We'll rescue abducted girls —Security Council

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62130

Dangote, OkonjoIweala join TIME's 100 most influential people in the world 11

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N150

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Nigeria loses N6.5b daily over closure of Forcados terminal 8

P-SQUARE:

Peter gives 9 condition for peace

We'll rescue abducted girls —Security Council

BY BEN AGANDE

•Condemns Nyako's letter to Northern Govs •Urges security agencies to share information •Charge Nyako with treason, Clark tells Jonathan 8 •Asks him to declare full emergency in troubled states

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ANOTHER BUILDING COLLAPSES IN LAGOS

BUJA—TWENTY one days after 230 female students of a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists, with only 43 of them escaping so far from the terrorists’ den, an expanded National Security Council, yesterday, rose from an emergency meeting declaring that everything must be done to rescue the girls.

President Goodluck Jonathan summoned a security meeting com-

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

Why I’m floating •P.8

BUILDING COLLAPSE—A two-storey building under construction collapsed at 11, Sand Beach Crescent, Oworonsoki, Lagos, yesterday. The building and some survivors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja. Photos: Bunmi Azeez and Esther Onyegbula. See story on Page 7.

Ekweremadu under threat of prosecution over chieftaincy title•P-14 C M Y K

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

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POCKET CARTOON

SECURITY MEETING—President Goodluck Jonathan (left) welcoming the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar (m) watched during the Emergency National Security Meeting at Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

We'll rescue abducted girls —Security Council Continues from page 1 prising the service chiefs and all the state governors in response to the spate of security challenges in the country.

Governors Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Theodore Orji of Abia State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State as well as Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau addressed newsmen on decisions taken on the various security challenges confronting the nation.

On the abduction of the female students, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the meeting agreed that “everything must be done to free the abducted girls." According

to him, “the meeting stressed the importance of rising above partisanship when dealing with security issues. We stressed the importance of security agencies to be scrupulously professional and non partisan.

The meeting commended the security agencies and urged them to share data amongst themselves.

“We also agreed that we need a holistic response to terrorism. Military action is sine qua non but there has to be an antipoverty strategy. The meeting also stressed the need to address the capacity of media practitioners to make them more patriotic in their

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Psychology fact: A person generally hates you for 3 reasons. 1: They want to be you. 2: They hate themselves. 3: They see you as a threat; love them anyway.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness and the state of joy is ever lasting when it comes from within— Take Heart Quotes

U

NHAPPINESS lies in that gap between what we have now and what we think we need. But the truth is, we don’t need to acquire anything more to be content with what we already have. We don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy. Your life is magnificent not because someone says it is, or because you have acquired something new, but because you choose to see it as such. Don’t let your happiness be held hostage. It is always yours to choose, to live and experience.

And from the experts of wisdom notes, Mack and Angel Hack comes this beautiful saying. “As soon as you stop making everyone and everything else responsible for your happiness, the happier you’ll be. If you’re unhappy now, it’s not someone else’s fault. Take full responsibility for your own unhappiness, and you will instantly gain the ability to be happier. Stop seeking in vain to arrange conditions that will make you happy.” Simply choose to appreciate the greatness that is yours in this moment, and the right conditions will start to line up around the contentment you seek.

reporting.”

On the incessant crises between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, the meeting agreed that the long-term objective would be to “domesticate them, and create ranches but in the short term, the grazing routes must be properly gazetted and enforced.”

On the issue of religion the meeting agreed that there should be monitoring of what is being preached by some religious leaders and to make them understand the larger implication of what they preach on the nation at large.

Nyako's memo condemned The meeting also unanimously condemned the memo written by the Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako in which he accused President Jonathan of carrying out genocide against the North.

Addressing State House Correspondents, the Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau who was flanked by the governors of Niger, Abia, Borno and Ekiti states said the meeting enjoined all holders of public offices to be wary of statements that are capable of exacerbating the already precarious security situation in the country.

Governor Babangida Aliyu who spoke on some of the decisions reached at the meeting said: “I am sure many of you will be curious about the memo written by one of us. We looked at it. In fact, he was allowed to read the memo to all of us and we discussed and concluded that for all of us, we need to be very careful with the kind of statement we make and we need to be

very careful that whatever we say must either be evidence-based or something that can be authenticated.

There is no need to give terrorists the opportunity of thinking that they are succeeding.

“All the terrorist wants is for him to find out that whatever he does is carried out in such a way that people will believe he is succeeding and is having some impact,” he said.

Corroborating Governor Babangida Aliyu’s position, the Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji said: “There was a unanimous condemnation of the memo written by Nyako and all public officers were advised to be conscious of what they say”.

He added: “The meeting recognized the fact that security issue is not for the Federal Government alone; it should be a corporate issue, handled corporately by the Federal Government, states and local governments. When there is a synergy, obviously progress will be made. The meeting also agreed that at the state level, governors who are chief security officers have to do a lot to help because that is where the security issue is, at the state level.

"In so doing, the state governors should mobilize their radio houses to sensitize the people in the state so that they will be aware of the security situation.

“We also agreed that Boko Haram that is on now, is not a religious war; people should not misrepresent it to be, because both Muslims and Christians are being killed. It doesn’t discriminate against any person.

“The memo that was written by one of our colleagues, Governor Nyako of Adamawa State was discussed and there was a very unanimous condemnation of that memo. All officers and people in positions of authority were advised to be cautious of what

they say, that what they say should at least enliven every person and make us to know that this country belongs to all of us and not something that will demoralize us, not something that will incite people to go the negative way”.

General Gusau who coordinated the meeting explained that the meeting “decided that the Federal government will do everything within its powers to bring the security situation in the country, whether it is terrorism, kidnapping or herdsmen clash with farmers under control.

The attendance Those in attendance at the meeting were: Governors Willie Obiano (Anambra); Theodore Orji (Abia); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Martins Elechi (Ebonyi); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Kashim Shettima (Borno); Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto); Ramalan Yero (Kaduna ); Garba Umar (Taraba); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa); Seidu Dakingari (Kebbi); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Babangida Aliyu

(Niger); Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Lyel Imoke (Cross River); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Ibrahim D a n k w a m b o (Gombe)and Sullivan Chime (Enugu).

Deputy Governors of Jigawa, Imo, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Plateau, Edo and Yobe were represented their governors.

Ministers in attendance at the meeting were Abba Moro of Interior; Gen. Aliyu Gusau, Defence; Abduljelil Adesiyan, Police Affairs; Viola Onwuliri, Foreign Affairs; Akinwumi Adesina, Agriculture and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.

The security chiefs in attendance were the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, the Comptrollers General of Customs and Immigration, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Commandant-General of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor , President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Sultan of Sokoto, and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also attended the meeting.

Abducted schoolgirls: SERAP seeks UN intervention

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EANWHILE, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the United Nations to “urgently intervene to secure the safe release of 230 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, who were abducted by members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.”

The organization wants the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) of the UN Security Council, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, and the Office of the UN

High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide “international assistance and support to the Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the children and to ensure that they are back to school.”

In a statement yesterday, signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organization said that, “continuing abduction of these innocent children is having negative impact on their well-being and long-term education. We are urging these bodies to move swiftly to support efforts to protect schools, teachers, and students

from deliberate attack in the North-East of the country.

“In particular, we urge the UN Security Council’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on Children and Armed Conflict to take strong action including referring members of the Boko Haram and their backers to the International Criminal Court. Accountability for attacks on school children and education-including prosecuting perpetrators-is critical to deterring perpetration of crimes under international law,” the group also said.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Woman, 3 NURTW members docked for damaging 25 vehicles

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— FOUR per sons, including a woman, who allegedly vandalised 25 buses, were yesterday in Lagos brought before an Ikeja magistrate’s court.

The accused, Wasiu Gbadebo, 36; Akeem Azeez, 37; and Tunji James, 35, all members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and the woman, Fausat Balogun, 33, are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, disorderly conduct, assault, threatening violence and malicious damage.

All the accused reside at Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.

The prosecutor, ASP Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 22 by 6.00 a.m. at Iyana-Ipaja motor park.

He said the accused maliciously damaged windscreens and side glasses of 25 buses, valued at N880,000.

Nnamonu said the damaged buses belong to a company, Beta Glass Plc, Agbara and Iyana-Ipaja commercial bus drivers.

He alleged that Gbadebo, Azeez and James also beat up one Mr Gbenga Ayeni at the scene, adding that the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 56, 166 (d), 169, 348, 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment each on conviction.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, the magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 10 for mention.

Police recover 2-yr-old boy’s severed head in Ibadan

washing. She explained further that she left the baby in the passage while she left to pour used water at the backyard.

“The suspect claimed he lives at Okanlawon’s compound, Oke-Ijeun, Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State during interrogation."

•Arrest 4 suspected killers of kidnapper in Abeokuta •Another nabbed for kidnapping 9-month-old boy •2 ritualists caught with human parts, escape lynching

BY OUR REPORTERS

A

BEOKUTA — SECURITY agents in Ogun State are living up to their billing as they have arrested at least eight people whose crimes border on murder, kidnap and human rituals.

The state police command yesterday said it had recovered the head of a two year-old boy which was severed by a suspected ritualist at Ofada in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.

Also, the Police said they had arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of a suspected person of unsound mind known as Kazeem Akindele, at Kugba area, Abeokuta for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 19year-old lady.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the severed head of the boy was recovered in Ibadan.

The boy, whose mother was raped by the suspected ritualist identified as Mamodu Bashir Ibrahim, was beheaded last Thursday when his mother, who had him strapped on her back, went to ease herself in a bush.

Adejobi had said detectives attached to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta arrested the suspect who fled the scene immediately he perpetrated the act.

Boy's head recovered in Ibadan

He said: “The suspect took the investigation team to Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo State where the head was recovered in a bag in the bush, Tuesday.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, has, however, directed

Two ritualists caught with human parts

Mamodu Bashir Ibrahim Olusegun Kehinde, suspected kidwho severed boy's head. napper the detectives to intensify efforts to uncover the buyers and those who engage in such dirty deals in our society."

4 suspected killers of kidnapper arrested

Speaking on the killing of the suspected kidnapper, Adejobi said: "The deceased was attacked by the suspects and other angry youths in the area who are at large currently. The Commissioner of Police had ordered the arrest of the fleeing suspects who embarked on that jungle justice that led to the death of the mad man.

“The suspects arrested include Fausat Ogunbiyi, Mariam Yahaya, Blessing Joseph and Nurudeen Adebayo. These suspects will be charged to court as soon as the command concludes its investigation."

...another nabbed for

kidnapping 9-month-old boy Also, men of the National Se-

curity & Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Ogun State, yesterday, said it had arrested a 32-year-old man, Olusegun Kehinde, for allegedly kidnapping a nine-month-old boy.

The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in the state, Olanrewaju Kareem, in a statement said the incident happened, Wednesday, at 1, Elegbede House, Ore-meji Street, Ijeun-Titun area of Abeokuta.

Kareem further said the suspect during interrogation claimed to be a farmer who was just passing by.

He said: “Men of the corps on patrol of PHCN facilities within Abeokuta arrested the suspect as a result of alarm raised by the child’s mother, Mrs Olanike Ogundeyi, when she saw her nine month-old baby, Malik Ogundeyi, with the suspect.

“According to Mrs Olanike Ogundeyi, the child was kidnapped when he strayed away while the mother was busy

Lagos

5 traders arraigned over theft of N2.5m goods

BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

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AGOS — FIVE traders were, yesterday, docked for stealing, shop breaking and receiving stolen property of one Edozie Chike.

The defendants who deal in pharmaceutical products around Onikoyi Lane, Idumota, reportedly broke into Chike’s shop on the same lane between February and March 5 and carted away various pharmaceutical products valued at N2.5 million which they sold to one Chinedu Innocent Udegbunen.

Chike reported the incident to the Police and demanded

that his goods or its monetary equivalent be returned to him.

Upon investigations, the suspects were apprehended and Udegbunen chose to return the goods to Chike.

Meanwhile, the magistrate, Mr I. Abolarinwa faulted the prosecutor for ‘persecuting’ instead of prosecuting the fifth defendant. As he stated: ”Why should the police persecute instead of prosecuting the fifth defendant? Why should the police again charge him to court? Prosecuting him is like giving him a second judgment.”

Meantime, two persons suspected to be ritualists were, Wednesday, caught with a human skull and other body parts at Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Nemesis caught up with the suspects, who narrowly escaped death as the irate mob attempted to lynch them before the intervention of policemen.

An eye witness told Vanguard that the suspects were caught in a place near Iko Gateway Grammar School and were subsequently mobbed by the people of the area.

According to the source, one of the suspects was caught with a bag that contained human parts. He later led the people to their den where some scary things were uncovered.

“Some of the things we saw were coffin, decomposed human skull, pictures and human hair, among others.

“The people wanted to roast them but they were rescued by the policemen who arrested and took them to their police station at Idi-Iroko.”

In his defence, the prosecutor said there was no document proving Udegbunen’s claim of returning the goods to the complainant, hence his appearing in court.

The magistrate went further to charge the police to be in tune with global criminal resolution trends, as he stated:”Police should wake up and allign themselves with current criminal resolution methods.”

However, Udegbunen was discharged and acquitted while the other four defendants were granted bail in sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

L

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

AGOS — THE Lagos State government, yesterday, shut down an illegal orphanage home and rescued 19 children at Ikotun, Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area, LCDA. This came 21 days after the state government shut an illegal orphanage at Alagbado in Agbado-Okeodo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, and rescued five children from the home.

Vanguard gathered that the orphanage, Bethlehem Charity and Orphanage Centre located at 9, Andre Close, Abaranje, Ikotun has been in operation since 2002, before it was shutdown in the early hours of yesterday, after the state government officials received a tip-off.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—7

10 rescued as 2-storey building collapses in Lagos

and they have been transferred to Gbagada General Hospital, Gbagada for proper medical attention."

BY BOSE ADELAJA,MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO & ESTHER

ONYEGBULA

LASBCA decries child labour

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AGOS — NO fewer than 10 persons escaped death after a two-storey building under construction at 11, Sand Beach Lane, off Alonge Street, Oworonsoki, Kosofe Local Government Area, collapsed in the early hours of yesterday.

Vanguard gathered that the workers were busy with the construction when the building caved in on them at about 11:00 am, leaving 10 workers trapped under the debris.

Among the 10 trapped were four children, who are assistants to the construction workers. Three of the teenagers were identified as Monday Ahungbe, 12; Jimoh Adebi, 13 and Moses Atoketi,15.

Though they cheated death, they suffered various degrees of injury.

Sources said the deafening sound and dust which enveloped the community after the collapse caused pandemonium in the area.

Mr. Adetayo Olawale, a resident of the community, said "the building collapsed while construction works were ongoing which led to pandemonium, as everyone scampered for safety."

Another eyewitness, Miss Blessing Atoyebi said: "I heard a loud bang and all I saw was that the entire building had collapsed on the workers. While some escaped unhurt, others are still trapped under the debris. I can't say the number of people under the rubble but I know that those in the building were working on the structure."

Confirming the report, General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu and the SouthWest Information Officer for Na-

Meanwhile, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Mrs A. B. Animasaun, while checking the level of injuries sustained by the victims decried child abuse by engaging those children in such hard labour, promising that the state government would rehabilitate the children who were of Egun tribe.

Debris of the collapsed building. PHOTOS: ESTHER ONYEGBULA:

Gabriel, another survivor Williams, a survivor tional Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the building collapsed at 11:00 am.

They also attributed the success recorded in the rescue operation to the prompt response of agencies, officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Police Force and the Lagos

State Building Control Agency, LASBCA. Farinloye noted that the injured were all rescued, adding: "The rescue operation has been concluded and no one is left under the rubble."

The information officer said those injured had been taken to Folabi Medical Centre, Oworonsoki.

Farinloye said: "Only two adults suffered serious injuries

Survivors' account

Explaining how it happened, Gabriel Ngeabi, a bricklayer from Cotonou, Benin Republic, said: " I was upstairs working when one of my relatives called me to come down to see what was happening to the building.

"He said there was something that looked like cracks by the side. As I was coming down, a block fell on my feet and one of the bricklayers started laughing.

"Immediately I got downstairs, the building collapsed.

Fortunately, I did not sustain any injury.

"We were 10 working there, but only nine of us came out alive though some sustained injuries.

"The man that was laughing at me when a brick fell on my leg is no where to be found. He is a carpenter. He was working on top the roof when the building collapsed."

Another survivor, simply called Williams said: "When I noticed the crack by the side, I ran to inform Gabriel. I did not know it would collapse immediately. I was about carrying sand to the bricklayers upstairs, when the building caved in."

Pharmacist in court for diverting N4.3m drugs

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— A 42-year-old Pharmacist, Joseph Akpemiya, who allegedly diverted drugs worth N4.3 million belonging to Vixa Pharmaceutical, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court.

Joseph, who worked with Vixa Pharmaceutical Ltd, as the Western Regional Distribution Manager, is facing a two-count charge bordering on stealing and diverting of goods preferred against him by the police.

The defendant, who resided at Lane 4, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan absconded with the goods without supplying the companies that requested the goods.

The police prosecutor, ASP Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence between February 1, 2012 and March 2013, at Vixa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 316 (b) and is punishable under Section 285 (9) (a) (b) and (c) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Earlier, the defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 3, 2014.

shuts illegal orphanage, rescues 19 children Sources said officials of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, who were accompanied by policemen, stormed the home, rescued 19 children and shut down the home.

Vanguard learnt that the children's ages, which ranged between two months and 15 years, were reportedly not attending any school but being taught at the centre according to reports by Mr. Musbau Abdullahi, a Director in the office of Social Welfare, Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

Mrs. Taiwo Olowoyeye, the proprietor of the orphanage, said her orphanage was duly registered with the government, but did not show a certificate to authenticate it.

According to Olowoyeye, she had never given out any of the

children at the orphanage for adoption for once, saying that she normally gives the children the needed education and forwarded report to the state government.

Orphanage never registered— Govt Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Social Development, Dr. Dolapo Badru, said the orphanage was never registered, saying there was no way the government would have shut down the orphanage if it had been registered.

Badru explained: "She has a probation registration from the state government to operate a charity home in 2003 and that probation has elapsed. She was given a licence to operate an orphanage. She sought registration last year and our men visited the place and she was given three

The rescued children months to put things in place or face sanction.

"When she has operated an orphanage for about 10 years, we gave her condition to register.

She was given every opportunity to meet up and she did not.

We wrote to her and she did not meet up.

"Government did not want cases of baby factories in Lagos like in some states, which was why government had been so critical in ensuring that all orphanages operating in the state were duly registered."

The special adviser said government would carry out a thor-

Mrs. Taiwo Olowoyeye, proprietor of the orphanage ough investigation on the matter, saying that government would prosecute the owner of the orphanage for allegedly operating an illegal home.

Badru added that the 19 children would be kept in government custody and taken proper care of.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Nigeria loses N6.5bn daily over closure of Forcados terminal

BY MICHAEL EBOH & MAUREEN UMEH

N

IGERIA is losing $40.567 million, about N6.492 billion daily, due to Shell Nigeria’s continued closure of the 400,000 barrels per day Forcados oil export terminal, seven weeks after it was shut for repairs.

The shutdown, according to a spokesperson for Shell, Precious Okolobo, was due to a sabotaged undersea pipeline and had cost the country about $1.988 billion (N318.108 billion).

Okolobo said: “The force majeure declared March 25 remains in effect. This gives the company some legal protection against contractual obligations because of events beyond its control.”

Austin Igbuku, Manager of Shell’s Ogoni Restoration Project, also stated that crude thefts had

risen to unprecedented levels, greater than at the height of militancy in the Niger Delta when the United Nations estimated that about 150,000 barrels a day of crude was stolen in 2009.

He said: “The combination of crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism has become a major threat to the Nigerian economy.

“Massive oil spills also result from these activities, forcing the operators to frequently shut in production to repair the sources of leaks, take out theft points, clean up spills and restore the environment.

Theft network

“Such an underwater operation does not come easy to us in the industry, but some criminals were able to install

a theft point without detection.

Investigations are ongoing to understand how this was done.”

Igbuku said the oil industry estimates four-fifths of the stolen crude is going to local and international crime syndicates who take the crude to large, ocean-going tankers waiting offshore, which export oil to refineries outside the country.

“Some of these tankers reportedly meet mid-ocean to transfer and blend their stolen cargo, aiming to obliterate the origin of the crude oil,” he added.

Reason for closure

Shell said it closed the Forcados terminal in Delta State on March 4 to repair a leak caused by a ‘crude theft point’ on a pipeline eight meters (26 feet) below sea level. It is believed to be the first report

of oil equipment sabotage at sea.

A statement purporting to come from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, said they sabotaged the pipeline on March 1 and that scuba divers around March 27 caused further damage to the ongoing repair works.

The biggest loser in all these sabotage is the Federal Government, which is the largest shareholder in Shell Nigeria and which relies on oil for about 95 percent of its revenues, he said.

Analysts say the large-scale thefts would be impossible without collusion from some of the military personnel deployed to prevent sabotage.

They add that politicians and military officers take a share of the proceeds.

NNPC: From left (front row)— Engr. Andrew Yakubu, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; Professor Pat Utomi and Hajia Aisha Abdulrahaman, Group Executive Director, Business Development, NNPC, at the opening of the combined ceremony of the batches 073 to 079 programme of the NNPC Chief Officers Management Development programme in Abuja, yesterday.

Ondo byelection: PDP accuses LP of preparing fake report

BY DAYO JOHNSON

T

HE opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo state, yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plans by the ruling Labour Party, LP, to produce fake security report to prosecute the court case in the inconclusive Ilaje/Ese Odo bye election in the state.

The party ’s Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adams, at a briefing in Akure, advised security operatives not to compromise their professional responsibilities.

But in a swift response, Chairman of LP, Chief Dele Akinyele, challenged the PDP to provide evidence of its allegation.

Akinyele described the allegation as not only jittery but defeatist on the part of PDP. The LP Chairman said it was not the duty of the party or government in power to write security report but that of the Department of State Security DSS and had since submitted same on the election to the appropriate quarters including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He asked the PDP to stop raising false accusation and be ready to explain its actions and inactions at the court.

However, Adams alleged that the said security report “is intended to falsify details of activities on the day of the inconclusive election.”

Lambasting the ruling party for going to court to delay the supplementary election, he argued that the party should have gone into the election “if it is sure it is popular and controls the electorate in the state.”

Declare full emergency in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe— EDWIN CLARK

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA— FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday, called for the suspension of all democratic institutions in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to allow the military have full control of the states until peace and order return.

Speaking to newsmen in his Asokoro residence, Abuja, yesterday, Clark particularly urged President Goodluck Jonathan, in consonance with his constitutional powers, to declare a full scale state of emergency in frontline states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe

similar to what had happened in Plateau and Ekiti states.

He added that the abduction of 270 female students would not have been possible “under a protective military regime in these states.”

Clark said: “This in effect means that all democratic institutions should be suspended to permit the military exercise full control until peace and order returns.

“Securing and safeguarding the lives of the citizens of Nigeria is a more sacred duty than political considerations.

“There is nothing like

partial declaration of a state of emergency in the 1999 Constitution; what Section 305(c) of the 1999 Constitution contemplates is the recourse to ‘extraordinary measures to restore peace and security’ where there is ‘breakdown of public order and public safety’.

“The current situation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states no doubt epitomises complete breakdown of law and order, with dangerous incursions to the Federal Capital Territory.

“What happened in Plateau and Ekiti states where full declaration of state of emergency, that saw Gen. Olurin and Gen. Ali taking over the reins of state

administration, were not of greater dimension and scale than the hundreds of innocent lives and property lost to the activities of insurgents in these frontline states.

“These conditions are still prevalent in the frontline states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in greater scale and ferocity. This makes it extremely mandatory for the President to address this scourge decisively.

“The time to act is now Mr. President. Declare an extension of the state of emergency in the frontline states on full scale in exercise of your constitutional powers.”

Chief Clark described the

letter written by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State to his fellow northern governors as nothing short of treasonable felony for inciting the northerners against the President Goodluck Jonathanled Federal Government.

According to the Ijaw leader, statements by a democratically-elected governor and a retired military officer accusing the Federal Government of committing genocide against northerners under the guise of fighting terrorists was not only callous, bizarre, insensitive, i m p e n i t e n t , unimpressionable, but very irresponsible.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —9

N816bn needed for malaria prevention in Nigeria — WHO

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

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HE World Health Organisation, WHO, yesterday, announced the requirement of N816 billion ($5.1 billion) for the annual management and prevention of malaria in Nigeria and other endemic countries even as it launched an emergency response to anti-malarial drug resistance.

Nigeria currently spends N480 billion annually on malaria management, while the country loses N132 billion to the disease annually as a result of absenteeism from work among others.

WHO announced the monetary requirement in its statement to mark the 2014 World Malaria Day, with the theme Invest in the Future: Defeat Malaria.

The body said in total, an estimated US$ 5.1 billion is needed every year between 2011 and 2020 to achieve universal access to malaria prevention, diagnostic testing, and treatment around the world.

It further noted that although many countries had increased domestic financing for malaria control, the total available global funding remained at US$ 2.3 billion in 2011— less than half what is required.

CONFAB C'TTEE: From left— Dr. Nwaorgu Joe, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike and Chief Nduese Essien, at the sitting of the Committee of Land Tenure and National Boundary of the ongoing national conference in Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

P-SQUARE: Peter gives condition zTwins now on talking terms for peace

BY CHARLES MGBOLU

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EARLY one week after Jude Okoye, elder brother to singing duo Paul and Peter Okoye (P-Square) posted on twitter that he was ‘done’, the stand-off in the Okoye family is far from abating with insiders telling Vanguard that Peter had refused to be appeased despite interventions from close friends.

Peter reportedly gave condition for peace, saying his wife, Lola, must be accepted and respected by the family or risk total isolation from him.

Several sources contacted by Vanguard confirmed that this was his only condition for peace.

One insider said: “Peter is tired of the long years he has had to plead with his family to accept the woman he has decided to spend the rest of his life with.

“He wants Lola to be welcomed in the family just as Anita (Paul’s wife) has been accepted irrespective of her tribe or age. This is his condition.”

Although the twins had fought at their dance rehearsal earlier in the month, Vanguard learnt this was not what had ultimately prompted Peter to severe his relationship with P-Square.

The source said Peter “has taken their attitude towards Lola even more to heart than what role he plays in P-Square, be it singing or dancing.

“He can no longer endure the ill-affection concerning his wife.”

Sources further said that the crisis had escalated after it was learnt that Peter had allegedly

bought a house for Lola in the United States of America, USA.

of the family.

Jude Okoye Paul dilemna

Vanguard learnt that Peter’s twin, Paul is currently confused as he does not know who to support. Vanguard gathered that the twins had returned to talking terms, but that Paul is yet to show full support for Peter’s cause.

The source said: “The twins adore their mother and before she passed on, she had made it clear she was not in support of Peter and Lola’s union.

“Maybe that is why it is difficult for Paul. He does not want to be seen as being completely against the wish of their mother.”

Vanguard leant that he is the one making the most effort to bring an end to the crisis by appealing to Peter and the rest

Their elder brother, Jude Engees Okoye, has also refused to be placated.

According to the source, “there have been accusations and counter-accusations between Jude and Lola, each alleging that the other is rude and disrespectful.

“Jude holds on to this as his reason for not accepting Lola.

But this is not the only reason.”

Peacemakers, who are industry friends and close business associates have however intensified efforts in resolving the crisis.

Hope

Also their social media pages show that they still identify with their pop brand name.

At press time, on Peter ’s twitter wall, the pop star still goes with the handle @PeterPSquare, CEO PClassic; Konvict Muzik/Square Records/Universal Music Group.

Paul Okoye also goes by his famous handle, @rudeboypsquare.

Jude Okoye, despite his “it over! I’m done!” tweet, his handle still goes by @judeengess, President/CEO Square Records, Northside Music Inc and Northside Entertainment Ltd. PSquare’s Manager/Producer/Director.

Sources, however, warn that the brand is still in dangerous territory, saying “anything can still happen tomorrow.

“You could wake up to hear the group has officially disintegrated or reconciled. We can only watch, wait and pray.”

FG provides houses, cars for officials despite monetisation, RMAFC reveals

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA— CHAIRMAN, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Engr.

Elias Mbam, yesterday, appeared before the Committee on Public and Revenue, raising alarm that government officials, who already have their allowances monetised, were being provided with houses and cars by the Federal Government.

He said: “Government has begun to provide houses and

cars to the officers whose allowances are already monetised. This is becoming another drain on government resources and must, therefore, be stopped.”

Speaking, yesterday, when he appeared before the Senator Adamu Aliero-led Committee on Public Finance and Revenue at the ongoing National Conference, Engr.

Elias Mbam told the delegates that if there must be transparency of the accounting system, there must be an outright abolition of the State Joint Local Government

Account to ensure that allocations were made directly to the local governments from the Federation Account.

The RMAFC Chairman stressed the need for the commission to be guaranteed full autonomy or independence to effectively carry out its statutory responsibilities and be given the appropriate powers to enforce compliance of relevant agencies of government with fiscal policies related to its functions.

Mbam, who noted that cost

of governance must be scrutinised and reduced, said one of the recommendations of the Committee should be that appointments of political office holders at Federal and state levels were not duplicated.

According to him, if offices of personal assistants, advisers, special advisers, senior special advisers and assistants were not replicated at both the state and Federal levels, the cost of governance would reduce and there will be money to execute functional projects by the two tiers of government.

10— Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Boko Haram: Community policing only solution — Ex-Army chief

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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AGOS—FORMER Chief of Army Staff, General Salihu Ibrahim, has advocated community policing as the best way to curb the problem of Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

Ibrahim, who is the chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, in a chat with Vanguard, in Lagos, said various communities must cooperate with the security agencies to stop the destruction of lives and property especially in the north eastern part of the country.

He charged residents of the areas to give useful information about strangers and unusual activities around their communities to the security agencies.

According to him, ''There is need to reemphasise and educate the public more to pass on information about any unforeseen or unjust activities going on around them and if there are people, strangers in their midst, they should report such people to the police and the security agencies for clarification.

Those in the villages must help in identifying who the bad guys are. ''The government is doing very well in trying to tackle the unfortunate security situation in our country,'' he said.

Mushin crisis: 3 leaders of rival groups arrested

BY EVELYN USMAN & IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS—T HE Lagos State Police Command yesterday said it had arrested three persons in connection with the continued crisis that has been rocking the densely populated Mushin area of Lagos.

The recent clash occurred Monday, after hoodlums from Akala in Mushin area of Lagos State reportedly attacked residents of Railway Line and New Balogun Street, in Idi-Oro, Mushin, during which two of the attackers reportedly lost their lives and several vehicles destroyed.

One of the arrested suspects was Toba Ajibola, a former unit chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW..

Others are, Adigun Oriyomi alias Muda and Yusuf Akinwole.

The trio according to spokesperson for the command, Ngozi Braide, were arrested at about 3.30pm yesterday in their hideout in Karimu street, Mushin. The suspects were alleged to be fine tuning arrangements on how to attack Oshodi .

Braide disclosed that Oriyomi had been on the command’s wanted list for a long time. He was accused of being a serial killer.

According to Braide, ''Oriyomi was fingered in the murder of his bosom friend, one Oluwafemi Adetomi in his residence at 22 Yisa street, Abori.''

We are still combing the whole of Lagos, in search of other members of the group that have made Mushin inhabitable,Braide said.

There were however,

different account of how Toba was arrested.

A version of the account said some hoodlums stormed Surulere ,where Toba was

attacked . He was reportedly stabbed in the stomach before the arrival of policemen ,who subsequently whisked him away.

Toba who was bleeding profusely on arriving the state command, was reportedly taken to the hospital for treatment.

AWARD: From left — Foremost Itsekiri leader, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, Mr Adewale Adeoye, Coordinator, South West Human Rights Commission, and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State during the Yoruba Political Living Legend of the Century Award organised by Oodua Nationalist Coaltion, ONAC, held at CMD, Magodo, Lagos. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

World Malaria Day: 570,000 cases recorded in Lagos

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIELOLAWALE

N

O fewer than 570,000 cases of malaria were recorded in Lagos in 2013, State Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris has disclosed.

At a briefing yesterday as part of efforts to mark this year's World Malaria Day with the theme: "Invest in the Future; Defeat Malaria,'' Idris harped on the need for Lagosians to demand for accurate diagnosis of malaria before treatment.

The Commissioner, who said transmission of malaria was stable in the state, said: "All year round about 570,000 cases were reported in 2013 compared to 566,212 cases in 2012 on the disease surveillance and notification report. This could be

attributed to the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, abundant distribution of coastal areas and the behaviour of some inhabitants, which encourage the availability of stagnant water resulting in breeding sites for

Consumers protest erratic power supply, threaten Lagos DISCOs

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AGOS—SOME electricity consumers in Lagos State yesterday staged a protest over the poor electricity supply and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, for inappropriate billing.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the consumers, who

Unity schools' exams won't affect sanitation day – LASG

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS State government, has said the 2014 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE, into Federal Government Colleges, FGC, and otherwise known as Unity Schools holding nationwide tomorrow will not affect the April monthly environmental sanitation exercise, noting that the exercise would hold between the hours of 7:00am and 10am across the state.

There were insinuations that sanitation exercise had been put off to enable parents and

the anophelese.”

Idris, who explained the importance of accurate diagnosis in the treatment of malaria, stressed that accurate diagnosis of malaria would improve the quality of patient care.

guardians ensure their children and wards got to their respective examination centres promptly.

In fact, the state government had earlier announced that the 2014 NCEE into FGCs would hold Saturday (April 26, 2014) at designated centres across the state and urged parents to ensure that their children got to their respective centres promptly.

While insisting on the exercise, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the clarification became necessary following insinuations from some quarters that the April edition had been cancelled.

came out in their hundreds at the Akowonjo Business Unit, demanded the immediate stoppage of extortion by the DISCOs. Mr Salaudeen Folarin,ViceChairman, Association of Electricity Consumers of Nigeria AECN, spokesperson of the protesting consumers, described the electricity supply in Lagos State as disappointing.

Folarin said that the poor electricity supply was compounded by the arbitrary billing of consumers.

According to him, the association had already registered their complaints with the Consumers Protection Council of Nigeria.

He said that AECN had equally concluded plans to sue the DISCOs in Lagos for breach of contract.

“We appeal to the agencies concerned with electricity distribution in Lagos State to discontinue with the system. This estimated billing is not in the best interest of Nigerians,” the association’s vice-chairman said.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—11

Education debate: I’m ready for Fayemi at short notice — FAYOSE

BY GBENGAARIYIBI ADO EKITI—THE Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose yesterday told the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi that he was ready for debate on developments in the state's education at short notice.

Fayose, who had described the education policy of Fayemi's administration as a failure because the state came 34th position in the just released WAEC exams result, said he was ''ready for Fayemi any time, any day.''

According to a statement by Fayose’s spokesman, Mr Idowu Adelusi in Ado Ekiti, the PDP candidate said he was prepared to meet Fayemi, not only on education but on all areas because his administration has allegedly impoverished the people of Ekiti State morally, socially and economically.

According to him, “Teachers are the vehicle driving the education but their is a disconnect between the teachers and Fayemi Administration.

“How can a governor, who wants to achieve in area of education be at loggerhead with teachers just as the relationship between Fayemi and Ekiti teachers and as well the local government workers is that of cat and mouse.”

Fayose described the promises made by Fayemi to the teachers as an after thought.

Governor Fayemi had

A

PRESENTATION: From left—Marketing and Activation Lead, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mrs. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi; Marketing Director for West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mr. Oguzhan Silivrili; representative of the grand prize winner of the Dettol Price Awareness Mobile Activation, Mr. Kingsley Ntosi; and Brand Manager (Dettol), Mr. Tolulope Olaoye at the presentation of a brand new Kia Rio car in Lagos yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi. challenged Fayose to a debate over the education status of the state since he became governor.

According to Fayemi, the present administration had improved the level of students’ performances in external examinations and improved the welfare of the teachers contrary to Fayose’s claim.

The governor made this disclosure while reacting to Fayose’s allegation that the rating of Ekiti in public examinations has nosedived.

Fayose had at a political forum

in Ikere Ekiti on Monday, said the state was ranked 8th in WAEC before he left in 2006, expressing regret that the standard had witnessed a downward trend to as low as 35th among the 36 States of the federation.

Stop heating up Ekiti, Osun politics, PDP tells Tinubu Meanwhile, the Ekiti State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday called on former governor of Lagos State,

and National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to stop heating up politics in both Ekiti and Osun States, saying the two states were quite different from Lagos State.

The party spoke through its Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko, in reaction to a statement credited to Tinubu that whoever rigged in both Ekiti and Osun states in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections would be roasted.

Dangote, Iweala join TIME's 100 most influential people

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LIKO Dangote and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister were, Wednesday, named among the100 most influential persons on earth by TIME Magazine.

Bill Gate, Microsoft Founder and Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gate wrote a tribute in honour of Dangote in commemoration of his listing by the Time magazine.

Gate dwelled extensively on the philanthropic gestures of the President of the Dangote Group in the areas of health especially polio eradication and job creation efforts.

While Gate was lavish in his praises of timely response of Dangote to the need for an health alliance by the private sector, Buno a lead singer of U2 and a co-founder of One and (RED) wrote the tribute for Dr Iweala.

Gates, described him as a man who does good in addition to doing well. Wrote he: “… his business activities drive economic growth across the continent.

That’s impressive, but I know him best as a leader constantly in

We ‘ve received 50,000 defectors in 6 months in Ogun – PDP

search of ways to bridge the gap between private business and public health. It’s for that reason he helped create the Nigeria Private Sector Health Alliance.

And it’s for that reason he is an advocate for agricultural research and malaria control.”

Aliko was classified in the titans category which boasts of eminent world personalities like Hillary Clinton, former USA Secretary of State, Jeff Bezoz, Tony Fadell, Janet Yellen among others. Those in the pioneers category include: Jason Collins, Natalie Massenet, Mary Jo White, Edward Snowden, among others.

Barbara Brown Taylor, Robin Wright, John Green, Kerry Washington were in the artists category among others, while Jerry Brown, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, John Kerry and Angela Merkel were among those in the Leaders Category. In the Icons category were Pope Francis, Alice Waters, Marina Abramovic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carl Icahn, among many others.

Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in

the world assembled by the American news magazine TIME. First published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists, the list is now an annual event. Although appearing on the list is often seen as an honor, TIME makes it clear that entrants are recognized for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions.

Powerful person Aliko had earlier been listed as the 64th most powerful person in the world by the credible Forbes Magazine. Aliko was born on the 10th of April 1957 in the ancient city of Kano, Nigeria.

He owns the Dangote Group, which has interests in commodities, cement, petrochemicals, fertilizer among many others. The company operates in Nigeria and 14 other countries in Africa , As of March 2014, he had an estimated net

worth of $25 billion Dangote is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 23rd richest person in the world and the richest man in Africa. He surpassed Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi in 2013 by over $2.6 billion to become the world’s richest black man.

On the 14 November 2011, Dangote was awarded Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, by the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

He has also been awarded the highest national award in two other African countries: The Republic of Benin and Kenya.

He also remains the single largest private sector investor in South Africa.

Dangote reportedly added $9.2 billion to his personal wealth in 2013, according to the Bloomberg Index, now making him the 30th richest person in the world in their ranking, in addition to being the richest person in Africa.

B E O K U TA — P E O P L E S Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday ,claimed it had received no fewer than 50,000 members of the opposition political parties in the state into its fold in the last six months.

Its Chairman, Bayo Dayo, who spoke during a state steering committee leaders' meeting in Abeokuta, said the decampees were mainly from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Labour Party, LP. According to Dayo, the PDP in the state had its share of crisis and equally went through a unique phase of intra-party squabbles that tended to divide it, further saying “After all reconciliatory effort was sufficiently exhausted and all ensuing legal litigations disposed off with and resolved in clear unmistakable directions, I am pleased to inform you that Ogun PDP is now united, strengthened and repositioned to perform creditably in the forthcoming general elections.

Opposition parties ''We are glad to report that not only have our members remained intact despite our challenges, we have also received over fifty thousand members of the opposition parties that have decamped to PDP from various local governments in the last six months.”

The state PDP chairman also announced that all the aggrieved party leaders that had suspended their active participation in the party activities were now back in the fold.

While speaking on the coming general elections in the state, the chairman warned party leaders and members against action that could divide the party.

“We should not allow a situation where some of us will seek to divide us by creating other platforms than the PDP. It is discomforting that leaders that have enjoyed all the opportunities the PDP can provide, now promote other parties and yet claim to support President Goodluck Jonathan or the PDP itself,'' Dayo said.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Group alleges security agents' collaboration with illegal bunkerers

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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IGER Delta Oil Theft Monitoring Group, NDOTMG, has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged illegal oil bunkering in the Benin River Escravos axis, in the Niger Delta, noting that it was being done in collaboration with the country’s security agents.

It called on the Federal Government to replace all security agents in the riverine areas of the region, as they had betrayed the trust reposed in them.

It also called for the replacement of the Navy/ Army personnel stationed in Madanghan/Chevron, alleging that they have been rent collectors from the local illegal refinery promoters.

The group, in the petition by Mr. Omasan Bemigho, said: "We wish to bring to your notice, as a matter of urgency, the breach of security and peace in Benin River Escravos axis, the increased illegal bunkering being facilitated in collaboration with security operatives that are supposed to enforce security in the area.

"Their activities are a clear manifestation of the level of disjointed commitment to a national call and security engagement which is characterised by greed.

"This notice has become necessary in view of the dangerous trend and dimension which their increased activities portend to the peace and security of the Niger Delta, the operations of the oil and gas companies as well as the shortfall in revenue accruing to Delta State and the country.

“There are four local refining camps in Uton Nana, where the illegal activities operate in connivance with security operatives stationed in the various locations. They include Abiteye, Didi, Olero, Bateren Tie, Ogheye (Benin River Entrance), Escravos Tank Farm. Despite all the security points and huge investment in the upkeep of the various boats and security personnel, illegal oil bunkers still have a free passage of their products to the high seas and illegal refineries.

“It has been discovered that behind the Ugbegugu community where

there is an army checkpoint called SAHARA, opposite Chevron yard. A lot of illegal bunkering activities are taking place there and there are more than six local refineries at this point. It, therefore, calls to question where the security operatives are when all these unholy activities are being perpetrated. ‘’The Federal Government in collaboration with the state government should revisit the concept of house boats for security personnel as the building of permanent structure will encourage communal growth and urbanisation of the various riverine communities which will reduce the collaboration of security operatives in the illegal activities. ‘’The issue of oil theft is complex, but the solution is simple. Until we seek the simple approach being championed by our group, defeating the crime will be a mirage. As a group that has been studying the trend for close to a decade, we strongly believe that we are better positioned to monitor and advise both the government and other stakeholders.”

Umana re-affirms interest in A-Ibom guber race

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MMEDIATE past Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, has re-assured his supporters throughout the state and beyond that he is still in the governorship race. Noting that the contest for the office of governor of the state is open to all eligible aspirants irrespective of senatorial district, Umana called on politicians in the state who are interested to feel free and enter the race.

A statement, yesterday, by his media adviser, Iboro Otongaran, said a communiqué issued by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after its executive committee meeting on Tuesday, had sought to create confusion in the minds of the people of the state by stating that the party had “zoned the governorship position to Eket senatorial district,” while at the same time concluding that its position on zoning “is without prejudice to the right of any other person from other

senatorial districts to contest the governorship seat in 2015.”

Umana noted that “the contradiction and doublespeak in the position of the SEC of the party reaffirms that there is no zoning in the choice of candidates for election in the party”, a position, he noted, that is also confirmed by the policy statement of the National Chairman of the party. He said the vote for open contest is consistent with the history of elec-

toral contest in the state, urging his supporters to remain calm and trust in God’s perfect will over the election.

Umana said that Governor Godswill Akpabio’s argument that the governorship position has been zoned to Eket Senatorial District in the interest of justice because the district has never produced a governor, and observed that many commentators have already said that the governor cannot be correct.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 13

N-Delta elders move to curb oil theft

Urhobo set to honour Omoko

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BY CHRIS OCHAYI

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BUJA—WORRIED by the alarming volume of crude oil said to have been stolen in the Niger Delta, the Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, yesterday, said it was putting in place plans to curb the activities of oil thieves in the region.

It said it will join the campaign against oil theft by deploying all means humanly possible to address the trend, currently threatening the country’s oil revenue drive.

ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR IN RIVERS: Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Magnus Abe (left) exchanging pleasantries with former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the Port Harcourt International Airport, recently.

Edo APC leaders give Oshiomhole 7 days to cancel congresses, registration exercise

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM nipulate for them by stopping & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE any other person, particularly the deputy governor, from aspiring to the governorship seat in E N I N — A G G R I E V E D 2016.”

All Progressives Party, The political leaders, in a stateAPC, leaders in Edo State, yes- ment read at the end of their terday, gave Governor Adams meeting in Benin by the former Oshiomhole a seven-day ulti- state Chairman of the defunct matum to cancel what they de- Action Congress of Nigeria, scribed as fraudulent member- Prince Tony Omoaghe, called on ship registration exercise and the governor to relinquish conward and local governments trol and monopoly of the party congresses, or face their wrath. in order to pave way for an inThe party leaders, at a meet- clusive political system which ing in Benin, also insisted on respects the sanctity of internal the 14-day ultimatum earlier giv- democracy devoid of deliberateen to the governor by the Esta- ly sponsored rancour and fracko Forum to cancel the party tionalisation within the party and membership registration exer- recognises the worth of all party cise and the outcome of the con- faithful across the state. gresses, or they will be forced They called on the governor to to defect to rival political par- tender an immediate unreserved ties. apology to the leadership of the Present at the meeting were party and in particular, former Pastor Osagie Ize–Iyamu, Mr. Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, Sunny Uyigue, Alhaji Usman for insults metted out to them by Shagadi, Mr. Abubakar Mo- him (Oshiomhole) at several moh, who is a member of the party fora.

House of Representatives, some They accused Governor Oshimembers of the Edo State omhole of taking deliberate House of Assembly from Edo steps to cripple the party in the South, Mr Omon Ezomon, state for reasons best known to Chief Amos Osunbor, Mrs. Eve- him, saying: “He has encourlyn Omokhodion, Nosa Adams, aged division and fractionalisaand others. tion in all parts of the state, and Meanwhile, the interim lead- ensured the marginalization of ership of the party in the state, party faithful, who have refused has described the ultimatum to join his faction of the party. given to the governor as based He single handedly picked the on false claims. current state interim Executive State Publicity Secretary of the Committee of the party and has APC, Mr. Godwin Erhahon, in given them a matching order to his reaction to the deluge of do his bidding, much to the disaccusations levelled against the may of party faithful. governor by the aggrieved lead- “The governor has marginalers, said: “We challenge Pastor ized most members of the legaOsagie Ize-Iyamu to speak as cy parties, which came together a man of God that he claims to to form the APC, especially be. While they are accusing the those from the defunct All Nigovernor of manipulation and geria Peoples Party, ANPP, in tohijack of the party, the truth is tal disregard of the directive of that it is the Ize-Iyamu group the national body. that wants the governor to ma- “The governor has blurred the

B

C M Y K

lines between government and the party structures by using the machineries and functionaries of government to hijack the party, all to serve very selfish political interests,” they said.

Insisting that the conduct of the recent registration of party members was a failure, the leaders said that many prospective members were denied registration as materials were hoarded and many party members were turned back for one unfounded reason or another.

“The situation was so embarrassing that while people complained of denial of registration due to non-availability of materials, the governor still had enough registration materials to return to the national body.”

Meanwhile, Erhahon, continuing with his defence of Oshiomhole, said the attack on the governor “is be-

cause they believe that IzeIyamu has been anointed as the next governor of the state."

HE Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the umbrella body of the Urhobo nation, is billed to honour Mrs. Comfort Omoko, who served for over two decades in the London Metropolitan Police.

UPU, in a statement by Mr. Godwin Etakibuebu, one of the organisers of the awards ceremony, described Mrs. Omoko as “a great ambassador of the Urhobo nation to the West.”

The statement noted that the Evwreni-born Omoko, 68, who holds a London Diploma in Home Economics and Hygiene, led a distinguished career in Europe and also won awards and laurels even from the Queen of England.

The event will be attended by an array of traditional rulers in Urhoboland as well as top government officials including the elite corps of the Urhobo nation.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Insecurity'll not affect World Economic Forum meeting in Abuja — Jonathan He stated this when he was prethe insecurity in some parts of the country, will have no adverse ef- sented with Letter of Credence by ABUJA — PRESIDENT Good- fect on the safety of participants at China’s new ambassador to Niluck Jonathan, yesterday, reas- next month’s World Economic Fo- geria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie.

“Nigeria will give all particisured the global community that rum on Africa, in Abuja. pants a good reception in Abuja.

We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will overcome the situation so that our economy can move forward faster. Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit,” the President assured.

He welcomed the confirmation

by China that its delegation to the Forum, which will bring together regional and global leaders to discuss innovative structural reforms and investments that could sustain the continent’s current growth trajectory and create jobs, will be led by Premier Li Keqiang.

He said: “I am quite pleased that the Premier of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed that he is coming. We will be addressing the World Economic Forum on Africa together.

We will also sit together to disThe Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekwere- cuss shared national interests.”

In his remarks, the new Chimadu (left), being received by the President of Ghana and Chairman of ECOWAS, President John Mahama (right), dur- nese ambassador assured the ing the former’s visit to the Flagstaff House, Accra, Ghana. President of China’s confidence

BY BEN AGANDE

in Nigeria’s security measures and the country’s ability to host the World Economic Forum on Africa successfully.

“From our assessment, we are confident that all is under control and we have relayed that to our people,” Mr. Gu Xiaojie said.

He applauded Nigeria’s rebasing of its GDP and the country’s emergence as the number one economy in Africa, noting that it would certainly stimulate the

FG rakes in N23bn monthly revenue from power generation, says Dagogo-Jack

velopment and Monitoring Board, in Abuja, added that BUJA — THE Chairman, the amount earned from the Presidential Task Force sector would have been on Power, PTFP, Mr. Beks enough to settle the claims of Dagogo-Jack, has said the labour within 15 months after government was earning over privatisation.

Nigeria's power generation N23 billion on monthly basis as revenue from power gener- stood below 3,800 megawatts, until Tuesday this week when ation in the country.

Mr. Dagogo-Jack, who said the government announced it this at a roundtable meeting had picked up, hitting for chief executives organised 4,105.90 megawatts.

He stated that the total reveby the Nigerian Content Denue that came into government coffers from the privatisation of the successor companies of the defunct Power Holding with a chieftaicy title for facilitat- Ekweremadu and others on Satur- Company of Nigeria was ing the construction of the N12 bil- day, April 19, 2014. about N416 billiion, addlion Nenwe- Oduma- Uburu Road, ‘’Ordinarily, one would have ig- ing that 90 per cent of the despite an earlier ban on confer- nored such deliberate dissemina- money was used to pay ment of chieftaincy titles on indi- tion of misinformation, especially labour as severance benviduals by the state government. since truth is always constant and efit.

Abugu’s statement read: ‘’I have has no meeting point with lies. I He said: "As we speak read with utter dismay some recent am, however, constrained to put the today our monthly invoice newspaper stories and published records straight in order to save the profile in the market at photographs which tended to cre- concerned royal fathers from any 4,000MW is in the order ate the erroneous impression that unwarranted ridicule, especially of N23 billion. This means the traditional rulers in Oduma from their unsuspecting subjects that what we paid labour land in Aninri Local Government and the general public, who might can be seen as a 15-month Area of Enugu State conferred believe the sponsored false media cost. chieftaincy titles on Senator Ike reports.

"By this, I am underlin‘’The simple truth is that none of ing the power of political the traditional rulers from the eight will and wisdom. communities that constitute Odu"So when we realise that ma or from any other part of Enu- on a monthly basis our ingu State, conferred any chieftaincy voice at the current energy Studies, Abuja, for members of the title on either Senator Ekweremadu level is in the order of N23 ECOWAS Parliament in Accra, and/or others on the said April 19, billion, it means that in Ghana, 2014. about 12 to 13 months, the Ekweremadu in a statement by "This is an incontrovertible fact that market would have rehis Special Adviser, Media, Uche can also be verified. Therefore, I turned that amount of monAnichukwu, emphasised that challenge anybody with contrary ey.

ECOWAS protocols on free move- fact to prove me wrong.

"Therefore, there is no ment should go hand-in-hand ‘’For purposes of clarity, Oduma need to stay and fight lawith adequate infrastructure and is made up of the following com- bour over that amount of human capital capacity to police munities with their respective tra- money when there is darkthe borders. ditional rulers: Amagu Oduma – ness in the country."

He lamented the low inter-re- Igwe David Ohabuikem; Oduma Dagogo-Jack stressed gional trade among West African Amanasato –Igwe A.O. Ene; the electricity reform pronations, saying, is “very negligi- Obeagu Oduma –Igwe G.U. Ekwe; cess happened because of ble, alarming, and embarrassing.” Ezinesi Oduma –Igwe D.O. Njoku; the quality of political will Ekweremadu decried the alleged Ukete Oduma –Igwe P.O. Oshiek- that was behind it. unscrupulous practices of uni- we; Oduma Achara –Igwe D. In his remarks, the Manformed officers on the West Afri- Chukwu; Ohofia Ndumeze Odu- aging Director of Sovereign can corridors and the proliferation ma –Igwe G.O. Nwanjoku and Wealth Fund, SWF, Mr. of border posts and security check- Ameke Oduma –Igwe-elect G. Ufio. Uche Orji, stated that the points, noting that these had com"It is on record that none of these fund was set to invest the bined to hinder the free movement royal fathers attended this gather- $200m earmarked to it by of persons and goods, rather than ing of a handful of friends who the Federal Government to promote regional integration and came for the ill-fated ceremony." improve gas-to-power incurb cross-border crimes. frastructure in Nigeria.

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

Ekweremadu under threat of prosecution over chieftaincy title

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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HE ENUGU State government, yesterday, threatened to prosecute the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu over alleged claims that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title

by Oduma Council of Traditional Rulers, last week.

The government said that Section 19 of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 151 of the Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004, prescribed two

years jail for anybody who falsely ‘’holds himself out, portrays or allows himself to be portrayed or addresses other persons; or himself as a recognized chief of any town or community.’’

State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Pastor Emeka Abugu, made this known in a statement, saying, 'no traditional ruler in Oduma conferred chieftaincy titles on Ekweremadu and others.’’

There were reports that Oduma in Aninri Local Government Area of the state honoured Ekweremadu

...urges ECOWAS countries to declare war on terrorism

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA — SPEAKER of the Parliament, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the new Chairman of the group, President John Mahama of Ghana, to declare total war against terrorism within member states.

Senator Ekweremadu, who is the Nigeria Deputy Senate President, urged the leadership of ECOWAS to have as its priority war against terrorism and youth unemployment.

He made the call, yesterday, during a meeting with President Mahama at State House, in Accra, Ghana, .

He said: “Ghana is a very important country in this sub-region.

In terms of democracy, you hold the light in this sub-region and C M Y K

we believe that emerging as the chairman of the ECOWAS will spread this light.

“However, our greatest challenges today are terrorism, militancy, and youth unemployment. It is our hope that addressing these challenges would be your top priorities.

We, at the ECOWAS Parliament, want to assure you of our solidarity and total support.”

Ekweremadu also advocated the convening of a summit of heads of state and government of both ECOWAS and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC, to build better synergy and raise the capacity of member states to combat common enemies.

He made the advocacy at the opening of a two-day session on the challenges of border crossing and opportunities for trade and finance for ECOWAS countries, organised by the National Institute for Legislative

inflow of more foreign investors.

President Jonathan also received letters of credence from the new Malaysian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lim Juay, and the new Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Chailert Limsoboom.

The President urged the three new ambassadors to do their best to expand areas of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and their respective countries.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —15

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16— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —17

Why I’m floating L

ONGSTANDING readers of this column will know that I was absolutely thrilled when Dr Goodluck Jonathan became our President.

Mere words cannot fully express the almost delirious joy I experienced when I watched this first-ever Niger Deltan Head of State being sworn in.

And I SO loved the fact that his beautiful wife, Dame Patience, was from my state.

Tears of happiness came to my eyes when I saw him, on TV, standing alongside Obama and other world leaders shortly after he joined their exclusive club.

I rushed out, purchased a huge photograph of him and proudly hung it in my house.

I was ready to fight anyone who dared to criticise him in those days.

But reality, sadly, eventually intruded; and I eventually decided to abandon my unconditional hero worship of Jonathan as it became increasingly obvious that he was human and therefore imperfect on a number of levels.

Journalists are not supposed to view rulers (or anyone else,

•President Goodluck Jonathan Jonathan overall since 2010.

I wept when my Governor and friend, Rotimi Amaechi, left the PDP, thereby walking out on Jonathan. I empathised with Amaechi’s grievances but wanted him to forgive and forget and stay within the Niger Deltan Political Family; and I was, until recently, doggedly determined to vote for Jonathan in 2015.

And, to his credit, Amaechi understands my position and has neither hassled me to change it nor turned his back

,

I intend to cast my votes in the presidential, gubernatorial and National Assembly elections on the basis of merit; in a nutshell, NOBODY can count on me at this stage

for that matter) through delusional rose-tinted spectacles.

We are professionally obliged to be truthful. So I started (somewhat reluctantly!) to complain about Jonathan and his team from time to time. But I’ve never been his harshest critic; and I certainly haven’t gone out of my way to search for - and highlight - his failures.

The Bottom Line is that despite occasional grumbles about his leadership style, his policies, some of his subordinates and his administration’s shortcomings in general, I have hitherto been proC M Y K

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on me for refusing to follow him to APC. However, even though I’ve always said that no intelligent or ethical person should make electoral choices on purely regional or ethnic grounds, I have inanely and hypocritically clung to the idea that I must support Jonathan at all costs simply because he is from my part of the country; and it is only now that I have finally summoned up the moral courage to practise what I preach.

Yesterday, I concluded that I really need to ditch essentially dishonourable knee-jerk biases and become what the British

describe as a “floating voter”.

Floating voters are openminded individuals who have not yet decided which way to vote in an upcoming election.

They are not firmly, permanently or consistently committed to any one party or any one candidate.

Floating voters often don’t make their minds up until the very last minute. They withhold allegiance until they have had a chance to analyse the implications of various parties’ manifesto promises. They wait and see what and how various candidates say and behave in the months preceding the election in question.

Jonathan can no longer count on me because I intend to cast my votes in the presidential, gubernatorial and National Assembly elections on the basis of merit. In a nutshell, NOBODY can count on me at this stage.

I will spend the next few months monitoring the performances, lifestyles and utterances of PDP and APC stalwarts. And I will only vote for those who deserve, in my opinion, to be voted for…regardless of the parties they belong to.

If Abba Moro, the Minister of the Interior who presided over a recruitment disaster that led to many deaths, is not sacked, I will find it hard to vote for Jonathan….unless he achieves a spectacular feat like giving us uninterrupted electricity that makes his continued support for Moro easier

•Governor Chibuike Amaechi

•Dame Patience Jonathan to tolerate.

If Amaechi tries to foist a guber successor I dislike on Rivers people, I will not vote for his preferred successor.

If the anti-Amaechi PDP faction in my state – also tries to shove a useless guber candidate down my throat, I will not vote for anyone.

Cynics keep saying that voting is meaningless in Nigeria because politicians are so hellbent on rigging and have the power to get away with malpractices. And I’m tempted to agree with these cynics because I have personally witnessed several situations in which unpopular candidates have “won” in the past.

I have to keep reminding myself that voters CAN become meaningful.

I am just one lone person, so my protests probably won’t have a significant impact. But mass protests CAN achieve desired results. And I urge all Nigerians to start preparing themselves psychologically to say a resounding “no” to inept or uncaring or plan-less or corrupt candidates they don’t want in 2015.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 THE Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme, SUREP, is one of the barely understood programmes of the Federal Government. Its broadly stated objective is to utilise money government saves from selling petroleum at N97 per litre, to ameliorate conditions of poor Nigerians.

We are not about appraising SURE-P but we are alarmed that SURE-P is over-stepping its mandate and ignoring the responsibility managing public resources imposes on it. Media reports of the decision of its Chairman, Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai, to sponsor a purported fight that cruiserweight boxer, Mr. Bash Ali, is promoting should be stopped immediately. Public funds should not be invested in a phantom venture that Mr. Ali has been at for more than eight years.

Each new Minister, every new

Surely Not, SURE-P public institution, every gullible public officer is fertile platform for Mr. Ali’s dream of making the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest boxer to fight for a world title.

The truth, as it has been since Mr. Ali’s dream, is that there is no fight in the frame. The proof is everywhere, but Mr. Ali, drawing the gullible into his dramatics, keeps claiming he would bring honours to Nigeria.

SURE-P’s unsuspecting chairman is the current target. Mr. Ali wants $1 million, which according to him, the International Boxing

Union, IBU, is demanding as sanction fees for the fight. Mr. Ali says he would deposit $29 million with IBU, the boxers’ prize money, once Nigeria pays the $1 million.

Has anyone asked Mr. Ali why he cannot pay the $1 million from his $29 million? Since he is one of the boxers, what would a reduction of $1 million to his purse cost him?

Why should he allow a venture he said would earn Nigeria $500 million die?

The reasons are simple – there is no fight, no dime to be made. Mr. Ali has been telling his fairy tales since President Obasanjo.

Ricky Camlin of USA, his supposed opponent and IBU champion, is not IBU-ranked. IBU’s cruiserweight class is vacant according to its February 2014 rankings.

IBU noted, “Number 8 Bash Ali dropped from rankings due to extended period of inactivity.

Replaced by Glen Johnson”. Mr. Ali last fought in 2004. All he has done since then is canvassing public funds to stage the world record fight.

Agwai, apparently sold on Mr. Ali’s tales said, “If we can produce in every geo-political zone one Bash Ali, that means we are going to get at least six world champions.

We should never as a country, individuals, collectively allow this great dream to die.”

We warn again that it is time we ended Mr. Ali’s nightmare. Public resources should not be committed to this enduring dubiety.

OPINION

BY KUNLE OYATOMI

P

RESIDENT John F. Kennedy did not live to witness the final fulfilment of the most ambitious of his goals: the landing of man on the moon by the United States as he predicted. The Soviet Union had had a head start many times over, starting with the Sputnik in 1957, and the United States saw it as a competition between “tyranny ” (Moscow) and “freedom” (Washington).

Since the Soviets had not landed man on the moon, Kennedy saw such a feat as being the achievement to settle the matter once and for all. So, on May 25, 1961, the American leader went to the Congress and threw the challenge that had since changed the face of space exploration.

He told the lawmakers: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before the decade (the '60s) is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long range exploration of space and none could be so difficult or expensive to accomplish… I believe we should go to the moon.”

That historic goal was fulfilled on July 20, 1969 before the decade was out. But alas, Kennedy who broached the vision had been assassinated on November 22, 1963. He was gone: but C M Y K

Aregbesola: Working for the future he had worked for history. He had seen beyond his day and prepared for the future and history he had peeped into.

That is how most observers view the pace of developments in the state of Osun under Governor Rauf Aregbesola. His policies suggest that he has one foot in today and the other in tomorrow. The criticism levelled against him has to do not only with a gross misunderstanding and ignorance of his long sightedness and mission; but more importantly also with the critics’ refusal to look past the present. We are too burdened with anxieties of the day; we do not want to brace for an encounter with history and the future.

That is not the way of Aregbesola.

We seem to be thinking that the future generation would take care of their own headache when the time comes. Really?

No! Not so! The leader is only a good leader if while addressing today’s challenges, he is able also to do today what the future would benefit from, without compromising today and the future. That is the stuff of great men.

Ghana is a stable polity today on account of the institutional philosophy of governance and probity its founding leader Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah worked out in the '50s and '60s while he was at the helm.

The South West is still a leader in a number of spheres in Nigeria today

because of the developments pioneered by its first premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ditto for the role played by the United States’ founding presidents, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson among others together with the civil war hero President Abraham Lincoln.

None of these rooted themselves in the present. They all spent precious time looking into history. They asked what they could do to make a difference in leadership, in governance and in the lives of the people. And history and society have always honoured them.

In my candid opinion, that is exactly what Governor Rauf Aregbesola is doing in the state of Osun. His deep thrust of intervention in education will have irreversible impact on the citizen who will emerge as the leader of tomorrow by virtue of the fact that he is getting exposed to the technology and skills that would make him fit into the future.

His uncanny policy of employing 20,000 youths at a go in his first 100 days in office in 2010 has succored a depressed economy to push the young ones for a say in the affairs of history. The figure has gone up to 40,000 now. How about agriculture?

Aregbesola has introduced a strategy to capture part of the thriving multi

billion naira market in Lagos for the farmers of Osun. Not only that,the Osun farmers have already been empowered. Many were given loans for poultry and fish farming. And they are doing very well. He has established a meeting point at Dagbolu on the outskirts of Osogbo where the farmers can get their crops transported by rail to the old federal capital for sale, for prosperous business.

In tourism, the Aregbesola administration is targeting N15 billion as revenue in 2015. He met an Internally Generated Revenue of about N300m and today, the government is raking in N1.6 billion monthly without subjecting anyone to extra taxation. In the strategic health sector, the government is undertaking radical changes in the primary, secondary and tertiary stages of health delivery.

Like John Kennedy, it is obvious that Rauf Aregbesola is thinking beyond today. That is the key to solving society’s fundamental problems. The serious problem with leadership in Nigeria is that our helmsmen are too stuck in today. Let us have an eye on history. Let us do what the present and tomorrow will hail us for. *Mr. Oyatomi is the Director of Publicity, Research & Strategy of the APC in Osun State.

—19 Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—

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YANYA, a small suburban settlement close to Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, was a quiet and peaceful area from where many daily travelled to Abuja for their numerous pursuits. With relatively cheaper rents than Abuja, it houses thousands, if not millions, of residents who shuttle to the capital for businesses and work daily. When you are travelling from Benue through Nassarawa State, the Nyanya Area Park and the Flyover bring that feeling of relaxation and safety of being in the FCT as you journey.

For the settlers in Nyanya, they just hop into their vehicles worrying only secretly about traffic en-route the city and their businesses. But all that changed before Easter when Boko Haram under the direct instruction of their leader Shekau, as we read later, detonated a truckload of bombs that killed hundreds of persons at the Nyanya Area Park. Nyanya will not be the same for a while to come.

Sambisa Forest is located towards the east mountains of Borno State where whether known or unknown to the governments and security agents, Boko Haram, from recent

reports, maintain well-fortified tents. There the usual forest activities took place. But today about 187 innocent young school girls are being held hostage there.

They were among the 230 abducted by the Boko Haram about one week before Easter.

Unlike in Nyanya, this abduction signified a change in style and tactics of the terrorists we call Boko Haram. It is the beginning of a new kind of strategy by the enemy to tell all who want to listen, learn and act, that this is not a political war, it is not just a war against GEJ and his administration as many wanted it to be at the beginning. It is a wellcoordinated war by the enemies of the unity of Nigeria, and they are fighting the Nigerian flag.

Their abduction and violation of innocent girls confirm that they are far from being Muslims, and that in fact they are bestial and an unfortunate product from that highly respected religion in this blessed nation. They are determined to shed the blood of any Nigerian, from leaders to school children, and from the employed to the unemployed.

They hate Nigeria and they hate our unity in diversity, although we are yet to sound and act like people who are under such a wicked siege.

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T

hey announce through their media that they hate Western education, but that is a blatant lie. They use guns and instruments of mass murder, all invented by the White man and exported to them using the system invented and designed by educated White men. They use the media to disseminate their works of evil. But the print and electronic media were invented also by educated White educated persons. Even their clothings are from the same source. They can only fool those who want to be fooled. They may have fooled some indigenes and some of the leaders, but not Nigerians. The indigenes of Borno State and Chibok, ought to be wiser now with this abduction, such that in the end they, the Boko Harams, are the fools as time will unfold. We will continue to postpone the end of Boko Haram until we act together.

The confusion over conflicting

Gov Okorocha, the magician?

BY NATHAN UZORMA

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IFE is not all about the more you look, the less you see. Those who think of life in that manner have already misunderstood the principles of existence.

I wish to inform my reader here that magic as ingredient of idol worship goes back to antiquity. The gods of paganism and other religious cults and fraternity are incapable of establishing stability and security in any given society. This deficiency forced both gods and men to make use of magic- an inactive power independent of gods and men, but which could be activated by the aid of incantations and rituals in order to accomplish supernatural deeds.

Sumero-Akkadian and Canaanite religious literature amply attests to the employment of magic by gods or demons to accomplish definite purposes. The Babylonian creation Epic (Enuma Elish) reports that in the struggle against the primeval pair, Tiamat and Apsu, the hero of the young generation of gods, Ea-Enki, killed Apsu with the aid of a spell which he recited. It was by virtue of his knowledge of effective spells and rituals that Ea-Enki had the title “Lord of Incarnation” and was reputed to be the god of magic par excellence.

In the cosmic battle with Tiamat, Marduk, the champion of the gods, used among other weapons a “red paste” which he held between his lips, red being the magic colour for warding off evil influences. Moreover, before proclaiming Marduk as their chief god, the gods in assembly tested him to ascertain whether he possessed the requisite knowledge of magic, without which no god could rule supreme. By his spoken word, he made a piece of cloth varnish and reappear (be restored).

Following the above magical experiment, Marduk was accepted to rule among the gods. Historians have argued

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that Eri was Ra who was also known in Babylon/Mesopotania as Marduk. Marduk was the warlord who was out to build a secret human army with which to take over the ruler-ship of gods and men as is evident in Enuma Elish and the Lost Book of Enki respectively.

Esoteric history has it that Marduk was a greedy god and his greed to take over the ruler-ship of the world prevailed which eventually led to the final nuclear war of 2,000 BC which destroyed the great cities of that time, Sumer, Mohenjo Daro and many others whose names have been lost. Without bothering myself on the historical evidence on how Marduk began a lasting relationship with Abram of the Bible and how he took the name that is worshipped today in the world, it is imperative to inform my readers that what has kept Imo people where they are today is the greed-cummagical nature of Gov. Rochas.

The reason for all the historical record on Marduk is to educate mankind on how what is not real from the foundation can never be real at any point. Today, following the entire political magical cantata initiated by the Imo political magician, our people are in different wars with poverty, difficulty, and hunger.

As a result of the above and this ugly experience, some political saviours have appeared to overturn the Okorocha’s political culture in 2015 as the foods set upon our various tables by this administration have become rotten and poisonous. Lies are told to cover many errors and these lies are, on daily basis, surfacing. If a particular lie is told, when it is revealed, another lie must be told to cover it. This is what the act of magic is all about in Imo State.

Aesop, the great philosopher, in one of his fables, told a story that goes thus: “Once upon a time all the rivers combined to protest against the action of the sea in making their waters salty. "When we come to you," said they to the sea, "we were sweet and drinkable but when once we have mingled with you,

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BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

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Beyond Nyanya and Sambisa Forest

We all need Nigeria to be what we aspire to be, and Nigeria needs us all now in order to be that blessed, peaceful and loving country of our dream

figures of the number of girls abducted and those released, between the Army, the Borno State Government and the Principal of the Government Girls secondary School, Chibok, Maiduguri, Borno State, show how things go wrong in this fight against Boko Haram. While the Army would like to claim victory for every achievement considering their mandate, the Borno State Government appears determined to prove that the FG, which includes the Army, is not doing enough, and this conflicting position does not and will not augur well for the traumatized and victimized people of Borno State.

Governor Shettima should accept that some Nigerians and they are many, think that he stands to benefit in 2015, if elections are not held in his State, based on constitutional provision that there must be someone to hand over to before an incumbent can relinquish his position.

The onus of proving these people wrong lies on him, and he will likely not discharge that onus creditably if he continues with his stance against the FG. Same applies to GEJ, and his advisers, who the opposition will want to paint in every demonic colour.

It is hard for politicians to rise above politics to help the people, but if they must deal with this unusual situation decisively, they must do something unusual, by rising above politics to tackle Boko Haram and rescue Nigeria from the hands of terrorism. We will

If a particular lie is told, when it is revealed, another lie must be told to cover it; this is what the act of magic is all about in Imo State

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our waters became as briny and unpalatable as your own." The sea replied shortly: "Keep away from me and you will remain sweet."

In the material world of political error and zeal for opulence, one can generally tell a man’s special field of investigation by the words which he uses carefully and carelessly. Brave actions never want a trumpet. When you are doing the right things, you will be aided by forces of light to continue but the superiority of falsehood over truth is but for a moment.

I

sincerely want every reader of this article to know that evil and abominable things are speaking volumes in Imo State.

There are signs everywhere indicating that evil omen is politically sited with us today making evil to appear as good in order to destroy the legacy of democracy in Imo State. Yes, even the gods are very exasperated oby the amount of ‘evil-cratic’ democracy in Imo State.

The fable, according to Aesop, truly reflects the state of affairs in Imo State.

Before Gov. Okorocha was brought in through the supplementary election, our waters were not salty at all but during his maiden broadcast, he promised to make our waters very salty, drinkable and sweet. On the contrary, our waters today are briny and unpalatable as our mingling with Rochas has produced hunch-back on all Imo citizens.

Our waters are dirty; as a result everybody is sick! There is need to call Gov Rochas to order before it is too late. Okorocha’s administration is bereft of conscience and

continue to postpone the end of Boko Haram until we act together, irrespective of who we are.

Beyond the experiences from Nyanya and the Sambisa Forest, the FG, including her security agencies, the state governments and all her forces of propaganda, the opposition party, the APC, and the media, must speak with one voice, and act together to stamp out Boko Haram and their likes, out of this country.We all need Nigeria to be what we aspire to be, and Nigeria needs us all now in order to be that blessed, peaceful and loving country of our dream.

We must learn from these to rise above this situation now.

Our CCTVs in public parks and places should begin to work, and that calls for electric power. We need electricity. Those who deny us electric power are helping our enemies by disenabling our plans to protect ourselves. Of what use are the CCTVs in public places if they are not powered to work?

Security must be provided now to protect all educational institutions, schools, NYSC camps and places where our future generations live and stay together for anything, in the North East and all zones of Nigeria.

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

due process. Like all the rivers combined to protest against the actions of the sea in making their waters salty, Imo people through various channels have expressed their dissatisfaction over Rocha’s administration. Our water is very undrinkable and briny. Our governor has done so many things that are making both the living and the dead uncomfortable.

Like the sea in the fable replied to the rivers, “keep away from me and you will remain sweet”, in the same vein, Okorocha has told Imo people who are protesting against his administration to either stay away from Imo or allow him to accomplish his ignoble intentions. Shall I run away from Imo State because of Okorocha? Never! I am a stakeholder in Imo State; I shall see what becomes of this oppressor who has come to fulfill the sayings of Christ.

So many things have happened to me ever since I embarked on exposing Rochas Okorocha. I have said it and will continue to say that Gov. Okorocha will not stop me from speaking the truth. His administration has done us much harm.

A man full of selfishness can’t stop at anything and as Martin Luther King, jr. would say: “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it”. I know that I can’t do anything because I do not possess the government apparatus but it is for a while.

I am amazed at why any right thinking man could use intimidation to answer the question of the conscience. How could Okorocha use Imo like mgbada thinking we are all mugus? A mugu is a literal word for a fool. Why should Okorocha treat us like one?

Okorocha is ruling Imo as a hungry and greedy man who does not allow his servants to pick a crumb from his table.

Imo belongs to us all and we must join hands to make Imo a more comfortable place to live.

*Prof. Uzorma wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

20— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 21

SON accuses Chinese firms of violating standards, en vir onmental la ws envir vironmental laws

By FRANKLIN ALLI

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HE Standards Organisa tion of Nigeria, SON, has accused Chinese businesses of consistently violating the country’s quality standards and environment laws by bringing substandard products into the country.

Engr. Bede Obayi, Head of SON Enforcement Team, stated this in Lagos, when the agency raided, evacuated and sealed off a Chinese factory for assembling and warehousing different brands of handsets.

The team also arrested three Chinese nationals on duty and handed them over to Police Criminal Investigation Department, for prosecution. The factory is situated in a residential building at Ogunmodede Street, off Allen Avenue in Lagos.

Products evacuated from the factory to SON’s warehouse at Ogba Industrial Estate, include MBO Mobile Technology, G. Best, lithium battery, among other brands.

“We are sealing off the factory and arresting these Chinese and handing them over to police for prosecution because they are killing the Nigerian economy and the environment by bringing substandard hand sets into Nigeria and we can no longer tolerate it.”

He said, “We have said that after January 2014, any handsets in the market that has not been registered and certified will be removed from circulation. Every handset in Nigeria must be registered on

our e-registration platform for us to know the quality and to know those who are behind it for traceability,” said Obayi.

“As you can see, the handsets are all assorted brands and there is no known company behind them; how do you know the manufacturers and the agents? SON doesn’t know anything about how they come into the country but we got a tip-off that they are being assembled here and pushed into the markets. Where these Chinese are living is where they are assembling them. They are low quality hand sets and these Chinese are not doing the

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3,008.00

+15.00

17.34

0.35 -0.16 -0.27

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

154.73 259.8381 214.0844 175.4905 1.5133 0.307 238.9227 24.8039 41.2569 28.6696 239.9089

155.23 260.6777 214.7762 176.0576 1.5181 0.317 239.6947 24.8845 41.3903 28.7623 240.6841

cy of government comes, you become bewildered and you claim ignorance of what they are doing; you should from time to time check what they are doing.”

In response, the Chairman of the landlords’ Association (name withheld) assured the agency, “We are going to take it up from here.”

From left: First Secretary (Consular) & Head of Lagos Office, High Commission of India, Mrs. Rani Malick, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ajjanpur Rangalah Ghanashyam and Vice President, Lagos Chamber, Mr. Varkey Verghese after a meeting of the High Commissioner with Council members of the Chamber in Lagos.

211.1

109.11 101.48

business in the right way,” he noted.

Fielding question on whether SON would arrest the landlord of the affected building, Obayi, replied, “We are not arresting the landlord because the building remains; we are only sealing off the building until further directives come from the Director General.

“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin every landlord in this country to know their tenants and what they do.

If somebody comes to hire your apartment, if it is a living room, don’t allow it to be turned into what you don’t even know and when an agen-

155.73 261.5174 215.468 176.6247 1.523 0.327 240.4668 24.9651 41.5236 28.8549 241.4594

CBN Exchange rate as at 24/04/2014

Digital divide stalling growth in emerging markets - Report

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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HE World Economic Forum has declared that the increasing digital divide between the connected and the under connected nations across the globe is stalling the progress of emerging and developing nations.

This was the position of 2014 Global IT report of the world body released yesterday.

The report, the 13th in the series expressed worry over the development saying that such situation puts the emerging nations at risk of missing out on many positive impacts information and communications technologies, ICT bring, including increased innovation, economic competitiveness and greater social inclusion.

It said addressing new digital divide among the networked and the under networked nations remains key for balancing growth in the global economy, pointing that little progress is being made in bridging the digital divide between technology savvy nations and others.

One of the key findings of the report is that countries cannot only rely on ICT infrastructure development to become competitive. Rather, the benefits of ICT can only be fully derived when a country implements a holistic strategy aimed at creating conditions for skills, innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish alongside modern infrastructure.

Published under the theme, “Rewards and Risks of Big Data”, the report’s Networked Readiness Index, NRI measures the capacity of 148 economies to leverage ICT for growth and wellbeing. It finds consistency at the top end of the rankings this year, with Finland first, Singapore second and Sweden third.

2015 Election: Advertising practitioners project N20bn political campaigns spending

By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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dvertising Practitioners, un der the aegis of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN said that over N20billion would be spent on political campaigns in 2014.

Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Association, Dr. Celey Okogwu, disclosed this at a press conference to announce the Association’s business projection for 2014.

He noted that the N20 billion that would be spent on political campaigns may however not pass through the organised private sector.

He added that the Association expects increased advertisement

spending in 2014 from the telecom and banking sectors due to the new banking regime and rebranding exercise.

The Association also expects companies in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods, FMCG, sector and Small Medium Enterprises, SMEs, to play major roles in the 2014 advertising year.

The Association further noted that the business outlook for 2014 portends some potential for advertising practitioners and agencies.

Okogwu enthused that it is believed by industry practitioners that advertisers will also increase their spending and operate within the framework of the law, ethics and best business practices.

On the other hand, The Associa-

tion said that since there is a proven link between advertising and economic growth, there is also a positive correlation between the rates of investment in advertising and the Gross Domestic Product, GDP growth in major markets.

He stated that the biggest advertising spenders are also the leading Foreign Direct Investment, FDI companies in Nigeria.

Aside these, Nigeria economy being one of the most developed economies in Africa with the 2nd largest stock exchange on the continent, and projected to grow at over 7 percent GDP can do better with sectors like power, Agric, Tourism ICT operating at full potentials, “Our industry is positioned to benefit from the expected growth in the 2014 fiscal year, noted Okogwu.

22— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

CIS honours Balogun with Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Lead Capital targets 35m Nigerians for stocks transaction STORIES BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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EAD Capital Plc has said it will leverage the newly introduced online stocks trading platform, LeadTrader, to capture the 35 million Nigerians that are not yet active in the stock market.

Mr. Wale Adewumui, a Director in Lead Capital Plc, made the statement at the LeadTrader Product Demonstration press briefing in Lagos, saying that presently only five million investors participate actively in the Nigerian capital market, but opportunity exists for 40 million, adding that LeadTrader will be used to bridge that divide of 35 million gaps.

LeadTrader was launched early this month by Lead Securities & Investment Limited, the stockbroking arm of Lead Capital Plc. Additionally, he stated that the online trading platform will improve transparency in stocks trading, as well as provide efficient price discovery in the market.

He noted that the platform will also eliminate the age long rancour that arise in the process of share transaction between stockbrokers and investors as it will transfer control for shares to be bought and sold completely to the investor.

“It is our own contribution to the growth of the Nigerian capital market, in extension the Nigerian economy.

We want to use this to develop the retail market for investors and also make share transactions convenient, fast and more transparent,” he said; adding “We hope that in the next few years, our GDP will grow in terms of size as a result of this.”

He explained that Lead Securities will soon commence a massive roll out across other parts of the country, including Abuja and Port-Harcourt.

Speaking while doing the product demonstration, Mr. Dolapo Ashiru,

Head, Stockbrokerage Services, Lead Capital Plc, said that of two stockbroking firms that have unveiled online trading platform for stocks trading, Leadrader offers investors privilege of viewing the NSE’s real time market data, thereby enabling accurate order instruction.

He stated that LeadTrader provides investors the comfort and convenience of executing their trading online via a range of devices such as desktop, laptops,

tablets and other mobile devices, adding that in the next few weeks, clients can trade via other mobile apps.

Ashiru emphasised that orders submitted via LeadTrader pass through a FIX compatible Order Management System, OMS, where appropriate compliance checks are in place to prevent erroneous orders going into the NSE’s trading engine.

Union Bank records 2 17% gr owth 21 gro in profit … to complete divestment from subsidiaries soon

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NION Bank Plc said its profit after tax for financial year ending December 31, 2013, rose to N3.8 billion from N1.2 billion in 2012, representing 217 percent increase over the previous period.

The bank’s full year financials released to the investing public through the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showed that the profit before tax grew to N3.8 billion as against N2.9 billion reported in corresponding period of 2012, 31 percent increase.

Gross earnings at N121 billion was four percent growth over N117 billion recorded in 2012.

Gross loans and advances to customers stood at N249 billion, up 30 percent from N192 billion recorded as at December 2012.

However, customer deposits declined to N483 billion from N522 billion in December 2012, while total assets went down to N1, 003 billion from N1, 015 billion in December 2012.

The non-performing loans at N14.6 billion was 56 percent down from N33.3 billion achieved in December

2012.

Meanwhile, the bank said that preferred bidders have been identified for the acquisition of its interests in Union Homes Savings and Loans, Union Registrars Limited, Union Assurance Company Limited and Union Capital Markets Limited.

It noted that the transactions would be concluded after the requisite regulatory approvals are secured.

Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Emeka Emuwa, said: “In 2013 we focused on two key priorities - first, immediately improving the bank’s operations by addressing critical challenges in service delivery to our clients; and second, developing a roadmap to establish Union Bank firmly as a leading player within the Nigerian banking industry.

We are pleased to have a clearly defined strategy to guide our growth over the next five years.”

n appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the stockbroking profession in Nigeria, the founder of FCMB Group, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON, has been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).

The conferment ceremony took place at the 2014 Annual Dinner and Awards Night of the Institute held in Lagos recently.

Otunba Balogun, who was the first Vice President of CIS upon its inception in 1990, is widely referred to as the doyen of the Nigerian financial sector due to his pioneering role in the emergence of indigenous and entrepreneurial banking in the country.

In 1977, he founded City Securities Limited, which was the first institution in Nigeria to combine issuing house and stockbroking businesses under one portfolio.

Following his outstanding performances in the Nigerian capital and money markets, Otunba Balogun went on to single-handedly set up the first wholly Nigerian owned merchant bank, known as First City Merchant Bank Limited, which has progressed in the last 30 years to what is now First City Monument Bank (FCMB)Plc.

Sterling Bank grows Q1 profit by 1 7% tto o 17% N3.5bn

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terling Bank Plc has announced 17 percent growth in profit before tax for the first quarter ending March 31, 2014.

The interim report and accounts of the bank for the period released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showed that profit before tax grew from N3.02 billion to N3.54 billion, representing 17.2 percent growth.

Similarly, the profit after tax increased by 15.4 percent, rising from N2.72 billion to N3.14 billion, while gross earnings rose by 24.1 percent to N24.6 billion in first quarter 2014 as against N19.84 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

Net interest income rose by 58 percent due to 31 percent growth in interest income relative to a modest increase of eight percent in interest expense.

This resulted in a 35 percent growth in operating income to N16.2 billion.

The annualized return on average equity was 20 percent in line with the bank’s medium term strategic objectives.

Commenting on the results, Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the first quarter was a positive start for the bank and a reflection of the bank’s improving efficiency and robust credit risk management.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 23

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26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

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hymzo is still doing his things regardless of the low hype reggae music is getting from the Nigerian media. He is an unrepentant top class reggae artiste renowned for his unique voice and style that sets him apart from the mediocre local reggae-like musicians you will find around the ghettos and street corners of Nigeria. He has been working hard in the studio, touring Europe and Asia and only recently did a remix with Jamaica’s all time legend, Cocoa Tea. In this chat; the Rastafarian bears it all on why he chose reggae music despite all the odds against that genre of music; his dreadlocks , his dress sense and many more.

Excerpt: I noticedthat most Reggae artistes remain young despite their age, is there anything you guys take to that effect?

First of all, there is a misconception, when you’re very deep, a lot of people tend to think you are older than your actual age.

Secondly, your diet means a lot.

Personally, I avoid some foods , I eat mostly fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.

Those things help you to keep your youth. A lot of people think you’re older because of your messages,because of your consciousness in music. Most times you are not as old as people actually think.

Fighting to fight no more?

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What are some of the setbacks you’ve encountered doing reggae music?

One of them is that the Nigerian media don’t really give reggae music a chance

Conspiracy against reggae music?

Once the government is mentioned in your music, it’s dead — Rhymzo

Being one of the best in the world of reggae, can you tell us how you started doing reggae music?

I was actually inspired by a Jamaican artiste called Euro, after that I started recording songs that sounded like him.

But in the 90’s I deviated into

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hiphop, but as a deep person, after doing hiphop for some years, I discovered that hiphop was drifting another way which wasn’t conscious. I had to come back to reggae which gives me room to really express myself in serious terms. In other genres, you either talk about party or girls, but reggae helps you to talk about real stuffs. I try to learn something new in music everyday.

to grow. Other genres get a lot of airplay, even the upcoming ones. A lot is happening in reggae that people don’t pay attention to, because our society doesn’t really support

Yvonne Nelson finally finds love?

reggae.

The multinationals are supporting hiphop and Afrobeat, while reggae artistes are being left on their own. We’ve been working hard trying to beat that.

Do you think it’s because your songs are

basically about fighting for justice?

I think that’s part of it.

Other reasons are that the youths of these days don’t really listen to serious talks.

Everyone just want to sit somewhere,drink and jump, that’s why reggae music is not respected out here, because reggae music deals with serious concepts. Most times, the issues talked about in our songs rub off on government and other higher powers, which

Continues on page 27

Is China leading the fight against online pornography?

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—27

Synopsis Below is the schedule for the week commencing 25th April, 2014 The movie

Once the government is mentioned in your music, it’s dead

FROZEN GROUND

is releasing on Friday, attached is the art work.

Synopsis for FROZEN GROUND: An Alaska State Trooper partners with a young woman who escaped the clutches of serial killer Robert Hansen to bring the murderer to justice. Based on actual events.

Continues from page 26

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK

sometimes leads to poor airplay. I recently did a song about the government and corruption, but it wasn’t aired and I later did one talking about Boko Haram, it still wasn’t played. But in every other place, they say these are very nice songs, but in Nigeria, nobody regards it. Once, the government is mentioned in your music, it’s dead.

And reggae music deals with the natural and reality.

What is reggae music all about?

Reggae music is both a spiritual music and a voice for the people. It is that genre that speaks for the people. You can’t act flamboyant as a real reggae artiste or a Rastafarian . Reggae music is just natural vibes, there’s no artificial stuff attached.

KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR HEAVEN IS FOR REAL ABOUT LAST NIGHT NOAH SINGLE MOMS CLUB

Exhibition Schedule from APRIL, 25 — MAY, 1 2014 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND The Frozen Ground : 11:40am,6:30pm Heaven is for Real : 2:20pm,6:40pm,8:40pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 12:00pm,4:20pm The Single Moms Club : 1:00pm

Nothing can make me cut it.

It’s my identity, I’m a Rastafarian. I believe in living natural, the way God made me

What’s your real name?

My real name is Churchill. But my stage name is Rhymzo. I’m partly Benin and Bayelsa, but I didn’t grow up in any of those places, so I can’t speak any of the languages. I spent a lot of time abroad, now I’m in Lagos.

Besides doing reggae, what else do you do?

I do promotions and productions.

That takes a lot of my time, because most times, I’m out there doing promotions in those places where reggae music is highly accepted.

Being a reggae artiste, what kind of music do you produce?

I’m a real producer, not a beat maker. So, I produce all kinds of music, jazz, hiphop and so on. I worked with Goldie, I’ve recorded Sunny Neji, Modele. I produce everything, because I’m a musician not a beat maker.

Do you have a family?

Yes. I’ve had one for ten years. I have a little daughter that is six years old and they are in Nigeria with me.

You are looking good, are you really particular about what you wear?

I’m conscious of what I wear because in Nigeria, a lot of reggae artistes have sent out an impression

to the public, that as a reggae artiste you have to look dirty and tattered, which is wrong. That’s why I’m very conscious of what I wear.

Let’s talk about your hair, how long have you been carrying it?

For thirteen years.

How much would I give you to cut it? ( Laughs) Someone has actually begged me with a hundred thousand. Nothing can make me cut it. It’s my identity, I’m a Rastafarian.

I believe in living natural, the way God made me. I feel naked without dreadlocks. Sometime, when I was younger, my mum cut my hair, I felt so shy and naked. It gives me a lot of confidence.

Is there something the hair does for you?

I feel that the Almighty who created the hair has a purpose for it.

In the Bible, there is a place that says the hair is a covering. The hair is like a crown to the Black man and should be allowed to grow. Even the White people don’t really cut their hair, they trim theirs, but they made us cut ours, they felt we were animals. I’m surprised that most Africans still keep to that humiliating attitude.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Frozen Ground : 6;45pm Heaven is for Real : 2:00pm,6:25pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 8:40pm The Single Moms Club : 4:00pm Noah : 4:05pm The Nut Job : 2:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC The Frozen Ground : 5:10pm Heaven is for Real : 1:10pm,3:10pm,5:10pm7:10pm,9:10pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door :1:30pm,5:50pm,8:10pm The Single Moms Club : 7:10pm Noah : 4:35pm About last night : 1:50pm,4:10pm,6:20pm,8:20pm Robocop : 12:10am,4:20pm, SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA The Frozen Ground : 8: 45pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 12:00pm,2:20pm,6:30pm Noah : 2:00pm About last night : 8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT The Frozen Ground : 4:50pm Heaven is for Real : 11:30am,4:10pm,8:50pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 2:10pm,6:40pm,9:00pm The Single Moms Club : 2:40pm Render to Caeser : 1200pm,8:40pm, When dreams fall apart : 11:50pm,4:35pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI The Frozen Ground : 12:00pm,4:30pm Heaven is for Real : 6:05pm,8:45pm The Single Moms Club : 3:50pm The Nut Job : 11:00am,2:45pm About last night : 2:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Heaven is for Real : 12:05pm,2:25pm,4:40pm,6:55pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 11:30am,1:55pm,6:25pm Shaadi ke side effects : 3:40pm Render to Caeser : 2:10pm,6:35pm About last night : 4:25pm Robocop: 11:35am, 2:00pm,4:20pm,6:40pm The Best Man Holiday : 1:10pm,6:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Heaven is for Real : 10:10am,2:30pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 12;05pm, The Single Moms Club : 2:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Heaven is for Real : 6:40pm,8:40pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 12:45pm,4:30pm The Single Moms Club : 10:45am,8:40pm Heaven is for Real : 2:15pm,6:20pm,8:20pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 12:00pm,4:05pm,8:00pm The Single Moms Club : 8:50pm

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Stories By AYO ONIKOYI

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Fighting to fight no more?

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t is no longer a rumour that there is a problem between the singing duo of Paul and Peter Okoye of P-Square which might ultimately lead to the end of the brand called P-Square. The media have been agog with various angles to the story, with some saying, the brothers, including their brother and manager, Jude being the real problem as the three brothers are finding it hard to tolerate one another while others maintain that it is their wives, Anita Isima and Lola Omotayo that are at the centre of the feud.

*Their many fights ut those who have known the twin brothers for a long time have said the brothers have always had issues of differences between them. A close source to them pointed out it was their mother that was keeping them together against all odds. “Now that the woman is late one should expect that there would be problem” the source said.

Another insider told one of our reporters: ‘Peter and Paul have been fighting since they were small boys.

And there’s no song or album they’ve made that they’ve not had quarrels.

They almost never agree – whether it’s on choice of songs to release, costume concept or dance routine.

Everyone knows that. And they’ve been able to manage it all these years.

If it’s reached a point where they can no longer manage it now, I don’t think anyone should blame Anita or Lola’.

On April 16, 2014 Inside sources in the P-square camp claimed the brothers got into a ‘serious’ fight on which left one of them slightly injured. The twins, sources say, got into a war of words during one of their rehearsals, right in front of their band mates. According to another source, that must have been the last straw that prompted their brother, Jude, to emotionally resort to blowing the whole thing open on twitter by tweeting “‘After over 10yrs of hard work, it’s over. Am done (sic)” Even industry watchers who watched them performed at the President’s daughter ’s wedding recently in Portharcourt observed the brothers could not get their acts together as they appeared to be uncoordinated.

“There was disharmony in their acts. While Paul was trying his best to get the acts going, Peter seemed to be in a world of his own. That their brother came to blow the lid off the whole thing only showed the brothers have been everything but brotherly” said the source who saw them performed in Portharcourt recently.

Paul Okoye ome sources have been saying that Paul has been running from pillar to post to have their people reconcile him and his brother, who remains poised on opting out of the group. Just some days ago, the singer took to Facebook to implore people to pray for them.

“After the storm comes the calm.

Hoping for better days ahead as one family. God’s intervention”, Paul posted on his Facebook page.

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I believe their wives will not allow this to go on as there names cannot be washed off the mess Jude Okoye n the seeming rough waters, one man seemed to be caught in the midst of it all and that man is their brother and Manager, Jude Okoye. Rumours have it that Jude has not been altogether neutral in the fight between his brothers. One report has it that Peter has repeatedly blamed Jude for being the ringleader in championing tale of hate against his wife, Lola

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Omotayo.

That Jude failed to show up at the traditional wedding between Peter and Lola added fuel to the fire of speculations that Jude never accepted Lola. While a source claimed Jude was acting according to their late mum’s instruction that Lola must never be accepted into the Okoye’s clan, Peter was reported to have accused his brother of openly disrespecting his wife.

Peter Okoye arious reports have fingered Peter Okoye as the warring partner that wants out of the group. A source even confirmed to Vanguard, that Peter has remained adamant to have the issue resolved, stating that he wants out to rediscover himself. The source said Peter felt he is not being allowed to express himself as he should, that he wants to shed the toga of a mere dancer of the group.

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P-Square he greatest fear of other entertainers is the end of a legend called P-Square. Jimmy Jatt, Tonto Dikeh, Djinee and others have all come out to say the end of P-Square is like breaking the backbone of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of them have sued for peace, begging the brothers to back down and reconsider.

However, an entertainer who doesn’t want his name mentioned said he believes the brothers would work out something as this is not the first time they are fighting each other. “ They have always fought each other and have always disagree to agree. I pray the spirit of their mother comes to touch them. I hope this is a fight they will fight to fight no more. I believe their wives will not allow this to go on as there names cannot be washed off the mess” the insider said.

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Yvonne Nelson finally finds love?

By IYABO AINA

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bviously, Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson has a knack for Nigerian guys. But the question is, are there no hot guys capable of winning her heart in Ghana?

This is because the actress who visits Nigeria frequently for movie shoots, seems to have developed a thing for Alex Ebubo after a lovegone-sour affair with Iyanya.

Yvonne, who was in bed and in the arms of Ekubo during a movie shoot in Nigeria, took to her instagram and wrote: ”In bed…onset…with this hotttttie @alexxekubo. Why am I still Single? #secondary virgin!”

Although sources claim both Yvonne and Ekubo are having a secret affair, this may not be true as we don’t see such ever happening between the two.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Destressing the right way

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lot has been said about stress and it’s effects on your health and beauty.

Still it appears there is no escape if you live in a cosmopolitan city such as Lagos.

If you’re a working woman, you’re even more prone, with multiple responsibilities at home, work and to extended family.

We’ve heard it all from the simplistic to the ridiculous- pop gum, breathe deep, slather on hand lotion, scream, peel an orange, call your granny, sip coffee and watch the sun rise…

It’s time to determine once and for all what small the budget is. There’s everyone has uncivilized thing to do but works and what doesn’t. always somewhere to go.

Listening to soothing music good old fashioned venting is Plan your Vacation t really doesn’t matter how near your last vacation was or where you are going to next. If you aree going to be stress free at some point you absolutely have to have a vacation and the sooner you begin to plan for it the more distressing it has the capacity to be.

Thinking of the details of your trip not only gives you the feeling you are at least doing something right, it gives you good practice with paying attention to details: how many companions, if any? Who would they be? Where would you be going? What activities

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Go Shopping Yes, retail therapy is all that it has been construed to be. It works, whether or not you are spending your money or somebody else’s.

As the popular phrase goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”?

There just may be some wisdom in that. Generally described as the act of shopping and spending to improve one’s mood, Retail Therapy has been clinically shown to boost the production of feel good hormones.

There are rules, though. Buy things you actually need, like an early Christmas/birthday/ Valentine day’s presents or

,

True, there are times when it seems as though there is nothing whatsoever to laugh about but the first person you should be laughing at is yourself because if you can laugh at yourself you can laugh at anything

would you be doing. When will the vacation be? Those and a hundred other details.

Planning with others would provide an opportunity for ‘pleasurable’ team work that would permanently put your mind off subjects that cause you stress.

Planning for your vacation provides a permanent escape route from any and every situation you are in and actually ensure that you get great deals and have a well planned vacation. And it really doesn’t matter how

,

even new work clothes.

Dressing appropriately not only increases our confidence, but may even help us perform better. Also, retail therapy, like alcohol, is very addictive and good only in small dozes .

Of course, the presumption is that you understand that material things do not have the ability to keep you happy on the long run.

Listen to Music Not everyone likes music, in the general sense but in reality

can be very relaxing—and slow tempos in particular can induce a calm state of mind.

(It can also slow down breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax tense muscles too). This can be particularly beneficial when you’re getting ready for a tough day at work, if you’re in your car stuck in traffic, or, if you’re lying in bed trying to free your mind of stressful thoughts.

Vent!

It sounds like such an

clinically one of the best ways to distress. In actual fact, it is perfectly healthy for every woman to have a venting partner, male or female , to whom she can whine at the end of a long, stressful day or to you see through that relationship that is stressing you out.

Understand that the whole point of venting is the venting itself. Your partner is not going to solve the problem, but he/ she will keep your blood pressure down.

Laugh True, there are times when it seems as though there is nothing whatsoever to laugh about but the first person you should be laughing at is yourself because if you can laugh at yourself you can laugh at anything.

Look out for humour in every situation. Join an online jokes group where jokes are shared and if all else fails, watch some hilarious back issues of your favourite comedy. Laughing is actually learnt behaviour and habitual rather than instinctive.

If you can’t laugh begin by smiling and soon you’ll be laughing out loud.

Ebola: Should you worry abo N

ews of this deadly virus has hit the airwaves and are not about to go away. the scaremongering machine has been put in motion but should you be afraid? Here’s some background information about Ebola, a virus with a high fatality rate that was first identified in Africa in 1976.

Facts: Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by one of five different Ebola viruses.

Four of the strains can cause severe illness in humans and animals. The fifth, Reston virus, has caused illness in some animals, but not in humans.

The first human outbreaks occurred in 1976, one in northern Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in Central Africa: and the other, in southern Sudan (now South Sudan). The virus is named after the Ebola River, where the virus was first recognized in 1976, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Humans can be infected by other humans if they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects from infected persons. Humans can also be exposed to the virus, for example, by butchering in-

fected animals.

While the exact reservoir of Ebola viruses is still unknown, researchers believe the most likely natural hosts are fruit bats.

Symptoms of Ebola typically include: weakness,

Information minister, Labaran Maku

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

— 31

The technovation challenge national pitch, according to WITIN, is a global technology entrepreneurship programme for girls, created to discover their ingenuity in apps development and programming.

Coordinator and President of WITIN, Mrs. Martha Omoekpe Alade, noted that the challenge is the largest and longest-running global technology competition exclusively for girls to inspire the pursuit of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Market research “This contest allows girls learn how to code and develop mobile apps, conduct market research, write business plans, and create a “pitch” for funding. They are also taught From left: Mrs. Nkemdilim Begho, MD FutureSoft; Gloria Anozie Young, Nollywood veteran; Mrs. Martha Alade, President, Women in life skills such as how to idenTechnology; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso, PS, Lagos State Education District, VI at the event. tify a problem, design and test a solution, collaborate with a team, and communicate to different audiences”, she stated.

According to her, the initiative is in line with the Federal government’s drive to bridge the growing gap in ICT between young females and their male counterparts. Participating Technovation challenge post- land developed electricity unit Academy developed apps that schools this year include –VivBy ESTHER ONYEGBULA er where 15 teams talked about calculator apps that will help help locate public convenience ian Fowler; Fountain Heights; AS part of measures to their apps on their poster Nigerians to calculate their in Lagos with exact location of Princeton College, Unilag infurther bridge the gap stands, as participants and del- consumption value and has facilities location. This appli- ternational school; Laureates between girls and boys access egates toured round the stand naira interface.

University of Lagos Internato Information and Communi- and ask the young apps develThe technovation challenge national pitch, accations Technology (ICT), the oper questions about their tional School developed an application called “rescue your cording to WITIN, is a global technology enWomen in Technology in Ni- apps.

Participating schools did size apps”. The application is trepreneurship programme for girls, created to geria (WITIN) on Tuesday in Lagos, hosted the 2014 edition three minutes presentation of designed to help reduce the fitof Tech 4D forum for women their apps which is intended ness and dieting problems in discover their ingenuity in apps development with theme women leading to solve a peculiar societal Nigeria using algorithms and and programming challenge. Princeton College functions, including the body through technology.

The first session had over 500 developed apps that takes care mass index function which cation is unique as it address- College; Dogregos Private girls from about 13 secondary of ground travels, as well as helps to determine the fitness es the challenge of locating Academy, Honeyland Schools public conveniences and en- among others. schools in Lagos, Ogun and provides 24 hours tracking, level of individuals.

While Dogregos Private vironmental pollution.

Delta state, kicked off with a emergency and reservation for Presenting the awards to last travelers and tourist. Honeyyears winners, developed a mobile application to solve traffic problem in Nigeria, Hobeen confirmed in the following countries: Sudan (now South Sudan), which incurs 284 nourable Abike Dabiri Erewa Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), cases and 151 deaths. fever, aches, diarrhea, encouraged the girls to be deGabon, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Ugan1989 - In Reston, Virginia, macaque monvomiting and stomach termined to succeed. da, Republic of the Congo (ROC), Guinkeys imported from the Philippines are found pain. Additional experiWhile encouraging parents ea and Liberia. to be infected with the Ebola virus (later named ences include rash, red eyes, chest pain, to pay keen interest to what According to the World Health Organithe Ebola-Reston virus). throat soreness, difficulty breathing or their wards are into, Alade diszation, “there is no specific treatment or 1990 - In Texas and Virginia quarantine faswallowing and bleeding (including inclosed that the world pitch vaccine,” and the fatality rate can be up to cilities, four humans develop Ebola antibodternal). holds in California, USA 90%. Patients are given supportive care, ies after contact with monkeys imported from Typically, symptoms appear 8-10 days around May this year. which includes providing fluids and electhe Philippines. None of the humans has sympafter exposure to the virus, but the incuLast year, the winners from Nitrolytes and food. toms. bation period can span two to 21 days. geria emerged top 10 global1995 - An outbreak in Democratic Republic Unprotected health care workers are susly, after developing a mobile Fluids and of the Congo (formerly Zaire) leads to 315 receptible to infection because of their close application to solve traffic probported cases and at least 250 deaths. electrolytes contact with patients during treatment. lem in Nigeria.

2001-2002 - An EBOV outbreak occurs on Deadly human Ebola outbreaks have Mrs. Nkemdilim Begho, MD the border of Gabon and Republic of the ConThere are five subspecies of the Ebola FutureSoft, noted that the go (ROC), which results in 53 deaths on the virus: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), apps development and entreGabon side and at least 43 deaths on the ReBundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Sudan preneurship mentoring will public of the Congo side. ebolavirus (SUDV), Taï Forest ebolavirus not only help bring the best in 2007 - An EBOV outbreak occurs in the (TAFV) and Reston ebolavirus (RESTV) the girls; but also inspire them Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 187 Statistics: There have been more than into creativity and fundamenof the 264 cases reported result in death. In 3,000 reported cases and more than 1,600 tals of technological innovalate 2007, an outbreak in Uganda leads to 37 deaths since the discovery of Ebola. tion. deaths. 149 cases were reported.

Timeline: *Includes outbreaks resulting She called for support from March 2014-present - Outbreak in Guinea in more than 100 deaths or special cases. various stakeholders in the and Liberia. There are at least 208 confirmed 1976 - First recognition of the EBOV country to help give the initiaor suspected cases of EVD in Guinea, resultdisease is in Zaire (now Democratic Retive the needed to support that ing in 136 deaths there, and in Liberia, there public of the Congo). The outbreak has will see it grow. are 34 suspected or confirmed cases, result318 reported human cases, leading to 280 ing in six deaths. deaths. An SUDV outbreak also occurs in

WITIN boosts girls’ ICT access with national technovation pitch challenge

,

ut it?

,

32 -- Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

p

STORIES BY LAJU ARENYEKA (With Agency Reports)

ornography is fast moving from a psychological and cultural challenge to a political one as the Chinese government recently shut down thousands of websites and social media sites in a bid to purge the internet of online pornography. The nation’s state media services announced the progress of its ‘Cleaning the Web 2014’ campaign recently which has resulted in the closure of 110 websites and more than 3,300 accounts containing ‘obscene’ material since January.

A spokesman for the official Xinhau state agency said: “Disseminating pornographic information online severely harms the physical and mental health of minors, and seriously corrupts social ethos”.

For a country notorious for it’s media censorship, this might be the only good thing to come out of Chinese Government’s stringent regulation of the country ’s cyberspace. As statistics show, pornography isn’t child’s play. Just seven years ago, global porn revenues were estimated at $20 billion, h owever, by 2011 both global and U.S. porn revenues had been reduced by 50%, due in large part to the amount of free pornography available online. It is estimated that 80-90% of Internet porn users only access free online material. As far as online pornography is concerned, from 2001 to 2007, the Internet porn industry went from a $1-billion-a-

GOOGLE MANIA! Searching for smart contact lenses W

hile majority of the world still views the Google Glass as a mysterious device from a sci-fi movie, Google is taking no prisoners in its fight to conquer the wearable tech world.

Google has filed a patent in the US for its plans to embed micro cameras and sensors into contact lenses. The lenses would allow wearers to control their smartphones and surf the internet just by blinking. Users would also be able to take photographs from within their direct line of vision.

Is China leading the fight against online pornography?

year industry to $3-billion-a-year in the US alone.

On average, 17% of performers use condoms in heterosexual porn films. 66% of porn performers have herpes, and 7% of porn performers have HIV. A 2012 survey of porn actresses demonstrated 79% of porn stars have used marijuana, 50% have used ecstasy, 44% have used cocaine, and 39% have used hallucinogens. When hundreds of scenes were analyzed from the 50 top selling

adult films, 88% of scenes contained acts of physical aggression, and 49% of scenes contained verbal aggression. To put it mildly, this is bound to have negative effects.

How then can you avoid pornographic content online?

Use an Internet filter.

There are many Internet filters that you can buy or download that will prohibit you or members of your family from opening any questionable sites.

Take advantage of search engines’ built-in filters.

Many search engines give you the option of choosing a “safer ” search when using their services.

For example, Google offers safe search filtering that you can toggle on or off at the Advanced Search page. This goes for all image searches too.

Don’t guess the address of a Web site.

This is probably the number one way that people get into trouble. If you are not absolutely sure what the URL of the site you’re looking for, input the term instead into your favorite search engine.

Never click on sites that seem questionable.

When in doubt, don’t click. If the site description, title, or URL seems in any way “off ” to you, find another site that is more reputable, especially when using that site in a research capacity.

Choose your searches carefully.

If you’re searching for something that is perfectly innocent, but could be construed as inappropriate, think of different ways to frame your search so there are no unpleasant surprises.

There are many search engines and search directories that have extremely high standards when it comes to including sites in their indexes.

Relax…this app watches over you W

Reports say that the lenses would be able to detect their owner ’s unique blinking patterns as well as light, colour, objects, faces and motion without obstructing day-today vision. Experts believe the device could be of use to blind people, as the camera and analysis components could process image data to determine the environment the wearer is approaching.

News of the early-stage plans were published earlier in the week, just as Google Glass went on sale for 24 hours in the US. It might take about ten years for the smart contact lenses to be developed by Google, but thanks to the milieu of science fiction movies, we’re prepared for anything!

ith all the insecurity in the country, don’t you wish you had an app that could help you stay safe? You aren’t the only one.

The ‘Watch Over Me’ app was developed by a group of four people who also felt unsafe on city streets. The smartphone app keeps tabs on its user in dangerous situations, and is largely recommended for students.

Business development manager Vincent Wong said the app could help give students peace of mind, particularly after two sexually-motivated attacks in his alma mater recently.

When activated on a smartphone, Watch Over Me will prompt the user to confirm if they are safe after a designated amount of time.

The app monitors the user ’s location using GPS and if the user doesn’t make a confirmation within the allocated time, a text message is sent to their emergency contact.

The app also alerts users when they are entering a dangerous area.

Another developer on the team is Malaysian woman who was kidnapped in a shopping mall car park. She managed to leap from the car she was bundled in to, but the experience inspired her to get involved in the creation of the safety app. It’s currently being used by 136,000 people around the world.

Vanguard, FRID AY, APRIL 25, 2014— 33 FRIDA

MYTO: The trouble with electricity billing This is the third and concluding part of this report. In yesterday’s edition, we noted that NERC has failed in its task of educating consumers on their rights CCORDING to him, “most times those in government see the quantum of money at its disposal as free funds to be squandered and embezzled because they have no clear idea of what should be the role of government in driving economic growth and development.

He said all over the civilized world, governments strive to tame inflation, curb unemployment and reduce inequality, but in Nigeria, government policies and actions widen the gap of poverty, underdevelopment and unbridled corruption.

In other countries where government source investment from local and foreign investors, it is the primary responsibility of government to ensure that the interest of the citizens are protected.

Some Nigerians end up as slaves in their own country from the so called foreign investors.

They earn peanuts, their working conditions are deplorable and they repatriate their profit without offering value to the economy.

Nigerians should start asking questions about whose interest their leaders serve while they are in office.

Specifically, the participants want NERC to explain why they reneged on the promise to give consumers free pre-paid metres which they promised to give to consumers before the take-off of

A

the privatisation policy.

They also demanded that NERC should explain why it suspended the CAPMI policy and finally, they called for setting up of arbitration courts to try cases that will arise from the arbitrariness of the power companies that have been billing consumers even when there is a nation wide acknowledgment of drastic drop in electricity supply to consumers.

Mr. Michael Faloseyi, Head of NERC in South West, said since Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission signed two regulations - the Independent Electricity Distribution Network (IEDN) and Embedded Generation 2012, the process of electricity generation had been liberalised.

Exclusive consumption According to Faloseyi, “ the regulation on Embedded Generation allows state and local governments, private investors, communities and individuals, to generate and distribute electricity for their exclusive consumption, using facilities of existing electricity distribution companies or independent electricity distribution network operators”.

The regulation on independent electricity distribution networks on the other hand permits communities, local and state governments to invest in electricity distribution networks in areas without access to the grid or distribution network or areas poorly serviced.

State

The MYTO System of billing

W

HAT is called the Multi Year Tariff Order MYTO is a sys tem of electricity billing that is based on using market forces to calculate how much electricity consumers should pay.

MYTO is a tariff framework introduced by NERC in 2008 for the purposes of allowing investors recover their investment, using market forces as the basis for calculating the cost elements into the different segments of generation, transmission and distribution in order to recover all cost components in the electricity supply chain.

The Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) seeks to recover all efficient cost incurred by operators in the generation, transmission and distribution segments of the market. These costs will include the cost of capital, return on capital (interest rate) and, to ensure that operators pay back their debt, equity and replace the assets used for providing the service.

The costs of gas and staff costs, operating and maintenance costs to mention a few are also included in the cost classification.

MYTO as an incentive-based regulation also allows reasonable profit to the operators to promote continuity in business. It is based on the fact that inflationary trends in the economy, fluctuations in the prices of gas in the supply market, interest and exchange rate variations, labour costs, taxes and rates charged to power companies are used at intervals to review and adjust electricity bill to consumers in R1/2 categories and industrial users.

It is a system based on the assumption that Nigeria’s economy is a perfect market economy where the forces of supply and demand determine the behaviour of consumers who are in a market where they have alternatives and can make their choices based on objective parameters.

zProf. Pat Utomi

governments with investments in infrastructure for power generation and distribution can now begin to reap benefits of their investment.

Also, state and local governments with enough financial muscle, but had been hitherto discouraged, can now take fuller advantage of these regulations to provide adequate power for the communities.

Faloseyi said “these laws were direct attempts to cater for about 40 per cent of the country’s population without access to electricity. The regulations were meant to address the probLem of poor quality of electricity supply”.

Faloseyi averred that ‘’the impact of these regulations is that communities, local and state governments as well as private

investors can now generate and distribute electricity without recourse to the national grid”.

These regulations also made it easier for companies to participate with various options available.

Vanguard Conference Hall participants were unanimous in their views that “consumers deserves protection from the private companies who would end up forming a cartel to dictate the tariff for electricity”.

Efforts to speak with the Chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, proved futile, but Vanguard checks at NERC headquarters provided the Special report team the opportunity to participate in the Stakeholders brainstorming as well as obtained a draft copy of the National Content policy for Regulations of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Among the issues raised by the stakeholders were: zThe ownership structure of the companies coming into the power sector zBuilding the capacity of the new player zManpower development level of investment fund required zStreamlining the NCD with other existing laws zAvoidance of over regulated zPublic awareness on the rights of consumers and host communities of the power companies zProtection of local manufacturers of electricity equipment like metres and transformers.

The National Content policy sets out guidelines that gives priority to Nigerians areas of project execution, employment, technology transfer, jobs. There will be a need for skilled manpower and the regulator has the responsibility of ensuring the delivery of manpower needs of the sector. Mr. Steven Andzenge, the NERC Commissioner in charge of Legal, Licensing and Enforcement said the the regulation is necessary Continues on page 34

34— Vanguard,

FRID AY, APRIL 25, 2014 FRIDA

Continues from page 33 at this initial stage of the privatisation drawing valuable lessons from the other sectors.

Mr. Steven Andezenge told stakeholders that “one of the challenges that the Commission faced in the past regime in handling the successor companies of PHCN was immunity which those companies enjoyed as they were managed as government entities”.

Andezenge told the stake holders that “now we are going to do things according to the provisions of the law, we are going to insist on good business practices from the privately managed companies, and any one of them that breaches the regulations will be sanctioned”.

Consumers seek end to exploitation, want appropriate metering

Enforcement of regulations He said, “ we know that investors in these companies would not engage in acts that will tarnish the image of their companies neither would they want to loose their funds. We would even sanction the management of these companies when they breach the set down rules in the industry”.

Said Andezenge, “we would be firm enforcing the regulations of the Nigerian content for the power industry.

The whole privatisation process has ensured that 60% was given to the private sector while the Federal Government, state governments, workers and host communities of the new power generating companies hold 40%”.

The stakeholders told Vanguard that “NERC will guard against the mistakes in the telecom sector where the ownership structures were not open to Nigerians and some of the companies that have used the Nigerian market to become global players in the sectors have refused to be listed

•Mr. Charles Ilofulunwa, CEO Pakim

Source NERC in the Nigerian stock market to enable Nigerians benefit from the mega profit that these companies are making.

Consequently, they are insisting that there should be provisions in the regulatory status, to compel new power companies that attain certain status on its operations and turn over, to be listed in the stock exchange and its ownership structure, opened to admit capable Nigerians on their boards.

Mr Charles Ilofulunwa, Managing Director of a local

metre manufacturing and marketing company said “there is enough capacity for local manufacturing of pre-paid metres in Nigeria, but the DISCOs are frustrating our efforts.”

Said Ilofulunwa: “We have even gone beyond pre-paid metres to smart metres, which can track the date and time of electricity supply, the actual quantity of electricity consumed, with a capacity to switch the consumer’s supply without officials of DISCOs carrying ladders to carry out mass disconnections”.

He said “We have never seen

DSTV operators going from one building to another or from flat to flat to disconnect subscribers.

There are modern ways of doing this business and making life easier for everybody. Electricity service should not be a source of pain to the supplier and to the consumers”.

Officials of DISCOs have given conflicting reasons why they suspended the pre-paid meter scheme. Some said that Nigerians have devised ways bypassing the pre-paid meter while others said it was the failure of NERC to fulfill its part

MULTI-YEAR TARIFF ORDER 2013

of remitting the payments made by the consumers through CAPMI. Mr. Kola Balogun, the Managing Director of Momas, an Indigenous Meter Producing Company in Nigeria, said “the company like other Nigerian companies that are providing local content, to the power sector, require protection from NERC because the privatisation process would open the floodgate for massive importation of electricity into the country”.

According to Balogun, the company has the capacity of producing over 100,000 meters with soft wares that would stop power theft or by-passing the meter by consumers.

NERC said while it would allow importation to thrive, only companies licenced by it and certified by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) would be allowed to import meters.

It said there would be specific standard of meters that would be allowed and there would be price differentials in favour of the local companies.

According to Prof. Nebo “ the ultimate mission of the ministry is to ensure that Nigerian companies that produce insulators, transformers, cables, meters etc are encouraged and patronised because their activities would have positive impact on the economy. The minister said there will be strict attention paid to the

Continues on page 35

Vanguard, FRID AY, APRIL 25, 2014— 35 FRIDA

‘Smart metres’ll solve many billing problems’ Continues from page 34 issuance of waivers as some of those who were given such waivers would want to use it to import equipment that are not relevant to the power sector.

NERC has suspended the Credit Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) which was introduced in 2011 to deal with the high level of complaints from consumers arising from the culture of estimated billing practices.

This became necessary as the generating companies were using exorbitant cost of meter to deny consumers access to meter, thereby perpetuating the culture of estimated billing system.

CAPMI therefore provided consumers the option to make advance payment for their meter into a dedicated account jointly managed by the DISCOs and the meter vendors/installers.

It was expected that once the payment was made, the consumer would get the meter within 45 days, while the cost of the meter would be refunded through graduated electricity billing system where the tariff is spread over a period of time.

Vanguard learnt that this system has been suspended as it has become corrupted as DISCOs have began to default in fulfilling their part.

Even when NERC came with the Multi-Year Tariff Order 2 (MYTO2) in June 2012, there are still a large number of unmetered consumers while those who are metered are given estimated bill and crazy bills to pay.

There is the assumption by NERC that there is efficiency in the economic system which eliminates corruption from agencies of government, effectiveness of public institution

Protection interest

•Electricity consumers at rare NERC forum. to resolve dispute between the electricity companies and the consumers, efficient management of the macro economy and fidelity between the electricity companies and the consumers.

Nigeria is a country where there is huge income disparity and the elites especially those in public service do not pay for electricity bills and other basic utilities, the cost is passed on to the government. Government agencies, military establishments are not known to pay for the electricity that they consumed.

Most companies in Nigeria have over the years generated their own electricity owning to the inefficiencies of the moribund NEPA, PHCN and its successor companies.

Comrade Joe Ajaero said “Nigeria has not developed to the level where this world bank model can be effectively deplored

Source NERC

especially when the consumers are sure that there will be steady and constant supply, that the electricity companies are mindful that any fraudulent calculation based on wrong data would trigger inflation and upset the Macro economic system”.

In Nigeria, we have unreliable data collection system,people do not provide faithful information, we cannot even get our census right and that goes to the fact that we cannot determine the demographics of industrial and residential areas, we cannot differentiate between business premises and residential areas, we cannot classify what phases of meter the different categories of users, neither NEPA, PHCN nor its successor companies shave data bank of consumers, but above that we know that there have been cases where corruption has been a major issue

in the power sector.

This goes as high as contractor importing refurbished electrical equipments and passing it off as new, people have been given waivers to import electrical equipments and they ended up importing substandard equipment or importing other thing entirely.

In the end NERC expects that all these cost of inefficiencies should be loaded on the over burdened consumers in the name of cost recovery as Nigeria has not developed to that level where the regulator will get accurate

,

Unmetered consumers

The new companies are enjoying the same protection that was given to PHCN. According to him, there is no anti trust law to forbid the new power companies from ganging up with NERC to fix tariffs”.

Barrister Godfrey Chijioke Ndubisi said “What is happening in the power sector is a repeat of the crookedness that accompanied the deregulation of the telecommunication sector. The Telecommunication companies that came from South Africa and Zimbabwe were given preferences over their Nigerian counterparts and when they began operations they fixed exorbitant and extortionate call rate of N50 per minute call.

By the time Nigerians realized that they were being ripped off, the companies had cleaned out.

This atrocity was carried out under the watchful eyes of Nigerian Communication Commission which gave Nigerians the impression that it was protecting their interest. He said we have no reason to trust NERC or any other agency of government who have no patriotic ethos in their existence.

On paper, NERC states that it exists on the premise that customers have rights as enshrined in the EPSR Act 2005.

These include: •The right to electricity service which inspired the Commission’s regulation on Connections and Disconnections procedures for

The need to protect the rights of the consumers is of utmost importance and is essential to the provision of safe and reliable electricity

information from the electricity providers on their actual cost of input. Comrade Ajaero told Vanguard that it is only a matter of time before NERC will will be caged by the operators as we have seen in the Telecom and Communication sectors where the operators have the regulators at their beck and call.

LITIGATION OPTIONS (SIDE BAR) arrister Achike Meze told Vanguard that his chamber has actually received several briefs from aggrieved consumers who want to institute legal action against the power cartels that government is using as proxies to fleece Nigerians.

According to him, “there are no enabling laws that protect Nigerians from exploitation and manipulation by these power cartels created by government and the role of NERC as a regulatory agency is suspect.

B

,

electricity services as well as the customer service standards of performance for distribution companies.

2. The right to transparent billing and adequate information which inspired the Commission’s regulation on meter reading, billing, cash collections and credit management for electricity services.

•The right to due process prior to disconnection and right to prompt re-connection of electricity service upon payment.

•The right to prompt investigation of complaints and the right to seek redress. This informed the regulation on customer complaints handling: standards and procedures.

In protecting the rights of the consumer the Commission is also protective of the legitimate interests of all other stakeholders through various instruments and regulations.

36— Vanguard,

FRID AY, APRIL 25, 2014 FRIDA

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—37

I N S I D E

Akwa Ibom 2015: It's PDP vs PDP

Searching for economic and political stability:

Is party politics necessary?

PAGE 40

PAGE 38

Delta: An insurance policy against hunger PAGE 39

What do you mean by the election being a referendum on your performance?

An election is necessarily a referendum of what an incumbent has done or failed to do in the judgment of the electorate.

Somebody running for the first time can only make promises and hope that the people will believe his promises. As an incumbent, I am running on the record of the public goods that I’ve delivered in every community and constituency.

Verifiable evidence

I’ll work with Fayose, Bamidele to develop Ekiti — Fayemi •Says my politics is not politics of bitterness EKITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who is seeking re-election on the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is confident that he will be re-elected. In this interview, he, among others spoke on why he is confident and why the June 21 polls would be difficult to rig. Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

O

N fears that the election could be rigged Ekiti is not a very good place to rig election. You can afford to manipulate elections in Anambra because Anambra has a lot of rich people who are even richer than the governor and do not care too much about who governs the State.

In Ekiti, you will discover that everybody is interested in what happens because we have 2.5million potential governors in this state. Every single indigene believes he has what it takes, that

he understands government and knows how to govern. And every time election was manipulated in Ekiti, the result was not palatable.

Whether you refer to 1964 – 65 wetie crisis which eventually culminated in the 1966 coup detat - Ekiti was even a stronger zone of resistance than Ijebu where Chief Awolowo hailed from and of course, when you talk of the 1983 election rigging in Ondo State, we all can remember what happened here. And of course, my own recent experience has also demonstrated that our people are

far too sensitive to allow external interference in their affairs.

People will make all sorts of claims - they would do this, they would do that but the truth of the matter is - even the PDP admits that this governor has done well but it is about gaining an in-road to the South-West by hook or crook.

Unfortunately for them, the PDP had been in government here for seven and a half years and Ekiti people cannot forget in a hurry what they went through in those years. It was murder, mayhem and crises for the bulk of the period. And don’t forget that for those seven and a half years, there were six governors.

So, it was instability galore. That is what would have to be placed side-by-side what happened in our time in office.

Federal might is always going to be a factor in any election, but I can assure you that the peoples’ might is bigger than federal might. So, we have nothing to fear.

,

•Fayemi: Ekiti is not a very good place to rig election

I have been on the campaign trail for over three weeks now and in every place I get to, the people are the ones who reel out what we have done in their communities. It is a much taller order for me in the sense that I must present tangible, palpable, verifiable evidence of what I have done. That is what I have to sell. It may not be a referendum of the performance of my competitors. But even in the case of one of my competitors, the election is a referendum on, who he was when he was in office in the state and what he did.

Even if he chooses not to talk about that, others would talk about his record in office. The record will be set straight.

Are you sure you have done enough to guarantee you a second term?

I ran in 2007 on a platform popularly known as the

they speak to that. So the answer to your question is yes. My performance has earned me a reason to believe that I would be re-elected.

We have done reasonably well.

Don’t forget that this state is No 35 on the revenue ladder of the country. People often forget that.

And this is a state that gets N3bn a month against N23bn in Bayelsa with a smaller population. So I think it is important to put this in proper perspective. We run a social democratic agenda and it is a progressive government. You will see that in many of the policies that we put in place, we concentrate on how to pull up the weak and the vulnerable in our state. Additionally, we have run a reasonably clean government.

So, I think we have done enough to earn a second term. But we are also not unaware that performance itself is not the only factor in an election but it is the most critical success factor for an incumbent.

His focus, if re-elected Three things: agriculture, tourism and the knowledge economy. Clearly, I’m not going to stop my focus on education but it is going to be narrowed into the creation of knowledge economy. We have a lot of focus on technological education, on vocational education, on ICT and the knowledge park that we are constructing. We have a 3,000 hectare Ekiti Knowledge Zone in the making. It is probably bigger than the Lekki Free Zone; it is

Ekiti is not a very good place to rig election.

You can afford to manipulate elections in Anambra because Anambra has a lot of rich people who are even richer than the governor and do not care too much about who governs the State

Roadmap to Ekiti Recovery – My 8 Point Agenda. At the time, I was very specific about what I was going to do in office – as far back as 2006. When you talk about social security – if you read my inaugural speech you will find social security benefit to the elderly there. If you read my inaugural speech, you will see laptop per child there. There is nothing that we have done in this state that we have not picked up from the 8-point agenda. And everyone who is objective can attest to the fulfilment of what we promised Ekiti State people. And in the various communities that we are going to meet people,

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going to be the base for education tourism, medical tourism and ICT outsourcing. We feel that is an area that can give us an edge.

Agriculture, understandably because of our own ground but it is expanding and developing the food value chain. We would be focusing on cassava, the revival of our cocoa, rice and oil palm.

Tourism: we feel that Ekiti can still be the best destination of choice – all of us talk about what has happened in Cross River but we still feel we are better placed than Cross River because Cross River is much more difficult to get to, particularly Obudu.

38— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 39

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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S practised in the developed world, democracy, with its accessories, is the norm. Many developed European countries do associate the democratic practice with full employment (unemployment is interpreted as less than 3 per cent of the working population).

A truly democratic state would promote the growth of multi-party system, i.e. the existence of many political parties which results in one or more parties forming the Government while one or the others are regarded as the Opposition. Under the British parliamentary system, the government will always have its way while the Opposition would have its say.

Nigeria, since its independence in 1960, had practised the British Parliamentary system (1960-1966), military dictatorship (1966-1979), another military plutocracy (1983-1999) and military/civilian democracy (from 1999 to date). The 1999 Constitution which enforces a strong Centre is being described as a military sponsored Constitution, as opposed to a federal one.

Since 1960, politicians have been in the forefront of operational democracy in Nigeria. The politicians of 1960s crashed the country because of lack of discipline, morality and insensitivity. The long army rule prevented the growth of necessary political experience, and to some extent, gave rise to the birth of political opportunism and corruption. The army catch-phrase of “with immediate effect” has become long lasting in the present unclear civilian political era.

It can be said, without any fear of contradiction, that the era of party politics in Nigeria since 1951 had been one of unmitigated disaster. No lesson of the civil war (1967-1970) had been properly understood, today. From the high hope and lofty aspiration of 1960 Independence and the 1999 return of democracy to the present turbulent period, there had been stories of woes and catalogues of unfulfilled promises by politicians of all shades.

Searching for economic and political stability:

Is party politics necessary?

At the moment, the country is plagued by the atrocities of the Boko Haram murderous gang, by notorious kidnappers and ruthless armed robbers – perhaps, products of demoralizing unemployment. There is the ruling party (government) and the Opposition in the Centre which corners over 52 per cent of the country‘s total revenue. The politicians of both parties, as a matter of routine, would consider the approval of the federal budget, prepared by the Executive whose duty is to execute all projects in the annual budget.

It is refreshing to note the acrimonies (even by members of the ruling party) over the approval of the annual budget. It is also enlightening to notice the unity of purpose by the legislators of all parties in matters concerning their privileges and emoluments. It is like a conspiracy of some sort by legislators against the good people of Nigeria.

Many politicians have argued, with conviction, that the legislators‘ unarguably high take-home pay could be justified in the many social and community services performed by them. There are many demands on the legislators by individuals and communities that would be inadequate to fund from the average

Ilaje/Ese Odo bye-election: results — Rep Akinlaja

salary of a legislator in the Senate and House of Representatives. In many places, the local legislators fill in the gap left by our inept local councils.

However, the specious argument in favour of unearned income of the legislators and extravagancy of the executive class should not allow for flippancy and corruption noticed in the political panorama.

If Nigeria is a poor country in spite of abundance oil and gas, if the country operates its queer form of democracy with its discredited party politics, if the country is in a state of war in its North-East, if the country is in the iron grip of merciless kidnappers and hired killers, what then, is the role of party politics and politicians in the quest for prosperity?.

A three-time Nigerian leader once gave a clear answer which was then misunderstood and now forgotten. Chief Obasanjo, a military democrat (?) once noted that “the Greeks who bestowed democracy on the world did practice it without political parties” His view was that “multi-party bickering is definitively a luxury we cannot afford.

To Chief Obasanjo before he was elected President in 1999, noted that the essential ingredient of democracy is freedom and

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S a Labour Party chieftain, what is your take about the Ilaje/Ese Odo bye-election in Ondo State which INEC declared inconclusive?

Unfortunately the Ilaje/Ese Odo bye-election which held on 5th of March 2014 has clearly shown a bad signal for 2015 elections. It is most regrettable that at this stage of our national life INEC will declare such election inconclusive.

The Labour Party, candidate Akinjo won the election by scoring the highest lawful votes cast. For the avoidance of doubts the bye-election took place, and returns were respectively made in 21 out of 22 wards which made up the Federal

A poser Will Nigeria prefer a benevolent dictator to a democratic system with ruinous multiparty system?

Why INEC should announce

COMRADE Joseph Akinlaja is a member of Federal House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency. Currently the National Deputy Chairman of Labour Party and a member of Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s think-tank, he is also deputy chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs; member, House committees of Land Transportation, Labour, Diaspora, Inter/Intra Party relations, Power, Constitution Review, and Petroleum Resources (Down Stream) Committees. In this interview, he enjoins the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to announce the winner of the Ilaje/Ese Odo bye-election in Ondo State? Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

the provision of choice for the people.

Crucial for me is that a democratic setting must be a choice on personalities and a choice of programmes; fundamental human rights and obligations as well as freedom of expression. Obasanjo‘s democratic ideal would be interpreted as the elected leader with unrestricted rights to choose his ministers, including from the Opposition. It might be believed that Obasanjo tried his hands on “Technocrats” who might by now become PDP‘s ‘converts‘.

It is suggested that if President Jonathan had cast his net very wide instead of his narrow and shallow pool, things might perhaps turned better. His party‘s exclusive policy of cornering all positions of privileges and offices could not but, produce ‘abusers‘ according to his spokesmen. and not friends and admirers.

In a multi-national society, a ‘winnertakes all‘ mentality would not sustain a lasting peaceful and prosperous environment. The lasting solution of the country‘s problems lies in a leader who is a statesman, first and last, and not a wily politician. He must be the Father of the Nation by words and deeds.

If I were President Jonathan, I would forget the elections of 2015 and concentrate now on matters of Security and Employment which are sure ingredients of Prosperity. I would send the politicians to stay in their various constituencies until insurgency is finally crushed and peace sustained.

It is better for the present politicians to be agents of peace and prosperity in the country rather than agents and apostles of disunity and ethnic warfare. Perhaps, this was one of the topics discussed by President Jonathan at his all inclusive Security meeting of Governors early this week.

Constituency, and the results that are collated showed that Labour Party candidate Kolade Victor Akinjo was leading with 23, 926 votes, closely followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had 22, 628 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) had 9, 232 votes.

It is not the duty of INEC to call for supplementary election in Arogbo ward 2 of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, New Jerusalem in Arogbo ward 1 and some units in Mahin ward, where election did not take place on Saturday (April 5, 2014). The returning officer’s duty is to collate the votes from various units, wards and declare winner the candidate who had majority of lawful votes.

The election tribunal has the

•Akinlaja sole responsibility and duty to determine any complaint of irregularity, compliance or noncompliance of the election under law. The use of the word inconclusive by the returning officer to abort the will of the people is not applicable in this case, because the only condition for declaration was that the candidate must have majority of lawful votes; which was satisfied in this case. INEC should do the legitimate thing by declaring Kolade Victor Akinjo winner of this bye-election, the will of the people can no longer be subverted in Ondo State.

What will you tell those with

the views that Labour Party is an appendage of PDP, and that the party has always been aligning with PDP on many national issues?

I don't agree with that erroneous assertion. However, the bye election that has remained contentious is it not between PDP and LP? Those people making such claims are either doing so out of ignorance, bitterness or malice.

Labour Party will never be an extension of PDP. Labour Party is an independent party committed to the promotion of ideals that will improve the lot of Nigerian workers in particular and the masses in general.

In all elections and by-elections that have been taking place in this country since 2011, have we not been taking part? We contested the governorship election in Edo State, and the gubernatorial elections coming up in Ekiti and Osun states, we are fielding candidates.

If you say we are supporting PDP, the question I will ask is this; to what extent? Labour Party is not an appendage of PDP. What happens is this, whenever we that are members of the Labour Party believe that the ruling PDP takes any decision that is in

national interest, we don't hesitate to give our support to the party. But whenever the PDP-led Federal Government takes any decision that we feel may not be people's friendly we condemn the party, and the Federal Government.

For us in Labour, we believe in constructive politics, we don't engage in vituperative criticisms.

You don't expect us to be antigovernment at all times. What purpose will that serve?

Another good example is the last gubernatorial elections in Anambra State where we felt that the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Federal Government didn't live up to expectations, the Labour Party criticized, noted flaws with a view to averting future occurrence.

What are the so-called critics of Labour Party expecting from us?

To support All Progressives Congress, APC's decision to block budget passage at a time?

The Labour Party was clearly against that of APC's decision.

Imagine what will happen when the National Assembly blocks the passage of budget.

There will be a crisis, and a shutdown of the economy.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—41

Ogbudusuo Abel Kprogidi Ubeku exits in a trail of glory TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

By FRED ODUEME

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FTER 78 years of very ful filled life, High Chief Abel Ubeku left the flesh in a trail of glory last month. For nearly 30 years, I related closely with Ubeku, there was never a time he went to hospital for any form of ailment. If ever he visited hospital, it was for routine medical checks. He played by almost all the health rules and encouraged all around him to live healthy. In fact, when he first noticed my bulging tummy, he gave me a very strict diet timetable. Not satisfied, he invited my wife and told her to reduce my carbohydrate intake. He empowered her to enforce the diet rules rigidly.

It was, therefore, a big shock to most of us when he took ill and was admitted at the Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island on Monday, October 29, 2012. That was the first time I would see him in hospital and he told me he did not know why doctors wouldn’t allow him to go home as he could recover faster at home. When he was eventually discharged from Reddington, his recovery was not fast enough, and he travelled to Dubai December 31, 2012 for further treatment. He returned on March 1, 2013 after he had fully recovered to the joy of everybody.

A thanksgiving service was organized in his honour at the church he used to attend, Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Last October, he obeyed medical rules by travelling back to Dubai for routine check at the hospital he was first treated. On the eve of his departure, he told me it will only take a week for him and his wife to return. But dur-

Dr. Abel Ubeku...immense managerial talents examination to Secondary School, he had to trek about 30km to Ughelli as that was the only centre in the 1950s. He later gained admission at Saint Michael’s College, Oleh, a missionary teachers' training college established by the Anglican Mission to train teachers for her schools. After graduation, he was posted to Ozoro as a Grade II teacher. For the Anglican Mission, this was a dream come true as a career path was already charted for young Ubeku. He was to be offered admission and scholarship to study history or any of the humanities to become principal of the mission secondary schools. But unknown to them, young Ubeku had other

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Until death Ubeku was best company to be with. He radiated warmth and confidence

ing the checks, doctors discovered other complications and they referred him to a specialist hospital near the capital of United Arab Emirate to correct all the complications. It was at this hospital that weeks ran into months and Ubeku lost the gallant battle for survival on Sunday, March 9, 2014.

As the funeral rites of Dr. A.K. Ubeku Ogbudusuo, as he was fondly called by friends and colleagues, commences with a day of tribute and commendation at the Grand Ball Room of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, April 26, 2014, a window of opportunity is opened to reflect on the life and times of one of the finest minds that ever incarnated among the southern minorities of the Niger Delta.

Born in Araya, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State on February 24, 1936, Ubeku, who always saw the invisible hand of the Almighty God in all he achieved in life, attended Primary School in his home town, Araya. But to take entrance

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plans. While as a teacher at Ozoro, he enrolled for the London Matriculation Examination which he passed in flying colours in one sitting. He was one of the very few who passed the London Matric with a teachers' training background in those days. According to him, when the result came, he didn’t look at the scores properly because his mindset was that he couldn’t have passed. In fact, he took the result to his friend with lamentation that he had failed. It was when the friend looked at his result and told him how well he passed that he started jubilating.

The London Matric result marked a watershed in the life of young Ubeku as he bypassed all the road blocks mounted by the Anglican mission to confine him to the teaching profession. He gained admission into the School of Arts and Science, Ibadan where he did his Advanced Levels (A/L). Upon graduation, he joined the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) as a management

trainee in March 1961. At NTC, Ubeku’s talents were spotted early by the expatriate who sent him on various courses and trainings in the United Kingdom. And with the trainings, promotions also came rapidly for Ubeku who in five years (1966) was promoted to Company Personnel Manager, a number two position in the company at that time. He thus became the first Nigerian to occupy a position next to the executive directors.

In 1969, Ubeku became the first Nigerian expatriate in the company to be posted to the United Kingdom. Having undergone a Senior Management Course at the BAT Training School in Nutley, near East Grinstead, Sussex, he was retained for the whole year as a member of the teaching staff of the college.

Skilled manpower It was, therefore, no surprise that when in 1972 the Federal Government established the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) suggested that a senior manager from the private sector be made to head the fund. Since the objective was to develop a pool of skilled manpower for the Nigerian economy, Dr. Ubeku was the most qualified to establish the fund and he was thus appointed as its first executive secretary. Having completed the assignment, Ubeku returned to NTC. In March 1973, Ubeku joined Guinness Nigeria Pic as head of personnel. At that time, Guinness was a small company and relatively unknown. Based on his training and managerial skills, he advised on the establishment of personnel systems and procedures which did not exist in the company. He also advised on some aspects of finan-

cial procedures such as limits of authority for each level of management. Consequent upon his skills, he was rewarded rapidly with promotions. In 1975, two years after he joined Guinness, he became the first Nigerian executive director and was elevated to the position of Deputy Managing Director in 1979.

In 1982, Ubeku became the first Nigerian to be appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive of Guinness Nigeria Pic. Under his able leadership, Guinness attained enviable heights and his approach of team management tended to foster commitment to goals, and invariably the company achieved its set goals each year. He thus built up the company which he took over in tumultuous economic period of 1981 to 1983 from a small company to a large international corporation. His years as managing director were very glorious for staff of the company. He made sure Guinness Staff were well rewarded. He was the first to introduce Mercedes Benz as official car and Guinness staff lived in the best location and were well dressed.

Pinnacle of his career While he grew in the corporate ladder to the pinnacle of his career, Ubeku also found time to pursue academic excellence. He obtained a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Law both from the University of London and Ph.D in Labour economics from the University of Sussex Brighton, England and a post graduate diploma in Personnel Management at the London School of Economics.

With this solid academic background, Ubeku devoted part of his busy schedule to management education in Nigeria. It is to his credit that Personnel Management is an academic subject in the country. He authored two books which are used in universities, both in Nigeria and abroad.

These are Personnel Management in Nigeria (1975) and Industrial Relations in Developing Counties: The Case of Nigeria (1983), both published by Macmillan, UK. As President of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, he supported the application of the Faculty of Business, University of Lagos to National Universities Commission (NUC) making a case for Personnel Management to be approved as a subject in the faculty. In fact, he has an endowment at the University of Lagos for the first position in the Masters Programme in Industrial Relations.

Dr. Ubeku was for many years a member of the National Labour Advisory Council and during the years 1976 to 1979, he was on the governing council of Centre for Management Development (CMD). When the then Bendel State University was established in 1981, Ubeku was appointed its first Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. He served in that

capacity until 1984. From the mid 1960s, he was an active member of the Nigeria Employer Consultative Association (NECA), and he became the President of that body from 1986 to 1989. At various times, he was also a member of the government councils of Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Industries Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

Ubeku was Nigerian representative at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva during the year 1976 to 1988.

Dr. Ubeku’s landmark achievements in both management development in Nigeria and other national and international assignments did not go unrewarded. On October 1,1983, he was among the distinguished Nigerians who received the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). In his home clan of Aviara (Araya is part of Aviara clan), he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Oletu and in lyede, also in Isoko, he was made the Awhotu.

In Ikeja where he was Managing Director, Guinness Pic, the Olu of Ikeja conferred on him the title of Otun Bobamoyegun of Ikeja in 1985 and in May 1990, the Obong of Calabar, Cross River State conferred on him the revered title of Ada Idaha Ke Eburutu. As Dr. Ubeku prepared to retire from Guinness, his fellow board members who recognized his immense managerial talents appealed to him to join politics since the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida was then planning to open the political space for partisan politics.

Partisan politics Upon retirement in 1989, he went into politics and aspired to be President on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), one of the two political parties formed by the Babangida administration.

Despite all his achievements in both public and private life, Ubeku died a sad man for his country.

According to him, he joined politics to influence things for the better; he couldn’t go far with his aspiration because of the low morality of people in our political turf. Repeatedly he told me how his colleagues wanted him to say it was black when the colour before him was white. This, he could not do, and it cost him huge political benefits.

Until death, Ubeku's was best company to be with. He radiated warmth and confidence. His collections of friends cut across all strata of society, and entertained all with the best of jokes and wise sayings. He also loved sharing his life experience with all. According to him the journey of life had no barriers as there was no challenge you can’t overcome with determination and trust in God Almighty. For him, all things are programmed from on high, but you need to make personal effort to access what has been programmed for you. And he illustrated this with an Isoko saying that “the water you will drink will never flow ahead of you”.

42— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 SLAM neither allow women to be treated merely as sex symbols nor as object of oppression by their male counterparts. Rather, it gives and provides the basis to which every being will reach and realise his or her potentials in politics, or any field of endeavours.

Taking into cognizance their peculiarities and nature, Islam laid down rules to protect them and gave them a key role in the upbringing of families along with their husbands who in turn contribute to the foundation of a healthy society. The most important thing as it also applies to man is to seek careers to fruition or we lure for knowledge. It is them into early marriages mandatory in Islam to without a base for their acquire education and use educational development same to the benefits of even to the benefit of Islam? humanity. We have said “Seeking knowledge is earlier in this column that mandatory for every the dearth of Muslim women Muslim (male and female).” medical practitioners is a (At-Tirmidhi) snag to development of This includes knowledge of Islam in this part of the the Quran and the Hadeeth world. This is one area that as well as other types of Islam and the women group worldly knowledge that can in Islam like FOMWAN bring good to people and should look into. Do we societies at large. Truly, encourage our young girls within the confines of and daughters to chase their promoting morality,

I

education to perform this duty in accordance with their natural talents and interests.

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Muslim women groups and devt

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This is one area that Islam and the women group in Islam like FOMWAN should look into. Do we encourage our young girls and daughters to chase their careers to fruition or we lure them into early marriages

goodness and condemning evil in all walks of life, Muslim

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women, therefore, must acquire the appropriate

Ijebu-ode agog as Salaudeen becomes Grand Chief Imam T

HE League of Imams and Alfas of Ogun State has installed top Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdul-Razaq Ishola Salaudeen as the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebu-land.

In what looked like the annual Ojude-Oba celebration, the Muslim ummah and well wishers once again trooped out en-masse to the new Palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland for the turbaning with eminent personalities in attendance.

•Sheikh Abdul-Razaq Ishola Salaudeen

Also, Alhaji Imam Miftaudeen Gbadegeshin Ayanbadejo was turbaned as Noibul-Imam while Alhaji Imam Muhammed Nurain Olakewu Eyinfunjowo was installed as the Eketa Adini of Ijebuland.

The new palace arcade, venue of the occasion was filled to capacity as religious leaders, royal fathers, Muslim faithful, politicians and well wishers thronged the venue.

Dignitaries at the event include Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; the Awujale Ijebuland, HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona, who was the royal father of the day; immediate past governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Sheikh

Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory, the Mudeer Morkaz Agege, Sheikh Robiu Adebayo, Sheikh Abdullah Akinbode; Chief Imam of Ibadan; Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina, Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode among others.

Amosun who congratulated the Imams and the entire Muslims in his speech congratulated the Muslims on the installation. He stated that he had been delivering his promises to the people through many laudable projects his administration had carried out in the last three years and would continue to do more.

The governor who was excited by the presence of some christian leaders commended the level of tolerance adding: “this kind of

From left: Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory, the Mudeer Morkaz Agege, Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina, Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, a Muslim leader and the Amir Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola during the turbaning in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state recently.

collaboration and tolerance that reign in the South-west should continue. There is no difference in religion, we should be united; we should not allow religion to divide us,” he said.

The royal father of the day, HRH, Oba Sikiru Adetona also congratulated the three turbaned leaders and urged them never to relent in the dispensation of justice and fairness to all in the course of discharging their religious duties.

Sheikh Salaudeen who was receently turbaned as the Wakeel-ul-Muslimeen of Ijebuland has devoted his entire life to the furtherance of Islam in the immediate communities of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria in general.

Muslim woman has the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases. She can run her own business and no one can claim her earnings, including her husband. She has the God-given-right to voice her opinion on sociopolitical issues. She may participate in Politics in as much as she maintains the rule of behaviour set by the Qur’an and hadiths. She has to be upright, honest and selfless. They can also offer their advice on issues affecting women and the ummah in general. An example from history is Abdurrahman Ibn Awf who consulted many women before he recommended Uthman Ibn Affan to be the Caliph and leader of the Muslims. It should be noted that they could do all these without renaging in any aspect of their home duties as mothers and wives. Just as the family needs the mother to prepare the children for their future endeavours, the society also needs the women to play their part in order to bring about a decent and well cultured society. While bearing, raising and teaching of children, and providing support to her husband and maintenance of a home are among the foremost duties of a mother and a wife, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so, as long as her family obligations are not neglected. With the sense of security, affection, and training received from the mother, that mothers become educated to impart appropriate morals in their children who in turn would influence the future of healthy societies is very important.

Imam Miftaudeen Gbadegeshin Ayanbadejo, NoibulImam; BishopAlbert Ayinde Fasina, Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode; Sheikh Abdul-Razaq Ishola Salaudeen; Grand Chief Imam of Ijebu-land; Imam Muhammed Nurain Olakewu Eyinfunjowo, the Eketa Adini and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere chieftain.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —

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Hajj: Gr oup begs Go o Group Govv Ajimobi tto constitut e pilgrims' board constitute

BY WAHAB ABDULLAH

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LIF-LAM Islamic organisation, has appealed to the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to immediately reconstitute the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) in the interest of Islam and religion.

The organisation’s chairman, Alhaji Lukmon Adesokan and secretary, Lawal Adeosun in a statement in Ibadan said the failure of the governor to inaugurate the board would not augur well for the development of Islam in the state.

The organisation noted that leaving day- to- day running of the board to some people will not augur well for the Muslims and Islam.

While noting that the Christian Wing was still in operation, it warned that the absence of properly constituted would no doubt affect this year’s hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

“Imagine now that the hajj exercise is yet to commence, it has been hijacked by suspended agents who now charge above normal fee.

“As a result many of the

intending pilgrims may be denied the opportunity of performing this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia,” the organisation said.

Meanwhile some intending Muslims to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia have condemned the arbitrary increase in the price of seat by the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Muslim Wing).

The organisation noted that the inability of the governor to inaugurate the board may affect the second ambition of the governor, saying that if inaugurated, members of the board will have, apart from supporting the governor, they will also campaign for him.

“If the governor feel that the former board did not perform, he should not hesitate to inaugurate new members into the board in the interest of Islam.

“There is no doubt that nonexistence of board will adversely affect this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia. So the governor has to do something before it goes out of hand,” the group said.

It abhored the lack of unity among religious leaders and organisations in the state, saying that they have failed in

their responsibility to ensure that the board was reconstituted.

The group said that it was unfortunate that most of the leaders and organisations have been going to the governor for their own selfish interests rather than that of the board.

Also, some of the intending pilgrims, Alhaji Taofeek Adeosun and Alfa Jubril Lawal have protested against the hike in the price of seat by the office.

They said that the failure of the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to inaugurate the new board had been responsible for the illegal increase in the price of the seats.

The group explained that the situation had also allowed the banned agents to return to the board.

According to them, the agents who were banned by the former board now have the backing of the career officers.

“The agents now connived with the career officers to sell form at the high price. The agents will buy form from the board at N750,000 including Basic Travelling Allowance BTA) and resell to the intending pilgrims at N1.2million excluding BTA,” it said.

Abdul-Malik Sani Balogun (2nd left) and Parents during wolimatul-Qur'an organised by Morcaz Nuril Quran-l-Taalimil-Arabiy Al-Islamiy, Igando, Lagos, recently.

Abdul-Malik Sani Balogun being lifted shoulder high during wolimatul-Qur'an held in Lagos recently.

Hajj: Ogun set to commence screening of pilgrims

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NTENDING pilgrims to the 2014 Hajj from Ogun were on Tuesday advised to participate in the forthcoming screening exercise organised by the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, the Executive Secretary of the board, gave the advice in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

He said the screening was to ascertain the genuineness of their travel documents and

eligibility for the Hajj, Rasheed urged all intending pilgrims, who had paid the initial deposit of N500,000 as Hajj fares, to come with their original receipts of payments and e-passports to the headquarters of the board.

He said that the screening would hold between May 6 May 8, adding that the exercise would enable the board to scrutinise all intending pilgrims to ensure that their travel documents

From left: Ex-governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State during the turbaning of the Imams in Ijebuland recently.

were up to date. ”This will be a follow up to the success recorded during the 2013 Hajj in which the state was declared one of the best by the National Hajj Commission.

“That was the reason we kick started the 2014 operations in earnest,” he said.

He said the Ibikunle Amosunled administration remains committed to adequate provision of welfare package for pilgrims from the state.

From right: Imam Abdul Bari Yusuf Afinni, Chairman Council of Imams and Alfas, Eti-Osa; Imam Arafah Shitta, Chief Imam Ogombo Central Mosque; Alhaj Qaseem I. Mudasir, Chief Mufasir of Ogombo and Alfa Jabaru Haruna, Imam Ratibi Ogombo Central Mosque during the turbaning ceremony of the new chief Imam of Ogomboh and other titles held recently in Lagos.

Sheikh Abdu-Rasaq Salaudeen, Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland, (middle) his luitenants and their family members during the turbaning recently.

Sheikh Abdu-Rasaq Salaudeen's train after the turbaning on the streets of IjebuOde recently.

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

2015: A'Ibom PDP zones guber seat to Eket

Community commends Uduaghan

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BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State has zoned the 2015 governorship position in the state to Akwa Ibom South senatorial district, also called Eket senatorial district.

Chairman of the party, Obong Paul Ekpo, made the disclosure at the State Executive Committee meeting in Uyo, which was attended by Governor Godswill Akpabio, the deputy governor, PDP National Assembly members, national officers of the party from the state and national caucus members from the state.

Others at the meeting were Board of Trustee member of the party from the state, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, zonal officers of

W

A R R I — AJAGBODUDU community, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on the ongoing construction of the AjagboduduKoko-Oghara Road.

The community, in a statement by its Secretary, Prince James Eyiogode, noted that the road project will bring relief to the Ajagbodudu people from past years of untold hardship in accessing the community.

It commended Mrs. Irene Imila, member representing Warri North constituency in the state Assembly for her role in bringing about the road project.

the party, local government chapter chairmen of the party, chairmen and vice chairmen of the local government areas, and former members of the National Assembly, who are currently PDP members in the

state executive committee.

Announcing the decision, Obong Ekpo, said it was in line with the constitution of the party, and will promote equity, justice, fair play and give all sections of the state a sense of belonging.

Ekpo said that pursuant to Section 7 (3) of the Party

Constitution 2012 (as amended) stipulating adherence to the “policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness” the meeting zoned the governorship position to Eket senatorial district.

... as PDP chieftain expresses confidence in Jonathan's policies

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI— A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Matthew Tsekiri, has expressed confidence in the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Tsekiri said: “President Jonathan’s transformational agenda has brought about improvement in the power sector; reactivation of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, massive road construction across the country especially the Benin-Lagos Road and industrial revolution

in the country.”

Tsekiri, who is the National Coordinator of Amalgamated Nigeria Initiative, said: “I commend the President for the privatision of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and the East-West Road project.”

50 Uk varsities for education fair

Park officers tasked on conservation

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OURISM officers and project planners in all the seven national parks in Nigeria have been urged to change the face of protected

Synod

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HE Second Session of the Sixth Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Delta State, will hold from tomorrow to Wednesday, April 30, with the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Revd Cyril Odutemu presiding.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Diocese, Sir Vincent Orhiunu, said the theme of this year ’s synod, which will hold at St John’s Anglican Church, OkpareOlomu, is The Wind of Strange Doctrine in a Multi-Denominational Society: A Methodology for Flock Stealing.

areas in the country.

Speaking at a two-day strategic meeting at the Old Oyo National Park, Conservator General of the Federation, Alhaji Tanko

Firm honours 55 staff

E

TCO Nigeria Ltd, a leading electrical and mechanical engineering contracting firm, has rewarded no fewer than 55 of its staff that had served the firm for 10 to 40 years.

Speaking at the long service award ceremony held at the company ’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, Executive Director of the firm, Mr. Benson Tugbobo, said the award which marks the company’s 50 years of service, was aimed at motivating, encouraging and appreciating ETCO workers, who had

dedicated themselves to the firm’s progress.

He said: “ETCO Group is now more than a firm, but a family, which is the reason for the height the company had attained with its workers.”

HE United Kingdom Education Advisory Service, UKEAS, is set to bring representatives from over 50 UK universities and colleges to Nigeria and Ghana for an international education fair.

UKEAS Regional Manager, Nigeria & Ghana, Mrs. Bukky Awofisayo, said the fair will hold on April 29 in Abuja and May 1 in Lagos, before moving to Accra, Ghana, on May 3.

Forum empowers 500 Isoko women

A

socio-cultural and pressure group, Otor-Igho Elites Forum in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has called on women not to waiver in their support for initiatives being put in place to

enhance their welfare and boost the overall development of the community.

Its chairman, Sir Robert Ighosevwe, made the call when the forum presented wrappers to about 500 women in the first

batch of empowerment programme for the womenfolk drawn from the various quarters of the community.

Ighosevwe said that the gifts were a token of appreciation to the women for their support.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

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Abubakar, reminded the officers that Nigeria and Nigerians are expecting a new dawn of a full-blown conservation efforts and its attendant benefits, noting that “to him whom much is given, much is expected.

“Nigerians have heard much about protected areas and are aware that we keep and hold natural resources in trust for this generation and those yet unborn. But beyond that, we need to work hard to justify our existence.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On P-Square's brouhaha

P

LEASE, P-Square should not break up.

You should also know that together you stand, but divided you will fall.

No one should believe that he is better than the other. We, your fans, do not believe any one of you is better than the other.— Ms. Akpos Wari, Businesswoman.

T

HE girl that just entered their family is key to this rumoured break-up between the twin brothers. All they need now are our prayers as fans and lovers of good music.

Otherwise, the break-up is inevitable.— Mr. Dan Dollars, Marketing Manager.

P

-SQUARE needs to agree on how to strike a balance. All these quarrels are bringing to the public domain what should be kept secret. People believe P-Square is always a collective effort from all parties involved.— Mr. Olakunle Victor, Auditor.

I

see no wisdom in PSquare bringing their family issue before the public. It is a family business, irrespective of whosoever sings or dances. That is no issue at all. I think the problem is too much money in their hands.— Mr. Kelvin Ndukwo, Footballer.

M

Y candid advice is that P-Square should know that majority of us, the fans and music lovers, honestly do not know or care who sings or who dances and so they should never make an issue out of it.— Mr. Stanley Chukwu, Worker.

M

AY God help PSquare. God is with you guys and he will keep you together forever, Peter and Paul.

That is all I think we should be doing for them; they need our prayers more now than ever to survive this trying time.— Mr. Blessed Wilson,Commentator.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 — 45

Isoko South PDP Chair tasks politicians on divine direction

NSCDC arrests boat operators, recovers petrol

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BY IFEYINWA OBI

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HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has arrested two boat operators for allegedly selling petrol obtained from vandalised pipelines.

The suspects were also said to have attempted to bribe some NSCDC men with N40,000.

The state commandant, Mr. Clement Adesuyi, said that the suspects, Abu Idris, and Kunle Ayandokun, were arrested in the Coconut area of Apapa, Lagos.

Adesuyi said that 66 jerry cans, each containing 50 litres of petrol, were recovered from the suspects.

He said: “We arrested the two suspects around the creeks in Apapa.

Three speed boats belonging to the suspects were impounded with 66 kegs of petrol. Investigations are ongoing and they will be prosecuted.”

Adesuyi urged Lagosians to continue to give the corps information that will lead to the arrest of pipeline vandals.

The commandant said the N40,000 allegedly offered as bribe had been registered as exhibit.

The suspects, however, told reporters that they were not pipeline vandals, but boat operators.

Thirty-three-year-old Ayandokun said: “I am not a pipeline vandal. I am a speed boat operator and I also sell engine oil at Coconut. In addition, I am a member of the Maritime Workers’ Union. Some people store and sell fuel where I operate, but I don’t relate with them.

“On Sunday, some NSCDC men stormed our area in a bid to arrest pipeline vandals, but the men, who usually sell fuel, immediately jumped into the water and swam away.

Civil defence men then entered my boat and told me to help them chase the fleeing suspects.

“When they could not get the suspects, they loaded some of the stolen fuel onto my boat and told me to take them to Iddo.

On getting to Iddo, they said I was among the pipeline vandals and put handcuffs on me."

INSPECTION: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (left), congratulating his Commissioner for Education, Mr. Salo Adikumo (middle), for the successful execution of projects at the Bayelsa State Teachers’ Training Institute under construction, at Bolou-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Enlist Northern youths into Army to fight Boko Haram —Bozimo

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—FORMER Police Affairs Minister, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, has advised the military authorities and the Federal Government to enlist Northern youths who are assisting the military in the fight against Boko Haram into the short term commission of the Army, so as to fight the insurgents effectively.

He argued that unlike the Nigerian military, which may not know the terrain, the youths are indigenes of the communities and may have relations or friends among the sect members. He said that enlisting the trusted ones into the Army temporarily will give them a sense of belonging and make them exhibit more commitment to the war against terrorism.

Reacting to statements by two former Heads of State,

Gen.Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, that the persistent terrorist attacks on the nation by the Boko Haram sect was a declaration of war, he said: “We saw on television, the Special Adviser on Media to the governor of Borno State talking about the commitment of Borno youths to the fight against Boko Haram. We have also seen how youths from these affected states tend to support government in the fight against Boko Haram.

“Gowon and Buhari concluded that this was a civil war.

That was how we thought it was a child’s play when this Boko Haram thing started and if we continue this way, we may not tell where it will lead us. I believe that the time is now for us to also consider the option of community soldiering like the community policing. This is already happening in those areas because we

have seen our youths collaborating with the Army to fight Boko Haram.

“I believe that perhaps we should consider what one calls community soldiering.

When I was a minister, that was when this thing started rearing its head in Borno State, so I know what I am talking about. I think the Army command and the affected state governments should enlist these boys on a short term commission into the Army to fight for Nigeria.

“It should consider this option because these boys are the people on ground, they know the terrain and this option can be exploited so that the youths will feel empowered to do more. But we must first screen them and ensure that they are genuine to fight for the country."

2015: Delta monarch’s brother joins race for House of Assembly seat

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—VICE-Chairman of Delta State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Prince Eric Oharisi, has declared his intention to vie for the Ughelli North constituency II seat in the state House of Assembly.

Declaring his aspiration at the opening ceremony of his campaign office and inauguration of his campaign team in Ughelli, Oharisi said that his decision to vie for the position was to contribute his quota to the development of Ughelli North Local Government Area

of the state.

Prince Oharisi, who is the younger brother to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Oharisi III, said he had embarked on wide consultation across the council and his immediate constituency and promised not to disappoint Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members and leaders if given the mandate to represent the constituency at the state House of Assembly.

He reiterated his preparedness to attract developmental projects to the area if given the opportunity to serve, assuring that his office will always be open for constructive criticism.

In his remarks, National Vice Chairman South-South of PDP, Dr. Steve Oru, who graced the event, noted that Oharisi had taken the right decision with his choice to run on the platform of the party, describing PDP as the only political party in Nigeria that has spread.

He noted that there was no party in the country that can wrest power from the PDP, likening the All Progressives Congress, APC, to an infant that would need to learn to spell and write political alphabets before it would be matured enough to compete with the PDP.

SOKO South Local Government Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Obi Enenuvie, has charged political office seekers across the country to first seek the face of God, so as to get divine direction in all their undertakings.

Chief Eneruvie spoke in Irri at an interactive session with a team of PDP stalwarts, led by Mr. Ferguson Onwo, the Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on NDDC, who visited the chairman to intimate him of his (Onwo) desire to contest for the Isoko South 2 constituency seat in the state House of Assembly next year.

The party chieftain told the team that it was very important to always reverence God and look onto Him because He has a purpose for everyone.

Eneruvie emphasised that once God endorses a project, the people have no option but to complete the physical manifestation of the mandate.

Extend amnesty programme to 2019, NDYPIM urges FG

A

GROUP, Niger Delta Youth Peace Initiative Movement, NDYPIM, has appealled to the Federal Government to extend the amnesty programme for repentant Niger Delta militants to 2019.

According to the President and secretary of the group, Mr. Ebikabowei Edon and Donald Etiete, the appeal became necessary following a carefully survey and analysis the group carried out on the amnesty programme and its implementation, adding that it has not fully realised its purpose.

The statement noted that thousands of exwarlords are undergoing studies at home and abroad and those attending skills acquisition programmes were yet to graduate.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

UNTH to start kidney transplant this year — NWODO

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—FORMER governor of Enugu State and chairman of the University of Nigeria College of Medicine Alumni Association, UNNCOMA, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, yesterday, said that the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, would commence kidney transplant before the end of the year.

He also announced plans by graduates of the college to reposition the teaching hospital as the first destination for tackling any serious medical challenge in the whole of Africa.

Nwodo, who briefed newsmen on the activities of the alumni association in Enugu, said the college had qualified doctors to handle critical health challenges but regretted that lack of modern facilities had constituted a major impediment.

297 schools benefit from digital awareness programme

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—ABOUT 297 institutions of higher learning in Nigeria have benefitted from Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions, ADAPTI, floated by Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, since 2008.

While the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, benefitted from the ADAPTI facilities, Omuma Secondary Technical School, Omuma; Imo State University Teaching Ospital, Orlu; and Saint Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, are proud beneficiaries of the commission’s Digital Access Programme, DAP. Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, who disclosed this yesterday, while commissioning the facilities in the institutions, urged the benefiting institutions to guard the equipment jealously.

C M Y K

NUPENG tasks security agencies on missing school girls

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

N

IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday expressed concerns over not only the conflicting figures of the missing school girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State, abducted by Boko Haram insurgents but also the inability of the Federal Government to rescue the kidnapped girls..

NUPENG in a statement in Lagos, called on security agencies to work in tandem with the Borno State government, the school authorities, to authenticate the actual number of the girls missing and spread their dragnets to locate them unharmed.

In the statement by its President, Igwe Achese, NUPENG described the present situation as “unacceptable and embarrassing of the inability of the security agencies to locate the whereabouts of the missing school children after over a week of their abduction.

“NUPENG states that the report states that 234 school girls are missing and not 129, which calls for concern and goes to show the inefficiency and failure of the security forces to arrest the Boko Haram scourge.

“We also condemn the recent attack on another Government Girls Secondary School at Yana, Bauchi State, and commend the governor for the quick evacuation.

“We call for a change of strategy in combating terrorism by applying modern day technology to deal with the

situation, as it is done in Israel.

We should call for foreign assistance in dealing with the spate of terrorism in the country.”

The union noted that the sponsors of terrorists must be identified and made to face the wrath of the law, no matter their position in the society.

“NUPENG also wants effective policing of our vast porous borders which serves as a conduit

PRESENTATION: From left; Head, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Sales and Operation, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr. Olabiyi Babafemi; Acting Matron of Lagos Cheshire Home, Mrs. Fejuola Oforomeh; Care giver, Mrs. Ogundare Basirat; an inmate, Toyin Olowoporoku; and Sales, Business Development and Marketing Manager of LPG, Oando, Mrs. Taiwo Gaji, during the presentation of 3kg O-gas to the home in Lagos.

PDP recalls suspended Chime's aides

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—UDI local government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State has recalled five aides of Governor Sullivan Chime, who were suspended for anti-party activities in January this year.

Executive members of the party made this known at a news briefing in Enugu yesterday, saying the move was part of efforts by the national leadership of the party to resolve the feud among members of the party in the state.

PDP Chairman in Udi council, Mr. Uche Ogbodo, said the

decision to recall the members of Enugu State Executive Council and aides to Governor Chime, who were suspended on January 17, 2014, for alleged anti-party activities and gross insubordination, was in compliance with the decisions

and directives of the 374th National Working Committee meeting of the party.

The recalled aides are the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ameachi Okolo; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Chijioke Agu;

T

HE people of Jukun land in Southern Taraba State in Lagos have expressed displeasure over the continuous attack on their homeland where scores of people had been killed allegedly by Fulani herdsmen, vowing to defend themselves against further attacks, if the Federal Government failed to do the needful.

Gunmen had last Tuesday,

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Jude Akubuilo; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Marcus Agu and the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Industrial Parks Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Onyema.

Ogbodo also said the decision to recall the suspended members was in the spirit of the Easter, forgiveness and restoration.

Enugu deputy gov joins 2015 Senatorial race

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—DEPUTY Governor of Enugu State, Chief Sunday Onyebuchi, has joined the race for the 2015 Enugu East senatorial zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A top member of the ruling party in the state told our correspondent in Enugu yesterday that the deputy governor had already informed the leadership of the party that he would contest the senatorial seat, adding that the party stakeholders were aware of his

Taraba attacks: Jukun people warn Fulani herdsmen

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

for the hit and run activities.

“We also call on the Federal Government to dialogue with our neighbours to see how they can help prevent the marauders from escaping into their countries.

“NUPENG appeals to the conscience of the terrorists to release the innocent school girls unhurt so that they can reunite with their families,” the union said.

attacked Gidan Aku on the outskirts of Wukari Local Government Area, killing over 50 persons and injuring many others.

Acting under the platform of Jukun Development Association of Nigeria, the people at a media conference in Lagos, claimed that nine villages had been sacked by the Fulani invaders, while Jukun people had been forced to stay indoor, following a 24-hour curfew declared five days ago.

President of the association, Mr. Benjamin Bako, described what was going on in Wukari at present as genocide and imprisonment in the guise of curfew.

Bako, who was in company of all members of the executive of the association, explained: “We earlier thought the crisis is having Fulani’s face, but when we saw the type of weapons the attackers possessed, we are convinced that the sudden attack on Jukunland has political undertone.

ambition, though he is yet to make it public.

The deputy governor, according to the source, who pleaded anonymity, has also embarked on wide consultations with leaders of the party within and outside the six local government areas that make up Enugu East senatorial zone, including Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East, Nkanu Nkanu East, Nkanu West and Isi-Uzo. “I can tell you authoritatively that the deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, is in the race for Enugu East senatorial seat and he is very serious with his ambition.

“He is working underground and consulting with party stakeholders whom he has duly informed of his senatorial ambition and I believe at the right time, he would declare publicly,” he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—47

VISIT: Pastor in Charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, FCT Province -3, Pastor Olajide Oluwajobi, and Pastor Akinremen Bolaji, during RCCG's outreach programme of presenting monetary gifts to victims of Nyanya bomb blast, at National Hospital, Asokoro, Maitama, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

CONVOCATION: From left, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; former Military Head of State, General Muhammed Buhari, and former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, during the conferment of Asiwaju Tinubu as 4th Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, as part of activities marking the 11th Convocation ceremony, at LAUTECH Ogbomoso. Photos: Dare Fasube

SEMINAR: Augustine Nkwume, audit leader, Deloitte Nigeria; Anthony Olukoju, Technology Media and Telecommunications, TMT, leader, Deloitte Nigeria; Sharoda Rapeti, TMT advisory leader, Deloitte Africa; Tawanda Gambo, transitional leader, Deloitte Nigeria, and Paul Lee, global director, Deloitte Research, TMT, at the Deloitte’s 2014 TMT predictions seminar, in Lagos.

SYNOD: From left, Senior Circuit Steward, Olorunda Circuit, Aguda, Surulere, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Bimbo Carzim, International Director, Lions International, Dame Adetope Tychus and Baba Ijo, Oko Sagamu, Remo, and Sir Michael Sonaiya, at the 2014 annual 52nd Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, hosted by the Ikorodu Road Circuit, Railway Line, Mushin, Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left, the Registrar/CEO,National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN; Rev.Deji Olokesusi,1st Vice President, NIMN; Mr. Rotimi Olaniyan, Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Institute of Marketing Management, South Africa; Mr. Kevin Mottram, President and Chairman of council,NIMN,Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye, during a collaboration press conference between NIMN and the Institute of Marketing Management, South Africa, at NIMN Office, NIGER House, Anthony Village, Lagos, yesterday.

RECORDING: Mr. Olabode Akinyoola, 3rd Prize Winner (centre), flanked by Mrs. Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, Brand Building Director, Foods Right, and Miss Abimbola Ogunsemi, Brand Manager, Knorr, both of Unilever Plc, during the live recording of Knorr Taste Quest 2 Grand Finale, at the Royal Roots Studio, Ikeja.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

CONFERENCE: From left, Dr. Modele Osunkiesi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, and Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Public Health, during the press conference on 2014 World Malaria Day, entitled, 'Invest in the Future: Defeat of Malaria, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

LAUNCH: From left, Rot. Bola Oyebade,District Secretary; Dr. Omowunmi Bakare, Rot. Olugbemiga Olowu, District Governor, and Rot. Niyi Adesanya, during the Rotary International District 9110 Launch 2014 Rotary Family Health HOSTING: Mr. Henry Arehun, General Manager, Business Strategy and Development (3rd Days, slated for April 14 - 16, at the Rotay Centre, in G.R.A, Ikeja. Photo: left); Mr. Gbolahan Olabinjo, Deputy Managing Director (3rd right), both of Tantalizers Plc, and contestants of Nigeria Idol Season 4, hosted by Tantalizers, in Lagos, on Easter Sunday.

Biodun Ogunleye C M Y K

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Minister makes case for National Biosafety law

Borno Chief Imam dies at 90

BY NDAHI MARAMA

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

M

AIDUGURI — THE Chief Imam of Borno, Ibrahim Ahmed, 90, OON, is dead.

Ahmed, a.k.a Imam Wakchama, who was the longest serving Chief Imam from the Sayfawa Dynasty up to Elkanemi rulership, died in an Egyptian hospital on Wednesday after a protracted illness.

A statement signed on behalf of the family by Zannah Laisu Imam, the District Head of Masba in Konduga Council area, and now the acting Chief Imam, said the remains of the cleric were expected to arrive Maiduguri, the state capital from Egypt via Abuja yesterday, while the funeral would take place today at 9 am, in his residence at Limanti ward in Maiduguri metropolis.

Late Imam Ahmed was born in 1924 at Yerwa (present Maiduguri) into the family of late Imam Ahmed Talib.

He started his career as acting Chief Imam, leading the Jumma’at prayers at the Maiduguri Central Mosque, Shehu’s palace in 1951 when his late father retired from leading Jumma’at prayers on account of old age.

He became the substantive Chief Imam of the central mosque in 1956, shortly after the demise of his father, Limanti Mashidima.

Salis urges Boko Haram to free abducted girls

L

AGOS — LAGOS grass roots politician and governorship aspirant, Akinyegun Owolabi Salis has joined other eminent Nigerians in calling for the unconditional release of the nearly 200 girls captured

by Boko Haram terrorists.

In a statement issued from his New York, US-based law offices, Salis condemned the abduction of the girls in its entirety and wondered what the terrorists stand to gain from the unforunate incident.

He said: "This is just too much. What do these people really want? Whatever it is? I urge them in the name of Almighty God to let these innocent girls go and resume their normal lives without further delay.

Wondering what schoolchildren may have done to warrant this kind of treatment, Salis said: "These schoolgirls can have no voice in the issues at stake in Nigeria today.

Being mostly under 18, they are not even of voting age and cannot influence the outcome of any election."

A

From left: Professor Dandatti Abdulkadir, former Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano (BUK); Lincoln Mali, Head, Personal and Business Banking, Standard Bank, West Africa; and Professor Abubakar Rasheed, Vice-Chancellor, BUK, at a public lecture presented by Mali at BUK, Wednesday.

Local council, billboards agency bicker over N3bn revenue in Kaduna K

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

ADUNA — A SIMMERING dispute between the Kaduna North Local Government Area and the state Billboards Management Advertising Agency, KADSBAMA, over alleged expected N3 billion revenue from billboards and other sign fees has now blown into the open.

KADSBAMA which had been collecting such revenue in the 23 local governments in the state over the years claimed that it got the job through the State Executive Council while the Secretary of Kaduna North, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman denied the allegation, saying KADSBAMA was economical with the truth over the matter.

However, Mrs Princess Abe, who has been into advertisement regulation for over 30 years, and now manages KADSBAMA, said the agency was asked to collect the fees as a way of blocking some of the leakages in the system.

Abe told newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday: “When we started in 2012, there were lots of hiccups.

The local governments have been so used to these revenues, and their boys so entrenched in the collection, that they would not tolerate anyone coming to stop that.

"I am talking of Kaduna North Local Government Area in particular. They see this revenue as free money. So when we started in 2012, we were faced with serious challenges, serious resistance from the council officials.

"There were instances that my staff were beaten silly by these boys. My staff had been beaten, taken and locked up in the office of the Kaduna North Local Government Secretary. It took some intervention to get them out.

"There are instances that threat letters have been sent to this office. There are instances where we had to stop our staff from collecting revenue from a particular area for fear of their lives, because of the stiff resistance that we got

from those already on the ground.

“Unfortunately, the local governments that have the highest number of advertisements is the place where we face these challenges.

“But, despite these obstacles, I am happy to say that what we have collected is far above what any local government in the state has collected since the inception of the state in 1976. ”Kaduna State can generate N3 billion per year on billboards alone, and that is what we poised to achieve, especially if Kaduna North respects the contract that we signed with the state government.”

Kaduna North reacts However, in his reaction, the Secretary of Kaduna North, Alhaki Usman said: “Before we came into office in December 2012, we heard that there was a contract existing between the state government and the then care-taker chairmen of local governments. When we came, they brought the issue and we said we are not comfortable with it.

"We said it was not with our consent and disassociated ourselves from the contract. In short, Kaduna North is not party to that

contract and as such, we are not honouring it, as it is not binding on us.

“On several occasions, we sat here, took official positions and informed the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, and the woman in-charge of KADSBAMA, that we are opting out of the agreement they said was signed in 2012.

“What we are saying is that if there was any agreement, then it had to go with what the local governments want. But in this case, there was no consent from Kaduna North Local Government.

“It is not true that her staff were detained in my office, and that it took some intervention to free them. There was a clash between her boys and ours, even after I had warned our boys not to engage her staff in fighting. But they fought and were taken to Gabasawa Police Station. So I went there. Both sides were arrested by the police. I was able to settle the problem.

"Then I advised her staff to go and tell their madam about the problem they were facing so that she can return to the state government for the issue to be addressed. But, I don’t think she did that.

Bauchi govt urged to settle civil servants' 2-month's salary

B

BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Christian Muslim Peace Movement, CMPM, has appealed to the state government to pay civil servants in the state their two-month salary arrears to avert untold hardship on the people in the state following anticipated strike action.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman of CMPM, Ambassador Sidi Aminu and Secretary, Ambassador Paul Daniel in Bauchi, yesterday, decried the

delay in payment of salaries of civil servants in the last two months, saying the economy of a state cannot grow when salaries of workers were not paid as at when due.

According to the statement, “it has become a tradition now in the state that civil servants’ salaries are not paid as at when due. This is totally unacceptable because a worker is worthy of his wages and no government should deprive any worker of his or her right as laid down in the constitution."

BUJA— THE Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has called for the establishment of National Biosafety law in the country.

The minister stated this yesterday, during the 4th annual Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa, OFAB, review and planning meeting organised by the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, in Abuja.

She said the enactment of the law was the only sure way Nigerian can reap the dividends of biotechnology as is obtainable in other parts of the world.

She said: “It is important that we persist in the struggle for the enactment of the National Biosafety law to ensure that Nigeria reaps the dividends of biotechnology as is obtainable on other parts of the world.

However, I have no doubt that this herculean task will be achievable under this administration.”

The mnister noted that agricultural biotechnology could play a critical role in tackling food security issues, generating employment for young people and enhancing national economic growth in the country, if giving the priority attention it deserves.

I 've no anointed candidate to succeed me —Aliyu

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA— GOVERNOR Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has expressed his desire for a member of his cabinet to succeed him in office.

This was even as he said that he would not impose any candidate on the electorate, saying that it would be undemocratic to do so.

Aliyu said any aspirant interested in any political office should seek votes from the people.

He spoke, yesterday, when turbaned chiefs in Minna paid him a courtesy visit at Government House.

He explained that his wish was for a member of his cabinet to succeed him so to continue with the good work they all started together. ”I have no anointed candidate to take over from me but I pray that someone from my cabinet would emerge so as to continue with the good work we started together,” he said.

Vanguard, FRI DAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —49 FRIDAY,

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—51

Insecurity: CAN declares fasting, prayer •says Committee composition on religion exposes Kutigi’s Islamic agenda

By SAM EYOBOKA & CALEB AYANSINA

F

OLLOWING the intensity of Boko Haram’s war against the nation, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, declared today as a day of fasting and prayer for peace, unity and progress of the country.

A statement by the National President of the association, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, decried the increased spate of bombing and general insecurity in the nation, saying it’s only supplication to God that can salvage Nigeria.

Oritsejafor urged all Christians to use the day to pray against the escalating activities of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as well as the Fulani herdsmen and for God to expose them and their sponsors.

He also urged well meaning Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of victims of the recent Nyanya Motor Park bomb blast still at different hospitals within the Federal Capital Territory and for the release of the remaining abducted girls from the hands of their abductors.

Meanwhile, the umbrella body of Christians has expressed res-

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ervations on the composition of members of the Conference Committee on Religion, insisting that the composition unveiled Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi’s Islamic agenda, just as the conference management said it would not be at the mercy of CAN. The national Christian body said the ratio of the committee members, with 12 Muslims and six Christians is contrary to equal representation of the two bodies, while berating the co-chairman of the national conference, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi for his alleged failure to protect Christian interest at the ongoing national dialogue.

CAN said the choice Nurudeen Lemu, who is also from Niger State like the Conference’s chairman, and Bishop Felix Ajakaiye as chairman and co-chairman of the committee respectively, was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The statement signed by the Director of National Issues, CAN, Mr. Sunny Oibe, said it was not opposed to the choice of Ajakaiye, but wondered why the conference chose a Muslim from the North and Christian from South West, who had little or no knowledge of the Christian persecution in the North.

overseas for holiday. He is not even in Nigeria at present and does not represent CAN. The delegate is not around and Christians will be affected during voting. Bishop Felix Ajakaiye who was named co-chairman in the committee is representing Ekiti State and not CAN. In that case, we have already lost and the ratio will now be 12 members for Muslims and six for Christians.

“To us in CAN, Justice Kutigi is working out a script to undermine the interest of the Christians in the confab. Ordinarily, the Christians who have been on the receiving end from the members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the North should be a co-chairman in the Committee on Religion."

The association, therefore, de“He is from Niger State and the manded equal representation of Muslims and Christians in the Committee on Religion should be conference committee on religion, a sensitive committee. The chairas well as replacement of man has decided to scatter the Ajakaye as co-chair with a Chris- Christians in the confab and now tian from the North. The body brought Nurudeen Lemu, the which expressed doubt on the son of Sheikh Lemu, who is also ability of Kutigi to pilot affairs of from Niger State to chair the comthe conference also demanded mittee and did not pick any delethe replacement of Dr. Jonathan gate representing the Christian Obaje, one of the Christians in Association of Nigeria.

“The supposed Christian in the the committee, saying that his absence would affect Christians’ committee, Dr. Jonathan Obaje, representing the Diaspora in the interest.

The statement reads: “We here- confab has been given express by express our reservations on permission by Kutigi to travel back the composition of members of the National Conference Committee on Religion and without fear or contradiction state that the chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has done his wish to ensure that the leadership of the committee Cross section of Global Ocean Engineers ASE Week 2014, with the theme Raising favours Mus- Awareness On Malaria Walk from Lekki pavillion along Admiralty road Lekki phase one lims in Nigeria. in Lagos organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, WHO and Global Ocean in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola.Photo Editor.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

now, you lose your seat. And then, we have also extended it to other political offices even to the position of governors, chairmen of local government councils and councilors because the law, as it is now, is restricted to only members of the National Assembly and members of the House of Assembly but you have seen that in recent past, there are governors that crossed from their parties to other parties and we see that this is a serious indiscipline in the system.

Independent candidacy

•Confab: From left, Chief Mrs Akande Adenike, chatting with Akanwa Victoria and Mrs. Olufunmi Oshinowo-Bashorun at the National Conference in Abuja, yesterday. Photo:Gbemiga Olamikan.

Defecting govs, senators, others to lose seats — Cttee •Recommends independent candidacy, unbundling of INEC

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

T

HE NATIONAL Conference Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters has recommended that all elected and appointed office holders in the country who defect from their political parties to another be made to automatically lose their offices or seats.

The committee equally recommended independent candidacy and unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, so that a different body can be solely responsible for registration and regulation of political parties in the country.

Subventions to political parties The committee, which is cochaired by two former Senate Presidents, Ken Nnamani and Iyorchia Ayu, also recommended that Federal Government should stop giving subventions to political parties.

Barr. Remi Olatubora, a member of the committee and Ondo State delegate, disclosed these, yesterday, while addressing newsmen on progress of the committee’s assignment.

Olatubora, who is the Ondo State Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education, said it would no longer be business for elected office holders in the country to abandon their political parties

for other parties. He said his committee discovered that some politicians were feigning what he called ‘phantom factions’ in their parties to seek greener pastures in others.

“We have recommended that if you cross carpet, you lose your seat. So when you are appointed or elected on the platform of a political party and then you cross over to another

party, you lose your seat.

According to our recommendation, it is no longer going to be excuse that there is a faction because we believe that some people and individuals will deliberately create some phantom factions in their political parties as an excuse for decamping to another political party.

“And so, if you cross carpet

On independent candidacy, Olatobura said: “We are all of the view that one other means through, which we can strengthen internal democracy in political parties is to make provision for independent candidates. Individuals who want to contest election and who are popular but are schemed out of the political processes in their political parties should be able to go out as independent candidates and contest elections. We are also looking at the situation where people who are not comfortable with the shenanigans of political parties can as responsible members of the society, as responsible members of their states and local governments, come back and contest for elective positions.”

He said the committee also recommended that the Federal Government be made to stop giving subventions to political parties, saying that “political

parties should now be sponsored by their members”, adding “ we have recommended the placement of ceiling on how much a particular individual can use to sponsor a political party so that some big men will not hijack the political process.

This will depend on the regulation and constitution of the party, you could recommend that every member of the party is required to pay N500 every quarter or every year and you put a ceiling on the amount of the money that the big man around there can put in the party so that a billionaire will not just come around and then put two to even N20 billion in the coffers of a political party and then begin to suggest who will go to the House of Assembly in Taraba State and Ondo State and who will go for the House of Representatives seats available in Lagos and Enugu state.”

He disclosed that other recommendations of the committee include retention of multi-party system in the country, code of conduct for parties and unbundling of the INEC. Speaking on the committee’s plan towards the reformation of the INEC, Olatubora said: “We are thinking of unbundling INEC so that there could be a commissioner that will be responsible for the registration and regulation of political parties and then, we will have a body that will be concerned only with the elections, like we unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN.”

••Okays additional state for S/East zone

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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EMBERS of the National Conference committee on Political Restructuring, and Forms of Government yesterday canvassed the creation of an additional state in the Southeast to redress the apparent marginalization of the geopolitical zone.

Members from different geopolitical zones struck one accord on the issue at the session yesterday presided over by the committee chairman, Senator Ike Nwachukwu.

While contributing to the debate, Senator Femi Okurounmu underscored the need for the creation of an additional state in the south east to strike a balance in the present number of states in the zones.

President- General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Enwo Igariwo, while contributing said that the matter was of paramount interest to him and the entire Igbo race, urging his fellow delegates to support the idea.

Mrs. Binta Masy Garba who craved

for the creation of Saudana state in the north however favoured the creation of an additional state in the Southeast.

But Mr. Yinka Odumakin, a South West delegate while supporting the idea of a state in the Southeast, however, said that such should be based on the principle of self sufficiency as he claimed that most states can hardly pay the salaries of their workers without reliance to federal revenue.

He submitted that states must be able to fend for themselves and cautioned against the abuse of the process.

Abuse of the process Former Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue while supporting the call reminded delegates that the vast Igbo speaking community which included his Anioma Community in the state deserved a state from the present Delta.

Addressing Journalists after the committee had adjoined sitting to

Monday, the chairman, General Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to the members, saying that they displayed rare wisdom in reaching the decision.

He said: “I must thank my committee members for their maturity and ability to discern the need for Nigerians to have more states based on merit and particularly to give the Southeast an additional state bringing it in line with other states to six. But I have a strong feeling that at the end of the day, we must be recommending equality of states in the zones and then allow the zones to decide which state should be created.”

“I want to indeed say to my colleagues that they have shown tremendous maturity, great understanding. They believe in win-win option. That is the spirit we need in this Conference.”

His co-chairman, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia spoke in the same vein saying that in the interest of fair play, the Southeast deserved an additional state.

He however submitted that demands for creation of states from other zones would be treated according to merit.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014—57

Fayose has unified PDP — Anisulowo CHIEF Dipo Anisulowo is the Director-General of the Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation. In this interview, Anisulowo says that efforts at reconciling with the former governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni are ongoing. He also bares his mind on sundry issues. Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

H

AS the PDP gone ahead to re-apply for the use of the stadium for the flag-off of your campaign rally?

It is very unfortunate that the governor refused to grant that request in the first instance.

Having regard to the fact that the stadium was built with taxpayers’ money.

The last time he (Fayemi) hosted people there, most of those who came were foreigners, they were not even from Ekiti State. So, why should he deny us of the usage of the stadium?

We are working round the clock, even though they asked us to re-apply. We will re-apply but we are not taking chances, we are also looking for alternative places.

How soon will that be?

We have logistics problem and that is why the president has not made up his mind as to when he is coming to Ekiti State.

Notable aspirant We are still looking for an alternative but if they do grant that, we will definitely take it up with the administration.

Is it true that not all the aggrieved aspirants are with Mr Fayose?

I do not know if there is any notable aspirant that is not with Fayose. It is not about Ayo Fayose now, we are now talking about PDP, all the aspirants are now working for our party.

I can assure you that from all indications, most of the aspirants have collapsed their outfits to that of the party.

Where do you place the former governor, Engineer Segun Oni who has not been relating with the PDP for some time now?

Segun Oni is still very much with us. He may have his own reservations but I can assure you that we have not given up on reconciliation, we are still reconciling with him.

There have been accusations and counter accusations on responsibility for the attacks?

What is the truth?

Let us go with the Police report where the APC was indicted. In fact, it is unfortunate that the people who attacked Fayose’s

campaign office, were in the convoy of the governor of Ekiti State. Which was unfortunate and some of them have been arrested and some have been declared wanted by the police.

We are keeping our cool because we want to maintain peace in Ekiti State. I think the APC is jittery, that is the problem.

Will the PDP be going into any alliance to enable it win the elections?

This issue is not even a matter of PDP or Labour now. What we have in Ekiti state now is that Fayemi’s government must go.

Violence:

•Anisulowo Unwittingly, people are working for the same purpose and so, we have a common

interest in Ekiti state that we want a change.

There is no way that we will not collaborate in some areas to achieve our goals.

Why should Ekiti people vote for Ayo Fayose again?

Our candidate, Mr Fayose, is a tested hand, he is a man of the people and very close to the grassroots.

He is a man who believes that Ekiti people should benefit from the dividends of democracy. He will not export our resources.

He is more matured now than before and I am sure, experience will count in this regard.

APC acquits Fayose, indicts Bamidele

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

T

HE All Progressive Congress, APC has insisted that members of Labour Party (LP) were responsible for the orgy of violence and attacks on its members in recent times.

The party, however, exonerated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Ayo Fayose in both Egbe Ipole -Iloro,Erio and Okemesi attacks on its members.

The APC had on Wednesday raised an alarm that the opposition parties ,LP and PDP were responsible for the attacks on its members in both Egbe and some towns in Ekiti West Local Government area of the state.

Speaking with newsmen at the party’s secretariat, chairman of

the party, Chief Jide Awe said the LP members have been harassing and humiliating their members in virtually all the places visited.

He, however, said his members may be left with no other option than to resort to self-help if the Police fails to curtail the alleged persistent siege on them by suspected Labour Party thugs.

The APC chairman pointed out that his members and property worth several millions of naira belonging to APC have been destroyed by LP members during attacks on the party in Ipole Iloro, Aramoko, Okemesi, Ikogosi and Erinjiyan Ekiti, all in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the State.

He further revealed that the

party is compiling the attacks it has suffered in the hands of the LP in recent time with the intention of petitioning the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Uyana for necessary action.

Awe, however, absolved the candidate of PDP, Mr Ayo Fayose in the recent attacks on his members.

"Except when Fayose entered the state after he received his certificate in Abuja and the time our team was attacked in front of his office, but, definitely not in recent time.

"For that of Egbe , we could not link Fayose. As a matter of fact, Fayose had left the town when the violence started. Therefore, Egbe’s violence was not politically motivated," he said.

Keep away, Ekiti PDP tells Tinubu

T

HE secretary of the PDP, Dr Tope Aluko has cautioned the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu not to heat up the politics in Ekiti and Osun States, saying the two states are quite different from Lagos State.

The PDP in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday charged the APC that rather than pointing accusing fingers on the doorstep of PDP, the PDP scribe said that it was indeed the APC that is planning to rig the forthcoming election.

He said: “I want to assure Tinubu that Ekiti people are fully prepared to roast to ashes any APC member whether in

Ekiti or thugs imported to rig the poll or cause mayhem.

Tinubu should understand that this is Ekiti State and not Lagos and the APC should never think it possesses monopoly of violence. This is a stern warning to Tinubu.”

“At the appropriate time, we will expose the frauds which the APC has done in alliance with active support of Ekiti INEC.” On the alleged attack of PDP members and supporters during recent campaign events, he said: “We have always prevailed on our supporters not to retaliate and you know their is limit to everything. The APC want to

set the state ablaze, cause pandemonium so as to discredit results of the election.

That is their plan and that won’t succeed.”

•Tinubu

•Ajayi: Accord Party guber candidate

Accord promises welfarist govt

BY DAPO AKINREFON

S

UGGESTIONS that Governor Kayode Fayemi’s government is welfarist inclined are now being challenged by one of the fringe candidates in the election. Accord candidate, Mr Kole Ajayi has pledged to sign a bond with the people to proclaim and practice a welfarist government if elected.

Dropping the hint while addressing supporters at Efon Alaaye, the governorship candidate revealed that his home based government will focus principally on welfarism.

Sustainable employment The candidate also promised that his administration will establish skill acquisition centres in each local government to compliment the proposed industrialization programme.

According to him a government run by Accord would ensure that all unemployed youths are gainfully engaged through sustainable employment opportunities and also creation of enabling environment for economic growth and capacity building.

On agriculture, Ajayi assured that farmers would have relief through access to free farm materials, chemicals and equipment.

58— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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Ronaldo: We’ll score, go through in Munich

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RISTIANO Ronaldo felt no ill effects after he returned from injury in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

There was speculation before the match that Ronaldo was returning too quickly, after 22 days on the sidelines with a leg injury, and afterwards coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his star man was only 50 per cent fit.

Ronaldo was substituted with 16 minutes remaining and replaced by Gareth Bale, but confirmed afterwards that he had come through the match without any problems.

“Some people didn’t want me to play, but I did and nothing happened,” Ronaldo was told Marca. “I was

a little bit worried because it was my first match after three weeks but I didn’t feel any discomfort. I’ll be in perfect condition for the next games.”

Ancelotti praised Ronaldo’s efforts after Real had been forced to start Bale off the bench due to a virus.

“It wasn’t easy with no Bale and Ronaldo at only 50 per cent,” he said.”[Ronaldo] made a huge effort”.

Karim Benzema’s 19th-minute strike separated the teams, although Real could have taken an even greater advantage to the Allianz Arena next week after creating a number of good chances. Bayern controlled possession for the majority, but their lack of cutting edge means they will not take an away goal back to Munich.

Eguavoen, Taribo light up MTN Football Scholar season 4 launch

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AMPOS Mini Stadium, Lagos witnessed a constellation of stars Tuesday as MTN launched season 4 of its soccer and academic scholarship programme.

Ex-internationals like Taribo West, Austin Eguavoen, Jonathan Akpoborie, Tajudeen Disu among others graced the event which also witnessed a high media presence.

There was great excitement among young football enthusiasts who are aiming to combine football with academics.

With an overwhelming presence of stake holders and members of Lagos Sports Council, season 1 winners and the selected season 3 scholars, who are gearing up for their trip to the United States for college scholarship, gave the spectators a taste of what the future holds for them.

Declaring the season 4 open, Kola Oyeyemi, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, said, “MTN believes in creating a better future for young talented Nigerians who aspire to build a career in football by helping them combine the game with education, at the highest level, in colleges overseas”.

“This is in line with the brand’s philosophy of moving its customers from good to better”, he added.

Abdulsalam Oganla, a season one football scholar who is currently studying Economics at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, United Sates, also spoke about the academic cum soccer talent hunt. He said “MTN Football Scholar has actually given me a chance to be a better person by helping me grow academically and continue my football career”.

BATON EXCHANGE: Regina George (3) exchanges baton with Ajoke Odumosun at the London 2012 Olympics. How prepared are they for the World Relays in the Bahamas next month?

World Relays: Ogba celebrates Mt. Sac results

BY BEN EFE

A

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba said yesterday that the members of the federation have been encouraged by the result posted by Nigerian athletes at last weekend’s Mt. Sac relays in California, USA and they are looking forward to a better outing at the World relays championships, May 24-25 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Nigerian women B

team featuring Ada Benjamin, Rita Osai, Tameka Jameson and Josephine Ehigie gave AFN top shots a reason to believe when they ran 3.28.78 to win the women 4x400m top prize. That result put the quartet third on the IAAF top ten world list for the season.

In men’s race Salihu Isah, Joseph Urukpe, Nicholas Imhoapermhe, Noah Akwu and Abiola Onokoya secured a third place finish with a time of 3.06.44. In the 4x100m, Chukwudike Harry, Noah Akwu, Nicholas Imhoapermhe and Obinna Metu also

clinched a third place with 40.22 seconds, while in the women Peace Uko, Gloria Asumn, Dumigues Duncan, Francesca Okwara, managed a fifth position with 43.97 5th in the race won by Oregon A team with 43.31. In the men’s shot put, Stephen Mozia squeezed in only two throws after three failed attempts. His second throw of 19.62 was good enough for second spot and his season’s best.

“It was a good outing and the result is very

assuring. The women 4x400m B team had their personal best, the men 4x400m showed that they can still compete again and also our shot putter Stanley Mozia performed creditably,” said the AFN boss.

He added that the team will be heading to the Penn Relays where they will be competing with top nations like the USA, Jamaica, Bahamas, China and others in what has been described as a dress rehearsal for the World Relays.

Green: NFF, Keshi not liars

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HAIRMAN of the NFF Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green on Thursday decried a report in a national newspaper of the same day, which sensationally reported that the NFF and Coach Stephen Keshi lied to Nigerians about the provisional list of Super Eagles for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.

The report had claimed that Coach Keshi did not submit any list at Tuesday’s

Technical Committee meeting and that the NFF and Keshi tried to manage ‘a bad case’. ”There was no bad case at all. We met with Coach Keshi and we discussed the programme of preparation for the World Cup, and everyone was happy. ”It was wrong for anyone to say that NFF and Keshi lied to Nigerians. We are responsible citizens and diligent in what we do, and will never take the nation and its people for a ride.

L-R : Managing Director, Cormat Nigeria Ltd, Vijay Nair; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola; and Captain of the winning team, Cormat Nigeria, Felix Ajanaku, during the Standard Chartered Trophy - Road to Anfield 2014 competition at Astroturf 2000.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ETIM—I,

formerly

known and addressed as Etim Ime Boniface, now wish to be known and

Yobo resumes training Monday Norwich City’s on-loan defender Joseph Yobo is expected to return to training on Monday,according to club’caretaker coach,Neil Adams.

He will however miss the Premier League trip to Manchester United with the Nigerian international undergoing further treatment on a calf injury.

Adams confirmed on Thursday Yobo could return for the penultimate game at Chelsea to bolster the club’s survival push.

“Joseph is still having treatment on his calf but we are hopeful of getting him back on Monday. He still has a problem and he

•Yobo

wont be ready for this weekend,”Adams said.

Yobo’s imminent return will be a big boost to Super Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi who is reportedly worried about the health of some of the players he intends taking to Brazil for the World Cup. Yobo’s form for Norwich since he made the switch from Turkey has been impressive and local watchers of the sport are convinced he would be a quality addition to the team. A former Nigeria defender Efetobore Sodje is also convinced the former Everton defender will be a great addition to the team Keshi intends to take to Brazil.

Clark Wrestling Championship holds June 2-4

T

HE Nigeria W r e s t l i n g Federation (NWF) has fixed June 2-4 for the second edition of the E.K Clark Wrestling Championship holding

in Warri, Delta State.

President of the federation, Dr Daniel Igali said the championship is a prelude to the Commonwealth Games

Okpala

Continues from BP

Nations Cup in South Africa, saying at the time that poor funding was forcing them to reduce their backroom staff. Said he: “I support Keshi’s action. I think that what is more important now is the preparation. What will happen in the camp?

What are the provisions the federation will make for the team to succeed?

How will all the official and unofficial friendly matches going to be handled?

What information do we have on our opponents? Who among the technical committee will join in monitoring opponents for the technical crew?

Which of the coaches will also play this role?

What roles will be assigned each person?

These are the issues that matter now and not the list. The list will eventually be released.

The players are Nigerians and everybody will know them. What is more important now is the preparation. I don’t think that there should

be controversy over the non submission of the list. Keshi is still on track and the federation should be more interested in the preparation than on the list now.”

Keshi was expected to submit the list to the Technical Committee on Tuesday.

But he did not apparently employing delay tactics so that nobody tampers with the list as speculated in the media.

He told the media that he had submitted a list and the federation said that they were consulting on it. But we exclusively gathered that Keshi did not submit any list and had, for strategic reasons, pleaded for time on the grounds that he wanted to monitor more players.

Our headline on our exclusive, saying that NFF, KESHI LIED TO NIGERIANS appeared harsh to the football federation and they have reacted as published on page 59 but that did not debunk the meat of our story.

holding in Scotland in July.

The Wrestling championship featuring all the 36 states of the federation and clubs started last year and handsomely sponsored by the Delta State government in honour of the political juggernaut Edwin Clark. The first edition was a glamour to behold as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan pledged to make it a yearly wrestling show adding that he would personally assist the federation to prepare well for the Commonwealth Games

where Nigeria is targeting multiple medals from Wrestling.

Speaking from Canada where he is on holidays with his wife, Dr Igali revealed that all arrangements that will make the tournament a huge success has been finalised between the federation and the chairman of the state’s sports commission, Mr Pinnick Amaju.

“I am delighted that the championship is coming up in June<,” Dr Igali said. “It affords the federation an ample opportunity to kick-start full preparations for the Commonwealth Games.''

Amuneke Continues from BP Championship in Togo, which carries a cash prize of N2.4m for the winners.

Nigeria tackle Benin Republic in one of the semi-finals on Friday with the kick-off at 3 pm local time (4pm Nigerian time) to be followed immediately with the game between hosts Togo and Mali in the other semi-final at the same venue.

The winners of both clashes will meet in Sunday ’s final, while the losers contest for the third-place match “It is our objective to win all our matches here

and gradually, we are working towards our target,” the former Barcelona winger said.

“I am impressed with the performance of the boys so far and I keep reminding them that nobody is going to ‘dash’ them victory, as such we would keep working hard to win this tournament.”

The ‘little Squirrels’ eliminated Nigeria from the Algeria 2009 African U17 Tournament with a 3-2 aggregate win much to the contemplation of all since the Golden Eagles were still fresh from their 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup win in Korea.

addressed

as

Etimofon Ime Boniface.

Former t/tennis stars drag NBL to court

BY INNOCENT ANABA

T

WO retired professional table tennis players, Mrs Modupe Amoo and Mrs Omowunmi Muse have sued the Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC Plc., at the Lagos State High Court for allegedly using their photograph in a brand advertisement without their consent.

They are claiming N25million as damages for the unlawful use of their picture, and 21 per cent interest on the sum from the date of judgment.

But NBC has asked the court to dismiss or strike out the suit with substantial cost for being frivolous, vexatious and totally lacking in merit.

The claimants are, meanwhile, asking the court to declare that the use of their picture and goodwill without their prior knowledge is unlawful and amounts to invasion of their privacy “through misappro-priation of their images/likeness.”

They also want the court to restrain the defendants from further publication of the pictures without their consent, and demanded N650,000 as costs incurred in the suit.

An advertisement agency, STB-McCann, is the second defendant in the suit.

Keshi Continues from BP cover for Enyeama, that could be dangerous in Brazil.”

This is believed to be one of the contentious issues during Tuesday’s meeting between the NFF technical committee and the coach in Abuja.

Agbim’s poor form at CHAN was blamed on lack of match fitness as he only played two league matches for Enugu Rangers last season.

However, this season he has moved to Gombe United and he has been playing regularly.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O L AT U N J I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Afolakemi Anuoluwapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinbolaji Afolakemi Anuoluwapo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASHIDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ashidi Silekebuna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Silekebuna Dadikumo Toikumoh. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the general public please take note.

BAMIGBAIYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamigbaiye Omotola Omowunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola Omowunmi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALENG—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Hannah Abel Aleng, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hannah Kenneth Chike Alua.

All former documents remain valid. Taraba State Ministry of Health, MDG Gembu, Ngoroje, Maisamari Jalingo and the general public please note.

Confirnmation of Name

I freely wish to state that Daniel Ashode and Adeoye Agbaje Daniel are one and the same person. That I now wish to be known and addressed henceforth as Adeoye Agbaje Daniel. All my former documents remain valid. The authorities concerned and the general public please note.

EGBIVWIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbivwie Ochuko, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Mrs. Ochuko Iboyitie. All former documents remain valid. AUU Ekpoma, OOU, Sagamu, UI Ibadan, American Embassy and the general public please note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —61

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 —63

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

In today's Sports Vanguard

BRAZIL WORLD CUP

Keshi insists on Agbim C

•Agbim(inset Keshi)

OACH Stephen Keshi has insisted on picking goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim for the World Cup in Brazil despite serious opposition to that.

Agbim was heavily criticised for his performance at the recent CHAN in South Africa.

But despite his blunders, which included letting in a goal against Mozambique from almost 50 yards, Nigeria went on to finish third with Keshi standing firmly behind him.

“Keshi wants Agbim for the World Cup,” a top source told AfricanFootball.com “This would ordinarily not be a problem because

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

he will be the third goalkeeper like always.

But in a situation where it has now been reported that second-choice goalkeeper Austin Ejide is injured and suddenly Agbim would be the

Continued on Page 60

Eagles list: Okpala backs Keshi

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

O

NE time Super Eagles captain Sylvanus Okpala has advised that Stephen Keshi’s failure to submit a provisional list for the Brazil World Cup should not draw bad blood between the Eagles coach and the federation.

ACROSS 1 Improve (6) 5 Abrupt (6) 8 Imperil (8) 9 Speed (4) 10 Man’s (3) 12 Jam (5) 15 Rodent (3) 17 Vegetable (3) 18 Hatchet (3) 19 Wrath (3) 20 Handle (5) 21 Each (3) 22 Curve (3) 23 Finish (3) 24 Hill (3) 26 Mortal (5) 29 Yelp (3) 33 Inactive (4) 34 Complete (8) 35 Bomb-hole (6) 36 Mood (6)

“There’s nothing to worry about the list since there’s still time to do so,” Okpala said in Lagos yesterday.

He was one of the assistants of Keshi until the federation disengaged him after the Continued on Page 60

Amuneke targets N2.4m WAFU Championship

G

OLDEN Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said he hopes his team continue

their winning run on the way to landing the WAFU B U17 Continued on Page 60

DOWN 2 Boredom (5) 3 Side (4) 4 Rascal (5) 5 Shoot (5) 6 Soil (4) 7 Additional (5) 10 Raise (5) 11 Javelin (5) 12 Observe (5) 13 Vision (5) 14 Consumed (5) 15 Prompt (5) 16 Flower (5) 25 Command (5) 27 Speak (5) 28 Concerning (5) 30 Fish (5) 31 Despatched (4) 32 Chamber (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Pass 4, Fib 6, Soft 8, Stance 9, Candid 10, Elk 12, Screw 14, Merit 15, Regal 18, Accede 20, Orange 24, Total 26, Enjoy 28, Place 30, Odd 32, Living 33, Argued 34, Stem 35, Eat 36, Damp.

DOWN: 2, Attic 3, Sincere 4, Free 5, Back 6, Since 7, Failing 11, Lea 12, Sea 13, Wed 16, Get 17, Lot 19, Convict 21, Rap 22, Alleged 23, Eke 25, Old 27, Odium 29, Cream 30, Ogre 31, Dart.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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