ABUJA KILLINGS: Traders vow to sue DSS, as death toll rises to 10

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 61977

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

$25,000 BRIBERY SCANDAL: My

Story, by Emodi 16

CJN laments decline in judicial system

8

N150

From left: Mr. Haresh Vaswani, Vice Chairman; Sunil Vaswani, Chairman, both of Stallion Group of Companies; Mr. Mike Whitfield, Managing Director and Mr. Jimmy Dando, General Manager, both of Nissan South Africa; at the celebration of Stallion NMN Limited as the new Nissan brand custodian and national sales company.

ABUJA KILLINGS:

Traders vow to sue DSS, as death toll rises to 10 •We were in total confusion and were running for our dear lives, while soldiers were busy gunning down the occupants running in any direction— Survivor

PENSIONERS PROTEST

BY EMMA NNADOZIE, CRIME EDITOR, EMMANUEL ELEBEKE, CHRIS OCHAYI, GABRIEL EWEPU, FUNMI OLASUPO & SUCCESS UZOKWE

ABUJA-The shooting by security operatives at an uncompleted building behind Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja last Friday which claimed eight lives took a new turn yesterday as Garki Modern Market Traders Association vowed to drag the security service to court claiming those who were Continues on Page 4

COLUMNIST:

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

PROTEST—A Protest by Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State; over non-payment of pension arrears and gratuities by Lagos State Government, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photos: Bunmi Azeez.

C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

POCKET CARTOON

JONATHAN MEETS OBAMA—US President, Barack Obama; talks with President Goodluck Jonathan before their bilateral meeting in New York, yesterday on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. AFP Photo.

Traders vow to sue, as death toll rises to 10 Continues from Page 1

killed were its members and were innocent.

This is just as the death toll in the shooting has risen to 10 as one of the injured victims died yesterday at the hospital.

One of the survivors recounted his experience giving a graphic detail of how the incident happened.

Traders Association to sue DSS Garki Modern Market Traders' Association has started briefing its lawyers with a view to dragging the Department of State Service, DSS,to court over the killing of its members at an uncompleted building, be-

LIFEWORDS

B

BY PASTOR ITUAH

LAMING creates enemies. The person you are blaming will ignore you, compile numerous proofs of their innocence, and resent you. And their friends will defend them and become your enemies.

Even your own friends will get fed up with your complaining and distance you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Feelings are everywhere and the world is harsh enough. Just be gentle — J. Masai

T

HIS is an interesting story about being con siderate with the feelings of other people whose lifestyles and customs are different from ours. During a diplomatic reception for a visiting Chieftain from another continent, an etiquette rule was breached unknowingly by the guest of honour at the dinner party. All went well during the meal until, at the end, finger bowls were served. The guest of honour had never seen a British finger bowl, and no one had thought to brief him beforehand about its purpose. So not knowing what else to do, he took the bowl in his two hands, lifted it to his mouth and drank its contents down.

For an instant, there was breathless silence among the privileged guests, and then they began to whisper to one another about the breach of etiquette.

But the queen herself saved the moment when she likewise lifted her bowl to her lips and drank. The diners caught on and a moment later 500 surprised ladies and gentlemen simultaneously drank the contents of their own finger bowls. It was the queen’s tact and consideration that guarded her guest from certain embarrassment. When we are dealing with people different from us. Remember different does not mean better or superior, it is just what it is – different. And it is in our differences and diversity that we all share a common bond in tuned with our humanity.

hind the Apo Legislative Quarters, in Abuja, last week.

The Secretary of the association, Murtala Abubakar, said that they had already reported the murder of their members to the Senate and the National Human Rights Commission for appropriate actions against the murderers.

Abubakar lamented: “Those people are eligible traders trading in our market so I don’t see why they should be killed.”

According to him, “We lost two of our members as now, while eight were seriously wounded by the soldiers who shot them at close range.

Five others are missing as we speak.

“The security agents did not recover anything not even a gun. They were just saying that our members opened fire on them but they were just saying it to cover up because they don’t have any proof that these people are Boko Haram” Abubakar added that the DSS was still holding two of the association’s members who were arrested on Friday morning as they went back to collect their property from the scene of massacre.

Abuja KEKE NAPEP Chairman, Musa Ibrahim “We are here this

morning to take the remaining two bodies from the mortuary although one of the bodies has been here in Asokoro Hospital mortuary since Friday.

“We took seven bodies and gave them to their relatives since the day of the attack. The body that was deposited in mortuary was as a result of our not being able to get in touch with the family.

“We have been able to establish contact with all the families of the slain men. Meanwhile, we just lost another victim who was rushed to the hospital that Friday. His name was Nasiru Adamu, and hailed from Zamfara State.

“The seven that were killed that day were all our Keke NAPEP members; we issued them with identity cards, which they were carrying at the time of their death.

“They had lived in that uncompleted building for over two years and were paying N200 weekly to the security guard of the building as a caretaker of the landlord.

“Even the owner of the building was aware that these people were living in the house. He had given them a quit notice and they were preparing to leave a day before the attack.

“After the attack, there were no security operatives around the building; it was our members who even informed the nearest police station to come around.

“If those who were left in the building were actually Boko Haram, they would have run away after the attack.

“As we know, those who lost their lives and the survivors were not Boko Haram members.

We want the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the matter and punish whoever is behind the dastardly act because it is not acceptable.

Meanwhile, one of the victims died on Monday, bringing the death toll to 10.

Nine persons had earlier been killed by bullets fired by security agents when they stormed an uncompleted storey building in the neighbourhood in search of ‘terrorists’ whom they claimed tried to stop them from uncovering buried arms in the compound.

The tenth victim of the

onslaught gave up the ghost on Monday morning at the Asokoro General Hospital, which has been besieged by human right activists, relatives of victims and security agents since the dead and wounded were transferred to the medical facility.

When Vanguard visited the hospital, relatives of the dead and wounded, human rights activists, sympathizers, religious leaders, youth leaders, lawyers and politicians were seen in small groups strategizing on how to handle the killings, which they described as extra-judicial.

Bakori/Danja Constituency, Katsina State Rep, Hon. Amiru Nadabo accuses DSS of feeding Nigerians with lies.

Hon. Nadabo who was sited at the Hospital premises along with other mourners, accused the DSS of feeding Nigerians with lies, insisting that Nnational Assembly would do everything possible to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings of the Apo 10.

Nadabo, who lost four of his constituents to the killings, vowed that apart from taking the matter to the floor of the National Assembly, they would also take necessary legal action to see redress over the manslaughter of his men.

“We have spoken to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police and both of them had confirmed that their men were not involved in the dastard act. We are trying to find out who arrested those people and where they were taken to.

“I have four of my constituents involved in this unfortunate circumstance and we can’t allow this to continue to happen. These are peo-

ple that have their jobs and are Keke NAPEP operators.

“It was from their ID cards that we got to know that these people are members of the Keke NAPEP riders association and not armed robbers or terrorists as claimed by the DSS. “You cannot just be calling them Boko Haram because the security men are at war with Boko Haram.

“Since DSS said it was a joint operation, we asked them to produce their men that had joint operation with the army.

The question we ask is, is there supposed to be a joint operation between the army and DSS without the police?

The IG and Commissioner of police said they do not know about the joint operation. The question is now, who went with DSS on the joint operation?

“I think that if they must have joint operation, the police must know but the commissioner of police told us he did not know about it.”

On the next line of action, he said, “ we have already petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence staff, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Inspector General of Police because we cannot allow this to continue to happen.

“We are taking this matter to court. We have our lawyers here; they have gone to interview those that were injured so as to take the next line of action. We are in a democracy and this is why we can’t allow this to happen.”

It's extra-judicial killing — Shehu Sani The President, Civil Rights Congress, described the action of the security operatives as an Continues on Page 60

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 5

C M Y K

6—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Body of 2-yr-old exhumed in church premises

BY EVELYN USMAN

O

PERATIVES at the Homicide Section of the state Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, Lagos, have begun investigation into the discovery of the decomposing body of a twoyear-old child in a church premises in Egbeda area of Lagos.

The pastor (names withheld) has been arrested over the alleged murder of the child.

Although details of investigation were still sketchy at press time, it was gathered that the pastor was allegedly caught burying the dead child in a shallow grave within the church premises.

It was learnt that the said pastor was caught by a neighbor, who had gone out to ease himself at 2a.m., weekend, digging the grave. The neighbour, whose identity was not disclosed, was said to have alerted other residents.

They were said to have reported their findings to policemen at Idimu Division, consequent upon which a team was drafted to the church.

The policemen, as gathered, dug the shallow grave where they discovered and exhumed the body of a baby girl. The body was deposited at the mortuary.

Command’s Deputy Spokesman, Damasus Ozoani, confirmed the arrest.

WATER: Children fetching water from borehole by Unguwar Mukaddas Water Scheme project in Warji Local Government Area, Bauchi State, yesterday.

BIRTHDAY TRAGEDY: Girl raped, fiance shot zBandits gave her N500

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

N

SUKKA—TRAGEDY struck at the university town of Nsukka, Enugu State, weekend, as unidentified gunmen raped a young girl, who was celebrating her birthday with her lover boy, who

was also shot in the head.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred last Saturday, when the girl’s boyfriend, identified as Sunday Ozioko, 30, took out his lover in his new Toyota Camry saloon car as part of the birthday celebration.

Tenant kills landlord, wife, sets house abaze Mr. Edem Akpan, and his ment Area of the state.

A

tenant in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, allegedly set his residence ablaze, yesterday, killing his landlord and landlady.

The house is located at Asuquo Eyo Street in Ifa Ikot Okpon, Uyo Local Govern-

The suspect, in his mid 40s, identified simply as Ime and popularly known as Shawa, was said to have threatened to burn down the house and kill his landlord and wife if they ejected him.

It was learnt that Ime, allegedly stabbed his landlord,

Downpour sacks Edo communities

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—OVER 12 hours torrential rainfall grounded commercial activities in Benin, Edo State capital, yesterday, and sub-

Submerged in Edo. C M Y K

It was learned that the gunmen, who rode in a motorcycle, blocked the vehicle along Orba Road at 6.30p.m., took over the car and sped off through Orba Market to Obollo-Afor.

They stopped at Alor-Ano Community Secondary

merged some houses in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area.

Reports from other parts of state also indicated that people were forced to stay indoors due to the heavy rain.

Vanguard gathered that the rain, which started at 5a.m., left most parts of the city flooded with residents packing out their belongings.

The commercial centre of Benin, comprising Ring Road, Forestry, Third Junction and New Benin area, had most stores and retail businesses locked up.

A journalist, Mr. Iro Omorodion, told Vanguard that he had been forced out of his house on Anigeboro Street, adding that residents in the area lost property worth millions of naira to the flood.

Another victim of flood, Cordelia Igbe said: “I was in the office when I received a phone call from my neighbour to come home as flood water had entered my apartment.

“I had to take excuse from my boss and rushed home. What I saw was not what I bargained for at all. I am really confused.

I don’t know what to do.”

wife, Affiong, to death, before setting the house ablaze.

Ms Emem Akpan, the deceased’s daughter, said trouble started when her father asked Ime to quit his house.

Akpan said that the suspect refused to park out and threatened that if her father insisted on ejecting him, he would kill them and burn down the house.

She said: “We thought what he said was just a mere threat.

None of us could believe that Ime was capable of doing what he said.

“Two days ago, we saw him bringing worn-out tyres into the compound. We didn’t know he had a plan.

“Yesterday, before we left for church in the evening, he brought 20 litres of fuel, more than what his generator could contain.

“I remember a neighbour asking him what he was going to do with such amount of fuel, but he told him that he was going to run the generator overnight.”

School, raped the girl and shot her fiancé, who survived the attack, but was said to be in critical condition.

A source told Vanguard that when the two gunmen were through at 9:30p.m., they gave the victim N500, having been dropped off at Odolu in Kogi State.

Realising that the girl could identify then later, the bandits allegedly made for the girl again, who was able to escape through a path that led her to a crusade ground, where Adonai Faith Assembly was having a vigil.

Rescue

The obviously horrified girl was said to have narrated her ordeal to the congregation, who she told her fiancee was still lying in his pool of blood.

According to a source, the pastor of the church immediately swung into action, reached out to the police at Nsukka Urban, who quickly rushed him to Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka.

Efforts made to speak with the victim at his hospital private ward proved abortive as his relations barred press men from seeing him.

Sunday Ozioko has, however, been transferred to UNTH, Enugu, for a surgical operation on his head.

Enugu State Police spokesman, Ebere Amarizu, said police were on top of the situation and vowed that everything would be done to track down the bandits.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—7

Pregnant woman killed, others injured as Enugu building collapses

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—A four-bedroom bungalow, built on the hilly Ologo settlement in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, collapsed Sunday night, killing a pregnant woman and injuring her husband and another tenant.

The woman, Mrs. Chinasa Chukwuka, and her husband were in their room, when part of the hill behind their house collapsed during a downpour and pulled the house down.

An eyewitness said that the woman died before she could be rescued from the rubble, while her husband, Emeka,

was successfully pulled out, but fainted thereafter. He was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Their neighbours, Mr. Cyril Jaja, who occupy two rooms in the same house with his son, however, sustained a minor injury, but all their belongings were destroyed.

Premonition

The owner of the building, Mr. Joseph Nwoye, from Ishielu in Ebonyi State, who resides in one of the three houses he built in the same area, said that the house collapsed around 10pm Sunday, shortly after he held a meeting with his tenants and told them to relocate to another

apartment he secured for them after sensing that the building was in danger.

He said that during a downpour in Enugu last Thursday, a heavy stone rolled from the hill and hit the building, giving an indication that the hill could collapse.

He said: “When I noticed this, I called the tenants in the building, including the Chukwukas, and told them to relocate to another building within the area, which I secured for them but his wife (Chinasa now late) refused.

“She said that they should remain in the building. I insisted that they should move out of the building and called

COLLAPSE: The Ologo hilly settlement building in Enugu.

2 men accused of raping teenage boys zAnother nabbed over 3-yr-old girl's rape

G

OMBE State Police Command says it has arrested two persons suspected of homosexuality and another for rape.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr. Fwaje Atajiri, made this known yesterday in Gombe.

Atajiri said that a 25-yearold suspected homosexual of Dubai by-pass Gombe had, on September 15, lured a sevenyear-old boy to an uncompleted building, threatened him with a knife and raped him.

According to him, an old man notified the police after querying the boy, whom he C M Y K

met walking in pains after the rape.

The police spokesman said the suspect was immediately arrested and after interrogation allegedly confessed to have committed the offence.

Also, Atajiri said another suspect, who resides at Riyal quarters, Gombe, was arrested at a building site in Cham village of Balanga Local Government after raping a 12-yearold boy.

He said that the police had also apprehended another person, who goes by the alias Popo, for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl.

He said the cries of the baby

alerted her mother, who rushed to the scene and caught the suspect red-handed.

Atajiri said when Popo of Sarkin Yaki quarters, Kumo, in Akko Local Government tried to escape, neighbours helped to arrest and lock him up in a room until the police arrived.

The police spokesman also disclosed that three robbery suspects were arrested by residents in Bambam town of Balanga Local Government, after attempting to rob one Alhaji Hamma Cham.

Atajiri said all the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were concluded.

them to a meeting last night to tell them my decision.

“Shortly after I went into my house to pick something at 10a.m., I heard a loud noise like something heavy falling on the ground and I rushed out only to discover that the said building had collapsed.”

One of the residents also said that the deceased pregnant woman was completely buried in the rubble and it took almost an hour to pull her lifeless body out.

Arrest, looting

However, Mr. Nwoye (the landlord), who was arrested by policemen from Ikilike Police Station, yesterday and was being taken away when Vanguard arrived the scene, said amidst sobs that the woman’s death would have been averted if the family had heeded his advice to vacate the house.

Nwoye revealed that he bought the land, which is on the hill separating Enugu from Ngwo, from one Alhaji Sanafric, a native of Enugu Ngwo in 2011 and built three bungalows on it in 2012.

While he resides in one bungalow with his family members, the two other buildings were rented out to tenants, who had spent barely a year before the incident occurred, Sunday.

The landlord said that apart from the property destroyed in the incident, many residents of the area, who rushed to his house to help salvage the remaining property and those in his own apartment turned out to be looters.

According to him, most of his property, including electronic gadgets, were stolen.

He added that when his first son discovered the looting, yesterday morning he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

Building on the hill

The three houses stood at the foot of the hill, because part of the hill was levelled before the buildings were erected as done by property owners in the hilly Ologo layout.

Experts said that residents of the area are living in danger as the houses could collapse with more downpours.

Efforts to speak with the state police spokesman on the issue were futile, but the senior police officer, who led the team that arrested the property owner, said he would be interrogated to ascertain if he had necessary government approval to build the houses at such a dangerous location.

Why I won't honour SFU's invitation— Anambra Commissioner

A

NAMBRA State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Vincent Ezenwajiaku, said he refused to honour the invitation of the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, of Nigeria Police for fear of being tortured.

Ezenwajiaku was accused of defrauding a company, Bio Plastic Manufacturing Ltd of N10 million by the owner, Mr. Chuks Mgbemena.

The SFU of Nigerian Police in Lagos declared him wanted on September18 for refusing to honour its invitation.

The commissioner told newsmen in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday, that the fraud unit and the complainant, Mgbemena, were not after the money owed them.

He said: “They want to arrest, detain and torture me and if possible maim me for life as a way of humiliating me.

“How can he claim that I duped him with a nonexistent company, when it was he who came to me and begged to purchase shares in my company?”

The commissioner said that he had instituted a libel suit against the SFU and Mgbemena demanding for N250 million for alleged defamation of his character.

He reiterated that there was no truth in the report that he defrauded Mgbemena using a nonexistent company.

The commissioner said Mgbemena ran the necessary checks on the company and found it to be duly registered before making the payment of N8.2 million.

Ezenwajiaku said: “The amount was for the acquisition of 34 percent share in the company, which he paid within three years.”

Mr. Ezenwajiaku.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Nigeria's crude oil output rises to 2.4m barrel per day

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE Federal Government has put Nigeria’s crude oil output at 2.4 million, rising from about 1.9 million recorded over the last couple of months.

According to a statement

by Tumini Green, Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the rise in crude oil production in the country to 2.4 million barrels per day was as a result of the recent action taken by the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke against crude theft.

Green identified part of the measures taken by the minister against crude theft to include escalating the issue to the highest level leading to the setup of a Security Strategy Committee headed by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, which has resulted in the restoration of three major trunk lines.

The trunk lines are the Trans Niger Pipeline, the Nembe Greek Pipeline and the Tebidaba-Brass Pipeline, accounting for shut-in of 400,000 barrels per day.

However, the Trans Niger Pipeline was once against shut by Shell on Friday, on discovery of a breach point.

Green said the action of the Petroleum Minister will ensure increased crude production and shore up revenue accruing to the country.

She urged Nigerians to spare time to understand the negative impact of crude oil theft on efforts to meet production target, calling on well-meaning people to support the government towards ending the scourge.

Other achievements of the minister, according to Green, is the sustained petroleum products supply and distribution across the country, revamping of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company depot, recovery of vital petroleum products supply pipelines, ongoing rehabilitation and Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, of the three refineries.

She attributed the recent growth in crude oil and gas production of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company to the assignment of new Oil Mining Leases.

CJN laments decline in judicial system ...insists on full separation of powers

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI BUJA—THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Muhktar, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to pay closer attention to justice administration in the country, saying courts were increasingly finding it difficult to effectively perform their day-to-day constitutional roles.

Her call came on the heels of a raging controversy over perceived moves by the executive arm of government, through the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, to fix the tenure of heads of agencies in the judiciary.

The CJN, who made the call while flagging off the 2013/ 2014 legal year at the Supreme Court, maintained that a situation, where budgetary allocation to the judiciary continued to drop at a time government budget was on steady increase every year was clearly an impediment to the quick and effective dispensation of justice in Nigeria and, on the whole, a set back to the current effort at transforming the judiciary.

Besides, the CJN took the opportunity to administer oath on 17 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

She said it was a glaring but painful fact that most courts in the country were ill-equipped and lacked basic necessities, hoping that government would live up to its expectations and rescue the judiciary from plunging further.

She said: “Over the years, funding of the courts has remained a challenge as evidenced in the condition of many courts in Nigeria today.

A

Funding of courts “Statistics have shown that, funding from the Federal Government has witnessed a steady decline since 2010, from N95 billion in that year to N85 billion in 2011, then N75 billion in 2012 and dropped again in the 2013 budget to N67 billion.

“Indeed, with this amount, if the amount allocated to the extrajudicial organisations within the judiciary is deducted, the courts are left with a paltry sum to operate.

“The simple implication is that our courts are increasingly finding it difficult to effectively perform their day-to-day constitutional roles.

“The resultant effect of a slim budget in the judiciary is that a number of courts in Nigeria today evince decay and neglect of infrastructural amenities particularly at the State level.

“In some cases the court buildings do not possess the required well equipped library for Judges to conduct their research. This may make Judges rely on information

MEETING—From left: Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Joy Ogwu; Nigerian Ambassador to U.S, Professor Adebowele Adefuye; President Goodluck Jonathan; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, during a meeting of President Jonathan with Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation, in New York on Sunday.

supplied by lawyers which should not be the case.”

She said there was need for the judiciary to be allowed to perform its constitutional obligations without undue interference from other arms of government, and called for full adherence to the principle of separation of powers in Nigeria.

The CJN had promptly written the Head of Service, describing the circular to the judiciary on appointment tenure as a misnomer which could not be implemented since it amounted to the usurpation of the functions of the National Judicial Council, NJC, and an encroachment on the constitutional rights of the judiciary as an independent arm of government.

She contended that only the NJC was constitutionally empowered to deal with issues of administration and policies for the nation’s judiciary.

CJN said: “Indeed we must be guided with the reality that under democratic dispensation, the three arms of government must keep faith with the doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Judiciary must continue to defend its independence so that it should not merely be apparent but must be seen to be real.

“By virtue of Section 153 of the Constitution, the National Judicial Council is the apex body for the nation’s judiciary.

By paragraph 21(1), part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, the council has

the power to deal with matters relating to broad issues of policy and administration of the judiciary.

“During the 2012/2013 legal year, a total of 511 cases made up of 416 civil appeals, including political matters and 95 criminal appeals were filed in this court. Of this number, 280 of the cases were heard which consisted of 224 civil and political appeals and 56 criminal appeals.

“Also in the same legal year, judgment was delivered in 137 civil appeals and 42 criminal appeals bringing the total number of judgments delivered to 179.

“This is undoubtedly a tremendous achievement and I must congratulate and commend my learned brother Justices of the Supreme Court for their exemplary dedication, hard work and commitment to duty, which are indeed admirable by any standard.

“While I cannot stop commending our effort, I must

be quick to add that there is room for improvement not just on the part of the judiciary but for all the stakeholders in the country’s justice system.

“Our police force have been doing the best they can in their operations and in our criminal justice system, but it is greatly out spaced by sophistication given to criminals by our archaic and culturally irrelevant laws. There is need for a comprehensive restatement of our criminal laws to take into account what is relevant for retention and update regularly.

“The problem is exacerbated by the unwholesome practice of some of our security agents involved in the criminal justice administration system.

“It is common knowledge that our security agencies usually rush to the courts with suspects, before looking for evidence to prosecute them. The persistent use of the ‘’Holden charge” by these agencies to detain awaiting trial suspects, is a major contributor to the high number of cases pending in our courts."

FG declares Oct 1 public holiday

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary.

Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government congratulated Nigerians, both home and abroad, urging them to build a more

united and virile nation that would be the pride of all Nigerians wherever they lived.

Moro, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Fatima Bamidele, enjoined Nigerians to use the period of the holiday to reflect on the giant strides made by government in the development of the country, especially under the transformation leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—9

Assassination allegation: Ribadu lied — OKIRO

L

BY EMMA NNADOZIE, CRIME EDITOR

C

HARIMAN of Police Service Commission and former Inspector-General of Police, Sir. Mike Okiro, yesterday, reacted to allegations by former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, that he was behind two failed assasination attempts on his life and not Ibori.

Okiro said in a statement released in Abuja that Ribadu is an inveterate liar.”

Ribadu, who spent Friday in the witness box and was crossexamined by both the defence and prosecution at the hearing on confistication of assets of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori at the Southwark Crown Court, London, described the former IGP as “ a despicable human being, the most corrupt police officer I have ever seen.”

Continuing, he said, “He made my life hell. He withdrew my official car and police security.”

In the statement, Okiro stated that Ribadu’s allegation that he withdrew his official car and police security was far from the truth.

“Nuhu Ribadu went on a course to National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS. He was not posted out of EFCC. His Deputy, Ibrahim Lamorde was acting and holding forth. The vehicle(s) he was using belonged to EFCC where he was Chairman for about six years and could not have been withdrawn by the Police. The policemen he used as his security were those posted permanently to EFCC. “Therefore the InspectorGeneral of Police had no role in their internal daily deployment.

Thirdly, Nuhu Ribadu was on course as Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police and statutorily had to maintain his paraphernalia of security details. Nigerians will remember that Nuhu Ribadu once caused a newspaper publication to be made to the effect that he was attacked and shot at on his way to NIPSS but was saved because he was driving a bullet proof vehicle and the attackers could not stop him. He said that he suspected a retired InspectorGeneral of Police who had been monitoring him. I was then serving as IGP. “ I was angry that a serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police or even any AIG at all or a VIP, for that matter, was shot at and I was not briefed. I called him several times to give me details but he refused to pick my calls. I then sent signals to Commissioners of Police (CP) FCT Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau, the likely state commands where the incident could have taken place. They all replied that no such incident in their

Police arrest 40 suspects over Nasarawa crisis

TELECOMS AWARDS—From left: Mrs Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer, Main One; Mr. Akin Kekereekun, former member, House of Representatives; Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, both former governors of Ogun State at the Nigerian Telecom Awards in Lagos, weekend. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

commands. Since I could not reach him I addressed a press conference where I stated that his claim of attack was false. I took that advantage also to ask him publicly to come up with details of the day and time and where the incident took place. Nuhu Ribadu never came up as directed. For him to turn round now and say that I was involved “in attempts to assassinate him” demonstrated the double speak for which he is shamefully known. Lies, lies and lies. He was an Assistant Inspector-General of Police under me. Why must I want to assassinate a subordinate officer?

Ribadu’s assertion that he was present when James Ibori

nominated Okiro to be IGP, Okiro stated that he was appointed on merit and seniority.” Two years ago, after my retirement, Nuhu Ribadu told some of his friends that he did not obey my instructions and directives when I was IGP because he had been pencilled to take over as IGP from IGP Sunday Ehindero and he had been factored and positioned for the office when I came and usurped it, as if I appointed myself IGP or as if he himself is God to determine the course of nature. He claimed that he regarded me as an interloper who took the position reserved

for him and so despised me and whatever I stood for.”

Okiro who also frowned at Ribadu’s allegation that he was the most corrupt police officer he has ever seen stated that he had positions of authority in the Nigeria Police Force without blemish and challenged the former EFCC boss to come up with evidence to prove his allegations.

Describing Ribadu as “an inveterate liar ”, Okiro woundered why he should denigrate his senior in such manner asserting that it shows he was ‘indisciplined.’

Jonathan calls for global efforts to eradicate terrorism

BY BEN AGANDE BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in New York called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible.

Speaking with President Barrack Obama of the United States ahead of the opening of the 68th session of the United Nations tomorrow, President Jonathan said that unless the international community unites and deploys its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it will continue to be embarrassed by terrorist outrages such as the heinous attack on defenceless shoppers in Nairobi which both leaders strongly condemned.

President Jonathan expressed appreciation of the support and assistance Nigeria has been receiving from the United States for its fight against domestic terrorism.

He added, however, that Nigeria will welcome even more bilateral

A

collaboration in this regard.

The President said that his administration also looked forward to the further strengthening of Nigeria’s relations with the United States in the areas of trade and economic development.

Jonathan reassured President Barrack Obama of his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the country ’s democratic institutions.

President Jonathan applauded President Obama’s Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives, saying that both initiatives would complement aspects of his administration’s agenda for national transformation.

President Obama had while welcoming President Jonathan to their meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York,

described Nigeria as a critical partner of the United States in Africa.

He assured President Jonathan that the United States will continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the war against domestic and global terrorism.

President Jonathan was accompanied to the talks by the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Professor Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke, and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry and President Obama’s National Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice were also present at the talks.

AFIA—THE Police in Nasarawa State yesterday confirmed the arrest of no fewer than 40 suspects in connection with the recent ethnic clashes in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Shehu, told newsmen that the police also recovered weapons and charms from the suspects.

He disclosed that the police had also discovered a shallow grave at Tudun Adabu in the Obi Local Government Area of the state, where Alhaji Alhassan Gidado, Managing Director of the Police Community Bank, Tunde Banwo and their driver, Aliyu Adamu, were buried after they were killed.

He said the trio were declared missing on September 14, having left Abuja on September 13, to attend a wedding in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State but that they could not reach their destination.

The commissioner said that the suspects directly linked to the killing of the bank chief were among those arrested by the police, while their remains had been unearthed for proper burial.

Shehu said that all the arrested suspects would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, the police will not relent in their efforts to ensure that lasting peace was restored to the affected communities.

He assured the people of the state that adequate security measures had been put in place to checkmate the nefarious activities of the militia group trying to make the state unsafe.

The commissioner urged those who fled their homes to return as the police and other security agencies would do everything to allay their fears and guarantee their safety.

He also urged members of the public to report any suspicious movement in their neighbourhood to security agencies for prompt action.

It will be recalled that renewed ethnic crisis had erupted in Obi and Lafia Local Government Areas of the state between September 12 and 13, leaving over 30 persons killed with property worth millions of naira destroyed.

10—Vanguard TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

ASUU strike: Police storm UNILAG to prevent protest

BY DAYO ADESULU

L

AGOS — At least ten police vans were stationed at the gate of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, yesterday, to prevent university students across the country from protesting the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike.

Irked by the prolonged face-off between ASUU and the Federal Government, students had last week started mobilising via social media networks,for a protest that would likely commence at the UNILAG gate.

According to one of the aggrieved students, the protest would be like to the fuel subsidy protest of January 2012, at the Gani FAwehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota.

The students want the government to quickly end the ongoing lecturers strike by honoring the 2009 agreement it reached with ASUU. The aggrieved students said: “the Federal Government sources for fund to prosecute political gatherings,bribe senators and members of House of Representatives to get political power at the expense of students staying at home for over two months.”

Pensioners paralyse activities at Lagos Gov’s Office

BY MONSOR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — Activities at Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos office, were yesterday paralysed by aggrieved pensioners protesting unpaid gratuities and pension arrears.

This came barely four months after the state government appealed to the federal government to settle N13.4 billion pension benefits of her retirees in the state.

The protesters largely retired teachers and local government ex-staff stormed Alausa Secretariat at about 9:00 am displaying placards with inscriptions: “Non-review of the pension law for over 10 years,” “We are tired of unfulfilled promises,” “Except Lagos, other South-West

states have complied with FG directives on the increment of pension,” among others.

They lamented that the state did not yield to the directive of the federal government to pay pension increment in 2003 and 2007 to the retirees in the state.

The pensioners argued that whenever they demanded for their benefits the government would plead for more time to pay.

They alleged that rather than pay them, the state government was busy investing her fund in the contributory pension scheme.

The protesters demanded that the state government should make public the reimbursement it was expecting from the central government.

The South-West chairman of pensioners, Mr. Nojeemdeen Adebayo who spoke on behalf of others, said: “In 2003, the

Federal government directed that states should increase pensioner’s monthly salary by six per cent but the state government failed to pay the increment. And 2007, the central government again directed that pensioners should be paid 16 percent increment.

“But to our surprise, the Lagos state government turned deaf ear to this. For over four years now, what we have always heard from the state government is that we should be patient.

“But we discovered that the patience isn’t yielding the right solution. This was why we decided to protest to the office of the governor, to demand for our rights.”

However, addressing the protesters, Commissioner for Information and strategy, Aderemi Ibirogba and his counterpart in the ministry of

Late Odubona

Jonathan assures investors of Nigeria’s security

BY DAYO ADESULU

P

Ibadan downpour kills 7

BY OLA AJAYI

I

Odubona, former Sunday Times editor passes away Pastor Michael Olusoga Odubona, veteran journalist, author and publisher has died, aged 56.

Odubona, a former assistant editor of the Sunday Times, died on Friday, September 21, 2013.

Until his death, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Life-Change Association as well as the publisher of Larondo magazine.

Odubona is survived by his aged mother, Oluremi his wife and three children, Olakunle, Olawale and Olasunkanmi.

pension and establishment, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase, assured that government was working hard to address the pensioners’ grievance.

According to Oguntuase: “We are working hard to ensure that the funds are paid but it is yet to yield the required result.

“What we are doing is to pay all the current liabilities.

When a public servant retires, it takes sometime before the pension begins to roll in. we are paying pension.”

AWARD: From left, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; Mrs. Funke Opeke, CEO, Main One, and Mr. Azuka Ndulewe, Chief Marketing Officer, Helios Towers, receiving an award for Helios, duiring the Nigerian Telecom Award, in Lagos, weekend. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

BADAN — A twoday rainfall in Ibadan has allegedly claimed no fewer than seven lives.

The rain started around 9pm on Sunday and fell heavily throughout the night.

According to information gathered the areas mostly affected were Oluyole Local Government area of the state.

As at 5:54pm yesterday, the rain was still drizzling.

The impact of the flood was noticeable at Arapaja, Akala new extension, Lao hospital area where some people were said to have been deceived by the flood covering a collapsed bridge and fell into the ravaging flood.

Bargain plea, speedy way of concluding cases — Fashola

BY OLOWOOPEJO & ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, yesterday, said against opposition to plea bargain by a cross section of Nigerians, plea bargain had become a speedy way of concluding cases.

This came as he urged lawyers to offer free legal services to the less privileged litigants, saying “it will help address the challenge of prison congestion.”

Fashola who spoke during the special service marking the commencement of the 2013/ 2014 legal year at the Lagos, was represented by the Attorney-General of Lagos State Mr. Ade Ipaye.

Speaking at Lagos Central Mosque, the governor said Nigerian judicial system relied mainly on witnesses rather than forensic evidence making it difficult to discard the plea bargain concept if cases were to be concluded on time.

On free legal service, the

governor said “doing this will help increase the access to justice by the citizens regardless of their status in the society.

“The man who can afford to pay a lawyer, the idea of access to justice or fair hearing cannot come to the aid of such a man that is why it is important to keep afloat those structures that enable us assist the less privileged in our society to find their ways through the means that we called the justice system.”

R E S I D E N T G O O D L U C K Jonathan yesterday assured the international community that the acts of terrorism in some parts of the country had not affected the flow of investment into the country.

President Jonathan who is in New York to attend the UN General Assembly was at the New York Stork Exchange where he spoke with CNN on the security challenges in Nigeria, Africa and the relations between Nigeria and the United States under the leadership of President Barack Obama.

President Jonathan said the Kenyan Shopping Mall incident is a manifestation of the new security challenges facing Africa and some specific countries that had been targetted by the promoters of the ideology of hate.

The Nigerian president said Nigeria and other Africa countries were not prepared for the new development of using violence to make political statement which accounted for the initial success that the terrorist groups recorded but the various government in Africa and Nigeria in particular were building the necessary infrastructure to contain acts ODF terrorism.

Vanguard TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—11

FG budgets £146, 000 for ex-colonial Heads of Service

zDenies plan to downsize

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

CONFERENCE: From left, Lagos Coordinator, Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, Mr. Ayo Osunloye; National Secretary, Mr. Ayo Afolalu; Ogun State Coordinator, Chief Segun Odegbami; National Chairman, Hon. Wale Oshun, and National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, at a press conference, endorsing Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for a 2nd-term, in Ado Ekiti, weekend.

Ajimobi sacks cabinet

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN— GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, yesterday, sacked his entire cabinet Vanguard gathered that all special advisers, commissioners and other aides were affected.

Confirming the sack, the Director, Cabinet, Mr. Dotun Omokemi, said the decision was made after the executive council meeting.

In a statement, he quoted

Ajimobi as saying there was the need to inject fresh blood into the administration, in the quest to serve the state better.

The governor thanked the Commissioners and Special Advisers who made up the executive council for their contributions and asked them to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their various ministries.

Reacting to the cabinet dissolution, Accord Party described it as inevitable.

In a statement by the party’s Media Director, Dotun Oyelade, the party said the per-

formance of the sacked executive was a reflection of the leadership style of their principal.

According to the party, the alleged internal crisis in the party which had left it polarised taken its toll on the executive arm of government.

“By admitting that fresh blood is needed to run his administration, Governor Ajimobi is aware that the past two years of his governance has seen a serial of convoluted government policies that pitched his own group with the majority within the party,” Oyelade said.

The statement added that while the governor ’s group called the “SENACO” might see the mass sacking as their victory, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina’s group called “LAMISTS” would view the move as a confirmation of their fear that the party had finally been handed over to a governor who did not reckon with them

NANS urges ASUU to return to classes

2015: nPDP needs constitution amendment to stop Jonathan A — Ogun PDP

BY DAYO JOHNSON

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — OGUN State chapter of the People Democratic Party, PDP, has said the only way the Baraje-led faction of the PDP can stop President Goodluck Jonathan from re-contesting in 2015 is by amending the 1999 Constitution.

The party which maintained that President Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to re-contest for president in 2015, however urged the aggrieved members of the party to quit if they are not pleased with the second term ambition of the President.

Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bayo Dayo who spoke during the Ogun East Senatorial District PDP meeting held in Ijebu-Ode , insisted that the PDP was one in the state and at the national level.

According to him, “I know for sure that if they don’t want President Jonathan for the second term, they will have to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is for a fact. Of course, people can start to agitate for one thing or the other

in a big party like ours, but at the end of the day, we will resolve our differences. Those who are saying that there are two PDP, do not know what they are saying. PDP is one in Ogun State. Anyone who says he is in new PDP, he should just stay in the confine of his own house to say that. PDP is PDP. There is no new PDP or old PDP. “ Of course, people can get annoyed.PDP is a very large party and when you are managing a large party like this, there is bound to be confrontation, there are bound to be differences and when we have differences, there is nothing we can do than to resolve it.

But if at the end of the day you don’t like the party, it is a free world. You can go to anywhere you like. But there is no party registered in Nigeria today that is called new PDP. The new PDP has not gone to INEC to seek registration or has the INEC told us that PDP is two.

PDP is only one.

“When Otunba Gbenga Daniel told us he was going to Labour Party, it is a free world.

You can go to anywhere you like. We cannot tie him down and say you have to be in PDP by all means. When we went for the National Convention, they knew the game was not favouring them and there was nothing they could do.”

KURE—THE National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has again pleaded with the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to return to classrooms in the interest of the future of the Nigerian students, saying, “it is time for ASUU to shift grounds and allow further negotiations to continue.”

NANS spoke through its Financial Secretary Gbenga Ayenuro after a tour of facilities at Elizade University in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State.

According to him, “From the need assessment committee all ASUU demands have been resolved except one; which is the issue of earned allowances put at N87billion.

“Presently, from a reliable source and media reports, the Federal Government has approved and disbursed N100billion for university funding and N30billion for earned allowances.

“At this point, we urge ASUU to shift ground for the sake of Nigerian students and return to classroom while deliberations continue. On the earned allowances claims, we also appeal to the Federal Government to reconsider ASUU’s earned claims on the earned allowances,”

T

HE FEDERAL Government is to settle arrears of pension to Britons who served in the federal civil service under the colonial administration.

Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, who made this known, yesterday, in Abuja, said some of the expatriates were still alive and in old people’s home in Britain.

He explained that one of them was 106 years while the other was 81.

Aji said the government would spend 146, 000 British Pounds (about N36.5 million) for the exercise, even as he dispelled rumour that the government planned to retrench its workforce.

He spoke during a Town Hall meeting with workers and the leadership of the local Joint Union Negotiating Council, JUNC, in his office.

According to him: “There is nothing like downsizing.

It is not possible. The issue of downsizing doesn’t even arise. We are not ready to sack just to increase pay.

“No one here will be happy for others to be sacked so that he can earn a fatter salary. Retrenching one person means crippling other dependents.

“We have to work assiduously to diversify the economy and create jobs.

The civil service must be made attractive than the private sector.

“The Federal Government is interested in job creation and not retrenchment; that is why the You Win programme was introduced and this has already created 100,000 jobs for our youths.

“The government has also given order to the Federal Civil Service Commission to recruit at least 3,000 fresh graduates between now and 2015. All these are aimed at getting the youths out of the streets.’’

Aji, explained that 149 members of a syndicate which specialised in duping unemployed youths on the pretext of providing them non-existent jobs, has been smashed.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Delta Central by-election: PDP screens four candidates ...Aguariavwodo, Oru, Edojah and Udele

BY FESTUS AHON

A

SABA—FORMER Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief Andrew Oru, Mr. Solomon Edojah and Mr. Solomon Udele, were Sunday, screened by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, screening committee to run in the party’s primary election slated for today.

The aspirants, who came out of the Delta State PDP secretariat with smiles at 5:30pm, expressed satisfaction with the screening process. Chief Oru, who came out first, said: “There is no consensus candidate. We are all going to slug it out in the primary today.

“I am quite satisfied with the process of the screening which we just finished. Members of the screening committee were quite gentle in their approach and respectful too.

However, the process leading to the screening is being rushed and it gives certain persons who might not quite understand the legal provisions room to think that there are some underhand dealings or that there was an attempt to rush some people into some form of quagmire.”

Chief Aguariavwodo on his part, said: “It was a family affair. We were treated very well by the screening committee members that came. And we have confidence in all that they have done. It shows that PDP has come a long way and we are very satisfied and happy.”

Also, Mr Udele, expressed satisfaction with the screening process, adding, “The screening committee members are dynamic and good. They displayed high level of transparency. I am very optimistic that I will pick the party’s ticket as we go into the primary election on Tuesday (today).”

Presidency, PDP have not adopted any aspirant —Edojah Meanwhile, an aspirant in the Delta Central senatorial district, Mr. Solomon Edojah, has described as false, wicked and malicious, rumours that the Presidency had adopted Chief Agwariavwodo as the candidate of PDP, for the October 5, bye-election in the district.

Speaking with newsmen in Ughelli, yesterday, Edojah said: “That statement is totally false. We have cleared from the Presidency and it is false, malicious, wicked and it is intended to return us to the status quo, the status quo before C M Y K

2011. Such rumours cost us our fortunes in Delta Central.

We lost the last election because there were similar rumours that somebody had been anointed and the result is that we are still licking our wounds.

“We cannot return to the era of 2011 where certain persons were being anointed against the will of the people. The time has come to practise true democracy. After fourteen years, we can no longer be toddlers in politics.

“That rumour is wicked, we

have cleared from the National Chairman of the party, and he said it was totally untrue. We have also cleared from the Presidency, which said it was totally untrue.

Their true interest has one common denominator, victory of PDP. That is the only interest they have.

“They want PDP to recapture Delta Central, knowing full well that PDP has always won Delta Central from 1999 until the mischief makers came up with rumours in 2011 and then we lost, par-

ticularly those who have hatred for the Urhobo people.

Anybody sponsoring that rumour is wicked, he has a generic hatred for the Urhobo man or woman and for the good people of Delta Central.

“Therefore, I am using this opportunity to call on the good people of Delta Central, all the delegates that will come tomorrow (today) during the primaries. They must come out in large numbers and vote their conscience and of course, vote for me because I am truly going to represent them.”

PROTEST: Protest by Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State, over non-payment of pensioners’ arrears and gratuities by Lagos State Government, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Chinese firm mobilises to site for MMA’s additional terminal

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

L

AGOS—BARELY weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan’s official visit to China, the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, has mobilised to site to begin work on an additional and modern terminal to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Government’s plan to build an additional terminal to the airport is with a view to making the airport a hub in West Africa, and it was part of the agreement signed by President Jonathan with his Chinese counterpart to build five ultramodern international airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

The development did not, however, come without a kick from AIC Limited, which accused the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, of conniving with the Chinese firm to take over the land for its proposed hotel, describing same as impunity.

General Manager, Corporate

Communications of FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said yesterday that the Chinese firm had started preliminary work on the project, beginning with soil tests, and site mapping.

He said that the commencement of preliminary work for the construction of ultra-modern international airport terminal at the Lagos Airport was a follow up to the project that started in Enugu on May 18, 2013.

Dati, who noted that completion of the terminal would help position the airport as a hub in West Africa, said: “Work has commenced on the project for the construction of a new international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, with the mobilisation to site today, (yesterday), of the project contractors, CCECC. “Preliminary works on the project, including soil tests and site mapping, were carried out as soon as the contractors mobilised to site.

“The governments of Nigeria and China signed a memo-

randum of understanding for the construction of five ultramodern international terminals at the country’s major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt , as part of the transformation agenda in the aviation sector.

“The MMA project is the second of the five projects that have started. The Enugu project started first and its foundation laying ceremony was performed

by Presid e n t Jonathan on May 18, 2013, the same day that the remodelled terminal of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was also commissioned.”

Police deny alleged complicity in attack on Bayelsa regent, chiefs

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE Police in Bayelsa State, yesterday, denied alleged complicity in the violence that rocked Agrisaba community in Nembe Local Government Area over kingship tussle.

The state Police command warned indigenes of the community not to drag the force into the intra-communal matter.

Armed youths reportedly invaded the venue of a meeting in the community penultimate week and attacked the Regent, Chief Sampson Awudul and other chiefs over succession argument in the community.

The embattled Regent and Chairman of the Chiefs’ Council of the Agrisaba community, Chief Sampson, had alleged that the attack was sponsored by some persons, who used their closeness to the corridors of 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.

The Regent and his loyalists had claimed that the attack was carried out by men of the Nigeria Police Force and pleaded with the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and rescue them from alleged gang-up between the police in the state and some agents of the state government.

But the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Okpara, in a statement, yesterday, dismissed the claim.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—13

YUF, Summit group, others insist on national confab

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T

HE Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF, ProNational Conference Organisation, PRONACO, and the Nigeria Political Summit Group, NPSG, have commended the leadership of the

Senate for its support for the convocation of a national conference to address the myriad of challenges besetting the country.

PRONACO and NPSG have been advocating political restructuring of Nigeria based on consensus among diverse stakeholders and na-

tionalities in the country.

Reacting to the surprise nod by the Senate President, David Mark, to the calls for national conference, YUF Secretary General, Senator Anthony Adefuye, noted that the solutions to the raging insecurity, industrial actions by labour unions, among others,

11m Nigerian children malnourished — UNICEF

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI — THE Country Representatives of United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Ms. Jean Gough, said, yesterday, that about 11 million Nigerian children are seriously malnourished, and therefore, deserved government attention at all levels to reverse the trend.

Ms. Gough, who led other UNICEF staff on a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, said that UNICEF and Borno State Government will partner in the areas of nutrition and primary health care which she noted was the cornerstone of healthcare delivery in the society.

She said: “UNICEF is having much concern in Borno, especially on issues affecting children, following the security

challenges bedevilling the state,” adding that studies had shown that malnutrition was more pronounced in the

Northern parts of the country, which need more support from all and sundry to tackle the menace.

lie in national dialogue.

He said: “The crisis pervading very important aspects of our national life should be the utmost concern of all patriotic Nigerians because it portends danger and unimaginable consequences for the country if not addressed. For example, the insecurity in the North, which was originally confined to the North-East has spread to parts of the North-West and NorthCentral states. Our public universities have remained shut for upwards of two months without any planned date to resolve the contentious issues.”

VISIT: Chairman, UAC of Nigeria Plc and Japanese Honorary Consul, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma (right), being received by the Japanese Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Masaji Matsuyama, during Udoma’s visit to Japan, weekend.

Police halt youths’ inspection of Amaechi’s projects

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE Police in Rivers State have halted moves by youths in the state to tour projects being executed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration in various parts of the state.

The planned projects inspection by predominantly students gathering, numbering over 500, was being facilitated by the Rotary Club in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, yesterday, when policemen stormed the state university venue, where they had converged for the tour.

The tour by the youths is coming after the state chapter of Peoples Dem-

ocratic Party, PDP, had warned youths planning a protest against President Goodluck Jonathan in the state to desist from same.

The police had assumed that the youths, who were reportedly on a retreat by Rotary International, District 9140, were being mobilised by the Rivers State Government for a protest rally against President Jonathan, who the governor had on Thursday again criticised for failure to speedily complete the East-West Road project.

One of the youths, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Vanguard said that Governor Amaechi, while addressing them on Thursday on the issue of leadership,

had promised to take them on an inspection tour of some projects embarked on by his administration.

He said the luxury buses provided to take them from their meeting point to the Government House, Port Harcourt had just arrived when 10 police patrol vans stormed the campus and barred them from leaving their hostels.

He said: “When the organisers of the retreat (Rotary Club) insisted on the motive for the obstruction, the policemen claimed that intelligence reports revealed that they were going on a protest match against President Jonathan.

“The policemen, who prevented us from leaving the campus for over

one hour said the state Commissioner of Police instructed that none of the Rotarians and students should be allowed to leave the campus until he ascertained that the movement was not sinister and would not lead to a breakdown of law and order.”

The Police, it was further learnt, asked the organisers of the retreat to write an undertaking that they were not carrying out any demonstration over the strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. Contacted for her reaction, the Rivers Police Public Relation Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, said that she was handing over to her successor and could not respond to the issue.

14—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

More tributes pour in for Kofi Awoonor

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

L

AGOS—MORE re actions have continued to pour in for late Ghanaian poet, statesman and lecturer, Kofi Awoonor who was killed in the Westgate attack last Saturday in Nairobi.

The 78-year-old Professor Awoonor, was in the city to participate in the Storymoja Hay Festival, a celebration of writing and storytelling.

He was due to perform last Saturday evening as part of a pan-African poetry showcase. He was a literary hero for many years and the famous composer of the lucid and widely read Songs of Sorrows.

Ghana’s President John Mahama described the death of Ghanaian writer, Prof.

Kofi Awoonor, in the Kenya mall terrorist attack as shocking. In a handwritten tribute while transiting London, en route to New York, President Mahama, described Prof. Awoonor ’s death as a “sad twist of fate.

“I am shocked to hear the death of Prof.

Awoonor in the Nairobi Mall terrorist attack.

This is a great loss to Ghana.

“He will be sorely missed by Ghanaians, family, friends and our party; the National Democratic Congress,” the president said.

Kenyan police authorities have been widely quoted as describing the incident as a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has pledged to track down the perpetrators of the attack, which he described as ‘heinous and senseless’.

Kenyatta was quoted in a statement as describing Awoonor ’s death as a huge loss to Africa.

“We shall hunt down the perpetrators wherever they run to, we shall get them, we shall punish them for this heinous crime,” the president said.

Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party, NPP, in the 2012 elections Nana Akufo-Addo said he is saddened by the death of one of Ghana’s illustrious sons, Professor Kofi Awoonor.

CBN to support AMCON with N50bn annually zCommercial Banks, Industries to contribute 50%

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE BUJA—THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, pledged to pay the sum of N50 billion to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to help the company function optimally.

The money which is known as Resolution Cost Fund otherwise called sinking fund is to be made annually.

At a public hearing organised by the Committee on Banking and Currency, the Director of Risk Management Department of CBN, Folakemi Falode who represented the CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido said that the apex bank fully supported the impending amendments in the Act. The amendment which is contained in Sections 62 and 64 of the Act says: “The Resolution Cost Fund shall be tax neutral and accordingly, all monies accruing to, payments made from, and instruments and transactions relating to, the Resolution Cost Fund shall exempt from all forms of taxes, levies, duties, charges or impositions, however, described.”

It further says that in Section 62 (1): “On or before the first business day in each calendar year, starting from the 2014 calendar year and up to the end of the tenor, the Central Bank of Nigeria shall pay into the Resolution Cost Fund the sum of N50,000,000,000 or such higher sum as the board of Central Bank of Nigeria may, from time to time determine.”

Details of payment on the Act stated the sum, just as the amend-

A

ment also provides in sub-section (2) the CBN will pay “from the general reserves or other funds of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and cause the sum so appropriated to be paid into the Resolution Cost Fund in immediately available funds.”

While declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal said that lawmakers were more concerned with people-oriented laws.

He underscored the importance of AMCON to financial public institutions in the country.

“ Although, it is the statutory duty of the National Assembly to make laws, we are obliged to do so after wide consultations so that our laws can gain greater public acceptability. This hearing is therefore, part of our efforts to bring democracy closer to the people and to ensure that our laws have the quality and integrity that are needed.

“As a responsible parliament, we must make every effort to pass the kind of laws that will engender the efficient management of our nation’s economy. We must continue to plug the loopholes

that encourage waste and the misappropriation of public funds for private gain.

“As elected representatives of the people, our first duty is to protect the welfare of members of the Nigerian public. For too many years, innocent people have borne the major brunt of the failure of our financial institutions.

“Many have lost their entire life savings and the will to carry on as a result of the recklessness of the owners of these banks and other finance houses.”

SESSION: From left: Mr. Jude Abaga, Lagos State Energy Ambassador, Mr. Taofiq Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources and Mrs. Regina Obasa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, during the interactive session to flag off the energy conservation month in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

PDP to drag Atiku, Baraje, G7 govs before disciplinary c’ttee

BY HENRY UMORU BUJA—AHEAD of Octo ber 7 meeting called by President Goodluck Jonathan with the seven aggrieved governors, the former acting National Chairman and head of the new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, the national leadership of the party has concluded plans to drag former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others before the disciplinary committee if the meeting ends in deadlock.

The governors are Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State; Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa as well as the chairman of the new PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje.

There are very strong indications that there will be no solution to the problem as both groups may not shift grounds on their demands, just as second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji

A

Umaru Dikko as gathered will be removed as the chairman, Disciplinary Committee, with the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus replacing him in consonance with the PDP’s constitution.

It was gathered, yesterday, that since Tukur set up the committee, Dikko has since been hospitalized in a London hospital and even if he is out from the hospital, he may not have the required energy needed at this time and this Secondus has the vigour and

energy to carry out.

The setting up of the Disciplinary Committee was in line with Section 57 (1) of the PDP Constitution, which states that “Subject to the provision of this Constitution, there shall be a Disciplinary Committee of the party at every level consisting of seven members with proven integrity, one of whom shall have a legal background.

According to a top source at the PDP, the leadership of the party will not hesitate to wield the big

stick if no concrete headway was reached after October 7, 2013 meeting between the President and the aggrieved governors.

The source added that the party elders were waiting for the October date when a final decision would then be taken against the backdrop that the party can no longer go on with what it termed, acts of indiscipline by the ‘ rebel’ governors and the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

Chidi Mokeme returns as host of GUS 10

L

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

AGOS—NOLLYWOOD actor and TV host, Chidi Mokeme, has been announced again as the host of this year’s edition of Gulder Ultimate Search reality TV show which flagged off yesterday in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

Mokeme who anchored the reality TV show, in its first and second seasons made a stunning comeback as the anchor

man last year after taking over from erstwhile presenter, Bob Manuel Udokwu.

He was announced as the host of the reality TV show, at the selection party of the Gulder Ultimate Search 10 finalists which held inside the New Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, weekend, in Lagos.

Also at the event, the last 12 finalists that will scavenge the

Usaka Forest of Akwa-Ibom State were unveiled.

Speaking at the event, Mokeme disclosed that he was looking forward to a thrilling time in the jungle.

He also advised the contestants “to gear up for the rigorous challenges that make up the upcoming adventure, for the jungle is no place for the weak hearted.”

Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—15

THE NATIVE AND VOGUE INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE. PIX: OSCAR ODIOGOR

Revamp

Adaeze Agbai

Mai Atafo Inspired

House of Odyce Nigeria

Paul Van Zyl House of Odyce Nigeria

Mai Atafo Inspired

Eunice Efole

Ngozi Ayiam

Chika Ibe

Nendi Warikoko C M Y K

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

$25,000 bribery scandal: My story—Emodi

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL

F

ORMER Special Ad viser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, has reacted to speculations making the rounds on the reasons for her sack.

Irked by reports that her sack was not unconnected with the bribe-for-impeachment drama that allegedly rocked the House of Representatives recently, Emodi denied knowledge of anything that has to do with ‘money-sharing’ in the National Assembly.

She stated that she has never been part of any plan to give financial inducement in order to impeach any member of the House.

Speaking with Vanguard, yesterday, she also denied having any shouting match with anybody over $25,000 allegedly given to National Assembly members, saying most of the reports published about her were false.

“I was surprised to read the report of my alleged involvement in the moneysharing scandal. I was not given any money to share and definitely, the alleged money shared did not pass through my office. I have never brought any money to the National Assembly.

If they brought money to the members, they know who brought it but not me.

I don’t know anything about it. And more over, I don’t encourage such things.

“They said I had a shouting match with Diezani and that was not true. I have never fought with her. She is my friend and we only meet during occasional meetings. She is not a member of the National Assembly.

“I have heard all kinds of things since last Friday but you must realise that National Assembly members are my colleagues. I used to be one of them. I was there as a member of the House and a senator. I was relating with them through dialogue and diplomacy.

You don’t achieve anything by fighting.”

Asked to shed more light on what transpired before her sack, she said she owes a lot of gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for letting her serve as his Adviser.

“I thank the President and all the legislators for the opportunity given to me to work with them. I enjoyed working with them” President Goodluck

Jonathan had last week Friday relieved Mrs Joy Emodi, (Special Adviser on National Assembly) and Dr. Tunji Olagunju, (Special Adviser on New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) of their duties without giving any reason. The statement of her sack was read by Mr Rueben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media.

Senator Emodi was appointed to the position in 2011, and walked the difficult path of forging cordiality between the administration and the often skeptical National Assembly.

She was able to win the confidence of the legislators despite the hard feelings felt towards some elements in the administration while Mr. Olagunju had served as Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD since June 2007.

The new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP in a reaction had kicked against the sack of Emodi urging

her recall.

The party’s statement read: “We learnt Senator Joy Emodi was sacked as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters because of her candid advice that inducing members of the National Assembly financially to impeach their principal officers would be counter-productive. If this is true, we hereby demand her immediate reinstatement. For Senator Emordi to be bold enough to tell Mr. President the implication of such a corrupt inducement of the lawmakers should earn her commendation rather than a sack. Instead of sacking such a forthright and patriotic Amazon, the President should sack those hawks around him planning to ridicule him by encouraging him to embark on acts capable of making him very unpopular amongst his supporters and followers.”

FAAC: Federal, states, LG to share N548.39b for September

T

HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday, made available N548.39 billion as the statutory revenue for the three tiers of government for September.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Deputy Director in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Charles Nwodo.

The statement said the amount was an improvement over the figure of N497.98 billion shared in August.

It said the Federal Government also pledged the payment of the outstanding N75 billion shortfalls owed the federation by NNPC. Responding to the walkout by the commissioners for finance over an outstanding N75 billion expected from NNPC, the statement said that efforts were being made to resolve the issues.

The OAGF said FAAC has received assurances from NNPC that the issue is being handled and that a positive outcome is expected soon, it said.

The statement said the government was exploring all avenues to end the shortfalls in revenue caused by oil theft and vandalism of

pipelines as soon as possible. The state commissioners for finance staged a walk out on the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Jonah Otunla, over the unresolved differences in revenue sharing.

Mr. Timothy Odah, the Chairman of the State Commissioners for Finance Forum, told newsmen that they decided to walkout because they could not come to any agreement with the representative of the minister of State for Finance.

Dr. Yerima Ngama, the Minister of State for Finance, who is the chairman of FAAC, was represented at yesterday’s meeting of FAAC by the Accountant General of the Federation.

Odah said in a statement issued later that members of the forum would not pass the August FAAC account until “the outstanding N336 billion accrued and arrears of augumentation and FAAC budget benchmark differentials are cleared”.

The statement also said that the members would not attend any subsequent meeting “until and unless their Excellencies, our state governors meet and resolve either for or against this stand”.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—17

T

HERE is a lot of irritat ing noise coming espe cially from the North-West concerning the need for the presidency to return to the North in 2015. This should be discarded as sound and fury signifying nothing. To talk of the presidency returning to the North is to presume the presidency belongs to the North. It does not! There should be no Northern president of Nigeria for the next 14 years at the very least.

After that, the presidency should not go to the NorthWest. It should go to the Middle-Belt.

The new PDP: In the last few weeks, we have witnessed a comedy of errors whereby some PDP Governors, mostly Northern, have rebelled from the PDP, formed what they call a new PDP with one central demand: that Goodluck Jonathan should not contest for the presidency in 2015. This makes for good newspaper headlines and little else. It is preposterous to insist that a sitting president should not go for a second-term when he is entitled to do so.

Those who are opposed to him should challenge him at the polls if they can. In my opinion, they don’t stand a chance against him and they know it.

This is a Nigerian thing. If you start a business and are successful, your competition does not strive to match or exceed your services. The favoured option is to try to drive you out of business. They will pay the police to close you down. They will go to the babalawo and ask him to terminate you with extreme prejudice. You will come to your office and find a dead chicken on the doormat. What all this says eloquently is that your competition cannot compete with you. The same goes

Why Goodluck Jonathan must run for a second-term date. Even then, President Jonathan must be the odds-on favourite to win. As a rule, sitting African presidents don’t lose elections.

Lame-duck Governors: Politics is a power-game. However, the high jinks of the nPDP are all smoke and mirrors. All but one of these rebel governors is a lame-duck; meaning this is their last term in office. With the sole exception of Abdulfattah Ahmed of Kwara, they have all served two terms as governors and that is the statutory limit. Lame-duck governors have greatly diminished power.

Their opponents know they will not have to tolerate them much longer. Lame-duck governors run against the clock. They are soon to be dumped into the dustbin of history. That is the predicament of these loud rebels.

What is pathetic about their situation is actually their central demand. President Jonathan is at the height of his powers. He is not a lame-

,

If the politicians of the far North are not careful, they will not get a president from their area for another 50 years

,

for the shenanigans of the socalled new PDP. There is nothing new about these jokers. All they have to offer is the same bad news. The reality they don’t want to face is that Jonathan is unstoppable as the PDP presidential candidate in 2015. A new PDP candidate does not even have a look-in.

Neither does a PDM candidate, which Atiku is apparently reserving as his fall-back position when his shenanigans in the PDP come to nothing.

It sometimes takes Nigerians a long time to face reality and admit defeat. This is the case with Atiku Abubakar. The bitter truth is that, try as he might, Atiku can never be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The 2015 election will be between President Jonathan and the APC presidential candidate. The only opportunity that the North has to produce the next president lies in the APC putting forward a Northerner as its presidential candi-

duck. He can run for a second term. That gives him enough time to deal with his opponents. It also tells them that they better make peace with him now, or they will be in the wilderness possibly for the next six years. That is a very long time in politics. By that time, at least six of the rebel PDP governors will be politically dead.

These politicians facing a bleak future are now demanding that the President relinquish his advantage by making himself a lame-duck like them: declaring that he will not contest for the presidency in 2015. President Jonathan is certainly not a fool; so that is not going to happen.

This is my prediction. The rebel lame-duck governors have had their 15 minutes of fame; thanks to the Nigerian news media that hankers after sensational stories. They have made the noise and grabbed the headlines. That is the end of the road for them. They have to come back to Jonathan cap

in hand. I repeat, politics is a game of power and, at the moment, Jonathan is sitting pretty. If these lame-duck governors don’t play ball, they will all be handed over to the EFCC if and when Jonathan is returned as president. I actually believe that is what all this brouhaha is about.

These governors want assurances •President Goodluck Jonathan that they will be left in peace to enjoy their boo- Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, ty after their retirement. I don’t Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, believe that assurance should Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zambe given either. They have fara. Nevertheless, he still lost gone about it the wrong way. woefully by 10 million votes.

They should have gone to the Time was when a Northern President to plea-bargain rath- candidate was certain of victoer than all this bluster. As it is, ry by sheer weight of numbers. the PDP machinery in their All that is history now. The states will be taken away from North is the only region in Nithem and that will be it. Who geria that no longer exists poare the people going to follow? litically. Thanks to Boko Would they join a man who is Haram, it is now divided begoing to be out of a job as gov- tween Moslems and Chrisernor within two years, or will tians. The Middle Belt now they follow a sitting president considers itself Middle Belt and who is likely to remain presi- not as the North. What is the dent for another six years? It point of including yourself in is a no-brainer: Jonathan has all the North if all it gets you is to the cards hands down. play second-fiddle perpetually Of all the rebel governors, to Sokoto, Kano and Katsina? the most pathetic is Rotimi The North is now also divided Amaechi. He is from the between the elite and the massSouth-South. Nevertheless, he es. What is the point of insistis demanding that a South- ing on a Northern president South president should not when all it produces are Northseek a second-term. Within the ern billionaires without appreframework of Nigeria, that po- ciable development of the sition is not only idiotic, it is po- North? litically suicidal. You don’t In their insistence on being scuttle a South-South presiden- president of Nigeria yet again, cy in favour of the North and the far North is burning its expect thank you from the peo- bridges. The most faithful supple of the South-South. All porters of the North politically Amaechi has achieved is to con- have been the South-South and sign himself into future politi- the South-East. The possibilical irrelevance. ty for such continued support Northern political disintegra- in the future is now being scuttion: There are still more tled by the seeming Northern smoke and mirrors. One of determination to truncate the lethese is that the North can de- gitimate second-term bid of a termine who will be president South-South president and to of Nigeria. That is all poppy- deny the Igbos their rightful cock. If it were true, Buhari claim to the presidency. If the would have been elected Nige- politicians of the far North are ria’s president in 2011. He won not careful, they will not get a all the far northern states of

president from their area for another 50 years.

Federal character: NIGERIA is an agglomeration of peoples of different regions and ethnicity. This must be reflected in the polity. Accordingly, the North should take an extended sabbatical from the presidency.

Other regions have tolerated a Northern presidency for 37 out of 53 years, to no great effect.

There is nothing to recommend another Northern president in the short-term. The last thing Nigeria needs right now is another President Musa Yar’Adua with his highfalutin seven-point programme.

Northerners are rightfully the apostles of federal character. By the same token, the presidency should reflect the federal character of Nigeria.

Jonathan is important as the first South-South president. The South-South deserves a second-term according to the principles of federal character.

After eight years of a SouthSouth presidency, it cannot be said to be the turn of the North again, when the Igbos, a major ethnic group, have only had a head of state for six months.

Before we can talk of another Northern presidency, we should have had at least eight years of an Igbo presidency. If after that, the presidency then moves to the North, it should not go to the traditional Northern oddjobbers. It should go to the Middle Belt for another eight years.

Political wilderness My advice therefore to the people of the North (especially the North-West) is that they should fasten their seat-belts.

They may be in for a long journey in the political wilderness.

The way out is not through this nPDP nonsense which is likely to antagonise the rest of the country against them. The predicament of the far North requires greater political dexterity. There is a new realpolitik in Nigeria, and it is not to the advantage of the North.

Zero policy debate Nigerian elections are peculiar in that there is hardly any policy debate as such. It is all about which region gets the presidency, as opposed to which policies get implemented. In 14 years of PDP presidency, I have yet to discover exactly what the party stands for.

Nobody seems to care. Immediately a president is elected, the debate begins on where the next president should come from. 2015 is two years away.

Nevertheless, we are already in election-mode. Government money is being saved for the next election. Government money is being looted by the lame-ducks. Everyone is shouting “my turn;” “me-first.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to go to the dogs.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 THE menace of herdsmen all over Nigeria is spreading like wildfire. The consequences are igniting conflicts in the country. Hardly a day passes without their unsavoury activities being reported in the media.

From Benue to Imo, Rivers to Delta and from Ogun to Oyo States, the story is almost the same. Cattle minders simply run their livestock through farmlands, all year round; they graze on them and destroy what they cannot eat, consigning farmers and host communities to starvation and poverty.

Attempts by these farmers to protest the activities of these rampaging vandals often end in bloodshed because the cattle rearers are always armed with sophisticated assault rifles such as AK 47. They have moved from bows, arrows and daggers of a few decades back.

Apart from damaging farmlands, they also invade villages, kill and steal as well as rape women. Reports to the law enforcement agencies often fall on deaf ears, and villagers and their traditional rulers are forced to cry out to state governors for protection with little succour.

These herdsmen clearly violate the African

Rampaging Herdsmen concept of cohabitation between guests and hosts, which says, “May my visitor never bring me harm, and on his way home may he never develop a hunchback”.

Communities are being forced to fight in the absence of protection from the authorities. They are arming their youth vigilantes with equally dangerous weapons to fight back.

If the law enforcement agencies do not rise up to their duties and disarm illegal arms bearers, cattle rearers would cause more challenges in the country’s charged security situation. Illegal grazing should be punished; that the situation has been allowed for years does not mitigate the

damage it does and the security problems for the communities. Proliferation of dangerous weapons in rural communities would result in destabilisation.

Farmers and herdsmen are important to the economy. Both should co-exist symbiotically.

That has been the arrangement for ages. The new tendency for the nomads to exhibit terrorist and invasive traits must be curbed before it gets worse.

It is time we designed cattle grazing pathways all over the country or better still, reorient the animal farmers to modern options and confine their animals to designated camps. If they insist on being nomads, they must stay away from farms and commit themselves to the rule of civilised conduct and the law.

The National Assembly made a feeble effort at a grazing pathway law. It should be concluded. We are mindful of the dangers and possibilities of religious terrorists infiltrating new areas of the country as rogue herdsmen to extend their bloody campaigns.

If the security agencies act fast, they would avoid more upheavals across Nigeria at minimal costs.

OPINION

BY GODWIN ETAKIBUEBU

E

VENTS of the last few months are throwing interpretation of democracy to another level. It is no more what the great philosophers from the ancient Greece meant it to be. For them, the Greeks, it is government of the people for the people by the people. This application has no meaning in the Nigerian context. Even at what Ibrahim Babangida called “home grown democracy ” during his wasteful experimentation with the project called Nigerian for over seven years, the meaning of democracy as we see it today remains a bitter and useless version what the Army Four-Star General from Minna in Niger State practised.

Starting from a selfish and wicked structure called Nigeria Governors Forum, which is a demonic entity for the sole selfish survival of members to the annihilation of the unprotected citizens of this failed nation, one would see the handwriting that the meaning of democracy is being reinvented.

Before then even, there is evidence of total failure in the practise of our democracy. For example, the late law guru , Gani Fawehinmi, fought a major battle, using the instrumentality of the law, to put an end to a major illegality going by the name of the “office of the

This Nigerian democracy is really going crazy first lady”, at both federal and states levels. Gani won that battle, l think, but the operators of Nigeria "care no damn" about it. Gani is gone to rest with his creator, the office of First Lady and, maybe “First Widows”, remains. The present incumbent of that office in Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, just this year, has the unrestrained audacity to include a N4 billion project under the sub-heading “office of the First Lady”, in the Nigerian National Budget sent to the National Assembly by the Presidency. Can we see the democracy of “care no damn”?

Talking about “care no damn” about any issue, President Goodluck Jonathan was to promote it to a household name when he told television viewers [all over the world that NTA covers] that he “care no damn” on declaration of his assets.

For President Jonathan, it was a “moral issue but not legal”, which brings an interpretation that our President do not mind being morally bankrupt while legally okay. His conclusion reminds me of the maverick politician from Oguta in Imo State, Francis Arthur Nzeribe. It was he who made the statement many years ago that "what a millionaire minds is legality and not morality”.

What, therefore, is the difference

between Nzeribe, the creator of that nefarious and unregistered Association of Better Nigerians [we cannot forget so easily how that Association truncated the "freest and fairest democratic election" ever held in this country which eventually led to the death of the winner of that election, MKO Abiola] and President Jonathan, who could not draw the line between his “legal and moral” obligations to Nigerians, the people he is elected to lead? He ought to have known, as a scientist with PhD degree, that a man who is morally bankrupt is not qualified to lead people democratically because democracy will ever remain a legal structure. That is Nigeria’s democracy for us on the other hand. et us welcome this Peoples Democratic Party – new face of old and new - roforofo [in honour of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's memory] battle. Can we define the meaning of democracy from this free for all “chop and quench” battle of the titans? Are there some Nigerians, still, who did not know that the reason for this fight to finish between the “old” and the “new” PDP is for our money?

There is no way that the creator of heaven and earth, who equally created Nigeria with its wealth, which these dealers parading themselves as leaders, are

L

carting away to their private bank accounts, will not call them to judgement.

Yes, my prayer will be in agreement with the President of the Senate, David Mark, when he was talking about the thieves of the Pension Reform Fund. He said that “may God put them in the hottest part of hell”– Amen.

The “family” affair of the PDP is coming together again; both the old and the new, after our common wealth had changed hands, some foreign bank accounts of some individuals had gotten a boost, some earnings from crude oil sales had been mismanaged, part of the never audited security vote had collapsed into “securing pockets of some individual politicians” and many other calamities against 90 percent of the 150 million Nigerians. Eh! God will fight for us and defend us – the hopelessly oppressed citizens of this country that presently have no comforter!

Is this not a democracy that has gone crazy? Think of it. Please, do.

*Mr Etakibuebu, a current affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos

Vanguard,TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER24,2013—19

T

HE vehicle, a newly acquired 14-seater Haice Toyota bus painted in Delta State commuter colours of blue and white was on a 45 minutes journey from Warri to the university town of Abraka. I looked forward to alighting from the vehicle to conduct my private business and begin a quick return journey to Warri. As we took off from the Delta city park by Deco Road and meandered through the Warri-Sapele road towards Effurun Junction, I could not help but admire the beautiful transformation which has repositioned Enerhen Junction referred to, by some people, as an axis of evil and difficulty.

It was at Enerhen Junction as I was pondering the aesthetic changes that had taken place that our journey took a dramatic twist for more than 30 minutes. Nerves were frayed, voices were raised, the bus was polarized and anger stared anger on the face. There were occasional outburst of laughter but two clear divide had emerged and both sides engaged in a fierce debate inside the bus popularly called Uduaghan bus.

We hardly knew when we passed the Effurun roundabout as we all got entangled in the debate to assess the performance of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the more than six years on the saddle. My position on the socio-economic development of Delta State is clear in my mind and you can be sure I

very low". When I thought the matter would end there so we can enjoy the view and continue our journey without any other distraction, the lady sitting next to me took up the issue from a rather strange angle.

"You Delta people are very ungrateful. I wish Uduaghan were the Governor of my state; the transformation taking place in your state is monumental," she stated. But she had obviously angered a few persons in the bus and I could hear one person ask the driver of the bus to turn down the volume of the car radio where a report about the improvement of the Enerhen Junction was being broadcast. "My sister," he began, as he slowly picked his words.

"Those critical of Dr. Uduaghan have only refused to look well or they are plainly mischievous.

There is no sector that the Governor has not touched the lives of the people. He paused to scan the bus as if he wanted to be sure everyone was paying attention to him. Then he cleared his throat and continued. "You see, there is

Unending PDP crisis in Anambra

BY CHIKE ANYAONU

O

guebego” is an Igbo word or name which means “the war is over”. Therefore, in the spirit of the recent reconciliation efforts in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which is driven by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, appointed in that capacity by the leadership of the party, it is expected that this will bring about an end of hostilities by the party’s various warring factions in different states of the federation particularly in Anambra.

So was the tone underlying Governor Dickson’s address to Anambra State stakeholders of the party invited to a parley with his committee in Abuja early August.

The meeting which had in attendance almost all the 23 governorship aspirants and other notable party chieftains was, contrary to expectations, devoid of acrimony and rancour that used to greet similar parleys in the past. The state chapter of the party has been embroiled in factional war that saw it torn between Chief Kenneth Emeakayi-led state executive supported by the leadership of the party, and the other led by Chief Ejike Oguebego being backed by INEC and its Senate committee chairman Senator Andy Uba. At the end of the meeting, speaker after speaker expressed the feeling that the agreements reached would go a long way towards ensuring a lasting peace in the party.

Surprisingly, that was not to be. Events turned sour as the two different factions held parallel primaries to select their respective candidate in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November, thus signaling the fact that the war is far from being over. While Tony Nwoye emerged the winner of the primary conducted by the committee empanelled by the national leadership of the party, Ejike Oguebego’s faction produced Senator Andy Uba as the winner of its primary.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Anam-

,

bra PDP is involved in this kind of drama.

In fact, it is said to be the trend in the party as far as Anambra is concerned. Preparatory to the 2011 general elections the party was embroiled in a similar controversy that saw the emergence of two sets of candidates in two different primaries, one by the Waku committee that was set up by the national leadership of the party, and the other by the state executive led by Benji Udeozor. INEC had accepted the list of the Benji Udeozor candidates claiming it recognised his faction, and that it monitored their primary.

In the confusion that ensued, and without resolving the imbroglio, all the candidates jumped into the field campaigning side by side each other. It was not clear to the voting public who among the candidates they were voting for on the election day. That was how some of the candidates on the side of the state executive claimed PDP victory by default in the constituencies won by the party in the national and state assemblies election. The successful ones among them were sworn into offices while their counterparts dragged them to court, crying for justice.

Sometime last year, the Supreme Court gave judgment in the appeal brought to it

by Prince John Emeka challenging the earlier decision of the court of appeal declaring Mrs. Margery Okadigbo, a member of the Waku list, the candidate and senatorelect on the platform of the PDP. In the lead judgement on the matter, the apex court held that Prince Emeka did not participate in the party’s primary election, having not submitted himself to the primaries conducted by the national leadership of the party but to that of the state executive led by Mr. Benji Udeozor.

The court declared that Prince Emeka, by so doing, participated in an illegal primary. On the basis of that judgement, Mrs. Okadigbo was sworn in as senator representing Anambra North Senatorial

no food for lazy people and the era of free and easy money has to some extent been consigned to history. My younger brother graduated from University of Lagos and made a first class. Do you know where he is now?" he asked, as if everyone in the bus ought to know. "I spoke with him yesterday; he is concluding his PHD abroad, thanks to the special scholarship provision by Governor Uduaghan. My younger sister’s daughter is in SS 3; last year the state government enrolled her for the West African Examination Council, saving her poor parents the hassles of looking for thousands of Naira for the enrollment," he informed.

Like a teacher in the class he gently hushed all those who were already grumbling. Continuing, he said: "Some people may not see anything good in this administration but that is because a prophet has no honour in his own place". "Excuse me sir," one woman in disagreement blurted out from behind. "It seems you belong to PDP or working for Uduaghan, because for me I am yet to see what the man has done in Delta State." Now she got really serious. "If you want to tell me that because he built an airport at Asaba that qualifies him as a successful governor, you are wrong. How many of us use the airport, I have no need for it, because as far as I know it is only big people like him that enter plane to travel. Please spare us this talk about Uduaghan if you have nothing better to say," she concluded.

By now our bus was navigating towards the Osubi Road and our direction was clear: Abraka. There was a brief silence as everyone

,

BY EVI UBOGO

was one of those who staked a position in the raging debate. But I have no wish to feed you with my thinking alone, since that will be an unfair representation of the dialogue inside this bus.

Actually, it was a petite faircomplexion young lady that started it all. Hear her: "Thank God for this Uduaghan bus", she began. "Only God knows how students would have been making it to Abraka. All these transporters were exploiting us seriously until Uduaghan came with these buses that have eased our problems and made commuting easier," she explained. "Now look at the beauty of Enerhen Junction; this place is greatly transformed, it looks like little London." But that was the turning point as the lanky man who sat two seats away asked: ”What has Uduaghan achieved?"

He was almost screaming. "What has he really done for the people of the state in the last six years? Can you compare Delta to Lagos or Rivers or even our sister state Edo or Awka Ibom or Cross River with all the oil money that Delta generates; is it just this Enerhen Junction thing that the man could do?" he hissed. "Others are building overhead bridges and what he did was just to confuse us by expanding the road and putting a few things in place to make it seem as if he is working". Another commuter picked it up from him, this time a lady. "I graduated four years ago and the government cannot even give me a job, so what has he really achieved? I beg let that short man go and rest, he has not done anything. I personally score him

,

Conversation inside Delta City bus

Those critical of Dr. Uduaghan have only refused to look well or they are plainly mischievous; there is no sector that the Governor has not touched the lives of the people

The present situation in Anambra PDP has risen to a worrisome level; allowing the confusion to thrive unresolved would certainly affect the chances of the party in the election

,

zone.

In May the same year, the Supreme Court had dismissed an appeal brought before it

by Chief Ikechi Emenike against the election of Governor Theodore Orji on the platform of PDP. Chief Emenike had claimed he won the party’s primary election and as such should be declared the candidate of the party and the winner of the governorship election. The verdict of the apex court according to Justice Afolabi Fabiyi who delivered the judgement is that Emenike failed to substantiate his claim that he was the duly selected person to run for the office of governor on the platform of PDP. These decisions are not only instructive, but also buttress the need to maintain discipline in political parties. On the contrary, state chapters of various parties have been acting in a manner that tended to suggest that they are independent of the national leadership of their parties. Though the trend is common among the three major parties in the country, it is more prevalent in PDP with respect to Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Akwa Ibom states and CPC with respect to Katsina and Nasarawa states in the build up to 2011 general elections.

This is the unfortunate situation Anambra PDP has found itself once again. It is perhaps note worthy that the audacity of the Oguebego faction to conduct a parallel primary in defiance of its non-recognition

appears to be digesting the points raised by the two groups in the vehicle. Then a young lady broke the ice again, when she said: "Actually," she started, ‘if you check the education sector the guy has tried for us students. The school fees in Delta State is about the cheapest in Nigeria. In some states students are asked to pay well over N200,000 as school fees. The state government also gives out bursary to every student and those in law school are getting bursary allowance to support their education. I think we are better off in Delta than many states in the country." "What is this girl talking about?" someone in front hollered.

"You people are the ones that make this Uduaghan man think he is doing something with this kind of talk. I feel you're encouraging him to spoil the state. All the oil money that Delta receives what has he done with it? Look at soldiers on the streets, is it not because of crime is too high? Look at this Osubi Road that he has been constructing for years, when is he going to finish it?" he queried.

"My friend," another man interjected, "if you don’t know then ask I will tell you. This Osubi Road is a Federal Government road; the Governor wants to make it good so that the people of the state can at least enjoy some comfort. Even the Ughelli-Asaba road is a Federal road and others...".

I listened and maintained an interesting silence as these people marshaled their points for and against Governor Uduaghan. As far as it was going, the debate was even and the argument needed someone from both sides to take the day.

*Mr Ubogo wrote from Warri, Delta State.

by the headquarters of the party was given impetus by the seeming meddlesomeness of the INEC in the internal affairs of the party as was the case in 2011.

The electoral body had insisted that it will not recognise the Ken Emeakayi-led faction of the state executive, forgetting that the critical question here is not the faction that is recognised by it, but on who is entitled to organise primary election, present and sponsor a governorship candidate as in this instance, state or national.

INEC’s position contradicts that of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which held that the party so mentioned in the constitution is the party at the national and that a state executive of a party does not qualify to hold a primary election for the party or sponsor its candidate in an election. Short of saying that INEC does not have any business dealing or interfacing with the state chapter of a party in matters relating to or in connection with conduct of primaries, sponsorship or presentation of candidates for any election.

The present situation in Anambra PDP together with INEC’s intransigence has risen to a worrisome level. The 2011 incident happened by mistake. It will not happen again. Anambra voters are becoming wiser by the day. You cannot continue to deceive the same people by replaying the same trick every time. Allowing the confusion to thrive unresolved would certainly affect the chances of the party in the election. Unless the party makes a serious move to resolve the crisis by doing the needful, Government House, Awka, which is a finger snap away from it will be completely forgotten.

On the other hand, this time round, INEC must try to redeem its image battered in its shoddy handling of the 2011 irregular nominations. The electoral body must live up to the role expected of it as an unbiased umpire.

*Mr Anyaonu, a media practitioner & Director International Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, wrote from Lagos.

20— Vanguard ,

TUESDAY TUESDAY,, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Ibadan: Rage of residents over 8-year reign of darkness

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

T

O some Ibadan residents who live at Muslim, Odinjo, Alade Masfala, Adesola in Oluyole and Ona Ara local government areas of Ibadan, it has been a harrowing experience for the past eight years living without power supply. With the exception of a negligible few who can afford generating sets, a larger percentage of people living in the areas have been coping with utter darkness. Their businesses have collapsed with artisans who need electricity for their work moving in droves to other places within the metropolis. Landlords in the area who rely on rents for survival now regret why they spent huge sums of money on buildings that would not yield money for them in return.

Owing to the endless power outage, which some residents said had been the case for 11 years, tenants now avoid getting accommodation in the areas.

Pushed to the wall, angry youths in the areas capitalised on the fuel subsidy crisis of January 2012 to set the substation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, in the area ablaze.

About eight vehicles, several

substation was razed.

“We have been able to put two transformers which cost N80million each in place. He said: “We still need about N80m to complete the project. This project is unlikely to be completed by the end of the year because we are yet to receive the remaining fund and we are also yet to place order for the material needed from abroad. Each of the two transformers installed cost N40m and the control room building has cost N15m so far and we still need a lot of things to put in place several other equipment before it will be functional. Indoor breaker, control room panel and underground cable are some of the things we still need to install.”

So, it was a huge relief when the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide visited them recently and said efforts were in top gear to find lasting solution to the problem. According to her, she had contacted the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, for the repair of the power distribution station that was destroyed. She noted that power projects are capital-intensive and destruction of a power station

,

,

What happened was unfortunate; because of the action of a few people, majority are suffering

equipment, cables were stolen by the rampaging youths who felt the PHCN office there was of no use to them.

According to some elders in the areas, successive government officials had made several unfulfilled promises to end the nightmare, but to this day, the reign of darkness still continues.

One of the leaders, Mr. Adegbite Yisau, who said the problem has been on for many years, added that it started since the tenure of the late Lamidi Adesina.

Also, a landlord in the area, Mogaji Fatai Adebayo and Mr. Salau Suberu, said the electricity problem has made it difficult to attract tenants to their houses.

When asked why there has been perpetual darkness in the area, Mr. Tokunbo Peters, Principal Manager, Public Affairs, PHCN, said it was an exaggeration that there had not been electricity supply for the past eight years. He, however, admitted that the problem could have been caused by a local fault.

He said: “That is grossly exaggerated. If there is power cut for one hour, people would say they have not had light for seven hours. It is true we had a fault and it lasted few months. When we were about completing it, the C M Y K

amounted to waste of public fund advising residents in the areas to always guard all gov-

•Transformer under repairs (inset) Salau Suberu, Baale of Alade ernment facilities jealously.

“What happened was an unfortunate incident and there are many lessons to be learnt from it.

Because of the action of a few people, majority are suffering.

Citizen responsibility is important among us because we need to protect government facility and critical infrastructure in our society. We should not allow criminal element in our midst to destroy the facility that serve us. I feel sorry for the good people of Ibadan

who have been suffering for more than one year because of the destruction of the PHCN facilities.

“I have made representation to my colleague in the power sector to help us to restore power in this area and I am happy that the work is almost completed. So far, we have spent over N200m that was not budgeted for. As you know, the power sector is capital intensive. There are many power projects going on all over the

country and this is one of them.

This is so to increase power supply in Nigeria. I have been assured by the Power Minister that soon, this station will commence operation,” she said.

With the promise and seeing that the work is almost completed, hundreds of people who came to receive the minister went wild in jubilation thanking her for her efforts so far.

Lagos-Ibadan expressway: Still waiting for reconstruction

BY LAMIDI BAMIDELE

awarded and signed, amidst pomp, pageantry and high expectations, the general perception is that the road has become worse than before. Hopes were raised when it was reported that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger and Royal Construction Company RCC in July 2013 who promised to complete the job in 48 months. But months after, a journey from Redeemed Church Camp along the expressway now takes between two and three hours due to so many failed sections and recklessly parked articulated heavy-duty vehicles.

During the flag-off by Mr President, the Federal Controller of works, Lagos State, Oluwatoyin Obikoya, promised that emergency repairs would be carried out on bad portions of the road.

According to him: “Julius Berger will carry *Traffic jam on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway caused by potholes out emergency repairs

T

HE flag-off of the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway came as a big sigh of relief to most motorists plying the everbusy road. The contract awarded to Julius Berger and Royal Construction Company RCC in July 2013 is expected to take 48 months.

Two months after the contract for the reconstruction of the expressway was

of those sections so that motorists would enjoy smooth ride and not spend hours on that road again”.

But the story today is that several sections of the road presently demand urgent attention, especially the adjoining bridge between Berger Bus- stop and Kara Bus-stop towards the Berger axis of the expressway. This portion is fast deteriorating as the adjoining bridge now has big cracks on it, leaving a big gap between it and the road.

This situation is responsible for the daily long queue of vehicles which take their turns to pass at a snail speed.

The incessant traffic jam on this road occasioned by the poor state of the road has made many travellers vulnerable to armed robbery attacks, leading to loss of cash, other personal belongings and also lives.

Residents of many towns and villages along the expressway such as Arepo, Wawa, Magboro, Ibafo, Mowe and many others who previously regarded the expressway as a blessing say they are now beginning to have a second thought.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 21

ABUCCIMA to boost bilateral trade between Nigeria, Niger Rep

By FAVOURNNABUGWU

A

(L- R): Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Chairman, CFAO Nigeria Ltd., Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser and Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, Legend & Life, also of Nigerian Breweries Plc during Gulder Ultimate Search 10 Final Selection Party, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, recently.

Shippers Council to sanction erring terminal operators

By GODWIN ORITSE

an unscheduled visit to the Tin-Can Island Container HE management of the Terminal to ascertain the true Nigerian Shippers’ position of the operations at Council (NSC) has the ports following several threatened to sanction complaints by importers and terminal operators that Customs agents operating at deliberately delay cargo the Lagos ports.

The team visited the offices clearance at the nation’s of the Cotecna Destination ports.

Executive Secretary of the Inspection Agency Limited, Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, the Nigeria Custom Service, gave this hint when he paid and the scanning site of the TICT terminal in order to ascertain the main problems at the terminal. Bello, who -1.05 114.75 was accompanied by other senior officials of 2,608.00 -22.00 the Council, as well as frontline maritime 17.16 -0.01 expert, Otunba Kunle Folarin, said that the tour was a follow up to 109.29 +0.53 the visit of Senior Special Assistant to 104.70 -1.72 President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING Affairs, Mr. Leke Oyewole.

DOLLAR 154.76 155.26 155.76 He expressed shock POUNDS 248.916 249.7202 250.5244 at the sight of so many EURO 209.6688 210.3462 211.0236 freight forwarders who FRANC 169.9912 170.5404 171.0896 sat down doing nothing YEN 1.564 1.5691 1.5741 within the terminals CFA 0.296 0.306 0.316 even as some of them, WAUA 235.145 235.9047 236.6644 on seeing the team, RENMINBI 25.2809 25.363 25.4452 chanted that the cargo RIYA 41.266 41.3994 41.5327 examination does not KRONA 28.1065 28.1973 28.2881 take effect at the CBN Exchange rate as at 20/09/2013 terminal until 12.pm.

T

After going round the terminals, Bello said that the cargo clearance procedures at the terminal is primitive and that this must be upgraded to be at par with other countries of the world.

“We can’t have such procedures happening in Nigerian ports, otherwise the actualisation of the benefits of the ports reform will be defeated,” he said. Bello said

that there is a serious concern from the Federal Government as regards cargo clearance and the efficiency of the terminal operators.

According to him, “There will be serious sanctions for terminals that fail to live up to expectation.” Also, he was shock at the lateness of Customs to their duty post to carry out examinations on containers.

BUJA Chamber of Com merce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ABUCCIMA, has disclosed that it is working hard to boost bilateral trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic by taking 100 Nigerian companies to participate in the forthcoming international trade fair in Niger Republic.

President of the chamber, Dr. Solomon Nyagba, said: “We had a similar fair organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about five years ago in which a lot of our members participated in Niger Republic. The market is there and the economy is stable too; it may not be as strong as the one we have in Nigeria but we believe that we should take advantage of this.

“Fortunately, most of them (Nigeriens) will be here to participate in our own trade fair.

So, from what we have organised, there is going to be a talk where we will sensitise our members to be part of the Niger trade fair.

“ECOWAS is deliberating on encouraging regional integration at the business, private and government levels and this is a good opportunity to strengthen that regional integration”, he said.

Nyagba, who hosted a delegation of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Cottage of Niger, CCICN led by its vice president, Mr. Saley Seyboi in Abuja, said that Nigeria has a lot to gain by participating in the Niger Republic trade fair.

Customs arrests eight suspected smugglers, seizes 159 cargoes

By GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) has seized a total of 159 smuggled cargoes valued at N481.3million and arrested eight suspected smugglers for various trade irregularities.

The Command also raked in a total of N151.020billion for the third quarter of 2013, surpassing last year’s (2012) collection by N11billion.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, the Customs Area Comptroller, Zakari Jubril said that for the first time in the history of the Command, this amount of revenue was being realised. A comparative analysis of the Command’s revenue profile showed that while a total of N139.4 billion was collected for 2012, over N150 billion was collected in the third quarter of 2013.

A break down of the figure showed that the highest of amount of revenue collected in the month of August, stood at N23.6 billion as against N18.4 billion generated in the corresponding period of last year.

For the months of January and February 2013, N16.3 billion and N16.2 billion were collected while N14.5 billion and N19.2 billion were collected in the corresponding months of 2013 ,respectively. While N19billion was collected in the month of March 2012, N17.5billion was collected for March 2013, as against N15.2billion for April 2012 and N19.1billion for 2013.

For May and June 2012, N17.1billion and N 18.3billion of revenue were realised while N19.9billion and N17.6billion were collected in the corresponding months of 2013.

Besides the collection of N17.3billion of revenue in July 2012, N20.4billion was collected for July, 2013.

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Wanted! Investor focused regulation of registrars

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HREE weeks ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) set up a committee to develop a ten year Master Plan for the capital market.

In summary, the work of the committee is to develop strategies that are necessary to making Nigeria the capital market hub of Africa.

Good work. In our quest to achieve this laudable goal, one of the critical ingredients is a regulatory framework for company registrars that is investor focused and investor friendly.

We are not referring to institutional investors or wealthy and highly placed investors, but retail investors; the individual who knows little about investment and wields little or no influence.

They may not agree, but the reality is that most company registrars are not investor friendly. This is very evident in the effort of Vanguard Investors Forum to address the complaints of investors.

For example, it is difficult to

From left: Jennifer Anoyika, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian-German Business Association; André Rönne, Delegate of the German Delegation of Industry and Commerce in Nigeria / CEO Nigerian-German Business Association; Massimo De Luca, Trade Counsellor, European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States at a press briefing to announce the 2nd EUNigeria Business Forum in Lagos. access most company registrars. When you survey the location of their offices, you would almost conclude that they deliberately choose their location to discourage shareholders from coming. Secondly, most of them don’t have mobile phone lines on their contacts but land lines. A ma-

jor culprit in this regard is ESL Securities, the registrar of Ecobank. It took several attempts and pressure before the company provided a mobile line that can be provided to shareholders. And if you have ever visited the offices of these registrars, you would notice the general attitude of

contempt and disdain in the way they relate to shareholders. This is most obvious in their callous attitude in the way they respond to complaints from investors. Shareholders are the owners of the companies, but registrars treat them as if they are not. This is because registrars believe

they are serving the companies and not their shareholders. They believe that the company is the one paying them and not the shareholders. In any case, since their services are statutory, companies cannot do without their services. This mindset is reinforced by the fact that companies rarely sack registrars because most of them are subsidiaries of one of the companies they serve. In addition to these, there is no specific law or regulation designed to curb the abuses of registrars, and specify sanctions for any untoward attitude to shareholders. The result is that registrar business in Nigeria wields and enjoys monopolistic power, and they behave like monopoly. But the real victim is the capital market. The attitude of registrars is a major source of suffering and dissatisfaction among investors, and this undermines confidence in the market. Now, it is difficult to see how we intend to achieve the goal of being the capital market hub of the continent when company registrars frustrate investors and treat them with disrespect. That is why part of the strategies must include an investor focused and investor friendly regulatory framework for company registrars.

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HOMAS Wyatt Nig. Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Airline Services and Logistics Plc, TransNationwide Express Plc, International Energy Insurance Company Plc, IEI, and UACN were some of the stocks that enjoyed enough investors’ patronage last week to clinch the top ten gainers position on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The rest were Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and United Bank for Africa.

Thomas Wyatts, paper/forest products listed security, gained 33.33 percent or N0.24 to close at N0.96 from N0.72 it started the week at. Thomas Wyatt engages in general printing and related support services. It is, however, presently listed by the NSE as one of the companies performing below its post-listing rules requirements. There are indications that the company might

be financially distressed as the working capital dipped by 25.8 percent for the year ended 31st December, 2012.

Breakdown showed that the working capital slumped to N59.97 million from N80.86 million in 2011. All the primary performance indicators dropped with the turnover declining by 10.1 percent to N122.35 million from the previous N136.06 million. Following increase cost, the company recorded loss before tax of 26.54 million and loss after tax of N27.77 million during the period.

Thomas Wyatt has sixty years experience in paper and paper conversion business and the delivery of high quality printing and stationeries supplies in Nigeria.

Unity Bank’s shares went up by 32 percent or N0.16 percent from N0.50 to N0.66 per share.

There are reports that foreign investors and domestic venture capitalists may be eyeing the bank few weeks after the Managing Director, Alhaji Ado Yakubu Wanka, bowed out of office, while Mr. Rislanudeen Muhammad, stepped in as

the acting MD. Unity Bank is making frantic efforts to strengthen its retail banking through introduction of more customer-friendly products. It recorded 130 percent growth in profit after tax to N6.18 billion from N2.69 billion in 2011.

Gross earnings for the same period rose to N53.76 billion, up from N46.27 billion in 2011.

Airline Services and Logistics Plc engaged in in-flight

catering services, recorded 15.22 percent or N0.51 price appreciation to close at N3.86 from N3.35 it started the week

at. It as well delivers catering services to tier 1 corporate institutions.

Trans-Nationwide Express gained 15.04 percent or N0.17 to close at N1.30 from N1.13.

In a bid to engage in expansion of its business, the company five years ago at the yearly general meeting revealed plans to increase its share capital from N250 million to N500 million by way of right and public offer. The 2012 audited financial statement showed that the revenue rose to N601.15 million from N536.04 million in 2011, rep-

resenting 6.8 percent growth.

The gross profit rose by marginal 5.4 percent from N340.74 million to N359.08 million. However, the profit after tax slumped by significant 170.7 percent to N34.39 million after tax expenses amounting to N90.56 million.

Basic earning per share also slumped by the same proportion to 17kobo from 24kobo in 2011.

IEI’s shares went up by 14.29 percent or N0.09 from N0.63 to N0.72 per share.

UACN reorded 11.54 percent or N6.29 growth from N54.51 to N60.80 per share.

Transcorp appreciated by 11.11 percent or N0.15 to N1.50 from N1.35; Neimeth advanced by 9.52 percent or N0.10 to close at N1.15 to N1.05.

Champion Breweries shares rose up by 9.26 percent or N1.44 to close at N16.99 from N15.55 per share, while UBA advanced by 9.22 percent or N0.65 to close at N7.70 from N7.05 per share.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 23

INVESTORS SPEAK

Shareholders’ attitude at AGMs is embarrassing …

I

Pastor Williams Adebayo: f you look at it constructively, even abroad, attending AGMs could be very tough; you see people throwing tomatoes on the board members, but the truth about the matter is that most people you see at AGMs are mostly poor

I

Mr. Boniface: omebody has asked me that question before, why do we leaders not ask FirstBank to give items to its shareholders at its Annual General Meeting because other companies are giving; I said look if you’re coming to AGMs for the purpose of gifts, then you are deceiving yourself. Some of them do not even know what they’re doing; they come because Flourmills is giving out a flour bag or whatever and when the company is doing something important, nobody will know, they are only interested in the gifts items which is to be shared at the AGM. I told them my friend I can’t do it, you can’t ask us to share gifts to you; if that’s your aim of coming to the meetings forget about it. You should come to meetings to learn how your company is doing, ask questions, seek for information; that’s what the meetings are all about, and know how your shares are been managed. Don’t come to AGMs for the purpose of collecting gifts, that’s why Nigerian shareholders need to be adequately educated. We are trying to educate them but they don’t want to be educated. They only commend you as a good leader when you make it possible for gifts to be shared during AGMs, but I said no, I can’t do it, that is not the purpose of my being a leader. It’s is for me to ask questions, for me to lead you to know what is going on in the company, and other better ways to serve the investors rather than giving them gift items during AGMs. It’s a process; we have a long way to go in tackling the issue of investors being referred to as hungry people.

S

By HANNAH ISIBOR, MAGBEGOR ZINO & PAUL METU Mr. Chinyere Nwankwo: have been observing that so many investors come to Annual General Meetings, AGMs, just to collect the food and gift items that are being shared. The way people queue up to collect gift items and all is uncalled for. It is not as if it’s bad; the companies are only using it to appreciate the fact that they (the shareholders) came for the meeting. But the way some of the shareholders conduct themselves is very bad. Some of them come, collect the gift items and leave without waiting to attend the meeting which was organised for them to get the necessary information about their shareholding. Some of them collect more than one gift item. I saw some that collected up to three bags, making it difficult for other shareholders to collect. These are the people giving the shareholders bad names and making it seem as if shareholders are hungry people. What I think can be done to stop this attitude is for the companies to withhold the gift until the meeting ends before they give them out. That way, the shareholders will wait for the meeting because they can’t leave the gift items.

But it’s sad all the same because it is this kind of attitude that gives the shareholders bad names.

of the AGMs.

•Pastor William Adebayo and downtrodden people. Most of the wealthy shareholders do not attend AGMs; that’s the truth. Most people you see at AGMs are pensioners, applicants.

You will hardly see someone who has invested his money to buy shares struggling to eat snacks when he has dividend to collect and he knows how much he has invested. So, most of the people you see hustling for food at AGMs are fraudsters, pensioners or applicants, who got the information from an uncle or relative and use the info to come and collect food. But generally, like I’ve said earlier, wealthy people don’t attend AGMs. Although there are rich shareholders but they don’t attend AGMs. Elder Ade Oduntun: t is the thugs who don’t even have shares in this companies that are responsible for this talk of investors being referred to as hungry people. People

I

Boniface Okezie bring them to the AGMs and they use them to collect gifts. They go from one Annual General Meeting to another looking for food and other gift items to collect. They are the ones who have given us this bad name. But the responsible shareholders, those that have truly invested and know what investment really means do not behave that way.

Shareholders are responsible persons, pensioners; people that have investments, that have companies and know what they are doing, and understand the fact that there is more to attending AGMs than just collecting of goody bags. They know what shareholding really means and how important the information being passed across to the investors at the AGMs are. I don’t struggle for anything because my major interest in any AGM is the information I would gather during the meeting and not the food or gift items which the companies share at the venues

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS How do I cash expired dividend warrant?

I have many cheques of paid dividends which even expired before arrival at my post office. They have been rejected by my bank. How can I cash them? I also bought shares from seven banks and companies in 2007, but till date the certificates are still with me.

What should I do?

And for some time now, Transorp has not appeared in the stock exchange publications. Has it been merged or bought by a bigger company?

Please, help with information about its present state of affairs.

Finally I want all my dividend paid into my bank account by electronic payment system. How can this be made possible? (Frm Adodo E.O.)

Investors Forum Take the expired dividend warrant to the registrars of the company, and they will revalidate (renew) them for you.

Also tell the registrars that you want to receive direct payment of dividend into your bank account. They will tell you what to do. Transcorp is still in existence and operating.

Sterling Registrars has stopped paying my dividend I am a shareholder of Continental Re, Japaul and Conoil, all having Sterling Registrars as their registrars. But since 2010, they have stopped paying me my dividends. Why? (Chris Ekeocha Opara, Jos Plateau state).

Investors Forum We advise you to call Sterling Registrars or write a formal letter of complaint.

The contact of the company is Sterling Registrars Limited Knight Frank Building (8th Floor) 24 Campbell Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-012635607.

they promised. If they would not, you can report them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). But this would take a long process and time. If you don’t have the patience for long wait, it is advisable you collect your money. It is still better than losing the investment.

What do I do with my late father’s shares?

Please my late father has shares with UTC Nigeria Plc and NTC Limited. I have the certificates with me. How can I go about it?

Zenith Bank refused payment of dividend into children account I bought shares for my baby in UBA, First Bank , Fidelity Bank, Oando, Mobil, Total, ETI, UACN, and FCMB. I got the dividend but Zenith Bank has refused to accept it into children account for deposit, what will I do? (Omimi John)

Investors Forum To exercise authority over those shares, you must be the Next of Kin (NOK) indicated by your father when he purchased those shares. If he did not indicate anybody as NOK, we advise you contact a lawyer and stockbroker for counsel.

AIMS Finance wants to shortchange me I was approached by a staff of AIMS FINANCE M LTD in 2009 to invest in PETDRIL for five years in which the capital and gains will mature for claims.

Now without declaring any gain for using my capital for three years plus, they want to refund the initial capital invested. What do I do?

Investors Forum You can write to the company insisting they pay interest on the investment as

Investors Forum There are banks that have children account that accepts payment of dividend warrant. We advise that you open such account for your baby and pay in the dividend warrants. You can go further by contacting the registrars of the companies for direct payment of dividend into the account i.e. edividend.

Complaint against TRW stockbrokers Limited I gave my share certificates to my stock broker, TRW stockbroker s Ltd for dematerialisation since 2008. He gave me CSCS statement in respect of some of the shares, but refused to give me CSCS statement in respect of Guinness nig Plc for 2285 shares; First Bank Ni-

geria Plc for 5447 shares; Nigeria Brewery Plc for 1036 shares and Oando Plc for 2418 shares. The firms have been trading on my shares since 2008 without accounting to me. I therefore request you to advise me on how to go about it.

(G.A Ukpebor esq) .

Zenith Registrars no longer sends my dividend Please help me to find out why Zenith Bank Registrars stopped sending me dividend since 1999.I bought shares in Zenith Bank dating back to2006 and I only received dividend in 2007 and 2009. (Ofoha Emmanuel) We advise that you contact the company. Its contact is Zenith Registrars Limited, Plot 89 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-2708930-4. E-mail: enquiry@zenithregistrars.com

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

NCP approves handover of PHCN successor coys … Refers Sapele power bidder to AGF

T

HE National Council on Privatization (NCP), on Friday, formally approvedthe handover of the successor companies unbundled from Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to the preferred bidders.

The decision, which was taken at the Council’s sixth meeting in Abuja, followed the approval of the payment of the remaining 75% of 14 out of the 15 bidders for the acquisition of the 15 PHCN successor companies.

Among the payments approved by the Council include the 12 companies that made payments on the due date: •Amperion Power Co. Ltd (Geregu) • Tr a n s c o r p / Wo o d r o c k (Ughelli) • Integrated Energy Company (Ibadan) •NEDC/KEPCO (Ikeja) •Vigeo Power Ltd. (Benin) •Aura Energy Ltd. (Jos) •Integrated Energy Company (Yola) •Mainstream Energy Ltd. (Kainji) •West Power & Gas (Eko) •Kann Consortium (Abuja) •4Power Consortium (Port Harcourt), and, •Sahelian Power SPV Ltd. (Kano).

The Council also approved the late payments by North South Power and Interstate Electric Limited, for Shiroro Power Plc and Enugu Distribution Company Plc respectively. But the approvals were subject to the late payment penalty as provided in clause 12.20 on interest for late payment and clauses 5.5, 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 of the Share, Purchase Agreement, SPA. Legal interpretation However, the Council referred the case of CMEC/ EURAFIC consortium, the preferred bidder for Sapele Generation Company to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Legal Committee of the NCP for advice.

The move became imperative in order to resolve the identified legal issues, as the group had paid over 50% of their bid cost or $119,887,156 of the $201,000,000.

The NCP also directed the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to ensure that all staff entitlements

are fully paid by the week beginning September 23, and ending September 27, 2013.

Council equally approved

the protocol for the physical handover of the successor companies to the bidders that have fully paid the remaining 75%

for the acquisition cost.

It would be recalled that in December 2010, NCP advertised for Expressions of Inter-

From left: General Manager (Policy, Government and Public Affairs), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrup; Head, Safety and Environment, Directorate of Petroleum Resources, Dorothy Bassey; Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual Nigeria, Offong Ambah and Chief Executive Officer, Richardson Oil & Gas, Akin Osuntoki ...at the 5th PSRG-Richardson Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Forum, in Lagos.

est (EOIs) from prospective core investors interested in acquiring controlling stake in the 11 successor distribution companies (Discos) and the six generation companies (Gencos) created out of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

All the prequalified bidders were given access to the virtual data room from September 1, 2011 to the proposal submission date ofJuly 31, 2012. Prequalified bidders were also allowed to visit the distribution companies and physical data rooms that were located within the franchise area of each company.

Recall that at the deadline for payment of the initial 25% of bid consideration on 21 March 2013; all the preferred bidders for the 15 Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies met the deadline. At that deadline, the BPE had received $559,445,573.96 from 14 bidders for 15 successor companies.

The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation, distribution and transmission companies with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.

Nigeria to spend N15 bn annually to secure oil facilities T

HE Federal Government has indicated that securing oil pipelines in the Niger Delta would gulp about N15 billion annually.The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, John Jonah, who spoke with reporters in Abuja at the end of the 52nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, said the funding would be through a tripartite arrangement involving the federal and state governments along with International Oil companies (IOCs) operating in the country.

Mr. Jonah, who was flanked

by Anambra governor, Peter Obi, and his Gombe State counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo, said that following the presentation of the report of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan committee on the criminal incidence of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the NEC approved the release of funds to take care of logistics for security agencies.

He noted that oil production significantly improved in recent times following efforts by members of the military joint task force deployed to the region to protect the nation’s oil installations, adding that oil production increased steadily, with the country’s production capacity now stabilized at about 2.4million barrels per day, as against about 1.7 million barrels few months back.

“The security agencies are well trained Nigerian professionals, some of whom are laying their lives for you and I that we should get revenue,” he said, adding that most of the oil were spilled into the ocean when the pipelines were vandalized, while the activities of vandals disrupt oil production activities.

“Most of the oil is not stolen.

When you vandalize the lines they cannot produce. When the lines are broken, if one tries to pump, one would pump into the sea, and the oil companies will not produce under that condi-

tion,” the deputy governor noted.

“But, the oil is not lost, as it returns to the ground. That is called deferred oil. It is not stolen, but you cannot be produced. Once you cannot produce you cannot sell it. A lot of repairs have been carried out, and we are making sure that the levels we are was sustained.

That is why the facilities that were needed have been approved. We are going spend about N15 billion over the year and that is what we lose in just few days,” he said.

Mr. Jonah also noted that the government had a responsibility to equip security agencies operating in the area to enable them discharge their assignments effectively.

“So, what we are trying to do is to ensure that we buy the necessary equipment for them to perform their duty in the areas that we have identified gaps.

We also want to make sure that more personnel are available.

The terrain is a very difficult

one, swamp terrain is a very difficult one “In one of the lines between Nembe and Brass, we are told that there are about 150 bunkering points and those have been vandalized by crude oil thieves, and we are in the process of repairing those ones,” he said.

The Bayelsa official said there was need to ensure the security officials were properly equipped to check oil theft.

“It is the process of equipping him and giving him additional incentives to work that this money was being voted for. It is not just soldiers, navy, air force, there are policemen, civil defence and even the EFCC,” he said.

Mr. Jonah also said the government was determined to prosecute offenders, adding that “they must be prosecuted, so that there was a social procedure set in place by this committee to make sure offenders are tried”.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 25

MRS, Forte, Oando borrow N305bn in 2012 …Oando acquires aircraft

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HREE major downstream oil firms in Nigeria — OandoPlc, Forte Oil Plc, and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, borrowed a total of N304.67 billion in 2012, to finance among others, products importation, operations, and aircraft acquisition.

This is about 15.9 per cent of the total exposure of N1.913 trillion to banks in the country recorded in 2012.

According to data obtained from the 2012 Annual Reports of the three oil companies, Oando borrowed about N289 billion, MRS N21 billion, and Forte Oil N2.314 billion.

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, in its Annual Reports and Accounts 2012, disclosed that as at the end of the year, the exposure of oil and gas firms to banks in the country stood at N1.913 trillion, compared with the N1.53 trillion in 2011.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had in 2012 ordered banks and other financial institutions to stop extending loans to oil firms as well as individuals and organisations who were indebted to banks to the tune of N5 billion and above.

The CBN/AMCON went further to list some 20 oil and gas firms, which owed banks about N705.885 billion while five power firms owed N114.928 billion.

Oando’s aircraft In its 2012 financial statement, Oando said it borrowed N288.9 billion from banks and other sources in the course of its business operations to finance its oil well activities, gas pipeline projects, and the acquisition of an aircraft.

The amount is 40.23 per cent higher or N82.88 billion more than the N206.02 billion it borrowed in 2011.

The Oando Report, which was approved by its shareholders a couple of weeks ago, broke the borrowings into Non-current and Current items. In the first category, bank loans amounted to N75.22 billion, dropping from N83.37 billion in 2011, while under Current, the loans amounted to N120.92 billion; bank overdraft — N48.538 billion and other third party debts — N44.202 billion.

Also, the report revealed that the loans were denominated in three currencies - N189.302 billion, US$98.81 billion, and 775,472 West Africa CFA. The borrowings also included secured liabilities of about N51.2 billion and a convertible bond of N2.5 billion issued to Ocean and Oil Investments Limited, which was later restated upon a query by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. Broken further, the sum of N2.034 billion was used by Oando to finance the acquisition of an aircraft compared to N1.46 billion used for the same purpose in 2011.

The company used N1.157 billion to fund its Greater Lagos III gas pipe-

line project for Gaslink; while N15.527 billion was expended on activities on the Oil Mining Lease,OML13.

Also, the sum of N3.11 billion went into the upgrade of Oando Energy Services rig; N17.8 billion for Unicem gas pipeline project by Horizon Gas Company; and N3.4 billion for the Akute Independent Power Project.

MRS,Forte Oil MRS in its report said the N13.46 billion borrowed in 2012, is down by about 36 per cent of the N21.003 billion borrowed in 2011.

The borrowings are broken down into: Bank Overdraft N1.414 billion, and bank borrowings N12.046 billion used to finance imports.

According to the report, total lines of credit available to the company amounted to N11.5 billion, compared to N25.50 billion in 2011, while interest rates on these facilities ranged between 15 per cent and 20 per cent per annum.

The company further stated that the net interest expense incurred in the year amounted to N294.76 million, compared to N269.73 million in 2011.

It also stated that the facilities are either secured with products financed, domiciliation of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA payments, or its sinking fund account with a balance of N8.9 billion as at year end.

Forte Oil, on the other hand, borrowed N2.314 billion in 2012, down from N4 billion in 2011. The sum was used to finance lease liabilities of N2.194 billion and unsecured bank loans of N120.286 million.

China crude imports from Iran up 17.5%

C

HINA’S crude oil imports from Iran reached 436,296 barrels per day in August, up 17.54 percent from the same month last year, suggesting that importers are struggling to comply with U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme.

The figure was also 9.8 percent higher than July, data from the customs authority showed on Sunday.

China’s imports of Iranian oil stood at 14.06 million tonnes over the first eight months of the year, according to official customs data, equivalent to 422,308 bpd and down 1.17 percent compared to the same period of 2012. and other Asian importers of Iranian crude have to keep reducing the shipments to win waivers to U.S. sanctions.

Chinese officials told Reuters late last year that domestic refiners may cut their Iran shipments 5-10 percent this year from the 438,450 bpd average for 2012.

That would mean China’s average daily Iran oil imports for 2013 have to fall to a 394,600-416,400 bpd range.

Oil & People •FELIX AYANRUOH felix.ayanruohlaw@gmail.com

provide for effective disposal rules of both on and offshore structures, including wells, installations, structures, utilities and pipelines, pursuant to international standards.

The bill states that offshore structures are to be removed under International Maritime Guidelines (IMG) and that decommissioning or abandonment cannot take place without the permission of the Inspectorate – the agency mandated by the PIB to oversee this issue as stated above. Under this provision the operator must produce a comprehensive plan for all decommissioning and abandonment proposed so as to establish its compliance with good oil field practice.

However, the Inspectorate must acknowledge that the stated plan must include the following: (a) Cost estimate (b) Minutiae of the measures proposed (c) Comprehensive descriptions of the methods to be used

PIB, A Serious environmental protection proposal? (2) P

ART one of this article reviewed issues of environmental degradation of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and attempts by the PIB to correct some of these problems.

The quest for whether the proposed law will effectively address the issues of abandonment, decommissioning and disposal, is by analyzing the current legal regime vis-à-vis the PIB. Currently the legal regime for offshore decommissioning and abandonment is covered by motley assortment of inadequate and almost labyrinthine body of legislations, dating back to the Petroleum Act of 1969. The Petroleum (Drilling and Illustrative photo of the Bushehr nuclear facility in Iran (photo Production) Regu- credit: AP/Mehr News Agency/Majid Asgaripour/File) lations, 1969 (PDPR); Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, (d) Procedures taken to ensure that etc.) Act (HWSCP) 1988; up to and in- the process is safe, healthy and envicluding environmental regulations and ronmentally acceptable. enforcement laws such as the NationThe PIB also mandates the Inspecal Environmental Standards and Reg- torate to ensure that a list of all petroulations Enforcement Agency (Estab- leum installations, structures and pipelishment) Act (NESREA) 2007 and the lines, both on and off shore be availNational Oil Spill Detection and Re- able or accessible to the public, with an sponse Agency (Establishment) Act, account of their current status. The (NOSDRA) 2006.

Inspectorate shall also ensure that These laws include both primary pe- a lessee sets up and manages an troleum and non-petroleum legisla- abandonment fund and make it tions, with little or no provisions on the available to the Inspectorate in case removal or dumping of disused off- the lessee fails to carry out its oblishore installations. For example, the gations.

PDPR provides some general proviThis section is reinforced by Secsions on abandonment which states tion 205, which mandates the Minconditions precedent to the grant of ister on the advice of the Inspecpermit for exploration and production. torate to issue regulations on abanThey include the following: donment and decommissioning to (i) no borehole or well can be which the oil industry is to be bound. plugged or abandoned without the On the issue of pipeline transporwritten consent of the Director of Pe- tation, which has become a big probtroleum Resources (DPR); lem in the industry, Sections 231 & (ii) (ii) any borehole or well that 232 provides a clear framework dealthe licensee or lessee intends to aban- ing with the duties of a transport don must be securely plugged to pre- pipeline owner in the course of its vent ingress and egress of water in ac- business. The bill requires that an cordance with an abandonment program owner conduct operations with utapproved by the DPR. This law did not most regard to the environment and go far enough to meet international must comply with requirements for standard on abandonment and partic- environmental protection, manageularly disposal. ment and restoration under the PIB The PIB in an attempt to address the and any applicable law. The PIB myriad of problems associated with went on to state that pipeline ownabandonment, decommissioning and ers must shut down as soon as they disposal of oil and gas infrastructures realize that a spill has occurred. provides for a robust regulation. SecTo be concluded. tion 204 of the bill, unlike previous laws

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

DPR to clampdown on petrol stations over malpractices

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE Department of Petro leum Resources, DPR, said it is set to clampdown on retail outlets across the country found to be defrauding Nigerians through price manipulation and under-dispensing of petroleum products.

Speaking at the 2013 Annual General Meeting, AGM, between the DPR and petroleum marketers last week in Lagos, the Operations Controllers, Lagos Zonal Office, DPR, Mr.OlugbengaKoku, said the DPR views price manipulation and under-dispensing asserious breaches.

He said, “We observed during our routine inspections of some retail outlets in the year that some marketers are yet to fully conform to some government directives. Some operators still operate with sub-standard price bill boards, even some choose to totally ignore the directive. “These attitudes have given rise to suspicion of sharp practices by such marketers. Some operators even encourage the operation of fake DPR personnel in their respective outlets. Also, some marketers engage in adjusting their pumps to maximize profits.”

He said the DPR is already meting out appropriate sanctions to marketers found wanton, adding that it will continue to impose necessary sanctions on erring marketers that violate the Petroleum Regulations. Koku further stated that the DPR is set to

S

CHNEIDER Electric and ikanoInternational,have agreed to collaborate in electrical distribution in a bid to increase investment opportunities in the power sector.

The move followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the parties in Lagos last week.

The agreement covers the sale and distribution of Schneider Electric’s low voltage products and distributionequipment in order to enhance access to these products to Nigerians and support local companies.

Under the terms of agreement, Mikano will sell and distribute Schneider Electric’s low voltage products such as circuit breakers, distribution boards, contractors, motor

Nigeria flare gas can power entire America for 10 yrs — Expert

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

S

L-R: Her Excellency Wife of the Deputy Governor Edo State Mrs. Endurance Odubu and Corporate Affairs Manager Total Nigeria Plc Mr Albert Mobayaku Presenting Certificate to Akpan Rose Amos One of the participants of the HIV AIDS training programme at the Hiv Aids campaign Lunched in Benin Edo State. commence the process of licensingrenewal for retail outlets across the country, between October 2013 and February 2014. He said the DPR will not hesitate to suspend the operations of marketers that failed to meet its requirements.

He said, “The DPR will begin the normal process of renewal of licenses from October 2013 to February 28, 2014 for the 2014/2015 licensing period. We are therefore advising retail outlets to submit all applications for renewal promptly so as to facilitate early issuance of licenses.

“Marketers who fail to renew their licenses by February 28, 2014 may have their operations suspended.”

He added that the DPR intends to adopt stringent measures, “which cannot be stated at present, but the sanctions will force the marketers to do the right thing. “We are aware that some of the faults are deliberate while some are technical. If we find out that the faults are technical, we can make effort to correct them.But where the faults are found to be deliberately created to defraud people, we will

clampdown on the marketer and impose the necessary sanctions. Koku commended the marketers for their efforts at ensuring stable supply of petroleum products since the beginning of the year, calling for concerted efforts in ensuring a smooth distribution and supply of products in the next couple of months.

He noted that during the year under review, the oil and gas industry had a stable provision and effective distribution of petroleum products round the country.

Schneider, Mikano partner in power distribution

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE & JONAH NWOKPOKU

BRIEF

starters, control and signaling units as well as switches and sockets and a host of others, using its extensive geographical spread across Nigeria.

The Chairman, Mikano International, Mr. MofidKarameh, noted that the partnership is in line with the on-going transformation of the Nigerian power sector, and a window to position the company as a leading local partner to Schneider Electric.

He said, “As a forward thinking company, we are not unmindful of the emerging opportunities which the current transformation of the Nigerian power sector offers. The agreement will help us tap into this opportunity and strengthen our brand presence.”

The partnership will also enable Mikanoto grow its business portfolio and benefit

from Schneider Electric’s products and solutions especially in the area of generator control panels and systems.

Also commenting, the Country President, Schneider,Mr. Marcel Hochet, said the agreement provides an opportunity for both companies to collaborate and leverage their strengths to improve local access to Schneider’s products.

He said the partnership also demonstrates Schneider Electric’s commitment to developing and supporting local companies.

According to him, “The agreement with Mikano will help our two companies deliver Schneider Electric’s quality power products to Nigerians, utilising Mikano’s geographical distribution spread across Nigeria. Access to our products means that Nigerians can enjoy the unique products

and after sales service offered

by Schneider.”

He added that the agreement further demonstrates Schneider’s readiness to support the development of local companies to enhance their operational capacity.

The French Minister for Foreign Trade, Ms.Nicole Bricq, who was also at the event, commended Schneider Electric for its investments in Nigeria, saying that the agreement is a proof of growing business relationship between France and Nigeria.

She called on other French companies to explore the investment opportunities in Nigeria, considering the country’s position as one of the biggest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. She added that increased investments by French companiesin Nigeria will enhance trade and bilateral relations between the two countries.

INCE Nigeria made it first commercial oil discovery in Oloibiri Oilfield on Sunday 15 January 1956 by Shell, gas flaring has continue to bedevil the oil rich Niger Delta region and the entire country which industry experts believe when adequately utilised can provide the entire America electricity for ten years.

According to a recent report by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Nigeria at the moment loses $4.9 million daily due to gas flaring, untapped gas opportunities and under-utilisation of the resources.

The revenue loss according to the Director of DPR Mr. George Osahon, is attributable to about 1.4 billion cubit feet of gas flared per day, regretting that Nigeria was yet to fully benefit from her huge hydrocarbon resources despite the massive endowment.

To utilise gas flare, an industry expert who double as the General Manager, Development and Assistant Manager, Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Chike Nwosu urged Nigerian youths to tap from the untapped opportunities and under-utilisation of the resources.

Nwosu who gave the advice at the first Youth Oil and Gas Retreat with the theme, “Opportunities for Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur in the Oil Sector” said young Nigerians should change their mind set, become creative and invest back in the country.

He stressed the need to support Nigeria content initiative noting that there are provision in the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB that support the involvement of indigenous companies According to him “ extract from the PIB that support Nigeria Content initiative state that the federal government shall at all times promote the involvement of indigenous companies and empower the use of locally produced goods and services in all areas of the petroleum industry in accordance with existing laws and policies.”

Nwosu urged Nigerian youth to join relevant bodies in the oil sector for adequate training and mentoring.

Coordinator of the retreat, Raqeebab Oloko Adedimeji said the retreat intend to develop and sustain entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths and focusing their attention on the investment and professional opportunities available in the sector.

According to her, “the retreat aims to create an enabling environment for the dissemination of current business information and opportunities available in the industry.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 27

Stakeholders apprehensive over Oando’s shares decline S

Substantial equity Adams noted that shareholders’ fears stemmed from the fact that if in deed Ibori had substantial equity in the company, the British Government might clamp down on Oando.

Also commenting, the Managing Partner, Max-Connect Energy Digest Limited, Mr Anthony Davies, said that Oando ought to have informed or published its business transactions with James Ibori before his prosecution by the British government.

He urged Oando’s management to send their legal rep-

L-R: Country President, Schneider Electric Nigeria, Marcel Hochet; French Minister of Foreign Trade, Nicole Bricq; Chairman, Mikano International Limited, Mofid Karameh and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labriolle during the signing of electrical distribution agreement between Schneider Electric and Mikano in Lagos resentative to the British court where Ibori’s trial is taking place to clear the air on the allegation.

“It is natural for people to react to such news as they had done, but the decision by some investors to sell off their shareholdings in the company was hasty. This does not mean that shareholders are right. Even if Ibori had substantial holdings and the British government takes over, it would just be a change of ownership. It does not affect the company,” he argued.

Davies urged investors not to be hasty in selling of their shares, but to tarry a while longer to get more information on the issue before deciding whether to sell their shares or not.

However, a spokesperson for Oando Plc, Mrs Alero Balogun, attributed the decline in Oando’s share price to mar-

ket forces.

She explained that Oando is a publicly traded company listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, and as such, cannot control the trading in its securities on the floor of the respective Exchanges.

“We want to assure our shareholders that the share price will rise again due to the on-going projects that the company had embarked upon.

The current situation is just for a while. When the issues are finally addressed, it will boost the shares of the company more,’’ she said.

Balogun also said that based on the company’s current shareholding register, Ibori’s shareholding stood at 443 shares out of a total issued and paid up share capital of N6.8 billion ordinary shares, adding that such is clearly insignificant, and cannot be con-

sidered as “a large part of Oando.”

According to the website of First Registrars Nigeria Limited, registrar to Oando Plc, the company had a total of 572,300,897 ordinary shares issued and fully paid for, of which the top 20 shareholders owned 35.73 percent amounting to 204,496,262 shares, as at 2004.

Some of the major shareholders include; Ocean and Oil Investments Limited, (24.69 percent); Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (3.34 percent);BarauDahiruMangal, (0.90 percent); EDC Securities Limited, (0.88 percent);OjoraAdekunle, (0.70 percent);Billahi Nigeria Limited, (0.54 percent); Williams Street Trustee Limited, (0.51 percent).

Shell shuts Trans Niger pipeline again A

NGLO-DUTCH super major Shell has closed a key oil pipeline in Nigeria due to oil theft less than a week after it announced it had reopened.

The company said on Friday that leaks from crude theft on the Trans Niger pipeline have continued, causing a further shut-in of Nigeria’s benchmark Bonny Light crude oil grade.

Shell only just re-opened the 150,000 barrel-per-day pipeline at the start of last

British Gas set to raise prices by 10%

B

BY SEBASTINE OBASI TAKEHOLDERS in the oil and gas industry are becoming apprehensive over the decline inOandoPlc shares, which dropped by 10 per cent on the Nigerian Stock Exchange last week.

The drop in the Oando share price was attributed to the revelationsmade at a Southwark, London Court, lastweek by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, of allegedly owning almost one-third of Oando Plc. The Executive Director, Energy Resource Limited, Mr SanniAdams, said the decline was as a result of the British prosecutor’s claims and subsequent reactions by the oil company.

“The negative news of Ibori’s hidden money into their account was responsible for the fall in the company’s share price. They should embark on serious image laundry management to restore shareholders’ confidence and state the position of the company on the matter,’’ he said.

BRIEFS

week after it had been shut for almost two months. A force majeure declared in April on the Bonny Light crude oil grade remained in place.

An estimated 100,000 bpd of oil was stolen from pipelines in the Niger Delta in the first quarter of this year, Reuters said, citing a report by London-based Chatham House. This figure does not include the unknown quantities stolen from export terminals.

According to the news wire,

Shell said the latest shut-in occurred on 18 September “following reports of a leaking crude theft point at Bodo West in Ogoniland”.

The supermajor’s statement said the Nembe Creek trunkline was also closed as Shell was removing illegal connections.

In the western Niger Delta, the Trans Escravos pipeline was shut on 12 September and reopened on 16 September following the removal of illegal connections.

“While the Trans Niger pipeline has since been repaired and reopened from the crude theft leaks which forced its closure on July 16, similar incidents have caused several shut-ins thereafter,” Shell said in a statement.

The supermajor’s Nigerian business, Shell Petroleum Development Company stated in July that the total daily loss from the shutdown of the pipeline was estimated at around $15 million.

RITISH Gas is like ly to become the first of the “big six” energy suppliers to put their prices up this autumn.

Reports suggest that the cost of gas and electricity for the 12 million households who get their energy supply from British Gas will go up by around 10 per cent, adding £120 to an annual dual fuel bill, taking the total cost to an average of £1,350.

If British Gas increase prices, it is very likely that other energy firms will follow suit.

Last autumn British Gas increased its gas and electricity prices by an average of six per cent and was joined by most of the other major energy firms in raising standard prices.

Announcing a three per cent rise in operating profits in the first half of 2013, British Gas owner Centrica warned that further price rises would come in 2013.

Finance Director, Nick Luff warned of continued “upward pressure on costs.”

He said: “We will keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can. If prices do have to go up, we will delay it for as long as possible.”

PHCN sales: Employees build capacity on terminal benefits PORT HARCOURT – TO ensure that potential beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s severance plan for electricity employees do not waste the expected huge pay-offs and fall into hardship, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has beguncapacity building for gainful business development for its members.

Senior General Secretary, Eastern Zone of the NUEE, Cyprian Akoh,who led a two-day workshop on finance and investment security for its members with training resource content from Icon Breeders in Port Harcourt, said the terminal benefits to those to be laid off or retired could spell doom for beneficiaries if not properly guided.

He said: “Some of us are afraid considering the fact that the business world is like a mighty ocean that gulps the capital of unprepared and ignorant businessmen. The stories of paid off civil servants is hardly impressive financially. We cannot choose to duplicate them.”

28— Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

By Theodore Opara

Elizade’s new franchise, JAC impresses in test-run T

HE JAC range of vehicles has shown impressive performance at the ongoing four months test-run in Nigeria, preparatory to the commercial launch by Elizade Motors. The vehicles have already completed three months endurance test on Nigerian roads with impressive results.

Elizade Motors, three months ago, commissioned a test-run of the JAC range of vehicles which include ten passenger cars and eight trucks to determine their capabilities to adapt to the Nigerian road conditions before full introduction into the market.

Reports gathered so far revealed that the vehicles have exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, fuel efficiency, ruggedness, cost of maintenance and overall performance.

Elizade Motors, which has unrivalled pedigree in automobile dealership in Nigeria, at the inception of the test-run, handed the vehicles to some notable companies in Nigeria for their operations across the country. The participating companies include Evans Medical Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Cybele Cosmetics Ltd, Lagos Taxi Drivers Union and Jubali Bros. Nig. Ltd. Others are Nigalex Nig. Aluminum Extrusions Ltd., Syndicated Metal Industries Ltd., and an individual, Mr. Temidayo Olugbemi.

Meanwhile, in assessing the progress of the test-run so far, the participating companies who are currently using the vehicles were invited for a brief chat with the motoring press recently to share firsthand information about their experiences with the JAC vehicles. The objective(s) of the participants-media parley according to Elizade was to find out specific tasks/uses L-R: Mr. Manabu Nishimae, Managing Officer / COO for Regional Operations (Europe, CIS, the Middle & Near East and Africa), Mr. Haresh Vaswani, Vice Chairman, Stallion Group and Mr. Takayuki Yamashita, Managing Director of HAWA at the media inauguration of HAWA recently.

*JAC J5 the vehicles have been subjected to so far, as well as rate the vehicles’ performance on key variables such as fuel economy, frequency of breakdowns, internal and external designs, quality of engine, suspension system, etc. In attendance were Mr. Oloyede Obagbuwa, the JAC coordinator, Mr. Ademola Omotosho of the Technical Department at

Elizade Nigeria Limited, members of participating companies. The drivers from the participating companies generally commended the performance of the vehicles, stating that the cars and trucks have proven satisfactory so far. According to Mr. Frank Odeh of Cybele Cosmetics whose company was given a J3, J5 both passenger cars and

a truck, “the vehicles are good for the Nigerian roads. We have used them to travel long distances and so far they have performed beyond expectations”. Mr. Temidayo Olugbemi of God So Good Driving School, Ibadan also had positive things to say about the JAC brand. He stated thus: “We have driven the JAC J5 to travel long distances from

Ibadan to Abuja and even Ado-Ekiti. Other than the fact that the ground clearance of the car is rather low, we’re okay with the performance of the vehicle.” Mr. Olugbemi further said that he has been receiving enquiries from people who wanted to buy the cars, adding that he would gladly recommend the vehicles to his friends.

Honda strengthens Nigeria presence •Targets 10,000 units sales

H

ONDA Motor Company (HMC), has strengthened its presence in Nigeria through the establishment of its subsidiary Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA), in partnership with The Honda Place (THP) Limited – a division of Stallion Group, which has since 1993, been the ex-

clusive distributor of Honda passenger cars in Nigeria.

The company also targets to raise it sales from 2,500 to 10,000 cars by 2020.

Mr. Manabu Nishimae, Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe, the Middle & Near East and Africa) made this pronouncement at an inaugural media

ceremony in Lagos, where he also underlined Honda’s vision for the Nigerian market.

Mr. Nishimae explained that the establishment of Honda’s liaison office in Nigeria was a strategy to develop and enhance Honda’s business in Nigeria, the most populous country in the region where continuous growth is envisaged.

Also speaking at the event Mr. Takayuki Yamashita, Managing Director, Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA) journalists that HAWA would oversee marketing support initiatives as well as sustainable business development and customers’ satisfaction, while THP takes charge of sales and service operations.

He emphasized that the basic idea behind the move was to “connect the market with Honda’s global resources and knowhow more effectively, and eventually accelerate the expansion of our business in Nigeria.”

Reiterating Honda’s commitment to deliver “Three Joys”, Mr. Yamashita elaborated by saying “there is “Joy of Buying”

for customers first, dealer’s “Joy of Selling”, and Honda’s “Joy of Creating” should follow. Together with our partner THP Limited, We will put customer’s “Joy of Buying” first, no matter what, and no matter when”.

The regional Managing Director further noted that Honda would fully support THP, taking advantage of Honda experience of 50 years all over the world, selling automobiles.

Also announcing his intentions to prioritise after sales services for Honda products in the country, Mr. Yamashita said they would ensure continuous satisfaction of the existing and future customers throughout the ownership.

He however commended THP for investing heavily in Nigeria especially in a new facility in Lekki area that would enhance sales and aftersales operations within the location.

Honda, it would be recalled recently launched improved versions of the Civic, Accord and CR-V. Other Honda range includes Pilot, Odyssey, Crosstour and City.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 —29

By Theodore Opara

N

ISSAN celebrated an evening of innovation and excitement with special guests in Lagos last week, following the launch of the new distributor, Stallion NMN, in May this year.

The new partnership affirms Nissan’s commitment to strong representation in Nigeria, a vibrant market that is expected to deliver significant growth and contribution to Nissan’s global midterm plan, Nissan Power88.

Nissan’s three year fiscal objective conveys the responsibility of repositioning and enhancing Nissan’s influence in Nigeria on Stallion NMN Limited, as new Nissan custodian and national sales company.

This was how Mr. Mike Whitfield, Managing Director, Nissan South Africa, summarized the key objective of the occasion where Stallion NMN custodianship was crystallized and a number of intriguing Nissan models were launched.

He envisioned that by the end of fiscal 2016, “We aim to achieve a global market share of eight percent and sustainable operating profit of eight percent and Nigeria is an important market in that plan.”

“Nissan is already reaping the dividend of Power 88 globally,’ he said, ‘We started the year 2013 on a high note, and markets in Africa, with their favourable growth indices, are key to our achievement.”

Mr. Whitfield attributed the growth potentials in Africa to improved economic governance, rapid urbanisation

Nissan renews commitment to Nigeria

Targets bigger Market Share

with expanding middle class and growing workforce, saying “It is inevitable that this growing consumer base will become increasingly motorised with Nissan at the forefront of initiatives to capture the market.”

Nissan will be tapping into Africa’s markets with its smart and fuel-efficient B and C segment passenger vehicles such as Nissan Micra, Almera and Sentra.

Mr. Parvir Singh, Managing Director, Stallion NMN Limited, acknowledged in his keynote address the ingenuity

of Nissan’s technology, remarking that “Nissan has transcended the challenges of yesterday, living up to its new tagline ‘Innovation that Excites’ – one of the compelling reasons why the brand has become the toast of many discerning automobile lovers worldwide.”

He highlighted Nissan’s relationship with Usain Bolt, the Jamaican Olympic gold medalist and world’s fastest sprinter who is Nissan’s ‘Ambassador of Excitement’, as proof of Nissan’s imaginative

technology.

“Capturing the imagination of customers is one of the conditions for Nissan’s diverse range of models cutting across various applications,” Mr. Singh stated.

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of Nissan’s star attraction, GT-R and some other exciting models that have undergone real time transformation such as the 370Z, Pathfinder, Teana (also known as Altima in other markets) and Sentra.

Mr Singh explained that

Stallion Group with strong local experience had joined forces with Nissan as a global brand, to position the brand as Nigeria’s preferred choice of automobile.

A subsidiary of the Stallion Group, Stallion NMN would be guided by the parent company ’s four decade experience that has crisscrossed vital sectors of Nigeria economy, and establish state-of-the-art showrooms and service facilities at Victoria Island and Lekki, both in Lagos, as well as Abuja and Port-Harcourt.

After-sales, very important to Chanrai —Raju D

ETERMINED to give its customers the best of service, Chanrai Nigeria Ltd, authorized distributor for Mitsubishi Motors and Fuso in Nigeria, is investing heavily in after-sales facilities across the country. Mr Raju Sawlani, Executive Director Chanrai Nigeria Ltd, disclosed this recently when he conducted Motoring Journalists round one of their facilities at Isolo, Lagos.

The executive director pointed out that, the company takes the issue of after-sale very seriously knowing that it is the live-wire of any automobile.

The company has been in the business of Mitsubishi distributorship in the last 24 years selling models like The Pajero, Outlander, L200 pickup, Counter trucks and Lancer.

To this end , he disclosed that the company is renovating all its facilities and adding state of the arts equipment with the aim of offering world-class service to its customers.

“After sales backup is very important to us and in the next

one year, we will be putting more on ground to serve our customers better”, he said.

The executive director further explained that over N500million worth of spare parts are stocked in their warehouse to ensure that customers get genuine spare parts for their Vehicles. He disclosed that more spare parts were being expected in the next few weeks.

Mr Raju who has close to three decades experience in the auto-Industry described the Mitsubishi brand as worldclass products that boast excellent quality, fuel economy, durability, and comfort .

According to him, the company's priority is in after sales, high quality service, customer satisfaction at affordable price and excellent

products to customers at all time.

Apart from opening more branches across the country, the executive director hinted that the company will be adding more models to its lineup in the country to beef up its market share.

He explained that the company is getting good support from the parent company who have opened a

regional office in Kenya thereby making it possible for them to access spare parts and other products with ease.

“Mitsubishi is on expansion plans. It is adding more models and has opened a regional office in Kenya aimed at bringing the products closer to the Nigerian market," he said Mr Raju who explained that they do things differently noted that their plan is to meet customer ’s satisfaction through excellence service with highly skilled versatile team and genuine spare part.

According to him, Chanrai Nigeria Limited provides transport solution, render quality service through their well trained team, conduct service clinic regularly, offer service to fleet customer at door step, as well as provide mobile service to customers on remote occasions or emergencies.

30 — Vanguard Vanguard,, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 31

By Theodore Opara

Quoris luxury sedan leads Kia siblings to Abuja Auto Fair K

ia Quoris will be leading the Kia range of vehicles to the Abuja Motor show next month. The Quoris is Kia’s most powerful car that has powered the Korean car brand into an entirely new segment of the global automobile market.

The Kia Quoris is a rear wheel drive luxury sedan that has set new standards for advance design, new technologies and driving performance.

Available in 3.6-litre MP1 Lambda engine that churns out 294PS of power, the Quoris is equipped with eight speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth ride on-road.

It's class – leading features are comparable to powerful and luxury sedans like the BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz E-Class and Audi A6, yet Kia offers it at very competitive price. It’s design is classic while the comfort level is first class.

Unarguably one of the safest cars in its class, the Quoris adapted a number of intelligent safety technologies never seen on a Kia car before aimed at delivering maximum comfort and safety to the occupants. Features like adaptive front lighting system, full HID headlights, parking guide system, automatic steering control by an onboard computer, anti-lock braking system, brake force assist system, electronic stability control, hull assist control, vehicle stability

management and electronic brakeforce distribution are some of the standard features of the Quoris.

Trimmed in nappa premium leather, both the Quoris front and rear seats are powered, heated and ventilated. The driver seat feature 16-way adjustment and memory settings for two users while the passenger seat has 10-way adjustment.

The interior of the Quoris is exceptionally spacious and the cabin can be bathed in natural light as the large powered glass tilts and slide sun roof is standard on the Quoris.

Trunk space is also generous with 455 litres of capacity. Electric rear window shade, a one touch

mechanism lowers or raises the automatic rear window shade for better privacy and enhanced protection from harsh sunlight.

Premium lexicon audio system and multi-media rear seat entertainment puts the Quoris ahead of its class.

Kia boasts of launch of more new models in the Nigerian market than any other car brand in the last one year. They include the all-new Cerator, Rio, Picanto Sportage, Cadenza, Sorento, Optima, which will be showcased at the Abuja Motor show next month.

PAN gets new board, management

A

ssets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has reconstituted the Board of PAN Nigeria Limited following the successful restructuring of the automobile company’s debt for equity swap. The new Board of Directors has Alhaji Mohammed MunirJa’afaru, OFR (YarimanZazzau), as Chairman.

It would be recalled that in 2008, the

Nigerian Banking Industry had experienced a crises evidenced by huge number of nonperforming loans (NPL), inadequate capital ratio and poor corporate governance in many of the banks. Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was established on 19th July, 2010 to help revive and stabilize the Nigerian economy by effectively resolving the non-performing loan assets in the Nigerianbanking sector.

32 — Vanguard Vanguard,, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Vanguard Vanguard,, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 33

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

D

ESPITE the well lit streets, I lost my belongings to four young hoodlums at Oshodi area sometime ago, who accosted me at gun point. They made away with my hand bag containing various valuables, including my Blackberry mobile phone, ID card, cash among others. I was around 8 pm on my way home from Apapa, after close of work. I was heading towards Egbeda when the incident happened.

“Initially, I wanted to put up some form of resistance, because I see them as too young to accost me but on a second thought, I decided to let go and within a minute the boys disappeared into thin air, as they made a dash across the rail towards Anthony end. of the road I shouted thieves but nobody came to my rescue,” narrated an Oshodi armed robbery victim, who simply identified herself as Mrs. Juliet.

The above experience was one of the many harrowing experiences of residents in the hands of hoodlums, who still hold sway in the area.

In March 2008, the Lagos State government began major transformation of the popular Oshodi Market, by demolishing illegal structures and displacing traders as well as illegal occupants, mainly street urchins, who had been terrorizing residents, passersby and motorists in the area.

The exercise was widely applauded locally and internationally, as successive administrations, both military and civilian had failed to clean up the hugely populated area.

However, in a fresh onslaught against recalcitrant ones, the state government, through the state Environmental and Special Offences Task Force Unit, last week, stormed Oshodi and environs to cleanse it of all forms of environmental nuisance.

The taskforce, led by its Chairman, Chief Superintendent of ants especially those that we feel Police, Bayo Sulaimon, raided that are underage, the state minthe area. The target was miscre- istry of Youths, Sports and Soants who had made under the cial Development will be invited bridge, the railway and drainage to certify if such person was unchannels their abode. Those ar- derage or not. They do it by exrested were mainly teenagers amining their fingers, the bones, under the ages of 12 and 19. They face and other features.

“Sometimes, when we arrest were said to be indigenes of neighbouring states such as some adults who have given Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Osun and their true data to taskforce, when he or she gets to the court the Ondo among others.

The suspects were detained at music will change. He will claim the taskforce secretariat, Alausa, to be underage. This often stalls Ikeja from where they will be trial. The magistrate will pro-

•A section of the popular Oshodi. Inset: Teenage miscreants.

Oshodi transformation: Taskforce teenage miscreants

,

,

Some few months ago, two underage miscreants, suspected to be a couple, were arrested under the bridge at Oshodi

transfer to various remand homes for corrective measures.

Challenge in tackling menace: Sulaimon, while speaking with Vanguard on the menace explained: “In the past, we have rid the state of miscreants and street traders. While doing that we arrested several teenagers.

They were remanded at correction centres in the state. The reason for this is to ensure there is law and order in the megacity, whether the hoodlums are underage or adults. The perception of many was that the state government is sending underage to prison, but we do not do that.

“First, when we arrest miscre-

nounce that the teenagers among the accused miscreants should leave the court room. “As we remove the acclaimed underage, sometimes we are in dilemma because the ministry that had earlier identified the hoodlums as adult will be left with no option than to integrate them with their parents as the court declines hearing their case. In such situation we always demand that their parents sign undertaking that the child will not leave the home again.

“The state’s record showed that serious breakdown of family values had been the major cause of teenage miscreants. There is a

law that states that parents are liable if they fail to perform their duty. And we discovered that several child miscreants were products of failed marriage.”

Black spot: It was also discovered that the major black spot for underage miscreants in Lagos is Oko-Mola in Oshodi axis of the state. This is one place that has since become a major settlement for the underaged in the state.

This is where several child miscreants spend their night and after snatching phones and other valuables during the day, they return to this place to sleep. In the later part of the day, they sell the stolen products. This is a place where over 70 miscreants had been arrested in a single raid before.

“We raid Oko-Mola every two weeks and we find new set of miscreants in this place. Whenever we raid this place, we find less than five miscreants who have been arrested before. And this raises much concern if there was a breeding place for miscreants outside the state before they relocate to Lagos. The court conducts adequate screening of the miscreants before the commencement of trials. This is what we have adopted before now to ensure underage hoodlums weren’t imprisoned. That was why it isn’t possible for us to imprison any child.”

Pregnant teenagers: it was gathered that between January and June, 77 juvenile miscreants were arrested. There was a sharp increase after the sixth month of the year. The number has increased to over 200 underage miscreants till date. Apart from depriving Lagosians of their valuables, they also work as bartenders in cafeteria, restaurants and others.

Some few months ago, two underage miscreants, suspected to be a couple, were arrested under the bridge at Oshodi. The

lady was already pregnant. Five pregnant teenage girls were also arrested at the point of arrest.

Sulaimon said the unit was considering arresting their parents as well, “we believe that with this, we will be able to make parents live up to their responsibilities. But the reason why we are yet to achieve that is the larger percentage of the miscreants are from other states. If their parents reside within Lagos, we can call on them to appear in court for been unable to perform their duties.

What a manner of

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

I

N a bid to reduce road ac cidents, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, last year, launched an alcohol testing device (breathalyzer) to determine the alcohol level of private and commercial drivers in the state. While introducing the new device at the launch of the state motor park health and safety initiative at the Ojota Motor Park, he said that the state government adopted breathalyzer to help reduce cases of road accidents in the state.

The governor added that com-

mercial drivers and car owners caught driving under the influence of alcohol would be advised to park their vehicle until their body is free of alcohol.

“There is substantial evidence that accidents are influenced, induced and precipitated by substance abuse including drugs and alcohol, which impairs the ability of the driver to manipulate and manage that machine called automobile.

“The automobile is not a toy, not only do one need the skills to drive it, one also needs to be aware and alert to ensure his safety and other road users. Over the years, drunk driving has accounted for a

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

— 35

Registration: 21m residents to get ID

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

A

MEGACITY is usually defined as a metropolitan area with a total population in excess of 10 million people. Some definitions also set a minimum level for population density at least 2,000 persons/square kilometre. A megacity can be a single, metropolitan or two or more converging metropolitan areas.

As of 2013, there are 24 megacities in existence according to the Population Reference Bureau. The largest of these are the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Delhi, Mexico City, New York and Shanghai each of these has a population in excess of 20 million inhabitants. Tokyo is the largest Metropolitan area, while Shanghai is the largest city proper. With successive administration in the state, Lagos has been struggling to keep at least an average figure of its population.

The recent case of deportation of some ‘Igbos’ from Lagos and the resulting reactions led to various assumptions, in which some considered as witch-hunting, while others saw it as a system cleansing, all in the drive towards ascertaining those who live meaningfully life in the state.

battles

Census tribunal “The pregnant mothers were transferred to the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development, for proper care. The reason for this was that the so called father and mother cannot provide adequate care for the unborn child.

“We are working on our data base. We are forming a data page where we will store information of the miscreants arrested. With this, whenever such person is arrested, we will be able to trace his data. The reason for this is because we are having challeng-

es with those arrested for violating the law, and because larger percent of the miscreants know that the state has the non-custodian law, which stipulates the penalty for first offender and second offender. Whenever they are arrested for certain crime, the biodata they disclose to the enforcement officers would be different from the data he will give when next he is arrested. With biometric data capturing, we believe that any offender arrested, will be convicted properly.”

drunk driving

•Drunk driving: An SUV took a dive into a residential building along Olugbede, Street. Egbeda at the weekend.

significant number of deaths on the road.” In the early hours of last Saturday, a lone driver in his Sport Utility Vehicle SUV, Pathfinder model,

veered off the road and rammed into a residential apartment destroying its fence and an electric pole belonging to Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, along Olugbede Street, Egbeda.

The road which was newly constructed and commissioned

by Fashola about two years ago had turned into a nightmare for residents following the incessant rate of ghastly auto accidents.

A teenage girl (name withheld) was said to have been recently, crushed to death by a fast moving motorist among other victims who had sustained various injuries.

The National Census Tribunal sitting in Abuja, recently, nullified the results of the 2006 National Census in 14 local governments in the state, citing illegal and inaccurate counting as reason. The tribunal ordered a fresh headcount in the constitutionally created local governments, which according to the state government, cut across 40 councils in the state.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeola Ipaye and Works and Infrastructure counterpart, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, maintained that with the census exercise conducted by the NPC nationwide from March 21 to 27, 2006, and more particularly in the various local government areas of the state, which gave the state a figure of 9,113,605, many informed commentators within and outside the state had considered the figure to be far too low.

“The shadow survey carried out by state officials during the exercise showed that Lagos State should have had a population of at least 17,553,924. A good number of residents from various communities within the state protested and, eventually, had petitions filed on their behalf when the Census Tribunal was established,” Ipaye stated. Governor Babatunde Fashola, also, last Thursday, while flagging off residents registration exercise, be-

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state (right) displaying his residents registration card shortly after undertaking the process of registration during the flag-off ceremony of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA; with him is the General Manager, LASRRA, Ms. Olayinka Fashola (left).

ing undertaken by Lagos State Residents Agency LASRRA, explained that the exercise would enable the state government to ensure adequate planning structure on where and how to provide required infrastructure for its residents rather than as tax drive as being speculated in some quarters.

He urged residents, especially, parents to ensure that their family members are registered in the ongoing exercise, aimed at creating a central data base to capture the number of residents in the state. In attendance were delegates from Kano State, led by the Special Adviser to the state Governor on House Numbering, Dr. Abdulkadir Umar and other dignitaries.

“Data is the most demanding currency in the world today. It is the basis of information. But in Nigeria, a lot of data is gathered over the years but there are still many gaps in it.

“For instance the number of vehicle owners in the state is known but not all the residents of Lagos own cars. And we also know the number of pupils in the public schools but not all of them attend school and how will the state know the statistics for the

state?” Fashola wondered.

He said that these showed that there was a gap required to be filled and there was nothing to fill it, adding that, “at least we target to capture about 21 million residents.”

“Today is a watershed in the history of Lagos state. It will enable the state government register and collate the data of the entire residents in the state.

And with this, the development that we all seek for will happen, as quality data that will aid planning.” Law establishing LASRRA came into effect in 2011 but the agency commenced operation on last June 10 with a pilot exercise.

Eligibility: The exercise is expected to capture everyone who lives in the state irrespective of state of origin, while indigenes of the state that live in other states are not eligible for the registration. Anyone, who lives in the state or is coming to live in the state for over six months, is eligible for registration.

Residents can approach all the centres provided by the agency in the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas LCDAs, to register.

UNILAG Estate Magodo Roads: Lagos finally moves to site

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

T

HE Lagos State Govern ment has begun the construction of roads in the University of Lagos UNILAG Estate, Magodo, Isheri, Ikeja Local Government Area of the state.

On April 15, 2013, Vanguard published a report where residents of the area appealed to the state government to help alleviate their sufferings as life was becoming unbearable for them due to poor infrastructure.

The people lamented that they lack basic amenities like pipe-borne water, access roads and power supply adding that their self-help efforts had been stretched to the limit that they had reached a point that except the government stepped in they would be cut off from the rest of the metropolis.

W h e n Vanguard v i s i t e d the area weekend road construction equipment and engineers were sighted working on the Council Crescent road.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Leadership in developing democracies: A Nigerian perspective (2) Map of Nigeria

L

EADERSHIP as key to the success of Emerging Democracies There is no denying the imperative for the success of the democracy experiment in developing countries. Failure is not an option.

A study of the historical evolution of developed nations will reveal the critical role that democracy plays in unleashing the full potentials of nations and in harnessing the entrepreneurial acumen of their citizens. It is now well established that democracy, along with its attendant normative values such as freedom, equality and respect for the rule of law and for due process are vital to the enduring development of nations.

The absence of these values in the early stages of the evolutionary cycle of most developing nations has been cited as a major factor in their underdevelopment. Their subsequent embrace of these values was therefore informed by a desire to sign on to a system that has proved so useful and so suc-

AMINU TAMB UW AL AMBUW UWAL cessful in the Northern hemisphere. It is, therefore, imperative that these countries stay the course no matter how difficult the journey.

Clearly a lot of work remains to be done before the developing democracies can enjoy the developmental dividends of democracy. This is where leadership comes in. Leadership plays a key

role in the successful nurturing of the democratic system to maturity. Visionary and committed leadership is the principal element that will ensure that the system serves as a veritable vehicle for the attainment of the socio-economic aspirations of the citizens.

The essence of the democratic system of governance is representation. The President Goodluck Jonathan people in their wisdom choose (by election) a few individuals to represent them, to will of the people. Equally importake decisions in their stead, to tant is the question whether the take actions on their behalf, to leaders even when properly electlead them. It is these individuals ed actually represent the interest chosen by the people to repre- of the people they claim to represent their interest that constitute sent or if after having been duly the political leadership of the elected they proceed to represent State. Thus, in a democracy, rep- themselves and not the people. resentation is leadership, and true These questions address some of leadership is effective represen- the core concerns with the integtation. This brand of leadership is rity of the democratic process.

Unfortunately, these concerns a trust. The leaders are servants of the people, and are supposed resonate more in developing deto exercise their power and au- mocracies. thority behalf in the interest of, andand on of the people, most importantly in ac- Advanced cordance with the terms of democracies the mandate given to them The danger that leaders may get by the people. The people into office through some means remain the ultimate reposthat thwarts instead of reflects itory of the supreme powthe people’s will, and the danger er of State. It is the duty of that leaders, once in office, may the leadership in a demoend up advancing an agenda that cratic system to recognize is not representative of the peothat their position is a trusple’s interest are more potent in teeship.

This at least, is the theo- developing democracies than in ry. Whether it is always developed democracies, for the works out way in practice simple reason that in the latter, the system is robust enough to is another matter altogether. absorb and repel any assault on There is an obligation to not take its integrity. Even poor leadership the integrity of the process for cannot compromise the integrity granted, but to always ask the of a system that has survived for questions whether the leaders centuries. were actually properly chosen by In advanced democracies, the the people through the estab- people by virtue of their rich hislished selection mechanism or tory of democracy appreciate the whether they assumed their po- value of the system and are resosition through a manipulative lute in defending the integrity of process that did not reflect the

a system that has served them so well for so long. Furthermore, by virtue of their long exposure to the system, they have acquired the sophistication to know how to select the right calibre of leaders (most times), how to hold their leaders accountable and how to get rid of leaders that do not represent their interest.

This is not the case with developing democracies where the system is in relative infancy. Here, the people may not yet be invested enough to be enthusiastic about the democratic process, and may not be sophisticated enough to understand the importance of setting standards for the leadership and holding the leaders account-

Visionary and committed leadership is the principal element that will ensure that the system serves as a veritable vehicle for the attainment of the socio-economic aspirations of the citizens

,

This is the second installment of a paper delivered

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

equipped and better disposed to focus on the dynamics of the democratic system, and better educated to appreciate that the supreme power resides with them. In developing democracies, on the other hand, the people are still too preoccupied with daily existential challenges to devote much attention to political matters.

They end up denying themselves of the exercise of powers that are legally and naturally theirs.

A Nigerian Perspective: I have not forgotten that I am supposed to be presenting a Nigerian perspective in this discourse. However, I have more or less travelled a general non-particularized path because the problems of emerging democracies are essentially uniform and there is really not a Nigerian perspective different from the perspective of other developing democracies.

In terms of nature and definition of the challenges confronting emerging democracies, Nigeria is not unique. Nigeria is confronted with the same challenges of leadership and governance as other developing democracies coping with political, economic, sociocultural contradictions. However, it is in the matter of scale that Nigeria tends to stand apart. Nigeria is one of the largest of the world’s developing nations. It is the most populous nation in Africa, with a population of over 160 million people, comprising over 400 languages and a multiplicity of cultural and religious diver-

able to those standards. The culture of democracy has not yet seeped into their blood stream as to make them instinctively conscious of their rights and entitlements as well as their duties and obligations under the system.

Some citizens may want to do something, but they may not know what to do.

Consequently, in as much as leadership is vital to all democracies (and even to non-democratic systems of governance), it is of much greater importance in emerging democracies. The less experienced a nation in the practice of democracy, the more that nation’s democracy requires qualitative leadership.

There is also the crucial matter of economics. It is not a coincidence that, as we noted above, democracy in its most advanced form is practiced in the economically advanced nations. The citizens of the developed nations having overcome the challenges of basic subsistence are better

,

sities. Nigeria is certainly one of the most complex developing democracies in the world. Consequently, challenges that are common to all developing nations are amplified and exaggerated in the case of Nigeria. This is also the case with the challenges to democracy. This in turn means that leadership in the Nigerian democratic experience is often more challenging than in other nations of similar status. Thus while it may often appear as if Nigeria’s democracy has a unique set of problems, the truth is that it is the same problems that exist elsewhere, just that in Nigeria, our size, complexity and geo-political importance give our problems a much larger dimension.

There is a paradox in the dynamics of leadership in that leadership can be both a problem and the solution to problems. This is the case with leadership in developing democracies. On one hand, one of the problems confronting

Continues on page 37

37

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—

ple in the creek.

They do not even have the number, when the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Warri, was booming in the 70s, some of us were going there to do things, it was not meant for only people in Warri, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo alone. So government is already taking a lot of steps, you are aware of the huge development programme that the government has put in place, the sea ports are being developed, the school projects, the roads, all these are visible things that government is doing. The International Airport in Asaba is near completion and about 2,000 persons will be engaged there at the end of the day, are they going to be from my village- are they not Deltans.

Kelvin asked for amnesty, what is your opinion?

Well, the issue of amnesty is a matter before the federal government, if the federal government says amnesty is meant for people who are kidnapping and committing robbery, they grant him amnesty, but I am not in the position to decide who is given amnesty.

Kevin is a criminal, Kokori not underdeveloped —Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, SSG Continues from yesterday's edition BUT we give them all the assistance to make the job easy for them. So as far as I am concerned, the government has done its part, if anything that is lacking, it is certainly not or should not be attributed to the inability of the state government. No governor has the right to call out troops, even when you go to security council and take decisions, most or some of these decisions are still subject to the ratification of the commanders and various security chiefs of these agencies.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State may decide to call his Inspector General of Police before he implements whatever we have agreed, the army man may call the Chief of Army Staff and the Department of State Service, DSS, may also call his or her Director General. So that is the way it goes, there are times that the governors are frustrated because they are in a helpless situation, they may know what to do, but they do not have the powers to do it and that is why you see some states calling for state police.

Generally, what do you say of the security situation in the state?

Apart from the Kokori threat, you will agree with me that generally, the insecurity situation in the state has been brought to the barest minimum; we have been able to provide logistics to the various security agencies.

Land security I must be thankful to the Chief of Army Staff, who has given approval for his men to also be on the road to assist the police, and this has gone wonderfully well in the state. If you round, around the Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, Patani axis, soldiers, air force and even the navy people, they have all come into land security because we found ourselves in a situation where we cannot say, air force, wait until there is a problem on air or navy, wait until there is problem on water.

All of them have to join hands to maintain peace. Remember the incident in which they shot the national vice chairman of PDP, Dr. Stephen Oru, and same day, they attempted to kill a member of the National Assembly, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, where he lost some of his political details. It was after that incident that government took a decision to encourage all of them to come into streets.

In addition, our House of Assembly also

made it easy for the executive arm by passing a law, which makes it compulsory that if a kidnap victim is detained, held or kept hostage in a particular home, that home should be brought down. I think with these measures, the situation calmed down in this state. But like you said, until this threat from Kelvin, we were on top of the situation, but we also know that he has an outfit that is beyond the state. His group terrorizes some other states.

In view of the 60-day ultimatum, many people want the appropriate organs of government to act because whatever affects the Federal Government in Delta also affects the state and its people?

Well, I just believe that security agencies know what to do, I am not a security man, I live that to them.

Among other issues, Kelvin also complained about unemployment. Let me ask, is it when the state is made insecure for investors to come in that the issue of unemployment will be addressed, there is nowhere in the world where government employs all of its citizens, what happens is that government provides the atmosphere for investors to come in, it is the private sector that take up the idle hands in the society, not government. He had been kidnapping people, •Delta SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay kidnapping expatriates, who come here for road construction because But from what we see of Kelvin, he is we are saying there is no development. shifting from criminality to agitation for Now, we bring in experts to come and his people? construct roads, you go and kidnap Like I said, there is a difference bethem, so how do you relate it. So you tween somebody who came out from Day see, at times I a bit pained when some 1, Ken Saro Wiwa and others in the foreof us want to relate criminality issues front of liberation struggle. They never with matters of development. As far as I went out killing people, robbing and am concerned, there is relationship at destroying lives. So, there are two difall. And if you talk of what are we doferent things and it is an area when I ing, all the measures the government want to leave entirely to the security is taking today are towards generating agencies to deal with. And I believe the employment. federal government has the capacity to Presently, there is a big project that is address the issues that he had raised. coming up in the creeks, that project is If they feel there is merit in what he is going to off between 5000 to 10,000 doing and want to invite him over for persons off the street. If the Itsekiri in discussion, all well, nobody is going to the area now decide to begin to kidnap stop them, but I am the one that will the expatriates doing the project, how decide for them how to handle it. Spewill that provide job for them because cifically, the state government cannot when we say it is going to be in the address his request for amnesty. creek, it is not meant for only those peo-

Leadership in developing democracies: A Nigerian perspective (2) Continues frompage 36 developing democracies is leadership.

The wrong people have often assumed positions of leadership in these nations and instead of engendering the progress of democracy have served to retard the progress of democracy. On the other hand, even the most well-intentioned leadership in developing democracies has to contend with several intractable problems that make effective leadership almost impossible.

The full range of problems that continue to burden the people and challenge the leadership of Nigeria, and other developing democracies, may be categorized into: •Political Problems including weak political institutions, weak democratic culture which leads to political instability, and political apathy on the part of the people, which makes room for the emergence of the wrong caliber of leaders.

•Economic Problems including poverty, unemployment, weak resource base and attendant low revenue profile, weak infrastructural base, etc •Social problems including insecurity, corruption and separatist mentality fuelled by ethnic, religious and cultural differences that are a feature of most nations but are most pronounced in developing nations.

Governance challenges Some of these problems defy monocategorization. For instance illiteracy can be both an economic and a social problem, while corruption comfortably fit into all three categories. These problems conspire to present severe governance challenges that often overwhelm the leadership with the effect that good leaders get demoralized and voluntarily leave public office; bad leaders take advantage of the situation to entrench themselves in office, and the quality leadership material that abounds outside the system gets discouraged from aspiring to political leadership. This last point is a particularly dangerous phenomenon. Democracy cannot thrive in a society where the best talents refuse to get involved in the enterprise.

The leadership of Nigeria’s democracy, like their counterparts in other developing democracies, are battling all these monsters, to varying degrees of success.

One interesting challenge for growth of democracy in developing countries is that the people have been slow to make the psychological and structural pivot away from the ‘Big Man’ leadership model characterised by a dominant authoritarian figure wielding unlimited powers and whose tenure of office lasts for the duration of their natural life. Citizens of some emerging democracies still struggle with the idea of leaders having circumscribed powers and serving for circumscribed tenures. This is a serious mental block to wholesale popular embrace of the tenets democracy ethos in many emerging democracies. Fortunately for Nigeria, our people are sophisticated enough to make that pivot and are now less inclined to tolerate any manifestation of ‘Big Man’ leader mentality.

Democracy is taking root in Nigeria.

To be concluded

38 — Vanguard Vanguard,, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 39

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—41

Estate Surveyors task states on IGR

BY JUDE NJOKU

W

ORRIED by the dwindling revenue accruing to most states of the federation, Estate Surveyors and Valuers last week, called on the three tiers of government to jettison their over dependence on revenue from oil and join other developed nations to make income from property rating and taxation the mainstay of their internally generated revenue, IGR. The land professionals who brainstormed on The place of Property Taxation in States Internally Generated Revenue, at a one-day mandatory continuing professional development, MCPD,.seminar put together by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, however picked holes in the Lagos State Land Use charge law.

The tone for the brainstorming session chaired by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Umoru Dahiru Tambuwa, was set by the President of NIESV, Mr Emeka Eleh when he noted that only about four states in Nigeria are viable, based on their internally generated revenue.

Revenue from oil Stating that this is not the way other economies run, Eleh warned against the over dependence on revenue from oil by all the three tiers of government. He posited that even America and Europe also have abundant oil deposits, yet they still rely on taxation to boost their internally generated revenue base.

He enjoined the states and local government areas to develop other sources of revenue instead of going caps in hand to Abuja every month to share the income that accrues from oil.

Lambasting some Nigerians who don’t pay their taxes, the NIESV President said Nigerians should learn to pay appropriate tax as it is a stabilizing factor in the polity.

“If we pay our taxes, we will hold the government accountable,” he said, adding that property taxation is the most stable and sustainable source of income for any government. He explained that estate surveyors have the competence to help the

Estate Surveyors want owners of such houses to pay property tax governments to boost their internally generated revenue through property taxation.

Chairman, NIESV MCPD Committee, Pastor Livingstone Iyanda said the seminar was arranged to provide a platform for estate surveyors to examine among others, the numerous sources of internally generated revenue; guide property tax administrators in ensuring proper basis of valuation and assessment as well as guide the lawmakers at both the Federal

and State levels with the process of enacting workable laws for Nigerians.

Speaking on “The place of property taxation in State internally generated revenue, IGR”, Prof Adebakin Asaju of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, identified various types of property taxation and called for a review of the tax system in the country.

He explained that the first step in any property tax reform efforts is to undertake a

thorough analysis of the existing property tax system, identifying the major constraints and opportunities for improvement. “Based on this analysis, an appropriate reform strategy must be designed, focusing on the policy and administrative dimensions as well as the implementation strategy its self,” he said.

The University Don who called for the introduction of property taxation in the rural areas, stated that there are

sounds reasons for taking such a measure. These include: tax provides a basis for local autonomy and facilities decentralization. provides a revenue base for single function authorities. encourages the economic use of land. from agricultural lands and buildings, rural property tax may be applied to commercial, industrial and residential properties located in rural areas.

“The property tax in Nigeria is an under utilized revenue source for local authorities.

Potentially, property tax revenue could be increased substantially through effectively improving four critical ratios of coverage, valuation tax rates and collections.

Improved property tax revenue could contribute critical resources necessary to enable local authorities to provide the level and quality of service required to sustain and promote further economic and social development in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking at the forum, an Abuja-based estate surveyor and Valuer, Mr. Rowland Abonta, noted that other developed economies such as the United Kingdom, generate over 60 percent of their IGR from property rates and taxes. He further observed that apart from Lagos State, other states in Nigeria generate less than 30 percent of their income from taxes.

LMDGP sensitises slum communities on infrastructure maintenance

BY JUDE NJOKU

T

HE Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project, LMDGP, a World Bank assisted initiative of the Lagos State Government conceived as a ‘special purpose vehicle’ to improve livability in Lagos, has embarked a sensitization campaign to compel Lagosians living in slummy neighbourhoods, to maintain the facilities provided for them.

The sensitization which involves a “massive communication campaign with road shows”, was embarked upon by the Project to make residents of the blighted areas “ deviate from behaviors and attitudes hazardous to the numerous facilities already provided under its ‘slum upgrade’ intervention projects.”

The nine slum areas selected for upgrade where the ‘keep your

environment clean’ campaign took place are: Agege/OrileAgege, Ajegunle, Amukoko, Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ilaje, Bariga and Ijeshatedo/Itire.

These slums occupy an area of about 760 hectares and are home to over a million people. Infrastructure investments proposed by the community for inclusion under this project include rehabilitation of roads, provision of 67 water boreholes and extension of water distribution lines. Others are rehabilitation and construction of schools.

A statement, the Project Director, Mr, Dayo Oguntunde highlighted the impact and success of LMDGP intervention projects.

“From Layinka Street in Ajegunle to Kabiyesi, Igun, Ogunfeyitibi, Oluwashina, Itire/Ijesha, Oremerin, Oduselu streets in Mushin – all in Lagos West, to Oremeji, Salimotu,

Oyewole, Ajiboye, Olagoke, Soretire, Church, Oguntade, Tabon-Tabon, OkeKoto, Alagba streets – in OrileAgege Local Council Development Area, to Anjorin, Labaka, Alafia, Fatai Bello, Muri Ojora, Aniyalaoye/Edidi in Amukoko, Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, there are visible signs of development in both urban centres and rural hinterlands.,” he said.

He stated that “before the intervention of the LMDGP projects, these slum communities were continuously being lined with garbage, dirt and various types of waste thus jeopardizing the realization of the project objectives. This had both environmental and health hazards.

The blocked run-off water and stagnant water do not only make the environment stink but increases the chances of flooding and increased sanitation issues”.

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Firm set to commission head office complex

We will not compromise FCT’s master plan —Minister

BY HENRY UMORU

M

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed has promised to adhere strictly to the Abuja master plan to guarantee a safe city concept..

The Minister who spoke when he hosted the Course 22 participants of the National Defence College who were in FCTA on familiarization tour of facilities, disclosed that the FCT administration is working towards converting FCT Development Control Department into an agency. He stated that the action has

become necessary to holistically deal with all the problems associated with housing development in the territory.

Senator Bala explained that the government cannot fold its arms to watch the everincreasing problems of demography where shanties keep on springing up on daily basis even after being removed. He insisted that the Abuja master plan cannot be allowed to be derailed thereby driving the city the way of other older cities in the country. He posited that the transformation of the department of Development Control now under the Abuja Metropolitan

Management Council, AMMC, would provide the needed capacity and manpower in consonance with the Urban & Regional Law, as the 250 square kilometers of the Federal capital City and indeed the entire Territory continue to grow.

The Minister who assured that the FCT Administration would do everything possible to eliminate squatter settlements around the Federal Capital City,.

The administration, he said, has come up with the idea of social housing where the residents at the lower cadre affected by such removals can adequately be provided for. A district, he

said, has been earmarked for the Abuja Social Housing Scheme apart from the Abuja Land Swap Model Initiative where 10 new districts have been opened up under PublicPr i v a t e - Pa r t n e r s h i p .

He said that the Abuja Land Swap Initiative is laudable because it would free government funds and with robust resettlement programme to satisfy the yearnings of the natives.

Speaking earlier, the Team leader of the Participants, Air Commodore Yusuf Isah said they were in FCTA on familiarization tour of facilities, as part of the course.

Aerial view of Abuja ... Master plan will not be altered.

M

ESSRS Thasious International Company Limited, TICL will on Sunday, September 29, officially open its ultra modern head office complex in Lagos.

The complex, a five storey building located at Ago Junction, Okota, Isolo, will be declared open by the Deputy Speaker of the House of representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

Managing Director and CEO of the company, High Chief Athanasius Egwim explained that the complex which is tastefully finished and fitted with an elevator, represents an accomplishment of one of his life long dreams for the company he started more that 28 years ago.

“This complex is a dream come true. It is one of my lifelong dreams to build a befitting corporate head office for Thasious International Company Limited that will show how far we have come.

TICL is one of the biggest and most prominent Freight forwarders in the country with blue chip companies as our clientele. This status was not achieved by a sudden flight.

It has taken us more than 28 years of consistency in climbing the ladder of success which has culminated in what we are going to do on the 29th of September,” he said.

The ceremony which is billed to attract people from all walks of life will kick off with a Thanksgiving Service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Apapa.

Planners seek to mitigate impacts of climate change

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

C

AN the adverse impacts of Climate Change be mitigated through urban planning strategies? These were what settlement experts who brainstormed at a professional workshop to mark the 30th anniversary and town planning week of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, sought to unravel.

The Town Planners who x-rayed the theme - Climate Change and Physical Planning- stated that urban planning strategies should be carried out at all levels of the society and governance.

A frontline environmentalist, Mr. Eugene Itua stated that the planning profession and the process of planning are uniquely suited to help communities rise to the challenges posed by climate changes.

Itua who is the CEO of Multiple Development Services, MDS, a firm of environmental consultants, advised planners to adjust their development options to minimise the potential future adverse impacts of climate change and to

take advantage of opportunities that may arise.

“Planning is an iterative process which builds on knowledge about past and current conditions to make assumptions about the future. 100 per cent certainty about future climate is impossible to achieve. No one can precisely predict what the concentration of greenhouse gases will be in 2100. Even if this critical variable was known with precision, other variables would exist.. “The planner must understand the causes, range and type of impacts, and options for communicating and addressing climate change in order to be effective in whatever sector or geographic scale he operates. He must be at the cutting edge of best practice, acquiring knowledge and skills as the choices need to be as informed as possible”, Itua noted.

In his own submission, Prof. Leke Oduwaye of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, said the challenges of climate change will require a rethinking of the role of planning in orienting and

supporting development, responding at the same time to the challenges posed by climate change.

The don who spoke on Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Areas in Nigeria: Possible Physical Planning Interventions,pointed out that urban planning models and approaches may be completely inappropriate to respond to climate change.

New trends in city growth According to him, some of them contribute to climate change. “It is therefore imperative that urban planning looks at climate change as an opportunity to reassess itself, the models that it has promoted across the globe in the past, and looks at responses that fully recognise the mistakes of the past and the new trends in city growth.

“Global changes in the physical environment are happening in a context where other phenomenal changes are taking place in the economy, in institutional structures and civil society that

shape urban growth. Physical planning measures to reduce the effects of climate change are combinations of mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation measures are aimed at the reduction of the magnitude and the rate of long term effects of global warming especially those caused by human anthropogenic actions”, Oduwaye explained.

Speaking on The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Settlements: The Reality, Mrs. Lola Olayinka of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos stated that adaptative measures must include the demolition of illegal structures along water ways such as floodplain or drainage channel. The town planner, she posited must enforce non-erecting of illegal structures by riverside across the country.

The Chairman, NITP Lagos chapter, Mr. Ayo Adediran told newsmen that they (planners) have contributed immensely to the process of urban and regional planning policy formulation in Lagos state.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—43

Moon tasks govts on environmental stewardship

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

U

NITED Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has urged governments to make environmental stewardship, social justice, sustainable development- enabled by the integration of economic growth, their guiding principle and operational standard.

He called on governments, industry and civil society to cooperate in providing protection for the ozone layer, commending all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation.

The United Nations’ UN, International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 every year. This event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal

Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

In a statement marking the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Ki-Moon pointed out that such cooperation significantly contributes to climate mitigation and reminds us that, faced with existential threats, the nations of the world are capable of cooperation for the common good. He said: “On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, I commend all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. I urge Governments, industry, civil society and all other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environment and development challenges of our times.

“Extraordinary challenges require extraordinary

Queuing for water responses. A generation ago, the world’s nations agreed to act definitively to protect the ozone layer, initiating an intergovernmental process that blazed new trails.

“As we implement the outcomes of the 2012 Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, the remarkable success story of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer provides a beacon of hope.

“It provides protection for the ozone layer, significantly contributes to climate mitigation and reminds us that,

faced with existential threats, the nations of the world are capable of cooperation for the common good. Sustainable development, enabled by the integration of economic growth, social justice and environmental stewardship, must become our global guiding principle and operational standard.”

Ki-Moon expressed hope that the success story of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer would inform and inspire the international community in charting a new

vision and responsive framework for the period beyond 2015, the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

“On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, I commend all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. I urge Governments, industry, civil society and all other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environment and development challenges of our times” he added.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Aziza, Ararile for Leadership award

Aladja youths urge Uduaghan to settle boundary dispute with Ogbe-Ijoh Y

nities.

“If they want peace, and want

the construction work to continue, the land dispute should

Reuters train journalists from Delta

OUTHS of Aladja community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the state to settle the age-long land dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities before going on with the proposed by-pass to Ogbe-Ijoh community.

The youths, in a statement

by Chairman of all Youth Chairmen of Aladja community, Mr. Samson Ojakovo, noted that if Delta State Government wants to maintain the existing peace, it should come out with a White Paper of the settlement between the two communities.

According to the youths, “we are the original owners of the land, but due to political reasons best known to the government, we are being oppressed.

“Several attempts by eminent Nigerians and the state government to settle the issue yielded no result.

“We the youths were surprised recently when the state government, through its agents, came to inform us that they wanted to construct a bypass through the Delta Steel Company, DSC, complex to Ogbe-Ijoh.

“We are saying no to it because the government on its part has failed to proffer solution to the age-long land dispute between the two commu-

S

‘Oghiadomhe remains PDP leader in Edo North'

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—PRESIDENT-General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Major-General Patrick Aziza (rtd)., is to be conferred with the 2013 Astute Leadership Award by the Leadership and Achievement International Society of Nigeria on November 3 in Abuja.

Aziza, who doubles as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee to President Goodluck Jonathan, is considered for the award following what was describe as “his selfless and remarkable leadership style in Urhobo nation, particularly in the entrenchment of peace and harmony among the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region.”

Also to receive the prestigious award is the traditional ruler of Abraka Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM AVM Lucky Ararile.

IXTEEN journalists from Delta State, yesterday, commenced training on investigative journalism at Thomson Reuters Foundation in London.

Addressing the participants, which include Vanguard’s Austin Ogwuda in Asaba, Project Coordinator of the Foundation, Belen Becerra, called on them to take the course seriously as it was tailored to improve their skills in meeting the challenges of the modern age.

Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, said that the programme was the initiative of the state government in capacity building, because the development agenda of the state was threepronged.

He said: “We have the human capital, infrastructural development and of course, we have the area of peace and security because none of those two will happen without an enabling environment.”

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—LOYALISTS of Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Edo North, have passed a vote of confidence on Mike Oghiadomhe, insisting that he remains the recognised leader of the party in the zone.

However, state Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, who hails from the same local government with Ogiadomhe (Etsako Central) when contacted said he was yet to be briefed by the senatorial Vice Chairman of the party.

Orbih said: “I am yet to be briefed by the senatorial Vice Chairman, Mr. Johnson Abulagba, on what transpired because I was away to attend to other party matters.”

He explained that the meeting was not originally scheduled to pass a vote of no confidence on Mike Oghiadohme, adding “it is a party thing and I need to

be settled to enable both parties live in peace.”

FORUM: From right— Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director, Women Advocates Research Documentation Centre, WARDC; His Royal Highness, Chief Enene Etim, and Chief Eke Edet of Bakassi and Akpabuyo Local Governments, at a one-day community forum on Laws as Tools for Social Accountability and Development in Cross River State, organised by WARDC with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy, NED, USA, in Bakassi.

Oritsejafor: Respond to El-Rufai's accusations, Eyieyien urges Christians

BY SAM EYOBOKA

A

senatorial aspirant for Edo Central, Mr. Egheomhanre Eyieyien, yesterday, urged Christians to respond to recent outbursts of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, concerning President of Christian Asso-

know the reasons for the decision if it will stand or not.”

It will be recalled that at an expanded meeting of Edo North leaders of the party in Afashio, Jattu, near Auchi, the leaders said that they no longer had confidence in the leadership of Chief Oghiadomhe.

The leaders of the party, who took the decision after exhaustive deliberations weekend at an expanded leadership of the party meeting in Afashio, said that the

ciation of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

In a statement, yesterday, Eyieyien said El-Rufai remains the National General Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, and some people listen to him.

He said: “CAN cannot and should not ignore El Rufai’s outbursts because lies have a

decision was aimed at restrategising and improving the fortunes of PDP in the zone come 2015, even as they called for his immediate sack by the President.

However, a statement by Sheik Mukhta Elinoba, PDP Chairman in Estako Central, and Chairman of PDP local government in the Senatorial district, described the purported removal of Oghiado-mhe as the senatorial leader as unpopular and undemocratic.

way of being perceived as truth when often repeated. ElRufai has taken up a crusade against CAN President, Pastor Oritsejafor and has said several damaging things.

“He claims he knows the person that bought the jet which members of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, contributed money to buy as a gift for Pastor Oritsejafor to celebrate his birthday and his 40th year in ministry.”

He said that the umbrella body of Christians in the country should challenged El-Rufai to disclose who he says actually provided the funds.

He said: “How can such an issue be ignored by CAN, when it calls to question the integrity of the official leader of Christians in Nigeria?

“How can El-Rufai say that the President of CAN is the ‘propaganda spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party’ and some people cannot see the agenda at play? Is the CAN President a politician? Is he a member of any political party?”

... as Jonathan support group makes case for Tukur, others Tukur, Chief of Staff to the develop our infrastructure.

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—NATIONAL President of Grassroots Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, GCGJ, Mr. Gabriel Akpude, weekend, urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to sack the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamaga

President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and Mr. Ahmed Gulak as a result of the crisis rocking the party.

Akpude, in a statement after a meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the group, alleged that “the G-7 governors are trying to frustrate the peace of our great nation and the effort being made by Mr. President to

“Hence, they want Mr. President to sack Mr. Gulak, the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Tukur and the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Oghiadomhe.

“These governors plan to cripple the system politically, which Nigerians will not allow. I, therefore, urge Mr. President to disregard the demands of the governors.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—45

Uduaghan condoles Amori...says mother lived a fulfilled life

NDDC commissions 25 projects in 5 states

N

IGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commissioned the Walisi Street in Rumuigbo new layout in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in furtherance of its effort to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.

This brings to 25 the number of projects handed over to benefiting communities in Rivers, Cross River, Abia, Edo and Ondo states in the last two weeks.

The projects inaugurated within this period included roads, solar-powered street lights, solar-powered water scheme, rural electrification and housing projects.

Addressing the Rumuigbo community at the handover ceremony, the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Christy Atako, urged them to make good use of the road and ensure that it was properly maintained. She promised that more projects would be commissioned in the coming weeks in all parts of the Niger Delta.

Nubi Education holds UK boarding school fair

N

UBI Education Counselling will hold her fourth UK Boarding Schools Fair from October 4 to 7, 2013, in Lagos and Abuja.

According to a statement by its Coordinator, Mrs Rose Olubodun, “ the fair will focus on primary and secondary schools, creates a forum for UK boarding schools providers to interact with parents and their wards, principals and counsellors of schools.

"The last three fairs have been successful and beneficial to parents considering UK education for their wards.”

It added that the fair includes a seminar on “why choose UK boarding school?

This is a great opportunity for parents, principals and counsellors in international schools preparing pupils for boarding schools to expand their understanding about the boarding schools and enhance their effective counseling.”

BY FESTUS AHON

A

VISIT—From left: Chairman, UAC of Nigeria Plc and Japanese Honorary Consul, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Japanese Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Masaji Matsuyama, during Udoma’s visit to Japan, weekend.

Rivers earmarks N100bn for free healthcare services

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORTHARCOURT—RIVERS State Government has spent about N100 billion on healthcare delivery system in the state.

This was disclosed by the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker at an event organised at the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt to appreciate ophthalmologists (eye specialists) from United Statesbased Hospitals for Humanity, who performed successful surgery with eyesight restored to over 200 glaucoma and cataract patients in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, weekend.

He said that Governor Amaechi had released almost N100 billion for the health care delivery,

describing him as having a very kind heart for the people of the state.

He thanked God for enthroning Amaechi as the Rivers State governor, adding that the governor had judiciously expended state funds for the people’s benefits.

Parker said: “We have to thank God because He is the One that has made all these things possible. He is the One that at the right time decided to bring back Amaechi from exile to govern Rivers State. He is the One that made him (Amaechi) have a kind heart for the people of Rivers State.

“I have been a doctor in this system for a couple of years before becoming a commissioner, and I have

senior colleagues here, I don’t think it has been this good for the health ministry as Governor Amaechi has done. If I am lying, please somebody should oppose me.

“Since we came, just last night we were having a small chat and we were looking at how much had been expended on the Ministry of Health; almost a N100 billion has gone into free health care service for Rivers people.

“We have done about 150 primary healthcare centres, general hospitals and equipped them and in staff development we have employed over 200 medical doctors, with nurses, 400, and given incentives to doctors to work harder."

Delta central bye-election: Group urges Ogboru, DPP leaders to endorse Dafinone

W

BY EMMA AMAIZE

ARRI—A group, Urhobo Leaders of Thought, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, has asked Chief Great Ogboru and other leaders of Democratic People’s Party, DPP, to support Chief Ede Dafinone for the Delta Central senatorial district byeelection, holding October 5.

National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Michael Akpomughe, in a statement, said “Chief Dafinone’s victory is vital to the development of Urhobo land.”

Recalling the contributions of the Late Senator Pius Ewherido to Urhobo land, particularly his effort to give the Urhobo a sense of

belonging, the leaders appealed to DPP, that it would be a great disservice to the memory of this illustrious son to work against Dafinone’s interest.

The leaders urged Urhobos at home and abroad to embrace politics anchored on credibility, competence and ability of candidates to perform and deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

The group claimed that if the proper indices of assessment were used, “the next senator for Delta Central must be a person with articulate vision, unquestionable credibility,

level headed and above all, a disciplined gentleman in the person of Chief Dafinone.

“Chief Dafinone stands out of the pack of pretenders, traders and contenders. He is an accomplished economist, a distinguished accountant, a large hearted philanthropist, a reputable humanist and a God fearing individual.

“He is a very successful man, whose success flows not from his material possession but from the many lives he has touched in Urhobo land with his love and kindness. He is coming to serve and not to make money,” the leaders added

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, condoled the Amori family of Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state over the death of their matriarch, Mrs. Obireyibo Amori.

Uduaghan in a condolence statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, said “though death is painful, but the family should give thanks to God over mama’s exit because she lived a fulfilled life.”

According to him, mama lived well even to a ripe age of 93 years and was able to bring up children, who have made it to the top in their chosen fields, including Chief Ighoyota Amori, a Peoples Democratic Party stalwart and Senior Political Adviser to the Governor.

The governor recalled that Mrs Amori was a mobiliser and a community leader, who affected many lives positively in her community.

Union petitions IG over alleged abduction of member

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

M

EMBERS of OnichaUgbo Patriotic Union, OPU, have called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to fish out one of their members, Mr Anthony Anizor, whose whereabouts has remained unknown since he was abducted two months ago by unknown persons in Agbor.

In the petition by the union, through Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, OPU said Mr. Anizor was at the time of his abduction attached as a driver to the chairman of Ika South Council Area, Agbor.

The petition stated that since the ugly incident, the wife and children of Mr. Anizor, who live in Asaba have been subjected to series of trauma as there was no trace of the whereabouts of their bread winner, while the police and authorities of Ika South Council Area were yet to come up with any useful information on the incident.

46 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Anambra procures 100 tractors for farmers

O

NITSHA—ANAM BRA State Government has procured 100 tractors under a Public/Private Partnership, PPP, agreement with a Russian firm, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ndubuisi Menakaya, has said.

Menakaya said at a briefing, yesterday, in Onitsha that the tractors, to be supplied in December, would be hired out to farmers across the state.

He said that under the agreement, the state government would pay 20 per cent of the cost of the tractors while the company would shoulder the remaining 80 per cent.

The commissioner also said additional 500 tractors would be supplied by the firm, E-Force Agro Development Company, after evaluation of the performance of the 100 tractors.

He said: “All of these tractors are four wheel drive; we have 20 tractors that have cage wheels that could work in swamps.”

Strike: NIC strikes out firm’s name from suit

BY BARTHOLOMEW

MADUKWE AGOS—THE Nation al Industrial Court in Lagos, has struck out C&M Exchange Limited in a suit filed by Diamond Bank Plc restraining workers from carrying out strike action in the bank.

C&M Limited is the 3rd respondent in the case filed by the bank In a ruling, Justice B.B. Kanyip held that since the workers were employees of the 3rd respondent and have decided to go on strike as also members of a trade union, then it would be a mistake to assume the workers and the 3rd respondent as one in the suit. ”The 3rd respondent in an application urged the court to strike out its name from the suit but should rather be joined as claimant in the suit.

“I don’t think that the 3rd respondent can be as defendant in this suit and I hereby strike out the name of the 3rd respondent from the suit. In this regard, parties have 14 days to file and serve the court processes,” Justice Kanyip ruled.

L

How cassava bread ‘ll boost economy,

by Agric Minister A

BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI—THE Feder al Government has said that the current innovation in the agricultural sector, which is geared towards the production of cassava wheat for bread production, would not only curb the menace of unemployment but also save the country much of the N600 billion spent on wheat flour importation annually.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, who stated this during a one day training of Master Bakers in South East geopolitical zone in Abakaliki, revealed that in the next planting season, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture would go to seven states of the federation to empower farmers on how to grow home-made wheat for bread production and other edibles.

Adesina, who was represented by a Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Olusegun Ayeni, noted that the target of the Federal Government was to drastically reduce the country’s importation of wheat flour estimated at N600 billion annually and boost the production and consumption of cassava food

Land deal: Seek redress outside court, judge tells complainant

BY CHINENYEH OZOR SUKKA—JUSTICE Fidel Ngwu of Enugu High Court has advised the complainant in a land deal that went sour to seek redress outside the court and police.

The complainant, Mr. Damian Okafor, had paid N48 million for for two plots of land at Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu, but sought redress in court when the sellers could not avail him of the documents.

Okafor had gone to court, asking it to enforce his fundamental human rights, after also petitioning the Inspector-General of Police, who extended an invitation to him, which he did not, however, meet.

In suit, C/482m/2013, Okafor said he discovered that the two plots of land had been revoked

by Enugu State Government, saying that explained the reason he petitioned the IGP. sellers seek court action at an Enugu High Court holding in Nsukka judicial district, requesting for enforcement of fundamental Human Rights.

N

across the country.

He said: “The major reason we embarked on this is because the Federal Ministry of Agriculture through the President discovered that cassava is a good alternative to wheat and because we want to reduce the

country ’s importation of wheat flour which has been estimated at 600 billion annually.

“The implication of this importation is that we are creating jobs for people outside the country while our own people are suffering.

“Also, at the federal level, the National Research Insti-

tute has developed new varieties of wheat that can be grown in other parts of the country and by next planting season, we are going to go to a b o u t seven states so that farmers can be empowered to grow our own kind of wheat that is even far more better than wheat imported outside the country.”

CONFERENCE: From left: Representative of the Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Adewole, Professor of Project Management, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, and Manager, Technology Practice,Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Sanjo Shodimu, during the 5th annual national project management conference in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ex-OMATA boss blames political tension on govs

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE current ten sion in the nation’s polity has been blamed on the state governors who have been accused of wielding so much power in the country.

Former president of Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, Chief Ozoh Anaekwe, specifically mentioned the problems rocking many political parties in the country, warning that unless the powers of the governors were reduced, they would continue to cause instability in the country.

According to him, the powers to control the local governments, the political machinery in the states, the Houses of Assembly, state delegates to national convention of political parties, nomination of ministerial appointees and board members of government agencies and parastatals, have made many governors to behave like tin gods.

Citing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as an example, Anaekwe expressed worry that some governors were even trying to control the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party in an attempt to push for their

own candidate to contest for president.

He added that if their powers were not curtailed, internal party wrangling will continue and best hands to serve the country in different positions would continue to elude the nation as governors were using their ‘unqualified’ friends, political associates and cronies to fill sensitive positions.

He said: “The national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has never been in disagreement with the chairmen of his party in the states and in the local governments and I wonder why it is the governors that should be calling for his removal.”

FG, COEASU to parley on MoU, November

BY VICTORAHIUMA-YOUNG

A

BUJA—THE FEDERAL Government and of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, will meet in November to assess the progress made on the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, reached by both parties.

Members of COEASU recently went on a seven-day warning strike to protest non-implementation of an agreement reached with government among other grievances and had threatened to declare an indefinite strike.

However, to avert an indefinite

industrial action, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, summoned a meeting of stakeholders in Abuja, to re-assess the extent of the implementation of the agreement reached on August 30, 2013, between the Federal Ministry of Education and COEASU. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, National Salaries Incomes & Wages Commission, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Edu-

cation, and COEASU. At the meeting, the union brought new demands, including some of the issues in the existing MoU. In a release issued at the end of the meeting, it was agreed, among others “that in consideration of the above conciliatory meeting which is at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the meeting shall reconvene after 60 days to consider progress made in respect of the outstanding issues now referred back to the Federal Ministry of Education.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—47

RECEPTION: Governor of Niger State Dr. Mu'azu Aliyu, making a presentation to the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Fati Abubakar, during a grand reception in honour of the Chief PRESENTATION: From left, General Manager, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Ola Judge, at Idris Legbo International Conference Centre, Minna, Ijimakin; Best Graduating student, Dr. Salihu Danjuma; Chairman, Faculty of Family Health, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Dr. Stephen Yohanna, and Corporate Servweekend. ices Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Oladimeji Oduyebo, during the presentation of FIDSON Prize for Best Graduating student of the Faculty of Family Medicine, at the National Postgraduate Medical College’s convocation, weekend.

ANNIVERSARY: Governor Godswill Akpabio, singing with choristers, during the State Inter-Religious Service, to mark 26th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo, weekend.

BIRTHDAY: Hon. Charles Idahosa and his wife at the church service, during his birthday celebration.

DINNER : From left, Teju Ajani, Business Development Manager, Google, representing Chukwuemeka Afigbo, Head of Developer Outreach, Google and one of the judges of the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation; another judge, Alex Dadson, Managing Director, West Africa, Qualcomm; and Matthew Wilsher, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, at a dinner reception organised for the judges of the Etisalat 'Pan-African Prize for Innovation,' on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Hon.Idahosa (right), having a handshake with Chief John Oyegun

VISIT: Olorogun Emerhor, All Progressives Party, APC , Delta Central senatorial aspirant (middle) in a group photograph with members of the three legacy parties (ACN, ANPP, CPC) from eight local government areas in Delta Central senatorial district, during a consultation visit by Emerhor Campaign Organisation to the group.

TRAINING: The Chairman of School of Management and Security, SMS, Dr. Ona Ekhomu; Mr. Eric Banjo of Shell Nigeria (centre), receiving certificate of training from Chief Victoria Ekhomu of the SMS, at the Physical Security Course, in Lagos.

MEETING: From left, Chairman, Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr. Adebayo Dayo; a party leader, Chief Tunde Olowu, and wife of the former Deputy Governor, Chief Abosede Ogunleye, during a meeting of the leaders of Ogun East senatorial district.

48 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Redesign Almajiri school system, Aliyu tells FG

Gov Aliyu commends NTI quality education campaign

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA— THE Gov ernor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has commended efforts of the Nigeria Teachers Institute, NTI, on its campaign to provide Nigerians quality education.

The governor said the institute has produced more than 40 per cent qualified teachers in the northern states, and expressed gratitude for a job well done, and urged them to redouble their effort.

Aliyu said: “In the northern states, many of them have no more than 40 to 50 per cent qualified teachers. We thank Nigeria Teachers Institute, NTI Director-General, because he has been doing excellently well but we need to do more, we need to do more by the evolution of powers and resources.

Unions remind Delta Govt of deadline

L

AGOS—THE joint unions of Academic Staff, Non-Academic and Senior Staff (COEASU, NASU and SSUCOEN respectively) in the colleges of education, have sent a reminder to the Delta State Government that the 20day ultimatum would soon end.

The statement which was jointly signed by Comrade A. G. Ossai, Chairman, COEASU, Agbor; Comrade P. Kwaja, Secretary, COEASU, Agbor and others stated that they want the government to stop illegal imposition of e-mail payment; remit their pension payment to pension administrators, implement 65 years retirement age; stop excessive and irregular taxation and illegal imposition of policy of National Housing fund, among others.

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

PROMO—From left: Assistant Customer Marketing Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr Ladipo Anu; Mallam Isa Yakubu, Manager, Garki Market, Abuja; Mr Ibrahim Yahaya Joe, Field Sales Manager, Abuja, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Mr Muyiwa Oyedeji and Trade Category Manager, Open Market Lockup and Food Market, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr Femi Adesina at the Close Up & Omo Display and Win Promo Award Presentation at Garki Market, Abuja, last Friday.

Child Labourers drop to 168m worldwide — ILO

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

L

AGOS—THE International Labour Organisation ( ILO) has recorded a drop in the number of children engaged in harzadous work from 246 million to 168 million world wide.

Also, the current number of children in hazardous work, according to the UN agency stands at 85 million, down from 171 million in 2000 A new report of the ILO released in Geneva, Swtizerland which revealed this, however, noted that the drop is not enough to attain the major objective of eliminating the worst forms of Child Labour by 2016.

Nigeria is one of the member countries of the ILO that has ratified Convention 182 ( Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour ).

Director- General of the ILO, Mr. Guy Ryder remarked: “We are moving in the right direction but progress is still too slow.

If we are serious about ending the scourge of child labour in the foreseeable future, then we need a substantial stepping-up of efforts at all levels. There are 168 million good reasons to do so,” The ILO stated: “The latest ILO estimates, published in the lead-up to the Global Conference on Child Labour, which takes place in Brasilia next month, show that most of the progress were made between 2008 and 2012, when the global number fell from 215 to 168 million”.

It noted that more than half of the 168 million child labourers worldwide are involved in hazardous work.

ILO defines hazardous work as that which “ endangers their health, safety and moral development”.

Hazardous work is often treated as a proxy for the Worst Forms of Child Labour, since children in hazardous work account for the overwhelming majority of those in the worst forms.

According to the report, “the largest absolute number of child labourers is found in the Asia-Pacific region (almost 78 million), but SubSaharan Africa continues to be the region with the highest incidence of child labour in terms of proportion of the population, at over 21%”.

The ILO has vigorously campaigned against Child

Labour with series of programmes and advocacy through its International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour ( IPEC).

Commenting on the report, the director of IPEC, Constance Thomas said, “no one can take sole credit for this result, as many have helped draw attention to the negative impacts of child labour on economic growth, the future of societies and the rights of children. However, the ILO’s role in leading the fight against child labour, through its standards and supervisory system, advice, capacity building and direct action, deserves special mention” .

I N N A — GOVERNOR Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has stressed the need to redesign the Almajiri school system and come out with a new and more vibrant policy to make the policy a success.

He said the implementation of the system should not be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone.

"All state governments and individuals should come out boldly to get rid of the Almajiris from the streets and, therefore, allow the policy of government work." he said.

The governor who spoke when members of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation paid him a courtesy visit in Minna said depending totally on the Federal Government for the success of the Almajiri schools system will mean digging for failure of the entire policy.

“The Federal Government assistance may not be enough. It means each state must come up with its own policy to have a realizable target that there will be no child that is out of school.

"We are not saying that every child should go to the University but that every child should be given the opportunity to read and write.”

Governor Aliyu also took a swipe at the ongoing activities of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Boko Haram in some parts of the country and called for change of tactics in order to succeed in their operation.

PDP warns against attack on elected, appointed govt officials

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday warned all its members across the country to henceforth desist from attacking elected and appointed government officials.

It stressed that as a party, it will no longer tolerate what it termed indiscriminate and wanton pronouncements by party members and organs against persons legitimately holding sensitive positions in the party and

the PDP-led administration.

The party also passed a vote of confidence on the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadiomhe.

In a statement yesterday by PDP national Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the Alhaji Bamanga Tukurled National Working Committee, NWC while passing a vote of confidence on the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadiomhe, however, dismissed the passage of vote of no confidence on him weekend after a meeting at Polaris Hotel, Afashio, Jattu

by some aggrieved persons from Edo North Senatorial Zone.

Metuh who described the move as “inconsequential and of no effect”, urged Nigerians to disregard the said vote of no confidence. He said: “The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby declares as inconsequential and of no effect, the passage of vote of no confidence on the Chief of Staff to The President, Chief Mike Oghiadiomhe by some aggrieved persons from Edo North Senatorial Zone."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—49

KELVIN, DELTA MOST WANTED KIDNAPPER:

Where is he, who’ll catch him?

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

R

ECALL Anini saga: IBB to Etim Inyang AT the height of the escapades of notorious armed robbery kingpin, late Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, dreadfully called ‘The Law,’ in the defunct Bendel State, now Edo and Delta states, former military President, General Ibrahim Babaginda, who could no longer stomach his indignation, turned to the erstwhile Inspector General of Police, Etim Inyang, at the end of the out-of-date Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, meeting in October, 1986, and asked, “My friend, where is Anini.”

The question was a huge embarrassment to the then Inspector General of Police, but it was only when it was asked, though very discomforting, that result came. The bandit, who had been “invisible and elusive”, was suddenly tracked down barely one and half months after on December 3, 1986. Inyang had to constitute a crack team under the supervision of very senior police of-

munity in Edo State. While Anini painted the picture of Robinhood in his last days, he did not pretend to be a freedom fighter for his people, who had carried out protests against government and the oil company, operating in their area. Kelvin, however, last Tuesday, declared himself a freedom fighter, saying, he is the leader of newly found Liberation Movement of the Urhobo People, LIMUP. More than 3,000 women and youths cheered him and his band, as he pontificated on the reasons for his “struggle”.

Anini did not anchor his criminality on lack of development in Orogho, but Kelvin, who had issued a 60-day ultimatum to both the State and Federal Governments to develop Kokori or his armed group, would blow up oil installations in the area, maintained, “The reason why we are here today (last Tuesday night) is because of the continuous cheating of our people by the Federal Government. Now, we want them to hear us because for over 50 years, they have been drilling oil from our community (Kokori), which has the second best oil in

,

Kelvin recruits undergraduates, graduates, okada riders, and he buys motorcycles for them and tutors them. He has so many gangs in the state working for him

ficers to track down the gangster and his band.

Poser from Jonathan to IGP: Under normal circumstances, it is the same question President Goodluck Jonathan should be asking the current Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, concerning the reign of terror that has been unleashed on the people of Delta state by the most wanted kidnapper/ armed robbery kingpin in Delta state, Kelvin Ibruvwe. Except if Mr. President, who is currently attending the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York has not been properly appraised of the situation on ground, Kelvin’s impudent exploits have become a cause for concern, not only to the people of the state, but Nigerians in general.

Like Anini, like Kelvin: Like Kelvin, who hails from Kokori, an oil producing community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, the late Anini was also from Orogho, also an oil comC M Y K

,

this country. Yet we have nothing to show for it. The community has no roads; they constructed wooden bridges in areas that need formidable bridges that will last for a long time. There is hunger everywhere and graduates have no job.”

Hidden conspiracy: Before Anini was caught by the then Superintendent of Police, Kayode Uanreroro, and his team at 26, Oyemwosa Street, opposite Iguodala Primary School, Benin City, in company with six women, following a tip-off from locals, it was discovered that police insiders, led by former DSP George Iyamu, were giving him information.

Uanreroro led a crack 10-man team to the house, knocked on the door of the room, and Anini himself, clad in underpants, opened the door. “Where is Anini,” the police officer quickly enquired.

Dazed as he was caught off guard and having no escape route, Anini all the same tried to be smart. “Oh, Anini is under the bed in the inner room.” As he said it, he made

•LIMUP gang being cheered by Kokori women

some moves to walk past Uanreroro and his team. In the process, he shoved and head-butted the police officer but it was an exercise in futility.

Uanreroro promptly reached for his gun, stepped hard on Anini’s right toes and shot at his left ankle. Anini surged forward but the policemen took hold of him and put him in a sitting position. They then pumped more bullets into his shot leg and almost severed the ankle from his entire leg. Already, anguished by the excruciating pains, the policemen asked him, “Are you Anini?” And he replied, “My brother, I won’t deceive you; I won’t tell you lie, I’m Anini.”

He was from there taken to the police command headquarters where the state’s Police Commissioner, Parry Osayande, was waiting. While in the police net, Anini who had poor command of English and could only communicate in pidgin, made a whole lot of revelations. He disclosed, for instance that Monday Osunbor, who had been arrested earlier, was his deputy, saying that Osunbor actually shot and wounded the former police boss of the state, Casmir Akagbosu. The issue in Kelvin’s case from a top security source was not really that there is no conspiracy between him and junior officers, both army and police, but the point is how to break it. The locals are also not giving the police information on how to track him down, ostensibly because of fear.

Aduba’s non-belief: However, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, appears cocksure that there was no plot, and even queried the truthfulness of the Kelvin’s alleged intrusion, submitting that it was unbelievable that the wanted suspect could enter Kokori and address a crowd without the separate detachments of soldiers and policemen in the area noticing.

He seemed very confident in his Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area that he maintained, "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.”

Those who know Aduba understand that he was speaking based on information passed to him by his men on ground, and nothing more. Just as Aduba is asking how Kelvin entered Kokori without the knowledge of police and soldiers guarding the area, so worried Deltans are asking, how on earth are the security agents saying they are not aware that such an infraction occurred when gunshots were freely fired by the socalled LIMUP members. No security officer would admit such a compromise with a criminal except he is linked or caught with hard evidence, but if truth be told; it is patent that some people have been compromised in the Kelvin affair.

Why Kelvin is an albatross Commissioner Aduba had cracked so many kidnap cases since he came to Delta state. But Kelvin has remained an albatross for him because people were not willing to give information to the police on his whereabouts. He is vicious and police suspect that the people were under oath not to talk to security agents about him, as those invited bluntly refused to say anything. Even an effort by the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to elicit information from leaders of Kokori, some months back, hit a dead end.

Many gangs working for him – Police Speaking to Vanguard exclusively, last year December, on the most wanted kidnapper and his modus operandi, Aduba said: “If you ask of the axis, the main axis is Kokori and the person training them is one Kelvin. He is operating from Kokori and has been declared wanted. There is another graduate of Imo State University, who made a 2.1 in mechanical engineering, these are the two in that axis, and they are training people. Most of the Okada people that you find around this Kokori axis, they bought these

machines for them, we have some of their boys and they are cooling off in prison. They were arraigned in court and were ordered to be remanded.“ Asked if Kelvin runs a training school for kidnappers, he said, “I cannot say that in the media.

Nevertheless, what I can tell is that this Kelvin recruits undergraduates, graduates, Okada riders, and he buys motorcycles for them and tutors them.

He has so many gangs in the state working for him. There is a network; this is what I have discovered and we have been finding it difficult to get at him because, in that axis, the moment they see any stranger, they will blow the whistle. However, we have been able to bulldoze to some extent; it is in Kelvin’s house that we picked up the personal assistant to a commissioner in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, who was kidnapped. His (Kelvin) parents are there, but you know this arrest by proxy, we do not want to be involved in it; otherwise, the person that is giving everybody headache in this state is Kelvin and he is from Kokori,” he said.

Who will seize Kelvin?

Since last week when the issue of Kelvin stared the state blatantly, the diminutive kidnap kingpin, believed to be wealthy and mercurial in his movement, had gone underground. From available information, he knows when to strike, and he more often than not strikes when it is hot, after which, he melts into the thin air.

While it is assumed that the joint onslaught on him and other kidnappers by the police, army and other security agencies, some few months ago, made him to flee the state, Kelvin told inquisitive journalists, last Tuesday, that they decided to simmer down to give government chance to carry out development in their area and provide employment, but if after the 60-day ultimatum, nothing was done, they would show that nobody could cow them in the state.

50—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Re: Much ado about child marriage T

HOUGH the hullabaloos over the handling of child marriage issue in Nigeria by the Senate seem to have frizzled out, it is still very fresh and raging in the public domain. The recent interview granted by the arrowhead of the unfortunate saga, Senator Ahmed Yerima and aired on Channels Television has not helped the situation. If anything, it has continued to confirm to Nigerians that there are indeed unrepentant serial Paedophiles amongst us, many of whom are even sociopaths, seeing nothing wrong in their actions, at the same time, believing that they derive the authority to harm others from the religious association.

As I stated in an earlier article on this issue, we cannot afford to go to sleep even for a moment.

We must articulate our position and argument until we achieve our goal. Today, you will be reading the first set of responses from our readers to the said article.

Please note that this will be a recurring issue on this column, therefore, there is no time frame for which you can send in your views/contribution. Our address remains:thehumanangle93@yahoo.com we look forward to reading from you.

Dear Yetunde, It is impressive the quality of arguments you raised above, but you know that it all goes to waste if you are not challenged. I will like to clear your mind that I do not support child abuse, but I am not against early marriage either.

First, with respect to what you

pointed out earlier concerning the relationship of all the list of problems above and early marriage, and education as your solution to them; are you saying a woman can't be educated unless she is single?

Personally, I know many married women who were educated under their matrimonial roof. My mum is a good example. By the way she is targeting associate Professor as we speak. Don't you think it is better to make laws that will promote the continuity of women's education in their matrimonial houses rather than make laws which hurt poeple's religion in a democratic government which ensures freedom of religion?

Secondly, you said something about analysts and youth problems in the North. What reference do you have for such an information, because if you have none, then it amounts to hearsay. You said yourself that a girl if married, cannot be consummated until she matures and give her full consent.(I did not) So why do you ask what form of parenting can a 10yr old give? (yes, I did)I'm sure you brought up the gifts and pampering part to discard it.(if I did, why would I argue against it again?)

Thirdly, it is true marriage in islam is not about sex. And yes, it is true he doesn't have to marry her if he wishes to help a poor girl from a less privileged family.

You answered all yourself. Finally I am afraid you have it wrong concerning the countries where no one is above the law. In New Hampshire, United States, legal marriage age is 13 for girls and

14 for boys! In Michigan (US) it is 15 but girls can be married below 15 with parental consent.

In Indiana (US) a girl can be married at 14 if she becomes pregnant. In Hawaii and Georgia (US) it is 15 with parental consent.

Now let us go outside America, in Britain it is 16, in fact, it is 15

,

Hi,

the eligibility to RENOUNCE CITIZENSHIP (not on early marriage). Nigerians refuse to listen to any reasonable arguments or at least respect other’s religion because they want to appear civilised. By the way, why is 18 considered the minimum age for marriage? Does it have anything to do with oscillation of bones? Why not 16, 17, or 20, 21 or even 25?

Yetunde, If I may ask you this, at what age are humans evolved to be considered as "adults"? Is a person endowed with a certain wisdom which just drops from the sky on his 18th birthday?

Islam (As I said earlier, this is an ongoing discourse. Islam’s piece was posted on our online edition and did generate a few reactions as well. Here are a few of them.)

Sir, I don't think you/your mother meet the criteria of the

At what age are humans evolved to be considered as ‘adults’? I s a person endowed with a certain wisdom which just drops from the sky on his 18th birthday?

,

in most European countries. In Venezuela it is 14 with parental consent, 14 in Paraguay, 14 in Mexico, Bolivia 14.

Coming to the African continent, the legal marriage age is 14 in Mozambique and 15 in Gabon. In Angola it is 15, Niger 15, Cameroon 15, Congo DR 15, Benin 15, Kenya 16 and Madagascar 14. In Equitorial Guinea it is 12! Tanzania adds a more pragmatic scenario: the legal marriage age is 14 but girls below 12 can marry for religious reason with the proviso that the marriage will not be consummated until the girl reaches 12.

Gambia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia and Sudan place no age limit at all on marriage. Nigeria ranks among the most conservative in this area as marriage age is still 18 under the law. Nothing demonstrates the collective ignorance and myopia of Nigerians better than the current debate on early marriage triggered by the Senate's vote on

poor populace in the North who are victims of early child marriage and government neglect.

Compounded by corruption of public officials, the girl-child in early marriage only becomes a vassal who is saddled with raising mal-nourished children and neglect from a man who has several wives and children he can ill afford to cater for. It is also a well known fact that Nigeria (that is North Nigeria) leads the world in cases of VVF and illiteracy of the girl child.

Banks111 Sir, Pray, at what age did your mother get married? Sympathy for the girl child, protection of the weak, vulnerable and voiceless; is that too much to ask of you and other Yerima apologists?

Vlom All the postulations of Yerima based on the text are lies, because he did not tell us the city he lives and how he saw children disvirgin themselves behind toilets and those chemists that abortions

are taking place in. Is he saying that he is not having sex with his 13 years old Egyptian wife since he said marriage (in Islam)is not about sex! Yerima I believe, lives in a world of his own.

Pragmatic man (The Distinguished Senator has already announced that his 13 year old bride has indeed given birth to a baby boy and has since returned to school) Hear Yerima, "So, ask me again why I support early marriage and I will slap the jinn (demon) out of your head."

This is a progresive indeed. Up APC! Baba Aliyu With all these reactions, name calling, etc, a serious Senate would have made amendment but it appears the Power of Yerima is strong enough to intimidate Mark et al and also strong enough to give us 20 year old grand mothers, and 26 year old greatgrand mothers in the next few years, when we become a full blown nation of babies making babies courtesy of Yerima and Mark et al. Every Nigerian matters ooo, May God save Nigeria from ENEMIES WITHIN Olufemi Adeniyi In my earlier post in relation to this child marriage saga, I feared that sooner than later, we would be debating on toddler, even babies being given out for "rape' to Pedophiles like Yarima. Never did I expect, nonetheless that my prophesy would come true just in a matter of weeks, as the paedophile in chief, Yarima has confirmed, seeing no wrong in 6 year old children being given out in so called marriage. I’m not going to dissipate energy explaining why early child marriage is a capital No No, because most commentators, like Yetunde Arebi have articulated those very well, and the Yarimas are not ignorant of those facts, but they choose not to be rehabilitated, because they have truly found sanctuary in a religion that harbors those who commit ill treatment to the vulnerable. What a shame.

To be continued

Why love hurts?

BY ONOZURE DANIA

I

T is not love that hurts, its the unfulfilled expectations concerning love that hurts.

If it was love that hurt, the minute you fall in love, you would be in horrible pain.

Love comes from a very deep place in the heart.

When we feel love, the mind creates expectations. You expect to be with that person, you expect that person to love you, you expect to live happily ever after, you expect to be able to trust that person, and you expect that person will never change.

These are all from the mind.

Just because we feel those things doesn’t mean it is right for us, or that it is how things will work out. When things don’t work out, you feel the pain of being deprived of the object of your love. The feeling of deprivation is what hurts, not the love itself.

The belief that you have lost something brings pain, not the that feeds the soul. It actually releases health giving chemicals in the body.

Love is a teacher.

When you learn to deal with the expectations of the mind, you grow emotionally and you become wiser. We are here to learn and to grow, through our

experiences of love and loss.

You learn how your perception of love is different than what love really is. We are loving beings in truth.

When one expression of love passes, another one is soon to follow if you keep an open heart and mind.

Love is a want, only it’s a particular want, depending on which love one is involved. T And just as easily, it can spontaneously degenerate when the magic just isn’t there anymore. You fall in love, and you can fall out of love.

The key word is passivity.

Love is the attachment that results in deeply appreciating another ’s goodness. We see

what we value most in ourselves and in others.

God created us to see ourselves as good hence our need to either rationalize or regret our wrongdoings.

So, we seek goodness in others. Nice looks, an engaging personality, intelligence and talent all of which counts for something and may attract you. But goodness is what moves you to love. If that person doesn’t see the same goodness in you, love is not possible because it really takes two to love. Give and receive.

Remember, a person can’t love if they don’t want to be loved. Love is a choice. Love comes from appreciating good-

ness, it doesn’t just happen, you can make it happen.

Love is active. You can create it. Just focus on the good in another. If you can do this easily you will love easily but will be venerable to a lot of fake love in return and also pain.

Obviously, there is a far distance between personal love and unconditional love. Relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to practice in all other relationships and areas of your life.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 —51 TUESDA

You must excel, Chukwu tasks new NEC Board

BY OKEY NDIRIBE, EMMANUEL ELEBEKE & FAITH GORA

T

• Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (right) congratulating Chairman of the Board of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, Professor Chike Anibeze, during the inauguration in Abuja last week. PHOTO: Gbemiuga Olamikan

HE Minister of Health Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu has urged the newly inaugurated Board of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna to ensure the institution becomes a Centre of Excellence in West Africa.

Chukwu made the call last week in Abuja while inaugurating the Boards of the National Eye Centre, NEC, Kaduna, with Prof. Chike Anibeze as Chairman. Other newly inaugurated Boards are for the National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR,

Lagos; National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Abuja and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Lagos.

Chukwu stated that the Boards were inaugurated to strengthen the health institutions in line with the implementation of the nation’s strategic health programme which is an integral part of the Vision 20-20-20. “Your role as a Chairman or Board member should be clear from the onset as this is adequately defined by laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines. “ He also advised the board

Nigeria hit by shortage of voluntary blood donors

•Opinion leaders urged to donate

BY CHIOMA OBINNA, MODINAT AMUSAT & KOSISO UDEMBA

W

ITH less than 10 percent of Nigerians donating blood voluntarily, the country is currently reeling under the onslaught of serious shortage of safe blood and blood products, even as opinion leaders in the country, particularly, those in the rural communities have been urged to lead by example by donating blood voluntarily.

Nigeria is currently faced with a situation, whereby 60 percent of all blood donations are from commercial donors and 30 percent from family replacement.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, remarked that 1,130,000 units of blood are collected annually in the country through the various types of donations as against 1,336,000 estimates of blood units required.

The deficit, according to the Minister, has resulted in numerous preventable death especially among women and children and people living with certain diseases.

Making the call during a blood donor drive organised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, LSBTC, in conjunction with the State Water Corporation, Mr. Solomon Eka, Member, LSBTC, maintained that as long as Nigerian opinion leaders are opposed to blood donation, the country will remain far from attaining the required blood units for survival of patients.

“Presently there are some opinion leaders that do not

C M Y K

• On bed, Chairman Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Mr. Afeez Ipesa-Balogun donating blood during the 2010 world blood donor day celebration held in Lagos. support blood donation. If these opinion leaders are meant to have a change of attitude, and also demonstrate by donating blood, their followers will also follow suit. So we need the opinion leaders to drive the

campaign in the communities.

To let people know that blood donation is not risky and is not having any negative effect.”

In his lecture entitled; “Importance of Voluntary Blood Donation”, Eka explained that

regular blood donation also helps refresh an individual’s blood. He said the State blood donation drive has helped discover hidden diseases in Continues on page 52

members not to be involved in the day to day management of the various institutions.

“That function belongs to the Executive Director, Chief Medical Director, Executive Secretary or Director General of the relevant parastatal. The main functions of the board are: to provide oversight over the management; ensure the implementation of government policies; ensure the effective and efficient utilisation of resources; ensure adherence to laws and regulations and accountability” he said.

He urged the new Board members to ensure that in discharging their responsibilities, they must be mindful of the need to explore innovative ways of securing funds for their institutions adding that it is the expectation of government that this aspect of their jobs should not be taken lightly.

In his remarks at the occasion, Anibeze pledged to ensure the image of the hospital is positively projected for the purpose of gaining national recognition. “ We are here to make sure that the policies of Government are implemented appropriately.

Now that I am the Chairman of the National Eye Center, we intend to project the image of this institution such that when you talk about an eye problem, everybody in the country will be able to know that Kaduna is the centre”. Further, he noted that the Board would probably establish a link with other eye clinics across the country for the purpose of disseminating information for people to know about the Centre.

Anibeze said the Board will set targets that will enable members achieve the goal of providing a clear sight to all Nigerians.

Maternal, Child Health booklets not for sale — IDRIS

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

HE Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has warned health workers in the State against the practice of selling the Maternal and Child Health Booklets including the Mama’s Kit - a delivery pack produced for pregnant women by the State.

Idris who urged Lagosians to report such cases, said the items were meant to be distributed free of charge to mothers.

The Commissioner explained that the booklets and kits are

essential part of the sensitisation and enlightenment strategy its maternal programme and not for sale.

The booklets are available free of charge to all pregnant women and children who register at the primary health facilities. Further, he explained that the maternal and child health booklet is a comprehensive home-based product designed to raise awareness on safe motherhood and contain details relevant to birth history, household practices and critical health promotion information have been

distributed to pregnant women and children who registered in public health facilities.

“These booklets contain information on pregnancyrelated health check-up schedules and emergency care, labour and delivery, postnatal care, family planning, tetanus toxoid immunization, neonatal and child care guide, routine immunization schedule and vaccinations actually received as well as growth monitoring and nutritional state assessment. An estimated 391,100 maternal health booklets and 92,600 child

health booklets have been distributed to date”, he said.

Meanwhile, the State will today hold its 4th round of 2013 stakeholders’ town hall sensitisation and enlightenment meeting in Lagos Central Senatorial district today. The meeting is designed to enlighten the people on the key messages on how to reduce maternal and child mortality get to the grass roots where maternal and child health interventions are needed the most.

Continues on page 52

52—Vanguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 24 2013 TUESDA

Prepare for old age from infancy — OYEDIRAN

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

PSN tasks FG on roles for health providers

T

HE Pharmaceutical Society NE of the secrets of living to a ripe old age is to of Nigeria, PSN wants the Federal Government prepare for it right from infancy and even while in Committee set up to redress grievances of health workthe uterus during pregnancy. ers on contentious professional matters to be steadA public health physician and Former Adjunct Professor fast, bold and upright in tackling the various matters in the Department of Community Health and Primary at stake.

Care, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, PSN President, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, urged the Professor Muriel Ayodeji Oyediran, who gave this committee to look into agitations for recognition of professional roles, optimising career aspirations, approassertion, urged Nigerians to adopt the kind of lifestyle priate designation of specialist roles and implementain their youth that would enable them live healthily in tion of non-discriminatory salary wages, which remain old age. constitutional rights of citizens of the Federal RepubOyediran, who was Guest Speaker at the 2013 Annual lic of Nigeria.

Faculty Day lecture, of the Faculty of Public Health, Calling attention of the Committee, headed by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria,held Head of Service of the Federation, to Section 42 (1) a last week at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, & b of the Constitution, Akintayo said the PSN was LUTH, Idi Araba, called for commitment from government not unmindful of threats and ultimatums on adherence at all levels towards provision of conditions that promote to “hierarchical orders” in the health sector. qualityof life for the elderly in Nigeria so that they continue “It is an irony of fate that the status quo in healthcare to participate in their communities for as long as possible. in our nation is deliberately structured to impair the “As soon as you can, from your childhood, teens and legitimate aspiration of some health workers to 20s, prepare for your old age, because you will get old • Prof. Muriel Oyediran. optimize their potentials in the health sector for many sometime. What you do from childhood influences your years now.” state of health later in life, so take care,” she advised. develop a network of family and friends who can assist “As representatives of pharmacists we now insist that “You have to start from being a baby, from childhood. with caring. “It is clear there are still many opportunities we shall exercise our liberties as freeborn citizens who Start from breast feeding which is the best for babies. It for health services and care to be provided in the will lawfully pursue our professional values in public protects their teeth, bones, and bones. A healthy child is community for the elderly who are either living by interest.” bound to grow into a healthy, normal adult, so if a child is themselves or are living with family. “This is a challenge Calling for exhibition of broad mindedness by well fed, that child would grow into a healthy normal and to the local authorities and state governments to improve appraising current evolutionary trends in care long-lived adult. lives of the elderly by providing them with companionship processes at global level, he said pharmacists insist “It begins from in-utero to birth, because the diet the and suitable activities to keep them mentally, physically and declare readiness to attain fair justice to all concerned in the health industry in Nigeria. mother has when she is pregnant affects the health of the and socially active. child. Start early from pregnancy all the way down, then you may live to 120,” she asserted.

In her lecture entitled: “Even Nigerians Grow Old!: The Problems and Challenges of Ageing in Nigeria”, Oyediran, said it was essential for government to be aware Chief Matron, Lagos State Water Corporation Staff Continues from Page 51 of the increasing financial, social and health needs of the Clinic, Aderoju Olusola, who noted that the exercise elderly and to be more proactive in providing affordable many persons walking around with blood disorders was part of their monthly health talk aimed at healthcare for the elderly through health insurance without knowing. Encouraging cultivation of the inculcating healthy living into the staff of the schemes and care homes. culture of donating blood every three months, he corporation.

Lamenting the increasing trend abuse, neglect and explained that not every donated blood is useable.

Olusola, who acknowledged that most Nigerians are abandonment of the elderly in Nigeria, she said the “It is not everybody that can donate, you must attain afraid to donate blood out of fear, said donors stand to problem which was rarely recognized and reported in certain criteria before you donate, which include; you the past, is becoming an important growing social and must be 50 kg and above, blood pressure must be gain refreshed blood as well as prolonged life.

Voluntary blood donation also helps to assist persons public health problem. normal, PVC must at an acceptable level to avoid any in need of blood, accident victims, cancer patients, “WIth regard to the various economic changes occurring unforeseen crisis. Only healthy people aged 18 -65 sickle cell anaemia patients and pregnant women in with high unemployment rates, poor economic indices are likely to donate blood,” he added. labour among others. and a general deterioration in living standards, it is likely that the elderly may become an extra source of stress and strain to the family.”

In her view, Oyediran said it hospitals do not have enough, also place the other one on top.

BY CHIOMA OBINNA babies have jaundice. is important for caregivers to She said three to four cases of and sometimes you have to bring So that prevents us from having O fewer than 400 babies jaundice are seen at LUTH daily. in two to three babies together to to exchange the baby’s blood.

Because the machines are not affected by neonatal “It is the commonest newborn share a machine.

“The second machine they enough, we keep having to jaundice are managed emergency and the commonest successfully at the Lagos reason why babies go home and brought is called the Bili-bed exchange the blood of the baby University Teaching Hospital, come back to the hospital. The whereby if the jaundice level is and because we have one of the Continues from Page 51 Continues on page 53 high the baby lies on it while we LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos, every major thing is to treat it.

The meeting which will be month. To aid the management “Many mothers are not doing chaired by Wife of the Lagos State of the babies,the Year Book Class, the right thing. It is not just tellGovernor, Dame Abimbola YBC, (final year medical ing mothers to go and take Fashola, is targeted at community students) of College of Medicine, ampiclox or take paw paw water, leaders, women and other University of Lagos, CMUL, has or agbo, not wearing yellow cloth stakeholders in Lagos Central donated two phototherapy or using camphor for the baby’s Senatorial district which machines to the Neonatal Unit of clothes. Those are the things that comprises Surulere, Apapa, Eti- the hospital. could cause serious problem.”

Osa, Lagos Island, Lagos Neonatal jaundice, according to Jaundice is an emergency.

Mainland local governments and an Associate Professor of When you notice it, rush the baby their local council development Paediatrics, CMUL, Dr. Chinyere for appropriate care.” areas.

Ezeaka, is a medical emergency She said LUTH needed to “This town hall meeting which capable of damaging a baby’s procure modern phototherapy will hold at the Surulere local brain for life. machines to replace the outdated government secretariat is meant Jaundice is the yellowness of the ones in use currently. The to enlighten the public on efforts eyes, as a result of a breakdown machines donated by the Year being made by the state of blood within the first week of Book Class, when placed over government to reduce maternal life. the baby and the light is shone child mortality as well as open Ezeaka who is the Head of on the baby, would break down their minds to the roles they are Neonatal Unit at LUTH, stated the bilirubin on the skin. expected to play to ensure the that 50 percent of preterm babies “Sometimes a baby can be on it • Members of the LUTH Neonatal Unit with one of the photosuccess of the programme”, Idris will have severe jaundice and up for three to five days. We don’t therapy machines presented by the Year Book Class, College of noted. to 80 to 90 percent of preterm have enough machines, many Medicine, University of Lagos, CMUL,

O

Shortage of voluntary blood donors

Jaundice: LUTH manages 400 babies monthly

Maternal

C M Y K

N

Vanguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 —53 TUESDA

6-year-old Rahama seeks N4.5m for heart surgery

BY KOSISI UDEMBA & MODINAT AMINAT

S

I X -Y E A R - O L D Rahaman Ajana is currently battling a congenital heart deformity described described as symptomatic congenital heart disease. A pupil of Success Crown Nursery/ Primary School, Oworonshoki, Lagos, Rahama has been in and out of hospital so many times, she misses school.

The girl has a lifetime history of illness and falls sick so often, she has to see a pediatrician ever so often.

Following series of general check ups, she was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. The third child of the Ajanahs, Rahama, who was born premature, did not begin to walk until she was one year old. Even then, she would walk just a little distance, wait to rest or just fall down or lean on something for support.

A medical report from LUTH, revealed that Rahama’s condition was confirmed through echocardiography to be ventricular septal defect with pulmonary

• Rahama Ajanah hypertension. The report, signed by Professor C.A.N. Okoromah advised that Rahama requires further cardiovascular evaluation and possible open heart surgery to correct the abnormality inorder to forestall irreversible and life threatening complications.

The open-heart surgical

procedure is unavailable at LUTH, and Rahama has been refrred to Miot Hospital, Chennai, India.

But the snag is the overall cost. Rahama’s parents are poor and unable to raise the N2.5 million required for transportation, the surgery, intensive care, hospital

stay, medication and postoperative investigation.

Narrating her ordeal, Rahama’s mother, Kadijat Ajanah, of No. 38 Olorunfumi Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, said the whole problem began while she was pregnant.

"Rahama was born underweight - 2.2kg to be precise. Initially, she was okay, but after a while we noticed she was not growing normally. We have to do an ECG at LUTH every six months while trying to raise money for the surgery. The doctors say we should raise the money as quickly as possible while she is still a child so that the heart will not harden. We have been managing the situation and sometimes it is so bad.

It of has been affecting her education.”

Kadijat said the issue has been affecting the family financially and economically, due to the six months interval check ups.

She was diagnosed of the disease when she was two years old, that is four years ago. Now it has become so bad that we can hardly manage her. Nigerians should please to come to our aid as we have exhausted all our finances.

To help, please donate to Ajahah Rahama Onono, GT Bank 0005784472, or call 08053455493 for details.

Jaundice Continued from page 52 largest neonatal units, you will see us doing three, four transfusions. You know when you are putting blood you are also thinking about a whole lot of other problems like infections and some of the babies is actually a real challenging process,” she added.

Speaking to Good Health Weekly, LUTH’s Chairman Advisory Committee, CMAC, Professor Chris Bode said LUTH has the largest neonatal unit in West Africa with about 400 incubators.

“When babies are brought early and exposed to the light for a few days, it break down that chemicals into harmless substances, which, left untreated can adversely affect their brains and damage such babies, when they grow older, they will not be performing very well. Some of them become mentally sub normal. We are very grateful to the donors.”

Earlier, President of the Year Book Class, (YBC), Mr. Adedanda Ifade said donation of the machines, which cost over N400,000, was prompted by the need for such equipment in the department with a view to effectively manage the increasing incidences of neonatal jaundice in the hospital.

Group holds health talk

A

MAZING Life Resources, a group at the forefront of creating awareness about good health and healthy living is organising a health seminar for the youth, the young at heart and mothers.

The event holds at Osumenyi Town Hall, Ojo Alaba International People’s Bus Stop, Ojo, Lagos State, on September 29, 2013. Spokesperson for the Group, Mr. Chinedum Otugo, a dietician, said participants would be taught health tips including how to prepare a healthy diet.

Topics lined up for the event include “How to be free from illness”, “How to Avoid Food Poisons in the 21st Century’’, “How to use What you Eat to Cure Illnesses That Defy Medical Attention, “True Secret of Looking Good”, etc.

Guest Speaker for the day is Administration Manager, Vanguard Media Ltd., Mr. Victor Gotevbe. Others include Dr. Emeka Arinze, Ericon Hospital, Apapa and Mr. Ifeanyi Eze, a public speaker.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

HAVE this uncle in America that is in his fifties.

My mother and grandmother have been trying to fix him up to get married. His traditional wedding is in one month’s time but what his fiancée does not know is that my uncle is gay. I know for a fact that he is gay and I feel sorry for the poor girl that he is about to marry. What I am wondering now is whether I am supposed to keep quiet about this or try to prevent this poor girl from being exploited – Cynthia Dear Cynthia, I can understand your concern but you need to stay out of this. Your uncle’s private life is his business. It is true that sometimes we are required to speak up about certain things but it is not everything that we think is our business that actually concerns us. Yes maybe your uncle is gay. He could also be bisexual. In any case, he is an adult man who is old enough to make his own decisions.

He doesn’t need anybody to hold his hand. If he chooses to get into a heterosexual relationship with another adult woman, then it is up to him how he goes about doing that. So I understand your concern because you believe the whole marriage thing is a sham but you don’t have the right to butt into his business or try to derail his marriage plans. I can assure you that your family, your uncle and his fiancée will not appreciate your kind gesture of concern – Uche I just bought the Prolonging Cream for stopping premature ejaculation. Please how many times am I supposed to use it? I have used it once now and I am doing better– Femi You can use Prolonging Cream as often as you want and you can reapply several times during intercourse. It is a cream, not a supplement – Uche How can I know when my woman is satisfied and what can I do to make sure she does not cheat?

Mahmud The easiest way to ensure that your wife is satisfied is by learning how to be a good lover yourself.

C M Y K

You can gain this knowledge from the movie Advanced Love Skills for Black Couples and the book Going Down. And then always ask her how she feels and what she wants. That will tell you when you are doing it right or wrong. There are also times when you will not be able to satisfy her no matter how hard you try. At times like this, your wife can benefit from the use of a vibrator (if she has one).

So you can get her a good rabbit vibrator like Remote Control Rabbit Pearl and the Spot On Orgasm Gel. Regarding your second question, there is really no way of ensuring that a partner will never cheat. Just do your best and be positive. In life, we really cannot control everything other people do. But if she is satisfied and happy in her life, the chances of cheating drastically reduces – Uche Please what is the difference between regular lubricants and anal lubricants? I am never sure of what to buy – Rose Regular lubricants are lighter while anal lubricants are thicker to ensure that the area it is applied on stays lubricated for longer. This is due to the fact that unlike the vagina, the anal passage does not lubricate naturally, so it needs more help.

If you need a good anal lubricant, get the Tushy Tamer. You can use it in a variety of ways too – Uche I don’t have a lot of money so I want a product that enlarges organ, gives hard erection and stops premature ejaculation if possible – Kevin Kevin get Xzen Gold or Power Zen. They both do all that and more – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media..

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—55

Delta Central needs a senator who’ll surpass Ewherido’s achievements — Aguariavwodo FORMER Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and member of the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has opened up on why he wants to represent the Urhobo ethnic nationality in Senate among other issues. Excerpts:

BY FESTUS AHON

O

n the PDP crisis I am sure the problem would be solved, it is a family matter. I am sure that at the end of the day everything would be resolved amicably.

Don’t you think is going to affect the fortune of the PDP in the 2015 general elections?

No, I don’t think so. I believe PDP will emerge from the whole situation stronger.

What informed your decision to run in the forthcoming Senatorial by-election in Delta Central?

I have always fought for the interest of my Urhobo people and the interest of the state.

Even before politics started as we know it today, there were serious issues of marginalization against our state. When Delta State was created and during the Chief Ernest Shonekan era as Head of the then Interim National Government, there was no Deltan at all in the Federal Executive Council.

We as young people took it upon ourselves to make publications in The Guardian of October 22 and November 16, 1993 enumerating the various ways our state was

Management Development.

So, I believe we have the cognate experience to represent our people in the Senate today to their benefit and to bring in new ideas to the Senate.

To make our contributions to the Senate for the betterment of Nigeria and of course help support policies which will be implemented by Mr. President to the benefit of Nigerians.

How he would use the legislature as a platform to cater for the needs of his constituents Being a representative of your people involves many things and it gives you some tools to use.

Of course, you can leverage and lobby the Senate President and your colleagues in the Senate, bringing issues affecting your people to their notice and fully being a member of the PDP will help.

Also my experience in the Executive arm of government having served as managing director of NDDC, chairman of the Niger Delta Basin Authority, currently chairman of the board of Nigeria Council for Management Development gives me added advantage on how things work on the

,

We have always commended the efforts of late Senator Pius Ewherido with what he accomplished in the two years he stayed in the Senate and we hope to surpass what he has started

being marginalized.

That was even before the political era; so we have been fighting for the rights of our people in any area we are marginalized.

And we went to the House of Representatives in 1999 and we became the Managing Director of the NDDC towards the end of October, 2003, where we became very involved in the different ways of making the lives of our people better; bringing development to them.

Since then, I have been chairman of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority and then recently, Mr. President appointed me as Chairman of the board of Nigeria Council for C M Y K

,

executive side.

So I will be able to find my way better than anybody in reaching out and in the right places what our people need and then of course bringing things home successfully at the end of the day.

The major cry of the Urhobos today is the absence of an Urhobo man in the Federal Executive Council. If elected, how do you intend to tackle this problem?

Everything works within the ambit of the party. Most of the decisions are taken by the party and of course communicated to Mr. President as it were.

So if it is the turn of the Urhobos to provide the Minister for Delta State, we will

•Aguariavwodo: get it because I will personally fight for it.

If you recall, the Urhobos have produced ministers before twice under the government of late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

We also had a minister under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Now it has gone to Delta South. That is not to say we don’t feel the pinch that we need a minister as an ethnic nationality.

But I have always advised that the minister thing in Delta South is not only for the South, but for the entire Delta State.

So also, if an Urhobo man is a minister, it is for the whole state. So we can go to that minister for work; for patronage. But again, the minister is also representing the whole of Nigeria.

But don’t you think the absence of Urhobo man in the Federal Executive Council is as a result of the opposition

they played in the 2011 general elections?

Well that may be and may also not be a factor. Don’t forget that under Yar’Adua the urhobo were ministers; we had two Urhobos who were ministers for four year. So I don’t believe that we Urhobos should be ministers all the time in the sense that there are other Deltans who are also equally qualified to be ministers.

What then becomes important is that there are also other areas through which the

Urhobo nation can be empowered.

So that is where the work of the Senator becomes important because the Senator is able to leverage on that by saying look we don’t have a minister, so give us this, give us that.

The late Senator Pius Ewherido brought dynamism into the Senate through his empowerment and scholarship programmes. How do you intend to build on his achievements?

We have always commended the efforts of late Senator Pius Ewherido with what he accomplished in the two years he stayed in the Senate and we hope to surpass what he has started because that is the lot of a public servant.

You know, whatever you have you must give to the public as it were. So we intend to surpass what he has done God helping us.

What will be your main focus when you get to the senate?

My main focus will be first and foremost to make laws that will be implemented by the President Jonathan’s administration; to be part of that process to help make good laws and to make sure also that there is harmony between the executive and the legislative arm of government, because it is when there is peace that you can have development.

Then of course, the other one is to bring development back home, as many projects as I can attract to my people, I will fight for them.

54—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Anambra APC chairman to emerge through harmonisation

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE Anambra State chap ter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as false reports of leadership crisis in the party.

In a statement by Okelo Madukaife, the party said its interim state chairman would emerge after the harmonization of the excos of the parties that merged.

His words: “We re-confirm, in line with a statement earlier issued by the combined executive of the three legacy parties in APCACN, CPC and ANPP, that the Interim National Executive Committee of our party which initially proposed congresses for the Anambra State structures between August 24 and 28 2013, later modified the decision and set up harmonisation committees to choose the leadership of the state chapter through a harmonisation of the three executives.

“Hence the Interim National Committee through the National Vice Chairman (South East) of our party duly

•(l-r) APGA national chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, APGA guber candidate, Chief Willie Obiano and his running mate, Dr Nkem Okeke during the presentation of the duo to reporters in Lagos last Sunday. informed INEC about the deferment of the Congress.

As a chapter, we are therefore awaiting the commencement of work for the Harmonisation Committee with respect to Anambra State who will choose one officer from many such, carried over

in the component parties.

“The Chairman and Secretaries in the Component parties have issued a statement to clarify this position. We stand firmly by that statement.

Therefore, anyone outside this fold does not represent

the party in the society in any capacity whatsoever, let alone as state chairman.

For the avoidance of any remaining scintilla of doubt, the State Chairman emeritus of the ACN, Pastor CC Nnoli, Acting State Chairman of

ANPP at the time of APC registration. While CPC, whose chairman Chuba Ikpeazu voluntarily joined a governorship aspirant in a small party outside the APC fold, has also appointed an arrowhead, pending harmonisation.

These three currently co-chair all combined executive session which discharges all skeletal duties intended to avert any vacuum, without rancour.

"Any arrangement that throws up any person laying theatrical claim to the leadership of our party in the chapter amounts to court jesting with internal and external stage managers and our party which surmounted 13 hurdles to get registered do not lack proper will and methods to scale these contrived distractions.

“In the circumstance, anyone who in the time being claims to be the chairman of APC in Anambra state should be ignored by the media and all members of the public, as the Harmonisation committee is yet to complete its assignment of leading the chapter to choose a state chairman.”

APGA candidacy:

Okwu still fighting

F

ORMER factional chairman of APGA, Chief Maxi Okwu is not relenting in his battle to get INEC accept his nominee, Dr. Chike Obidigbo as his candidate for the November election.

Okwu had gone to the Federal High Court, Awka where he obtained an order to allow him submit the name of Obidigbo to INEC. The electoral umpire, however, did not see any justifiable reason to do so and Okwu is crying foul.

He said yesterday that he has gone to Court of Appeal to annul the order made by Justice Mohammed Salim of the Federal High Court in which he vacated an earlier order asking him (Okwu) to submit his candidate’s name to INEC. Okwu said: “INEC employed all manner of tactics to stall the submission of Dr. Obidigbo’s name. They kept us waiting there nearly for two days until the court vacated the order. But our lawyers are dealing with the development.”

Meantime, Obidigbo has insisted that despite the battle for the ticket, APGA will win the election convincingly.

C M Y K

...Inaugurates Ngige’s campaign team today T

HE national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, will today, at the Emmaus House in Awka inaugurate the governorship campaign team for its candidate, Senator Chris Ngige.

Chief George Muoghalu, former Anambra governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, is to head the committee, while Senator Osita Izunaso from Imo State is the secretary of the team.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State is the leader of the committee, while Governors Adams Oshiomole, Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Umaru Al-Makura are coleaders.

Other members include Dr. Anyim Nyerere, Chief Tom Ikimi, General Ahmed Abdullahi (rtd), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Madam Sharon Ikeazor, Abubakar Lado Suleja, Olisaemeka Akamukali and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Also in the committee are Senator George Akume, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, James Ocholi, Abubakar Kari, Charles Odedo, Uzo Igbonwa, Donatus Onyemena, Gozie Agbakoba,

C.J. Chinwuba, Chibuzo Obiakor, Mrs. Constance Iloh, Dame Dozie Ikedife and all members of the interim national executive committee

of the party from the South East.

Conspicuously missing in the committee is the name of Senator Annie Okonkwo, who

was initially named the campaign coordinator for Senator Ngige.

APGA: Ekwunife urges supporters to remain calm

T

HE member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia, Njikoka federal constituency and runner-up at the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship primaries, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife has urged her supporters to remain calm, even as she stressed her desire to govern Anambra State.

Ekwunife, who was at the Onitsha main market to make purchases in preparation for her late mother’s burial, was surrounded by traders who, on sighting her, insisted she must address them over the recent events in the politics of the state, especially in her party, APGA. Addressing the traders, the lawmaker said APGA is still in search of a credible leadership. She did not elaborate.

She thanked the traders for their steadfastness and belief

in her capability to govern Anambra State and urged them to remain focused and wait for events to unfold.

•Ngige

Ekwunife also appealed to the traders to vote in the November 16 governorship election.

56—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Obasanjo is the instigator — Sen Okon

Continues from yesterday

I

S it the United States of America, whose constitution has formed a sort of template for our constitution or is it in the United Kingdom, where sometimes you have rancorous challenges?

It is always the current Prime Minister that carries the party into an electoral battle.

Within ourselves and as far as we know, Mr President enjoys the right of first refusal but the party is bound to offer him its nomination and it will be in consonance with party practice everywhere that you have democracy. I would challenge anybody to produce antecedents on that score.

Some sections of the country share this view that the administration of President Jonathan seems to be dividing the country along religious and ethnic lines. How do you react to that assertion?

That is absolutely preposterous and if I may ask, what is the basis for saying that it is his candidacy that is dividing the country? Why did the candidacy of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo not divide the country? Why did the candidacy of Shagari not divide the country? What has he particularly done wrong to divide the country?

Postulations and statements: All those postulations and statements come from politicians who find their agenda being nipped in the bud. Why hasn’t the candidature of Buhari divided the country?

Protest against leadership Those who promote this kind of cause have not proven and have not told us that there is instability anywhere in the country as a result of protest against the leadership of the country under Goodluck Jonathan.

It is essentially a self serving ploy because it fails miserably when you apply the principle of logic to it. And in reality, who are those claiming these things, on what basis is religion dividing the country?

Truly, there are certain elements who say they want to Islamise Nigeria and their actions are not in terms with the basic truths and principles of Islam. I think that is political posturing and carries no intelligence particles in it. If it were possible, the security and intelligence services of this country would have dropped indications that the candidacy of Mr President is threatening to break this country.

•Okon: Fingers Obasanjo for the crisis In any case, what is the element of veracity in those claims? For those sources that claim his candidacy is dividing the country, they should be called in and asked some basic questions and they should give us reasons.

Religious leader: So far so good, I have not seen any respectable religious leader either from the North or South that has come to say that the stand of their religion is that you must not run and if you run, we shall die or balkanize the country. I think it is all part of the campaigns meant to intimidate or hound the President out of his rights.

What of the assertions by the Baraje-led faction that the President must jettison his ambition?

Baraje and his gang of travellers evaporated when they came up with very provocative demand that Mr President should not run. What gave them that impunity to think anything like that?

They want some shadowy rings of people to determine who is going to be the candidate of the party and by some intrigues and back-room driven agreement and understanding, that their various rackets and rings will produce and come and announce to this country that the candidate of the party is this

or that fellow.

We have said that our position is very clear, they are frightened by the imminence of the freed economy and the transparent legacy the President is building at ensuring transparency in public life.

Out of all the whole lot, the only man I can say his pronouncements have been quite sanctimonious is Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.

Long run concern He was there at the beginning and he alone can really claim long-run concern about the fate of the party. I don’t want to talk about the people who left the party and came back claiming abiding love for the party.

You earlier accused exPresident Obasanjo of causing disaffection within the party.

What is the basis of your assertion?

I fingered ex-President Obasanjo and if you look at the dramatis personae on the other side, you can point to a number of his foot soldiers and the principal among whom is Olagunsoye Oyinlola. It is quite disappointing haven risen from the wreckage of his prison status and achieving the

same status like Mandela, it would have been better for Obasanjo to rise to an elderstatesman.

At the same time, we understand his addiction to power and this now appears to be incurable. When you look at somebody of Obasanjo’s status as a former President of this country, who is also engaged in the internal civil war in his home state, for me there is a lot of grounds f o r disappointment.

His penchant for instigating all manner of controversies, appears to be eroding whatever respect he may have earned as former military and democratically elected President of this country.

Look at the background of the ill-fated gambit, it reduced him completely and for us, it is quite disappointing and to see his foot-prints in the present crisis, again further calls to question his capacity to intervene without being accused of partiality and of partisanship in the whole event.

You call yourself a former President and you are reducing

,

PDP CRISIS:

about on the political platform, after he has vowed that he is out of politics. What Obasanjo is doing is very unfortunate but I will implore Mr President to completely shun his offers and overtures to be a peace maker in this whole saga.

The sacking of some Ministers by President Jonathan has been politicized.

Many claim the President sacked ministers, who are loyalists of the rebel governors. What is your take on that?

Running a government and holding public office has something to do with politics and I do not see the President politicking about re-tooling his cabinet. We arrived where we are through the mandate of the people and government has stated clearly they needed to re-tool to re-energize and meet the expectations of the people.

Government of technocrats I believe if you want to run a government of technocrats, get them and let those who made promises before the populace be in the position to tell that same populace what they are doing. I am not going to be apologetic about the changes in government, if we were running the type of government that you have in the United Kingdom, will any non-politician get into cabinet?

You have to be elected and the process for election is to be on a party platform, so all the hue and cry about political undertone is misplaced.

I believe the President has started in good faith and he

We do not see that Obasanjo is above the party in putting forward himself as an habitat for peace in this present situation, we are convinced beyond imagination, that he is an instigator

the aura that is attached to that office.

We do not see that Obasanjo is above the party in putting forward himself as an habitat for peace in this present situation, we are convinced beyond imagination, that he is an instigator because we see his footprints all over the place and it is quite rural madness to think that he can turn around and dance after his shadow, beginning to pretend he is intervening on some basic neutrality.

He believes in this messianic delusion that he is the solution to all Nigeria’s problems and we believe it belittles the status of a former President to prank

,

feels he needed to have some expertise in his government.

I don’t think he owes anybody any explanation. If they say it is political, yes government is about getting your political notches right.

Do you think various peace moves will eventually resolve the log-jam in the party?

What do you mean by resolution? We are going to get a surrender. There is no question about resolve if the demands are untenable.

Do you ask the President to abdicate or to forget his right to run for a mandate given to him which is still subsisting and will be renewed?

57 — Vanguard, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Kenyan troops storm Westgate mall to end siege H

EAVY and sustained gunfire has been heard from the Nairobi mall where Somali group al-Shabab are holed up, holding an unknown number of civilians hostage.

Two al-Shabab fighters have been killed in the ongoing military raid to end the standoff and nearly all hostages have been freed, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Interior Ole Lenku said yesterday”We don’t want to give you a definitive position on when we think the process will come to an end, but we are doing anything reasonably possible, cautiously though, to bring this process to an end,” Lenku told a news conference.

Black smoke has

running and hiding in some stores there is no room for escape”.

Television images yesterday showed troops in

Egyptian court outlaws Muslim Brotherhood

T

Kenyan troops outside the Westgate Mall where the Al Shabah terrorists were still holding hostages yesterday.

been seen rising and several blasts have been heard in the area, two days after al-Shabab

fighters stormed the mall.

Lenku said a fire inside the mall was the work of the fighters, but that it would soon be extin-

guished.

He said that Kenyan forces were in control of all floors of the mall, and that “the terrorists are

••• Americans, Britons linked to mall siege T

HE weekend massa cre at an upscale shopping center in Kenya is shining a new light on an old concern for Western counterterrorism officials: the recruitment of jihadist fighters from Somali communities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

It’s a concern all too familiar for many SomaliAmerican families in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where young men have been slipping away to join the al Qaeda-affiliated guerrilla group Al-Shabaab for the past few years, sometimes in groups. Several have died, their relatives learning of their deaths in cryptic phone calls or in messages posted online.

One of those killed was Burhan Hassan, who was killed fighting in Somalia.

His uncle, Abdirizak Bihi, told CNN that members of the city’s Somali community have been trying to counteract the recruitment efforts.

Before its Twitter account was suspended, Al-Shabaab issued a list of the names of nine people it said were among the attackers.

It said three were from the United States, two from Somalia and one each from Canada, Finland, Kenya C M Y K

camouflage running to new positions, while an armoured personal carrier was also seen shifting position

and the United Kingdom.

U.S. officials don’t have any confirmation of Americans having been involved in the attack, Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters, and a senior U.S. official told CNN that AlShabaab’s claim that Americans were among its ranks of attackers at Westgate seemed less solid.

Intelligence analysts are poring over electronic intercepts in an effort to verify or knock down the terror group’s claims, two law enforcement sources told CNN. In a message on its nowsuspended Twitter page, Al-Shabaab named nine people it said were among the gunmen who stormed Nairobi’s Westgate Mall on

HE Cairo court “ruled to ban all activities by the Muslim Brotherhood organisation, the group emanating from it and its nongovernmental organisation”, MENA reported.

According to the verdict, any institution that cooperates with the Muslim Brotherhood, or is funded by it, would be banned as well.

That includes any organisations with Brotherhood members in senior leadership positions.

The ruling opens the door for a wider crackdown on the vast network of the Brother-

hood, which includes social organisations that have been key for building the group’s grassroots support and helping its election victories.

The judge at the Cairo Court for Urgent Matters also ordered the “confiscation of all the group’s money, assets, and buildings” and said that an independent committee should be formed by the Cabinet to manage the money until final court orders are issued.

The Muslim Brotherhood has 10 days to appeal the decision, after which the court’s orders go into effect.

Assad expresses concern on safety of CW inspectors

S

Samantha Lewthwaite, the British muslim woman believed to be the brain behind Westgate Shopping Mall terror attack Saturday. Three of them were from the United States and one each was from Canada, Finland and the United Kingdom, it said.

“It isn’t totally surprising, given the fact that we know Shabaab has recruited in the United States,” CNN terrorism analyst

YRIAN President Bashar al-Assad has told Chinese state TV that gunmen could hinder access of inspectors to sites where chemical weapons are stored and made.

“We know that these terrorists are obeying the orders of other countries and these countries do drive these terrorists to commit acts that could get the Syrian government blamed for hindering this agreement,” Assad said in the interview.

Assad also criticised the US for threatening to at-

tack Syria over its chemical weapons programme, saying it was finding “excuses for war”.

US President Barack Obama has warned that he is prepared to attack Syria, even without a United Nations mandate, if Assad reneges on a USRussia deal to put Syria’s chemical arms stockpiles under international control.

“If the US wants to find excuses for war, it will find them as it has never stopped war.”

Al Shabah, Syria chemical weapons top UN agenda W

ITH the United Na tions General Assembly set to start this week in New York, the terrorist attack on Kenya’s mall in Nairobi and the Syrian Chemical Weapons crisis have become the key issues dominating the international arena.

Also coming into focus is Iran’s decision to discuss the nuclear weapons pro-

gramme with the six major powers at the UN. There is also the side show of what may happen to the Sudanese president Oman El Bashir who has indicated his willingness to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.

For Somalia’s Shebab, the authors of a deadly attack on a posh Nairobi shopping mall, every hour

spent at the top of the world’s news agenda is priceless publicity, experts say.

The Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have claimed the attack, which began midday on Saturday, sending gunmen into the complex with grenades and automatic weapons and rocking the world with terrifying and protracted scenes

reminiscent of the 2008 attacks on Mumbai.

The Shebab group said it wanted to avenge Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia where African Union troops are fighting the Islamists.

“An attack like this one keeps them in the news. It’s about extracting maximum publicity. Al-Shebab is on its back foot in Somalia, it

is not as strong as it used to be,” said Alex Vines, the head of the Africa programme in the Londonbased think-tank Chatham House.

The group was forced out of the Somali capital Mogadishu in August 2011 and left the key port of Kismayo in September the following year.

58— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Discussants at the conference hall session

Renewable industry remains hope of future energy This is the third and concluding part of this conference hall. The second part was published yesterday.

T

HEY will try to protect it more than others.

Abba You can’t go from one state of inefficiency to another. Some of the state governments are well run. Take Edo state that is complaining now. These are Federal Government investments, federal government is selling it because it is mismanaged, inefficient and we are trying to increase the efficiency. Let me tell you something most people don’t know. The Federal Government is only selling 60 per cent.

There is 40 per cent that is reserved for states, the minority stake. The state must be involved in electricity distribution because they are bringing a lot of value to providing electricity in rural areas. These clients may not be interested in supplying electricity to the remote areas but the state has a duty to the people and that is the thinking behind leaving that 40 per cent.

In addition we said state governments you have state investment, you can come together, work with private investors like Lagos and Delta states back then participated in the bid for Econet. Clearly they failed. There are criteria and two bids were seen - one alternative bid. That’s wayo now. States like Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, they won and fair and square. It’s a credible process C M Y K

so far.

We are not into supporting anybody that will go out to the cleaners and try and kill the process because if that person emerges how can you even regulate him? This one that thinks he has a direct access somewhere, we don’t want that.

We want people that respect the rules , that will be bound by the regulatory framework, that will obey them in a very cool manner.

Seyi Not too many people have problems with increasing tariffs like I said before but then a lot of SME owners do not have access to this information. It’s the first time I am hearing all these and it is good enough that the Federal Government has plans but not too many people know the reasons behind the increased tariffs. It will be a good thing to carry stakeholders along more. I’m sure if I walk up to a barber now or someone that manufactures pure water he will say he does not see any justification for the increase.

Abba There are places I go to cut my hair in Lagos here. If there is no NEPA they will charge you double and if there is NEPA, they will charge you normal rates because the cost of running their business with generator is more expensivebetween N60 and N70 as against N23 maximum. So electricity has been underpriced for a very long time.

Seye Mr. Abel was going to make a case for why there is no need for tariff increase.

Alomo It does not actually worry me

if the efficiency is there. The increase can come at any time but the problem the consumer is facing is not the one of increase. The tariff is not too high or too whatever. The issue is the billing system. We have under billing system and overbilling system. How many of the pre-paid meters do we have? The majority will have the normal analogue; in some cases there is no meter at all.

Seye In your opinion who is going to have the incentive to fix the system and what is that incentive?

Abba The link between the customer and the service provider is that meter. It was just a few months ago, PHCN in Nigeria submitted to us a customer number. The whole country was just five million customers. That cut across businesses, residential dwellers, industries and everybody, which is not correct.GSM in Nigeria, those actively connected is over 100million. So if you buy, and you give your client $200million, $150million to acquire, the first thing they do is to ensure their customers base. One thing I like Lagos for is that they have a database of each and every person living there. That service operator will have data on each and every individual and must ensure they are paying the electricity bill but PHCN, what do they care. Their salary is there and they can come and harass you and cut your line and you have to pay, so a private person who has invested a lot of money will know how to get his money back and surely if your meter

is not running well, he will replace it.

Morenike Our Business Editor here (Omoh Gabriel) specifically sent me to ask you about infrastructure. Should the cost of billing infrastructure be passed to the consumer?

Should I have to buy a prepaid meter?

Seye The various DISCOs (distribution companies) who are responsible for distribution and billing and things like that, I am sure they will have various policies. Each one of those meters cost about a hundred dollars. It’s a lot of investment to make upfront. When you come in you have to invest in all these poles and cables. You need to invest in transformers, a massive, massive investment, sub stations. Some of them are going to be attracted to the idea of trying to recover that cost upfront. It’s just the same way that the GSM guys make you pay for the SIM. In terms of the ethics of that it’s a question of whether the people accept it.

It’s a market transaction.

Ubong

,

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY:

and that’s why we always balance things up with a regulatory framework to be in between that monopolistic tendency and the consumer.

They have no right to generate above a thousand MW, they have no right to sell if they are not licensed.

Before they were charging 25,000 for prepaid and 55,000 for post paid but has been incorporated into part of the revenue. If it’s a brand new house you will pay connection I agree there is a communication gap between these policies and people not knowing what their rights are.

That must be broken.

Alomo I have concerns about the monopoly of unbundling of the power sector, because it is a critical sector. We cannot have Mr. A distribution company in Lagos and Mr. B distribution company in Lagos.

Strong policy framework There must be strong policy framework on ground to see that companies are properly regulated and if any of them violate the policy will face stiff penalties. Then there must be an alternative source.

Morenike What would you like to see in terms of policy?

Wale If we look at the Enron, Federal Government/Lagos State issue and all other issues pertaining to some other states that have been fighting for this issue of decentralization it boils down to the fact that we want private investors to partner with government in providing energy.

The present government will leave in four years, another government will come in. what is going to be the position of all these decisions that will be taken?

These are Federal Government investments, federal government is selling it because it is mismanaged, inefficient and we are trying to increase the efficiency

Are we not going to be held by the jugular- monopoly, that is what they call it. If there is no other DISCO in Lagos so they will tell you, either you pay me or you get out.

Seye The problem is we do not have consumer rights advocacy.

Seyi Awareness.

Morenike Both.

Seye And here the role of the regulator is going to be very key.

Abba Most of infrastructure services are natural monopolies

,

Will that government revert them? When we have a policy statement that is supposed to stand the test of time and they are for 20, 25, 30 years for that investor to come in and they know that when government says this is the position they have taken, position A; any government that takes over will not deviate from position A, will go along to achieve the right results. What we have is that by the time government B comes in, position A will be overturned, because we want to chart our own course. We want to be seen to have done something.At the end of the day everything will fall back on

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013—59

Renewable industry remains hope of future energy the judiciary . how do we absolve the judiciary.

Ubong I still go back to simple mobile telecommunication. A lot of these lines are not connecting, so what are we going to do about this?

Seye But NITEL is not even functioning at all.

Ubong To be very fair since Nnaji came I’ve had light. I wanted an inverter but when they told me a battery would cost more than N50,000...

Alomo It’s because you have not actually done the analysis. We are looking at a long term investment.

Ebele He is talking about the initial cost Alomo It all depends on planning.

Power will be more chaotic than what it is now.

Morenike We have talked a lot about tariff but in terms of development we must know that tariffs cannot come down unless we actually develop the sector from within; the batteries, the panels and so on without having to go and buy it from China or elsewhere? What would be your thoughts on that?

Alomo The major source of generating energy has been changed all over the world.

They even insist on 25 per cent renewable by 2030 because of what? Because of nuclear harzard that occured in Japan and the cost of generating electricity via the conventional means. A time is coming, in less

Dr. Ibrahim Abba C M Y K

Discussants at the conference hall session than 15 years or so from now, the crude oil is being depleted every day.

Alomo To develop on the areas where we can gradually improve electricity in Nigeria in the various components. We have stand alone photovoltaic systems which anybody can afford and is working well.

Morenike Is it made in Nigeria Aloma/all Actually we don’t make anything in Nigeria Morenike So, that’s my question. How do we get to that point, because that’s the only time we can control our power.

Aloma The benefit of the photovoltaic system is that the cost is actually coming down on a daily basis.

15 years ago the cost of a watt of electricity from photovoltaic was $5 but now is less than $2/ Watt and the cost will continue to go down because the material used in developing the technology is just silicon which every country all over the world has. Even in Nigeria.

Seye I think, Engr. Aloma it’s good to make a distinction between the micro and macro levels.

What makes sense on the micro level- if I go and put in solar panels and it costs me let’s say 20/30 million.

It makes sense because that costs the same as buying a car and you’re going to recover the costs over 25 years that makes

sense on the micro level but on the macro level for the country, no matter what happens solar will never be cheaper than coal or water.

You have wind at night when the demand is not very high and unfortunately storage is very expensive so once you produce the power it goes straight to the home. The challenge is that it’s still not efficient yet and that’s why there’s the discussion about the smart grid and things like that.

I am an enthusiast of clean energy on the micro level but on the macro level I don’t think we are there yet in terms of policy, capital costs and dependence on imports.

Aloma The time is coming when the renewable will be more proactive than the normal conventional means; when we will have solar panel manufacturing companies here in Lagos, in every part of Africa.

Seyi It’s because of the lapses that people need to pay attention to technicalities. If I get home, I pay my electricity bill and there’s light I don’t think people need to know all these details. It all boils down to availability. By increasing tariffs let’s assume these business owners agree to pay the new tariffs, when will there be electricity?

Aloma Are they actually selling to us at a higher cost than they generated or is it too exhorbitant. But now if you are

Engr. Alomo Abel

billing me N5/KW power and in a whole month there was no supply you collect N0 but the case is not what we see in Nigeria. If you are actually charged the real costs you won’t even complain about the cost.

Kayode Dr. Abba addressed the coming of the private sector.

People who are using prepaid meters now are enjoying correct billing. I for one I was using an analogue meter. I don’t have any complaint. The incoming of prepaid meter will actually solve that problem.

Seyi I thought we were going to get an estimate on the time frame.

Seye It takes 24 months to built a power plant and that is the future for us. The energy plants that Obasanjo built have to come on board and those ones are being delayed by gas infrastructure. When that one comes on board it takes us to 16,000, maybe 17,000MW. At that point you will see an extraordinary improvement in the electricity level. I think it might take like.

Seye The major thing we need to recognise is that government has a limited budget. Right now my pet worry about Nigeria is that the penultimate census we did in 1991 which put the population at 85 million. Now they are saying 160million. That means in how many years 80 million people have been born.

There is no investment in

Mr. Ogundipe Kayode

schools commensurate with that level. Our roads are bad.

Virtually every sector in our life is horrible and it is clear that even taking out corruption government money is not enough. We need the private sector to do a whole lot more than it is doing so anything you are able to get the private sector to take care of on its own.

Wale And apart from that from what we are hearing of what is happening in this country, if we have the opportunity of privatizing almost everything it is better.

Morenike On that note, can we have the last word?

Ebele What I was going to say is on this alternative power supply. I know in Canada some people have a solar village. Can the government not do something like that? Even individuals, corporate organizations can do that, build something for rural areas.

Kayode Having said all, if we have right environment, right policy framework, everything will work out.

Alomo Renewable industry still remains the hope of future energy because Uranium, coal, crude oil will get exhausted and the cost of renewable will continue to come down on a daily basis therefore the hope for our energy progress lies in isolated or individual power systems and also if invested on in economic scale.

Seye My fervent hope is that we will be able to resolve the power issue in Nigeria. If we do I think it will add maybe 3-4% growth to our GDP per year and the importance of the regulator as Ubong mentioned is going to be very crucial. They need to be very thoughtful and analytical in what they do. We also need strong consumers, advocacy.

We need somebody to stand and give that other perspective such that by merging all those three perspectives we can have an optimized system that works for everyone.

60—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

was inconclusive and that the DSS has been compromised.

“We are calling for an independent probe panel to unravel the truth behind this matter. We understand that these people were homeless and their landlord gave them one week quick notice before the attack was carried against them. Provision of accommodation is one of the duties of government.

They were there because they could not afford to live in the high brow areas. This is fight for freedom and liberty.”

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS—Students return to school, yesterday, in La- Abdullahi gos after the long term holidays. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Traders vow to sue, as death toll rises to 10 Continues from Page 4

extra judicial killing of innocent Nigerians.

He said that fighting terror should not be an excuse to violate the fundamental human rights.

While calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, Sani said, “ what has happened is nothing but extra judicial killing. It is one of the arbitrariness and brigandage by the security agencies in this country for the past three years.

Fighting insurgency has become an excuse for killing of innocent people in this country.

“What has happened in Abuja is what is happening throughout the country. By this act, we hope to sensitize the people and bring the attention of government to mobilize the consciousness of Nigerians to see that this will be the last in the history of our country.

“By what has happened, we hope to create awareness and also ensure that government will bring to book all those who have made extrajudicial killings a way of life.

“What we have rejected is the positions and narratives given by the security agencies about the dastardly act perpetrated by them.

“We are here to demonstrate that we are fully with the families and will do everything possible to go even beyond this and put pressure on government to ensure that the security agencies responsible for this act are put to account for their action. The families are disposed to take legal action and we are prepared to give them all the necessary support.

“I think that what the security agents are doing

is shifting blames because Nigerian have refused to buy the lies they are pushing to them and the scripted fiction that was meant to deceive the people. Those deceits were meant to deceive Nigerians.

“Whether it was the military or the State Security agencies, the mere fact that innocent people were killed by the security agents is a sad commentary and government must go deep down into investigating the issue and make sure that such thing did not happen again.

“Fighting terror is not an excuse to violate the fundamental human rights and killing innocent persons in the name of such things cannot be condoled. By this, we hope that Nigerians will come to know the truth behind war against terror.”

National President, Nigerian Consultative Youth Assembly, Comrade Mustapha Nurudeen demands sack of DSS boss.

The National President, Nigerian Consultative Youth Assembly, Comrade Mustapha Nurudeen said the youth body received the news with shock and had vowed to follow the case to the logical conclusion.

Nuredeen, who described the victims as registered members of Keke NAPEP Association, faulted the security men for not carrying out thorough investigation before attacking the occupants of the building.

He however, said that the youth had already

planned a protest to the National Assembly on Wednesday to enable them register their grievances.

“We got this as a shock because our members were involved. We have been able to meet those people that survived and they narrated their side of the story to us. As far as we are concerned, we will pursue the case to the end. Our position is that those people behind these extra judicial killings must be brought to book.

“This is what an average Nigerian passes through every day. It is a national embarrassment. We believe that we all have a stake in protecting the lives of every Nigerian.

“Boko Haram or no Boko Haram, we believe that the security has a duty to protect every body’s life. These people are members of Keke NAPEP Association, they have their ID cards.

“With what we have gathered, we are going to court to fight this injustice. Though, we are still investigating, we must go to court. Besides, we are going on the streets come Wednesday. We are mobilizing the Nigerian youths to the National Assembly.

“We believe that this should be the end of this madness in this country; enough is enough. We must not allow some people to come and infringe on our fundamental human rights.

“One of our demands is that the Deputy Director of DSS, Mrs. Marylin Oga must be sacked immediately because she concluded that these people were Boko Haram without doing thorough investigation. We know that their investigation

Ballahlao appeals for probe

He expressed sadness at the incidence and called for thorough investigation of the matter and urged those in authority to fear God and ensure justice, peace and equality among the citizenry.

“We are not happy with what we have seen and we are making an appeal to those in authorities to investigate this issue thoroughly, so that the people will know what happened.

“What we want is justice and equality. Once there is peace and tranquillity everything will fall in place. Those in authority should fear Allah, because this kind of killing is not a welcome development.

Without peace, tranquillity and harmony we cannot practice our religions.”

“For us, we are praying for the sustainability of this country because the country needs peace.

That is why those in authority must take serious action to see that those who engaged in this kind of killing are brought to book.’

Hon. Bilaminu Shinkafi “It is saddening and we are working tirelessly with human right organizations, activists, and other Nigerians who have particular interest in the whole issue.

“The Senate is going to sit tomorrow and my colleagues in the Senate are working on that to bring the matter before the Senate.

We will process the matter and formally present it before the House of Representatives.

As you can see we have the relatives of the victims here and a human right activist, Alhaji Shehu Sani, and we are all working together not to allow this matter die like that.

We are here in Abuja to represent our people and to ensure that their interest is protected, and to make sure that their wellbeing is taken care of.

We will not allow the matter to go the way the ‘Apo six’ was treated because my colleagues and I are here as partners in sincerity and honesty to pursue this matter until justice prevails.

The security personnel committed a lot of blunders in the process of doing their work and they have to account for it.

There is a tradition we know clearly that once it is discovered that terrorists are using a building for their activities, after they have been arrested the building is demolished or government takes over the property.

We are waiting to see the next line of action by the security agents. Nigerians and human rights organizations are also watching what they will do.

How we were attacked —Yusuf Abubakar (victim) Narrating how the incident happened one of the victims, Yusuf Abubakar said “ I remember that a scavenger came into the uncompleted building with his sack over his shoulders and was vandalizing some electric cables and most of the occupants were not around that time, which was about 8 pm.

It was the security guard in the building who caught him and called the owner of the house. The owner of the building ordered the security guard to inform us that all of us who were occupying the house should leave the place under one week or he would call in soldiers to push us out.

This order was given on Wednesday last week, and on Friday the owner of the building deployed armed soldiers at about 12 midnight.

“After they arrived, they surrounded the building, and started shooting right inside the building, and we were over 200 occupants sleeping inside the building that time.

We were in total confusion and were running for our dear lives while soldiers were busy gunning down the occupants running in any direction.

The soldiers killed 8 of us, and we just lost one of us in the hospital today (Monday), out of the13 that were brought to Asokoro General Hos-

pital, while one of us was hospitalized at Wuse General Hospital.

“Most of us were killed as a result of standing up, like myself, in the process of running out for safety, I fell down, and then I was shot in my left hand. “ I was wearing a white shirt which I removed and hid my myself somewhere, and a soldier with his rifle came very close to my side, I thought he saw me, but did not rather shot and killed somebody who was running towards my direction.

“I am still carrying the bullet in my hand; the doctors only come to dress the injury and give me drugs and injection.

“One of the House of Representatives members from Zamfara State provides food for us. I am from Zamfara State. I do commercial truck pushing for living at Garki Monday Market.

People are just broadcasting that we were Boko Haram members, who we are not, rather we are into Keke NAPEP driving, commercial truck pushing, cobbling, and selling of sachet water and others.

Brother of deceased, Suleiman Adamu I was at Mabushi, where I received a call that my elder, Nasiru Adamu, was shot by some soldiers, who came to where he was living, and he was taken along with others injured in the same building at Apo and brought to Asokoro General Hospital. He had the shot in his stomach, and died this morning (Monday). He was married with a year old daughter. He was a Keke NAPEP driver at the time he was shot and killed by the soldiers.

Meantime, following unprecedented uproar over the attack by the DSS, security sources yesterday, disclosed that operatives of the service were carrying out frantic searches in and around the building with a view to locating the catch of arms said to be hidden around the area.

Sources said their inability to locate the spot where the arms were said to be buried was as a result of the intense fire power of suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who allegedly attacked them when they arrived the scene.

According to the sources, “we are not completely ruling out that some innocent residents of the area may have been caught but, in the main, we were sure of the information at our disposal".

Vanguard, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 61

Djokovic marks 100 weeks as ATP’s No. 1 N OVAK Djokovic on Monday became the ninth player to hold the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for a total of 100 weeks.

Djokovic was atop the rankings for 53 weeks from July, 4, 2011, to July 8, 2012, and regained the No. 1 spot on Nov. 5, 2012. He’s been No. 1 since then.

Although he’s poised to catch Andre Agassi for eighth place for most weeks at No. 1, Djokovic will need to defend his title at next week’s China Open while hoping that Rafael Nadal doesn’t get as far as that tournament’s finals to keep the top spot.

Not that Nadal needs extra incentive but he’s eighth on the all-time list with 102 weeks at No. 1 (Bjorn Borg is seventh with 109). To keep Djokovic at bay, he’d need to reach the final.

If he gets there, win or lose, Nadal would regain the No. 1 ranking.

Roger Federer tops the list with 302 weeks as No. 1.

•Serena

•Djokovic

Drogba flees Istanbul derby

D

IDIER Drogba was forced to flee ri-

Azarenka: Serena is the best!

V

ICTORIA Azaren ka calls Serena Williams the greatest player ever, although she admits it’s hard to compare eras.

Williams is fifth on the Grand Slam singles title count with 17. Australian Margaret Court leads the list with 24 titles, but many of those were won before the Open Era began. Steffi Graf, who retired in 1999, is second with 22 Grand Slam singles titles; Helen Wills Moody is third with 19.

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert own 18 major titles apiece.

“Serena is the best

ever to me,” Azarenka told AFP. “I cannot judge somebody who I never played before but for me overall the game of tennis has elevated and the evolution of the game raised up so much that it’s hard to compare.

“It’s like comparing Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather.

How can you compare two eras? They’re both the greatest in the world, but who was the better boxer?”

Azarenka also said she is closing the gap on Williams, even though she has yet to beat her at a major. The world

No. 2 handed Williams two of her four losses this season in the 2013 Doha and Cincinnati finals, but lost the U.S. Open final to her in three sets.

“Serena is playing the best tennis of her life and so am I,” Azarenka said.

“It’s been really noticeable the gap from last year we have in the matches has minimized. I’ve beaten her twice this year.

No one else has done that. It’s just exciting to be in the era of somebody and competing with somebody who is considered the best ever and being their toughest opponent.”

•Azarenka

oting fans after Galatasaray ’s derby against Besiktas was abandoned in the 93rd minute.

Hundreds of fans halted the Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Besiktas after storming the pitch at Istanbul’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

Police were forced to teargas the spectators in an attempt to restrain the fans who rushed on the field Galatasaray’s midfielder Felipe Melo was shown a red card.

Drogba had scored twice and Galatasaray were leading 2-1 in the third minute of added time when the match was halted, sending the players sprinting for safety in the dressing rooms.

Fans then stormed the pitch resulting in the referee having to call-off the game prematurely.

Nigeria’s first ever Bike-A-Thon race pedals off in Lagos A S part of pro grammes to commemorate the annual World Polio day on October 24 and create awareness on the deadly polio scourge responsible for scores of child mortality cases annual-

C M Y K

ly in Nigeria, Rotary international in Nigeria has concluded plans to host the nation’s first ever Bike-AThon ride on Saturday October 19, 2013.

The one-day programme is a fun cycling

ride designed to generate interest, increase awareness and raise funds for activities towards total eradication of polio disease which is endemic in Nigeria.( especially in the North.)

Nigeria currently re-

mains one of the three (most) polio-endemic countries globally, alongside Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to Dr Tunji Funsho, Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, “Rotary has

committed itself to join forces with other partners to champion the efforts to eradicate ( war against)polio in Nigeria.

It is therefore partnering with Cycology, a foremost cycling club in Lagos for this year ’s cam-

paign and aims to draw attention of policy makers and everyone to this important issue. It will also strive to raise funds to contribute to the $500million required for the total eradication of polio in Nigeria alone.

62 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

City gave me baptism of fire — Moyes

Suarez returns against Man U L

IVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers plans to include the available-again Luis Suarez in his squad for the Reds’ Capital One Cup third-round encounter with Manchester United on Wednesday night.

“He certainly comes back into the squad and we’re delighted to have him.

“It has been a really difficult time for him in terms of not playing games. But I’ve got to say, how he has prepared himself over the last number of weeks has been fantastic, with his attitude in training and everything.

“He’ll travel with us and we’ll reflect in the next 24 hours whether

D

AVID Moyes still feels aggrieved by the tough baptism he was handed as Manchester United manager.

City stormed to a 4-1 triumph at the Etihad Stadium.

“The start to the season could be a lot better,” said Moyes.

“We did say it could be a difficult start. I wasn’t convinced when the balls came out of the Premier League bag and I’m still not convinced. Obviously you miss Robin van Persie, he would be a huge miss to anyone,” said Moyes.

Moyes

KEEN CONTEST.......PSG’s Edinson Cavani (L) contests for the ball with Monaco’s Eric Abidal during a French L1 match in Paris on September 22. It ended 1-1. PHOTO: AFP

C

JOYOUS BLUES.....Obi Mikel celebrates his goal against Fulham with Blues teammates.

Mandzukic hails Guardiola’s tactics

T

HE Croatia star is happy working under the Spanish coach, and is confident of leapfrogging Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table soon Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic has praised Pep Guardiola

C M Y K

for his tactical direction since arriving at the Allianz Arena this summer. ”Pep has great tactical ideas,” the forward the club’s official website. ”He relates to his players superbly and is always good for a joke. It

fits. ”It makes me very happy that the trainer has a lot of trust in me. I try everything to repay him. ”For me, these fixturepacked weeks are not a problem either. I can cope with that as I have a lot of strength.”

Suarez

Rooney sorry for poor display W

Mourinho speaks on Mikel’s goal HELSEA boss Jose Mourinho has applauded John Obi Mikel for his sterling performance in the Blues’ 2-0 win over Fulham last Saturday at Stamford Bridge to record three victories in three home matches.

Mourinho said the Nigerian international gave his side the needed balance.

“Good for him, good for us. I think it is good for his confidence. And I think people enjoyed seeing John (Obi Mikel) score a goal.’

“The goal was a shot in a set-piece, in a corner, a rebound, the finishing was good and he was in the position, but the important thing for me is he played a good game, he gave balance and stability.

“He kept very good control of the game, so I am happy with the way John is playing,” Mourinho concluded.

he starts or not. Having someone of that quality back into your squad gives everyone a lift,'' added Rodgers.

Rooney

AYNE Rooney has a d m i t t e d Manchester United’s performance in yesterday ’s derby-day hammering by City was simply not good enough.

United were beaten 41 by Manuel Pellegrini’s men, their worst away loss in the fixture since 2004.

“It is not good enough,” the 27-yearold told MUTV. “We know we have to improve and stop giving these sloppy goals away “It is not nice to lose to City. It was a bad result and we are all extremely disappointed.”

Balotelli banned M

ARIO Balotelli’s post-game confrontation with the referee has cost him a three-match ban.

He’ll miss Milan’s games against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus.

The Italian international was shown the red card by referee Banti after the final whistle for taking his protests too far following the 2-1 loss against Napoli last night. Milan are ready to appeal against the sentence.

Balotelli

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 — 63

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2013

Today’s Games Capital One Cup (3rd Rd) Aston Villa Man City Swindon Town Fulham

v v v v

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid v Udinese

v

Tottenham Wigan Chelsea Everton La-Liga Real Sociedad Osasuna Seria A Genoa

Africa Nations Championship (CHAN)

Oboabona — Eagles ‘ll rule Africa again in S/Africa G

ODFREY Obo abona has insisted Nigeria’s homebased team will do well even without him at next year ’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Nigeria have been grouped alongside hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique in the first round of the competition meant for players who feature at their local leagues.

The former Sunshine Stars captain was an important part of the team who qualified for the competition for the first time, but he is no longer eligible to play in the competition following

his recent transfer to Turkish club Rizespor. ”Eagles won’t miss me, they will do well at CHAN without me. The team was not all about me, we have a lot of great players in the Nigerian league. I am sure they will do well,” Oboabona said.

In the meantime, Oboabona has said that his inability to speak Turkish was not the reason why he has yet to make his debut for Rizespor as he said he believes he will soon get his chance with his new Turkish team. ”There is no truth that my inability to speak Turkish is responsible

PUZZLE

7pm 9pm 7.45pm

Mourinho applauds Mikel — P.62

for me not to debut for Rizespor. I can’t say why but I am sure God’s time is the best. I will soon get my chance to play.

“There are a lot of players who don’t speak Turkish and they are playing here in Turkey.”

Oboabona said. ”All the same, I am learning Turkish just to be able to communicate better with my Turkish team mates.”

APPLAUSE ...Chelsea manager.

Jose Mourinho (R) applauds Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Obi John Mikel after his goal against Fullham last weekend.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 8pm

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Scorn (6) 5 Staunch (4) 8 Willow (5) 9 Mouthful (3) 10 Prejudice (4) 11 Thoroughfare (4) 12 Swift (5) 13 Frightened (6) 16 Vend (4) 18 Employed (4) 20 Wager (3) 22 Illuminated (3) 23 Broadcast (3) 24 Change (4) 25 Paradise (4) 28 Determine (6) 30 Inexpensive (5) 32 Threesome (4) 33 Acid (4) 34 Vase (3) 35 Soar (5) 36 Valley (4) 37 Niche (6)

DOWN 1 Dishearten (6) 2 Journalist (8) 3 Wreckage (6) 4 Attacked (9) 5 Grave (7) 6 Trampled (4) 7 Manufactured (4) 8 Scull (3) 14 Deputed (9) 15 SEP Tel (3) 17 Cover (3) 19 Loneliness (8) 20 Wicked (3) 21 Storm (7) 26 Snuggle (6) 27 Sport (6) 29 Deeper (4) 30 Quote (4) 31Equality

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Deride 5, Stem 8, Osier 9, Sip 10, Bias 11, Road 12, Rapid 13, Afraid 16, Sell 18, Used 20, Bet 22, Lit 23, Sow 24, Vary 25, Eden 28, Decide 30, Cheap 32, Trio 33, Tart 34, Urn 35, Tower 36, Glen 37, Recess.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Dismay 2, Reporter 3, Debris 4, Assaulted 5, Serious 6, Trod 7, Made 8, Oar 14, Delegated 15, New 17, Lid 19, Solitude 20, Bad 21, Typhoon 26, Nestle 27, Tennis 29, Stag 30, Cite 31, Par.

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K