Death toll in Borno attack rises to 142

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61976

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

KOKORI ‘INVASION’:

How wanted kidnapper, Kelvin, breached security •Pgs.58 &59

Legendary poet, Kofi Awoonor killed in Kenya 55 attack

Death toll in Borno attack rises to 142 •We recovered 55 bodies on Wednesday and 87 on Thursday — State EPA official Why security agents descended on Apo quarters

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AGOS—THE death toll from last week's attack in Borno State that saw insurgents dressed as soldiers, set up checkpoints and gun down travellers on a highway, has risen to, at least, 142.

Abdulaziz Kolomi, an official with the Environmental Protection Agency in the state said, Continues on page 5

•P.21

COLUMNISTS:

DELE SOBOWALE

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Discos' new owners to inject $1.8bn — BPE

BY UDUMA KALU, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

LES LEBA

•P.44

Mr & Mrs

ALLURE AWARDS—From left: Senator Florence Ita-Giwa being presented with the Patron of the Year Award at the Allure Style Awards held, yesterday, at the Native and Vogue International Fashion Week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State by Allure Editor, Mrs Remi Diagbare and Editor-In-Chief/ General Manager Publications of Vanguard, Mr Gbenga Adefaye.

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POCKET CARTOON

ALLURE AWARDS—Joyce Jacob being presented with the Make-Up Artiste of the Year Award at the Allure Style Awards held, yesterday, at the Native and Vogue International Fashion Week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

by Allure Editor, Mrs Remi Diagbare and Editor-In-Chief/General Manager Publications of Vanguard, Mr Gbenga Adefaye.

Death toll in Borno attack rises to 142 Continues from page 1 yesterday, that “ we recovered 55 bodies on Wednesday and 87 on Thursday”. The previous toll from the attack late Tuesday in the Benisheik area was 87.

The insurgents, suspected to be from Islamist extremist group, Boko

Haram, also burnt scores of homes and buildings in the assault and left corpses littering the roadside.

The motivation behind the assault was not immediately clear, but Boko Haram members have repeatedly carried out revenge attacks against residents over the emer-

LIFEWORDS

gence of vigilante groups that have been formed to assist the military.

Army General Mohammed Yusuf, who briefed the state governor, Alhaji Kassim Shettima on the attack, said troops ran out of ammunition while

combating the assault, adding that the insurgents were armed with “anti-aircraft guns.”

In one of the latest known attacks, Boko Haram fighters armed with Kalashnikov rifles, rocket launchers and homemade explosives reportedly raided Yadi Buni Town in Yobe State on September 18, setting fire to a makeshift police station, telecommunications masts, parts of the local government headquarters and the home of the divisional police head, whose wife was burnt to death inside the building.

Son of the Yobe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader was also reportedly killed, while one soldier and nine sect members died in an ensuing shoot-out. On September 17, some 143 commuters were killed and several abducted when well-armed Boko Haram gunmen in military fatigues and bullet-proof vests ambushed vehicles along the busy Maiduguri to Damaturu Express Way in the early evening, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), an advocacy group investigating the situation.

Travellers were report-

edly asked to produce their identity papers, then were lined up and shot. One survivor was quoted as saying that people from the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, were singled out for execution. The gunmen went on to overrun Benisheik Town, 75 kilometres (44 miles) west of Maiduguri, killing around 14 people and torching over 100 homes, businesses and vehicles, CSW said.

It quoted one report as saying that most of the dead were members or otherwise associated with the Civilian Joint Task Force in charge of fighting militants, and were beheaded. Three

policemen and two soldiers were also reported to have died in what were seen as reprisal attacks by Boko Haram against those opposed to them.

The phone network in Borno has been switched off since the emergency measures were imposed, a move the military said was aimed at blocking the Islamists from coordinating attacks.

Some have suggested that the lack of phone service has prevented civilians from sounding the alarm during attacks.

It has also made it difficult to verify information from the region.

PDP CRISIS: nPDP gains ground in NASS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Say something kind and encouraging to everyone you meet, and people will always be happy to see you coming. Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore!

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it —Ann Landers

W

E are all constantly changing and evolving.

The universe around you is changing. Just because something was right for you in the past doesn’t mean it still is. This could be a relationship, a job, a home, a habit, etc. It happens to you slowly as you grow.

You discover more about who you are and what you want out of life, and then you realize there are deliberate changes you need to make to keep up with the changes happening around you and within you.

You are the average of the people you spend the most time with. In other words, who you spend your time with has a great impact on the person you are and the person you become. If you are around cynical and negative people all the time, you might become cynical and negative.

If the lifestyle you’ve been living no longer fits, it is time for a change, a change for the better, a more productive attitude to life. If the specific people and routines you’ve known forever no longer align with your values, try creating new ones. Cherish all the memories, but find yourself letting go and moving on. If you’re currently dealing with this process you may feel a bit awkward, and that’s okay. This feeling is normal and necessary for reaching beyond the stars.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR BUJA—THE ap parent decision of the Presidency to go hard on non-compliant members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the National Assembly appears to be favouring the factional new PDP. It emerged, at the weekend, that the factionalisation of the PDP may have become formalized with the enrolment of the request letter from the National Chairman of the nPDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje for a meeting with members in the votes and proceedings of the House.

The change towards a hard line stance was formalised last Friday with the removal of Senator Joy Emodi as the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters.

With the development, there were fears in some government circles at the weekend that plans to present the 2014 budget proposals to the National Assembly next month may be deferred until a

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conclusive solution is found to the PDP crisis.

There were concerns that the tilt could jeopardize the early presentation of the 2014 budget proposals and possibly lead to the loss of the party majority in the House of Representatives.

Sources in Abuja disclosed that under tentative plans, President Goodluck Jonathan was to present the 2014 budget plans in the second week of October.

That proposal it was learnt may no longer be guaranteed after members inclined to the Baraje faction put the Bamanga Tukur led- PDP on notice that the interests of the administration could no longer be guaranteed.

Listing of Baraje’s letter The road to the formal legal recognition of the Baraje faction of the PDP was paved with the listing of the letter from Baraje seeking audience with members in the Votes and Proceedings of

the House.

The letter which was read on the floor of the House last Tuesday was enrolled in the Votes of the House and approved on Wednesday.

“If the letter was not read on the floor it could not have been listed in the Votes and Proceedings but since it was read, it is now recognized as a faction, “ a source disclosed.

With the development, members of the nPDP who defect could cite the authority of the Votes and Proceedings of the House as the basis of their defection from the party.

The decision of the presidency to go hard on the legislators is raising concern among some loyalists of the president in the House. Sources in the House point at the House Leader Mrs Mulikat Akande-Adeola and her deputy Leo Ogor who despite their inclinations towards the president are cautious against the new hard line posture.

“Mulikat is fully in support of Tambuwal in this matter, have no doubt

about that,” a very authoritative source close to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday.

It was learnt that the House Leader and other loyalists of the president were afraid that the Tukur faction of the PDP could turn into the minority party should the nPDP formally combine forces with the All Progressives Congress, APC on the floor.

“Mulikat would become minority leader if a fight breaks out on the floor and she knows that, but besides that, she is fully with us,” the source who spoke on the basis of anonymity said.

In the same vein, Emodi’s ouster is raising concern among PDP loyalists in the legislature.

Her departure it was learnt, was being welcomed by the hawks in the administration who saw her diplomatic engagements with the leadership in the two houses and the members as inauspicious and incompatible with the hardline posture of extremists in both arms of government.

6—Vanguard , MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Man accused of raping neighbour's 8-yr-old daughter

BY EBERE NWAFOR

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32-year-old driver, Muhammadu Alabi, has been arraigned before an Abule-Egba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a charge of alleged rape of an eight-year-old daughter of his neighbour.

The accused lives at 34, Emmanuel Aina Street, Aboru, Ipaja, Lagos. He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Racheal Williams, told the court that the offence was committed at the residence of the defendant on September 3.

According to the prosecution, the accused called the child to his room to send her on an errand.

Williams said the suspect, however, raped the child and that her screaming attracted neighbours, who then rescued her and reported the incidence to the police.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

Elias adjourned the case to October 8, for mention.

DSS rescue NNPC staff, arrest 3 kidnappers

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—OPERATIVES of Department of State Services, DSS, have rescued a 51-year-old staff of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Mr. Atoyebi Toyin, abducted last week.

Meanwhile, three of the kidnappers have been arrested in a forest in Osubi village, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr. Atoyebi, who is from Oro in Kwara State, narrated his experience to Vanguard, at DSS’ office in Warri.

He said that he was accosted at 6:45pm last Monday in company of his wife and four children, close to their residence in Otokutu village, Udu Local Government Area of the state, by a gang of four armed men in his Acura Honda Jeep and taken to an unknown place.

He said that he was put in the booth of his car, while his wife and children were left to go home. But the wife then proceeded to report the incident at the office of the DSS in Warri, which promptly swung into action the next day and rescued him after a fierce shoot-out with the kidnappers at a notorious forest in Osubi village, Okpe council.

He added that three of the abductors were apprehended, while one escaped with bullet wounds. He said a cut-tosize locally-made gun was recovered from them.

Atoyebi said that his car key was with one of the kidnappers, who handed it over to the security personnel and told them where the jeep was parked.

Policeman docked for bribery

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—A 43-year-old dismissed Police officer, Christopher Omeleze, attached to the state Traffic Division, Ikeja, Lagos, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly taking bribe from a motorist.

The defendant, who was arraigned before Magistrate Akinde, is facing a two-count charge bordering on bribe.

Omeleze, who was said to be on duty when he committed the allegd offence, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The prosecutor, Sergeant

Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged crime while on duty on July 31 at 9:30am on Oba Akran Road, Ikeja.

He said that the police officer used his office to demand for N25,000 from a motorist that was yet to be identified.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under Section 69, 63, (1) (a) of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till November 4, for mention.

Atoyebi said before rescue came his way, he was moved to three locations, while

blindfolded.

Atoyebi added that he was kept in the forest without cover for the whole night, while a ransom of N10 million was made to the wife and

family members, adding that they were threatening to kill him if the money was not brought immediately before security operatives swooped on them.

BENISHEIK: A villager speaks next to Governor Kashim Shettima of of Borno State (middle), during the governor's visit to Benisheik after an attack by Boko Haram members in military uniforms left over 100 people dead. AFP PHOTO.

Ogun police arrest 21 robbery suspects, recover 22 vehicles

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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B E O K U TA — O G U N State Police Command, yesterday, said men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, arrested 21 armed robbery suspects and recovered 22 vehicles.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this while parading the suspects and the vehicles at the SARS office, Magbon, Abeokuta.

Adejobi said that some of the suspects had confessed to the crime.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation, while assuring members of the public of the Command’s readiness to make the state a crime-free one.

Kill four suspects in Abeokuta

He also said that four armed robbers were killed last Wednesday in Ija-Ofa area of Abeokuta, while trying to rob a businessman of N5 million.

Items recovered from the suspects, include locally-made pistols, cartridges, pump action rifle, AK-47 rifle and charms.

Adejobi said: “Ogun Police Command will not relent in its effort to make the state a crime-

free one. All the formations in the command are working round the clock to ensure the safety of the people of the state, especially during these ember

months.

“The arrest of these robbery suspects is a signal that the Command is ready to deal decisively with criminals.”

Kafanchan's Christians hold services at home C HRISTIANS resident in Kafanchan in Kaduna State, yesterday, could not attend the usual Sunday church service as a result of the curfew imposed on the city.

They had to stay in their homes in compliance with the restriction on movements within the city, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on the city on Friday, due to the civil unrest in the area.

Some of residents told newsmen that the presence and strict measures adopted by security agents made it impossible for them to go to their respective churches.

Mr. Wisdom Adams of Anwuan Galadima said, however, it was an obligation for him as a Christian to respect constituted authority.

He said: “I stayed at home with my family to observe

Sunday service. I had a good time with my family, as we sang songs and offered prayers for peace for our community and the nation.”

Mrs Grace Dauda of Garaje said other neighbours joined them in their house.

She said: “The situation brought families and friends together to offer prayers for lasting peace in Kafanchan.”

Dauda urged the local government authorities to relax the curfew to ease the hardship faced by the residents, who are largely Christians.

Mr. Stephen Anche, a cleric, said that God heard and answered prayers irrespective of where and when they were offered.

He said: “We urged Christians to offer prayers in their homes while the curfew lasts.

God hears the prayers anytime and anywhere.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—7

40-yr-old docked over N14.2m stolen vehicles

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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BENISHEIK: Burnt vehicles and shops in a street of Benisheik, Borno State, after an attack by Boko Haram members disguised in military uniforms left over 100 people dead. AFP PHOTO.

Cleric defrauds friend of N9.5m

BY EVELYN USMAN & IFEANYI OKOLIE

money collected from him by

the suspect was N9.5 million.”

Adeleke, who was paraded weekend, admitted to have collected the sum and pleaded to be given time to refund the money.

Asked what he used the money for, he said: “I used part of it to buy two cars, a Toyota Camry and a Mercedez Benz and also completed my building project in Ilorin, while I shared the balance among my fellow Alfas in Ila-Orangun, Osun State.

“I tricked him into believing that I can double the money.

I instructed him to put the money inside a box in my room and leave it for seven days, while he takes the key with him.

“However, unknown to him, I had a spare key which I later used to unlock the box and absconded. All I beg for is to be given time to pay back the money.”

Isintume-Agu advised members of the public to be wary of the likes of Yusuf when seeking spiritual help from so-called religious clerics, “as most of them are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

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34-year-old man, who poses as a Muslim cleric to defraud gullible Nigerians has been arrested by operatives of the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding one of his victims of N8 million.

The suspect, identified as Isiaka Adeleke, popularly known as Alfa, was said to have collected the sum from a childhood friend, who came for prayers for the expansion of his business.

The complainant, who reportedly took the N8 million loan to expand his dwindling business, told operatives that he confided in Adeleke that he intended to use the money to buy a truck for his business.

However, in the process, Yusuf was said to have demanded for the money to enable him go into the spiritual realm to tackle spiritual forces hindering the success of his friend’s business.

However, the victim returned a week later as instructed, only to discover that Yusuf had changed residence.

Spokesman for the Unit, Ngozi Isintume-Agu, said that Yusuf ’s arrest was effected in Ilorin, Kwara State, following a petition by the complainant.

She said: “The complainant stated that he was defrauded in March and effort to reach Yusuf had been abortive as his phones were all switched off.

“The complainant further stated that the Alfa, under the pretense of selling a LEXUS 300 Car imported from USA to him, obtained additional N1.5 million and later registered the said vehicle in his name.

He alleged that the total

‘How I spent the money’

Alfa Isiaka Adeleke.

AGOS—A 40-yearold motor mechanic, Monsuru Bashiru, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court, Lagos, for allegedly receiving stolen vehicles worth N14.2 million.

Bashiru, who resides at Bassher Airport area of Abuja, is facing an-eight count charge bordering on conspiracy and receiving of stolen property.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the defendant received one unregistered Toyota Highlander Jeep, worth N3 million, from one Francis Odunayo.

He said that the suspect also received one Toyota Sienna Bus with registration number BV 132 GWA, valued N2.2 million from the same Francis Odunayo, in March 2012.

Uwadione, alleged that in the same month of March last year, the defendant at 10pm, at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, received one Honda Accord Saloon car worth N2.5 million, which is unregistered, from Odunayo, knowing that it was a stolen property.

The prosecutor also claimed that in May 2012, at 10:20pm at Oshodi Under Bridge, the suspect did received one stolen Toyota Camry with registration number HX 942 ABC, valued N2.1million, from the same seller.

Other vehicles which were received by Bashiru, include Toyota Sienna Bus valued N850,000 and one Mazda Saloon Car valued N800,000.

Youths attack Bayelsa Regent, chiefs over kingship tussle

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE succession crisis rocking the oil rich coastal town of Agrisaba in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has taken a new twist following the alleged invasion and attack on the palace of the Regent, Chief Sampson Awudul, by armed youths from outside

the community.

The attack, which was reportedly launched penultimate Friday, during a meeting of the traditional heads of the community to elect a new king for the community, allegedly led to the beating up of some prominent chiefs of the community, including Chief Dennis Odoni and Chief William Ginah.

Some community sources

claimed that the attack was allegedly sponsored by some prominent indigenes of the community in the corridors of power in the state.

Others claimed that the attack was carried out by youths, clad in military and police uniform, allegedly in the presence of the men of the Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield and the Nembe Divisional Base of the

Nigerian Police.

The embattled Regent and Chairman, Chiefs' Council of the Agrisaba community, Chief Sampson Awudul, in a statement in Yenagoa, alleged that the attack was sponsored by people, who used their proximity to power in the state to harass and intimidate the chiefs and the youths leadership in their quest to foist a new leadership on the community.

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

DisCos new owners to inject $1.8bn — BPE

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

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BUJA—THE new private sector investors who bought the electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos, are to inject a total of $1.8 billion into the operations of the companies.

The Director_-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki disclosed this at a presentation on the future of the industry in Abuja.

A statement issued by the spokesman, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe quoted Mr. Dikki as explaining that the funds injection would be for “metering, expansion, connection of new consumers, safety, health and environmental issues. “ The BPE boss also explained that the decision of the Federal Government to engage Manitoba Hydro International, MHI, as management contractors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, was to place TCN on the path of best practice, reliability and self sustenance to ensure predictability and security of the transmission system.

He said that a wellmanaged TCN was critical to the success of the multibillion Naira National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, which is expected to give the nation’s electricity power supply a quantum leap in the next few years.

He added that the management contractors “would bring in invaluable experience on the sector development, provide clear targets and incentives, build capacity of TCN staff to prepare them for future roles, post_management contract and completion of the unbundling and independent operation of the system and market operator functions into an independent system operator, thus allowing the entities to concentrate on their core functions”.

He disclosed that the contract which was in the second year of the contract, had so far delivered 18 milestone reports on different facets of how TCN would be transformed.

Pressure mounts on FG not to hike electricity tariff zEditors, NGOs, others endorse petition to UN

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RESSURE being mounted on the Federal Government to reverse the recently introduced high electricity tariff is rising as the Nigerian Guild of Editors and other groups in the country have endorsed the petition sent to the United Nations on the matter by a coalition of civil society.

The petition was initially sent to the UN by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP; Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ; Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council; Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Lagos State branch; Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja branch; National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees, NUFBTE; and Joint Action Front, JAF. Others are: Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC; Women Empowerment and Legal Aid Initiative, WELA; Partnership for Justice, PJ; Campaign for Democratic Workers, CDWR; Democratic Socialist Movement, DSM; Civil Society Network Against Corruption, CSNAC, and Education Rights Campaign, ERC. Other groups that have endorsed the petition are the Gender and Constitution Reform Network, a coalition of over 250 women’s groups, GECORN; Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, and One Voice Nigeria, a coalition of civil society groups.

The petition dated September 6, 2013, called on the UN to send an urgent appeal to the Federal Government to delay the increased fixed rate electricity tariff until the government is able to put in place mechanisms to ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply in the country.

The petition is also demanding an impact assessment of the increase on people living in extreme poverty.

The coalition said: “By introducing fixed rate electricity tariff, the government is complicit in violating the human rights of people living in poverty and undermining their personal development and prosperity. We believe that it is premature for the government to increase electricity tariff prior to taking effective measures to guarantee and ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply across the country.”

The coalition also requested the Special Rapporteur to visit the country to “conduct an in-depth investigation into the effects of the increased electricity tariff on people living in poverty,” and to urge the government to “take all reasonable measures to protect, respect and

MEETING—From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali; Technical Committee Chairman, National Council on Privatisation, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Benjamin Dikki and Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Mr Umar Sani, during a briefing after meeting on National Council on Privatisation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

fulfil the rights of people living in poverty and social exclusion across the country.”

Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP Executive Director said: “Endorsements to the petition are growing, and the Special

Rapporteur is now dealing with the petition. We are very positive that the Special Rapporteur will take concrete action on the matter because it is in the interest of justice and fairness to do so. The petition is still

opened for further endorsements by individuals and organisations and can be signed onto by sending an email to: info@serap_nigeria.org.

Endorsements received will be forwarded to the UN.”

Why security agents descended on Apo residents

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—SECURITY agents insisted last night that they came under fire from suspected terrorists in Apo, near the official residential quarters of Nigerian lawmakers, before they opened fire to repel them.

The explanation came as anger rose against the killing of no fewer than nine persons suspected to be squatters in a building said to be owned by an army General, who allegedly called in soldiers to clear the illegal occupants.

Already, many prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have called for probe into the killings, which came while the murder of the popular “Apo 6” is yet to be resolved.

A security source, who spoke with Vanguard last night, painted a picture of what led to the shooting in the area, saying that various categories of arms were also recovered from the suspects.

“Our attention was drawn to

the arms buried in the area and security agents backed by soldiers went to recover the arms.

“But while the operation to exhume the arms was going on, unknown persons started firing from the uncompleted story building. We don’t even know the owner.

“When the security personnel came under attack from unknown elements, the natural thing to do was to respond and that is what led to the casualties.

Without the attack from unexpected quarters our men would not have responded,” the source explained.

Responding to a question, the source said that during the operation, 11 assorted weapons were recovered from the building before the security agents were fired on.

The cache of arms was made up of four Ak-47, four revolver and three locally made pistols.

Residents of Abuja were thrown into panic on Friday following sustained exchange of gunfire in the Apo neighbourhood that shattered the peace of the area, claimed

lives of many and injured dozens in the process.

The spokeswoman for the Department of State Security Service, DSS, Marilyn Ogar, said the development was triggered by an attempt by suspected terrorists to stall the recovery of buried arms from a building in the area.

While Ogar claimed that 12 persons were injured in a gunfight with security agents, the police said nine persons were killed.

Ogar said: “In the early hours of today September 20, 2013, about 0030 hours a combined security team went for an operation behind the Apo legislative quarters.

“The operation was sequel to information obtained from two Boko Haram elements, Kamal Abdullahi and Mohammed Adamu, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities. They led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground.

“No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted immediate response from the security team."

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 — 9

PDP crisis: Doubts hang over Oct 7 meeting between Jonathan, G7 govs

Police nab suspected ATM robber

Governors may boycott talks in protest

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—THERE were indications last night that the peace talks slated for October 7, 2013 between the Presidency and the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, on one hand and the protagonists of the breakaway faction, might not hold after all.

Vanguard learnt that there were fears that the Presidency was suspicious that the forces behind the nPDP were not sincere in resolving the crisis.

The suspicion of the Presidency stemmed from allegations that the faction was merely trying to buy time to consolidate its position and destabilise the mainstream party while bracing for the 2015 election.

The G7 on the other hand is believed to have written off the series of peace talks as a ploy by the Presidency and the Bamanga Tukur-led faction of the PDP to distract them from gaining more steam and put the faction in disarray ahead of the next election.

One of the G7 governors, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard yesterday, said they were not convinced that the Presidency was keen on peace.

The governor made it clear that they might boycott the peace meeting based on emerging indications that the Presidency was actively working to stall the peace move.

The governor said: “We are looking at every evidence emerging from the Presidency and the party leadership and it may become imperative for us to shun the peace meetings slated for Monday, October 7, because of the attitude of the leadership of the Bamanga Tukur faction of the PDP. “It is clear to us that the Presidency faction is not genuinely interested in an amicable resolution of the crisis because of the various actions they have taken while pretending to be pursuing peace with us.

“Look at the setting up of a caretaker committee in Kano by the Tukur faction while they are claiming that the structures of the party be returned to the governors.

“As at today, there is no indication that the party structures in Adamawa have been handed over to the governor in accordance with the decision in our last meeting.

“Now they have even gone

ahead and precipitate crisis in the National Assembly, which has claimed the job of Senator Joy Emordi.

“Do all these actions suggest to anyone that these people are committed to peace?” the governor asked.

Vanguard learnt that while the governors had tactically dropped their opposition to Jonathan’s

second term, they were not ready to abandon Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Murtala Nyako, whose states’ party structures had been hijacked.

They are also not willing to conceded the victory of Amaechi as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF. Deputy National Chairman

of the Kawu Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Sam Jaja, however, gave assurance that his group would attend the October 7 peace meeting with President Jonathan. According to him, "there is no way we will shun an invitation to a meeting by the President of the country, we will surely attend the meeting."

JONATHAN IN US—From left: Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Prof Adebowele Adefuye; Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof Joy Ogwu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the JFK International Aiport, for the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, yesterday. State House Photo.

Nasarawa mayhem: Senators Ewuga, Adokwe disagree over emergency rule

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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LL Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Solomon, Ewuga, Nasarawa North, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart in the Senate, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, representing Nasarawa South, have disagreed over the latter ’s call for a declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Ewuga, in a telephone interview with Vanguard yesterday, said although he was deeply concerned that the communal crises in the state had remained unabated, despite several peace efforts made by the federal and Nasarawa state governments, religious, traditional leaders and concerned individuals, he was still optimistic that continuous dialogue with the warring parties, than coercive force, would bring the situation to a permanent end.

Although he welcomed troops’ deployment to the state by the

Federal Government to help bring the situation under control, Ewuga, however, feared that military force could further escalate the situation.

While noting that the latest crisis was primarily in Adokwe’s senatorial district, Senator Ewuga disclosed that he would hold private talks with his Nasarawa South counterpart, saying the outcome would give him the next direction on the matter.

Recall that Senator Suleiman Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa South, had last Thursday, at a briefing in Abuja, appealed to the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state, saying the series of crises in the state had reached the level that could no longer be treated with kid gloves.

Adokwe said: "I am going to back the members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly who have already

called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.”

Ewuga and Adokwe’s disagreement came as two Peoples Democratic Party chieftains in the state, Ibrahim Saleh and Kawu Dalhatu, in separate statements in Abuja, expressed concern that two weeks after the latest violence, Minister of Information and supervising Minister of Defence, Mr Labaran Maku, a prominent indigene of the state, was yet to undertake an assessment tour of the crisis area.

The Federal Government had since deployed military troops to the state to restore peace and order after the latest crisis believed to be between Ombatse militia youths of Eggon extraction and Alago ethnic nationality, left many people dead, many others seriously injured and property worth several millions of naira destroyed.

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

T

HE Federal Capital Police Command, weekend, arrested a suspect who specialises in vandalising ATM machines in the metropolis and collecting all the money in them.

Police sources told Vanguard that luck ran out on the robber when detectives attached to Utako Division of the police received information at about 10 am on Saturday from a bank located at Jabi that an ATM machine had been broken and the money removed.

Policemen from the division immediately stormed the scene and after a check round the banking hall and environs, discovered that parts of the rooftop were removed which enabled the suspect to disconnect the CCTV camera monitor.

Further search by the police on the toilets showed that some doors were locked from behind.

When they forced open the doors, the police discovered the suspect, 27-year-old Jamilu Hassan, said to be a staff of Burger Round Recreation Garden hiding inside and was arrested.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, saying he learned how to open a safe and temper with machines on You-tube.

He confessed to removing the N6.873 million, which was concealed in some in bags.

Also recovered from him include gloves, chisels and spanners of various sizes.

During interrogation, the suspect said he entered the bank at about 2 am on Saturday morning, adding that it was through one of the windows upstairs he gained access to the bank.

FCT Police Command spokesperson, DSP Altine Daniel, while confirming the incident, said investigations were still ongoing.

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Lagosians spend N36bn on Owambe annually —Fashola

Ogun moves against illegal sale of alcohol

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BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State Government has threatened to sanction liquor sellers in the state who do not register their businesses with appropriate agencies.

It also advised them to acquaint themselves with relevant regulations and endeavor to formalise their activities with approved and recognized bodies in the state.

Director, Primary Health Care Development Board, PHECADEB, Dr. Kafayat Lawal while speaking during a meeting with executive of liquor sellers association in Abeokuta, warned that anyone caught contravening the law on the sale of liquor would be prosecuted.

She urged liquor sellers to adopt acceptable hygienic practices to safeguard the life of consumers, saying that government remains committed to ensuring healthy living.

She said: “The present administration in the state is not unconscious of its responsibility at providing a healthy society, particularly in the consumption of food and drinks.”

SURE-P trains 287 youths

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AGOS—THE Feder Government through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development in collaboration with Valdivia Services Ltd have organized a two-week skills acquisition training Programme for 287 youths in South-West region of the country.

The youths were drawn from the Community Services, Women, Youth Employment project of the SURE-P programme and the public respectively.

The training took place at the National Youths Development Training Centre, located in Owode-Egba area of Abeokuta in Ogun state.

46 participants from Lagos state took part in the training programme.

Out of these, 24 were selected from Community Services, Women, Youths Employment project.

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Ba batunde Fashola of Lagos State, weekend, said more than N36 billion was spent annually by Lagos residents in organizing different social events.

This came as the governor said the solution to the unemployment crisis in the country did not require any foreign idea, saying “the answer is a Made in Nigeria strategy.”

The governor spoke at the fourth edition of the Lagos Ignite Enterprise and Employability project, a joint youth empowerment programme between the government and the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre, AGDC. The event attracted hundreds of youths, ex-Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Ali Baba among other dignitaries.

Fashola explained that the figure was collated after a careful study of social events especially party life in Lagos.

According to him, “this was the study of night life carried out by the government in five local governments including Agege, Mushin, Ifako-Ijaiye and Ikeja and another local

government. It showed that more than N36 billion was spent on 1555 parties held within the period.

“We did a study between October and November last year, we took just five local governments in Lagos; Agege, Mushin, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja and another one.

“We studied from Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,

three days every week for four weeks which was 12 nights.

“In 12 nights, 1555 parties were held in these local governments. In terms of drinks, food and all other engagements during such parties, about N1.2 billion was spent and when we dis-aggregated them we saw how much went to DJ, MC, food and drinks, the total picture in the state

MALTINA DANCE ALL: From left: Human Resources Director, Victor Famuyibo, Nigerian Breweries Plc, winners of the Maltina Dance All Season Seven, (MDA -7) Briggs family, and Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc, Kufre Ekanem, at the grand finale of the family dance reality show in Lagos, yesterday.

Alleged vandalisation: 5 NUBIFIE leaders regain freedom Eniola Ilesanmi (Vice

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG

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AGOS—FIVE lead ers of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, who have been in custody were weekend released after spending over two weeks in Police cell and Ikoyi Prisons.

They were arrested on Friday, September 6, 2013 and detained at the state’s Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Lagos, based on petition by the management of Diamond

Bank Plc, which accused them of vandalizing its property valued at N200 million and assaulting its employees.

The offences were allegedly committed during a picketing of the banks by the labour leaders and civil society allies on July 10, 2013, for perceived unfair labour practices especially the sack of 400 NUBIFIE members including the bank’s unit officials of the union.

The union leaders are Olalekan Adebambo (Chairman, Diamond Bank branch of NUBIFIE),

Chairman), Michael Olajide (Secretary) Benjamin Onyia (Treasurer) and Onyeonoro Favour (Auditor).

Though they were granted bail by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, on Monday 9, since then they battled from perfecting the bail conditions to alleged absence of the judicial officials to sign necessary papers before their release.

The court had asked each of them to pay N200,000, provide tax clearance among others.

Aviation workers threaten strike

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

& DANIEL ETEGHE AGOS—AVIATION workers under the aegis of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association, NATCA, yesterday, threatened to withdraw their services by the end of the month should domestic airlines fail to pay up outstanding ticket and cargo sales charges, TSC, to aviation agencies.

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now and I don’t want to give you a wrong number but it’s something in the region of about N3 billion monthly on that side of our life and people are playing and impacting on that side of our economy.

The governor noted that clothing materials worn during such parties popularly called “Asoebi” gulped at least N1.2 billion monthly, saying the market is huge with much yet to be tapped from it.”

The workers lamented that the huge debt by domestic airlines was crippling aviation agencies in the country, warning that if nothing was done safety could be compromised.

In the statement, President and General Secretary, Victor Eyaru and Banji Olawole respectively, said: “We are concern over the looming danger to air safety in the country as a

result of non-remittance of TSC running into billions of naira collected on behalf of aviation agencies, NAMA, NCAA, NIMET and NCAT by domestic airlines.

“These organizations require huge funds to procure, maintain and train their manpower for effective discharge their duties.

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 — 11

Pension fund hits N3.5trn, 5.6m workers registered

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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ATIONAL Pension Commission, PenCom, weekend, said the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, had generated over N3.5 trillion with no fewer than 5.61 million workers now in the scheme.

Acting Director-General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, announced this at the commissioning of the South-West zonal office of the commission in Lagos.

Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State;

Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti stat; Senate President, Mr. David Mark, represented by the Chairman, Senate committee on Establishment and Pension, Senator Aloysius Etok, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Babafemi Ojudu, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment and Pension, Mr. Samson Okwu and other dignitaries.

According to her, the commission had “over N3.50 trillion invested in various financial instruments in the country. As at June 2013, the value of pension funds’ investment

in state government bonds was N169.73 billion.

“Most of the states have utilised the proceeds from the fund towards the provision of vital infrastructure for the well being of its citizens.

“Since inception, 5.61 million workers have been registered into the new scheme.

“States in the country, especially the South-West zone, that are yet to complete the necessary process of full implementation of CPS, should renew their commitment and fast track action on all outstanding issues to avail their employees of all

the benefits attached to the new scheme.”

Governor Fashola, others react

Governor Fashola urged the National Assembly to deal expeditiously with the Pension Reforms Act 2004, which had been returned to Parliament for re-examination, saying “ we continuously have to reflect and rethink and that is why the bill is back in Parliament.”

Similarly, Gover nor Amosun noted that the responsibility of every gov-

ernment was to encourage its workers to realise the dignity in labour adding “his administration has demonstrated in many ways that the government is concerned about the welfare of its workforce.”

On his part, Governor Fayemi said his government was willing to adhere to the enabling rules and regulations set out by the Pension Reform Act 2004.

Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akikuotu, applauded the commission for decentralising the administration of pension in the country.

Afenifere Renewal to monitor S'West govs

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO-EKITI—LEADERSHIP of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, has declared that it will be monitoring each of the governors in the SouthWest region in their implementation regional integration.

This came as it endorsed Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State for a second term as governor of the state.

Speaking, weekend, in Ado Ekiti, ARG’s National Chairman, Olawale Oshun, said the group had committed itself to the welfare Yoruba and would not hesitate to go an extra mile to achieving this goal.

He said: “We have been meeting the governors in the all the Yoruba-speaking states on how to implement the regional integration and there is no regret on this, even Governor Mimiko in his acceptance speech, promised to join his colleagues in the SouthWest region to pursue this regional agenda.”

Speaking on endorsement of Fayemi for second term, Oshun said: “There is nothing wrong in allowing a performing governor or any elected official to continue in office.

“This is the practice in advanced countries of the world like United States, where presidential system of government is practiced. No member of the Democratic Party contested against President Barrack Obama for the last presidential race.”

Oyo partners UPDC on housing scheme

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—AS part of his administration transformation programmes, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has gone into partnership with UPDC Plc, a subsidiary of UAC Nigeria, for the re-development of existing government residential quarters in Ibadan.

Under the public-private partnership, PPP, arrangement, 45 housing units in Quarters 790, 791, 792 and 793, covering an area of approximately 2.035 hectares on Oba Biladu III Road, Agodi GRA, will be developed in two phases.

According to a statement by Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the first phase of the project, which had been approved by the State Executive Council, consists of 26 housing units.

The second would cover 19 units, with the whole project slated for completion in 12 months.

The statement recalled that a total of 219 housing units, belonging to the state government, had been sold to private individuals by the immediate past administration of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Delta Central by-election to hold Oct 5 ... to be held in 1,263 polling units, 8 LGAs

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—THE by-election to fill the vacant Delta Central senatorial seat in the National Assembly, which became vacant following the sudden death of Senator Pius Ewherido, has been fixed for October 5, 2013.

Speaking during a meeting of stakeholders’ election forum for Delta Central by-election in Ughelli, weekend, Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gesila Khan, said that the election would be held in 1,263 polling units, 85 registration areas and eight local government areas in the senatorial district.

Khan said: “The Senate has formally notified the commission of the vacancy in Delta Central senatorial district. Consequently, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC headquarters, has directed the Delta State office to commence the process of conducting a by- election into the senatorial district.

“The publication of personal particulars of candidates and last date for submission of names and addresses of party agents would be September 28, while publication of final list of candidates nominated for the election, will be September 30, 2013; last date of campaign, Oc-

tober 4, 2013 and possible runoff, October 9, 2013. “ In accordance with the proposed time table for the election, the last date of primaries by political parties for the nomination of their candidates and submission of the list of candidates for the election has been fixed for September 25 and 26, 2013 respectively.

“INEC is not unmindful of the publics’ high expectations.

I, therefore, assure the people of Delta Central senatorial district that the commission will leave no stone unturned to en-

sure a free, fair and credible election. A situation where any of the participants would appear to foment trouble and constitute a cog in the wheel of peace and progress will not augur well for the system.

“The issue of electoral violence will also cease to flourish or reduce to the barest minimum when the political parties, their supporters and politicians in general shun the urge to recruit thugs to unleash terror during the election.”

She appealed to political par-

ties to engage in elaborate and extensive voter education campaign, adding that “the parties have a dominant role to play towards achieving the desired free, fair and credible electoral process.”

INEC condoles with Ewherido family

Condoling with the family of the late Senator Ewherido over their son’s death, Khan said: “Senator Ewherido was a quintessential legislator, who left no one in doubt of his abilities, capabilities and passion to deliver on the mandate from his people during his tenure in the Senate.”

LECTURE: From left: Mr Femi Adesina, President, Nigerian Guild of Editor; Mr. Chido Nwakanma, President, PRCAN and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, during PRCAN’s annual Public Relations Gold Medal Lecture, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Edo APC, PDP leaders shun differences, celebrate with Idahosa at 60 governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, Iya- and twin brother to the senator

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—LEADERS of All Progressives Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, weekend, abandoned their political differences to attend the 60th birthday anniversary of the Political Adviser to the Governor of the state, Chief Charles Idahosa in Benin City.

This comes as the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Mr. Samson Osagie, urged Nigerians and Edo

State indigenes in particular, to defend the change that the country needs ahead of the 2015 presidential election, saying “Nigeria needs a change and APC is the symbol of change. We are hoping and working hard to ensure that in 2015, the much needed change will come our way and Nigerians will be better for it.”

The birthday anniversary, which commenced with a church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Benin City, had in attendance the state deputy

se of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Samson Osagie, Rasaq Bello Osagie, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Patrick Obahiagbon among the many dignities that graced the occasion.

The colorful event also had in attendance, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Matthew Urhoghide, Edo South PDP Woman Leader, Uwa Osunbor, Chris Agbonawegbe

representing Edo Central senatorial district, Akhere Ugbesia.

Idahosa, who expressed gratitude to God, said that he was glad that people abandoned their political differences to attend the ceremony, adding “this celebration is worth it because I would have died at the age of 14, but God saved my life. I thank everybody including the governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, who also is a bridge builder and a performer with regard to the development of our state.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BWAI PROGRESSIVE UNION

THE LORD’S HARVEST CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

The General public is hereby notified that the above – named union has applied for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990 to Corporate Affairs Commission,Abuja.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Da Ibrahim Longmut 2. Da Dauda Davwet 3. Barr. Danjuma Maina 4. Rev. Brig. Gen. Linus Bulus (Rtd) 5. Mr. Markus Dachen Shikaham THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote unity, love, economics interest and empowerment of its members and descents with a view to eradicating poverty and ignorance amongst members.

2. To promote sustainable development of Bwai in terms infrastructural, educational, political, cultural and health development.

3. To be in network with other sister organizations, the organized Private Sector Federal, State and Local Governments and their agencies in order to achieve its set objects and goals for the general development of Bwai.

Any objective to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission,Abuja within 21 days of this publication.

This is to inform the general pubic that the above named Church has applied to CorporateAffairs Commission (C.A.C) for registration under part “C” of the Companies andAllied MattersAct, 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To network with other Churches to foster the spread of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. 3. To establish and maintain structures for the needy.

4. To inculcate moral values and principles, et al.

TRUSTEES 1. PastorAlloy Okafor (President) 2. Mrs. Grace Chinyere Okafor 3. Mr. Samuel Nnamdi Izuchukwu 4. Mr. Onyebuchi Isaac Okafor 5. Mr. Jude Emeka Izuchukwu (Secretary) Any objection to the registration of the Church should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama,Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Zephaniah Garba Suit B1, 1st Floor, 389 Old Ojo Road, Abule-Ado, Satellite Town, Lagos.

Tel: 08034100825, 08072554886.

Signed: John Aroh Esq. LLB (HONS), BL.LL.M Legal Practitioner (08033057982)

Ghanaian Environment Minister storms Bayelsa for CEPEJ Award

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HANAIAN Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bernice Heloo, has called on stakeholders to participate in the peace and environment seminar tagged Bayelsa 2013, slated for September 25, being organised by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government.

She made the call when officials of the Centre visited her Ministry in Accra, Ghana to solicit her participation in the seminar. Dr. Heloo said that her Ministry was convinced that CEPEJ was a serious-minded non-governmental organisation and promised to be in Bayelsa State for the seminar.

Itsekiri youths laud Uduaghan on devt

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TSEKIRI youths, under the aegis of Itsekiri Communities Youth Development Inactive, ICYDI, have commended Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, over what they described as his “impressive effort in improving the lot of youths of the state” through his youths empowerment programme.

National President of the group, Prince Ojogor Aderson, in a statement in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state, said that the group wished to convey its appreciation to the governor for a job well done.

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—13

Delta Central by-election: I’ve all it takes to represent Urhobo in Senate —Omo-Agege

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—FORMER Secretary to Delta State Government, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has said that he has all it takes to represent the Urhobo ethnic group in the Senate.

Speaking in Oghara, Sapele and Ughelli, Omo-Agege lamented that the Urhobo have been short-changed for too long, adding, “My mission is to salvage the Urhobos politically at the national level working in conjunction with the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union.”

Reiterating his resolve to ensure the revitalisation of the moribund Delta Steel Company, DSC, Ovwian-Aladja, if elected into the Senate, he said that he was in the senatorial race to rescue the Urhobos from the seeming political low tide they are experiencing in the current political dispensation.

He added that his decision to join the senatorial race was

after much pressure mounted on him by some political pressure groups and Urhobo leaders of thought, decrying that the Urhobos, as the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, have nothing to show for their enormous contributions to the country’s wealth.

Noting that the Urhobos have no member in the Federal Executive Council, he said that if elected, he would ensure that they get their fair share in the political scheme of things in the country.

He also promised to ensure that government addressed the problem of unemployment in Delta Central senatorial district, emphasising that “I will initiate good legislations that will promote youth employment and empowerment of both women and men in the area in particular.

“I will influence good projects that will add value to our socio-economic lives in the district, if I am elected into the Senate,” adding that he would see to the building of the Okwagbe sea port that was

approved since 2009 by the Federal Government.

While soliciting the prayers and support of the people to

enable him achieve his desire to render good service to his ethnic nationality, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole, he

said that he has the capacity to resolve the seeming political marginalisation the Urhobos were going through.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Elder Samuel Ikon, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, his wife Unama and Lady Valerie Ebe, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, during an inter-religious service to mark the 26th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, at Ibom Hall ground, Uyo, yesterday.

NUPENG begins strike in A-Ibom over Mobil’s alleged plans to sack workers

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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EMBERS of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, will today begin an indefinite strike in Akwa Ibom State to protest alleged plans by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to sack its members.

NUPENG, in a statement by its General Secretary, Isaac Aberare, claimed that labour contract staff in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s employment had been systematically separated and replaced with new ones with new contracts that negated the Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, signed with NUPENG. According to NUPENG, “These new employees use Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles to carry out their daily routine, yet they are denied the benefits as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”

The union alleged that the plan was to disengage 80 percent of the labour contract workers and replace them with

the so-called service employees by the end of September, 2013.

The union said: “We find this plan unacceptable, unjustifiable, unfair, crude, barbaric and wicked. It will be resisted by the Union.

“It is sad to note that Mobil Producing has refused to give mandate

to their labour contractors to have Joint Consultative Council, JCC, meeting, held quarterly and wage re-opener which was due since June, 2013 and charter of demand submitted in March, 2013.

“We cannot watch our members being sacked indiscriminately.”

Delta community sends SOS to Police over criminal gang

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—UGBORIKOKO community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State has sent a Save Our Souls, SOS, appeal to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, over an alleged reign of terror unleashed on the people by a gang of criminals.

The community, in a petition to the Commissioner, by their solicitor, C.E. Itohan, alleged that the community was under siege by a vicious gang that shot and wounded three persons, namely, Richmond Odafe, Marvis Otiewo and Emmanuel Edijala, last Wednesday.

According to the peti-

tion, the criminal gang had not only prevented the Ugborikoko Community Management Committee from operating, but overran and turned the community’s secretariat to a stronghold, where it carried out attacks on innocent Urhobo peolpe.

“Since its inauguration, the Ugborikoko Management Committee, which is the internal organ of Ugborikoko people for maintaining law and order and sustaining peace in the community in conjunction with the state security agencies, has been deprived of functioning properly by these gangsters, who now occupied and use its secretariat for their nefarious activities,” it said.

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Catholic Bishops kick against Imo abortion law As women group supports Law

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—CATHO LIC Bishops in Imo State have called on Governor Rochas Okorocha and members of the State House of Assembly to remove all anti-life sections in state’s Abortion Law number 12 of 2012, which harbour liberalist-abortion provisions.

However, as the Catholic bishops kick against the law, some pro-abortion women and groups described those opposing the law as “ignorant and wicked people.”

Rising from a meeting in Owerri, the Bishops’ call was contained in a communique signed by the Archbishop of Owerri and the Bishop of Orlu, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna and Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma respectively as the women took their protest to the State House of Assembly.

The group, known as Advocacy Coalition on Violence Against Women, ACOVAW, not only gave their support to the law but also described it as “a wonderful and proactive piece of legislation that should be applauded rather than subjected to all sorts of misinterpretations and misrepresentations.”

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Anambra acquires 30 ambulances

BY VINCENT UJU-

MADU WKA—THE govern ment of Anambra State has taken delivery of 30 state-of-the-art ambulances for distribution to hospitals in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawrence Ikeakor, has already taken delivery of the ambulances.

According to the commissioner, the ambulances can best be described as complete hospitals as they are equipped with the most sophisticated gadgets.

The commissioner added that they met the standards prescribed by the World Health Organization, WHO. Ikeakor said the ambulances were part of the consignments of hospital equipment purchased by the state government for distribution to selected public and missionary-owned hospitals in the state.

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The group’s leaders included President of International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Hauwa Evelin Shekarau and Chairperson, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, Mrs. Lois Osueke.

The bishops argued that any law which failed to respect the right to life and human dignity was automatically null and void as they contradicted natural and divine laws.

“A law to prohibit vio-

lence against women, legitimate as it is in principle must, with all the more reason, prohibit violence against helpless unborn children from conception to natural death without exception. Thou shall not kill,” the Bishops stated.

It was also the considered opinion of the bishops that “we must not enthrone the culture of death through the legalization of abortion, with it’s consequent sexual permissiveness of all, which will rav-

age our society morally and spiritually as it has done in Europe, America and elsewhere.”

The bishops argued that the right to life and human dignity belonged to human nature and was inherent in every person by the creative act of God. “These rights do not depend on individuals, parents, church, society or state. They are guaranteed by natural laws, divine commandments and affirmed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the bishops said.

SEMINAR: From left: Mrs. Oluremi Ayeni, representative of DG, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, guest speaker and Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, at the annual breeding leaders for empowerment and national transformation seminar in Lagos, yesterday, Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

6 alleged cultists arraigned for robbery, attempted murder

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—SIX sus pects, alleged to be members of a secret cult, known as Buccaneers and aged between 19 and 21, have been arraigned before an Owerri Chief Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery and attempted murder.

Those standing trial for the alleged offences include Miracle Orji, 19, Chukwuezi Chijioke, 20,

Ezino Ikenna, 19, Maduabuchi Nnadi, 21, Maduforo Chinonso, 20, and Ugochukwu Iheme, 20.

Part of the two-count charge read that the suspects and others still at large, on August 18 and 19, 2013, at Umuonyeche in Owerri Municipal Council, robbed a number of people at gunpoint, including one Eunice Okereke.

They were accused of robbing Okereke of her Nokia phone valued at N7,500, Asha 201 valued at N15,000, a black shoe valued at N3,500, recharge cards worth N3,000 and N62,070 cash at Waterside Primary School, Owerri.

The suspects were also charged for robbing one Chinenye of her Blackberry phone valued at N55,000.

Anambra North not marginalised politically —Ubah

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—GOVER NORSHIP candidate of Labour Party, LP, in Anambra State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, weekend, dismissed insinuations that the people of Anambra North senatorial zone would not support his candidature, having produced

the governor of the state since the state was created.

He stated that even though the zone had not produced the governor of the state since inception, all past leaders that had served in different capacities at the national level, including the first Nigerian president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, all came

from Anambra North.

Ubah said the senatorial zone could not claim to be politically marginalized on account of not being able to produce the state governor, as the people of the zone had had a fair share in political appointments since the inception of the state.

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—15

N2TRN SEIZED ASSETS: Reps accuse EFCC, Customs, A-G of plot to derail probe

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Nigeria Customs Service and Accountant General to the Federation, AGF, of deliberate attempts to derail investigation into the N2 trillion worth of seized and recovered assets by the commission since its creation.

Resolution The House had earlier last July, passed a resolution which mandated its committee on crugs, narcotics and financial crimes to carry out an investigative inquiry into the matter and report back within four weeks.

The committee, headed by Jagaba Adams Jagaba ,PDP, Kaduna, had started the investigation last July when the speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, directed that all committees’ activities be sus-

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pended to allow members participate fully in the voting on constitution amendment process.

But Jagaba in a statement said of the several stakeholders from who the committee requested information, EFCC, Nigeria Customs Service, Accountant General's Office and Real Estate Derivatives had continued to deliberately withhold from the committee the much needed information.

Nigerians taken for granted He explained that it was in view of this development that he could categorically state that the National Assembly and, indeed, all Nigerians had been taken for granted.

He said: ”This is not only shocking and unfortunate but highly disappointing coming from an agency set up by an Act of the National Assembly to fight corruption.”

Vows to continue investigation Jagaba, however, vowed that the committee would not relent in its investigation, adding that “for the avoidance of doubt, the committee is not happy and will not hesitate to invoke the powers conferred on it by the constitution to the fullest to compel the aforementioned agencies to comply.”

It would be recalled that former chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Mrs. Farida Waziri, as well as Managing Director of Assets Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, Mr Mustafa ChikeObi, shunned the investigative hearing into seized assets allegedly worth over N2 trillion on July 14.

Past EFCC chairmen absent Both past chairmen of the

anti-graft agency were absent at the hearing.

Also absent was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

This development did not go down well with members of the committee who tonguelashed the CEOs for failing to appear before them.

Jagaba had to threaten to summon them or issue a bench warrant before they appeared the following day with a catalogue of excuses.

Till the two-day public hearing drew its curtain on July 17, both Nuhu Ribadu and Farida Waziri refused to show up.

The AMCON MD and other stakeholders, however, appeared after Jagaba’s threat to clear themselves and their agencies.

Some of the seized assets include posh cars, private jets, mansions scattered all over the globe, communication equipment and warehouses.

Fresh Boko Haram attacks worry Okiro

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA—FORMER Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has expressed worry over recent attacks by the Boko Haram sect, following the huge casualties recorded almost on daily basis, despite the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan in May 2013.

Okiro said this after he was conferred with National Peace Award 2013 by the Global Peace Foundation, GPF, in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace on Saturday, September 21.

He expressed concern over the ruthlessness of the new trend of insurgency in states where security operatives were adequately drafted to enforce the President’s declaration of war against terrorism.

16—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Gov Ahmed tasks stakeholders on reduction of maternal, child mortality rate

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

Al-makura begs 7,000 fleeing citizens to return ...says govt has taken measures to ensure their safety

BY MARIETHERESE NANLONG

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OVERNOR Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State, has called on over 7,000 Nassarawa State citizens

who fled the troubled Obi, Assakio and Adabu-Alabu areas of the state due to the recent violent conflict to return to their homes as measures have been put in place to ensure their

safety.

Governor Al-makura made the call during an on- the-spot assessment of the camp in Namu, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, where the victims

have been taking refuge since Wednesday last week.

According to him, “I am here to assure you all that the state and the federal governments are aware of your plight

I

LORIN—GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on stakeholders to partner with the state in its efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate.

The governor spoke in Ilorin, weekend, while declaring open a oneday training for health workers on maternal morbidity and child mortality reduction, tagged, Safe motherhood.

Represented by Commissioner for Health, Kayode Abdul Issa, Ahmed said: “We are making frantic efforts to ensure that maternal mortality is reduced to its barest minimum through the employment of skilled health birth attendants in all health facilities, provision of free mosquito nets and implementation of the biannual maternal and newborn child health week, as well as provision of free malaria treatment for pregnant women and children under 5 years in our health facilities.”

He expressed the need for skilled obstetric care for mothers and effective prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG), of reducing maternal and child mortality rate by two-thirds of the pre-MDG levels by the year 2015.

The governor said: “Safe motherhood, as a concept, refers to a situation in which no woman going through the physiological processes of pregnancy and childbirth suffers any injury or loses her life or that of the baby. It is on record that about 59% of Nigerian women deliver without attending any health clinic or any antenatal care. The essence of promoting safe motherhood is that out of one hundred pregnant women, 75 of them will have normal deliveries, five will have to be op-

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and we are here to demonstrate our deep concern. But most importantly, I am here to inform you that peace has been restored to the troubled areas because the federal government has deployed adequate security personnel in the areas to guarantee safety of lives and property.

I, therefore, urge you all to return home immediately. Those of you whose houses were burnt in the crises, can be rest assured that government has concluded arrangement to assist you in re-building the burnt houses.”

He urged the refugees to put the crisis behind them and forgive those who might have hurt them and remain law abiding citizens in the interest of the state.

Meanwhile, relief materials consisting of food items, clothing, toiletries, blankets and mattresses were distributed to the victims by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. Sole administrator of Qua’an-Pan Local Government, Mrs. Vou Dido, who received the materials on behalf of the refuges, promised onward distribution to the victims.

Taraba Speaker’s attack: Police escorts receive treatment in Keffi

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erated upon, and 15 will have complications. It is sad to note also that it is difficult to ascertain those that will develop complications or will require operations until

the delivery day. ”There is the need for skilled obstetric care for mothers and effective prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS in order to

achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal and child mortality rate by two-third of the pre MDG levels by the year 2015. So far, the propor-

tion of birth attended to by skilled personnel had dropped from 41.6% in 2000 to 36.3% in 2005 indicating a very gloomy likelihood of attaining the MDG.”

HE two injured police escorts attached to the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Haruna Tsokwa, are now receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, an official of the hospital has said.

Mr Jamil Nagogo, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the policemen were admitted in the hospital due to the injuries they sustained in the attack on the Speaker.

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—

Leadership in developing democracies: A Nigerian perspective T

HE Council on Foreign Relations enjoys a wellearned reputation as a key laboratory for the cutting edge ideas that shape the strategic policy of the United States of America. However, the CFR is not known only for its services to its home country. It is also highly regarded as a critical voice in the shaping of global policy. Without a doubt, CFR is one of the premier global think tanks that set the agenda for the global conversation, and has for many decades played a vital role in enlightening the world on the intricate dynamics of international relations. Once again, I thank you for inviting me.

I have been asked to speak on the subject of ‘Leadership in Developing Democracies’, with the rider “A Nigerian Perspective’.

I want to believe this rider to mean that in addressing this topic, I am expected to draw illustrations from the experience of my country Nigeria, a prominent member of the developing democracies’ club.

I want to emphasise that the rider does not mean that my comments

AMINU TAMB UW AL AMBUW UWAL here today represent the official viewpoint of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On ‘Democracy’ and ‘Developing Democracies’: We understand developing democracies to refer to those developing nations (mostly situated in the Southern hemisphere) that practice a nonmonarchical system of government where the supreme C M Y K

powers of the state are vested in the people but exercised on their behalf by their elected representatives.

This of course is the system of governance known simply as ‘democracy’, that system of government succinctly defined by America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln as “government of the people by the people and for the people”. Developing democracies may also be referred to as ‘emerging democracies.’

Developing democracies One characteristic of developing democracies is that in these nations, the institutions of democratic governance are not yet mature, but are still evolving.

Conversely, mature democracies would be those nations where the democratic governance infrastructure has evolved over a period of time.

Considering that developing democracies across the globe are all part of the group of developing nations, while the developed democracies invariably belong to the group of economically advanced nations, it becomes clear that economic circumstance is a contributory factor in the maturation process of the democracy experience.

Another contributory factor is of course age.

Developing democracies are relatively new to the practice of democracy, compared to the developed democracies. And as toddlers, they are taking faltering steps.

The United States of America represents a classical example of a matured democracy with a developed economy and over two centuries of practice, while my country Nigeria is a good example of a growing democracy with a struggling economy and less than 30 years cumulative experience in democracy practice.

Map of Nigeria

Because of this relative young age, and their attendant susceptibility to exigencies, the practice of democracy in developing democracies such as Nigeria may still rightly be referred to as an ‘experiment’.

Earlier on, I referred to this roundtable as both timely and highly topical. It is particularly timely and topical for me because at this very moment, Nigeria, like most developing democracies, is wrestling with the complex dynamics of the democratic system of governance. Nigeria, again like most developing democracies, is discovering that the road to true democracy is a thorny road indeed.

In recent years, especially since the turn off the millennium, a growing number of developing nations have embraced democracy as the preferred system of government. These nations, most of whom had at some point in their history labored under the yoke of dictatorship, whether military or civilian, are beginning to realize the truism in the words of Winston Churchill that “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.

Preferred system of government There is no doubt that all developing democracies find the democracy experiment a huge challenge. Similarly, democracy as a system of governance finds in developing nations a highly challenging environment to thrive. But neither democracy nor any developing nation that has tasted its charms is truly inclined to call off the relationship. I do not know of any nation that, having tasted democracy voluntarily chooses to revert to dictatorship. I can hear some people murmuring about Egypt, but we consider Egypt a nation in transition. And so we choose to withhold judgment at this time.

On Leadership: Maybe we

should in the spirit of fairness define the word ‘leadership’, since we have already tried to define democracy and developing democracy. The word “Leadership” is a derivative of the word “lead.” As we learn from the New Webster Dictionary of English Language lexicon, the word ‘lead’ means to show the way by going first or to direct and guide. Thus a leader is someone

,

Being a paper delivered by Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, speaker of the House of Representatives at the Council on Foreign Relatons, Washington DC, USA

17

constituencies. The success or failure of any enterprise or entity depends on the quality of its leadership. The progress of any endeavour towards the attainment of its objective depends on the vision of its leadership. Democracy is no different. The importance of leadership is perhaps best captured by the saying attributed to Alexander the Great that “an army of sheep, led by a lion, is better than an army of lions, led by a sheep”.

The sacred role and duty of the leadership in developing democracies is to tackle the challenges of democracy and remove obstacles to the development of the system, to work to demolish especially the barriers that stand in the way of widespread popular participation in the democratic process.

This critical assignment of strengthening the foundation on which the edifice of democracy is erected can only be achieved through committed leadership.

The quality of any leadership is seen in its response to the challenges that confront the system.

This is what distinguishes good leadership from bad leadership. Good

,

Nigeria, like most developing democracies, is discovering that the road to true democracy is a thorny road indeed

who acts as a guide or a directing head. The word ‘leadership’ has a double meaning as both the position of a leader and the quality displayed by a leader.

The necessary attributes of leadership: Some of the vital qualities that the leadership of emerging democracies must possess in order to be effective and productive include honesty, patriotism, passion, commitment, focus, patience, fortitude, a temperament for consultation, consensus-building and compromise, the courage to take the right decisions, even if unpopular, to step on powerful toes, and to sacrifice sacred cows when the occasion demands.

A pre-disposition to consensusbuilding and compromise is a particularly crucial attribute in the leadership of emerging democracies. Most developing nations are characterised by ethnic, sectarian and class cleavages. Good leadership works assiduously to repair the fractures, de-emphasise the differences and emphasise common interests of the diverse component segments of the republic. Bad leadership on the other hand deepens the fissures and hardens the mutual resentment.

It is the attribute of good leaders that they understand that once they are elected into office, they now represent the aspirations of the whole of the people and not just the interests of their particular

leadership will aim to leave the system in a better shape than it met it and will therefore commit itself to plugging as many loopholes as possible within the limited time at its disposal.

Apathetic electorate Poor leadership on the hand will leave the system either in the same state it met it, or in an even worse state.

The worst leadership, the immoral variety, will seek to take advantage of the challenges to the system to advance its selfish interest. Confronted for instance with an apathetic electorate, this category of leadership will seek to capitalize on the apathy of the people to perpetuate itself in power. Fully aware that a more vigilant, more engaged electorate will not be long tolerant of incompetent or dishonest leadership, it will do its utmost to discourage broader popular participation, and keep away from the people the knowledge and information they need to make informed political decisions.

Where good leadership seeks to expand the political space to attract and accommodate as many participants as possible, immoral leadership would rather seek the contraction of the political space, and a deterioration in popular participation.

To be continued

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 ANYONE who expects Nigerians to embrace more biometric data exercises does not understand the frustrations they entail on several fronts – time, money, long queues and waiting under inclement conditions.

Before the police’s Biometric Central Motor Registration, BCMR, organisations that had captured biometrics of Nigerians included: ·National Civic Registration Commission, national identity card in 2002 · Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, voter’s card since 2007 · Nigerian Immigration Service with the epassport from 2007 · National Population Commission, 2006 census · Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the new driver’s licence · National Communication Commission and telecommunications companies in 2010 · Banks have biometrics of their customers from 2010. · Some States have begun biometric registration of residents Nigerians are facing tremendous difficulties with these time consuming procedures. The huge public funds they guzzle and the attendant scandals since the national identity

We Need Biometric Data Base

card project began in 1977 are enough reasons to oppose the BCMR. Earlier biometric captures, with the exception of the e-passport, all failed. The telecommunications companies lose subscribers’ data and cut off their lines to force them to re-register. Nobody is in-charge of all the data collected, there is no central data bank.

No law states how the data can be used.

The police need biometric data to work. They cling to Section 3(2-6) of the Road Traffic Cap 548 LFN, 1990 which mandates the Inspector General of Police to maintain Central Motor Registry of all vehicles issued under Traffic Act as the enabling law for BCMR. Public angst with BCMR does not question its usefulness, though in the hands of illequipped police personnel, the results are

predictable. It is even doubtful if the police have the capacity to collect the data.

The public wants the police to use existing data. Police’s cooperation with other agencies is important for effective security. Biometric data capture exercises have serious security implications that should bother the police.

They expose individuals to cybercrimes. If more people have access to the data, the chances that the data could be abused would increase. Claims that the BMCR would be used to fight crimes are vacuous. The police are capturing only vehicle owners, possibly less than one per cent of the population. If criminals operate with stolen vehicles or by foot, or motor boats or aircraft would the police have their biometrics?

Nigeria needs an integrated national biometric data base. Agencies that have conducted biometric data capturing, would feed the base. Duplication of effort, as all the agencies are doing, is wasteful, and favours criminals.

The police do not seem to understand that to fight criminals, they need more data than the narrow BCMR platform provides. The data are authenticated and cheaper to acquire from agencies that have them.

OPINION

BY OLA LOOKMAN

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ITHOUT doubts, the Nigerian security apparatchik is recording tremendous success in its efforts to root out insurgency in different parts of the country, especially the North East. True to its promise, the Joint Military Taskforce, JTF, has continued to launch offensive against criminal elements and terrorism in the country.

Recently the Nigerian Army announced the killing of over 150 Boko Haram insurgents at Kafiya Forest of Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who made the disclosure added that a key commander and a high value target of the insurgents, one Abba Goroma was also killed. The chief insurgent commander had a N10 million bounty placed on his head.

Within the same week members of the youth vigilante group otherwise known as civilian JTF captured over 50 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in some parts of Borno and Adamawa states. The arrest of suspects came after days of massive hunt of the fleeing insurgents.

So much strategies seemed to be put in place in this war on terror. The Director General of the State Security Service, SSS, Ita Ekpeyong, at the official passing out parade and commissioning of 385 new officers of the service declared that the Service and other seC M Y K

Boko Haram: Inches away to total victory curity forces were gradually wiping out the Boko Haram insurgents in the country. Ekpeyong said: “We can confidently say that we have decimated the terrorists’ top and middle level leadership, its foot soldiers, thereby dislodging its centre of gravity.”

Though there were a number of casualty on the side of the Nigerian security personnel and the civilian volunteers, nevertheless the positive development reinforces our belief in the ability of the response agencies working tediously in protecting us.

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E were all living witnesses when the dreaded Boko Haram terror groups operated almost freely in some North-Eastern states before State of Emergency was declared in the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Their freedom have been curtailed.

Hardly a day passes that the news media will not come out with stories of the JTF clamping down on members of fleeing Boko Haram terror group. These faceless and bloodthirsty elements have long fled areas they once operated like the Lord of the Manor and unleashed terror on helpless and innocent Nigerians. The story has since changed. It is now the other way round. These elements have since been chased away.

The recent creation of an Army divi-

sion is another ambitious step taken towards ridding the North East of insecurity. The government should leave no stone unturned in its resolve to make Nigeria a safe and secure nation. Despite the hydra-headed nature of the insecurity conundrum, the government should leave nothing to chance getting to the root of the matter.

Creating a division of the Nigerian Army specifically to fight insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country is a commendable initiative. It is an indication that government very much attaches much premium to the safety of life and property of its citizens.

While it will be considered rather too early and ill-timed to sing victory song in the war against terror, it is not out of place all together to say we are close to achieving 100 percent success. We are inches away from completely cleansing terror from our land. Credit must be given to our devoted and committed officers and men of the Nigerian Army and other security establishments who have sacrificed their comfort, pleasure and time to guarantee peace in the land.

The amount of stability we have so far witnessed in areas once branded flashpoints is an indication of the fact that the military is not relenting in its avowed determination to root out ter-

rorism in the country.

The unprecedented inroads recorded by the JTF are not without the matchless support and unwavering commitment of the Federal Government. President Goodluck Jonathan has never minced words in his avowed determination make Nigeria inhabitable for trouble makers and enemies of Nigeria with provision of adequate resources to our security.

The JTF, with support from their civilian counterparts, is truly on top of the insecurity situation in areas once dominated by members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect. While we must acknowledge and commend security and volunteers in this war against terrorism, we must rise to fight terrorism by words of encouragement, while we are also security conscious at all times.

Aside creating the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Borno State, the government should equally provide the Army with necessary support for full take-off. We cannot continue to watch almost helplessly how bloodthirsty individuals visit terror on Nigerians. It is our responsibility to make Nigeria safe for Nigerians and foreigners alike. Nigerians are peace-loving people. Let us offer our individual supports to security agencies to enable them succeed.

•Mr Lookman, a member Youths Against Disaster Initiative, YADI, wrote from Abuja.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 23,, 2013

Boy, 13, has no reproductive organs • Requires N4.5m for corrective surgery in India

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

S

INCE he was born March5, 2000, 13-year-old Uchenna Ekezie has lived with a genital deformity. He was born with what is described in medical parlance as maldeveloped external genitalia. In lay terms, he has no visible external male reproductive organs whatsoever. All he has to show is a rudimentary stump that is less than an inch long.

No thanks to this congenital abnormality, Uchenna can not urinate normally,. Worse still, his hopes of biologically fathering children in the future currently hang in the balance.

Although Uchenna, who hails from the Ejike Ezekie family of Umuariam Obowo LGA of Imo State, has undergone series of major surgeries at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, he requires a total of N4.5 million to undergo two more outstanding surgeries to complete his restoration.

The first surgery is for correction of the continuous dripping of urine, while the second surgery is for elongation of the rudimentary stump.

It was gathered that in the attempt to to correct the birth defect, Uchenna suffered further damage in certain veins and arteries around his genital area.

A medical evaluation by an Indian Hospital in Abuja sent to Fortis Escorts Hospital, New delhi, India, from the Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Queen Elizabeth

• Uchenna Ezekie Hospital, Umuahia, explained that Uchenna had the first surgery eight days after birth.

In the report, signed by Dr. E.N. Agwu on behalf of Dr. G.U. Ugbam, the Chief Consultatnt Paediatric Surgeon, the procedure, known as posterior iliac osteotomy, was followed by the repair of the exomphalons at two months of age, and followed to months later by repair of epispadias.

At four months of age, Uchenna had a herniotomy and bladder augmentation at six months. All surgeries wer carried out at the FMC, Umuahia. Uchenna’s father, Celestine, told Good Health

Weekly that efforts to seek financial assistance from the Imo State government has not yielded fruit.

Speaking through the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Umuariam, Obowo, LGA, Celestine observed that an estimated bill of $12,000 (about N2 million) has been issued by the hospital for the corrective surgery, but observed that an additional N2.5 million was being sought to cover medicals, return tickets, evaluations, tests and post surgeries and rehabilitation.

The Indian hospital is all set to correct this abnormality and restore Uchenna’s external genitalia to normal, but the obvious financial constraint is a stumbling block. Lamenting his son’s plight, Celestine appealed for urgent financial assiatance to enable the lifesaving surgeries to commence.

“We have no kobo or even a fraction of this amount. Already we have spent all we have on his treatment and the family is broke. I even had to sell off all the cement bocks I moulded to build about four rooms, as well as the old car I was managing to provide for my family. We are now completely dependent on the response of generous Nigerians to out plea. Please help provide Uchenna with a better quality of life and offer us hope in humanity.”

•If you are touched and wish to assist Uchenna, kindly send your donations to Celestine Ejike Ekezie, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, 3303010231336, or call 08060658913 and 08136506718 for more details.

What you need to know about fibre and diabetes I

F you have type 2 diabetes, there is a need to check the fibre content in your meals immediately, since quality is just as significant as the quantity.

New research indicates that people who have type 2 diabetes are advised to increase their intake of fibre -rich foods. Fibre is not digested by the body.

Therefore, it will not raise blood sugar.

Fibre-rich food can help blunt the effects of carbohydrates, because the intestines will take more time when it comes to digesting fiber-rich foods.

This will result in a slower release of glucose in one's bloodstream.

New studies show that 50 grams of fibre is recommended for daily consumption. The problem is that 50 grams is a lot of fiber for the average American. According to the American Heart Association, the average person only consumes about 15 grams of fiber a day, while the American Diabetes Association recommends that an average person consumes 25-50 grams of fibre each day. Although the recommended fibre intake may be difficult to achieve, it is not impossible. Good sources of fibre may include whole grain products, dried beans, oats, apples and pears.

Keep in mind that not all fibre are the same. Because of this, not all fibres offer the same health benefits. However, all fibres generally help improve the control of blood glucose by keeping C M Y K

• Fibre -rich foods blood sugar spikes in check.

There is soluble fibre and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is the kind that dissolves in water easily. This kind helps lower cholesterol, since it will bind to the cholesterol and be excreted from the body. Insoluble fibre is the one that is not easily digested by the body. This kind of fibre keeps the digestive tract working longer. They make an individual feel full for a longer period of time.

Both kinds of fibres are good for the body. They can help an individual when it comes to feeling full faster and longer.

They also help keep the body from overheating. Fibre supplements may work for some people. The biggest drawback, is that one is only getting the fibre and not the other nutrients offered by fibrerich food.

Amend, don’t repeal VAPP law, say Imo women

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OMEN groups in Imo State have called on the Lawmakers not to repeal the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, law signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha in May this year.

Making the call in Owerri during a joint media chat, the women groups called for amendment of the controversial sections of the law rather than an outright repeal.

They agreed that the law protects women against violence and empowers them in the sense that it gives them the right and privileges they never enjoyed.

The groups include National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigerian, FOMWAN. Others are Umuadaigbo, St. Priscillia Adventist Church of Nigeria, Joint National Association of Disabled Persons, JNADP, and Mothers’Union of the Anglican Communion.

Chairperson of the NCWS, Mrs. Lois Osueke described the VAPP law as one of the best things Imo State House of Assembly has achieved. "Imo women are saying they should not repeal the law but make amends where necessary so that our children and children’s children will enjoy it,’’ she said.

In the view of Hajia Rakiya Ahmed of FOMWAN, it would not be fair to throw away the whole law because of one clause which expanded the choices for abortion for women who got pregnant through incest, rape and sexual assault.

"Please leave the law the way it is. It is good for us . We know we will keep obeying our husbands till death but we need this law for our protection," said the State Coordinator of Umuadaigbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, Mrs Mabel Anyiam.

A member of the Catholic Women Organization, Gertrude Iroeme who spoke at another meeting earlier, observed that attempts to repeal the law was an attempt to subject women to perpetual punishment adding that the section on bad widowhood practices should be sustained in order to give respite to women who go through horrors when their husbands die.

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50—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

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T is said that when the time for an idea comes no force can stop it. For the Nigerian ruling class, the idea of a sovereign national conference, SNC, was viewed as treasonous just 20 years ago.

SNC, along with such progressive concepts as “true federalism” (or decentralisation of political power to the federating unit), was seen as cleverly and cowardly dressedup ploy towards secession or disintegration of Nigeria.

This ruling class, which emerged after the civil war (and is firmly rooted in the North), has always asserted with arrogant and bombastic aplomb, that Nigeria is “an indivisible, indissoluble nation under God”.

Things appear to be changing rapidly in the direction of a national conference to examine the reason the nation is not working effectively. Some of the foot soldiers of the establishment, who fought in the war front to bring about the current order, are voicing their support for change.

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, surprised many in 2010 when he was aspiring for president when he supported devolution of powers.

Also, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) has dissolved his Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, into the All Progressives Congress, APC, thus lying on the same bed with the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, a political party founded on the Awoist principles of “true federalism”.

The new thing in town is that the drivers of the current administration appear seri-

Closer to a national conference? ethnic nationalities”.

I considered that speech epochal, coming from Mark. He is one of the younger faces of the ruling establishment who had, before now, kicked against every attempt to tamper with the shape of things as we know it. Mark, even as President of the Senate, has stiffly gone against the idea of a conference as well as vehemently opposing the establishment of state police.

But just before the long recess of the National Assembly, Mark was on record saying he had started seeing the need for state police.

I am willing to believe that Mark’s call for national conference is a kite-flying gambit that is not coming from him alone.

It is likely he is doing so on behalf of the ruling party, with President Jonathan in the background. Perhaps, if it goes down well with the generality of Nigerians, the President is likely to come out openly with

,

It has become clear to everybody that we can no longer sidestep a national conference at this time in our history; forty three years after the Nigerian civil war, everybody is unhappy; everybody is complaining; there is no Nigerian group that regards itself as privileged

ously inclined towards a national conference. Penultimate Sunday, The Guardian reported in its lead story that President Goodluck Jonathan might succumb to pressure to get the conference going any time from now. However, the most telling signposting towards a national conference came from the President of the Senate, David Mark on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. In the keynote address to open the new legislative session, he dwelt at length on the need for a national “conference of

ference at this time in our history. Forty three years after the Nigerian civil war, everybody is unhappy. Everybody is complaining. There is no Nigerian group that

Senate President David Mark

,

something along that line. When he will do so we wait to see. But I hope he will not be doing it in response to personal political pressures. That would be Obasanjo all over again, and we know what became of Obasanjo’s conference when he wrapped his selfish interests around it.

Unavoidable It has become clear to everybody that we can no longer sidestep a national con-

regards itself as privileged; not even those (especially the North) whom the system was carefully configured to benefit most.

In spite of the fact that the North has been awarded “majority” status in the population, given the largest number of states, local governments, electoral wards, federal constituencies and thereby collected by the far the largest amount of federally allocated funds, it is still the poorest region.

The grinding poverty has driven its youth nuts and some of them have turned to religious extremism and terrorism to get back at the system. The Igbos have fought and lost the Biafran war. The Yorubas fought and lost the June 12 struggle, but had the presidency given to them through one of their rejected sons, Olusegun Obasanjo. It was a slap in the

face, but because the gift was President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the person given the gift was an Oodua son, they took it and were mollified, which is not the same thing as being satisfied.

The Niger Delta fought an armed struggle for resource control and was forced to accept amnesty in return for unconditional surrender. But they were also fortunate to suddenly find the presidency falling onto their laps. Still, there are clear signs that the lull in the creeks is but a mere ceasefire as the zone is not done with their quest for “resource control”.

With such a high level of pervasive unhappiness across the table, the only viable peaceful means of solving the problem is a national constitutional conference. The conservatives ruling Nigeria always insist that Nigeria will work if we get “good leaders”. But the system has proved itself incapable of throwing up good leaders since the ruling class will not allow a leader who will upset their applecart to take over.

It is also clear that the seriously faulty Constitution we operate cannot be remedied through amendments. Every attempt to amend the Constitution ultimately renders it more convoluted. We spend valuable time and lots of money only to come back to square one.

A new constitution at this time will enable us to put the first century of Nigerian history characterised by national instability and discontent behind. It will give us a clean slate to fashion a new order by ourselves, rather than having colonial or military dictatorship breathing down our necks as we discuss.

It is a real opportunity for us to evolve a constitution that we can boldly preamble with the magical words: “We, the people of Nigeria…”.

The second century of my dreams is one in which we, the people of Nigeria, will be governed in a system not dominated by sectional, ethnic or religious super master.

It is one in which the Nigerian citizen will be truly free to live out the best of his life’s potentials without being hampered because of the peculiarities of his origin.

It a new century in which Nigerians, as one people will stand together and march towards the great future for which we are destined.

Indeed, as Israeli General Ehud Barak said when he recently visited Nigeria: “when we stand together, no force on earth can stop us”!

OPINION

BY IKE WILLIE NWOBU

P

EACE has always been a much sought-after phenomenon by every living creature. The subject and search for true and lasting peace is one that has transcended every bound, and extended to every human endeavour and concern. Simple as the concept may sound, the exigencies and the mode of life in the modern and civilized world of today make such a search a precarious one, coming only at the behest of concerted physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological effort.

One of the most outstanding efforts of the pursuit of peace on the global scale has been the establishment of the United Nations Organisation in 1945, the need of which was so expedient given the global involvement of the countries of the world in an all-encompassing, destructive, needless and wasteful war, and that was the second time in coming. An indication of the dearth of the commodity of peace will always lie in the level and number of conflicts that are still prevalent despite the consensus of virtually all the countries of the world that peace was of the essence if development was going to be anywhere in sight.

Peace has been aptly and practically described not just as the absence of conflict or physical violence and breakdown of order, but an enthronement of justice, equity, and the various other ingredients that perpetuate and ensure the life of the phenomenon of peace. One of the most fundamental components of this discourse would be the promotion, upholding and the aggressive

Peace as an ingredient for development support of the fundamental human rights of the citizen or individual in question. It, of course, goes without saying that the infringement or downplaying of an individual’s right to life, right to fair hearing, right to freedom of association, right to freedom of worship and most recently, right to quality education, is an integral component of the destructive chain that would snowball in time into the total loss of peace in the region or locality, of course with the attendant physical, material, mental and sometimes financial casualties. Instances where such seemingly inconsequential denials have led to mutinies that have lasted months and even years are all too fresh in our memories; even if it is not, the Arab spring will stand out as one of the most significant in this regard.

The link between human rights promotion and advocation, peace promotion and the sustenance of true democracy, which undeniably is a form of government that is easily the most popular in the world today, is obviously a strong one. The engendering of a sound human rights programme is an ingredient, if not chiefly, for the birth and nutrition of sound peace, which now provides the leverage and footing on which general opinion, for the people and by the people can now thrive, and in turn deliver dividends of development, progress and an enviable pride of place in the comity of nations.

All too often, the pursuit of peace has been a phenomenon which has involved policy formulation,

human and material contingencies, and sometimes actual combat to quell certain manners of uprising, different shades and hues of peacekeeping operations, and all these have, in the plausible and noble cause, excluded a critical mass of the population of the world whose contributions have neither been sought nor seen to be of importance-the aged and elderly. In viewing the elderly as prime agents of peace and nation building, we must take into account the fact that the society they are now suffering exclusion from was moulded and shaped by them, and the wealth of experience they possess was drawn from the same society. Elders are an alternate conflict resolution resource, as well as prime agents of peace, and that is one factor that has been ignored for long enough.

The United Nations, in the same spirit of heightened chase for world peace, has christened September 21 International Day for Peace, and the theme has been strategically and timely chosen: "Education For Peace". It is so glaring the need for a kind of education other than, and above perfunctory studying of books and solving of sums in this desire for a peaceful world. The kind of education that shuns inordinate slavery of any kind and form, due, mutual and fair respect for people’s views and opinions, is the kind of education that is needed, and will mark the crux of peace in this 21st century. *Mr Nwobu, a management consultant, wrote from Abuja.

51 1

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—

L

ET me state from the out set that after I read, in between the lines, the piece titled: “PDM, PDP and the Battle Ahead” in THISDAY, the Sunday newspaper of September 8, 2013, I came to an interesting conclusion that there is no battle ahead, after all, between Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, which has just transformed into a political party, and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. What, however, lies ahead for the new PDM is a crisis of identity! I say new PDM because many founding leaders of the aboriginal PDM have distanced themselves from the secret registration of the Movement as a political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. So, what this means for the new PDM is that the soul of the Movement is, understandably, still in the PDP. The new party is, therefore, at best, a splinter group from the aboriginal PDM, which worked with other political associations to form the PDP in 1998. And the resolve of the founding fathers of the Movement was to keep it at the level of a pressure group and not to transform it into a political party. This is why it has remained so within the PDP since 1998.

Even Olumide Adefarakan, the writer of the piece, who is a public affairs analyst and reporter admitted the fact of the resolve, especially when

he said that “it will be recalled that the PDM was a major fulcrum in the formation of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, and also in the formation of the PDP in 1998.”

But his claim that the older generation of the original PDM members has betrayed the ideals of the Movement as a bastion of democracy is fraudulent. It was clear that he chose to be fraudulent in order to prepare the grounds for the rationalisations offered by the purported Interim National Chair of the PDM party, Malam Bashir Ibrahim Yusuf, for the registration of the Movement with INEC behind the backs of the founding leaders.

In a bid to justify the secret registration of the PDM, Yusuf was quoted to have said “during the days of the founder of the party (Movement), there were many times the Tafida (the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua) held a contrary position to those of his lieutenants. I cannot recall any such time when the Tafida lorded his opinion on the rest of the group. Decisions were always subjected to the test of democracy and, in a like manner, all decisions and actions in the PDM passed the test of democracy.”

What a spurious assertion!

Was Yusuf saying that the decision to transform the Movement into a political party a product of consensus by leaders and members of the Movement? The decision could not have passed through the

No one reckons with his claim that he remains in the PDP, especially after joining some aggrieved governors to break out of the Special Miniconvention ground at the Eagle Square

transparent, credible and democratic test; otherwise it would not have been a subject of controversy that has trailed its transformation into a political party.

So, on what moral basis was he accusing the original PDM leaders of betraying the promotion of the ideals of democracy? Whereas, the reporter in Olumide Adefarakan betrayed his bias for the new PDM with his spins in paragraphs 26, 27 and 28, all in a clever bid to divert attention from the involvement of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the rebellion that led to the registration of the PDM as a party.

Read the concatenation: “Although, a senior member of the PDM family has on several occasions dissociated himself from being the force behind the registration of the PDM, and many of his core political associates have also distanced themselves from the newly registered political party, there are fears in some

The lessons from Ozekhome's kidnap

BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

C

HIEF Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a fiery Lagos lawyer and human rights activist came out of the kidnappers den with a message for those in authority: “ Grant the kidnappers amnesty”. How he wants the government to execute this is difficult to tell but one thing is sure: its modalities will be more complex than that of the BokoHaram which is yet to see the light of day.

From Ozekhome’s account, the men who kidnapped him are well read and articulate, which implies that they are educated young men, maybe amongst the many unemployed graduates roaming about cities in Nigeria.

When the educated takes to crime like armed robbery and kidnapping, it is a cause for concern as the average Nigerian educated man does not fall into the profiling category of hard criminal. White-collar criminality, which has brought this country almost to her knees, is still flourishing because it involves educated men and women.

What is the lesson(s) from Ozekhome’s message? We must begin to address the issues of unemployed youths, especially the species of educated graduates.

C M Y K

Granting of general or blanket amnesty to kidnappers will not solve the problem as that will be an endorsement of criminality. The only solution to all of these, that will be permanent, is for us to be our brothers’ keepers. It is not all those roaming about the streets that cannot work. It is just the environment in which they find themselves made it impossible for them to flourish. Those who are fortunate to lay hands in the public till are termed successful and ingenious; perhaps the unfortunate ones are termed failures. The rich in this country must begin to think out ways by which the underprivileged can be taken care of. Let me make this clarification. A few privileged and rich Nigerians already run programmes that address the situations of the under privileged poor but the majority do not care. When I say rich, I mean those whose income far outstrips their needs and wants.

I

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T is to avoid the chaos that comes with such that Great Britain and other developed countries introduced welfare programmes for their citizens, those who cannot afford to go to work are given weekly cheques to take care of their basic needs.

Most successful businessmen in this

I

NDEED, there is no amount of pseudo-reportorial dissembling that will divert attention from Atiku as being the face of the PDM rebellion. The leadership of the aboriginal PDM knows that he was the one who encouraged and promoted the registration by proxy as a fall-back platform for his never-waning presidential ambition.

No one reckons with his claim that he remains in the PDP, especially after playing an opportunistic role in joining some aggrieved governors to break out of the Special Mini-convention ground at the Eagle Square on August 31, 2013. That was Atiku’s archetypal politics of rebelling against constituted authorities in promotion and defence of his personal political interests.

He is not new to the game of rebellion and betrayal. He is not one of the aggrieved governors who have issues in their states against the PDP leadership, but having gained access to the venue of the con-

,

BY JOHNSON MOMODU

,

Facade of a rebel and future of PDM

quarters, especially proponents of a Jonathan second term that the newly registered party may yet be a fallback for some interests if the PDP gave Jonathan its presidential ticket without going through primary election or if there is no level playing (sic) field in the emergence of the ruling party’s flagbearer…”.

Let us read Adefarakan’s purported sources close to the PDM, whom he claimed said that “all efforts by the new party to have the former Vice President on board as part of its 2015 permutations have failed as Atiku has insisted that he is staying put in the PDP to slug it out and create a level-playing (sic) field in the party.”

Granting amnesty to kidnappers will not solve the problem as that will be an endorsement of criminality; we must begin to address the issues of unemployed youths, especially the graduates

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countr y, live on gover nment patronage(s); even our banks cannot make successful headway without government inputs, in the form of deposits and policies. The question then is: If the rich ones are getting all these patronage(s) from government, either in the form of contract awards, ten percent-for civil servants- or outright stealing in the form of bribery, why are they not giving back to society?

Instead of ploughing the money back into the economy to regenerate, our money is taken abroad to generate wealth for foreign economies. How selfish we can be! It is clear that there will be problem if the balance between the rich and the poor is tilted towards either side of the divide. Our rich have abandoned the poor in the society and the poor are paying back through in-

vention as a statutory delegate, he was to lend himself to the act of joining the aggrieved governors to stage a walk-out from the convention venue.

That was not the first time Atiku would present himself as a rebel with personal cause. In 2003, as sitting Vice President, he had collaborated with some nine governors, with whom he had wanted to upstage the applecart of his boss Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term presidential bid.

But for the deft moves of the like of former Minister of Works and Housing, Chief Tony Anenih, who had just left the cabinet to oversee Obasanjo’s re-election campaign as the de facto National Coordinator, and the political brinkmanship by the presidency, Atiku might have had his way.

He had obtained the presidential nomination form and asked for time extension to enable him submit it.

Relying on his famed control of the state governors whom he had planned to use to swing delegate votes either to himself if he ran eventually or to former vice president Alex Ekwueme who eventually ran against Obasanjo, he had put the scare into Obasanjo. What Atiku wanted was retention as vice president after reports had indicated that Obasanjo was going to drop him as running mate for a North East governor due to his disloyalty.

He was able to negotiate his retention as running mate, but immediately the presidential election was won, Obasanjo went after him for his own pound of flesh. The influence he wielded in his first term as vice president was deliberately whittled down by the Ebora of Owu (Obasanjo).

*Mr Momodu, a political observer,wrote from Abuja.

volvement in kidnapping, Boko Haram and such activities.

The rich, especially our politicians, also encourage criminality through election malpractices. You will not see their children on the streets indulging in brigandage and the likes, they recruit and brainwash the poor to do it for them.

To begin with, Nigerians must be encouraged to bring their monies stashed abroad back into this country. This will help to strengthen our Naira - as we still depend a lot on imports from abroad - and help to reflate the economy.

Government must execute job creation programmes –not lip service; craft and skilled centres must be established in every zone in the country for those who cannot further their education and loan facilities made available for small businesses. Open up the rural areas through networks of roads for the agriculture industry to flourish.

There are various ways to create jobs for our unemployed graduates, but, first, the issue of power has to be sorted out, for without power, production is impossible and a country that cannot produce, cannot create employment.

Also, our leaders must begin to set good examples through their living standards. The problems of the under privileged must be the concern of all.

*Mr Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos

52 — Vanguard, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Kenyan forces move to end mall siege

K

ENYAN security forces have launched a major assault on a shopping mall in the capital Nairobi to free hostages being held by al-Shabab fighters.

Armed men belonging to the Somali group had stormed the Westgate shopping centre a day earlier using grenades and assault rifles, leaving at least 68 people dead and more than 150 wounded, according to the Red Cross.

Gunfire and an explosion were heard from the shopping centre after dark yesterday, as security forces intensified efforts to end the standoff amid fears that the death toll could rise sharply following the discovery of more corpses by security men inside the building.

Military helicopters were flying low over the area, and there were reports that security services had blown open a hole in the wall to get access to the building, Al Jazeera’s Peter Greste, reporting from the scene, said.

“There’s a lot of political pressure, a lot of pressure from relatives of the victims, to end the standoff quickly,” he said. “But it seems that security services are prepared to play the long game here if need be.

Meanwhile, alShabab, which has claimed responsibility for the siege, said on its Twitter feed that the “Kenyan government shall be held responsible for any loss of life as a result of such an imprudent move. The call is yours!”

Exit polls favours Merkel

G

ERMAN Chancel lor Angela Merkel has won a third term in elections, even though her conservatives may be forced to govern in a “grand coalition” with the centre-left Social Democrats (SDP), exit polls said.

The surveys came minutes after polls closed in Germany where tens of millions of voters cast their ballots for yesterday’s parliamentary elections.

Merke hailed the “super result” and said “together we will do everything in the next four years to again make them successful years for Germany”.

Public opinion polls in the past week had shown

Germany’s three major left-of-centre parties running neck-and-neck with Merkel’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its coalition partner in the current government, the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

According to the polls, the FDP got 4.7 percent of the vote, short of the five percent needed to retain seats in parliament.

Withe FDP falling short, a coalition of Germany’s two biggest parties, the CDU and SPD, seems likely, in a reprise of the tandem that ruled Germany from 20052009, during Merkel’s first term as chancellor.

Russia accuse West of ploting to attack Syria

R

USSIA accused the West yesterday of trying to exploit a chemical weapons deal with Syria to push through a U.N. resolution threatening force against President Bashar al-Assad.

Assad’s government has handed over information about its chemical arsenal to a U.N.-backed weapons watchdog, meeting the first deadline of the ambitious U.S.Russia accord which the U.N. Security Council is due to endorse in the coming days.

But major powers on the council, who have disagreed throughout a conflict which has killed 100,000 people, remain divided over how to ensure compliance with the accord.

The United States, France and Britain want

a council resolution issued under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which could authorize sanctions or military intervention if Damascus reneges on its commitments.

Russia, which along with China has blocked

Pakistani church bombings kill 75, injuries 120 At least 75 people have been killed in northwest Pakistan in a twin suicide bombing, police have said.

The two attackers struck at the end of a service at All Saints Church in Peshawar, the main town in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province yesterday.

A hospital spokesperson said that at least 120 people had been wound-

Ivory Coast dismisses ICC warrant for Simone Gbagbo

I

VORY Coast has said it plans to try ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo in its own courts, instead of handing the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo is being prosecuted for alleged crimes against humanity following disputed presidential polls in 2010.

Last Friday, Ivory Coast ministers voted to dismiss the ICC’s arrest warrant.

Some 3,000 people

three draft resolutions on Syria since the 2011 uprising against Assad erupted, opposes Western threats of force against an ally which Moscow has continued to arm and support during the civil war.

died in violence after Mrs Gbagbo’s husband refused to accept defeat in a run-off vote.

He is already awaiting trial at the ICC in The Hague on four charges of crimes against humanity.

Mr Gbagbo, 67, who insists he is innocent, is the first former head of state to have appeared at the ICC. The West African exleader was ousted in 2011 with the help of French and UN forces backing President Alassane Ouattara.

ed in the attack.

The attack occurred as hundreds of worshippers were coming out of the church in the city’s Kohati Gate district after services to get a free meal of rice offered on the front lawn, said a top government administrator, Sahibzada Anees.

“There were blasts and there was hell for all of us,” said Nazir John, who was at the church with at least 400 other worshippers. “When I got my senses back, I found nothing but smoke, dust, blood and screaming people. I saw severed body parts and blood all around.”

The white walls of the church, which first opened in the late 1800s, were pockmarked with holes caused by ball bearings or other metal objects contained in the bombs to cause maximum damage.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the “cruel” attack, saying it violated the tenets of Islam.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—53

Obiano sole candidate of APGA — Court STORIES BY VINCENT UJUMADU USTICE Muhammed Salihu of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka has set aside the interim order made on Monday last week which directed the submission of the names of Dr. Chike Obidigbo and Dr. William Obiano as

J

APGA governorship candidates.

The court discharged the order following motion exparte brought by Chief Onwuka Ukwa, Alhaji Tayo Sowumi and Barrister Ifeanyi Mbaeri against the suit filed

by Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Chief Maxi Okwu and others.

The court said it lacked the jurisdiction to make the order in the first place, adding that it was against the express provision in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

It noted that the Plaintiffs/ Respondents concealed material facts to the court, thereby deceiving the court

into making the interim orders.

National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh had already on September 3, 2013, submitted the name of Dr. William Obiano to INEC as the APGA candidate in the coming governorship election.

APC chairman worried about internal criticisms

T

HE interim chairman of APC in Anambra State, Mr. C. J. Chinwuba says he is worried about unfair comments about the party attributable to some members of APC. Addressing reporters in Awka, Chinwuba said he was appalled that people who claim to be members of APC could go to the media to disparage the party in the state, even when the whole nation applauded the peaceful manner with which APC conducted its primaries.

He said: “A cursory look at the characters behind the publication shows that they are impostors. None of these persons are leaders of the defunct political parties that merged to become APC in the state.

“For instance, Pastor CC Nnoli and George Onyechi claimed to be ANPP and CPC chairmen respectively, but it is common knowledge that Chief Pat Chukwuemeka Ojiakor was the chairman of the defunct ANPP, while Mr. Chuks Ikeagu was the chairman of the defunct CPC. “These men never featured in the party when I was leading the Governor Rochas Okorocha group of APC. The APC in Anambra state is one indivisible party under my leadership and we have one candidate for the governorship election of November 16, which is Senator Chris Ngige.

“For purposes of clarity, our congresses were held on the instruction of the national leadership of our party. The party made a schedule beginning from the ward congresses on Aug. 28, local government area congresses on Aug. 30 to state congresses on Aug. 31.

“The same schedule gave the date to our governorship primary on Sept. 2, and all these were all communicated to INEC in Abuja and the published widely in newspapers. The state congress was held at Suncity

I am the authentic chairman of APC in Anambra state.

Since my election, I have been representing APC in all meetings.

I take exception to anybody saying that I am parading myself as chairman. I am not.

I am acting in full capacity as chairman of the party for change.”

•Obiano

Nwoye sends strong signal

C •Ngige Hotel, Awka and it was duly monitored by authorities and duly conducted where I and

other executives were duly elected.

“I am not imposing myself;

HIEF Tony Nwoye and Prince Kenneth Emeakayi have sent a strong signal of the readiness of PDP to do battle on November 16.

Talk of brilliant ideas on how to make a difference in the mobilization of people for rallies, both Nwoye and Emeakayi have it in

INEC clears Ekelem as ACD candidate

BY HENRY UMORU

T

HE Governorship candidate of Advance Congress for Democrats, ACD, Dr. Ifeatu Ekelem who was yesterday presented with the party ’s candidate for November 16 Governorship election from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with a proclamation that he was in a rescue in Anambra state.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Ekelem who, disclosed that he has spent well over twenty years in the United States as a medical practitioner, however, alleged that Anambra State was the worse in Nigeria.

He alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and other parties were responsible for the woes in the State, even as he said that he decided to join the ACD because according to him, it was an unpolluted party for his kinds.

Flanked at the briefing by ACD FCT chairman, Mrs. Oby Okafor, ACD National Publicity Secretary, Breakforth Abraham, Party Leader, Chris Owoicho and National Secretary, Manga Asha, Dr. Ifeatu Ekelem, a medical doctor and Specialist in new-born intensive care and paediatrics said that against the advice of some friends, in view of assassination and kidnappings, “I insisted on contesting because it is my home and can’t run away from the process of reviving it. I opted for this party because I can’t join parties that are known for constant crises. I hold the pol parties for the demise of my state. ”Not APC or PDP. I don’t want anything to do with parties that are dripping with the blood of innocent children and citizens due to inept leadership.

Beautiful and wonderful children die daily in anambra because of constant decadence. ”ACD is poised to wipe out poverty and empower the people. My candidacy is a

serious candidacy, I don’t want to be paid off. I don’t want any money from ana state, I have made enough money in the US. I benefited a lot from anambra and I believe I should give back and should not be the worst state in Nigeria; I’m determined to make it the first in Nigeria.

The candidate who promised to address the unemployment problem in the state, with plans to pay N20, 000 for 40 hours in community policy a week for unemployed adding that this will help solve security problems because they willl also engage in vigilante and community policy, even as he promised to build an airport in Awka, pilot training school in Anambra state, more universities, five new govt colleges, among others.

He continued, “ I am determined and passionate enough to make this governorship although I will be running against so-called billionaires. Some of them have ill-gotten wealth."

abundance.

When PDP held its reunification rally in Awka before the primaries that threw up Nwoye, residents of the Anambra State capital saw a large number of people never witness at an arena in Anambra State. And when Nwoye returned to Anambra State on Friday, the crowd at the reception ground at the Amansea border town almost equaled that of Awka.

Motorists plying the Enugu –Onitsha road were subjected to a traffic gridlock for several hours and when the reception ended about 5pm, it was the turn of motorists in the hears of the town when Nwoye’s convoy drove through the popular Zik’s Avenue to the high profile Udoka Housing Estate where both PDP and its candidate have their offices.

If attendance at rallies is a factor towards winning the governorship election, then other political parties should better go to the drawing board.

•Nwoye

54—VANGUARD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

PDP CRISIS:

Obasanjo is the instigator — Sen Okon

SENATOR Anietie Okon is a founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with Vanguard, he bares his mind on the crises rocking the PDP just as he maintained that members of the nPDP are out to intimidate President Goodluck Jonathan from running for a second term in office. Okon, who fingered former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the crisis also speaks on other sundry issues. Excerpts:

BY GBENGA OKE

A

S a founding member of the PDP and former N a t i o n a l Organizing Publicity Secretary of the party, what is your assessment of the crises rocking the party currently?

What we are seeing in the party today is the tension that has built up within the party because of its enormous internal combustion capacity.

We are going through the normal throes and birth pains of a rebirth in the party which seems to challenge the comfort redoubt of some elements in the party.

It would have been business as usual for them to just tell Mr President that we don’t want you to do a second term but because the party is evolving and increasingly embracing the virtues of transparency in the conduct of its business, they are more or less miffed, outraged and frustrated by the direction the party is now taking towards dismantling the normal

and, therefore, their main aim is to hound, intimidate or otherwise creating a picture of despondent of the President vis-a-vis his second term interest.

So, I do not think in our caucus that Bamanga Tukur is anything other than a thorn in the chess game they are engaged in. The ultimate thing is to create an apparent build up of giving impression that there is resentment against President Jonathan running for his constitutional second term bid.

Some people have alleged that part of this quagmire going on within the PDP has been because President Jonathan has refused to declare his stand on 2015. As a national caucus member, do you totally agree with that?

I think President Jonathan is being disciplined about his approach to the issue of second term run for the office.

He was elected on a mandate that demands of him to meet some of the basic expectations of Nigerians and I think the

,

So Mr President is properly, constitutionally and eligible for another term in office and within the party, we do not envisage and going by party conventions that there will be anybody opposing him for nomination within the PDP supremacy and prevalence and reach of strongholds whose modules could not fit into the new open and transparent manner of doing the party’s business.

The G7 governors and the Baraje faction of the nPDP have been saying that peace will return to the party only if President Jonathan reverses his decision to run for another term in office and the Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is removed.

What do you have to say to that?

The chairman is essentially a bridge they need to cross to get to the Jonathan shores

,

season for him to actually come and tell Nigerians that he is going to run has not come yet.

Sometime in 2014 will be a nice, proper and descent time for him to announce that because at that time, he will place before the people of the country his score-card, which is so far, encouraging and impressing and it will be left for the people to determine who continues in 2015 and I believe that as a ranking member of this party, constitutionally and conventionally, he faces no debarment from running and on the basis of performance, I

•Okon: Fingers Obasanjo for the crisis in PDP do believe that his score-card allows him a credible rating to run.

But there are people arguing over his eligibility to run for another term in office...

(Cuts in) Those who talk about his eligibility appear to have mixed up the issues, which is quite unfortunate.

Some come up with pedestrian interpretations of the constitution that a man sworn in twice cannot be sworn in the third time. I believe they have not examined the basic context interpretations on that. For example, some governors are being sworn in, they are dragged to Court, the Court negates their initial victory and along with it, whatever length of time they have done, unless the Court finds any provision within the law that allows them to make determination that it will be a continuation of the initial swearing-in.

There are also some instances like that of governor of Kaduna State, who was

sworn on the basis of demise of his predecessor. He would again stand for election, are we going to say because he has been sworn-in before, that he will not be sworn in again?

By extension, it is the same case we have in that of President Jonathan, his own is particularly peculiar because he was sworn-in as an acting President through the application of Doctrine of Necessity because of the situation the country found itself and so they propounded the doctrine.

Prescribed tenure There is no place in the Constitution of the country that covers that period as part of his prescribed tenure of a holder of office of President of Nigeria, the reason entirely encapsulated and defined a limit of that tenure, is defined by the same instrument that saw him into office and since the Constitution of the country left some gap, it was necessary to construct a

legislation to allow Mr President complete the tenure of late President Yar ’Adua.

So, the only interpretation you could give to the tenure covered by the legal endorsement thrown up through the Doctrine of Necessity, may be described as indirect necessity and it cannot be counted. So Mr President is properly, constitutionally eligible for another term in office and within the party, we do not envisage and going by party conventions that there will be anybody opposing him for nomination within the PDP. He still enjoys the right of running for another term in office.

Having said that, part of the deal for peace moves within the party is that Mr President must provide a level playing ground in case another aspirant springs up within the party. How do address that vis-a-vis his intentions?

There will be a preclusion because I don’t know where we will be drawing that Continues on page 55

Vanguard , MONDAY MONDAY,, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 —55

Songs of Sorrow by Kofi Awoonor

Ghanaian poet, Kofi Awoonor killed in Kenya attack

By JAPHET ALAKAM, UDUMA KALU, JIMOH BABATUNDE, with agency reports

“I AM on the world’s extreme corner I can only go beyond and forget.

My people, I have been somewhere If I turn here, the rain beats me If I turn there the sun burns me The firewood of this world Is for only those who can take heart That is why not all can gather it.

The world is not good for anybody”

I

N one of his celebrated po ems entitled Songs of sorrow, legendary Ghanaian poet, Kofi Awoonor, wrote “the world is not good for anybody.”

The world as described by the poet decades ago is still applicable today as the world’s literary community was, yesterday, thrown into deep mourning following the killing of Prof. Kofi Awoonor, 78. The former UN envoy was among the 39 killed during a terror attack on Westgate Mall on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya. He died from injuries sustained in the attack.

The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also lost his nephew and the nephew’s fiancee to the terror attack. The news which is coming barely few months after the death of Africa’s literary giant, Chinua Achebe, was seen as another great loss to the entire literary community.

Great author Awoonor was a great author whose work combines the poetic traditions of his native Ewe people and contemporary and religious symbolism to depict Africa during decolonization. Professor Awoonor was one of Africa’s greatest voices and poets and his works will forever inspire knowledge and strength and hope.

The Ghanaian government confirmed Awoonor’s death, yesterday. Awoonor’s son had been shot in the shoulder during the attack, for which Somali militant group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility. Awoonor’s son was treated and discharged from hospital late on Saturday. In addition to the 39 people killed, it is estimated 100 were injured in the attack.

Awoonor was in Nairobi to speak at the Storymoja Hay Festival, a four-day celebration of writing, thinking and storytelling. Along with Ghanaian poets Nii Parkes and Kwame Dawes, he was due to perform on Satur-

•The late Prof. Kofi Awoonor day evening as part of a showcase of award-winning poems from both sides of Africa.

He said during the festival that the event had “the best representation of Ghanaian authors that we have ever had” and commended the fellow authors and writers there: “Together we are discussing the birthing pains of countries,” he had noted.

During a poetry masterclass that Awoonor held at the festival he discussed mortality and said he was unafraid of death. Julie Muriuki, a writer who attended, posted on a blog afterwards: “I’ve been looking for my writing voice and Awoonor has shown me where to find it. I’m eternally grateful.”

Reactions Reacting to his death, chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Remi Raji, described the killing as an indication of the terrible situation in Africa. He said: “It is an indication of the terrible situation we have in Africa. For the continent to lose such a great writer in such a way is sad.”

Raji descibed him as a great writer in the generation of other writers like Ayi Kwei Armah, Kofi Anyidoho, Ama Ata Aido and others.

Prof. Tony Afejuku of the English and Literature Department of the University of Benin described the death of Kofi Awoonor as a big blow to African literary clan. Afejuku who said that African literature cannot be complet-

ed without the mention of Kofi added, “I remember his novel, This Earth, My Brother and his poem Songs of Sorrow.

Afejuku said the novel is significant in African literary experience, adding, “It is a novel that I always want to read and read again. His death coming after the death of Chinua Achebe is really a big blow to African literature.

I will be honouring him by reading the book again tomorrow.”

Award winning poet and columnist Ogaga Ifowodo, while condenming the attack in the name of God said ‘Ah, “This earth, my brother!” Awoonor, please ask this God what he had in mind when “creating” the sort of fanatics that bedevil our world.”

For novelist and critic, Prof.

Okey Ndibe, “Kofi Awoonor was one of the most learned, most humble men I ever met. He was witty, passionate about literature, full of life, a renaissance man who capped it all with wisdom, a man of the world who had an abiding love of the earth where his umbilical cord was buried. I was fortunate to know him, to learn so much from him, to call him a friend and inspirer. In the words of your countryman and rival, I say, why are we so blest?

Invoking the title of his extraordinary novel, I say, This earth, my brother...May you continue to soar from beyond the grave.

The indomitable Awoonor, enchant heaven with your songs!”

Another award winning poet, Uche Nduka, who described Awoonor as a poetic master, said

Dzogbese Lisa has treated me thus It has led me among the sharps of the forest Returning is not possible And going forward is a great difficulty The affairs of this world are like the chameleon faeces Into which I have stepped When I clean it cannot go.

I am on the world’s extreme corner, I am not sitting in the row with the eminent But those who are lucky Sit in the middle and forget I am on the world’s extreme corner I can only go beyond and forget.

My people, I have been somewhere If I turn here, the rain beats me If I turn there the sun burns me The firewood of this world Is for only those who can take heart That is why not all can gather it.

The world is not good for anybody But you are so happy with your fate; Alas! the travellers are back All covered with debt.

Something has happened to me The things so great that I cannot weep I have no sons to fire the gun when I die And no daughter to wail when I close my mouth I have wandered on the wilderness The great wilderness men call life The rain has beaten me, And the sharp stumps cut as keen as knives I shall go beyond and rest.

I have no kin and no brother, Death has made war upon our house; And Kpeti’s great household is no more, Only the broken fence stands; And those who dared not look in his face Have come out as men.

How well their pride is with them.

Let those gone before take note They have treated their offspring badly.

What is the wailing for?

Somebody is dead. Agosu himself Alas! a snake has bitten me My right arm is broken, And the tree on which I lean is fallen.

Agosi if you go tell them, Tell Nyidevu, Kpeti, and Kove That they have done us evil; Tell them their house is falling And the trees in the fence Have been eaten by termites That the martels curse them.

Ask them why they idle there While we suffer, and eat sand.

And the crow and the vulture Hover always above our broken fences And strangers walk over our portion. the news is horrible, while the 2012 NLNG winner Chika Unigwe, said,”My heart goes out to the victims of the Nairobi mall shooting.”

Prof. Olu Oguibe, in a dirge for Awoonor, ‘Wake for Awoonor’ wrote, “May his murderers die a thousand deaths/A thousand deaths to his murderers/World without end.” Another poet, Obi Iwuanayanwu, wrote a dirge for Awoonor.

Prof. Kofi Awoonor was born in Ghana on March 13, 1935 when it was still called the Gold Coast.

He was a poet and author whose work combined the poetic traditions of his native Ewe people and contemporary religious symbolism to depict Africa during the era of decolonization. He went to university there and went on to teach African literature at the University of Ghana. He started writing under the name George Awoonor-Williams. While at the University of Ghana he wrote his first poetry book, Rediscovery.

Like the rest of his work, Rediscovery is based on African oral poetry.

In Ghana he managed the Ghana Film Corporation and

founded the Ghana Play House.

He then studied literature at the University of London, and while in England he wrote several radio plays for the BBC. He spent the early 1970s in the United States, studying and teaching at universities. While in the USA he wrote This Earth, My Brother, and My Blood. Prof Kofi Awoonor returned to Ghana in 1975 as head of the English department at the University of Cape Coast.

Within months he was arrested for helping a soldier accused of trying to overthrow the military government and was imprisoned without trial. After ten months he was found not guilty and released. The house by the Sea is about his time in jail. After imprisonment Awoonor became politically active and has written mostly non-fiction.

His other works include; Comes the voyager at last; The African Predicament; This earth my brother; Until the morning after, A Political History from Pre-European to Modern Times (1990) The Breast of the Earth: A Survey of the History, Culture, and Literature of Africa South of the Sahara and others.

56— Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Continues from last Friday

W

HAT I do is to round geo-political zones, work will national orientation agencies, civil society organizations. I have been to Lagos no fewer than six times.

It’s either we have power consumer assemblies or we are convening special meetings with estate developers and residents for making enquiries into this issue of estimation because it’s one of the biggest issues.

We use this information as feedback to go and sit with our colleagues in Abuja to design policies and one of the policies we designed is pre-paid meters. The preferred means of metering is pre-paid meters because if you don’t have light your meter will not run.

Cost of metering Nobody will come and cut your light. We have given a target of eighteen months from June 1 this year and the cost of metering has been factored in.

We brought all the distribution companies to Abuja, asked them to show us how they are billing people and there is no standard way even officially talk less of on the lower level where they are planning bills anyhow.

If you pay them something next month then your bill will come down and when the guy is broke he will come with a bigger bill. There is a standard methodology for which any customer will be billed or does

Discussants

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY:

Renewable energy master plan the solution

yesterday they were only able to generate about 500-600MW so you can see the inefficiency but there is another company, a private company with installed capacity of 200MW. There is no day I open my chart they don’t generate more than 200. Egbin hardly meets 50% of capacity.

Morenike Hence your belief in private sector intervention.

Abba

,

Customer service is a key aspect of any service you are giving

not have a meter and you can challenge it. We are opening offices for customer complaints.

We had opened an office here in Alausa in September. Even the governor was with us. It’s called the Forum Office. We have one in Eko, which has been in existence for a few years. People that felt their complaints have not been addressed can go to the forum and I can assure you membership is independent, credible people from the area.

We have membership from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, representative of the Chambers of Commerce, Nigerian Society of Engineers, an NGO and another nominee who is resident there. We are hoping we can have them across the country Customer service is a key aspect of any service you are giving. Out of the power generated in Nigeria about 25%of the very little comes from natural gas like Egbin which is the biggest in the country generating to full capacity about 1, 320MW but as at

,

Exactly. If you look at Shell they have a 660MW plant at Afam. Constantly they are generating about 490MW everyday and they are not able to make it to the grid because they don’t have the lines. Agip has 250. If you look at their track over a year they generate almost that 250 throughout. If you look at our own station it might not be operative even for one year because of inefficiency and corruption.

Coming back to you Abel, we have issues with Kainji because we do not control the waters that come in. In the whole world today apart from Germany, Nigeria has the best wholesale tariff/trailer power generation.

For Egbin, 9,600/MW is what they get when they generate a hundred MW. If you install a solar plant for every MW you will get N57,000. So having a balance of energy- gas, hydro, solar, wind- is what a country would want but we are a country that has abundant natural gas. We can utilize that gas to generate electricity for

ourselves but we don’t have sufficient turn out.

There is a huge, huge gap as Seye mentioned and no government can resolve it on its own. It requires other stakeholders’, a lot of private capital which is not even available in Nigeria so you must have the right kind of environment to attract foreign direct investment.

Morenike Does that answer your question?

Alomo It throws more light on the direction. There are enormous opportunities. We have cost efficient solar power systems.

You consume from what you generate. If you generate excess you can always channel back Morenike As Mr. Bassir said there is a lot of waste when people are generating electricity for themselves and it is important to have community projects whereby these wastes can be minimized.

Alternative energy Let’s talk first of the commercial, what percentage of your business cost comes from power?

Seyi From the feedback we receive it is about 30% Morenike Engr. Alomo and Mr. Kayode, do you really believe alternative energy is cheaper realistically?

Kayode It’s not cheaper . Relative to conventional energy that is NEPA

Morenike Even now with the increased tariff?

Kayode Yes. The cost of battery, which is approximately 50,000 per 12V 200amps. One of the reasons that it is so high is the cost of duty. If government can cut down on cost of duty…bringing battery from either Asia should attract less duty if we want alternative energy to be encouraged.

Aloma Kayode, I don’t quite agree with you that alternative power source is not relatively cheap.

I will take it from this angle.

Looking at either wind, solar, biomass- they are still the major options. Here in Africa what we see of alternative power source is majorly demonstration or just mere deployment while in

advanced countries it is renewable technology development.

There is a huge gap between Renewable Technology Development (RTD) and demonstration or mere deployment. A lot of people are not aware of RTD at all. Take for example a research commissioned by the European Union for over 74 countries across Asia, Latin America, Africa and other parts of the world revealed that in Africa we only indulging in demonstration. The solar radiation on a daily basis if well harnessed is more than the energy we require in the whole world for annual consumption.

Morenike But we are talking about cost.

Alomo Yes. Take for example I-betapass-my-neighbour. 1000W. If you use an average of N300 to N500 fuel on a daily basis. If you must run that generator for 365 days what does it amount to? If you have a 1KVA inverter and rechargeable 200W solar panel with just normal 200W battery will consistently give

Participants:Engr. Alomo Abel Project Engineer PSC Industries (Alternative energy providers) Mr. Bassir Seye Manager, Project Finance, Asterios Capital (Financiers) Dr. Ibrahim Abba Commissioner, Government & Consumer Affairs Division, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (Regulators)

(Alternative energy providers) Mr Ojurongbe Seyi CoordinatorProgrammes Department, Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability & Professionalism (LEAP) Africa. (Representatives to SMEs) Ms Orakpo Ebele In-house contributor

Mr. Nelson Ubong In-house contributor

Barr. Salu Olawale Principal partner Olawale Salu&Co ( Constitutional lawyer)

Mr. Ogundipe Kayode Pragmatic Technologies

Mrs Taire Morenike Moderator

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—57

Discussants

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY:

Renewable energy master plan the solution administration. Is there really an active policy in place.

Abba We have a regulatory framework which is one of the best in the world that encourages renewable energy development in Nigeria.

Government will come up with the Renewable Energy Master plan just as we have been talking about gas master plan in Nigeria. I agree renewable

,

you 24/7 equivalent load which you use the I-beta-pass-myneighbour to run for more than two, three years.

Ubong I thought you were going to talk about the initial cost.

Alomo If you calculate the cost factor of N300 of daily fuel consumption for 365 days and the cost to produce just a 1KVA inverter.

Ubong Let me give you an analogy. It is like somebody who wants to live in Ikotun and somebody who wants to live in Surulere.

The amount of money you use to come to work here can even be less but you might not have the money to get a house in Surulere immediately. That is the same thing.

Wale He has a very good point because we are also not looking at the after effects of these things we are putting in place: pollution. The pollution effect of using the generator outweighs the advantage and the after effects. We are talking about cancer.

Alomo The fact remains that it will give you far more benefit than the normal generator. There are so many ways to it. You can divide the cost.

Morenike An area that is of particular interest to me in this discussion is that of government policy regarding being able to generate electricity. We all generate electricity, anyway. An example is the Enron matter with the Tinubu administration some years ago which caused a huge furore which was to be the beginning of the political cold war between the administration and the then Obasanjo

don’t do it we can penalize them, we can sanction them.

Just like CBN.So also will be the new operators. The company must have certain number of years, the back ground , the experience, key management. We are what NCC is to telecoms and CBN to the banking sector.

Wale We need decentralization. I for one think that energy should

,

When you are talking about gas flaring, Nigeria at one time gave the multinationals a date to stop and that was not the case

energy will be cheaper on the long run not medium term because of the high capital investment required. If we had a single digit people can borrow over a long term and it will be more competition. If we look at places like Canada, I have been to a house where they have solar panels, they have what they call a smart grid. When energy is generated they utilize in the house. When they don’t utilize it goes back to the grid and they sell it. Sometimes they utilize everything. Sometimes they even earn money. Our grid is not yet even standard talk less of being smart but we hope with the private sector-led part of it we will start improving. It is the story of telecoms.

Abba When we have PHCN as we do today, the biggest challenge is that of inefficiency and corruption. Wherever they can hide and make more money they will, we know that. There is a rule making process that everybody must follow. If they try that they must answer your complaint within 14 days. If they

be decentralized and businesses should be allowed to have a framework of their own because you are not talking about a country like Togo or Ghana. Nigeria is a very big country and in order to try and get to the nooks and crannies of this country we need decentralization. When you are talking about gas flaring, Nigeria at one time gave the multinationals a date to stop and that was not the case. They are still flaring. Why can’t they sanction them? Go to all the

Dr. Ibrahim Abba

filling stations; it’s N97, but some people are selling it for 110. I’ve just put up a petition to DPR against about three filling stations but the thing is that DPR itself is not even helping matters. .

Abba Wale, I must tell you clearly the electric power sector reform is very different. We are not as big as America, which has what we call FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). If you go to the US each state has its own utility regulatory commission. If you go to DC they have the DC Public Utilities Commission.

They regulate telecoms, water, gas, sometimes transportation all in one. You mentioned gas flaring. The petroleum industry in Nigeria is a different animal on its own. DPR as far as I am concerned is part of the ministry of petroleum. We are not part of the ministry of Power; we are independent, we were appointed by the president, we have five-year term. We were screened and cleared by the National Assembly, we report to the National Assembly and the president.

That’s why if we don’t agree with the position of any minister we can come out and say so and that’s the way an independent regulatory agency should be run. DPR Director can never come and say “no” to the minister- the next day the person is out and they are supposed to be the regulators of the petroleum sector.

Seye

Morenike Taire

The worry about regulation is I think quite valid also from the perspective of the private sector from the investing community or the investing class. There will be minor reviews every six months and major reviews and the tariffs will be revised upwards or downwards as necessary. The downward, we will wait for.

We won’t know the effectiveness of the regulator until the regulator has to raise the tariff and the president makes a strong political push against it because it might not be in the government’s interest.

It is only when we get to that point that we will know the value of the regulator. Judging from the quality of Dr. (Abba), I know Dr. Amadi, I know quite a few of the people there, they are very well trained, international class, the rules are quite clear, they conduct themselves in a very good way.

Abba We should be reducing by a little before the end of this year.

Where we needed to say no to even the powers that be I can assure you we said no and we will continue to say no and we know nothing will happen because of the nature of independence.

Nature of independence If nobody I can vouch for my chairman. He is renowned, he is in the media, a very vocal person; and so far even in the media I have never heard anything negative and that’s the culture of the commission.

We have expended a lot of resources in training our staff.

No matter what we are going to do the right thing for this country. It affects our families.

Even the NEPA people, the things they are doing affect us.

Wale If we don’t get it right now I don’t think we can get it right.

There is this issue of the states partnering together to bid and at the end of the day it was given to some private individuals and the states started shouting that they were outsmarted. I felt that states coming together to bid should be in the interest of government because it will be their own.

To be concluded

58—Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

•Kelvin's LIMUP gang...waiting for amnesty

KOKORI ‘INVASION’: How most wanted kidnapper, Kelvin, breached security

By EMMA AMAIZE, Regional Editor, South-South & FESTUS AHON

K

OKORI, one of the six suburban ‘states’ of Agbon kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State with a population of between 50,000 and 100,000 persons, occupying about 196 square kilometres, has been in the news lately for a wrong cause.

For more than a year, the Delta State Police Command, had declared Kelvin Ibruvwe, wanted.

The police described him as the “most wanted kidnapper and robbery kingpin” in Delta State.

And since he was declared wanted, Kelvin, who, lately, wants to be identified as a freedom fighter, has remained mysterious to the police and other security agencies in the state.

After the March incident in which the suspect, who is on the wanted list, allegedly ambushed a Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, Hilux van, conveying suspects to Warri, and shot dead three warders in an audacious attempt to rescue his gang members awaiting trial, he became a top priority suspect in security circle in the state.

Because of the perceived information that he is “powerful” and

has commercial motor-cyclists in his area, who pass information to him on would-be victims and movement of security agents, on his payroll, the state government, some months ago, banned commercial motor-cycle transportation in Kokori and other parts of Ethiope-East Local Government, just like it had been banned in Warri, Effurun, Asaba and other parts of the state.

The police raided Kokori last April, and demolished a family home of Kelvin, suspected to be the operational headquarters of his kidnap gang.

Support to security agencies The police also arrested more than 50 persons in a bid to track him down, but he seemed not deterred. Kelvin is not only wanted for kidnap cases, which are legion in the state, but for also killing soldiers and police.

Delta State government is giving all vital support to security agencies in the state to track down Kelvin. The governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had invited leaders from Kokori, some months ago, for discussion on how to fish out the kidnap kingpin, but everybody kept sealed lips. Indeed, the fear of Kelvin

is the beginning of wisdom in Kokori. Nobody crosses his path and goes free. He is the defacto ruler of Kokori. The traditional

ruler was allegedly kidnapped by the gang and tortured, after which, he sees no evil, and hears no evil about the gang.

Nobody dares to speak or act openly against Kelvin in Kokori.

Those who did in the past, including one 'Oyibo', regretted their actions. For some months, both the police and army have been in a massive manhunt for him. In fact, his group was said to have been confronted by soldiers and policemen in outskirts of Isiokolo, the headquarters of his local government the day he ambushed prison warders in Warri.

Some of his men were injured in the bloody battle, but he escaped, just as he had on some occasions in the past. Sometime ago, he was even apprehended by men of the Joint Task Force, JTF at about 7.00 pm at the boundary between Isiokolo and Kokori. He was arrested in an ambulance and handcuffed to a patrol pick up van.

However, his boys on getting the information mobilized and came to his rescue. Some persons, including a soldier were killed in the inevitable gun battle that followed. He was rescued. Police believe he has powerful charm to protect him and some confessed secretly that they do not want to be deployed in any battle with Kelvin because his gang is armed to the teeth with superior weapons.

Kelvin was said to have a stronghold in Ibadan, and PortHarcourt and frequents Lagos and the South-East. The report that he also hibernates in a hotel belonging to a top politician in the state has not been confirmed.

Continues on page 59

Kevin is a criminal, Kokori not underdeveloped —Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, SSG SECRETARY to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macualay, spoke to Vanguard, weekend, in Asaba, on the latest threat to the security of the state by the most wanted kidnapper and armed robbery kingpin in the state, Kelvin.

The linchpin, who has been on the wanted list of the police in the state, appeared from the blues, last Tuesday, and issued a 60-day ultimatum to the State and Federal Governments to develop Kokori, his community in Ethiope East Local Government or his new group, Liberation Movement of the Urhobo People, LIMUP, would blow up oil facilities in the area.

The SSG said Kokori community has had its fair share of development in the state and the state government could not employ all Deltans. But it is, however, creating necessary environment for the private sector provide employment for the people, while unemployment is not, and cannot the basis for kidnapping and others forms of criminality. Excerpt.

F

OR some months now, one can say that the incident of kidnapping has reduced

•Delta SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay

in Delta State; will you say the strategies put in place by government are working?

Straightaway, I will say yes, the strategies the government had Continues on page 59

59

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013— governor does not have an army of its own, and he neither controls the police, the army, nor navy. So, you should be talking about the security agencies, government can only give support in terms of logistics to these agencies. And you will bear witness with me that in the whole of this country, and I want to be corrected and challenged by anybody, that there is no state, including the federal government, that has given the type of assistance that right, when you talk about the we give to our security agencies. state government, you are talkWhether vehicles, logistics, name ing about the governor of the them, we give them as they ask state, his cabinet, legislators, jufor it, the only thing we do not do diciary, as different from the sefor them in this state is that we do curity agencies. This is purely the not pay their salaries. job of the security agencies, the To be concluded

Kevin is a criminal, Kokori not underdeveloped —Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, SSG Continues frompage 58 put in place are working. For a very long time, we felt the boys could see reason not to do what they were doing. If you remember, the governor was more on the part of appeal, he called various stakeholders meetings, called community leaders across the state, traditional rulers across the state, as well as youths. He went on appealing to them. But I can tell you, nobody was ready to cooperate, either for fear of what will happen to them if they bring up information concerning any of their people or on the hand, some of them are collaborators because of the benefit they are getting. So the governor went back and took certain steps, which I believe are being implemented today.

But it looks as if there is going to be problem soon, as one of the most wanted kidnappers in the state, Kelvin, not only resurfaced in Kokori, his country home, last Tuesday, but dared the government by giving them a 60day ultimatum to develop Kokori or his group, would blow up oil facilities in his area?

Well, I am happy you used the word one of the most wanted kidnappers in the state. It is a known fact that there is a Kelvin, who is terrorizing the state. He has very wide outreach of fellow criminals spread across the state. For some time, he was on the run, the po-

There is not part of this country that is not talking about underdevelopment, even in the federal capital territory, Abuja, everybody is talking about underdevelopment, but the answer to it is not criminality. Having said that, I want to talk pointedly on whether Kokori is developed or is not developed, today, I know that Kokori has network of roads. The things that people in other parts of the state are benefitting, Kokori is equally benefitting it. I know that we have a Housing Estate, close to former Commissioner Ojakovo’s house, also in that area, you know, Kokori is just a small town in Agbon clan, Ethiope East Local Government Area, which has Isiokolo as headquarters.

People in virtually all administrations The whole Agbon clan is one and so, you cannot just talk about Kokori with a population of between 100,000 to 150,000 people alone. You cannot isolate it and they have produced people in virtually all the administrations.

Ojakovo, the former Commissioner for Finance, one –time Commissioner for Housing is from there, the present Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, George Orogun is from there, Rt Hon Emeyese, who was a member of the House of Assembly for eight years before

,

,

The most dreaded kidnap kingpin, Kelvin, last week Tuesday, appeared in his Kokori home town amidst cheers by over 3000 women and youths

lice had declared him wanted and I hear he had suddenly appeared and issued a threat. Well, he had issued a threat to the federal government and I want to believe that the federal government has the capacity to deal with the threat.

The major ground for the threat is that Kokori is not developed, what is your take on this?

First, we must differentiate these issues, how do you relate the issue of no development to criminality. It is a clear case that these people are carrying out criminal activities, kidnapping people, am sure that some Kokori people have also suffered in his hands. I remember the man, who is now the traditional ruler of his kingdom, His Royal Majesty Omeruo, once suffered in the hands of kidnappers. I know that some time, early this year, one of their boys called Oyibo from Kokori was also killed. So why did they kill Oyibo, is that development in Kokori is only in his house, that is why they went to attack, kill him and others. So, we should not relate criminality with the issue of development.

C M Y K

deal with it. So, what is the state government doing to reign in Kelvin because there are jitters over his threat?

When you use the word state government, I have always explained, we must get our facts

he became a member of the National Assembly is from there.

The present Commissioner for Finance is from there, a lot of their sons and daughters have been in government, so it will be out of place for a Kokori person or any person from that local government, Ethiope East, particularly Agbon clan, to come and complain that his area is not being developed. It is one of the areas that have the best network of roads in the state today, and by the way, after oil was found in Oloibiri in 1958 in this country, the next place where oil was found is Uzere. Uzere boys have not taken to kidnapping because Uzere is not fully developed, a gas station is in Uzere up till today, and some of the biggest wells in this country are still in Uzere till today. So will Uzere say that because they did not put air conditioner in every street, the sons and daughters of the state and people who come to invest in the state should not have peace? So I think it is a diversion, but as I said earlier, I believe that the federal government has the capacity to

•LIMUP gang being cheered by Kokori women

How the kidnapper breached security Continues frompage 58 Delta State Police Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who received a call one day from Kelvin, pleading for amnesty, between February and March, thought the boy was serious and even notified the Inspector General of Police, but few days after, he allegedly led the Warri Prisons warders’ attack.

What, however, stupefied Deltans is that that suspect, who is on the wanted list, could appear boldly in his community, where he is supposed to be under watch, and address the people for more than one hour without challenge by security agencies. According to our source, “The most dreaded kidnap kingpin, Kelvin, last week Tuesday, appeared in his Kokori home town amidst cheers by over 3000 women and youths.

Kelvin, at about 5.00 pm, addressed the press in the presence of kin, fully armed to teeth in anticipation of any altercation from security agents.

“All through the period where Kelvin demanded among other things for amnesty under aegis of the Liberation Movement of the Urhobo People, LIMUP, there was no interference from security agents.”

When Vanguard spoke with Commissioner Aduba some hours after Kelvin’s power game on Wednesday on phone, he said it was not true that the most wanted kidnapper, who police were looking for everywhere, could appear just like that to address the people. His words, “As far as I am concerned, Kelvin has been declared wanted by the security forces in Delta State. It is inconceivable that an event of such magnitude will take place in Kokori and the police will not get wind of it. The DPO in charge of the area says nothing of such took place. I am of the opinion that the event was stage-managed by some elements using the media.

“Why did the media, who were present at the event, not alert the police of the event.

Is it not a criminal offence to aid and abet a criminal?

In Kokori community, we have a detachment of police and army, yet we are told Kelvin addressed a news conference. The conference was held with some women supporting members of the kidnap group, they even allowed their photographs to be taken.”. One of the journalists who attended the conference told Vanguard, weekend, “I do not know what makes Aduba think that if a journalist is invited for an event, he would call him to brief him about where he is going to and who.

Moreover, the fact that his men and soldiers are not aware or choose not to be aware of the press conference does not mean that the event did not happen. He should get his facts right as a police chief before speaking.”

Breaching of security A source hinted that the issue of Kelvin was discussed at the last State Security Council meeting held in Oghara and some of the security chiefs maintained that Kelvin did not resurface as reported by the media. Some security chiefs were reportedly unhappy with the extreme positions of their colleagues, who did not want to accept the truth that a wanted criminal barefacedly breached security and appeared in his hometown, which was under watch.

A reliable source said the security men were compromised, adding, ‘That was why Kelvin was able to enter Kokori, did all he did and left without him being arrested.

There are soldiers and policemen in Kokori area, they cannot say they are not aware of the incident.”

It was gathered that with what appears to be compromise of the security team on ground in Kokori area, security chiefs, who are working out fresh measures to protect oil installations in the area, following the 60day ultimatum by LIMUP, were also planning a shake-up of their operational squads.

60 — Vanguard, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 ARRIVED the country from a CAF assignment in Dolisie, Congo Brazzaville to hear that Nigerian sports writers were spoiling for war with the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) over “an insult heaped on the media by the NFF over some record keeping” The argument had to do with player Utibe Archibong of Akwa Starlets who NFF credited with scoring the highest number of goals in the Challenge Cup. The media said no, that it was Warri Wolves player Musa Najare who should have that distinction only for the NFF to tell the journalist to go and do their home work…..whereas the journalist are insisting the NFF erred.

When therefore Godwin Enakhena sought my opinion, I said to him that the media was the watch dog of the society and the media has responsibility to not only inform and entertain, but to also educate the masses, and if the media is convinced it is right, it should press for its case. Also the NFF should stop and review its position and if faulty should apologise and move on, after all no one is perfect, says a popular adage.

However, let it be said here, that in sports, facts are sacrosanct, sacred. In sports, timing is done to the one thousandth of a minute and you dare not exaggerate. Ask Manchester City which won the Premiership in 2011 by goals difference. It therefore follows that if there was any tinge of controversy in compiling those points as the league ran to a close, then hours will be wasted trying to set the records straight.

I have used this example because the league table in Nigeria is still subject to the medium you are reading or hearing it from, whereas it should not be different, not even by a goal difference.

When Wayne Rooney scored his 200th goal for United, soccer statisticians were ready. They did not have to go back home to research and come back later to tell us that he has scored 200 goals.

Just yesterday, the FIFA web site informed and incredibly too, that despite Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, they had only 45 percent match possession, bringing to an end for the first time in over five years and 316 matches, their possession dominating streak dating back to their 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in May 2008. Wow ! Wow! What about Mikel Obi’s first league goal for Chelsea last Saturday? After a barren run of 185 matches ?....that is sports reporting for you, embellished by records,

I

‘Balogun had no thunderous shot . . .’ facts and dates to the letter.

Even the NFF, realize this fact when they advised journalists not to “create artificial controversies….through needless speculations….without seeking to establish the

If there was anybody that had a thunderous shot it was Etim Richard Henshaw

,

,

facts……thereby filing stories of inexistent controversy….by shamefully going to the press…..” and these are the very words that the journalist want the NFF to take back.

This brings me to the subject of my topic this week.

At the last meeting of the Association of Sports Veterans, Nigeria of which I am by the grace of God the Secretary General, Alhaji Demola Alli, ( Please don’t forget to spell my Alli with a double L ) alias Fireman, famed ex National table tennis player, journalist and long time serving image maker of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, drew my attention to the repeated “misinformation” by my colleagues that “Thunder” Balogun was so named because he had a killer shot. Far from it, Fireman screamed. “ If there was anybody that had a thunderous shot it was Etim Richard Henshaw.” He said.

Fireman took me through a preview written by late Bonar Ekanem in the Daily Times (considered the greatest Nigerian sportswriter to date by Alli) before

the famed UK tour of 1945. “ I will never forget that preview because I crammed it. It was beautifully crafted. While going through the list of players selected, Bonar wrote…. “And the forwards. Ah they are drawn from the giant killers of Loco Yard. Golden Boy Okere ( captain of Railways) Diamond Toe Baby Anieke, popular goal merchant Balogun, Burma Devil Dokuboh, Silver footed Anosike to spear down any stubborn defence. Among them is that terror of all Nigerian goalkeepers H-E-N-S-H-AW a name written with golden letters across our soccer history. His cannon shots dare not touch any goalkeeper because there is bound to be a funeral.

He is perhaps the only one who can escape the law if he kills. “ Our soccer crown would have sunk into the earth if Henshaw was not in the team. Now thank God he is there. And Mazembe Otu…why not Friday Okoh?”

So where did the appellation Thunder come from? I asked “ Misrepresentation,” Alli argued. “The Thunder represented his speed…lightning speed. He was so fast, like a flash, he could dart left and right in one second, confuse players and leave defenders standing. Fleet footed and scored incredible goals, but shot? No way he had no shots. Shot nothing. Rather from where you sat, you could hear goal keepers screaming “….mark Henshaw….Mark Henshaw…they were so scared of his cannon shots.

He was licensed to kill.”

Receiving the support of Veterans President Chief J.B Ogufere and former NFA scribe Herbert Omokhaye alias Alibay, Alhaji Alli went on to say that “ in the trials to the Tour, it was Henshaw who retired his Marine team mate goalkeeper Tony Hart when in the match between Probables and Possibles, Henshaw’s shot hit the post and rebounded to clip Hart’s ear and blood flowed. I remember vividly Bonar Ekanem’s headline in the Times the next day. HENSHAW DRAWS FIRST BLOOD..”

Alli like the NFF wants us to be more thorough in educating especially those who rely on us for facts.

Like the NFF too I wonder whether anyone will stand up to dispute this revelation of Thunder Balogun never killing anybody with his Thunderous shots as we were made to believe in a long standing fact that Alli now claims is a myth.

See you next week.

World scrabble Chairman lauds Nigeria on Akpabio Classics G ODSWILL Akpabio International Scrabble Classics has been adjudged as the best Scrabble competition in the world, so says the Chairman of the World English Language Scrabble Players Association ( WESPA ) Mr Elie Dangoor.

In a Goodwill message addressed to the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation Chief Toke Aka and sent to the organizers of the Classics which enters its 7th year this Wednesday in Uyo, Mr Elie Dangoor described the Classics as “prestigious” “The big names that are earmarked for this event are testament to the stature it carries in the scrabble world. The icing on the cake is the rapprochement between the top players and the officials in charge of our beloved game in Nigeria “ he wrote.

He added that “….things are always best when every one works together, and it is important for everyone to recognize the commitment and

stormed the scrabble world, to win the world scrabble championship at Malaysia.

It is still on record that after 6 editions of GAISC event, no

scrabble player has been able to win a double at the event.

Whether this feat will be erased in Uyo from Wednesday is left to be seen.

Mali, Gabon, Togo confirm for CCSF International Taekwondo Open

M PLAY TIME . . . Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom (right) plays scrabble with a Thailand player, Pakorn Nemitrimansuk, at the recently concluded Akpabio International Classic Scrabble in Uyo. unable to attend and dedication it has taken long may this continue” triumph as the World both officials and players He prayed.

Scrabble Champion, to bring scrabble to such The Godswill AkpabIo hence his decision to great heights in Nigeria International Scrabble appear in Uyo this year. and the wider African Classics( GAISC ) was in In 2012, being the 6th continent. It takes two to 2012 rated as the most edition of the GAISC, tango and that is not Prestigious Scrabble Pakorn Nitremanasuk, less true here than Event in the world, with won the GAISC for the anywhere else.” a whooping star prize of first time, after 2 The Scrabble big gun (USD 15,000) as against attempts, where he who is looking forward the Kings Cup, with a placed 3rd position to his Uyo visit, ended star prize of (USD twice. his goodwill message by 10,000).

It was actually in 2009, thanking Governor This makes the GAISC, after being humbled at Godswill Akpabio the biggest and only the 3rd edition of the “…….for keeping scrabble event, that GAISC, that Pakorn Scrabble in his heart and Nigel Richards has been

ALI, Gabon, Togo and Congo Brazzaville have joined the league of foreign nations confirmed for the second Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open holding next month in Abuja.

The four nations have improved the list of foreign teams expected to participate in the twoday tournament.

13 athletes will hoist the flag of Mali, while Congo Brazzaville’s has Roland Didanga competing in the men’s -80kg category.

From the list of teams made available, aside the seven countries, 24 states, five universities, seven clubs, three

paramilitary, Nigeria Police and 23 individuals made up of 169 athletes have so far registered for the tournament.

The 281 athletes are made up of 195 male and 86 female while entries are still expected this week from participants.

According to the organisers, over 34 athletes are expected from neighbouring nations as the competition continues to gain more status across the continent and globe.

With the arrival of new equipment to be used and distributed to the participants, the organisers are planning a colourful tournament this year.

Vanguard, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 — 61

Why Ethiopia will be dangerous — Onye

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

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INGSLEY Onye is worried about the reports that he has been reading from Nigeria on the last 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Generally, Nigerians have been celebrating the draw. They have written off Ethiopia, going by their comments in the media. Onye, who was battered in a match violence in Ethiopia in 1984 reacted this way from his base in London: “The reactions that I read daily from Nigeria on the World Cup draw scare me. I’m even more worried now than the day the draw was made.

Nigerians are easily writing off Ethiopia.

May I strongly tell Nigerians that anybody who thinks the tie with Ethiopia will be a walkover for the Eagles should have a rethink.

Nigeria will be missing the point to think that they are in Brazil already. They are not there yet and they will not get there easily. I played against them and I know what the effects of weather are like there when you are playing.

Your throat is dry and you burn out of energy in time. But aside that, the Ethiopians we watched in the Nations Cup are better now.

They have improved.

They are hungry and determined. Money will not motivate them. What motivates them is the fact that they are playing Nigeria. They are hungry, determined and will not be exhausted at home or in Nigeria.

They can pass the ball.

They can hold the ball and that could be a problem. I want Stephen Keshi and his technical crew to disregard the comments of those who have predicted an easy ride. Ethiopia will not be easy to beat. For a team to qualify after losing three points for defaulting means that they are strong. We saw their resilience during the Nations Cup. We saw their passing game.

What they lacked then

C M Y K

Quadri wins Portuguese Super Cup

(l-r)Arsenal Legend and former France International, Robert Pires, CEO/ MD, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya and Director, Corporate Communication & CSR, Emeka Oparah at the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Africa Championship hosted by Nigeria at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos on Sunday. was shooting. They are better in that area now.

They play collectively and they are very hungry. That makes them dangerous. They may not be stars but they are a good team that may surprise any team including Nigeria.

Let’s not allow that to happen.”

Nigeria’s Flying

Eagles beat Ethiopia 30 in Lagos in 1984 in one of the qualifiers for the 1985 Under 20 World Cup. The return leg ended 1-1 but the Nigerians were badly battered in a violence that ensued after the match. Onye suffered a deep cut on the eyelid and collapsed after losing a lot of blood.

Reports had spread in Ethiopia that Nigerian fans three pieces of bread at them in Lagos to spite them about the hunger in their country following the months of drought. The news hurt them badly and when Nigeria visited the players were so beaten that it was a miracle that no life was lost.

Niger defends ARS U-17 African title •Tanzania wins in female category

D

EFENDING Champion, Niger valiantly fought hard to emerge the 2013 champions of the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Africa Championship even as the curtains fell on the biggest age-grade competition in the continent.

The Nigeriens defeated Zambia 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out after the match had ended 1 apiece during regulation time while Tanzania needed just a lone goal against Kenya to clinch the medals in the female category.

A lone strike from Donisia Daniel was all the Tanzanian female team needed to emerge the Champion of the season two of the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Africa Championship and end the country’s twenty-year trophy draught in any international competition.

The Tanzanians had come into the competition as underdogs in a group

that had Sierra Leone, Malawi and Uganda. They however shocked book makers in the group opener when they

defeated Sierra Leone 2-1.

That was their only victory at the group stage as they went on to lose to Uganda 0-1 and drew with Malawi 1-1.

IGERIA’S Aruna Quadri at the weekend led his Portuguese club, G. D. Toledos to win the Portugal Super Cup after beating CP Oliverinha 3-0.

An excited Quadri said: “Winning the super cup did not come easy at all as I left Nigeria immediately for preparation for the tournament. We had taken part in the first round of European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Cup in Cyprus and we won all our matches to qualify for the second round as part of build up for the Portuguese Super Cup. I want to say that we prepared enough for the encounter.”

He added: “We won in an unbelievable manner by winning all our matches 3-0 each which ended within 40 minutes. We made history in Portuguese Super Cup by winning the trophy within

Mikel Continues from BP do today was to win, we got the three points and my goal was just a bonus,” Mikel said.

Mikel however admitted his delight at scoring his first league goal after 185 games, disclosing that his teammates had already

started teasing him about it.

“I am pretty happy, it has been a long time,” Mikel admitted.

“The guys have been killing me about it. It is good to get my first goal in the Premier League, I have scored in the FA Cup a couple of times.”

golf Continues from BP

SET TO PUTT....Frank Ezenwah about to putt at the Ist Smokin Hills golf tournament in IlaraMokin, Ondo State on September 21. PHOTO; Kehinde Gbadamosi

just 40 minutes, it has never happened before as the previous ones ended for hours.”

Narrating how the match went, the Oyo State-born athlete said: “I gave a perfect start by winning Bruno Silva 11-3,11-4 and 11-5 to set a clean lead for my team while Andre Silva increased the lead by beating Rui Filip by same scoreline 11-6,11-3 and 118. Diego Silva completed the rout by defeating Joao Brandao 11-4,11-4 and 117 to end the match and for us to be crowned the champion.”

For Quadri, winning the cup has added to his diadems in the league having won double last season with the Portuguese Cup and league title, he said: “Winning the Super Cup took me to next level in my career and I am so happy for winning my third titles in just one year.

that he was destined to win given his preparations for the event.

“I worked hard for this victory and I am happy that my hard work has been rewarded with this golden victory ”, said Adeleke.

Bola Ahmed emerged champion in the men’s handicap 15-28. His closest challenger, Temitope Alonge, whose haul of 31 points, was four points shy of Ahmed’s points.

In the ladies category, Abiodun Hassan from the Abeokuta golf club was declared champion.

Joyce Nicole finished second while Bethel Umeh came third.

Speaking afterward to Sports Vanguard, Hassan said she was motivated to dig deep

for the victory by the beautiful and impressive Smoking Hills Golf Course, which she described as the best in the country.

“I have been around the country and seen all the golf courses that are here but what I saw here has really impressed me a lot. The greens and fairways are just too good. This for me is the best in the country. Even the IBB golf course does not match-up to the standard of this golf course in Ilara-Mokin”, said a victorious Hassan.

In other categories, Alfred Diete-Spff finished top in the veterans section, Thomas Franklin emerged champion in the men’s longest drive while Grace Lucas scooped the ladies equivalent.

62 —

Vanguard, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Arsenal see off Stoke, go top A

RSENAL went to the top of the Premier League table after a 3-1 victory at home to Stoke City.

Victory left the Gunners two points in front of both Chelsea and Liverpool. But north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will join them on 12 points if they win away to Cardiff City later on Sunday.

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, made it seven goals in eight games when he gave Arsenal a fifth-minute lead at the Emirates Stadium.

Stoke, however, were back on level terms when USA international Geoff Cameron scored his first goal for the club in the 26th minute.

Arsenal though were 21 up before half-time through centre-back Per Mertesacker ’s looping header.

Bacary Sagna then scored his first goal in 19 months in the 72nd minute from another freekick by £42.4m club record signing Ozil.

Pedro hits first Barça hat-trick

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OOZING WITH CONFIDENCE....Arsenal's Mesut Ozil runs with the ball during the match against Stoke City at the Emirates stadium on September 22. Arsenal won 3-1. Photo: AFP

Roma down Lazio, Inter rout Sassuolo S

ECOND-HALF goals from Federico Balzaretti and Adem Ljajic handed Roma a precious 2-0 derby win over Lazio to send the Giallorossi top of the Italian Serie A on Sunday.

Roma go temporarily top with a two-point cushion over Inter, who had gone top earlier on Sunday following a 7-0 rout away to Sassuolo.

Fiorentina, in third, and fourth-placed Juventus are also just two points shy of Rudi Garcia’s league leaders, with Napoli one point adrift in fifth.

CELEBRATION: Inter's Saphir Sliti Taider (l) celebrates a goal with a teammate during yesterday's Serie A match against Sassouolo at the Mapei Arena stadium. Inter won 7-0. PHOTO : AFP

City crush Man U in derby M

ANCHESTER City ensured David Moyes’ first derby as Manchester United manager ended in abject humiliation with a crushing victory at the Etihad Stadium.

In contrast to the despair of his opposite number, it was a day of delight for new City boss Manuel Pellegrini as he watched the rampant Blues make a powerful statement about their Premier League ambitions.

Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure gave City a commanding half-time lead and any slim hopes C M Y K

EDRO Rodríguez stole the show at Vallecas, rediscovering his Midas touch to turn his every contribution into gold.

And in football that means goals.

The 26-year-old grabbed a hat-trick thanks to a trio of assists from different players; Leo Messi laid on the opener, Cesc Fàbregas set him up for the second, and Neymar da Silva gave him the simplest of tasks to wrap up a magical evening from a personal point of view.

This was the second treble of Pedro’s career, with the other coming for Spain against Belarus. The pacy forward now has five ‘La Liga’ goals for the season, just behind Leo Messi at the top of the scoring charts.

of a United recovery were snuffed out by further goals from Aguero and Samir Nasri within five minutes of the restart.

Wayne Rooney’s late free-kick offered nothing

in the way of consolation for Moyes or United on a day of embarrassment that will sit uncomfortably alongside City’s 6-1 win at Old Trafford two seasons ago.

Brilliant Bayern!

B

AYERN München produced their most polished display so far under Pep Guardiola to run out 4-0 winners at Schalke.

Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Mandzukic, Franck Ribery and Claudio Pizarro

helped the German record champions to a well-deserved victory against the Royal Blues.

Kevin-Prince Boateng struck a shot from distance after five minutes which Manuel Neuer parried, and Adam Szalai could merely flap at the rebound.

Bale injured

G

ARETH Bale missed out on a home debut for Real Madrid on Sunday after sustaining an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

The Wales international was set to make his Bernabeu bow following his world-record move from Tottenham over the summer but instead was forced to miss the Primera Division fixture with Getafe.

•Bale

TABLES EPL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Arsenal Tottenham Man City Chelsea Liverpool Everton Southampton Man United Swansea Stoke Hull Newcastle Aston Villa West Brom West Ham Cardiff Norwich Fulham Crystal Palace Sunderland

G 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

D 0 0 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 1 0 1

L 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 4 4

F 11 5 12 6 5 6 3 7 7 4 5 5 6 4 4 4 3 3 4 3

A Pts 6 12 1 12 4 10 2 10 3 10 4 9 2 8 6 7 7 7 5 7 7 7 8 7 6 6 4 5 4 5 6 5 6 4 7 4 8 3 11 1

5 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 4 1 3 1

0 0 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 4 3 5

16 13 15 10 15 9 9 6 5 10 15 7 10 7 6 10 8 3

5 2 7 8 11 8 12 9 8 7 15 13 8 9 9 17 12 14

16 16 15 12 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 7 6 6 4 4 3 1

5 5 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 4

5 5 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0

0 0 1 1 0 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 3 3 0 2

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 4 2 2 3 2

18 16 10 8 8 6 4 4 7 3 5 7 3 4 4 4 10 4 5 5

4 4 5 4 6 3 3 10 7 4 5 4 6 6 16 10 13 8 9 8

15 15 10 10 9 8 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2

4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 4

10 13 10 8 9 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 5 4 3 4 4 2 1 1

1 1 4 3 2 3 5 7 6 7 5 6 7 8 6 8 8 6 7 15

12 10 10 10 9 7 7 6 6 5 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 0

BUNDESLIGA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Dortmund 6 Bayern Munich 6 Bayer 6 Hannover 6 Mönchengladbach6 Wolfsburg 6 Mainz 05 6 FC Augsburg 6 Werder 6 Hertha 6 Hoffenheim 6 Schalke 6 Stuttgart 5 Eintracht 5 Nürnberg 6 Hamburger 6 Freiburg 6 E’ Braunschweig 6

LA LIGA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Barcelona Atlético Madrid Villarreal Real Madrid Athletic Espanyol Sociedad Levante Celta Vigo Granada Real Betis Málaga Valladolid Getafe Rayo Osasuna Almería Elche Valencia Sevilla

SERIE A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Roma Inter Milan Fiorentina Juventus Napoli Livorno Torino Lazio Verona Cagliari Milan Udinese Genoa Chievo Atalanta Bologna Sampdoria Parma Catania Sassuolo

Vanguard, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013—63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 , 2013

Mikel on cloud nine!

J OHN Mikel Obi is delighted at scoring his first Premier League goal for Chelsea in their 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.

The 26-year-old preferred to take a collective approach by

Adeleke, Hassan win Smoking Hills golf

emphasizing on the team’s ability to get back to winning ways after a poor run of defeats in their last three games.

“We had lost two games in a row and the most important thing to Continues on Page 61

Why Ethiopia will be dangerous — Onye

(P.61)

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

HE Ist Smoking Hill Invitational golf tournament has ended in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, with winners emerging in seven categories.

The one-day event, which featured about 82 players, saw Bayo Adeleke emerging the champion in the men’s handicap 0-14. He had 36 points to beat Yinka Olaniyi, with 35 points, into the second position while Moses Ojo finished third with 33 points.

An excited Adeleke, while saluting his competitors for putting up a brave fight, said

Continues on Page 61 Today’s La Liga Match Espanyol v Bilabao 9 pm

Athletic

DEMOLITION DERBY! Aguero strikes two while Yaya and Nasri rub salt into Moyes’ wounds as new boss endures embarrassment at the Etihad (and Van Persie watches horror show from the stands)

Man City crush Man Utd 4 - 1 in derby QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

(P.62)

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Bar (5) 9 Rush (6) 10 Coarse (6) 11 Consumed (5) 12 Sword (4) 15 Formerly (4) 17 Concerned (7) 20 Weight (3) 21 Ate (5) 23 Implement (4) 25 Courage (4) 26 Assessed (5) 28 Deity (3) 30 Mirror (7) 33 Again (4) 35 Tardy (4) 36 Urchin (5) 38 Oozed (6) 39 Freshest (6) 40 Skirmish (5)

DOWN 1 Twist (5) 2 Command (5) 3 Shelter (3) 4 Deleted (6) 5 Always (4) 6 Manage (3) 7 Representative (5) 8 Verdant (5) 13 Slice (7) 14 Mistake (5) 16 Touch (7) 18 Frogman (5) 19 Plead (3) 22 Amusing (5) 24 Circuit (3) 27 Delineate (6) 28 Stared (5) 29 Outcoming (5) 31 Keen (5) 32 Cogs (5) 34 Paddle (4) 36 Jewel (3) 37 Born (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Lever 9, Career 10, Vulgar 11, Eaten 12, Epee 15, Once 17, Worried 20, Ton 21, Dined 23, Tools 25, Grit 26, Rated 28, God 30, Reflect 33, Anew 35, Late 36, Gamin 38, Exuded 39, Newest 40, Melee.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Screw 2, Order 3, Lee 4, Erased 5, Ever 6, Run 7, Agent 8, Green 13, Portion 14, Error 16, Contact 18, Diver 19, Beg 22, Droll 24, Lap 27, Define 28, Gazed 29, Debut 31, Eager 32, Teeth 34, Wade 36, Gem 37, Nee.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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