising an economic summit to discuss the state of economy of the state with a view of revamping the economy of the state and take critical assessment of the three and half years of Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration in the state. National Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Biodun Agboola at a briefing in Osogbo yesterday, said the summit was designed to provide solutions to problems on the finances of the state and its people. Tagged “Orisun Aje” 2014, Agboola said the summit would further assist in determining the economic future of the state and ways of improving the economy of the state. According to him, governor Aregbesola made some promises to the people of the state “and we have invited no fewer than 18 discussants that will take critical look if he has delivered on his promises.”

State burial for Ondo Assembly ex-speaker BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE—THE former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samuel Adesina is to be given a state burial this Friday in his home town, Oniparaga, Odigbo Local Government area of the state. Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Orientation, Oyebo Aladetan, who disclosed this in Akure, said a special committee had been set up to organise the burial ceremonies, starting today. He said the programme for the burial would start with a service of song today and would be held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure. The chairman added that there would be a lying-instate for the late speaker at the House of Assembly complex and a valedictory sitting in his honour today.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

FG awards N6.4trn oil contracts to 28 firms BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

HE Federal Government has increased its local content drive by awarding most of its long-term oil contracts worth an estimated $40 billion, about N6.4 trillion a year, to 28 Nigerian-owned firms, according to a confidential document obtained by Reuters’ news agency. The implication of this is that global traders will need to partner with them to access crude from the country. “It is incredible to have an OPEC member selling its oil this way. There’s one international trading house and barely any refiners on the list,” said a senior oil trading source who formerly bought crude oil from Nigeria. Also reacting, non-governmental organisations, such as Switzerland’s The Berne Declaration, have criticised the sales method, saying it is opaque and offers no guarantee that the oil is sold at fair value but the government has repeatedly denied there is any lack of transparency in the process. The contracts cover around 340 million barrels of oil, worth close to $40 billion annually, based on current Brent prices, and run for a year, though they can be renewed.

They were allocated to just 28 companies, as against around 50 in 2012, the last time they were awarded. In a break with tradition, no contracts were given directly to global trading houses, Glencore Xstrata, Vitol, Trafigura or Gun-

vor, with only Switzerland’s Mercuria winning a contract, according to a list that four industry sources verified as accurate. The trading companies that missed out on direct oil contracts declined to com-

ment. The list, released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is preliminary and subject to revision. NNPC officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

PORT HARCOURT WORLD BOOK CAPITAL: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Tele Ikuru (left), and Director, World Book Capital, Mrs. Koko Kalango, at the opening ceremony of Port Harcourt World Book Capital, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Jonathan's having challenges because he stepped on toes, says Ogbemudia BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ia and Edo State in particular. If he is given another five years, potholes and bad roads will be a thing of the past in Nigeria.” Regretting that despite the laudable programmes of the President Jonathan administration, some Nigerians were still not happy with his administration, he said: “When you see the Benin-Lagos-Shagamu Road, you will no doubt come to the conclusion that a greater percentage of the transformation is

ENIN—FORMER governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan was experiencing a turbulent tenure because he had stepped on toes in the process of transforming the country. According to him, “Jonathan is more intelligent than many of us put together. He is pushing the programmes to transform Nigeria and those who do not want change are opposed to him. In the process of transforming the country, he is OVERNOR Emstepping on people’s manuel Uduatoes and they are fightghan of Delta State, will ing him.” today, launch the Delta Ogbemudia, who also State Micro-insurance described the Minister of scheme. Works, Mr. Mike OnoleA statement by the Dimemen, as the “best rector of Information, Minister of Works since Mr. Paul Osahor, said 1960,” urged the Presithat the event will hold dent to give the minister at the Unity Hall, Govfive more years because ernment House, Asaba at “I have driven through 10a.m. llesha-Ife-Ibadan-AbeAccording to the stateokuta-Lagos roads and I ment, “all top governobserved that the minisment functionaries, perter is a blessing to Niger-

on the way. In the past, the road from Benin to Lagos was untarred except for a few portions, about four miles. The rest was red earth and by the time you got to Lagos, you were red unless you tied some napkins over your head. “Jonathan should be al-

Uduaghan launches Delta State Micro-insurance scheme

manent secretaries, chairmen and members of Statutory Boards and Commissions, Chairmen and members of Local Government Transition Committees, the organised private sector, nongovernmental organisations, captains of industry, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders and stakeholders in the Delta State project are expected to attend the ceremony.”

lowed to complete his job. We should give him the maximum support so that when it is our turn, his supporters will also support us." He is spending sleepless nights doing his mathematics on how to get things done and we should not distract his attention,” he added.

Delta commits N16bn to pension in 7 years

ELTA State Government, said, yesterday that it had committed N16 billion under the state’s contributory pension scheme for its workers since 2007. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan stated this in Asaba while swearing in the Chairmen and Secretaries of the state Bureau for Pension and that of Local Government Pension Bureau. Uduaghan said that the state government was one of the few states in the federation that joined the new pension scheme in 2007. Under the pension scheme, government and workers contribute 7.5 per cent of the workers' monthly salary to the pension fund from which the retirees draw as monthly pension after service. Uduaghan explained that initially, the state government was contributing 16 per cent of its workers’ monthly salaries to the fund, instead of the stipulated 7.5 per cent. He said that the government, thereafter, reduced its contribution to 10 per cent. “I have directed the Accountant-General of the state and Head of Service to look into this and ensure that we are not contributing too much or too little to the fund,” he said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014—13

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Emergency extension: Presidency yet to send request to us — NASS ....House of Reps split BY SONI DANIEL, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

INETY-SIX HOURS after the expiration of the subsisting emergency rule imposed on the three states -Borno, Yobe and Adamawa- President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to send a fresh request to the National Assembly, NASS, for possible extension, as stipulated by law. Section 305 of the 1999 Constitutions states that for the President to declare emergency rule in any part of the country, he must first issue a proclamation of the state of emergency, publish it in the form of official gazette and send same to the National Assembly for approval. Section 302 ( 2) of the Constitution states: “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the officials gazette of government of the Federation containing the proclamation including details of emergency rule to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is the President or Speaker, as the case may

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be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation. Subsection 305 (6b and c) provides that a proclamation issued by the President shall cease to have effect if it is not ratified by two thirds of the members of the NASS or if the emergency has been in force for six months after proclamation by the President. However, the law makes it amply clear that the NASS can by a simple majority extend a state of emergency for another six months by a simple majority of members of both chambers. The second leg of emergency rule slammed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by the Federal Government effectively expired on April 19, 2014 with heightened expectation that the Presidency was set to impose a full-scale state of emergency in the affected states because of escalating terrorism that had claimed more lives and property than in previous years. Although the Presidency had kept mute on its next line of action, imposing a full-scale emergency rule would involve dismantling all democratic structures in the three states, forcing the

governors and their houses of assemblies out of power. Unconfirmed reports also had it that the Presidency had begun lobbying NASS members with a view to approving the plan to sack the governors, particularly, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, who had openly criticised the Presidency for the crisis in North-East. Nyako was also peeved that his state was included in the states under emergency rule, when there was no turbulence to warrant such, blaming the Presidency for targeting him. But Senator Ita Enang, Chairman, Senate Committee on Business and Rules, told a Vanguard correspondent, yesterday, that there was no communication between NASS and the Presidency on the emergency rule. Enang said the lawmakers were not in a hurry to endorse emergency rule in any of the states without getting first hand briefing from the President, the security agencies and the stakeholders from the states. “President Jonathan must first present a situation report on the state of security in those states to us after which we will do an appraisal and take appropriate decision,” Enang, who represents

Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, said. Also contacted on the matter, Zakari Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said there was no communication on the matter before them and that they would not act on nothing. “For now, there is nothing before us and we cannot act on nothing," Mohammed said from his constituency in Kwara State. It will be recalled that in the wake of deadly terrorist attacks in the North East, President Jonathan first declared a state of emergency in the three states on May 15, 2013 and subsequently renewed it before the end of the year. In a pre-recorded address broadcast, President Jonathan said: “What we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion... “The Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. ....House of Reps split Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives, yesterday, disagreed on whether emergency rule in Adamawa, Yobe and

Borno should be extended for another six months. Some lawmakers who spoke to Vanguard, saw it as a welcome development and even canvassed dismantling of governmental structures in the affected states, if it became necessary, while others argued that it should not be extended. Chairman, House Committee on Corruption, Abiodun Faleke, APC, insisted that the emergency should not be extended, but suggested there should be heavy security presence. But Chairman, House Committee on Narcotics, Adams James Jagaba, countered Faleke, saying he was in full support of the extension and wanted it extended to Taraba State.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Jonathan's visit: A dama wa P olice advise stat e go vt on Adama damaw Police state govt use of Ribadu Square BY UMAR YUSUF

OLA — ADAMAWA State police command has advised the state government to release the popular Ribadu Square in the state capital for use by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, when President Goodluck Jonathan visits the state next week. This followed complaints by the PDP in the state to the police that the government had denied it the use of the square during Jonathan's proposed. In a letter dated April 22,

2014, to Governor Murtala Nyako by the state Police Commissioner, John Abakasanga, in Yola, yesterday, the police observed that it was not in dispute that Ribadu Square was a public venue meant for both official and private lawful functions of the government and people of the state, provided conditions for such use of the venue were met. Abakasanga also noted that the purposes for which the PDP intended to use the venue was for lawful party activities, adding that it was on that account

that the police command was strongly asking Governor Nyako to have a re-think and rescind his objection to the use of the venue by any political party which integrity was not in doubt. The letter noted that, “our state is fragile and we must do all that it takes to maintain its relative peace,’’ reminding Nyako that as a man of peace, he should take steps that would not give disgruntled elements room to take advantage of this to throw the state into chaos.” According to the Commis-

sioner: “We believe that the refusal to allow some groups of people the use of the venue for lawful activities and granting approval to other groups to use the same venue could pose more tension than making the venue available for use by every group.” Abakasanga warned that while the command could contend with any threat posed by the use of the venue, the force might not be able to cope with the threats that may arise from the refusal to use it. The issue of the release of Ri-

badu Square to the state chapter of the PDP for the one day visit of Jonathan on April 29, had been generating controversy in the state. Meanwhile, the state PDP, yesterday, inaugurated a seven- man committee on the President’s visit to Yola where "he is expected to receive some defectors from the APC including Brig. General Buba Marwa, rtd, and Marcus Gundiri." Addressing members of the committee, the state chairman of PDP, Chief Joel Madaki, urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them. Madaki urged party members to cooperate with the committees to ensure success of the visit. He announced that the party would hold a reception on Saturday for the former National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Insurgency: Group wants Defence, Police budgets audited BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA — HUMAN Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, yesterday, urged the National Assembly to order an independent forensic audit of Defence and Police budgets from 1982 to date. In a statement, the group said the audit was necessary in view of allegations of widespread corruption in the procurement system of the nation’s defence and police institutions. It requested both the Presidency and the Legislature in the country to invite any internationally reputable auditing firm to do the audit. ”Our current crises of widespread insecurity was because of a groundswell of corruption in the procurement mechanisms in Nigeria’s defence and police,” the statement added.

Apology

N THE Vanguard Metro report of yesterday, we mistakenly referred to Okpara community as being in Rivers State instead of Delta State. We regret the mix-up and sincerely apologise to all concerned, especially the indigenes of Okpara community, for the error. —Editor C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 IT is gratifying to note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has finally taken action – or so it seems – over the dangerous behaviour of hundreds of commuters who sit on the roofs of trains, especially in crowded metropolitan Lagos. A number of fatalities, including the mangled remains of a man, were found on the tracks of the rail line at Agege, Lagos, have resulted from the poor attention to safety. A young man recently lost his right hand at the Oshodi, Lagos station while jumping off a moving train. After years of zero train services, NRC returned to business in the last couple of years without adequate security measures that would minimise train mishaps. Train accidents happen even where better safety arrangements are made. In some countries like Brazil, youth exuberance leads hundreds of youth, some as young

Safety, Another Rails Challenge as 13 to surf on fast moving trains. About 150 of them died in 1989 alone, with hundreds injured. India has the same challenges, here the motive is mostly evasion of fares, sometimes those who pay do not have space in the coaches. More than 100 train surfers died in Russia in 2011 and about 40 in Germany in 2008. The causes of death were electrocution, falling off the train, hitting cables or rail infrastructure. A 2006 documentary, Surfing Soweto, details how disillusioned South African youth took to train

surfing to expend their adrenalin. Many have died. One of the reasons for young people risking their lives around trains is that they want to dodge fares. Others are out for adventure, or do not find enough rooms in the train. Whatever it is, NRC should take security more serious. Its current operations may not provide enough room for the dangerous antics of train surfers, but it needs to anticipate the possibilities, especially with the speed information technology spreads habits: good and bad. Information on dangers around rail

transportation under-states them. Enough arrangements have to be made to secure the rails, the various level crossings that trains share with motorists. When trains approach the junctions, even at night, there should be trained wardens to halt traffic from dangers of the rails. Stopping commuters from train surfing is important in establishing a rail system that emphasises safety, comfort and security of commuters. The sector is screaming for attention from government’s touted Transformation Agenda. Without an efficient and safe rail system to move goods and people, the high costs of other means of transportation would swallow the National Industrial Revolution Plan, NIRP, the President launched weeks ago. It is time the authorities paid more attention to the rails to harness the possibilities that mode of transportation holds for our national development.

OPINION BY BASIL ENWEGBARA

N his words of wisdom, John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850) said: ''The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party.'' Describing one of the invaluable attributes of a great leader, America's foremost activist President, Theodore Roosevelt, believed that: ''The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men [and women] to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.'' Since independence, Nigeria has been a great nation without great leaders leading the way. And in such absence of foresighted and patriotic leaders, the return of democracy in 1999 hasn't brought to an end the culture of political somersaults, especially given how one party, the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria, dominating the political landscape, with little or no opposition, rather than owing allegiance to the people, political officeholders seem to have their political 'godfathers' allegiance. With the monopoly of an extra-large Peoples Democratic Party being broken, the historical reality is witnessing an earthquake along with all sorts of political confusions which, thanks to the country's emerging two-party democracy, ethnic or religious dominance is being rolled back from the country's political scene. In other words, resembling America's two-party system known to be responsible for the C M Y K

Why Jonathan has a right to second term transformation of that country into a great democracy and economy, as the power to decide who gets to power is fully in the people's hands, we too will soon be on our way becoming an economic and political powerhouse. With a two-party democracy fully given birth along with minority having the chance to be elected and re-elected as Nigerian President, certainly the rise of fierce checks and balances, politics of best ideas and right policies, will soon replace the brute politics of do-or-die, caustic politics of zero sum game driven by mudthrowing. And to disappear as a result is politics of godfatherism, which since the return of democracy has made our politicians to impress those who imposed them on the people rather than the people who elected them to promote our common good. Or shouldn't the fiercest political battle about which of the two parties gets the people's mandate, and to keep it, party in power does everything to please the people, while party in opposition on its part launches a full-brown battle to seize power from party in power, be the best news ever to happen to this great country of ours, especially when their zero-sum game is purely based on pursuing and propagating the people's interests rather than godfathers' and Western interests? That is why we should do everything humanly possible not to allow the return of the tyranny of majority, which we destroyed and buried in 2011, the year we

elected Jonathan the president from one of the country's ethnic minorities, which took America over 200 years of democracy to elect Barack Obama, an African American as that country's first minority president of the United States. Re-electing Jonathan with a landslide victory in 2015 is the only way we should be proving to the world — just like America did when it re-elected Obama with Obama's landslide victory in 2012 — that Nigeria has finally overgrown its politics of ethnicity and religion. That is why rather than just endlessly attacking Mr. President, APC leaders should spend more of their time strategizing how to develop better peopleoriented policies, designed to outshine those of the ruling party. Otherwise, they will be surprised how difficult to unseat an incumbent president. The growing barrage of caricature and mud-throwing at the President from the likes of el-Rufai, Fani-Kayode, Tinubu, Obasanjo, and Amaechi has forced most Nigerians to become the President's army of sympathisers. But more damaging is opposition's calling of Jonathan's head simply because he comes from the South-South, a geo-political region composed of ethnic minorities. We all remember the battle we all fought against those who denied MKO Abiola his right to become Nigeria's president. Or is it not fair to argue that what is good for North West, North Central and South West should equally be good for the South-South and South East. If it is on the basis of the management of

the economy, then one wonders how Jonathan's government should be penalised for being better than its predecessors since the return of democracy? Those saying that Jonathan would be going for a third term in 2015, should know that their argument hardly holds water because of the difficulty defining what constitutes a third term, especially if the United States, the country whose federal system of government we adopted, is taken into consideration. Take the case of Lyndon B. Johnson who had to complete John F. Kennedy's first term in office when Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Not only did Johnson complete Kennedy's term, but Johnson also went ahead to win his own first term in office in November 1964, as well as went further to seek second term in office. On March 31, 1968, he voluntarily withdrew from the race on the ground of ill-health as a result of several strokes (even though it could be attributed to the overwhelming damage of the Vietnam War to administration). Why America limited the presidential office to two terms was because Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office as a four-term US President (1933-1945). Preventing such a long stay in power from repeating itself, came the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution, which sets two terms as the maximum period someone should be elected into the office of President of the United States.

*Mr. Enwegbara, a deveopment economist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014— —19

, I

N line with the spirit of the times, this column has of late taken an interrogative tone. The title of today’s piece bears this out. There are too many things going on in Nigeria today that demand answers nobody seems ready to provide. Those best placed to provide the answers, those whom history assigns this duty don’t seem conscious of, much less realise, the responsibility thrust on them by their position. Which is where we are today with President Goodluck Jonathan. There is no way one talks about the President at this time without, at best, sounding like a broken record or, at worst, like a member of the All Progressives Congress. But there is no doubt that President Jonathan has signally failed to rise up to the demands of his office, to say nothing of the times. On very significant points he has failed the leadership test. Nothing brings this fact into sharp focus than his handling of the terrorist siege laid on the country in the last fortnight. Based on this point and many others before now Nigerians can rightly claim to have a president but in dire need of and search for a leader. President Jonathan is, but

leader he is not. It might all look so unfair to blame one man for the increasing failures of Nigeria. It may sound foolish to ask questions of him that many of us cannot answer. When we do this, however, it is not because we are irreverent armchair critics who must always look for people to blame for our collective failures. Nobody expects the President to explain how terrorists came to plant bombs in a busy motor park in our so-called seat of power. Indeed nobody expects him to be able to explain how members of, perhaps, wider network of this very same murderous movement attempted a jail break within visible distance of the seat of presidential power- no, nobody expects President Jonathan to know the fine details of such an attack or why there were no hints of it before it occurred. But that is why the President has subordinates assigned direct responsibilities for these duties. One does expect these presidential appointees to be answerable when matters concern their office. Where they

can’t satisfy their principal on this score then they have no further business working for him. While the President often exercises the power to hire he does seem in need of a reminder that the Constitution also confers on him the concomitant power to fire. Or he would by now have sent into deserved retirement many of his non-performing appointees, including those in the intelligence and security community. This class of Nigerians appears to have taken their professional cue from the President who doesn’t seem to know what to do with the power his position confers on him or the right time to admit he has failed and should genuinely seek help or give up his position.

nder the watch of this president terrorist attacks have become routine. Terrorists destroy properties, schools and houses; maim and abduct children and women, and send security personnel to their early death. The terrorists boast of their exploits. They provide graphic details of their attacks, aware they are dealing with a man who was carried, piggy style,

Re: Much Ado about power shift in Delta North BY JOSHUA ODOH

ELTA State is one of those geopolitical entities in Nigeria where social and inter-ethnic re-engineering have proved abortive as its history since the cloning of the state in 1991 has been that of virulent acrimonious relationship among the different nationalities that make up the state. This finds expression on the pages of newspapers where ethnic hate mongers fan the ember of bitterness and disunity. One of such write-ups entitled “ Much Ado About Power Shift in Delta State” written by one Prince Abugo (See Vanguard newspaper, April 1, 2014). The use of newspapers to attack the people of Anioma, denigrate their heritage and cultural values has been a pre-occupation of the likes of Abugo who believe that they own Delta State and the people of Delta North are interlopers and as such, should be made to be “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. Things would be perfect in Delta State as long as the people of Anioma would not aspire to produce the next occupant of the Government House. If Abugo had used provincial journal, Urhobo Voice, to project his hatred for Anioma people, that would have been synch with the dominant feeling of his clan. But the writer chose a respectable medium such as the Vanguard to ventilate his uninformed comments and pack of half truths, designed to confuse his readers. In public communication, ignoring such C M Y K

jaundiced opinion has the tendency of giving it undeserved authenticity, thereby encouraging more of such toxic wastes to emits from equally toxic minds. Since Gen.Ibrahim Babangida cloned Delta State, a hybrid of Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Igbo-speaking nationalities, neither the Anioma nationalities nor the socalled core Delta region have had peace. The core Deltans who feel that Anioma people stole their capital have been belligerent because they feel that the Igbos want to use their oil money to develop their areas. Even when the bulk of the revenue from the federation account, DESOPADEC and NDDC have gone into the pockets of their sons and daughters, with some trickling down into tokenist projects, Anioma people continue to bear the pang of their hate. Initially, the Urhobos had been most hostile and antagonistic in their attitude towards their neighbours but over time, this hate mongering attitude towards Anioma people, especially toward the people of Enuani and Oshimili areas of the state, has taken a frightening and murderous dimension. The political elites from the so-called core Delta area have played on this to milk the state dry. In fact, the virus has become comparable to the Nazi ideology and hatred that led to the Holocaust against the Jews which was superintended by Adolf Hitler.

t is not different from the jihadist ideology of Boko Haram, informed by religious bigotry. The greed and ideology of ethnic chauvinism that are driving the politics in Delta State have kept the state

Where is the Nigerian leader?

While the President often exercises the power to hire, he does seem in need of a reminder that the Constitution also confers on him the concomitant power to fire

into the presidential villa and so lacks both the knowledge and experience to hold that office. The spate of attacks in the last one week alone is meant to register this point loudly- that they, the terrorists, are winning the battle against state institutions and the people while the state looks on bemused. To add insult to the injury caused by a president who cannot protect his own people though he has authority over the use of the means of providing such protection and other supports- to further cause anger in the country, the President and his subordinates go around with the baloney that Nigerians are not being vigilant, urging them to be ‘security conscious’. The very people under the siege of criminal and murderous groups are now being blamed for the failures of so-called leaders who lack the balls to lead. With more than 80 Nigerians killed in one fell swoop, mangled beyond recognition while going about their businesses, and many more injured in the Nyanya, Abuja, bomb attack; with the abduction of more than 100 school girls in Chibok in Borno State and the murder of many young Nigerians on their way to sit the last university matriculation examination, it beggars belief that all the President had to say during his so-called sympathy visit to the scene of the Nyanya attack was to repeat the worn promise to bring perpetrators of the attacks and series of criminalities to book. Even worse for the President, he embarked on a campaign trip for his re-election to Kano in just about 24 hours after the massacre in Abuja. Apparently while nearly 100 people got herded into the world beyond, the President couldn’t wait to go on with his re-election bid. He was

We are not liabilities to Delta State and there is nothing that makes Anioma people second class citizens in the geopolitical entity called Delta State or in any other part of Nigeria

backward, under-developed and badly governed. Pseudo public commentators like Abugo make Anioma people and their political leaders the butt of their ill-informed criticisms and attacks. It must be clearly stated to the likes of Abugo that the people of Anioma are not political appendages or strangers in the Delta project. Gen. Babangida committed an unpardonable error by denying us a state of our own and lumped Anioma people in a union they would never have contemplated. Anioma people are in Delta State, not by our choice and would prefer to be in their own state where they would realise their dreams for self determination, extol their socio-cultural heritage and historical antecedents. We are not liabilities to Delta State either and there is nothing that makes Anioma people second class citizens in the geopolitical entity called Delta State or in any other part of Nigeria. We have paid our dues and have produced high quality manpower that have excelled in various aspects of human

caught in living colours joyfully dancing and frolicking with other members of his party. He seems in a constant state of celebration even when everybody around him is in sackcloth. Only days before the Nyanya attack he gave his daughter away in a lavish marriage ceremony. To imagine he could still have the stomach for any celebration after Nyanya is beyond reason! What then was the meaning of the long face he wore during his sympathy call when he couldn’t wait to be gone to Kano? Has the President reduced all he does to mere politics, believing that what he does mean nothing to Nigerians and he can simply fool around with their emotions while labeling as political any criticism of his performance? Is it mere politics to expect some ‘milk’ of human kindness from the President? Is somebody telling the President that Nigerians are not fools; that Nigerians are getting wise to the fact that the socalled humility by which he got and still gets many sold is a mere put-on?. That he is making too many mistakes, genuine or not, that show him in equal measure to be both inexperienced and lacking the qualities of a leader? The conduct of President Jonathan in his response to his handling of corruption matters by his appointees, his lack of a sense of direction in the governance of Nigeria and social missteps in the face of grave challenges to the legitimacy of his presidency and the security of the country makes clear all the point I’m making about the difference between a president and a leader. President Jonathan is indeed our president. But he is, unfortunately, not the type of leader we need at this time.

endeavour; we do not need Delta state Government House to prove ourselves. Even within the politics of Delta State, Anioma people have provided the buffer for peace and development. In the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, it is on record that since 1999, Delta Central has been the strong hold of the opposition party in the State. In the contest between Chief Moses Kragha of All Peoples Party, APP and Chief James Ibori of PDP, Chief Kragha won in Delta Central. He struggled in Delta South but it was votes from Delta North that sealed victory for Ibori. In 2003, the candidate of Alliance for Democracy, AD, Chief Great Ogboru won in Delta Central; again, Chief Ibori and PDP relied on the votes from Delta North to over come the challenge. This was the time two Urhobo sons were used to savage Chief Ibori in the ex-convict case.This trend continued in 2007 and 2011 when the opposition party voted against Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in Delta Central. It was Delta North and Delta South that kept Uduaghan in power even with the judicial coup against him in Benin city. It is a fact that the Urbobos produced a Senator from an opposition party and they only returned to the ruling Party after their years of opposition ended in futility. So, where lies the morality that a region that has supported the PDP because of its ideology that power should rotate among the Senatorial districts, to ensure equity, justice, fairness and eliminate ethnic cleavages and marginalisation should be alienated from the process that it has supported all along? The other PDP states are implementing this policy, so Delta state is not an exception. PDP cannot afford to reward a zone that has over the years voted against its candidates and punish a region that has been loyal to it. *Mr. Odoh, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 , 2014

Our leaders are insensitive! BY EBELE ORAKPO

‘H

*Pupils of L.A. Primary School,Tomaro in front of the dilapidated building of their school

Riverine communities cry out over dearth of infrastructure •Seek Lagos govt’s intervention BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

ESIDENTS of 18 riverine communities of Onisiwo Island Kingdom, Apapa area of Lagos State, have cried out loud to any ‘messiah’ who could save them from their present predicament of alleged marginalisation, total neglect and misrepresentation. The communities included Tomaro, Okoata, Ifako, Igalla, I and II, Chiku, Araromi, Agbojedo, Ito Agan, Maja Estate, Sagbokodji, Bishoppkodji, Irede. Others are Whlakodji, Akponowa, Ganviekodji, Ilutitun, Igboelejo and Nanti, which are all geographically located within Onisiwo and Oluwa chieftaincy families of Lagos. Apart from the alleged total

ity are some of the amenities said to be lacking in the communities. The inhabitants, approximately 360,000 in population according to the 1991 National Population Census, alleged that since the creation of the area under Amuwo-Odofin, there had been nothing to point to as evidence of development. Also neglected is the L.A. Primary School built in 1954 which has become dilapidated with pupils taking lessons on the dusty floor of a building with its roof blown off. Also, a health centre, said to have been built during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, remained uncompleted with reptiles competing for space with human excreta. The spokesperson and a community leader, Alhaji Sakariya Aden-

We are passionately appealing for quick intervention in our communities; we are badly in need of infrastructure

neglect of the area, the communities are protesting their being placed under Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area instead of Apapa Local Government Area. For these reasons, they said they had written several petitions to the then Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the incumbent Governor, Babatunde Fashola; Speaker of the state House of Assembly; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Secretary to the Boundary Adjustment Committee; Executive Chairman of AmuwoOdofin, among others. Basic infrastructure such as modern schools, health centres, motorable roads, potable water, electricC M Y K

rele of Tomaro Island, while lamenting the long neglect of his birthplace by successive governments said: “Our people have continued to groan under poor health services due to neglect and selfish leadership. The people are now crying out for a saviour who will take us to the promise land. We feel the pains of our communities and we know that failure to act now threatens this generation and the generation yet unborn. “At this golden age of democracy, we want to be carried along in the administration of Lagos which is a megacity and a state of excellence. It is disastrous and complete

betrayal of trust for the inhabitants of these Islands that after all our contributions and loyalty to Amuwo Odofin our homes are mere sheds. People often ask if we are part of Lagos State because we have been neglected for a very long time. We neither belong to constituency I or II. People of these constituencies have never treated us as part of them. Let us end our Israelite journey here; we want to be at home where we belong, that is Apapa Local Government Area.

Quick intervention “We are passionately appealing for quick intervention in our communities. We are badly in need of infrastructure.” Adenrele also lamented that their children risk their lives every day while going to school in Apapa and Ajegunle in boats on the deep seas. Also lamenting, the Baale of Irede Community, Femi Alade, stressed that being categorised under the controversial Ward J of Amuwo Odofin has resulted in stagnation, pains, neglect, hardship and poor grassroot development in the communities. “We are Ward C of Apapa LGA. We want our political slavery in Amuwo-Odofin to come to an end. We democratically and morally request for immediate extension of Apapa LGA to include the riverine communities of Apapa; the ambiguity in the boundary adjustment had made the communities remain under-developed in spite of our natural endowment.”

OW could these people feel comfortable going about their normal businesses with this fire raging on the mountain? It’s like a man whose house is on fire but he is busy chasing rats. I mean it’s not done! They will all be consumed sooner than later. What kind of conscience will allow you to go for one useless political rally after witnessing the horrendous explosions that killed many and the abduction of innocent girls from their hostels?” asked Charles rhetorically, referring to the PDP rally in Kano. “This is the height of insensitivity. No be even better rally, just to welcome some turncoats without any ideology; people who are simply led by their stomachs,” hissed Nnamdi. “Don’t forget that the rally must have been planned months before the bombing and abduction of school girls took place…” said Jane. “So what? Was it cast in steel that it could not be postponed?” sneered Charles. “This simply goes to show you how much value they place on our lives.” “Yeah, even the Kano State governor alluded to that. He was really pissed off by that insensitivity of the PDP people,” said Ken. “Oh really! I beg you, just forget these people. They are all the same! Are they not all Nigerian politicians? The only difference between them is the difference between six and half a dozen! If he was different from the PDP guys, why did they organise their own rally immediately the PDP left? They quickly went to the same venue to sweep out the footprints of the opposition. If you are really in pains over the bombings and abductions, would you do such a thing?“ asked Jane. She continued: “Remember the Kano Motor Park bombing and the Yobe massacre? Didn’t Kwankwaso and co carry out their rallies? They are all the same as far as I am concerned. No one cares for anyone. You are on your own.” Responsible parents “The parents of those girls need their heads examined. How could responsible parents allow their children to go to a boarding house to write an exam? This is not the first time such is happening and the Borno State Government had closed down all the schools, yet when the principal invited them for the exams, they allowed their wards to go. I just pray the poor girls were not raped because if that happened, then we will have a generation of scarred women and of course, it will affect the nation negatively,” said Ben. “Don’t be too hard on the parents. The children must have been at home for a very long time and they must have become restless. They meant well for the children. No parent would want to see his child sitting idly at home and allowing life to pass him or her by as it were. They wanted them to move on,” said Ken. “And look at where it got them. Which is better now, allowing the children to sit idly at home or be abducted? After all, it is said that na condition make crayfish bend not that it had planned to take on that shape. They should have let things be for now or if they had money, they could have sent them to more peaceful states to continue their education,” said Nnamdi. ”Life is all about risks. They simply took a risk,” insisted Ken. “The worst now is that no one seems to know the exact number of girls missing. From 100 to 129, 190, 200 to 234? But where were the security operatives? These guys operated from 9.00pm to 3.00am unobstructed!,” observed Jane. “I think the 129 were just the science students while Arts students were over 100. I heard they had finished their exams earlier so why didnt they go home? Anyway, since schools were shut down, may be they had just a few mai-guards with bows/ arrows so what could they do against over-armed Boko boys? Nothing!!” said Ben.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 21

Master mariners express concern over incessant boat mishaps By GODWIN ORITSE

ASTER Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN) has expressed concern over the incessant boat accidents in Lagos and called for more regulation on water transportation in the state. Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, the group’s President, Captain Ade Olopoenia, said that the association has plans to meet with both the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and other relevant agencies to reverse the trend. Olopoenia said that inasmuch as water transportation is considered to be one of the safest mode of transportation, the need to imbibe a culture of safety cannot be overemphasized, adding that every measure must be put in place to ensure safety. The retired ship Captain also said that besides the issue of boat mishaps in the state, the group will look at the Cabotage regime From right: Norbert Chukwumah, Managing Director/CEO- Nigeria Machine Tools; Ikemefula Chikwendu, and its implementation. He explained that Projects Head- Nigeria Machine Tools; Ugo Nwanze, Total E&P Nigeria Limited; Ray Regan, Chief Operating Nigerians are yet to maximize the benefit of Officer-Nigeria Machine Tools discussing at the NMT stand at the NOG 2014 in Abuja. the Act due to its faulty implementation. The former Director in charge of Maritime safety at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency noted that until the Cabotage Act is properly implemented, the benefits will continue to elude indigenous players in the maritime industry. ther decline in external reserves to $37.8 naira in the current year given that the By YINKA KOLAWOLE Already, the group has met with billion at the end of March 2014 from nation’s foreign reserves will be further the management of the Nigeria $43.6 billion in December 2013; increased depleted if current exchange rate stabilShippers’ Council, (NSC) just as funding of the foreign exchange market ity strategies are maintained. Our view is INANCIAL analysts at plans have been concluded to by the CBN to stabilize the naira also defirmly supported by the commitment of the Dunn Loren Merrifield (DLM) meet with managements of the pleted reserves; while the Excess Crude MPC to aggressively pursue the price stahas said that the demand pressure in the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA) Account (ECA) rose by $1billion during bility and exchange rate objective. The foreign exchange market will occasion the National Inland Waterways the quarter to close in March at $3.5 bilerosion of the fiscal buffers through the depreciation of the naira. Authority, (NIWA) and Nigerian lion. We express our concern on the dedepletion of the external reserves raises Speaking at a roundtable to review the Maritime Administration and cline in external reserves as we re-iterate significant concerns as the economy is performance of the economy in the first Safety Agency, (NIMASA). the need to rebuild the nation’s fiscal bufffurther exposed to vulnerabilities. quarter of the year, they noted that efforts ers. The weakening of fiscal buffers in“For producers with exposure to imof the Central Bank of Nigeria to firm up creased the economy’s reliance on portported raw materials, the risk of naira dethe naira has caused the external reserves folio flows which is a key driver of risk of preciation, although not a certainty but to decline by 22.2 percent from $48.6 bilexchange rate stability.” likely, and raw material price volatility in lion at the end of the first quarter of 2013 14.65 200.6 They further noted: “Recent pressure on the commodities markets may expand to $37.8 billion at the end of the first quarexchange rate further strengthens our production costs.” ter of 2014. 3,000.00 +44.00 position of a possible depreciation of the Mr. Tola Odukoya, Managing Director, Dunn Loren Merrifield 16.68 -0.24 Asset Management and Research Company, who led other DLM research analysts – Moses 109.76 +0.16 Ojo, Jide Nwaogwugwu, and Abdul Garba, at the roundtable, 104.59 +0.54 said that even the Acting CBN Governor, Dr Sarah Alade, alHE National Insurance Commission intermediaries and legal practitioners, CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING luded to this in the minutes of (NAICOM) says it assisted in settling while the cases settled ranged from the last MPC meeting. He said insurance products disputes worth N2.2 vehicle, life, fire, death, among others. DOLLAR 154.73 155.23 155.73 Alade noted that continuing ef“These disputes were resolved through POUNDS 260.1166 260.9572 261.7977 forts to defend the naira is not billion in 2013. EURO 214.5022 215.1953 215.8885 Head, Corporate Affairs of the correspondences, adjudication meetings sustainable, asking that the curFRANC 176.1498 176.719 177.2883 rency be allowed to find its level. commission, Mr Salami Rassaq, disclosed and direct contact with the insurance YEN 1.5141 1.519 1.5239 CFA 0.3067 0.3167 0.3267 It was however agreed at the this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) companies. The settled cases amounted to N2.2 billion,” he said. WAUA 238.7745 239.5461 240.3177 roundtable that depreciation in Abuja. RENMINBI 24.8781 24.959 25.0398 Rassaq said that the remaining cases Rassaq said that the amount was from 61 may not be politically expedient RIYA 41.2569 41.3903 41.5236 would be resolved soon. “The commission disputes out of the 193 complaints before the 2015 general elecKRONA 28.7234 28.8162 28.909 NAICOM received in 2013. He said that in the first quarter of this year has also tions. SDR 240.0017 240.7773 241.5528 successfully settled a total of 15 complaints The analysts said among other some of the complaints were from CBN Exchange rate as at 22/04/2014 things in the first quarter: “Fur- insurance companies, insurance which are yet to be paid,” he added.

Operators predict naira depreciation by year end F

NAICOM resolves N2.2bn insurance disputes

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

BRIEF Swiss Pharma attributes WHO award to govt’s enabling environment BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

ANAGEMENT of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited has attributed the company ’s recent declaration as being compliant with the Standards of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to an enabling environment provided by the Federal Government. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Colin Cummings, in a statement at the weekend, said the feat would not have been possible without the support of relevant government agencies like the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which, according to him, supported the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry with training, technical assistance and audits with PMG MAN coordinating. Savoring the feat, Cummings said it was an historic milestone in the history of Swipha and Nigeria, with Swipha becoming the first company in Nigeria and indeed the whole of West African to be declared compliant with the standards of GMP, saying this was influenced greatly by the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.

Visionary leadership

“This would not have been actualised without the visionary leadership, guidance and fervent support by the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, and his team. With this development, Swipha and NAFDAC have placed Nigeria on the global map of only 11countries that manufacture finished pharmaceutical products comparable in quality standard to developed countries”, he said.He added that Swipha is one of only six companies in Africa to have attained this level of manufacturing excellence, thereby positioning the company to become a Nigerian multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer supplying top quality products to private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and government clients globally. Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, which was incorporated in 1976, manufactures, markets, and distributes pharmaceutical products that meet international standards.

C M Y K

‘NAICOM should restrict compulsory insurance where supervision is possible’ Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

F the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, hopes to achieve success in the implementation of compulsory insurance products, it should be restricted to areas where a need is generally felt and in sectors where supervision is possible at a reasonable cost, Managing Director of Niger Insurance Plc, Mr. Kola Adedeji, has said. According to Adedeji, not much has been achieved in the implementation or enforcement of the law on compulsory insurance of public buildings, despite all efforts by NAICOM so far. It will be recalled that the Insurance Act 2003 made provisions for a number of compulsory insurances amongst which is the insurance of public buildings. Section 65 of the said Act provides thus: “Every public building shall be insured with a registered insurer against the hazards of collapse, fire, earthquake, storm and flood”

said. He identified challenges confronting the law to include ineffective legal framework, poor compliance culture, lack of awareness on the part of the public, and ineffective implementation of strategy adopted by NAICOM. On ineffective legislative framework, Adedeji said that generally, the legislative framework for insurance practice in Nigeria is inadequate and ineffective. “Often times, we find the law making unenforceable provisions, which, though good on paper, is almost impracticable without strong enforcement provisions,” he said. On ineffective implementation strategy by NAICOM, Adedeji said

that it may have been more beneficial to use persuasive approach through the registered associations of businesses which the law listed as requiring insurance of public buildings. According to him, the practise of compulsory property insurance or insurance of public building is not wide spread in the world, so it is innovative and therefore, may require innovative steps in order to accomplish its objectives. Adedeji said that it is a very important aspect of insurance business that holds so much opportunity for the industry, but is being affected by systemic issues that need to be resolved if all are to benefit.

Public buildings The Act defines public buildings as tenement houses, hostels, building occupied by a tenant, lodger or licensee, building where the public have ingress and aggress for the purpose of obtaining educational or medical services or recreation or transaction of business. This would include eateries, restaurants, internet cafes, shopping malls etc. Punishment for noncompliance with this provision is stated as either a fine of N100,000 and/or imprisonment for one year. However, Adedeji noted that this provision should provide a lot of benefits to Nigerians taking into cognisance the incessant collapse of buildings nationwide, especially in Lagos State. “Nevertheless, it is important to stress that problems associated with the insurance of public buildings cannot be divorced from the general problems of the Nigerian insurance industry, though some peculiar challenges are identified,” Adedeji

*From left: Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc; Mr. Femi Asenuga, MD, Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd; and Mr. Akin Ogunbiyi, GMD, MUTUAL Group at the launching of their 36 new products

Insurers urge government to revive manufacturing sector I

NSURANCE operators have called on the government to take concrete steps to revive the manufacturing sector, saying that the collapse of the textile industry in Nigeria is having huge negative impact on operations of insurance companies. Managing Director, Royal Exchange General Insurance Company, Mr. Olutayo Borokini, who made this assertion, said that if the manufacturing sector is not doing well, then the insurance sector will suffer.

Negative effect on operations Borokini said “Definitely, the collapse of textile industry has a negative effect on our operations because one of the things that help to engineer insurance is actually the manufacturing sector. If the manufacturing sector is not doing well, it affects the entirety of the insurance industry.”

He said that the problems being encountered with the textile industry are because of the fact that Nigeria has been a dumping ground for materials coming from China and Hong-Kong which led to the demise of these industries, adding “of course, insurances that are coming from them have also disappeared.” He said that such development has really affected insurance companies in general. “There are also other industries that have also gone down. Take for example, the tyre industry; Dunlop for example sold off some of their properties because of this same fact that Nigeria is a dumping ground for tyres coming from China. So that led to the death of that industry. It is a problem that is tampering with our economy. Of course, insurance is also affected when the economy goes down. We urge government to revive these industries, so that insurance can start to grow in those industries,” Borokini said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 23

M M E D I AT E p a s t P r e s i d e n t of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Wole Adetimeh has urged Nigerians to stop using poverty as an excuse for shunning insurance. Adetimehin said that people should rather organise themselves and cultivate the habit of savings. Adetimehin, who stated this in an interview with Vanguard, said that poverty could be a factor but cannot be a tenable excuse, adding that the poorest class would be the ones that need insurance most. He said “Poverty shouldn’t be an excuse for not having insurance. Rather, we should be preaching to people to get better organised, in addition to operating a plan in whatever they do. “Yes poverty could be a factor but cannot be a tenable excuse. The poorest class would be the ones that need insurance most, because should anything happen to them or should they suffer a loss, the chances of their recovery is lean, that is, if they will ever recover. But if they have insurance their hopes are high.” According to Adetimehin, some of these things have to do with the literacy level, adding, “What is the level of education and knowledge that

BRIEFS

UAC holds annual franchise conference BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

Director General, Niger State Pension Board, Alhaji Benu Yahaya Ahmed, signing fund management agreement on behalf of Niger State Government, watching with keen interest is MD/CEO Premium Pension Ltd. Mr. Wilson Ideva (right) and Mr. Mohammed Ndagi permanent member of Niger State Pension Board.

The poor will benefit more from insurance – Adetimehin people have? The insurance industry operators will need to do a lot more in educating the Nigerian public. Even the so called elites hardly appreciate how insurance works or the benefits, and this may be peculiar to our environment because some of these elites, when they travel abroad or

have anything to do overseas, they comply with the demands over there. So, may be a lot have to do with our believe, trust and faith in the sector. “I was reading a book and it had to do with the richest man in Babylon. The lesson taught from that book has to do with the fact that from whatever

NAICOM urges insurers to adapt all inclusive innovation

HE National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has said that the country is much likely to attain a sustained economic growth and development if it can adapt its insurance industry with innovative ways that will bring on board the generality of the country’s population. Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, who said this, noted that NAICOM incepted the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) in 2009 to among others enforce compulsory insurances and eradicate fake insurances in the country. Daniel said: “This initiative has been vigorously pursued by the Commission across the six geo-political zones of the country. We are not hesitant to solicit support in the implementation of compulsory insurances in Nigeria especially as regards insurances of buildings and assets.” Daniel stated that the Nigerian insurance industry has witnessed tremendous changes in recent times owing to the new reforms embarked upon by NAICOM. “These reforms include the introduction of Risk Based Supervision, migration to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) from the Nigerian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (NGAAP); Market Conduct Reforms, Claims Settlement Reforms, Financial Inclusion, etc, all geared towards developing the industry and improving the general perception about insurance,” Daniel said. “Suffice it to say that these reforms are in line with the Federal Government’s vision 2020:20 of deepening insurance penetration to become the insurance industry of choice among the emerging markets in terms of capacity, safety, transparency and efficiency.”

Daniel stated that in order to ensure adequate understanding and build capacity amongst the stakeholders, the Commission did resolve to conduct series of workshops and seminars for all stakeholders. Having also recognised the urgent need to develop the retail insurance market which has remained grossly untapped considering the vast population of the country, Daniel said that it became imperative for the Commission to incorporate micro-insurance and Takaful as important vehicles for achieving greater insurance penetration in the country.

Insurance penetration He said “In collaboration with GIZ of Germany and other development agencies, the Commission in 2012 conducted a Country-wide Diagnostic study on the viability of microinsurance in Nigeria. One of our goals was to generate at the end of the exercise, a document that will enable us take evidence – based decision on the issue of micro-insurance in Nigeria and also serve as a public resource in its own right. Indeed, the report of the study reveals huge potentials amongst the low income groups and was consequently adopted by NAICOM for the development of a micro insurance framework in Nigeria. “Similarly, NAICOM recently released the Takaful Guidelines to the market and now is ready for implementation. Preparatory to the commencement of the operation of the guidelines, the Commission has embarked on series of capacity building programs for its management and technical staff in order to position the commission to effectively implement and supervise takaful operation in Nigeria.

income you earn, there must be a planned pattern of managing and spending, and such plans must include a level of saving from which you can always do more investment or do so many things, compared to somebody that will be waiting for manner from heaven or until he can access loan or facility from the bank or a finance house before he could start a business or any venture. So for noncontingencies, for emergencies there must be a reserve.”

Habit of savings Adetimehin said that people should cultivate the habit of savings, stating “So if your salary is paid to you and you could cultivate the habit of savings, then you could consider insurance because that’s a way of saving. So, if you do that, you are saving for the future, for the training of your children (education insurance). If people could cultivate that habit, in a way, you are inculcating insurance culture. So my advice and appeal to the general public is that we should shun our apathy towards insurance. It is one of those services in modern times that can always provide a relief or a solution to some of our problems and I can say emphatically, even within the African continent, Nigeria cannot be seen as where we have the poorest set of people. How come that insurance penetration or awareness in some African states is a lot better than Nigeria? Poverty cannot be a factor, so we should de-emphasise poverty,” Adetimehin said.

AC Restaurants Limited, owners of Mr Bigg’s Nigeria, has announced plans to hold its 2014 Franchise Business Partners Annual National Conference. In a statement made available by the company, the conference billed for April 25th is themed: ‘Playing to Win,’ and it is also a gathering of all its franchise business partners in West Africa to review the business performance in the previous year and agree on winning strategies for the next year. According to the company, “The conference will be the first after the strategic joint venture partnership with Famous Brands of South Africa in October 2013.” Managing Director, UAC Restaurants, Mr. Derrick Van Houten, said that the theme of the conference is a call to all its franchise partners on the need to play the business game differently in order to keep ahead of competition.

Industry landscape Van Houten likened the QSR industry landscape to the game of football, saying “every second, every minute counts in the game and as a team of restaurants, it is important that we keep close together, have each other’s back in terms of quality of service and value delivery to the customers for us to keep competition at bay” Mrs. Titilayo Adeojo, a business Partner, expressed her excitement over the forthcoming conference, stating, “I am charged and ready for the next business year and this conference will give us the opportunity to review our business, take learning and adopt new skills that will ensure growth in the coming year. Also speaking, Marketing Manager, UAC Restaurants, Mrs. Nnenna AzukaOnwuka, revealed that the Chief Executive Officer of Famous Brands, Darren Hele and Mark Hedderwick, Managing Executive-rest of Africa, will be in attendance, noting that the event will be opened by the Group Managing Director of UAC of Nigeria, Mr. Larry Ettah.

24 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Do our laws support our economic well-being? T

Lafarge Wapco joins NSE’s high priced stocks By NKIRUKA NNOROM

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has named Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc among the highly priced stocks (blue chip stocks) on the Exchange following a recent review of prices of stocks quoted in the market. The NSE undertakes review of the prices of stocks, as part of its plans to improve liquidity and deepen the market. With the addition, stockbrokers would be able to move the share price of Lafage Wapco in addition to the existing High Priced Stocks, with 10,000 units with effect from April 22, 2014. Explaining the inclusion and modality for qualifying as a high priced stock, Mr. Ade Ewuosho, Head, Market Operations of the NSE, said: “Way back, to move the price of any stock upwards or downwards, the brokers needed to have a volume of 50,000 shares and above. However in September 2012, The NSE introduced a pilot programme for its new market structure with the rollout of market making, where stockbrokers could move prices of

some high priced stocks with 10,000 shares. These High Priced Stocks are securities that have traded an average of N100 or more per share in four out of the last six months period.” Justifying the inclusion of Lafarge in the High Priced Stocks, Head, Market Surveillance, NSE, Mr. Abimbola Babalola, said a review of trading activities of the company in the last six months showed that the company met the criteria set by the Exchange. “The Exchange commenced the pilot programme with nine stocks -Dangote Cement Plc, Guinness Plc, Nestle Plc, Nigerian Breweries, SIM Capital Fund, Skye Shelter Fund, Nigerian Energy Sector Fund (NESF) and Total Plc. The Programme became permanent in 2013 and the nine initial pilot stocks remained. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc will become the 10th stock on the programme. We have observed that the prices of these High Priced Stocks have been rather stable with none falling below the N100 mark which is currently the benchmark,” said Babalola.

Fidson named 2013 pharmaceutical company By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

IDSON Healthcare Plc has won the award for ‘Nigerian Pharmaceutical Company of the Year ’ 2013 at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, organised by Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA. The award, which was organised to recognise and celebrate the best individual and organisation that have contributed remarkably to the Nigerian healthcare sector, as part of efforts to increase the visibility and successes of the industry. Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye, received the award on behalf of Fidson Healthcare Plc. He thanked the organisers of the award C M Y K

and the entire public for acknowledging Fidson’s role in transforming the Nigerian Pharmaceutical industry. According to Olayeye, Fidson Healthcare Plc is not in the pharmaceutical business just to manufacture and sell drugs, the company’s core essence is to add value to the lives of Nigerians through its several healthcare solutions. The company is therefore, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the focus of its entire operations is geared towards achieving total well-being for Nigerians. He further said the company is ever committed to delivering top-notch quality and world class healthcare solutions to Nigerians through its array of products and services, and it will not relent in that commitment.

A cross section of MoneyCram officials and representative of agent bank’s during the 2014 MoneyGram Diaspora session, in Lagos.

HERE is a group of persons in Benin-City, Edo State who have staged protests about the low-level of power supply and the fixed charges paid by the customers of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC. The group is the Benin Forum and it has carried its protests to the Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole. The protests are essentially against the concept of a fixed charge separate from the energy charge for electricity consumed. At present, customers of the BEDC in residential R2 category pay N750 as a fixed monthly charge and N11.37 per kiloWatt-hour, kWh, for electricity consumed. However, as from 1 June 2014 the customers of BEDC would pay N1,500 as fixed monthly charge and N11.94 per kWh as energy charge. The charges indicated above were specified in the Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO, which the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, issued and published for the cost of electricity sold by distribution/retail companies for the period 1 June 2012 to May 31, 2017. NERC’s authority for the tariffs in the MYTO is the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005. This Act requires NERC to develop competitive electricity markets, to enforce such matters as performance standards, consumer rights and obligations amongst other things. Consumers believe that the concept of the fixed charge is unfair and we should anticipate the strong reactions of the customers of the BEDC when the fixed monthly charge is doubled after 1 June 2014. Besides the BEDC, there are reports that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has indicated to NERC that AEDC’s operations are being carried out at a loss. However, this is the opportunity for NERC to get the electricity distribution companies to reduce the losses in their distribution networks. With respect to the BEDC, NERC should direct the BEDC to invest its additional revenues from the fixed monthly charges in specific projects which would be monitored by the consumers and NERC. The electricity distribution companies would have to look for power from outside the national grid if there is to be an improvement in the supply situation. Before now, consumer complaints about electric power supply were

The electricity distribution companies would have to look for power from outside the national grid if there is to be an improvement in the supply situation

rebuffed with the claim that the consumers were enjoying a discount or subsidy on the true cost of service provision. With the removal of subsidies to consumers, we should ask why we are still not getting results from the power sector. We have always had inadequate gas supply and this situation prompted the Federal Government of Nigeria from about 2004 onwards to site some new power stations near the sources of gas supply. These new power stations are not in operation so we are not in a position to know whether their problems are the lack of gas or the lack of connection to the national grid. The various consortia that acquired majority shareholding in the distribution companies cannot claim that they did not understand the risks when they chose to bid for the majority shareholding. The tariffs in the MYTO are at best a guide to a future that may not be fulfilled. The banks that gave the loans to the consortia for the acquisition of the majority shareholding in the distribution companies may have done so in the belief that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, would assume responsibility for the loans in the event of the failure of any of the consortia to meet the terms of their loans. NERC should realize that AMCON leads right back to the consumer – the people of Nigeria. NERC should make the electricity distribution companies realize that they must not fail and that they can only avoid failure by having appropriate investment programmes for improving their networks and for provision of power from outside the national grid.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 25

DIARY zTelecom CEM World Congress 2014 April 2014, Venue TBC, London zHong Kong ICT Expo 13 – 16 April 2014 Hong Kong. z Cards & payment Asia holds in Singapore 23-24 April 2014. zTransport Networks for Mobile Operators 2014 13 – 14 May 2014 London. zCritical Communications World 27-29 May 2014 BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

Nike+ GPS watch for Sports people

he Nike+ Sportswatch PS is a device billed as a personal running coach that you can wear on your wrist. The GPSenabled watch is designed to help runners track their training, running performance and fitness. It comes in black, white, black-and-blue and black-and-red (plus other color combinations), and costs between $120 and $135, but can also be bundled with a Nike sensor for your shoe for between $140 and $150.

I N S I D E C M Y K

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

nformation and Communications Technology, ICT, once again, showed its economy- boosting potentials when the statistician-general of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale recently released the rebased Gross Domestic Product, GDP data for 2013. Announcing the data, Kale highlighted the remarkable contribution of telecom and information services to the N80.22 trillion estimated GDP. Being a new industry un-accounted for in the last rebased GDP year 1990, telecom’s N6.97 trillion addition to the economy, was regarded as a star performer in the new rebased GDP year, 2013. However, the question is whether the sector has the sustainability power to hold the GDP at an all time high. Hi-Tech has however, mirrored into the activities of the sector and selected some programmes that may provide the magic wand. One of such programmes includes the new licences lined up to be issued by the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to open the sector to more players. Reliable NCC sources have confirmed that new licences are to be issued to seven new infrastructure c o m p a n i e s , InfraCos, before the end of 2014 in a move to deepen broadband infrastructure rollout across the country. Already, the NCC had on February 19, this year, auctioned the 30MHz slot of the 2.3 gigahertz spectrum to Bitflux, a consortium of three companies, at a whopping $23.251 million. This is also as it has concluded fresh arrangements to license another available

Nigerian telecom sector needs competition with fresh ideas – Etisalat CEO

Telecom activities may keep Nigeria’s rebased GDP green *Spectrum licences to rake in enormous revenue *Data-driven services to increase opportunity frequency slot in the 3.5 GHz band available to 27 states in MHz bandwidths. In an advertorial published in prominent Nigerian dailies recently, the regulator said it was “pleased to announce to interested public, the availability of 3.5 GHz band in some states and the federal capital territory, which the commission is willing to sell” The spectrum, expected to be

licensed on a state by state basis, is said to be available in 27 states and Abuja, the capital territory, with all the states having 25 MHz bandwidth available, except for Abuja that has only 20 MHz bandwidth available. What this means is that winners of the spectrum licence will operate within the state or states where the licence is situated. No doubt, if the licenses would attract

Samsung unveils three new devices in Lagos

revenues close to that of the 2.3GHz, the GDP will surely be green. Also, the 700MHz spectrum band licence, according to NCC is also planned for auctioning next year, promising to rake in some revenue into the economy. Moreover, the issuance of all these spectrum licences would not only attract revenue but will go a long way in helping the country to transmit the huge international bandwidth from the undersea cables, across the nooks and crannies of the country to make more services available to Nigerians. Another factor is the demand in the area of data. Telecoms experts have noted that data truly driven by broadband network is the next frontier for telecoms revenues. Currently there is avid taste for data services in the country, among

Continues on page 27

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 By PRINCE OSUAGWU & EMEKA AGINAM

rontline mobile device makers, Samsung last week in Lagos, unveiled three new devices comprising of latest Galaxy S5 smartphone and wearable device line, the Gear Fit and Gear 2. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is completely dust proof and can be submerged in up to one metre of water for about 30 minutes, a feature that was demonstrated by two top Nigerian Acts, Musician Banky W and Actress Kate Henshaw who compeered the elaborate launch at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. The device features a screen that is slightly larger than that of the Galaxy S4 and offers 27 percent improvement in display power efficiency over its predecessor, the Galaxy S4, while using 18 percent less display power. The highlight of the smartphone is a new fingerprint scanner, which is integrated with the device’s home button and provides consumers with a safe, biometric screen-locking feature. For fitness enthusiasts, the Galaxy S5 comes with a heart rate sensor that helps monitor heart rate during exercise and fitness routines using the S Health service. The new S health application boasts of different fitness management applications that allow users to stay fit the smart way. Other key features of the device include an advanced camera system, improved battery capacity and a download booster that can

Samsung unveils three new devices in Lagos

fuse the device’s Wi-Fi and data connections together to provide smoother internet connectivity. Its unique ultrapower saving mode shuts down all of the device’s key functions to allow users make the most of their last bit of battery power. According to Samsung, the Galaxy S5 can run for up to 24 hours on a 10 percent battery charge when this mode is activated. Speaking at the unveiling of the device, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said the Galaxy S5 will redefine how technology

innovation enhances quality of life. “With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering capabilities that matter most to our consumers. Consumers today are on the lookout for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives. The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design

with essential and useful features that focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone on the market today through people-inspired innovation.” he said. The wearable-technology line-up, the Gear 2 and Gear Fit, according to the Samsung, offer consumers, enhanced connectivity alongside an integrated communication

experience. The Gear 2, an upgrade of Samsung’s original Gear device, incorporates a 1.63-inch screen, a 2-megapixel camera that is now located on the device’s screen, a sensor that enables usage of the device as a television remote control and a personal fitness coaching guide. The device also comes with a range of changeable straps and interface themes that lets wearers create their own style. The Gear Fit comes curved with super AMOLED display and merges the convenience of Gear technology with comprehensive fitness tools that empower consumers to stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity. The wrist-worn device incorporates a built-in heart rate monitor, a lightweight swappable strap and provides instant notification for incoming calls, e-mails, text messages and much more. Like the Galaxy S5 smartphone, both Gear devices are dust and waterresistant.

ISPON, Microsoft team up against IP thieves *Warn start-ups against copyright infringement * Unleash EFCC on pirates BY EMEKA AGINAM

here appears to be tough time ahead for software pirates in the Nigerian IT market as the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria are in fresh move for intellectual property protection. Intellectual property (IP) rights are the legally recognized exclusive rights to creations of the mind. Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between genuine and non-genuine software unless consumers know what to look out for. Microsoft projections are that global intellectual property piracy, will hit a whopping $16.6 billion by

2016. If this happens, it will further hamper an already stagnated intellectual property industry. However, Microsoft says it is not lying low in ensuring that the menace is curbed to the barest minimum. Recently, its efforts saw to the recent arrest, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a suspect, Arewa Systems Limited, who allegedly specializes in the production of High Quality Counterfeit (HQC) software. The raid, according to Microsoft, followed a consumer tip-off and petition to the local law enforcement authorities. It was aimed at curbing unsafe play in the country, and addressing the harmful impact of pirated software to individuals as well as the Nigerian economy. Piracy kills innovation: According to the two organizations, if the software piracy menace is not curbed, it will drive the intellectual property industry to the ground, killing innovation and development. While reiterating the need to play safe, Microsoft urges consumers to ask questions,

investigate the packaging, watch out for “too good to be true” prices and demand genuine software to ensure what they pay. These would help protect their families and businesses from the threat of malware associated with pirated or counterfeit software. Harping on the need for intellectual property protection, the President of ISPON, Pius Okigbo told Vanguard Hi-Tech during the Innovation forum held in Tinapa recently, that those

who engage in piracy will not go free as law enforcement agents were on the look-out for culprits. “Start-ups should be careful of IP laws. Anybody copying somebody’s work must seek the permission of the owner. We must do this otherwise original owners of creative works will be losing money. The local economy will also be losing money. We cannot pretend that software piracy is not harmful to the local economy” he said. According to Okigbo, there was need to join hands in the fight a g a i n s t software piracy, adding that ISPON will continue to promote and encourage protection of intellectual property in the software ecosystem. Protect indigenous effort: For Okigbo whose key mandate is intellectual property on assumption as ISPON President, indigenous talents must be encouraged otherwise the country will remain digital colony of developed economies of the world. Speaking on the recent raid by the EFFC, Francis Chuka Agbu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Partner in the Law firm of Lexavier Partners

and Microsoft’s Anti-Piracy Attorney in Nigeria, said that, “The strident message that this intervention sends is that computer software albeit an intellectual property qualifies better as a literary work that must be protected from the exploitation of merchants of counterfeiting and crass opportunism. “Additionally, the theft of such creative expressions fixed in a tangible medium of expression constitutes a serious economic crime in Nigeria under Sections 18 & 46 of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission Act, Cap E1 LFN 2010 and Section 491 Criminal Code Act Cap C28 LFN 2010.To all the dealers in imitation and fake products, big or small, it is no longer business as usual.” Government is not alone in this quest to tackle the menace as many organizations in the country are clamoring for a safer business space, and frequently org anise awareness workshops and enlightenment campaigns one of which is the Microsoft Play it Safe Day designed to drive global awareness across businesses, government organizations, and consumers of the increased risk of cyber security issues as a direct result of pirated software.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014—27

Nigerian telecom sector needs competition in fresh ideas — Etisalat CEO By PRINCE OSUAGWU, BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & JULIET EBIRIM

nationwide reach helping the people learn how to use these services. I understand that there is a lot of progress being made recently on reaching an alignment between different government bodies and industries on how we can cooperate together on this. We believe we can play a very constructive role on this. We’ve already done some ground work and partnership with the banks. We think that there would be changes soon that will allow us to get more involved in helping this transformation.

he new acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Mathew Wilsher has been in Nigeria for the past nine months. In all of this time, Wilsher says he is studying the environment and the entire Nigerian telecom landscape. As a result he has not made much of a public outing. However, last week, he made his first official courtesy visit and it was to none other media house than the Vanguard Newspapers. The Hi-Tech desk team seized the opportunity to throw some salient industry questions and his answers are so entertaining. Enjoy the excerpts You have been in Nigeria for nine months, what’s your impression of the country’s telecom industry so far ? I think the telecommunication industry here is absolutely critical. Nigeria has so much potential, especially with an estimated 170 million people. Nigeria actually has more people joining the work force than any other country in the world in the few years. This is a young country with huge opportunities and the youths are taking on new ways of interacting, new technologies and crave to be connected not just with the local environment, but with the international community. I think that in the last five years, there has been tremendous explosion of mobile services, predominantly for voice, text messaging and access to the internet is also coming along. There is still a lot for all of us to do in terms of fulfilling the needs of the country and that’s why we are here to invest in a way that makes sense to customers. That’s why we have this reputation for network quality, customer service and innovation. We want to give great experience and to get a return on that as well. Your company was the only telecom company that escaped the NCC sanctions recently. Can you guess why others were not that successful? I cannot tell what others are going through or why they could not make the threshold required. Running a telco is a very complex venture. There are so many pieces that have to come together to make it successful;planning and operating the technology, servicing the customers. The way you align with the regulations is important. All of these must come together and doing them right,

From inception, your company came up with customer-centric strategies like giving out freebies to subscribers and others are following suit. Are you continuing with that now your network is a bit stable? Can you also share with us the toll the strategy is taking on your profit margin? Telecommunications is a long term industry, you don’t come into telecoms and think

Mr. Mathew Wilsher, Ag. CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, delivers outstanding experiences to customers. There are many areas in which a telco can slip off. I believe what makes the difference in our network quality and the ability to meet the standards expected of us, is that the people in the company are continually committed to making sure that we plan well. We make sure that any time a base station has to be on air, it is. Our standards are that our base stations are up 99 percent of the time, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Not everyone works with those standards, some people have 97 percent standards and not for 24 hours a day. Our team is committed to keeping the network working. I’ve learnt with the results that we’ve had that if you give customers great value, they will reward you and that is the jury that we care about. Are there bottlenecks you think should be done with to improve the sector more? How can the power industry be more effective? Because if the power industry can be more effective, that could dramatically improve our services level and reduce costs that could be passed on to customers. We hope the reforms are coming through in the power and energy industry because it will lead to service improvement for us all. There's need to align all the federal and state governments in terms of rules, regulations, taxations and the ministry helping to coordinate all these. That helps us to operate more economically and give better

value to customers. It’s really important that people understand how challenging it is to meet and address the needs of Nigerians. Operators like you seem to have great desire to operate in Mobile Money ecosystem but the Central Bank of Nigeria has made it clear that telcos cannot be granted license. Can you fault this declaration? I think that electronic transfers make life easier for customers and businesses. I’m convinced that it’s going to be an important improvement in life and business. I believe that we can help that process because we have a brand that is trusted and has a

If you have enough people who are really focused on customers, there'll be further growth in telecommunications

you’re going to make a fast one and disappear; it’s not a smooth road. You are here for the long term and it’s serious business, which means you have to invest a lot of money and you have to build scales in order to cover all the overheads. It’s a huge network, thousands of base stations with generators and links together. Even when you get to a certain scale and begin to make money, it is also reinvested in expanding the network. We’re just five years, so we are still in the investment phase. We need to reach the scale where we can actually make money. One of the challenges in the industry is having a structure that allows really innovative, dynamic, competition but not one that is stalemate by disproportional allocation of the industry profits. At the moment, I think we are in a state where there is disproportional allocation of the industry profits. Our job is to deliver outstanding experiences to customers, great value to grow and become more efficient, so that we can reach the kind of scale levels where we can continue to invest. The industry needs to mature to a point where there is some more balanced competition. If you have enough people who are really focused on customers, there'll be further growth in telecommunications. We are not afraid of competitors. A fifth player would have to come up with something different; they would need to have a long term view of their investment. Unless they do that, I don’t see how it would benefit anyone. Having someone do the same old thing is not right. The reason Etisalat is successful is because we do things differently than the others. We give simple, understandable plans. We bring great innovations to Nigerians. If other people can come into the market with different ideas, we’ll welcome them. We need good competitors; we don’t want the old fashioned competition.

Telecom activities may keep Nigeria’s rebased GDP green Continuued from page 25 individuals, businesses and government. Latest industry data by the regulator has indicated that there were 129 million active telephone subscriptions in the country as at the end of February, 2013. Of this figure, 63.4 million are active mobile internet subscriptions on Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM networks, indicating that there is increasing demand for data-enabled services. The improving connectivity and increase in businesses done online is also spurring the need for data centers. It is estimated that Nigeria, may almost triple its online

purchases in just three years to more than $1 billion by 2014. Also, considering the low level internet penetration points, there are also expectations for high demand of penetration points, translating to opportunities. The ministry of Communications Technology has consistently promised to jerk up Broadband penetration from the current 6 percent to around 30 per cent in the next few years. Indeed, new policies, such as the National Broadband Plan and others, are also going to play a key role in making Nigeria’s telecoms sector an attractive investment destination. As at the middle of 2012, the

telecoms sector had recorded a whopping $25 billion local and Foreign Direct Investment, FDIs, up from the $500, 000 recorded in 2001 with a plan to double the $25 billion in the next years. Broadband is prided as being the potential investment booster for the industry. To drive this investment, the NCC and the ministry also continue to leverage every local and international fora to attract investors into the country. Realistically, if these programmes are steered as programmed, there are great hopes that telecoms would continue to play lead roles not only in the economy but also in the new rebased GDP.

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Ancelotti targets Champions League final eal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti R has admitted that it could be considered a failure if his side fail to

reach the final of the Champions League this season. Los Blancos tackle holders Bayern Munich in the final four of the competition, with the first leg to be held in the Spanish capital this evening. “Failure is such an ugly word. I can’t say that getting to the semi-finals is a success,” he told reporters at a press conference. “The target in this competition is to get to the final. We’re not in the final yet. We have to fight for 180 minutes against a strong team. “A semi-final isn’t a success, but I think that four consecutive semis is not bad.” Madrid were eliminated in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund last season.

Guardiola keeps Real guessing

he Bayern Munich training ground was on lockdown on Monday afternoon as Pep Guardiola’s side trained behind closed doors in their last session before flying out to face Real Madrid in today’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabéu. As has become customary since Guardiola took over at Bayern, security was in place at the club’s training complex to prevent journalists and fans from sneaking a look. Well aware of the importance of the Real Madrid clash, Guardiola has chosen to keep his cards as close to his chest as possible and play up the different options at his disposal. And, with an embarrassment of riches throughout the squad, the Catalan coach’s line-up at the Bernabéu by no means picks itself.

Coentrao gets Ancelotti’s nod A

ncelotti announced that the Portuguese defender would be on the starting XI Fàbio Coentrao, who is always in the shadows because of that 30M€ transfer fee José Mourinho decided to pay in order to sign him, was excellent against FC Barcelona. And he will have the chance to repeat that great performance against Bayern Munich, according to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. Marcelo is not at 100% because he started training with the team a few days ago, so Fàbio Coentrao will be the one starting against Bayern Munich. Coentrao will be facing Arjen Robben on Real’s left wing, and he will likely need some help against the Dutch winger to succeed. But he also did a good job against him two seasons ago. Ancelotti expects his team to play as a whole, a compact and solid squad. And that’s where Coentrao fits right in.

ROBBEN: Real’s the most dangerous opponent A

rjen Robben is fond of playing mind games, and everything should be taken with a grain of salt when it comes to the UEFA Champions League at this stage in the competition. But the Dutchman claims his Bayern Munich side is no longer the favorites to win the UCL despite holding the title from last year ’s tournament. Instead, Robben is putting the target squarely on the back of his opponents in today’s semifinal first leg: Real Madrid. “They have the best players,” Robben told Kicker. “If you have a 10 minute period where you switch off, you can suddenly concede three goals. There’ll be a lot demanded of us. “We are no longer favorites. Of course we want to win the Champions League again, but we’re in the semifinal – and anything can happen. Real are the most dangerous opponent we could have faced.” Bayern did not face Real on the road to last season’s title, as the Spanish giants were dismissed by Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals. Real sent Dortmund home in this season’s quarterfinals after squashing Schalke 9-2 over two legs in the Round of 16.

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RONALDO still doubtful against Bayern

Klitschko in no rush to quit ladimir Klitschko W claims he plans to stretch his boxing career

eal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not risk playing Cristiano Ronaldo against Bayern Munich in their firstleg of their Champions League semi-final tie if the forward has not fully recovered from injury. The prolific Portuguese has not played any competitive football since Madrid’s 3-0 quarter-final first-leg win over Borussia Dortmund on April 2nd, coming off in the 80th minute of that match with an injury to his left knee. The forward had to miss the return leg in Dortmund and last week’s Copa del Rey final win due to a subsequent hamstring problem, but returned to full training on Monday. Last year Barcelona fielded Lionel Messi against Bayern in a Champions League semi-final when the Argentinian had not fully recovered from a hamstring problem, but Ancelotti vowed not to take any chances with Ronaldo, who is the top scorer in this season’s competition with 14 goals in nine matches. “Cristiano trained normally today, he’s trained well in the last few days and tomorrow he’s going to have more tests and then we’ll make our decision,” Ancelotti said this afternoon. “If everyone is is certain he can play without any problems at all, then of course he will play. I am confident he will play, but we’re going to make the decision tomorrow.” The Italian coach hinted he might opt against starting Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, with next week’s return game at the Allianz Arena in mind. He added: “If there’s any risk of a relapse he won’t play. We have to remember that this tie is not going to be decided tomorrow. We may be able to gain an advantage from the home leg, but the really decisive game is next Tuesday in Munich.” Midfielder Xabi Alonso added: “Cristiano will play if he’s 100 per cent fit, that is a decision he, the medical staff and the coach will take. “We need him to play because he’s vital for the team. He gives us explosive play and an ability to create chances and score goals, he’s a fundamental player. But if he doesn’t play the team can still perform as we saw in the Copa del Rey final.”

Champions League match today

R/Madrid v B/Munich 7:45pm

for another decade in his bid to break the record of Joe Louis as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion. The 38-year-old, who has been world champion since 2006, defends his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in Oberhausen, Germany, on Saturday against Australian challenger Alex Leapai. US boxing legend Louis was world heavyweight champion for 12 years, having been unbeaten between 1937 and 1949.

Woods’ absence likely to cost golf $15 billion iger Woods’ absence, T due to his long-term back injury, could cost the golf industry $15 billion, according to a leading

director in media services. Woods has not played golf since the World Golf Championships in March earlier this year and missed the US Masters for the first time in his professional career last fortnight. As such, golf has suffered badly in terms of spectator interest. The initial signs at the Masters were not encouraging – as viewing figures on the opening day were the worst since ESPN started covering the event in 2008.

Djokovic aiming to play Madrid

ovak Djokovic is optimistic of being fit for the Madrid Masters in two weeks’ time after his wrist injury was found to be not as serious as first thought. The world number two suffered the right wrist problem in training ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, where as defending champion he lost to Roger Federer in the semi-finals. Djokovic fuelled concern with his post-match comments, saying he was in pain on every shot and that he would not be able to play tennis “for some time”.

3SC brand Ekiti United bad losers

hooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, General Manager, Rasheed Balogun, has hit back at the management of Ekiti United Football Club of Ado Ekiti by accusing them of being bad losers. Ekiti United singled out centre referee, Adeyey B.A from Lagos for criticism after awarding two penalty kicks, which led to their team’s 2-0 loss to the Oluyole Warriors last weekend. While describing Ekiti United as ungracious losers noted: “It is unnecessary. ‘If you win be happy, enjoy, but if you lose don’t complain about silly things. You are always hurt when you lose. There is nobody more upset than I when we lose but I have never complained about officiating when we lose away matches,” the former Sunshine Stars team manager reacted.

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2015: PDP govs' push for Jonathan •Awaits President’s declaration next month BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

ARRING unforeseen events, President Goodluck Jonathan will tell Nigerians whether or not he will seek reelection next month, exactly nine months to the February 14, 2015 presidential polls, Vanguard has gathered. He would have broken the ice this month but has to tarry awhile, according to what a source described as ‘inclement political climate’ in the country. The decision is coming on the heels of pressures being mounted on him by leaders and faithful of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country. If he decides to seek a second mandate at the Aso Rock seat of power, President Jonathan will have unalloyed backing of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) going by the stance of the 18 governors. Following the release of the 2015 election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last January, Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, told Vanguard that President Jonathan would soon hold a strategic meeting with his kitchen cabinet to decide on whether or not to run and take a decision this month. Asked then if Jonathan would declare his ambition given that the INEC had released the election timetable, Obi said: “I want Nigerians to understand one thing. I have been on the side of the opposition for very long. Now, I am in the

pros and cons, what his administration has done and then take a position clearly on what his next line of action will be.” Jonathan's consultations: Apart from his kitchen cabinet, Vanguard gathered that President Jonathan has consulted stakeholders in most parts of the country, albeit discreetly, and received ‘a go ahead’ nod to seek re-election. Indeed, the president has got support from stakeholders in most states and the six geopolitical zones he has visited in recent times to receive opposition big shots defecting or returning to the PDP. The places he has visited include Sokoto, Owerri, Ilorin, Bauchi Kano and Enugu.

Blessings in disguise With the endorsements the President is getting, pundits now see the November 17, 2013 defection of five PDP governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a blessing in disguise for the PDP and President Jonathan. APC's tsunami: When some PDP national leaders on the banner of the outlawed new PDP (nPDP) defected to the APC with five governors and 37 members of the House of Representatives with a threat to further deplete the ruling PDP, there were apprehensions that the PDP may not recover from the debilitating blow in one piece. Then, the APC, which gained from the development, basked in the euphoria and hope of

Jonathan is not expected to face such hurdles as the attention of the PDPGF appears focused on how to return him to office in 2015 given their stance at virtually all the zonal rallies held so far

executive, current leadership. President Jonathan appealed to Nigerians and said he would not discuss politics until 2014. Despite all the pressure mounted on him by the opposition to draw him into politics much earlier than 2014, he resisted it; he continued on the path of governance and maintained that he would say something in 2014. Now we are in 2014. INEC has spoken, we do expect that with all of these, I am sure he will sit with his kitchen cabinet and look at the

overthrowing the PDP in the National Assembly, especially in the lower chamber, become the majority party and possibly initiate impeachment proceedings against President Jonathan for his alleged ‘ numerous impeachment offences’ and thereafter pave the way for APC’s victory at the 2015 polls. The governors who left the PDP for the APC are Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa),

Faced with the growing decapitation of their political footholds, leaders of the PDP, backed by their remaining 18 governors on the banner of the PDPGF, rallied round to save the day. A series of consultative meetings among the President, PDPGF Chairman, Obong Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih and other stakeholders created a dramatic turn around in social cohesion and stability in the party. If things remain unchanged, the PDP will go for its National Convention and presidential primaries as a united front and President Jonathan will have little or no problems picking the party’s presidential ticket. It would have been a different kettle of fish, if the five governors and the aggrieved leaders did not defect to the APC, a reason some analysts see their departure as a blessing in disguise for the PDP.

Second term ticket

•Jonathan: Consulting

•Akpabio: Mobilises support for Jonathan Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Abdufattah Ahmed (Kwara). It was also rumoured that 22 PDP senators would defect to the APC in the first batch of the exercise. Although 11 PDP senators later wrote Senate President David Mark that they had defected to the APC, the move has not been perfected due to litigation. Since the last November defections, the PDP appears to be emerging stronger from the setback. First, it got Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to step down as national chairman and former Governor of Bauchi; Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu emerged as his successor.

Incidentally, Mu’Azu’s acclaimed arch enemy in Bauchi politics, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi nominated him for the post at the emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the party. The collaboration between the national chairman and the PDPGF has so far been impressive. The expected series of defections seem to have been put at bay and the party still retains its majority in the Senate and House of Representatives. Also, the PDP got APC big wigs in the five states its governors decamped, which necessitated the president’s ‘tours,’ which the opposition has branded campaigning before the whistle is blown by INEC. Behind PDP’s recovery:

Currently, none of the PDP governors is angling for the presidency job. Most of them are interested in going to the Senate. None of them is against Jonathan recontesting. This is contrary to what prevailed in 2003 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was seeking a second term ticket. Apart from then Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obasanjo faced a high hurdle erected by then PDP governors and federal lawmakers. No hurdles: Jonathan is not expected to face such hurdles as the attention of the PDPGF appears focused on how to return him to office in 2015 given their stance at virtually all the zonal rallies held so far. Akpabio, the PDPGF chairman, who often times spoke for his colleagues, had attended all the rallies so far, where he assured the president of their support to his administration and political future. Specifically, the governors have assured the president that they will back his re-election bid. At the South-East zonal rally in Enugu, the PDP governors asked Jonathan to run. Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, said that the huge crowd at the rally showed the popularity of President Jonathan, whom he said remains the man to beat in 2015. In like manner Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State said that the rally was meant Continues on page 38

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Ijeshas coming under the bridge in Iwo Road with intense propaganda will not give him a victory in 2015 election. The social contract has been abused and I think Ajimobi could simply juxtapose his inaugural speech at the beginning of his administration and start to prepare his handing over note. One of the issues the APC has raised against PDP is that the party is peopled by those who appear to be illiterate, lacking in knowledge to drive a sophisticated state like Oyo. What is your reaction to this? They who have been formally educated and being products of Harvard or Cambridge, what have they been able to do? I think that it is very cheap politicking to say that these people are not educated.

Oyo 2015: Ajimobi

has failed

— Owolabi, PDP guber aspirant DR. Isaac Owolabi was the Commissioner for Health during the tenure of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala in Oyo State during which he was generally regarded as the chief strategist of that regime. Owolabi is himself now in competition with his erstwhile boss, Alao-Akala for the 2015 gubernatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In this interview, he asserts that the gubernatorial race should be opened to all sections of the state, rubbishes the efforts of the incumbent administration and affirms that the APC government is on its way out.Excerpts: BY OLA AJAYI

INCE you left office as the Commissioner for Health, you have not been visible. Why? That is very relative. I am one of those that believes that the greatest work is that done in silence. At some point, some of us were convinced that the former state governor, Rashidi Ladoja should return to the house he assisted to build in the PDP. If you come across Ladoja, he will possibly tell you we have demonstrated our commitment to ensuring that he is co-opted and reintegrated back into the larger PDP fold and that I think it is still an ongoing process. A very meticulous person, he itemised one by one some of the frustrations that accounted for his refusal as it was then but as at today I can tell you without

state again to the PDP. How is it like slugging it out for the PDP governorship ticket with your former boss, Chief Alao-Akala? Chief Alao-Akala remains my boss. I have also been committed to him but I now see it as the issue of misconstruction and I can also lay some blame of that tenure on some people and other small politicians who laid cards for him to interpret as they wished and the bulk stopped on his table. Also at several points you will see that nativity politics started to define the trend of our experience. Some still believe that you, Seyi Makinde, Prof. Soji Adejumo and Femi Babalola, being the former aides of Chief AlaoAkala, are being used by the former governor. This is very, very far from the truth. Engineer Femi Babalola is

If you come across Ladoja, he will possibly tell you we have demonstrated our commitment to ensuring that he is co-opted and reintegrated back into the larger PDP fold and that I think it is still an ongoing process mincing words that negotiation and renegotiation is still ongoing at the highest level of the party and I am very persuaded that in due course, we will have him back. Given the lack of unity it is said that it would be very difficult for the PDP to oust the APC from power in the state? I wish to remind you that one of the foremost lawyers in the country, Chief Richard Akinjide on the PDP’s loss of Oyo State in 2011 said the PDP lost the election but ACN did not win. How do we tolerate and accommodate the differentials? And this I think is also the beauty of democratic experiment everywhere in the world and I am very confident that this time, we will plan to get it right because even the market women, the followers, the peasant farmers, the artisans everywhere from Ogbomoso to Oyo, Ibadan to Oke Ogun, Ibarapa, they want the leaders to come together and start to think about delivering the

a friend of long standing. I know he has been driven by his own conviction to contribute to furthering an agenda that he feels and wishes for our people. Seyi Makinde too, is entitled and we need not hold these people in contempt. For me, it is the wish of my constituency and people all over the state that I come out and contest the governorship election. There has never been any conversation on the table or below the table to front for the past governor. I think it is beautiful that people who have demonstrated capabilities can come up irrespective of where you come from. I will love to see in my life time someone from Tede become governor of Oyo State. I will like to see in my life time a person from Ibarapa North, Igangan for instance. I will like to see someone from anywhere once they have demonstrated the capability and acceptability to do

Very cheap politicking

•Owolabi: I am very confident so. Then let us come to the people to decide. First decision will come from the party and the final decision will come from the people. You have had the experience as Commissioner and now you are eyeing the number one seat, what do you think the present government is not doing right? You are pushing me to the corner of audit. I have said it before, if you want to audit this present administration, here, move to Dugbe, talk to the ordinary people, artisans, the market women, the merchants along Lebanon Street. Move to Gate, to my brothers and sisters who make a living there, wake up around 5.00 am, sell and sell

to put their kids in school. Go to Oje Market to those women we call ‘Alajapa’, may be you can move towards Oyo, ask the people how they have fared under this administration and let us have the comparison. Go to Tanke in Ogbomoso, talk to the ordinary people. You can come to Ibarapa and ask similar questions. I am sure you will come down with an unambiguous conclusion that the present administration has failed and if you describe Ajimobi as a failure, you are really kind to him. If it is in any sense, it is indeed a disaster. Both the peasants and the larger society in Oyo State have decided that one million Baba

Whoever says that, you should ask him the level of his education and what he has achieved with that level of education. That is most idiotic because ‘I have basket full of certificates’ does not make me a good leader. If you like it or not, Akala government has performed better than this administration because I can sense the dummy they are trying to sell. But nonetheless people like us are wise and we are in PDP and so it is with several other PhD holders and professors. Is it not the same people who cannot define who a progressive is? It is not a debate but cheap talk to gain cheap popularity and it has significantly backfired to the extent that when some of them take a microphone at every public function, all attention must be drawn to them alone. The present administration is largely driven by self.

2015: PDP govs' push for Jonathan Continues from page 37 to woo President Jonathan to contest the 2015 election because the people appreciate his laudable achievements in the South-East. He said: “The essence of the rally is simple: our people want to present two requests. The first is that Mr. President, you should run for Presidency in 2015. Our second request is that he shouldn’t disappoint us by saying no. He must say yes! We aren’t here to discuss your projects, but to make that request with one voice.” Endorsing Orji and Chime’s comments, Akpabio said that the PDP governors were united in making the demand and hope that the President would respond positively. Akpabio said: “On behalf of the governors of PDP, we want

to thank the governors of PDP in South-East. Mr. President, we want you to contest in 2015 and not to reject to contest. That’s our two requests. They want you to complete the Second Niger Bridge. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe completed the first Niger Bridge and another Azikiwe has started the Second Niger Bridge; they don’t want another person to complete it. “Again, the International Airport in Enugu, they are worried that if you don’t contest, who will complete that project? The only person who can do that is the son of the South-East: Azikiwe Jonathan. They are assuring you that come 2015; they are going to reclaim that South-East state in the hand of the opposition that is Imo State.” Lending his voice, Chief

Anenih told the governors that the President would respond at the appropriate time. Describing himself as an advocate of a rancour-free primary process in the PDP, Anenih advocated a situation whereby the incumbent President would be granted a right of first refusal. “In 2015, we shall come again to seek for your votes. The governors have asked the President to say, yes; the opportunity will come very soon. When INEC lifts the ban on campaigns, we shall bring him here and he will give a response to your request,” he said. Will Jonathan yield to the pressure to run? Will the PDPGF maintain their support till the end? These are questions that will be answered with time.

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zEngr. Femi Owolabi, MD, Fembosco Engineering

Searching for light in the dark

Out there, there are transformers and feeder pillars and other machines that have been installed and in use for the past 15years to 20years, which are due for replacement

day we should have supply, we mostly don’t, during the day. Then about midnight, there comes the light. So, I now do most of my welding at night because the light usually goes off anytime between 4a.m. and 6a.m. The problem is that I usually cannot meet up, and my customers take away their jobs,” he lamented. So, how does he make ends meet? “I am going to buy a diesel generator that can power my welding machine. That will cost between N180,000 and N250,000. If I don’t, I will have to give up welding and look for other means to survive.” Ibrahim’s experience was as hilarious as it was pathetic.

•Power sector collapses after privatisation BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA, GENERAL EDITOR & HUGO ODIOGOR

T was afternoon, and the sun beat down with all the anger it could muster. Francis Igbineweka (not real names) held his mobile phone handset against his left ear as he trekked down the street. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, even as rivulets of the same sweat streamed down the middle of his back. Unconsciously he swore aloud.

“What kind of country is this?”, he asked no one in particular. For four days he had been trying to get his mother in the Edo village where he came from, on telephone, to no avail; her number wasn’t going. Feeling cramps in his left hand, he transferred the handset to his right hand, and dialed again. This time, it rang, and a tentative smile began to form on his face. “Mama, wetin do your phone now? I don dey try your number since four days but e no dey go.

Wetin happen?” “Sorry my son, I got your message, but we no get light for one week now and the battery of my phone die. Nowhere to charge am!” “What happened to your generator?”, Francis retorted. “You know there’s fuel scarcity. I no fit buy the petrol at N200 per litre. I charged my phone now at my neighbour’s place. His son-in-law came to visit and brought some petrol for him. I just switched on the phone.” “Na waa oh! Which kind country be this? Anyway,

Portable gasoline Mama......” Francis continued his talk with his mother. If Igbineweka’s experience with the power situation is impacting on his personal communication, then it could be imagined what Hamzat Sadiku, a middle-aged welder in the Igando area of Lagos is going through. In his area, electricity is supplied on a one-day on, one-day off basis. Ordinarily that should mean his area is supplied electricity every other day. “If that were the case, I wouldn’t complain, but on the

It was Sunday evening, and he decided to get a hair cut. So he went to the neighbourhood barber, and soon, it was his turn. Midway into the haircut, light went off. No problem, it seemed, as the barber went out to start his portable gasoline generator, the kind known as “I pass my neighbour.” After several pulls, the generator refused to start. Fiddling with the plug, the carburettor, and every other part of the generator, it simply refused to start, more than one hour later.

Continues on page 40

40 —

Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, APRIL 23, 2014 WEDNESDA

Can we just get light? Continues from page 39 “Wetin I go do now?,”Ibrahim asked his barber. “I don’t know what went wrong with this generator; it had always started with one pull. Please, let’s walk to my colleague’s shop; I will complete your cut there. “You mean I should walk the streets with my head in this condition?,”Ibrahim asked, annoyed. The barber offered him a face cap and they went off. These scenarios illustrate the nature of Nigeria’s electricity conundrum: That lack of electric power or its epileptic nature has spun a negative multiplier on virtually every facet of life is merely reiterating the obvious, as artisans like welders, iron benders, carpenters, and others who depend on cheap electricity to make a living can no longer do so. Thus, many of them became okada riders, while others who could not get fixed otherwise have resorted to activities which have helped worsen our security situation. Positive, negative fallouts: A

Indeed, as almost everyone would testify, power supply seemed to have worsened since last November when unbundled power firms were handed over to new owners. Aged power apparatus Femi Owolabi, an engineer who is chief executive of Fembosco Engineering Ltd, a firm that specializes in electrical power systems and controls is of the opinion that it might take about five years to achieve 75% of uninterrupted supply. Why? “It’s a great thing that power has been privatized in the country. If allowed to work, in the next five years, we should achieve at least 75 per cent of supply without interruption because that period is enough to stabilize the factors, install what is to be installed as well as change, and competition is vital to test abilities of the various companies. In our country presently, the power apparatus is aged and requires complete replacement.”Speaking further, Owolabi said that there is need for massive investment in the

At the consumption level where we have all our overhead cables, you see that many of them have been joined together here and there, and are thus no longer in a condition to carry the required load direct fallout of the nation’s inability to constructively manage the power system is the exit from the country of not a few multinationals, especially in the manufacturing sector. But on the flip side, the nation recorded a landmark telecommunications revolution which saw telephone lines grow from a paltry 400,000 lines in 2001 to more than 110 million lines today. The magic is that the telecoms sector has run almost exclusively on generator power, evidenced by a report that the sector spent no less than N40.2 billion on generator sets and diesel alone in 2012. This problem is what prompted government to adopt privatization of the power sector as a solution. However, not many Nigerians invest much hope in the privatized power firms, and indeed, caution that the conclusion of privatization of the sector does not imply that Nigerians should expect improved power supply.

infrastructure of distribution, that is, the downstream part of the sector. “With what we have now, power companies generates power, then transmission takes place. These are high voltage and they are properly installed but when it comes to the downstream segment, the consumption level where we have all our overhead cables, you see that many of them have been joined together here and there, and are thus no longer in a condition to carry the required load. “Out there, there are transformers and feeder pillars and other machines that have been installed and in use for the past 15years to 20years, which are due for replacement. Even the defunct PHCN cannot get spare parts for them, and when they contact the manufactures of these equipment, they are told they are no longer in production.” While some people are lamenting poor power supply,

zPresident Goodluck Jonathan: Among his many headaches is the power problem some others complain of being made to pay for light not supplied. For many years, consumers have paid bills estimated by electricity staff in their offices as marketers no longer visit consumers to read metres. As a way round this, pre-paid metres were introduced, but this is yet to go round the whole country. But Owolabi thumbed down the entire billing system. His words: “It’s either you set out to make money from the public or measure accordingly what you gave to people in terms of power supplied. When NEPA staff went round to read metres and bill accordingly, it was okay. But the way things are now, for me, we still don’t have a standard measurement for electricity consumption.

Electricity consumption “If you have prepaid system, the power companies should test and calibrate the metres before giving them out to consumers, because you can as well do it in a way that set the metres to rip people off their money. In the same manner, the pre-paid metres in use now can be bypassed. So there should be a computerized system in their offices through which they can detect a metre that is bypassed. With that, the investors can achieve their business objectives, so I suggest the present pre-paid meters be scrapped, and opt for compu-

terized metres to stay in business.” Due diligence issues? However, indications are emerging that investors in the power sector did not fully appreciate what they were buying, if what some speakers at the recently-concluded Lagos Economic Summit, tagged Ehingbeti 2014 was anything to go by. At the summit, some chief executives of financial institutions expressed concern over the revenue profile of the power companies, especially the recently privatised electricity distribution companies and called for an increase in the electricity tariff and price of gas to boost the income generating capacity of the companies. Mrs. Sola David-Borha, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic Holdings said that the problems bedevilling the power sector will be addressed with appropriate pricing and tariffs. She noted that the distribution companies’ ability to pay back their indebtedness will improve as their ability to generate more cash improves. She maintained that pricing is key in the power sector as it will help ensure that the numbers add up. She added that if the pricing issue is addressed, everything else will fall in place. “If we really want more investors to come and invest in the power sector, it is necessary that they should be given the right incentives and opportunities. We have to encourage investors by

putting more money on the table; by ensuring the right tariffs are in place,” she said. Mr. Akin Ogunranti, General Manager, Power and Infrastructure, Zenith Bank Plc. also called for an increase in the tariffs, noting that a number of investors are waiting on the sidelines and will not hesitate to come in and invest in the sector once the pricing issue is tackled. He said, “Increasing the tariff will encourage more investors to put in more money. If we do not get the tariff issue right, we will not see the rapid improvement we desire in the power sector”.

Private investors Also speaking at the same event as session chairman, Mr. Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, Country Manager, International Finance Corporation, IFC, pointed to the fact that what the masses are paying via the use of generators is very high. He said the fact is that the masses are paying life cycle power costs of US$0.40 (N64) to $0.50 (N80) per kilo watt hour, with small petrol or diesel generators. He said that this makes it critical for private investors, regulators and the government to come together and discuss key issues that can make the power reforms successful so that the ordinary man and woman do not have to pay such large amounts for power. Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, APRIL 23, 2014 — WEDNESDA

Power sector as undertaker to SMEs licensed investors into the NESI are protected “to recover their investments at the shortest possible time frame.” Equally troubling, is the surreptitious use of market forces to determine and bill consumers which is the rationale behind the Multi Year Tariff Order, MYTO, which is presently at the second review known as MYTO2. In fact, the new distribution companies have suspended issuance of pre-paid metres which NERC said was a precondition for the privatisation exercise. Today the DISCOs have become a cartel that arbitrarily manipulates electricity bills, even though NERC claims “that there is now upward review of electricity tariff.”

Continues from page 40

The key issues, he noted, include reliability and availability of gas, which will require investment in gas supply and a pipeline network; strengthening and expansion of the power transmission network; investment in the power discos to reduce the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses, that may be as high as 60 per cent in some discos; and rehabilitate and expand the generation companies (GENCOs) and the Independent Power Projects (IPPs)”. They all seem to have corroborated Owolabi’s assertion that there is need for massive investment in the infrastructure of power distribution before we can begin to expect something called uninterrupted power supply. Now, the question on the lips of many Nigerians regarding the power situation is: After privatisation, just what should we expect, in light of current experience?

Estimated consumption, crazy bills For those Nigerians that get some supply, there are issues with billings and payments. Mrs. Jennifer Ibonye told Vanguard that she had a case of estimated bill in which her average monthly bill has risen drastically. “Initiaialy the IKEDC said I was being under billed and shut my bill up to N15,700.00. I protested and demanded to know how they came about the bill. The checked their system and discovered that I was being over billed and over charged by as much as 500 units. “They checked and discovered that there are over 35 consumers that are affected and promised to rectify the situation. But till date, they have not done that instead my monthly bill for a residential duplex has remained at N22, 000.00 every month even when we hardly get electricity in my area of Ago, in Okota”. According to her, “I pay my bills regularly even when I do not operate industry in my duplex, I do not use heavy equipment. I pay my bill for being supplied with darkness for 90 per cent of the time. “ She added: “This is not sustainable and I have to take a legal action to stop this exploitation”. Our investigation reveals that there are little or no pressure on the DISCOs to address the complaints of consumers, no matter how

•Light up Nigeria project.

Source NERC

In 1996 there were 47 industrial clusters in Nnewi, Anambra State, but by 2013, there remained only six as others were forced out of business because of electricity

Electricity tariff

genuine their case may be. “The distribution companies are not prepared to address it and NERC is just shielding them to exploit the consumers; it is a catch 22 situation for us.” An Abuja-based water producer, Mr. Friday Dasuma said his monthly electricity bill for a two-phase metre has risen to N350,000 per month since November and no explanation was given. He said most time he runs the generator and spends close to N150,000 every month on diesel. He wondered whether the new power companies are competing with the generator and diesel market, and if that is the case, “they should leave us to decide whether to use their services or stick to our generating sets. We cannot be making double payment for the same item especially when the one from public supply is inefficient, unreliable and exorbitant. He added: ”The same government that is telling the world that it wants to encourage small and medium enterprises to grow and create jobs is the one that is punishing them by introducing these unhealthy policies.” Power sector,undertaker to SMEs: He said the SMEs that rely on electricity for their businesses have come under heavy burden and unworkable budgets and have had to cut

•Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power down on costs and overheads. Recenty, the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo told a Power Summit in Lagos that in 1996 there were 47 industrial clusters in Nnewi, Anambra State, but by 2013, there remained only six as others were forced out of business because of electricity. The situation remains the same even today as the power companies are anxious to recover invested funds obtained from banks at high interest rate which is passed on to the consumers. Electricity consumers in Nigeria are waking up to the realisation that 25% of their income may end up on payments for erratic, unstable and unreliable supply of electricity as the new owners of power companies grapple with the old problems in the power sector. In fact, the new power companies fleece consumers with arbitrary and unexplained increase of tariffs for the low income consumers in the R1 and R2 category. Some people

have complained of having been forced to pay between N25,000 to N50,000 monthly ,on electricity bill in the face of erratic and unstable supply of electricity.

DISCOs opt for PHCN’s business model

Vanguard can report authoritatively that the new electricity companies have gradually returned to using the old business model of defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN). The privatization exercise of November 1, 2014, covered 60 per cent of the companies in generation and distribution sector while the federal government is still holding on to the 40% in the transmission sector. But the ordeal of consumers is not helped by the disposition of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) whose primary concern has shifted to ensuring that the new owners and

Engr. Lanre Badejo, who retired from the services of PHCN before the privatisation programme told Vanguard that “the the goal of the new power cartel is to drive the tariff on electricity to at least 3,000 per cent from what consumers were paying before now”. This means that consumers would have to spend at least 25% of their annual income on electricity as government and the distribution companies argue that Nigerians pay the least tariff on electricity, when compared with some countries in Africa. Engr. Badejo said: “One fact that the government has conveniently ignored in their calculation is that government institutions, public officers, military establishments hardly pay for the electricity that they consume”. According to him “the rationale of using free market forces as envisaged in the introduction of MYTO system is that the macro-economic management by government, is efficient and that policies are reliable, predictable and realisable.” He said “it is the duty of government to manage the rate of inflation, the exchange rate and interest rate. It is also the duty of government to manage security of critical national assets such as the oil and gas pipelines as well as electricity transmission lines, where there are failures and inefficiencies on the part of government to control these forces, that influence market behaviour, the consequences would reflect in the cost of electricity generation and distribution and the consumer would bear the brunt.”

To be continued

42—V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, APRIL 23, 2014 42—VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA

She wants me to do it at 16 Dear Bunmi, I will soon be sixteen years old and of the same age with a girl I am friendly with next door. We play with other friends in a big compound and when no one is looking, we show each other our private parts. Now, she wants me to try intimacy with her. She brags that she has done it before and will tell me what to do. She says that at my age, I am too young to father a child. Is she right? I have never made love and would love to

Dear Bunmi, My 28-year-old daughter has been with her boyfriend on and off for six years. He left her for another girl when she got pregnant, then came back when she had a son. The problem is that tales abound about his constant philandering. My daughter’s friends have assured her that he’ll settle down once he’s sowed his wild oats. How much wild oats are you supposed to sow when you’re

in your 30s and a father? I am worried that he can’t really love her if he keeps being unfaithful. My daugh-ter is not getting younger. Funmi, by e-mail. Dear Funmi, I agree with you on this; some men are just not husband material and it is obvious that your daughter’s man is nowhere near ready for commitment. And if he’s not ready for commitment

when he has a child to look after, when will he be? The problem is that by the sound of it, your daughter doesn’t see it that way. She took him back when he’s betrayed her and is currently putting up with more betrayals. So tell her what you think, but don’t expect her to dump him. All you can do, I’m afraid, is support her now and be ready to pick up the pieces when things finally go wrong.

It’s her love I want not her friendship

drunken mistake. Why don’t you tell her how you really feel about her? She might not return your feelings, but there is always a chance that she’ll realise she feels the same about you. Being honest doesn’t necessarily have to stop the friendship you shared. So what have you got to lose?!

Dear Bunmi, Agnes and I have been friends for ages. We grew up in the same neighbourhood and she tells me about her boyfriends, some of whom have been quite nasty to her. I always give her some advice but she doesn’t know I’m in love with her. A few weeks ago, she came to my flat after being let down by her latest boyfriend. I consoled her the best I could. One thing led to the other and we found ourselves in my bedroom. The love making was all I dreamt of, and more. The next day, she was her chatty self again. She said we were better off forgetting what happened the previous night as she wouldn’t want us to spoil our friendship. Well I don’t want to forget about it— I love her and want to be with her. Should I let her know this? Ephraim, by e-mail.

Dear Ephraim, It is always difficult making the transition from friends to lovers. It’s obvious that the thought hadn’t crossed your friend’s mind that you’re anything more than a mate before you made love. That’s why she believed your romp was nothing more than a

As soon as you can, tell your friend that you know his affair is his business and that you’re not going to squeal on him. Then tell him his alibi is his problem, not yours

He dumped me to marry another woman Dear Bunmi, I was in my early twenties when I met my boyfriend and we lived together for over two years. I assumed we would eventually get married, but he said he wasn’t interested in a permanent commitment, so we broke up. That was barely six months ago. I recently learnt he just got

married and I am gutted. I don’t know how I’ll come to terms with what I see as a rejection of my love for him. I mean, what has this girl got that I haven’t? Blessing, by e-mail. Dear Blessing, People’s feelings do change and that’s what you have to come to terms with. Your man

must have realised you weren’t the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. It has nothing to do with what you did wrong or right, and the earlier you accepted that you’ve lost him, the easier it would be to let him go and move on. Be rest assured that sooner or later, you’ll meet the man that’s right for you.

Dear Bolade, You would be playing with fire if you make love with this girl. I will advise you to steer clear of her. If you are old enough to be stimulated, you will have a discharge during proper intercourse and the girl might get pregnant. She is obviously more experienced than you are and with the AIDS scare, you have to be really careful.

I want my daughter to dump him

try it if there is no danger. Bolade, by e-mail.

Your man must have realised you weren’t the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with

He uses me as cover-up Dear Bunmi, My wife and I have been friends with a colleague in the office and his wife for over eight years now. Unfortunately, he is having an affair that is not a casual one. When he is with this new girlfriend of his, he tells his wife that he is with me. I have covered for him so far but I hate lying. My wife would go bananas if she finds out I condoned something like this. Also, it is too close for comfort. Yet I feel I should be there for a friend. Lately, his wife has been blaming me for keeping her husband away from their

matrimonial home. What should I do? Johnson, by e-mail. Dear Johnson, I am all for friends helping each other, even doing the occasional moral misdemeanour for each other. But you should draw the line when it comes to getting in the middle of each other’s marriages. You might end up being the cad. As soon as you can, tell your friend that you know his affair is his business and that you’re not going to squeal on him. Then tell him his alibi is his problem, not yours.

Either of them could be my baby’s father Dear Bunmi, I am seven months pregnant and I’m not sure who the father of my baby is. I don’t know if it is my current boyfriend or the one before him. To be honest, I am still in love with my ex-boyfriend and very much want the baby to be his. We split up about the time I fell pregnant, because he had roving eyes. When I told him about the likelihood of his being responsible for my pregnancy, he said I should let him know when the baby is born; that he would want definite proof that he was the father, and not my current boyfriend. I think about my ex all the

time and want us to get together again. I’m hoping that the child is his so that he would come back to me. Cynthia, by e-mail. Dear Cynthia, I wouldn’t be too optimistic if I were you. When your baby arrives, you can easily arrange for a blood test to find out who the father really is. But is your current boyfriend aware of your present dilemma? How would he feel about succumbing to a paternity test? What would be his reaction if it was proved he didn’t father the child? You’re in a real dilemma here and only time and your conscience will sort things out.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 43

SMS ONLY 08052202289

I want to be Africa’s leading IT service provider —Nkem Uwaje-Begho, MD, Future Software Resources A savvy information technology entrepreneur, Mrs.Nkem Uwaje-Begho wears a very humble, unassuming disposition that anyone would never presume her achievements and astonishing contributions towards advancing technology in Nigeria. German-trained Bioinformatics, Nkem is the Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s top IT services providers. She began her professional career in Germany where she worked on high profile research projects at the Max Planck Institute-MPI for Psychiatric Research and then Affectis Pharmaceuticals AG where she worked on the development of software solutions for complex biological as well as chemical calculations and simulations, database design, administration and statistical analysis. She has since 2008 when she returned to Nigeria rebranded Future Software which was originally established by her father. Nkem who is creating employment for hundreds in Nigeria is our guest today. BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

T’s rare to find women excelling in the IT business; what’s your motivation? My dad has been a huge influence. As a kid, I was always around computers and that grew my interest. Future Software was initially incorporated by my father, Mr.Chris Uwaje, with the vision of me taking over and I actually took over and re-branded the company, as well as refocused it, in 2008. You refocused the company in what way? It was formerly more of a stand-alone solution provider. So, what I did was to re-brand it into a web-based educational, enterprise and business solutions firm. Presently, we focus on online solutions, elearning and ITsecurity.

Online solutions For online solutions, we offer our clients maximum exposure involving hosting, website design, ecommerce, web p o r t a l development, o n l i n e marketing, o n l i n e newsletters, social media management and more. Our elearning is targeted at

educational institutions as well as corporate institutions that wish to have integrated

*Nkem

online learning courses for their employees. We have the virtual learning environment solution and we customise and develop content for clients. Our IT security focus area is geared towards larger corporate establishments with sensitive data that requires protection. We offer online and network penetration testing, data recovery services, IT security planning and much more. Yo u ’ v e

*Nkem

been into this business in Nigeria for only six years; what challenges do you face? The key challenge is power and infrastructure. Another challenge is the kind of ethics we have in the Nigerian market- people not wanting to pay on time for services rendered. That actually makes it very hard for many businesses to grow. Is it true that men excel in IT more than women? I don’t agree to that because we both have two hands, legs and the same brain. Any proof to affirm your stand? The CEO of Yahoo is a woman and she’s remarkably done a lot of things to actually change the industry. It’s just an industry that women have not gone into because they feel they have been hindered by family and tradition. Same thing you find with any science field. If you visit the Mathematics Department of any university, you’ll find more men; not because women cannot succeed in that course but because they haven’t been encouraged in that direction, probably by their families or teachers. The notion is always that women should do art, be fashion designers, etcetera. I don’t agree with all that.

There are women who are astronauts! So, for me, you can do whatever you put your mind to. Did you have all these in mind when you opted for Bioinformatics? For me, I’ve never thought of any divide between men and women. I think I’ve always seen us as the same and I’ve never felt I’m competing with men or women; I’ve always competed against anybody that is in my class and that includes boys.

Younger IT professionals So, for me, it’s not something that we have to differentiate. In fact, my parents have always told me I can do whatever I want to do in the whole world. So, I picked a course that not many girls were studying and that didn’t bother me in any way. And have you competed favourably in the industry since 2008? I think we’ve actually done quite well for ourselves. Our still being in the market means we’re making progress. Though, there is always a big disparity between businesses that are owned by older IT professionals and younger IT professionals. Your aspiration five years down the line... To be Africa’s leading online solution, e-learning and IT security provider.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

DELTA FIRST LADY TO JOURNALISTS:

TERRORISM: Cleric calls for more prayers

Work with fear of God

BY FESTUS AHON

ENERAL Overseer of God’s Kingdom Mission, Warri, Delta State, Arch-Minister Roland Ogene, has condemned the recent bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, which killed over 70 people, and called for more prayers. Speaking at the opening of a two-day 2014 Conference of Laity at the church headquarters, Hope Bethel, Enerhen, Warri, he described the incident as a bitter tale in the history of the country. The cleric said: “The gruesome murder, the wounded and the abducted school children in Borno State are indications that the perilous times which Paul spoke about in the Bible are here with us.” He called on Christians to continue in fervent prayers so that God will hide his own from danger.

GHELLI— WIFE of the Delta State governor, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, has charged journalists in the country to always verify their stories before publishing and avoid reports that could mislead the general public, urging journalists to do their job with the fear of God. Mrs Uduaghan spoke at a prayer session with journalists at the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Asaba, tagged NUJ Solemn Assembly, with the theme Redeeming Our Lost Glory. Noting that false reports may have caused some lives, she appealed to journalists to turn to Christ, adding “since you have invited God into your affairs, you will grow and live in an acceptable way. “You know God’s ways are not man’s ways. But the acceptable way that God approves is what you must

Tantalizers fetes Nigerian Idol finalists

ANTALIZERS, Nigerian leading quick service restaurant chain, has pledged its readiness to support Nigerian youths in realising their dreams. Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Bose Ayeni, at an event organised in Lagos to felicitate with the Nigerian Idol Season 4 finalists, said the organisers, contestants, crew and other people involved in the Nigerian Idol project needed to

be continuously nourished during the exercise, hence Tantalizers was taking up the challenge. She said as the official food partner of the Nigerian Idol project, Tantalizers packaged the event to delight the contestants after the stressful, rigorous and keenly contested initial rounds, which saw the emergence of the 12 finalists.

follow. It is my prayer that you live like that and the God you have invited will definitely lift you up.” Earlier in a sermon, Pastor

Nelson Orisa reiterated that Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of man and appealed to journalists in the state to work for the truth.

Ex-militant launches campaign against oil thieves BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA— EXMILITANT leader, “General” Felix Timilaemi, has launched a campaign against illegal oil bunkering, illicit refineries and other forms of oil theft in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The ex-warlord, who commanded a camp known as Amabulu Federated Community, it was learnt, had already destroyed 30 illegal refineries and 12 boats used by oil thieves in the council. Timilaemi, who lamented environmental pollution and health hazards caused by illegal bunkering in the area, said he had the backing of the chiefs and the traditional rulers in the council. “This is a one-man crusade to completely stop this menace,” he said, adding that

his army of 240 youths patrol the creeks and waterways of the council daily, in search of illegal refineries and boats used by suspected oil thieves.

He said: “When we get them, we set them ablaze. Pipeline vandalism in this area is becoming so serious that I have to take it upon myself to put an end to it.”

RCCG donates to Nyanya blast victims BY SONI DANIEL

BUJA— THE Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, yesterday, visited injured victims of the Nyanya bomb blast and donated provisions and cash to them. The distribution of the welfare package to the victims was coordinated by the Pastor in charge of the Federal Capital Territory 3 Province of the RCCG, Pastor Olajide Oluwajobi and his Assistant, Pastor

Akinremi Bolaji. The donations were taken to Asokoro, Maitama and the National Hospital, where the victims are currently receiving treatment. In the three hospitals, Oluwajobi and his team prayed for the quick recovery of the victims and thanked God for sparing their lives, assuring them that the church will continue to stand by them in prayers and provisions under its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

Host communities want Osagie on NDDC board

HE Edo South Oil Producing Communities Youth Vanguard has called on Edo South leaders and President Goodluck Jonathan to endorse Thompson Osagie from Ebozegbe in the Sakponba Oil Reserve of Edo State as the state Commissioner for the Niger

Delta Development Commission, NDDC. At its meeting in Benin, the group appealed to Edo South leaders to put sentiments aside and think more of what the ordinary Benin person was losing by not having a representative on the newly-constituted

NDDC board. Citing the relevant provisions that a representative of the state on the NDDC board should come from the oil producing community, the group insisted that Osagie did not only fall within the category, but had paid his dues.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

State chairman of NUJ, Mr. Norbet Chiazor, thanked Mrs Roli Uduaghan and her team for finding time to pray with journalists in the state.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On abduction of Borno students

S Commander-inChief, Jonathan needs to set out a clear strategy for dealing with this problem— implementation. That is his job! No one else, no expert, no committee, or committee of committees can do it.— Ms. Thelma Onwughara, Student.

E really need a leadership that can analyze this problem and then find solutions. How are Boko Haram funded? Where do they get their arms and vehicles from? How do they recruit members? Where is their base/ hideout?— Mrs Shola Owolabi, Nurse.

T is a shame that the president and security operatives could not provide security for these children. How can over a hundred students be kidnapped in a state under a state of emergency rule with soldiers on ground?— Mr. Solomon Bombata, Pensioner.

AY God Almighty intervene in whatever way possible and impossible on behalf of these girls? The battle against Boko Haram cannot be won as long as the northerners are solidly behind them.— Ms. Anne Oriaku, Fashion Designer.

Y heartfelt sympathy goes to these innocent girls. I can’t imagine the inhuman treatment they would endure in the hands of these devils. The heartaches and torment of their parents may send some of them to early graves.— Mr. Isaac Olorunshogo, Plumber.

think the Federal Government should either send enough military personnel to protect every school in those northern states or simply shut them. Why put the lives of these innocent girls in danger?— Ms. Funmilayo Omisesan, Worker.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 45

2015: Tsekiri drums support for Uduaghan’s senatorial ambition

IDSL donates furniture to school in Edo BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—AS part of efforts to address inadequate infrastructure in the country’s education sector, the Integrated Data Service Limited, IDSL, Benin, Edo State, has donated 50 sets of 2-in-1 classroom chairs and desks to Oba Ewuare Grammar School in Oko, Benin City. Managing Director of IDSL, Dr. Joseph Dawha, who presented the furniture to the school, lamented the pathetic state of facilities in public schools, adding that the gesture was part of IDSL's rolled-over community projects for 2013. “As a corporate organisation that places premium on education, we decided that we must keep faith and ensure that our commitment to the promise to provide this very basic facility to the school is fulfilled,” he said. Represented by the Public Affairs Manager of the company, Mr. Samson Makoji, Dawha said: “We had picked Ewuare Grammar School as an extension of IDSL and we shall continue to revive its interest in our annual budget."

Elders accuse community leader of selling public school land BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI ARRI—ELDERS of Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have accused the community's chairman, Chief Stephen Okonedo of reclaiming and selling portions of the land belonging to the community’s Grammar School. The elders alleged that bulldozers mobilised by the community’s chairman were already cutting through and mapping out parts of the Otokutu Grammar School land for sale. Okonedo, who confirmed his takeover of the land, said that the school land as originally released by the community for the school was too large. One of the elders had said: “The community ceded the land for the school decades ago with consideration for future expansion. The community never at any time agreed that any portion of the school land shoulb be sold."

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BY FESTUS AHON

INAUGURATION: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) congratulating Chairman, Delta State Pension Board, Mrs. Patience Ikomi (right), shortly after taking her oath of office as Chairman of the Board during their inauguration by the governor, in Government House, Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

Dickson tasks Bayelsans on business initiatives BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has identified lack of business initiative, indolence and irresponsible behaviour as factors contributing to high rate of unemployment and poverty in the state. Dickson, in a statement in Yenagoa, decried a situation where people fail to take responsibility for their lives, but rather blame government for any misfortune that befalls them. He said it was in realisation of “this emerging dangerous trend of begging, which is alien to the Ijaw culture,” that his administration decided to take some measures, which he not-

ed, have started yielding positive results. The governor said though some of the reforms were misconstrued and are being implemented at great political cost, he will not be deterred as they were intended to build a better Bayelsa. On efforts aimed at diversifying the local economy from the oil and gas sector, the governor said that his administration released about N10 billion as a take-off grant to the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, BDIC, which has since begun operation. According to him, through effective collaboration, the corporation currently has a total asset base of about N200 billion.

Lamenting what he described as lack of enterprising spirit and high dependency rate on government, Dickson said that the state’s Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Trust Fund, which he initiated with an initial donation of N250 million had grown to about N15 billion with private sector participation. He said: “We have already attracted responsible senior corporate citizens to donate about N15 billion into the SME development fund. This is not free cash for anybody and it will not even be in the hands of government. First Bank Plc has already pledged N10 billion and other banks will follow and they will make about N20 billion available.”

UBTH to partner Foundation on free jaw disorder surgery BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—THE authorities of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, are to partner Health, Education, Work and Shelters, HEWS, Foundation, in providing free surgery for people suffering from jaw tumours in the next three years. Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Michael Ibadin, who disclosed this in Benin City, said the partnership with the Foundation may also be extended after the first three years to ensure that all those suffering any form of jaw disorder benefited from the gesture. Ibadin, represented by Prof. Oza Obuekwe on the occasion, explained that the partnership

will allow HEWS foundation to pay the sum of N100,000 on every patient while the hospital will foot the extra cost and services which may arise from the treatment. “The foundation is expected to pay N100,000 only as entire

cost of treatment for each patient and as counterpart funding, UBTH shall provide the extra cost and services which include doctors, nursing care, theatre and others that may arise in the course of treatment,” he said.

GCUOBA donates cricket equipment to alma mater

GHELLI—GOVERNMENT College Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, Worldwide, has donated cricket equipment worth N1 million to its alma mater in an effort to promote sporting activities in the college. Presenting the items, the Second Vice President General of the association, world-

wide, Mr. Esanye George, said that the college was modeled after some British schools, noting that the school had been a model in academics and sports. He said: “Cricket started in the school in 1947 and we were doing very well until the civil war came and it got out of order."

GHELLI—NATIONAL Coordinator of Amalgamated Nigeria Initiative in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Matthew Tsekiri, has lent his support to the senatorial bid of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015. Tsekiri, in a chat with newsmen, said that Uduaghan, having excelled as Secretary to Delta State Government and governor, was eminently qualified to represent the people of Delta South senatorial district in the Senate in 2015. He noted that Governor Uduaghan‘s vast political experience, passion and contact should not be wasted, but should rather be harnessed for the benefit of the grassroots people of his senatorial district and the state at large. Tsekiri, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state said “I have known Dr Uduaghan for a long time. Uduaghan has never failed in any capacity he found himself."

Odia passes on

R. Solomon Odia, 83, is dead. He attended Igbobi College and studied Economics at the London School of Economics before attending the Harvard University ’s Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He was at various times Chairman, Polygram Records Ltd., Chairman, Board of Governors, Auchi Polytechnic, and Director, A.G. Leventis Foundation. Left to mourn him are his widow, Victoria (née Olusanmokun) and four children – Samuel, Yewande, Clare, Ayokunle, and two grandchildren.

Late Solomon Odia

46— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

2015: Abia South monarchs endorse Abaribe as governor

E N A T E Spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has been endorsed by traditional Prime Ministers in Abia South senatorial district as the next governor of Abia State. Making the endorsement yesterday, the traditional helmsmen asked the senator to declare his interest in the Abia 2015 governorship race without delay. Abaribe, who was deputy governor of the state between 1999 to 2003 and now a two-term senator serving his second term, is yet to formally declare to contest the 2015 governorship election. This came as the Oha Ngwa clan residing in Kano State stormed Abaribe’s country home at Ohuru, near Aba, and urged him to join the race immediately. In their endorsement message, the executives of the traditional prime ministers from all the six local councils of Abia South, led by Super High Chief Isreal Nna Nwahunanya of Ukwa East local council, said since the governorship seat had been zoned to Abia South, they were urging the senator as the most illustrious son of the zone and most qualified to come out and vie for the position.

Atiku supporters challenge FG BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—SOUTH East loyalists of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have challenged the Federal Government to show more seriousness in the fight against the growing level of insecurity in the country. The group, which is acting under the umbrella union of Turaki East Alliance, TEA, made the appeal at a press conference in Owerri yesterday. Speaking on behalf of the pressure group, the Coordinator, Comrade Peter Akubuo, expressed shock at the manner over 100 female students were recently abducted in Borno State. C M Y K

National conference can't transform Nigeria — NWABUEZE BYANAYO OKOLI

M U A H I A — F O R E M O S T constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has said that he was working hard to salvage the on-going national conference to give Nigerians a new constitution. Prof. Nwabueze said that the national conference as currently structured could not give the nation a new constitution. According to him, a national

conference Nigerians need that can give them a new constitution is the one that has some legal basis, which has some legal framework. Such conference, he explained, must have the competence to take legally binding decisions, especially the competence to adopt a constitution for this country, a constitution that was the supreme law of the land. “That is not the kind of conference that is going now. But I said in a recent statement

that the conference can still be salvaged, and that is what I am working on now to get something done to salvage the conference,” Nwabueze said. Nwabueze, who spoke yesterday in Umuahia when he led a delegation of Igbo Leaders of Thought, to congratulate Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State as the new chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, said they were happy that Governor Orji was made chairman of the forum. He said he led the agitation for a national conference because he believed that “we need it to

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY: From left—Chief Uzoma Obiyo, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leader in Ikeduru L.G.A, Imo State; Prof. Jerry Gana and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha during the remembrance ceremony of late Dame Emily Ahunna Obiyo, mother of Uzoma Obiyo, held at Uguri, Ikeduru L.G.A, Imo State ... Monday.

transform our country into a new, better and united country.” He, however, regretted that the current conference could not achieve that.

Anambra records 80 per cent of MDGs targets — OFFICIAL

BUJA—CHIEF Nzemeka Olisa, the Chairman, Anambra Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, said yesterday that the state had achieved more than 80 per cent target of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. Olisa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the success was recorded in the areas of education and others. “Making reference to my state, Anambra, I know we may not have 100 per cent achievement, but I know we have already over 80 percent achievements of the MDGs’ goal. “With what is on ground now, with the way the implementation of projects are moving in my state, by the time we do a final push, predominantly the state will achieve the goal, especially with respect to access to school.

Chief Okoli for

Anambra to purchase 100 tractors to boost agric burial tomorrow BY ENYIM ENYIM

NITSHA—ANAMBRA State government is to purchase 100 tractors in the first week of May as part of plans to boost agriculture in the state. Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Nnamdi Mekoh, who dropped the hint yesterday in an interview with Vanguard, said the tractors would be made available to farmers and harvesters on hire basis, adding that improved maize, rice and cassava cuttings would be made available to farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture. “We are also making arrangement with Rainbow Chicken in South Africa to come here and make chicken cheaper for us here. It is expected that they would be producing 1.5 million chickens daily. And this would offer jobs to thousands of our unemployed youths,” he said. According to Mekoh, the government of Governor Obiano is committed to total revolutionisation of agriculture in the state, with the N5.9bn appropriated for the Ministry of Agriculture, against the N1.6 bn that had been appropriated in the budget before now. Besides, he said the state

government under the former governor, Mr Peter Obi, had accessed N1.2 billion from

Agricultural Credit Bank that would be disbursed to small scale farmers this year.

Ex staff sues telecom firm

former employee of Multilinks Telecommunication Limited, Lagos, Mrs. Ifeoma Georgina Ekeh has slammed N500 million damage against the telecom company for allegedly portraying her to the world as a thief, fraudster and conspirator. The telecom company had declared Mrs. Ekeh, who was the former Customer Service Officer before the company was restructured in 2011, wanted in a national daily for alleged forgery, conspiracy and stealing. Mrs Ekeh was accused by her former employers of conspiring with “another company appointed as an “agent to take over Owerri branch under a dealership franchise. “Our client had never been sought for by you and was never found, and had never had any prior invitation by the police in Imo State or any of its departments on this matter or any other matter whatsoever let alone of failure to

honour such invitations, that could warrant declaring her wanted,” said her solicitors, Benatokwu Chambers. In a notice of action dated April 18, 2014, Mrs. Ekeh, through Benatokwu Chambers, had given the telecommunication company seven days within which to retract the said publication in three national dailies with international readership in conspicuous spaces. Ekeh is also asking that the retraction must be done with an apology which must disclose unmistakably “ your eternal regrets for the damage the said publication has caused our client’s image, including the anguish suffered by her husband, children, particularly her undergraduate children, family members and well meaning friends.” She demanded N500 million in “special and aggravated damages for the various injuries occasioned by the publication.”

HIEF Emmanuel Orakwelum Okoli, who died in a motor accident on February, 27, 2014 will be buried on April 24, 2014 at his home town Oko, Orumba North L.G.A. Anambra State. According to a statement by his brother, Mr. Rufus Okoli, service of songs will be held on April 23, at his residence, Eziabo Village, Oko. Until his death, Okoli was a philanthropist, staunch member of the Church of Epiphany, Suleija, Niger State, Patron, Boy’s Brigade and Anglican Youth Fellowship. He is survived by mother, wife and five children.

.Late Chief Okoli

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;47

CONFERENCE: From left, Buraimoh Bashir, Director, Finance & Administration, Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Sport Lagos; Mr. Larry Anetts, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN; Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, GM, Marketing Consumer, MTN, and Mr. Ghadi Olaoye,, CEO, PPM, during press conference on MTN Football Scholar Season 4, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

EMPOWERMENT: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (right); Baale of Odo Iro, Alhaji Mohammed Sulaiman (left), during Erelu Fayemi\s hand-over of a garri processing machine to farmers in Ejiko and surrounding farmsteads, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, as part of her empowerment drive, weekend.

THANKSGIVING: From left, Synod Secretary, Rev. Femi Johnson, his wife, Ola Johnson; Ilishan Circuit minister, Rev. Emmanuel Olusegun, and others, dancing, during thanksgiving service of the Diocese of Remo Methodist Church Nigeria annual 2014 synod, at Sagamu, Ogun State.

LAUNCH: From left, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Samsung Electronics Africa, Mr. George Ferreira; Samsung Electronics Brand Ambassador, Ms. Kate Henshaw; Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, and Samsung Electronics Brand Ambassador, Banky W, at Samsungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galaxy S5 Premiere 2014 event, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

CELEBRATION: Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and his wife, Omolola, during Easter celebration by Aregbesola with the Oyinlolas, in his Okuku residence, Osun State.

VIDEO: From left, Operations Manager, Peace Tidings Ventures, PTV, Mr. Wunmi Raji, Chief Executive, PTV, Mr. Banji Adesanmi, PTV brand ambassador, Seyi Law, and Head of Channel Development, Ms Adeola Arotiba, after the company's advertorial video skit recording with the brand ambassador at their corporate office, in Ikeja, Lagos.

CONFERENCE: The Managing Director, The Niche, Ikechukwu Amaechi (middle), flanked by the Executive Editor/Editor of The Niche on Sunday, Oguwike Nwachuku (right), and Executive Editor, The Niche, Olumide Iyanda, at press conference to unveil The Niche on Sunday, at the newspaper's corporate head office, in Ikeja, Lagos.

INDUCTION: From left, Mr. Eki Adzufeh, Secretary, Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria, MIPAN; Mr. Leyisola Olukoya, Managing Director, Media Stamp Ltd, with the certificate of induction, and Mr. Tolu Ogunkoya, Chairman, MIPAN, during the induction of Media Stamp into the association.

CONFERENCE: From left, Rhema Akabuogu, Retail Manager; Tara Fela Durotoye, CEO, and Temi Akingbe, Brand Manager, all of House of Tara, during press conference on House of Tara retail strategy and leveraging of its chain stores, as a tool for distribution channel management for other brands. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

GDI mobilises for 2015 polls

Kaduna begins biometrics registration of taxable persons

ADUNA — THE Kaduna State Government, Tuesday, commenced Biometrics registration of all taxable persons in the state. Executive Chairman, state Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Muhammad Tanko, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna. The chairman said the registration was in line with effort of government to enhance revenue generation. Tanko said the registration would include civil servants, political office holders as well as businessmen and women. He said: “We have captured the governor and his deputy during the inauguration of the Taxpayers’ Biometrics Card Registration System in the state.” The chairman said the registration would help in building a purposeful and robust tax payers’ database for the state, adding: “It will also widen the tax net and improve effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery." Tanko said the board would ensure proper enforcement on every eligible tax payer in accordance with the provisions of the law. He said the state lawmakers were working on a bill that would eliminate multiple taxation. The chairman said that the bill would also address many challenges in the revenue generation administration. He said when passed into law, the bill would address the issue of revenue leakage and improve the capacity of the tax officials.

PROTEST: Ilorin NASFAT Women Leader, Hajia Humuhani Abdulrahman (right) presenting letter of protest against insurgency to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State during their protest to the Government House, Ilorin while Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold (left) and others watch, Tuesday.

Unemployment in Nigeria, a time bomb — PENGASSAN BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

AGOS — PETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has described the unemployment situation in Nigeria as a time bomb that can explode any moment, calling on all tiers of government, especially the Federal Government, to be practical in its quest for job creation. A statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Seyi Gambo, yesterday, in Lagos, said the only way to win the war against crime was tackling unemployment challenges. According to him, “looking at huge number of applicants in some of the recruitment exercise carried out recently, especially the Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment and the Delta State Civil Service are testimonies that government at all levels needs to be pragmatic about job creation in the country. "This is not a matter of statistics and figures alone. All the figures being brandished by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealla, where she claimed increased job creation by the Federal Government and re-

duction in unemployment did not reflect the true reality on ground. “The high number of applicants in the failed NIS recruitment exercise and other instances that may not be known shows the reality of the kind of problem the Nigerian nation is. Unless the issue of unemployment is resolved, various crises such as insurgency, kidnapping,

ritual killing, armed struggles and other crimes will not stop. "The government must take pragmatic steps in fixing the nation’s infrastructural facilities, especially power, as a genuine step towards job creation and employment sustainability in the country. The worsening power situation in Nigeria also compounds the problems of the self-employed.”

We'll survive Boko Haram attacks — Shettima

AIDUGURI — GOVER NOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State said, yesterday, that the Boko Haram insurgents would not emerge victorious in their continued killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians. Shettima spoke with newsmen in Maiduguri following the recent attack and abduction of some female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, GGSC, Chibok. He said: “They can burn our physical infrastructure, but they cannot destroy our souls. We are going to survive and rebuild our lives because truth will always triumph over falsehood.”

He said Boko Haram was an ideology built on falsehood which cannot stand the test of time. Shettima described the abduction of the students as a national tragedy. He said: “The abduction of innocent girls is also a trial from God, and we will overcome it soon. Our hearts go to the parents of the abducted girls, because it is a tragedy that has befallen all of us.” Shettima expressed optimism that the girls would soon be rescued by security agents, noting: “Security agents are working very hard to rescue the girls. Hopefully, the girls will be rescued in a very short while.”

Terrorism: Senator urges Nigerians to search wider for sponsors

OS — SENATOR Gyang Pwajok (PDP, Plateau North) has cautioned against “flat assumptions” over those responsible for the many attacks in the country, as more communities come under attacks. He told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jos yesterday that “Nigerians must think deeper, search wider and push much stronger; we must spread our dragnets all over and broaden our horizon in our desire for an C M Y K

end to these evil deeds. “We must never just assume because that is a very simple tendency that could affect the possibility of reaching the attackers and unveiling their sponsors and motives.” Pwajok particularly faulted the tendency to blame “Fulani and herdsmen” for attacks in the North-West and North-Central. He said: "When we blame the Fulani herdsmen, we communalise the crime and re-

duce investigating opportunities. Similarly, when we blame people of a particular tribe or religion over the attacks, we narrow the search for the culprits, who might just be bandits out to kill, destroy and tear our country into shreds. “Cattle rustlers are also on the prowl all over the country; the rustlers could even be among the herdsmen and their host communities. We must not limit the search for such thieves to a particular group.

“Experience has shown that practically all Nigerians have suffered the effect of these attacks in one way or the other because bombs, bullets and machetes are blind to race or colour.” The senator said “again, the girls being abducted by the bandits in the North-East could be anyone’s daughter or sister; the apprehension of the parents can only be imagined, but clearly, no one is immune to these atrocities."

AGOS — GRASS ROOTS Development Initiative, GDI, a mobilisation group, has commenced the appointment of coordinators in Lagos for all local government areas to sensitise residents to partake in politics. Lagos coordinator of GDI, Mrs Daba Obioha, at a senitization campaign at the PDP secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos said the enlightenment of supporters for the Presidency and particularly PDP in Lagos to win next year ’s gubernatorial election in the state were its main aims. According to Obioha, GDI is a political tool, initiated in Rivers State by the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, to improve the lives of the people and educate them on how to avoid rigging during elections. “As a matter of fact, the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro has given us his support, so we are going to support any gubernatorial PDP candidate in Lagos. If we are all there on the field nobody can rig. GDI is for everybody. In other words, is not a SouthSouth thing. It includes everybody."

Hollandia flies consumers to London, ends promo

A G O S — HOLLANDIA Yoghurt from the House of Chi Limited, said it will be taking two customers to London and Paris respectively, against the earlier decision of taking a consumer to both countries, even as it ends promo. This is in line with its promise of rewarding consumers who participated in the Hollandia Yoghurt Refresh N Win promo where gifts worth millions of Naira were won by participants. A consumer in Benue State, Chigozie Victor, won the grand prize of trip to London while another consumer in Oyo State, Akinwole Dolapo, was the proud winner of the grand prize of a trip to Paris.

Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Wekpe (1933-2014): Sublimity in glory TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife—Thomas Gray. We, therefore, commit his body to the ground: earth to earth; ashes to ashes; dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection—The Holy Bible.

E was phenomenal and peerless in fisheries, a quintessential icon, an institution, oracle, legend, phoenix, leviathan and professional colossus. Indeed, life levels all men, death reveals the eminent. But Chief Emmanuel Wekpe was all embracingly pre-eminent. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Atuyota Akpokiniovo Enana Wekpe was

born at the White Milton House, Oghara-Agbarho, to a retired British civil servant, Mr. Joseph Akpokiniovo Wekpe and Mrs. Uchaye Enakireru Wekpe on August 6, 1933. He was called home on January 17, 2014 in Benin City. Paternally, Chief Wekpe hailed from the Ekiugbo family of Joseph Akpokiniovo Wekpe, (JAW) one of the first generation of indigenous Nigerians, who held the post of Inspector of Lines in the Post and Telegraphs Department, in British colonial Nigeria. JAW was a second generation of princes of the Ovie of Ughelli, Oharisi I. So, Chief Wekpe was a prince by birth. Maternally, Chief Wekpe hails from the Umude family of Azon Quarters of Uhwokori

(Kokori Inland). Wekpe was educated at the Native Authority Primary School, Orho-Agbarho, where he obtained the Standard Six Certificate. He later attended Urhobo College, Warri (Effurun) where he passed both the Junior Cambridge and Senior Cambridge School Certificate in Grade One in 1953. He was the first university graduate in his family. He obtained the B.A. Honours degree in History from the University of London in 1961, as an external candidate. He got his degree at home while working full-time as a civil servant in Ibadan. He was one of only eight Nigerians who accomplished that feat in 1961. Chief Emmanuel Wekpe began working immediately after his

Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Wekpe

secondary education in the Fisheries Division of the Western Nigeria Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as a Fisheries Assistant. In this capacity, he helped develop fish farming in the old Western Region. He built most of the oldest fish ponds in the Yoruba areas of the old Western Region, from his base at the Ogunpa Fish Pond near the Regional Secretariat in Ibadan. One of the Obas in Ijebuland was so impressed with his work that he bestowed a chieftaincy title on him, hence he is Chief Wekpe. As a Fisheries Assistant in Ibadan, he travelled extensively and almost lost his life in a motor accident near Fiditi on the old Ibadan Oyo road in present Oyo State

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 49 that line of work. Instead he reinforced his commitment to the field by going for his first fish farming training in 1960 at the Panyam Fish Farm, Panyam, in Mangu Local Government in Plateau State. Chief Wekpe remained in the Fisheries Service of the Midwest Region of Nigeria instead of taking an Administrative Class position. He continued his fish farming training under an FAO fellowship that took him to Israel, India, and Thailand in 1966-67 which enabled him to hone his fish farming skills. His travels also took him to the United States of America (Caterpillar Company in Illinois) and many African countries notably Egypt and Uganda, where he encountered the late Idi Amin Dada at Entebbe International Airport. He developed and built some of the well known fish farms in today’s Edo and Delta States and some of the oldest fish ponds in the old Western Region. He rose to the position of Chief Fisheries Officer and Head of the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the defunct Midwestern State. He served in the Midwest Region and Midwestern State from August 1963 until he was retired by the Military Government in 1975 at very young age of 42, when he was in his prime. The legacy he created in Fisheries still lives on in the two states that were created from the old Bendel State. He had a distinguished tenure in the public service. After some years in retirement he came out to teach at Baptist High School, Benin City in the early eighties. He was also

The legacy he created in Fisheries still lives on in the two states that were created from the old Bendel State

in 1959. He was put in the morgue with the dead, but when the doctor came to sign his death certificate; he found that he was not yet dead, so he was removed from the morgue and sent to the ward. After some days he was transferred to University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan. He was unconscious all this time and was at UCH for weeks. That was why he was nicknamed “the man who refused to die.” He loved fisheries so much that the accident did not discourage him from

a general manager in Chief Okoloko’s farm in Sapele. Even in retirement he remained a reservoir of knowledge and a great source to those who sought knowledge. He was often consulted in fishery matters, even by FAO and he never disappointed. This culminated into his being awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Fisheries in 1987. He remained an avid reader of books on various subjects, so much that there was not anything anybody brought up for discussion that caught him napping. “Daddy” or “Uncle Emma” or “Chief” as he was fondly called even by some of his biological children and close relatives and friends was an absolutely kind and sociable man to a fault often times resulting in self-denial. Be you a friend, a first time visitor or a relation, his impact on you was instant, as he would make you feel at home in no time.

50— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014—51

Alleged plot to hijack Bayelsa APC state congress tears supporters apart BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—AN alleged plot by some politicians to hijack the conduct of the Bayelsa State congress of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and install a substantive executive loyal to the former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, is now threatening to tear supporters of the party apart . The alleged plot, according to party sources, may also

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pitch Sylva against the Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. Amaechi, as a National Supervisor of the three states of Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, it was learnt, had kicked against such plot, warning that it might work against the interest of the party in the state. He was said to have advised the former Bayelsa State governor to serve as a leader and refuse the temptation of installing a substantive executive

ahead of his 2016 governorship ambition in the state. The alleged refusal of the former Bayelsa governor, is however, attributed to the recent exit of some of his loyalists from the APC in the state. Meantime, Prince Lucky Youbogha, the Special Adviser on Protocol Matters to Sylva, has formally dumped APC in the state for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Youbogha announced that he left the APC with the over

1,000 members of his camp and socio-political group known as the Great Sagbama House, a support base of the former Bayelsa governor in Bayelsa West senatorial district. Prince Youbogha, who spoke with newsmen in Yenagoa, said his decision to abandon APC was based on the alleged discovery of the faulty ideology they brandished and the realisation that it was a party based on trial and error.

Edo community alleges neglect by oil palm company

HE people of Okomu community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, have lamented their alleged neglect by Okomu Oil Palm Company PIc, which they are host to, noting that the community cannot boast of any social amenity, despite the presence of the company on their land. In a save-our-soul letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the community said: “Without mincing words, Okomu has all the trappings of a prehistoric society. There is no pipe-borne water in the community, neither is it connected to the national grid. The community cannot boast of a single paved road. There is no hospital, nor indeed any worthwhile modern health facility in the community. The impact of this manifest dearth of infrastructure and virtual non-existence of amenities is dismally telling. Honestly, to say Okomu is a neglected community is to be economical with the truth. It is much more fitting to describe it as a forgotten community.” The community, in the SOS by its chairman, Mr. Atele Oyis, which was also copied to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and others, added that “as if our situation is not terrible enough, Okomu Oil Palm has poignantly continued to exacerbate our throes. We have, in the face of extreme provocation, tried thus far to contain our emotions because we do not want to be made the subject of cheap black mail. Despite our sedate attributes, Okomu Oil Palm has consistently violated our natural, constitutional and environmental rights and persistently failed to show us the respect we deserve as its host community. “Not too long ago, the management of Okomu Oil Palm wantonly caused the accommodations and agricultural crops of some Okomu indigenes to be demolished under the pretext that they encroached on the company’s land."

52— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014—53

‘In our family, producing twins is a piece of cake’ By SOLA OGUNDIPE

HEN 28-year-old Faidat Ismail put to bed recently, she was delivered of a female set of twins. There was joy in the household at 2, Akindele Street, Ijora Oloye, in Ijora Local Government, Lagos.

Before the birth of the twins, Faidat, who hails from Ilorin in Kwara State, was already mother to four children including a 4-year-old set of twins. “The birth of my two sets of twins is not unusual. In my family, giving birth to twins is a piece of cake,” she stated

in a chat. “We are known for our prowess to produce twins and almost every member of the family has at least one set of twins. Some, like me, have two sets.” In her narrative, Faidat who confirmed that looking after twins is more tasking than imagined, however described

•Faidat (left) with Salimat, her mother and her second set of twins.

twins as a special gift from God. . “My older twins, Zainab and Wareez, are about four years old, while the younger twins Rokiba and Rokeem -- are seven months old. Their care is quite demanding. I used to be a trader under the bridge at Ijora, but all my shops were demolished and I have been jobless since they were born.

First set of twins “My first set of twins was born normally, but the second time around, I went through surgery, because one of the twins had breech presentation. The gestation was up to 10 months. “When I went to the hospital at six months, a scan confirmed the anomaly, and surgery was recommended. I was on admission for 20 days after the surgery.” Taking over the narration, Faidat’s mother, Salimat, said the family’s twins-producing ability is legendary. “It is a family tradition. All my children gave birth to twins. Faidat’s brother also has two sets of twins. Her other siblings all have twins. Their father also bore twins, twice. Their aunts and uncles, in fact, all our family members have twins.” Confirming that their homes are full of twins, Salimat said the number of twins are now too many to count. “We are so many we have

stopped counting. In our family compound, at Popo Igbona in Ilorin, twins are everywhere. We cannot even count them. Producing twins is our speciality.” In parting, Faidat remarked that having twins is significant. “People should take care of their twins. However, I do not plan to have any more children because of the great demand of their upkeep. I am jobless and I give them only pap and milk.” Indeed multiple births can be multiple blessings as well as multiple problems. They could be a bundle of joy one minute, and a bundle of grief the next. For instance, the high cost of raising multiples alone, can bring many families to the brink of financial ruin.

World record Findings show that the world record for twins, belongs to the South Western zone of the country. The highest number of twin births worldwide is in Igboora in Oyo State, a fact documented far back as the 1960s. Reasons proffered for the trend range from diet to heredity. Medical experts say a woman with a family history of twinning has a high possibility of giving birth to twins. Same argument goes for the man. However, trends in assisted conception are another major factor.

Intensive care: We can save Nigerians S

URVIVAL chances for many recent deaths in Nigeria would have been greatly improved had we been blessed with top notch intensive care services. Many Nigerians have needed intensive care, passed through it ( or a semblance of it) or have sought intensive care to no avail. They, their families and carers have suddenly realized what many in the healthcare industry have known for a long time: that intensive care in Nigeria needs IMMEDIATE ATTENTION! What is Intensive Care or Intensive Therapy Unit? ICUs are also sometimes known as critical care units (CCU) or intensive therapy units (ITU). A person in an ICU needs constant medical attention and support to keep their body functioning. They may be unable to breathe on their own and have multiple organ failure. Medical equipment

will take the place of these functions while the person recovers. It should not be confused with an High Dependency Unit or HDU which is more like a step down from ICU or a step up from a ward or recovery room area. ICU beds are expensive and limited because they provide specialized monitoring equipment, a high degree of medical expertise and constant access to highly trained nurses (usually one nurse for each bed). A person may need an ICU bed after surgery, following an accident or severe illness or when one or more organ systems, (heart, lungs, kidneys or even digestive system ) has failed.

What can cause these organs to fail? Some of the most common causes of organ failure include a serious accident - such as a road accident or a severe head

injury, a serious acute (shortterm) health condition - such as a heart attack (where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked), or a stroke (where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted), a serious infection - such as a severe case of pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) or sepsis (blood poisoning); major surgery - this can either be a planned admission to an ICU as part of your recovery after surgery or an emergency measure if there are complications during surgery. The ICU can be a scary environment for the patient, their family and friends. Patients in ICUs are often prescribed painkillers and medication that can make them drowsy (sedatives) because some of the equipment used can be very uncomfortable. A series of tubes, wires and cables connect the patient to this equipment, which may look alarming at first. Surprisingly, equipment, per se, is not the problem in

doctor@lagospainclinic.com

Nigeria. The funds are there; in Government treasuries and with the many potential private investors in this country. It is the expertise, both medical and nursing, that is a challenge. In addition, ALL payers ( patients, Governments, Insurance companies) need to know that Intensive Care COSTS money. Urgent or emergent care When an individual requires intensive care, it is classified urgent or emergent in medical practice. For those who think they can be whisked overseas, there is often no time to transfer abroad or such transfer may not be clinically safe for the patient, with the condition worsening significantly before arriving at the magical medical destination.

Rather than exporting patients that need ICU, we need to IMPORT ICU training and practice here. There are numerous Nigerian doctors and nurses working, managing and leading such units in the best medical centers around the world. Trainees can only learn and understand intensive care in a true ICU environment. Government, corporations and wealthy private individuals should provide the infrastructure for intensive care units and actively fund training and education of ALL staff of such units. The rewards are simple: Intensive care units can save lives! And it could be yours. Next week I shall explain exactly what happens ( or is supposed to happen ) in Intensive Care.

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Delegates summon Asiodu, Yayale, Anyim, Comptroller General of Immigration, others •Christian delegates kick over poor representation in religion cttee BY HENRY UMORU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA—AS delegates at the on-going National Conference broke into committee sessions, yesterday, the Committee on Public Service headed by former Head of Service, Engr. Ebele Okeke, has summoned former head of service and super permanent secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu, to address and help the committee with vital information about the sector. Also to be invited are former head of service, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; secretary to the government of the federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; chairmen of the National Union of Pensioners; Revenue Mobilisation; presidents of ALGON and NULGE and the chairman National Assembly Service Commission. Also yesterday, the Immigration and other related matters committee chaired by HRH, Dr Muhammad Zaiyanu, disclosed that the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr David Paradang would be invited to the committee to brief members on his duties. Meanwhile, the controversial issue of religion, yesterday, reared its head as some members of the

•Committee to consider Belgore and Uwais reports Meanwhile delegates, yesterday, renewed their attack on the present political system, expressing dissatisfaction with the way partisan politics is being practiced in Nigeria and seeking total overhaul of the political terrain. Those who spoke at the maiden meeting of Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters were former Senate presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ken Nnamani; former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, and ex-minister Musa Elayo. Others issues raised by members of the committee at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja were corruption in the electoral system, lack of internal democracy, governors’undue control of parties, independence of state electoral bodies, and powers and limitations of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, 180 days time limit for trial of election petition cases and need to consider Justices Alfa Belgore and Mohammed Lawal Uwais’ reports on political reforms. Speaking during the meeting, a co-chairman of the committee, Senator Ken Nnamani said, “I think we should be prepared to spend more time on our political parties, the cost of

Delegates and committee members should fall back on the 1914 Amalgamation Document; the Henry Willink Commission of 1957; the 1963 Constitution, Gowon’s 1966 broadcast; and the Political Bureau Report

Committee on Religion noted with displeasure what they termed lopsidedness in the composition of the committee and registered their complaints at the Conference secretariat. According to a member of the committee, Barrister Godswill Iyoha Iyoke, out of19 members, only six are Christians, and due to the absence of the secretary of the committee, the members merely established a convivial atmosphere that would guide their deliberations. From Iyoke’s observation the committee was yet to start its work until the leadership of the conference sorts out the lopsidedness of the committee. Nnamani, Ayu, Osoba, Udenwa, Elayo, others seeks overhaul of political space

forming parties and the practice of imposing candidates on the people.” The former Senate president who argued against the idea that the president is the leader of the party which presupposes that if a party did not win the presidency, it will not have a leader, urged the committee to take time and look at the working of internal democracy and how to checkmate the governors from always imposing candidates. He added, “We should look at this and be bold enough to state that parties should return to party officials. Let us be bold enough to tell our people that we are not running a political party, but a parastatal under the executive arm of government.” Another co-chairman and a

L-r: Amanyanabo of Nembe , HRH Dr Edmund Daukuro discussing with Obi of Obinugwu HRH Eze (Dr.) Cletus Illomuanya and Emir of Dutse, HRH Alh. (Dr.) Nuhn Mohammed Sanusi at the confab. Photo:Gbemiga Olamikan.

former Senate president, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who noted that operation of our political and electoral system has made many people feel alienated from the democratic process, said, “we should reduce our deliberations to political parities, electoral bodies and their processes, both the INEC and state electoral bodies, their independence and funding structures, conduct of free and fair election and post election matters.”

Post election matters Achike Udenwa urged the committee to take note of critical aspects like the independence of INEC and the contentious 180 days allotted for election petitions, and ascertain whether it was good for the country because “we need to bring those critical issues that Nigerians will like to see us make input on.” Also contributing, a member of the Committee and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who suggested the adoption of modern technology such as biometric data capturing of voters as a means of preventing election rigging and reducing controversy over outcome of elections, stressed that there should be a deliberate move to have a two party system. Cttee on Powers and Good Governance vows to tackle money politics The Committee on Politics and Governance said it was going to reduce the influence of money in politics to engender credible and good governance in the country. This was the position of the two chairmen of the committee, Professor Jerry Gana and Chief Olu Falae who addressed members of the committee before the

commencement of proceedings. Gana in his opening remarks described good governance as key for any country’s development. He said Nigeria desired leaders whose policies and programmes would be geared towards achieving practical solutions to the peoples’ problems. Similarly, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and co-chairman of the committee, Chief Olu Falae said the committee’s priority would be to activate ways of giving Nigeria a set of leaders that would ensure good governance in the future. Falae also lamented the lack of internal democracy in the political parties, saying it was one bad development that gives rise to bad leadership and governance.

Confab committees raise sub-committees The various committees, yesterday, set up various sub-committees to begin exhaustive deliberations on various issues ranging from the economy, religion, politics and governance to devolution of power, restructuring and national security. The Committee on National Security, at its inaugural sitting, set up three sub-committees to handle different segments of the nation’s security. The sub committees included Committees on Crisis Management, Committee on Law and Order Infrastructure and the Committee on Defence Infrastructure. Its chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Jimeta, presented a draft working paper to delegates, saying it was aimed at providing the basis upon which committee members will attempt to organise their thoughts and interventions in fulfillment of their mandate.

A member of the committee, Mr. Nicolas Nkem, a retired Commissioner of Police, identified corruption as the major problem of insecurity in the Nigeria, noting that some people who were asked to carry out certain responsibilities were not doing them, adding “I want a situation whereby there will be a proper supervision of security agencies.”.

Supervision of security gencies Another member, Gen. Paul Omu, called on other delegates at the committee to ensure there were solutions to many problems facing the country. A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, who is the co-chairman of the Committee on Devolution of Power, urged members not to take their focus off the imperatives of convening the National Conference as contained the speech delivered by President Goodluck Jonathan during the inauguration of the Conference. Describing the assignment before his Committee as critical, he referred delegates to a speech by retired Gen Yakubu Gowon in 1966 in which he made allusion to the fact the obvious obstacle to unity and progress in Nigeria lied in existing structural imbalance. He said it would be necessary for delegates and committee members to fall back on the 1914 Amalgamation Document; the Henry Willink Commission of 1957; the 1963 Constitution, Gowon’s 1966 broadcast; and the Political Bureau Report of 1987. The Committee on Devolution of Power has as its focus: a review of legislative lists of all the tiers of government; fiscal federalism with emphasis on revenue sharing, resource control, and sharing formula.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 55

Let’s fence our borders — Justice Bello

S delegates broke into committee sessions yesterday, a member of the Committee on Land Tenure and National Boundaries, Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, has suggested that the Federal Government should tackle prevailing security challenges in the country through building of perimeter fences across the nation’s borders.

NNPC is a cult —Nwobodo

F •National conference in session

Delegates can’t trace committees’ room STORIES BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

OME delegates could not easily trace the venues of their committees yesterday, as they kept walking from one committee room to the other, searching for where their

committees were sitting. Most of them, who returned from the Easter holiday, were seen at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, making series of inquiries to locate their committees. This came four days after the secretariat of the National Conference released names of

the 20 committees and members of each of the committees preparatory to commencement of work yesterday. Some of them had arrived when their committees had already closed business for the day and so could not work.

Ozekhome advocates establishment of S-Courts for states

UMAN rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), yesterday, kicked against the existing judicial structure in the country where there is only one Supreme Court , saying the development was greatly contributing to the slow dispensation of justice. He attributed the high number of inmates in Nigerian prisons as well as slow treatment of cases

in courts to the existence of one Supreme Court at the centre, saying such practice must stop in line with modern practices. Presenting a position paper before the National Conference Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ozekhome urged members of the committee to fashion out a new constitution for the country, saying states should

Publishers spoil delegates with complimentary copies of newspapers

ELEGATES may not have to buy newspapers, unless if their preferred choices are not among the complimentary copies brought daily to both National Judicial Institute, NJI and the NICON Hotel venues of the 20 committees. Although, delegates have become used to collecting free copies of newspapers, mostly new national dailies and weeklies which seem to be begging for attention, it was discovered yesterday that more newspapers have joined the fray. Most of the newspapers which have been advertising their ‘products’ are mostly Abuja based but surprisingly,

two Lagos-based newspapers which appeared in the newspaper market not quite long, came in full force yesterday with truck loads of copies of newspapers which could be estimated at over 1000 copies each for delegates and anybody they could find on sight. Following this development, delegates don’t buy newspapers again as they wait for free copies. But one interesting thing is that most of the delegates abandon the newspapers after the close of work everyday, thus leaving workers with the responsibility of cleaning the venues.

be allowed to have hierarchy of law courts, from the lowest to the highest as it is with the Federal Government. He reasoned that the present Supreme Court had more than it can chew and so, cases must be devolved to states if the country needs quick dispensation of justice. He also said there was urgent need for the country to considerably increase the number of justices in the country even as he canvassed that judges be allowed to voluntarily retire from service or the retirement age increases to 80 years against the existing 70. “Retirement age for judges must be made to be voluntary or the ceiling is put at 80 against the present 70 years, “he insisted. Barrister Ozhekome also said that the offices of the AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice be separated because under the current arrangement, AttorneysGeneral had become more of politicians. Chief Ozhekome also urged the committee to recommend that the outcome of the conference be subjected to a referendum, saying with this the president could initiate an executive bill to the National Assemble for a new constitution for the country.

ORMER Governor of Old Anambra State and member National Conference Committee on Energy, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has painted a sorry situation of the power problem in the country, saying that many people do not want to come to Nigeria for any business because of the situation. Describing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as a cult, he said: “NNPC is cult, it is what we know and it is not good for this country. Many people do not know what is happening in NNPC. We must take the issue of power very seriously.”

Cost of contesting elections prohibitive — Prof. Alkali

MEMBER of the Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters, Prof. Muhammed Nur Alkali, has decried the prohibitive cost of contesting elections in Nigeria and called for urgent solutions. Stressing how expensive it was to contest for any political office in Nigeria especially that of governorship, he said one would need to have about N2 billion before one can really think of participating in a gubernatorial contest, adding that this was outrageous and there was need to do something about it. According to him, the entire electoral process is deeply corrupt, and the task before the committee is to find ways of making the system corruption-free. He also spoke about the rising cost of prosecution election campaigns, and the over-bearing influence of state chief executives, adding that the committee must work out ways of removing the control of parties from the state governors.

High turn over of NASS members

NOTHER issue raised by Professor Alkali is the high turn over of members of the National Assembly, saying that every election provides over 80 per cent of fresh members, which he argued is impacting negatively on the country in the area of quality legislation.

There’re 500 illegal under ground petrol tunnels in Bama — Gyang

ORMER Comptroller-General of Customs and Gbong Gwom Jos, HRH Buba Jacob Gyang, yesterday, disclosed that there are over 500 petroleum tankers loading daily to Cameroon, just as he said the people bury them under the tunnels for onward transfer to Cameroon. The traditional ruler, who is a member of the Committee on Land Tenure and National Boundaries, spoke on the various lapses at the different exit points of the country which range from lack of coordination, poor facilities, rivalry and power play among the various security agencies at the border posts. He said: “We are not serious in handling these things because somebody’s interest is concerned. There is lot to do about this national security matter. He said many people in our neighboring countries - Niger, Chad and Cameroon are living on products from Nigeria. For instance, in Bama in Maiduguri, there are over 500 petroleum tankers loading daily to cross over to Cameroon. In fact there is an underground tunnel through which Petroleum products are siphoned to Cameroon.” He also said that one of the key thriving businesses of Ogun State is smuggling across borders.

56 —

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

To ensure its success, the government has set aside N4 billion to boost small-scale businesses in the state. The State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Boluwaduro, while explaining some of its programmes to boost the economic empowerment of the citizens recently said: “In the next dispensation, we plan to provide Micro Medium Fund to traders, agric farmers, etc – it’s a World Bank product of N2 billion. “But, we are backing it up with another N2 billion to make N4 billion. The minimum each person will get is about N1.5million. We could use that to pop up commercial activities in the state,” he said.

Commercial activities The Hassan Olajoku Park

Osun: When the language of development is empowerment I

MAGINE! Omisore flagged off his campaign here (Freedom Park) and he had the nerve to say Aregbesola hasn’t completed any project. If this place was not completed, how did it become available to him to have a campaign rally? Any way, we’ll soon change the name from Freedom Park to Nelson Mandela park”.Why Mandela, asked one of his listeners. South Africans wouldn’t name a facility after Awolowo, for example. “Well, that’s their business. We’re pan-Africans,” was the curt response. Hmmm, PanAfricanism. Of what benefit has it been to the average Nigerian, this reporter wondered as the tour bus navigated a narrow path avoiding a jam in this busy Osogbo traffic.

Number of projects Ahead was the just completed Salvation Army High School but it was not novel to this reporter because it was a high point during the last visit. But what struck a chord this time around is the number of projects the state government is embarking on now. To say Osun is a massive construction site or work in progress is but stating the obvious. From road infrastructure to educational facilities and infrastructure, agriculture and tourism; even sports is not left out of the picture as the state’s stadium is also under reconstruction. No doubt, Osun

is one state in a great ‘catch-up’ game. What changed this development equation? Why the hurry? some might ask. The answer is in the Renaissance Capital. Tipped as the seventh largest economy in Nigeria, Renaissance Capital, a leading emerging markets investment bank in Africa has revealed that Osun, Ekiti, Lagos and Oyo states are the leading economies in Nigeria. And this is no speculation as they have indices to back up their claim.

Highest per capita income states Also included in the ranking are Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, oil producing states in the Niger Delta region; while Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states also made the list of highest per capita income states in Northern Nigeria. According to the Renaissance Capital experts, consumer companies are likely to find the greatest opportunities in states with highest per capita income. Continuing, they noted that Akwa Ibom and Rivers in the South-South and Osun in the South West will embrace retail banking given the opportunities for banks to expand services and the employers in these states with high per capita income and high population densities. Renaissance Capital noted that they provide the footfall required for a bank to open a branch nationwide. The report stated thus: “We think consumer companies are likely to find the

greatest opportunities in the states with greater purchasing power as indicated by relatively high per capita income, including Lagos, Oyo and Osun in SouthWest and Kaduna and the Niger Delta states”. Perhaps, it is against this backdrop that a Briton who visited Osun recently described the potentials in the state as great possibilities for development. But Osun’s arrival at seventh largest economy in Nigeria is not an accident. It is deliberate and calculated effort by the Aregbesola administration to get the people out of what he described as ‘grinding’ poverty. According to him, on assumption of office, he saw two extremes the very old and the child. Most young adults had abandoned the state in search of white collar jobs leaving their children with their parents.

Avenues of leakages To reverse this trend, his administration had to make jobs available. It began with the blockage of all avenues of leakages in the state’s revenue. The effort paid off with Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, ballooning from a mere N300million to N1.6 billion. Added to this was economic policies targeted at growing the economy. These efforts yielded results as the GDP rose from N110 billion in 2010 to N800 billion in 2013. The ranking of Osun above states such as Anambra,Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi is an indication that

economic activities in Osun are far higher that these other states. In terms of road infrastructure, for example, a total of 218km roads construction project is ongoing with some already completed in 30 local government areas. A five to 10km of municipality roads are being constructed in each local government area. This is innovative because the project is

BY JUDITH UFFORD

While stressing the impact of the administration’s economic programmes, the Commissioner said: “The National Bureau of Statistics has shown that Osun as tiny as it is with 34th position in terms of revenue allocation from the Federation Account, is the seventh largest economy in the federation in terms of GDP and it’s put at over $9billion. “When Mr. Governor (referring to Rauf Aregbesola) came in, the figure handed down by NBS then was $4billion. So, within a period of three years, we have moved to $9billion. Osun is 10,000 square meters larger than Lagos. GDP of Lagos is over $35billion”. He added: “We can make more money than Lagos if we properly harness the opportunities that

We can make more money than Lagos if we properly harness the opportunities that abound in the state. In terms of GDP per capita, which is the term in which standard of living is measured, Osun actually is number two after Lagos

financed by both the state and local governments from resources (savings actually) from the Local Government Excess Crude Oil, ECO, Account. The activation of small scale businesses is also helping the state cure ‘diseases’ of lack and deprivation. A step in this direction is the new partnership between the Federal Government and Osun State to turn the moribund Federal Government Industrial Centre in the state into a life academy where skills acquisition will be everything the centre does. Already the government has attracted an Italian company, Global Impianti for knowledge transfer on the business of shoe making. To this end, a micro credit is being set up for every graduate of the academy so that graduates can access funds for their operations.

abound in the state. In terms of GDP per capita, which is the term in which standard of living is measured, Osun actually is number two after Lagos. In terms of standard of living, the Governor has been able to deliver on that,” he added. As part of government’s effort to industrialise the state, a garment institute, Omoluabi Garment Institute now provides employment to citizens of the state. In addition, a telephone manufacturing company in Ilesa - Adulawo Technology Institute which produces phones and its accessories as well as laptops, is also providing employment in Osun State. As part of its beautification and tourism efforts, the landscaping of Asejire Interchange beckons. The area once known for its Continues on page 57

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Osun: When the language of development is empowerment Continues frompage 56 ghastly auto accidents and armed robbery attacks is been turned into a tourists’ haven. A few miles from Asejire Interchange, a recreation park named after Hassan Olajoku one of the foot soldiers who laid down his life in the struggle to reclaim the mandate of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola - has also changed the ambiance of Gbongan town. Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Bashir Ajibola, explained the motive behind the park. “For us, it is about extending the frontiers of development through environment. You know if you want to attract people to develop the economy, you have to attract people to spend in that economy and people don’t go to uninviting places. They want to feel welcome, relax and have a feeling that this is a place they can be. “This is why we are committing ourselves to ensuring that we extend the frontiers of development through improved environment. That is what we are doing there. The political import of what we are doing there is also historical and this is not lost on the people. It was at this particular spot that one of the big supporters of our movement to Osun, Hassan Olajoku was murdered while we were returning from a rally at Ilobu.

Boosting the economy “So, the project is to eternally immortalise Hassan Olajoku and shame those who thought that by killing him, they had killed the effort at taking over governance in Osun State. These are some core reasons that informed the project. “So the park was built by government for relaxation, pleasure, fun, resort and basically to boost the economy of the state.” Continuing, he added: “Don’t also forget that Gbongan is a major gateway to the state capital, Osogbo and the park will serve as rest point for people travelling through the road to Ibadan. “I mean that people, after such travelling, will want to relax, eat pounded yam, bush meat, drink some palm wine and do whatever take their fancy. So we are creating a nice place for people to rest in a healthy, nice looking, highly refreshing, inviting and welcoming environment with modern facilities that are comparable to anywhere in the world.”

— 57

2013 ACCESS CONFAB:

World leaders unite, set agenda for sustainable leadership BY JUDITH UFFORD

HE 2013 Access Bank Conference which held in Lagos recently with theme ‘Embracing Sustainable Leadership’ focused on sustainable leadership practice with a view to capturing the essence of exceptional leadership as well as highlighting the expectations and challenges of leadership in today’s very dynamic world. The conference was not only unique in its focus but a total departure from other such industrydefining conferences previously organised by the bank. Such previous conferences include the “International Conference on Debt and Equity Financing, Access Bank Financial Market Conference and Conference on Stress testing in the financial services sector.” The 2013 conference which dwelt on leadership processes, practices and issues from a holistic perspective, presented outstanding case studies of exemplary leadership practices undertaken by some of the internationally recognised and accomplished individuals present at the conference.

Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman, Access Bank; Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank; Mr. George Bush, former President of the United States of America and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc at the 2013 edition of Access Conference held in Lagos

Discussion on leadership The conference which seemed like the much awaited opportunity for discussion on leadership in Nigeria, had in attendance accomplished and respectable leaders such as the 43rd President of the United States of America, Mr. George W. Bush, the 23rd President of France, Nicholas Sarkozy, former Ghanaian President, John Agyekum Kufuor (2001-2009) and former President of Costa Rica, Jose Maria Figueres (1994-1998). The leadership reasoning at the gathering was that “with the diversity of the world, we need to understand what it takes to be leaders”.The world leaders also opined that much broader intervention would be required to drive sustainable leadership. This they believe would facilitate nation building initiatives, which is a tacit endorsement of Access Bank’s initiative. The overriding message by these leaders is,“ government alone cannot succeed much without the support of the private sector for a country to attain sustainable life. Thus, government and the private sector would need to jointly set a platform for sustainable leadership”. Interestingly, several conference participants were of the view that Access Bank already has an understanding of these salient principles and they guide the operation of the bank. To this end, Habila Zuguragi, one of the participants from Kigali, Rwanda, noted thus:”Access Bank’s

The 23rd President of France, Nicholas Sarkozy in a warm handshake with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former Group Managing Director, Access Bank; Elias Igbinakenzua, Executive Director, Access Bank and Okey Nwuke, former Executive Director, Access Bank at the 2013 edition of Access Conference

awareness about sustainable business practices, commitment to environment and social development is a demonstration of these defining principles. The passionate discussion also became emotional when Gbenga Oyebode, said the gathering should acknowledge the transition of a reputable African leader and former President of South Africa, late President Nelson Mandela. In a tribute to the late African leader, Oyebode said Mandela epitomised the concept of sustainable leadership which was evident in his fight for unity in diversity, resourcefulness and conservatism”. In addition to the attributes identified in late Mandela by Gbenga Oyebode, Sebastian Newbold Coe; British athlete and Olympic Champion and Chairman, London Organising Committee of Olympics and Paralympics, LOCOG, said “My concept of leadership is that people have to be brave and willing to challenge the orthodox; do things differently”.

The conference which was also Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s last official outing in the capacity of the Group Managing Director of Access Bank, created avenue for discussion on the effectiveness of leadership transition at the Bank. In the circle of leaders present, the seamlessness of the Bank’s succession planning was adjudged commendable. Unlike previous practices on CEO appointment and succession in Nigeria, Access Bank’s transition agenda left adequate room for effective handover and assimilation of the institutional strategy. In spite of the benefit of long years of working relationship between the Bank’s retired Chief Executive Officer, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and the newly appointed Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank did not downplay the need to implement the strategy to the least detail.

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

By KINGSLEY NDIMELE

HERE are indications that the lingering face-off between the Neighbourhood Watch (a Lagos State security initiative at the local government level) in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos and a youth group known as the Community Policing Youth Vanguard, CPYV, may not be unconnected with the strained relationship between the local government chairman, Comrade Adewale Ayodele, and the Area E Police Commander, Mr. Dan Okoro. This followed information at Crime Alert’s disposal that CPYV was instituted by the Area E Commander, following alleged sinister motive. Although the Lagos State Command described this claim as untrue, positing that the group only informed the Area Commander of its intention to assist the police with security challenges in the area. However, since its formation last year, the group as alleged by members of Amuwo Odofin, particularly those in Alakija, have been fomenting trouble. A recent incident was reported of an attack on officials of the Neighbourhood Watch in Alakija, over control of the area, during which an official was matcheted. Again, the group allegedly disrupted the Amuwo Odofin Ward C and K congress held three weeks ago, where the local government chairman reportedly had his head smashed with a flying broken bottle. Dangerous weapons, including guns were reportedly freely used by members of CPYC,thereby sending everyone, including an armed Mobile policeman, drafted to ensure peace, scampering for

•IGP, Mohammed Abubakar

•The wounded neighbourhood watch official,Odeyemi Odusanya being treated...

•Ayodele, Chairman, AmuwoOdofin Local Govt.

when they came, they were only watching. When they saw members of the CPYV in large number with weapons such as bottles and guns, the policemen did not do anything to stop them. The Policing Youth Vanguard is a group of questionable characters.I have written several letters requesting that investigation be carried out on those involved in it”, Ayodele said. He debunked claims that he endorsed the group and also requested it to be on his payroll. Said he: “when they came to me in a protest manner, they told me they wanted to form a group

The Policing Youth Vanguard is a group with people of questionable characters. I have written several letters requesting that investigation be carried out on those involved in it

safety. Reacting to the recent incident,the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Chairman, Ayodele,clarified that he had no personal issue with the area E command but with its seeming non-challant attitude towards checkmating the excesses of the CPYC. According to him: “Prior to the congress, I wrote to the Department of State Services, the 9 Brigade, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to provide security on that day. The 9 Brigade and the NSCDC provided and we saw them working. But the Mobile Police and Rapid Response Squad, RRS, that we also wrote, were prevented from entering at Area ‘E’Command and thus were not distributed on time. Even

and I told them that we have to know those behind the group. They also wrote me a letter to that effect and I minuted and sent it to the DSS to invite them and carry out investigation on them. I also told them that they need to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission. But this is yet to be done. So, I can not identify with them. In order not to look hostile to them, I gave them a table at our Mile Two area office which they used as contact on their letter head. I told them that if after two weeks they do not regularize themselves with the appropriate security agencies, I will no longer allow them to operate within my jurisdiction. I did this because I do not want to be fingered as somebody

Blood bath looms in Festac Town

•As Police sponsored group, neighbourhood watch battles for supremacy aiding a militia. I see nothing wrong if some credible youths come up to assist the community with information to fighting crime. “But if they must do that, they must work with every security operative; be it Police, DSS, Neighbourhood Watch and other known security operatives by law, so as to give them information aimed at tackling security problem. But this group is working for the Area ‘E’commander and we don’t know its members.

Environmental sanitation That was how insurgency started in Nigeria. So if tomorrow they have any issue, I will be exonerated. Reiterating the need to investigate members of the group, Ayodele recalled that during last month’s environmental sanitation exercise, leader of the group, one Owan, was arrested for violating the restriction order between 7am and 10am. Members of the group according to him, prevented Owan from being arrested and in the process, allgedly beat up officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI and the Environmental Health officer. They also allegedly destroyed the secretariat’s towing van. The situation would have reportedly turned violent but for the prompt arrival of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Festac Town. Asked if he had written to the appropraite authorities to inform

them about the happenings, he disclosed that eleven letters had so far been written to the Police at both state, zonal and headquarters levels but lamented that as at Thursday last week, no action had been made to call the group to order. One of the letters to the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko ,reads : “ Dear sir, I in the company of some local government staff, community development association and NTA crew, were carrying out the monthly inspection of the environmental sanitation in compliance with the Lagos state governor ‘s directive that chairmen of all local governments should monitor activities . “It was sad to note that I was informed by another team of council officials who were sent to ward C, that they sighted a blue Passat driving aimlessly around Festac Town. The patrol team trailed the car and asked the driver to stop, in order to know what his mission was. Rather than stop and listen to them, he kept driving in a bid to escape. They then called for back up before we condoned off the man at Fifth Avenue.

Illegal release of group’s head The driver was asked to alight from his vehicle by the Chief Environmental Health official and the KAI officials that were monitoring the activities with us. I then moved forward to identify

the driver only to find out he is one Mr Owan, leader of the Community Policing Vanguard. I brought this matter to you sir, to help us look into it and possibly find a lasting solution. At 4.40 p.m same day, I was informed by the Amuwo Odofin Chief Environmental Health officer whom I instructed to remain at the environmental court in Alausa to brief me about the development, that Mr Owan was released from custody by Superintendent of Police, SP Bayo Suleiman, without being charged to court. T his is in spite of the fact that the case was to be prosecuted in the KAI environmental court outside the direct custody of SP Bayo Suleiman who is the head of Lagos State Task Force. Sir, the following areas we expect to be looked into are: Why was Mr Owan driving during environmental sanitation and without a driver’s licence? Why was Owan driving a car with only a number plate on the rear? We need to identify if that number plate, CP 01 FSP was duly registered. Also, why did SP Bayo Suleiman prevent Mr Owan from appearing before a Magistrate despite the fact that he was brought to Alausa? On what authority did SP Suleiman release Mr Owan, an environmental sanitation offender? He also faulted claims by the Lagos State Police Command spokeswoman, Ngozi Braide who was quoted in one of the national dailies that none of the incidents was reported to the police.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014—59

LAGOS AFTER EASTER

Boko Haram has declared war on Nigeria —Buhari Continues from page 5

WORK RESUMES—Cars at the Marina car park as work resumed, yesterday, in Lagos after the Easter holidays. Photo: NAN.

Cameroon Govt slams Nigerian Muslim clerics •Says corruption hindering war against Boko Haram BY UDUMA KALU, WITH AGENCY REPORT

AGOS—NIGERIAN Muslim clerics living in the border towns of Cameroon and Nigeria are recruiting Boko Haram members in their mosques, the government of Cameroon has alleged. Worse still, government officials in the North East states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa collaborate with the terrorists and take bribes from them, thereby, hindering the fight against the terrorists. Governors of these states also capitalise on their civilian fears to berate the army and the federal government. These allegations were published in a report, yesterday, by US-based online military news agency, StrategyPage. The magazine explains that the army wants governors in the affected states removed because “many officials in those states are cooperating with Boko Haram (to avoid attack) and are taking bribes from the Islamic terrorists. “Some of these officials are covering themselves in case Boko Haram should gain power and the governors are often just responding to civilian fears of army misconduct,” it noted. The magazine said: “Cameroon is also concerned about pro-Boko Haram clerics from Nigeria quietly preaching and recruiting for Boko Haram in Cameroon mosques. “Islamic conservative clergy are not unusual on either side of the border, but those who do not de-

nounce Boko Haram are suspected of quietly recruiting young men to join the “jihad” (struggle) and fight (and often die) in Nigeria. These preachers have to recruit quietly because otherwise police in Cameroon will arrest and deport them, sometimes after a vigorous interrogation. Evidence of this recruiting is showing up when some of the recruits return from Nigeria with tales of disillusionment and adversity while with Boko Haram,” the report said. The magazine said that the Cameroonian government is “being criticized because recent claims of large (over 5,000 weapons) arms seizures near the Nigerian border could not be verified by reporters. Civilians living in villages near where the government said the seizures took place said they saw

nothing. The government responded that the smugglers operated in remote areas and avoided civilians as well as security forces. There are also concerns that even if weapons were seized they would, as often happens, be sold back to black market arms dealers so that government officials could keep the cash.” On the military, the report said: “Residents of those three states have justifiable complaints about the army, in particular the casual attitude of the military towards the safety of civilians and their property. “The army is also unreliable when it comes to sharing information on casualties. Thus Boko Haram related deaths so far this year are believed to be (based on local reports) at least 1,500, which is 50 per cent more

than what the army reports. Boko Haram related deaths from 2010 to 2013 were about 3,600, so the violence is not declining. “The government has been saying, for several years, that Boko Haram would be crushed within a year and never happens. More insightful observers point out that the problem is mainly one of corruption and poverty, as well as the appeal of Islamic radicalism as a magical cure. All of Nigeria suffers from corruption. “Poverty is more prevalent in the Muslim north, in part because of climate. That’s because the semidesert Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert is found in the north. Another problem is the more conservative nature of Islamic populations and the lower education levels.”

Umar lambasts Nyako •Accuses him of inciting Northern Govs against FG BY EMEKA MAMAH

AGOS—OUTSPO KEN former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Umar, rtd, yesterday lampooned the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako over his claims that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was perpetrating genocide against the north. Umar, who reacted to the memorandum by Nyako to the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, on the issue in Kaduna said that Nyako’s allegation was aimed at inciting the northern governors against Jonathan.

Expressing shock over the issue, Umar said it was disturbing that such statement was coming from a former senior military officer at a time when the nation was almost at war. He specifically wondered what the governor, himself a former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, was out to achieve through such a memorandum. According to Umar, the governor’s statement was inciting as it was “asking northerners to rise against the government.” He however, asked the NSGF members to channel their grievances on the current insecurity to the

appropriate quarters rather than believing unfounded claims. Umar stated: “The statement of Governor Murtala Nyako, coming from a retired military officer, is shocking and worrisome. I hope people like him should not put the nation on fire and should desist from making wild allegation. “What is his aim? Does he want northerners to pick up arms against the Federal Government or what? These are comments that should not come from leaders who want the nation to progress."

occurred is much more than that. We must really stop and take notice of where evil is attempting to drive us to. The abduction of over 100 school girls is unacceptable, condemnable and saddens me greatly. “We cannot allow these merchants of death to make us numb to the tragedy they manufacture. Those who were killed were not merely numbers on a page. They were human beings, made of flesh and blood, body and soul like all the rest of us. They were someone’s father or mother, brother or sister. They had parents; they were someone’s child. They were husbands or wives, neighbouring friends and colleague. They had dreams and hopes. They were loved and loved others in return. Now, life has been taken away and those who cared for them must bear a grief no person should be asked to carry. "These people committed no wrong. Their only crime was to be ordinary working class people seeking to eke out a livelihood and tend for themselves and their families. For this, they were killed. "They represent the backbone of the working people. Not many of them lived an easy life. Most worked hard and long for modest wages. They lifted themselves up every morning to earn their daily bread. They faced the many social and economic challenges and obstacles our society poses, yet they worked not to destroy but to make this a better place by bettering the lives of their family and loved ones. “These people lived anonymously and died the same way. We do not yet know their names. But, in a fundamental sense, we know who they were. They were part of us. They shared the same aspirations we all do. We seek an improved fate for our children and hope to leave them a better life. We want to work and live in dignity and respect. We want a life of peace and harmony with our neighbours regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. We seek

prosperity not poverty. We seek brotherly understanding not strife. We seek peace, not bombs. "It was not just 72 people who were taken in this depraved assault. Each of us lost something that day. Yet, despite the loss and suffering, we must not cower in fear, and let the purveyors of death believe they have scored a victory over us. “Those who committed this act have declared war on all that is decent and good. They have declared war not against the state or even the government. They have declared war on Nigeria and all Nigerians because this murder took men and women, old and young, Christian and Muslim alike. In trying to scare, frighten and divide us, the evildoers committed injury to their own cause. For they have shown us that we all suffer inhumanity in the same way.

It's evil against humanity "No matter our religion or place of birth, we all bleed and are wounded the same way by injustice. Decency runs through the teachings of each religion and ethnic group that comprise the people of Nigeria. "We may have our differences, but the vast majority of Nigerians stand united against the appalling violence committed in Nyanya and other places. These acts have no place in Nigeria. Those who commit them have no place in our country. The perpetrators may look like human beings. They may have limbs and faces like the rest of us but they are not like us. In killing innocent people, they have become inhuman. They live outside the scope of humanity. Their mother is carnage and their father is cruelty. They have declared war against the people of Nigeria. They have shown that they do not want to liberate the people. They want to kill them. Yet, with all the energy of their evil and ignorant hatred, they shall fail. The good people of Nigeria shall triumph.”

60 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 , 2014 NEWS ON BRIEFS

US to examine Syria chlorine-attack claim

HE US has indications that a toxic chemical, prob ably chlorine, was used in Syria this month and is examining whether the Syrian government was responsible, according to the US State Department. Jen Psaki, State Department spokesperson, said there were indications of the use of a toxic industrial chemical in the town of Kfar Zeita, a rebel held area in Hama province in Syria. Syrian opposition activists reported that helicopters dropped chlorine gas on Kfar Zeita on April 11 and 12. Psaki said chlorine was not one of the priority one or two chemicals Syria declared to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) under a Russian-US agreement for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile.

US backs Ukraine against ‘humiliating threats’ V

ICE president, Joe Biden, says Ukraine has Washington’s full support during highest-level visit since crisis began. Joe Biden has told Ukraine’s new pro-Western leadership that it has the backing of the US against “humiliating threats” and encouraged them to root out corruption as they rebuild their government. In the most prominent visit of a US official since the crisis erupted in Ukraine, the US vice president yesterday told leaders from various political parties that he brings a message of support as they face a historic opportunity to usher in reforms. The gathering at a hearing room in the Kiev parliament, or Rada, included three candidates running in the May 25 presidential election - most notably the billionaire chocolate magnate and front-runner, Petro Poroshenko. “You face some very daunting problems and

Trial of Al Jazeera journalists resumes

Biden and acting Ukraine prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in Kiev some might say humiliating threats are taking place,” Biden told them. “The opportunity to generate a united Ukraine and getting it right is within your grasp. We want to be your partner and friend in the project. We’re ready to

assist.” However, he told the meeting: “You have to fight the cancer of corruption that is endemic in your system.’’ Later on Tuesday, in a news conference, Biden said that Ukraine must remain “one united Ukraine”,

and criticised Russia’s takeover of Crimea. “No nation has the right to simply grab land from another nation,” he said. “We will never recognise Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, and neither will the world.”

S/Sudan rebels reject massacre allegation

OUTH Sudan’s rebel commander Riek Machar has said his forces were not behind the massacre of hundreds of people in the contested town of Bentiu. The UN has accused them of killing more than 200 people in one mosque alone after driving government forces from the town last week. Video shot by Al Jazeera shows bodies littering the streets of the town and the inside of the

Rebel fighters remain in control of Bentiu, capital of the oil-rich Unity State mosque. Machar, who was dismissed as vice president

by President Salva Kiir in July 2013, told Al Jazeera yesterday that his rebels would not kill their own people. “I contacted the field military commander in Bentiu who told me that such accusation is false. First of all we respect our people, and the majority of the forces are from the region and we can’t kill our citizens,” Machar said. Al Jazeera’s Anna Cavell, who travelled to Bentiu, said the conflict in South Sudan

Death toll in South Korea ferry disaster now 120

HE confirmed death toll from South Korea’s ferry disaster rose sharply to more than 120 yesterday as divers speeded up the grim task of recovering bodies from the submerged ship and police took two more of its crew into custody. Better weather and calm seas spurred their efforts but underwater visibility was still very poor, forcing divers to grope their way blindly though the corridors and cabins of the ferry that capsized and sank last Wednesday.

Nearly one week into one of South Korea’s worst peacetime disasters, close to 200 of the 476 people who were aboard the 6,825-tonne Sewol — most of them schoolchildren — are still unaccounted for. Distraught families of victims gathered in the morning at the harbour on Jindo island — not far from the disaster site — awaiting the increasingly frequent arrival of boats with bodies. In the initial days after the Sewol went down,

their anger was focused on the pace of the rescue effort. South Korea ferry tragedy: Massive operation to re … Play Video South Korea ferry tragedy: Massive operation to recover&nbsp;&hellip; With all hope of finding any survivors essentially gone, this has turned to growing impatience with the effort to locate and retrieve the bodies of those trapped. “I just want my son back,” said the father of one missing student."

had taken on a new ethnic dimension. She said many people at a UN base in Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity state, were reluctant to speak to journalists for fear of reprisals. “Different groups from the Dinka and Nuer of South Sudan as well as Darfuris and Misseriya Arabs from Sudan live in Bentiu, so the conflict has now taken on an ethnic dimension, and people are now looking at their neighbours very differently.” UN investigators said that hundreds of civilians were killed because of their ethnicity after rebel forces seized the town last week. The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned what it called “the targeted killings of civilians based on their ethnic origins and nationality’’. Thousands of people in South Sudan have been killed in violence and more than one million people have been forced to leave their homes since December when pro-Kiir troops and those loyal to Machar began to fight along ethnic lines after Machar was accused by Kiir of a failed coup.

ORRESPONDENT Peter Greste and producers Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed appear in court in Egyptian capital Cairo. Three Al Jazeera English journalists have appeared in a court in Egypt for a sixth time, accused of spreading news and belonging to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. The trial of correspondent Peter Greste and producers Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, who have been in jail for more than three months, resumed yesterday. During the last hearing the prosecution produced video that it said supported the case against the men, but none of the videos appear to have anything to do with the case.

Thai parties fail to agree on new elections

HAILAND’s political impasse has been met with continued obstacles after talks called by the country’s Election Commission (EC) to draw a roadmap towards elections ended with no breakthrough after the opposition withdrew at the last minute. Yesterday’s meetings between Prime Minister Yingluck’s party and rival groups ended with no solution after the opposition party pulled out, leaving the kingdom to continue without a fully functioning government or parliament since December The EC called for talks to discuss a new election date with political rivals including the main opposition Democrat Party, which boycotted the last round of voting.

Rival Palestinian factions to meet in Gaza

delegation sent by Palestinian President Mah moud Abbas is set to arrive in the Gaza Strip for a new round of Palestinian reconciliation talks with rival political faction Hamas. The West Bank delegation is expected to arrive yesterday afternoon and will have its first meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ Gaza-based prime minister. Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, told Al Jazeera that the five-member delegation includes officials from Abbas’ Fatah party, leftist factions in the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Palestinian businessman Munib al-Masri.

Libya to expel 271 migrants from African countries

IBYA plans to expel 271 migrants from sub-Sa haran countries in a fresh crackdown on illegal immigration to and through the North African country, state news agency LANA said yesterday.. The emigrants will be deported to their home countries Chad, Niger, Eritrea, Ghana, Sudan and Nigeria, LANA said, quoting immigration officials. Many migrants from sub-Saharan Africa head to this oil producing country to escape from desperate conditions in their own countries and find work here, or risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe.

V anguard, WEDNESD AY, APRIL 23, 2014 Vanguard, WEDNESDA

YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 SAGITTARIUS: If you have, consciously or unconsciously, started unnecessary cold war at work yesterday, it would come to the head today to the resentment of people that count before mid-afternoon. CAPRICORN: The zeal to work harder exhibited by you will earn you unexpected success at work to the betterment of your rating and finances. Don’t allow mid-morning blues to get best off you. AQUARIUS: If it’s possible for you to wait till tomorrow before an important assignment is carried out, your cause will be better for it. Take your love life seriously. PISCES: Now, you can not pretend that happenings within your (family) base of operation pleases you, but, you will need to be as diplomatic as possible. Avoid unnecessary rush. ARIES: Unusual exhibition of aggressive approach by you may put people around you off the balance. It’s in your own interest not to bite more than you can chew, especially before mid-afternoon.

— 61

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

Of wisdom and riches

HAT is the rela tionship between wisdom and riches? You may be wondering? But let me help to clear your doubt: Who is the richest man or woman on earth today? Is it the man or woman who is

the most physically strong? What actually constitutes riches? Are there no rich fools? Of truth, wisdom is needed to make decisions that could en-

TERROR MUDA

able one to be rich. But that also depends on the type of riches. There are material riches, riches in children, riches in the profession, etc.

in “Never say goodbye”

The holy writ says wisdom is profitable in all. In other words, wisdom can only enhance your achievement. If you have been rich without wisdom, don’t you think you will be super rich with it? Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

TAURUS: You may be tempted to embrace extravagant tendencies while planning your financial transactions. Watch what you promise before early part of afternoon period. GEMINI: If you are offered what looks like Greek gift before early hours of afternoon, you are advised to politely turn it down. It’s wrong to encourage aggression. CANCER: Tomorrow is one of your lucky days of this week. Yet, if you are more observant within your base of operation, you will not have it wrong, even today. Keep secrets. LEO: Although, many will go through tension before midafternoon, the whole thing will work in your favour early in the day. The more ambitious you, are the better for you. VIRGO: Coming together of the Moon and Mars in Virgo will bring you under the fire of enthusiasm to achieve much along your career/business lines. Be very moderate.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LIBRA: The very best for you today is to look for ways to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday. The more willing you are to respect the law, the better. SCORPIO: Friends may disappoint you today but you will have genuine cause to smile broadly tomorrow. Do not gamble with matters-of-the-heart today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s wrong with me? Dear Joshua, I don’t want my data published. I have many books where Aries is described as an aggressive star sign, but I am an Arian who can’t take hard decision, especially if such will affect others negatively. Why, is Aries a weak star sign, after-all? Johnbull. Ogun. Dear Johnbull, You are an Arian truly but, other planetary placement responsible are pointed out here under. Generally, people born when either the Sun, the Moon and/or any other important heavenly body (especially when they cluster— that is, when they are more than two) in Aries, they are categorised as member of aggressive and daring group of the Zodiac. Yes, you were born under Aries star and basic characteristics of Aries star sign are highly pronounced in your inner-self, however, natually, many other planetary positions have greatly modified mighty Sun’s placement in your chart. Less than 50% of pushful influence rush the conjuntion of Venus and Mercury are pointers to an Arian personality high modified. Two important influences mentioned in this paragraph may not allow raw aggressive approach to manifest comprehensively. Because, they are meant to make you less aggressive and more loving. Sometimes lover of diplomacy who will attract what he wants rather than staging a war just to press for his right. But then, combination of the aggressive traits of Aries in your inner self and more amiable influences together with the distribution of the planets through quadrauplicity and triplcity (that is quality and element) within the Zodiacal constellations, they are indications of your being a person with balanced personality. More importantly, however, is the placement of Saturn in Capricorn as the only planet at home when you were born. It always induces you to give priority attention to your career/image/public standing and justice. And as your natal Sun and Moon were placed in Aries and Gemini respectively, you are mainly an Arian and partly a Geminian. This characteristics of the two said star signs are highly pronounced in you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Continues from BP two Croatian cities of Rijeka and Zagreb. Countries that would participate in the Rijeka tournament include Nigeria, Bosnia, Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, while the tournament in Zagreb would have countries like Nigeria, Croatia, Spain, Britian, Denmark and Switzerland and some that yet to confirm their participation. The tournaments will afford the two Nigerian gaffers the opportunity to watch young Nigerian soccer lads featuring in the Croatian First and Second Division Leagues and scout for materials as they prepare their teams for the African qualifiers for the U17 and U-20 championships coming up later in the year. Already, the Football College, Abuja, has seven players in the U-17 camp and three in the U-20

C M Y K

Nigeria squad, including the first choice goalkeeper, Dele Alamapasu, who graduated from the U-17 that won the 2013 FIFA World Cup at the United Arab Emirates. It would be recalled that in the MoU signed by the NFF and Orlean Investment, which will run for a period of four years, the federation is to provide among other things a site plan for the construction of three football training pitches at its Goal Project Technical Centre located at the Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja, as well as two natural and one artificial state-of-the-art turf by the oil firm. The federation will also furnish the firm with its programmes, matches, tournament dates for the senior women team, women U-20, U-23 men, U-20 men and U-17 boys for technical assistance and possible camping outside

Shell Partners Dutch Club, Feyenoord Rotterdam to improve NNPC/Shell Cup with the team today, values to our youth. The

HE Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) operated Joint Venture has entered a strategic partnership with the Youth Academy of Feyenoord Rotterdam Football Club, one of the biggest football clubs in the Netherlands to help improve the football talents of the 16-year old NNPC/

Shell Cup. Senior SPDC managers are presenting the three-man Feyenoord Rotterdam youth coaching team to the media and other football stakeholders tomorrow morning at the Taslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos Island, venue of the finals of the 16th edition of the championship. Speaking at a meeting

the country before their final FIFA-organised international tournaments. The oil giant is expected to make available coaches by way of exchange programme from within and outside country to the NFF for all categories of the national teams mentioned above at its own expense, while the federation would be responsible for payment of their camp allowances and match bonuses. In addition, it will

facilitate a visit by the top management of the NFF to Croatia to enable it benchmark their structure and facilities towards replicating them in Nigeria and a reciprocal visit by the leadership of the Croatia Football Association at the firm’s expense. The firm will also furnish the new secretariat of the federation named after one of Nigeria’s most successful football technocrats, the late Sunday Dankaro.

Regional Communication Manager Philip Mshelbila said: ‘Building on the many successes of the NNPC/Shell Cup, we have entered this partnership with Feyenoord in demonstration of our commitment to giving

Continues from BP

idea is to see players and coaches from all the schools that qualified for the semi-finals of the championship leave with life changing experiences from this interaction with Feyenoord Rotterdam FC.’

NFF

Keshi had earlier on said: “ I have submitted the list to the NFF Technical Committee. Mr Paul Bassey would tell you more about that. I submitted a list of 37 or 38 players. From that, I will draw up another provisional list of 30 which is what FIFA needs.” Commenting on the criteria he used for selecting players in his list, Keshi said it was only by watching them play in the national team’s matches and those of different clubs

they belong to. In response to another question he said he didn’t yet know how many local players would be on his final list since the final list wasn’t yet out. Earlier on, Chairman NFF Alhaji Aminu Maigari said the football ruling body would welcome any support from the Presidency towards ensuring the successful outing of the team at the mundial adding that the composition of the final team list remains the prerogative of the Coach.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 — 63

Who is to blame for Moyes’ sacking: Ferguson, the Glazers or Woodward? BY OWEN GIBSON

EW could argue that David Moyes was not ultimately the architect of his own downfall. But he was far from the only person culpable in a comedy of errors that has seen England’s biggest club plummet from league champions to also-rans within 10 tumultuous months. Moyes lost the players, the fans and –finally – the boardroom through an inability to show that he was making progress on the pitch. That forced the hand of the club’s absentee owners as they contemplated a long overdue rebuilding operation and concluded the former Everton manager could not be trusted to oversee it. In the end, they had no option. But it was as much their mistakes as those of Moyes that led them to the cursory announcement. Peer through the blizzard of meaningless statistics (David Moyes has the second-highest win percentage of any United manager; David Moyes has the lowest points total of the Premier League era), past the memory of the haunted faces in the dugout and the ever louder whispers of discontent from the dressing room, and the reasons for the malaise at Old Trafford go far deeper than just one man. In calculating the final cost of the end of an error – which will be measured in more than just points, pounds and pence – there are more than a few

mitigating factors at play. Like a slow motion car crash, there has been an inevitability about the way the season has panned out since the summer. The role of the club’s inscrutable American owners, still reviled by large sections of their own fanbase for an ownership model that has cost the club more than £650m in fees and interest, will again come under the microscope. So too, will that of vice chairman Ed Woodward. The former investment banker was lauded as a commercial genius for minting the segmented

1 September United suffer their first defeat under David Moyes as Daniel Sturridge gives Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Anfield. Wayne Rooney misses the game after being kicked in the head by Phil Jones in training. 22 September Hammered 4-1 at Manchester City. This time Robin van Persie is absent with a thigh injury. 28 September United lose 2-1 at home to West Brom, ending the Baggies’ 35-year wait for an Old Trafford victory. 19 October Concede last-minute Adam Lallana equaliser against Southampton at Old Trafford. 4 December Bryan Oviedo scores four minutes from time as Moyes’

• Only 27 games won out of 51 played

C M Y K

•Moyes

Moyes: A timeline of his annus horribilis at Old Trafford

Moyes’s record in his brief tenure OLLOWING his sacking by Manchester United, here is the side’s record under the management of David Moyes. Total number of games: Played 51 Won 27 Drew 9 Lost 15 Goals for 86 Goals against 54 Premier League: Pld 34 W 17 D 6 L 11 F 56 A 40 PTS 57

overseas sponsorship strategy that allowed the Glazers to keep the tills ringing, service their debt and enjoy continued success on the pitch while Ferguson remained in post. So now he must accept the brickbats for a catalogue of missteps since taking over from David Gill in the top job last summer. Sitting in his Mayfair office, Woodward once gave assurances that there was a well-considered plan tucked away in his desk drawer for when Ferguson’s departure came. If that was ever the case, its execution left much to be desired.

Champions League: Pld 10 W 5 D 3 L 2 F 17 A9 FA Cup: Pld 1 L 1 F 1 A2 Capital One Cup: Pld 5 W 4 L 1 F 10 A 3* *Beat Sunderland after extra time in semi-final second leg but lost tie on penalties Community Shield: Pld 1 W 1 F 2 A 0

I feel sorry for Moyes — Ancelotti ORMER Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has offered his support to axed Manchester United manager David Moyes. Moyes was sacked by United this morning after mounting speculation over his job at Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs has been installed as the club’s interim coach, until the end of the season. Louis van Gaal is the bookmakers’ favourite, while Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has also been touted as a possible successor to Moyes. “I feel sorry for David Moyes, but that’s the life of a football coach, sometimes it doesn’t go well for you and you are sacked,” Ancelotti said.

I don’t want Man Utd job — Jürgen Klopp

Sir Alex Ferguson, left, hand picked David Moyes as his replacement at Manchester United and must take part of the blame for his exit former club Everton end their 21-year wait for an away win over United. 6 December Rio Ferdinand criticises Moyes’ policy of leaving it late to pick his teams, telling BT Sport: “It turns you into a madman.” 7 December Yohan Cabaye gets the only goal as Newcastle win at Old Trafford for the first time since 1972. 10 December Van Persie suffers a thigh injury taking a corner against Shakhtar Donetsk and is ruled out for seven weeks. 1 January Rooney plays in the defeat by Tottenham but is then ruled out for four weeks with a groin injury. 5 January Swansea win at Old Trafford for the first time as Wilfried Bony’s late goal sends United out of the FA Cup at the thirdround stage for only the

second time in 30 years. 7 January Defeat in Capital One Cup semifinal, first leg at Sunderland means a third straight loss for the first time since May 2001. 19 January Captain Nemanja Vidic is sent off as United crash to defeat at Chelsea. 22 January United beat Sunderland 2-1 in the Capital One Cup semifinal return leg but come off worst in the penalty shoot-out with only Darren Fletcher scoring from their five kicks. 1 February Stoke end their long wait for a win against United. Charlie Adam’s double gives them their first since 1984. 7 February Vidic says he will leave at the end of the season. 9 February United lead bottom side Fulham at Old Trafford, but Darren Bent’s

stoppage-time equaliser ensures a 2-2 draw. Moyes describes the result as being ‘as bad as it gets’. 25 February A poor performance in the Champions League last 16 sees United beaten 2-0 at Olympiakos. 16 March Two Steven Gerrard penalties and a Luis Suárez strike earn Liverpool a crushing 3-0 win at Old Trafford while Gerrard also hits the post with another penalty. 25 March United lose 30 as Manchester City do the double over them. The result ensured United are guaranteed to end the season with their lowest points total in Premier League history. 9 April Despite an encouraging 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Red Devils go down 3-1 to defending champions Bayern

ÜRGEN Klopp has ruled himself out of the Manchester United job. The 46-year-old said: “Man Utd is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable.” Klopp, who was widely reported to be one of the United board’s preferred candidates to succeed David Moyes, extended his contract at the Bundesliga side until 2018 in October and explained that he was “still in love” with the club last week. United did inquire about the possibility of attaining his services recently but were told that Klopp was insistent on honouring his contract at the Signal Iduna Park. Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena. 20 April Moyes’ return to Goodison Park is turned into a nightmare as Leighton Baines’ penalty and a goal from Kevin Mirallas give Everton a 20 win, a result which confirms United cannot qualify for the Champions League.

C M Y

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Nigeria to send Amuneke, Manu to Croatia tourneys

DEADLOCK:

NFF holds back Keshi’s list BY OKEY NDIRIBE

HEAD of the nation’s preparations for the World Cup in Brazil, a meeting between the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Technical Committee and Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi ended in a deadlock yesterday. The meeting which lasted for about three hours was attended by Chairman of the football ruling body Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Keshi and other members of

the Technical Committee. Indications that the meeting ended in a deadlock emerged after Keshi had informed sports reporters that he had submitted a tentative list of 37 or 38 players to the Committee only for Paul Bassey who spoke on behalf of the Committee to decline releasing the list. He only stated that NFF needs to make more consultations before releasing the list in a week’s time. Bassey further said the Committee focused on the preparation

•Keshi

•Maigari

programme of the Technical Committee for the Mundial adding that NFF would surely meet the deadline of May 10 for the submission of a provisional list of 30 players to FIFA. According to Bassey: “We have decided to shelve release of the list

until further consultations are made. We took the opportunity to look at the preparation programme of the Technical Committee. This includes the issue of personnel and others.”

Continues on Page 62

•Amuneke

•Volpi

IGERIA’S U-20 head coach, Garba Manu, and his U-17 counterpart, Emmanuel Amuneke, are to attend two football tournaments taking place in Croatia between May 26 and June 8, 2014. The invitation to attend the global tournaments was extended to them by Mr Didi Ndiomu on behalf of the management of Football College, Abuja, which is funded by Orlean Investment West Africa, an oil and gas

company. The gesture is in furtherance of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, and Captain Damir Miscovic on behalf of the chairman of Orlean Investment, Mr Gabrielle Volpi. The Football College, Abuja, is expected to participate in the tournaments slated for Continues on Page 62

N2.7b pay-off for Moyes

AVID Moyes could pocket up to £10million despite being sacked as Manchester United manager after less than a year in charge. The Scot was relieved of his duties by chief executive Ed Woodward at an early morning meeting at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday. Moyes has overseen the club’s worst ever Premier League season, but he is still in line for a huge pay-off from the Premier League champions.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Perfect (5) 7 Idiot (4) 8 Ace (6) 9 Jumped (5) 11 Label (3) 13 Pig-pen (3) 15 Paradise (4) 16 Strive (3) 18 Pain (4) 19 Stain (7) 20 Fairy (4) 22 Prophet (4) 23 Vehicle (7) 25 Emporium (4) 27 Expire (3) 28 Yield (4) 30 Cat (3) 31 Defective (3) 33 Vice (5) 36 Fleet (6) 37 Creep (4) 38 Fold (5)

DOWN 1 Wanderer (5) 2 Sick (3) 3 Epoch (3) 4 Permit (3) 5 Imitate (3) 6 Veracity (5) 10 Couple (4) 11 Storm (7) 12 Chamber (7) 13 Plotted (7) 14 Longed (7) 16 Sound (5) 17 Follow (5) 18 Donkey (3) 21 Devil (3) 24 Account (4) 26 Store (5) 29 Dullard (5) 32 Wicked (3) 33 Top (3) 34 Wonder (3) 35 Mine (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Frail 7, Pique 8, Droop 10, Saved 12, Own 13, Sleep 15, Meddled 17, Landed 19, Cod 20, Defined 23, Peel 25, Dear 26, Recover 30, Cos 31, Delete 34, Scatter 37, Cared 38, Tie 39, Duvet 40, Worry 41, Deity 42, Defer.

DOWN: 1, Villa 2, Fused 3, Reaped 4, Item 5, Prodded 6, Honed 9, Owl 11, Decided 13, Slope 14, Enter 16, Don 18, Deposed 21, Deter 22, Breed 24, Lectern 27, Cot 28, Recede 29, Actor 32, Later 33, Teeth 35, Air 36, Rude.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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