ALLEGED BETRAYAL OF NORTH: Presidency, Jang blast Niger gov, Aliyu

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62021

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Jonathan returns, Police arrest Lebanese for defiling thanks Nigerians underage girls 4

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ALLEGED BETRAYAL OF NORTH:

Presidency, Jang blast Niger gov, Aliyu •He is top on list of North's betrayers — Jang •Aliyu should respect his office — Presidency CHRIST THE KING PROCESSION

BY SONI DANIEL & HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—CHAIR MAN of the Northern States Governors Forum, NGSF, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State came under fire, yesterday, over his allegation that the Presidency had bribed prominent northerners for support ahead of the

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COLUMNIST:

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Mr & Mrs

Christ The King procession at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Mile 3, Diobu, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Inset: Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren (L), blessing the congregation during Christ The King celebration at the Sacred Heart Parish, Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. Photos: NAN.

Taleveras, Afren seal Upstream Oil/Gas deal in I'Coast C M Y K

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2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

VICE ADMIRAL MICHAEL OKHAI AKHIGBE'S BURIAL Late Vice Admiral Michael Okhai Akhigbe was buried in his home town, Fugar, Edo State, Saturday. PHOTOS: Barnabas Uzosike.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) and Senate President, David Mark.

Mr. Matthew Urhoghide, Edo PDP Publicity Secretary (left) and Chief Dan Orbih, Edo PDP Chairman.

Taleveras, Afren seal upstream oil, gas deal in Ivory Coast

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IGERIAN indigenous independent oil and gas company, Taleveras, has sealed a fresh upstream deal with the government of Ivory Coast for offshore Block CI-523.

The President and CEO of Taleveras Group, Mr. Igho Sanomi, who led the firm’s delegation to the francophone West African state, signed the deal with officials of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, PETROCI, the national oil company of Ivory Coast, and Afren, the London-listed independent oil and gas company.

Prior to the fresh deal, Taleveras had acquired an interest in Afren’s CI-525, located near the Ghanaian border.

The new investment portfolio, which covers Block CI-523, contains the Ibex oil and gas discovery, while CI-525 covers the Kudu and Eland gas discoveries.

The Nigeria-based business concern had signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with PETROCI for collaboration in upstream activities in Ivory Coast in July 2011.

Since then Taleveras had signed Production Sharing Contracts with PETROCI for four exploration blocks offshore Ivory Coast.

Taleveras is a diversified energy and infrastructure conglomerate concentrating on oil and gas exploration, production, trading and supply, with further activities in power and construction.

Active across the globe, Taleveras’ offices are located in London, Geneva, Abidjan, Abuja, Lagos, Cape Town and Dubai. The company is privately owned.

Mrs. Josephine, widow (2nd left) and children.

Chief Tony Anenih (right) and Naval officers.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (2nd left), General Abdulsalami Abubukar (rtd.), former Head of State (2nd right) and others.

Jonathan returns, thanks Nigerians

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, returned to the country and thanked Nigerians for the show of love extended to him while he was indisposed in London.

He also confirmed that he will have a meeting with the group of seven governors who are estranged from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, this week despite the seeming escalation of the crisis between the governors and the party.

The governors on their part were meeting last night to perfect their positions preparatory to meeting the President.

Speaking with reporters shortly after he arrived at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from London, President Jonathan also confirmed that he had received the report of the committee he set up to investigate the purchase of armoured vehicles by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, allegedly for the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah.

The President, however, did not

say whether government has taken action on the report of the committee.

The President, had on October 23, instituted a threeman administrative panel of inquiry to probe the procurement of two bullet-proof cars for the Aviation Minister.

The three-man panel, which was chaired by the immediate former Head of Service of the Federation, Isa Sali Bello, also has the National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dakusi and another defence intelligence expert, Dick Iruenebere, as members.

The panel was mandated to investigate the minister ’s role in the procurement process and determine whether the process complied with due process.

He told journalists: “I had health challenges. I thank God and I thank Nigerians for the concern they showed. I appreciate the show of love and concern by Nigerians.

“On Wednesday, even though I was in London, I read how people congratulated me, remembering my birthday that I don’t

normally celebrate anyway.

“I really had some health challenges and I have to thank God again that I am very okay to resume work from this night (yesterday).

“The most important thing is that I am back. You will expect that when you are holding a political office as the president of a country, anything that affects you attracts a lot of attention.

“If the President is sick, this alone will definitely cause apprehension even if you don’t know the ailment.”

On meeting with G-7 govs

The President said: “I believe within the week we will be able to meet. Politics is about discussion. We belong to the same political party.

“Even people from different political parties engaged in political discussion and political discussion is a continuous process.

“Even during elections people discuss. So we will continue to discuss.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

JONATHAN RETURNS—From left: President Goodluck Jonathan; Cutlure and Tourism Minister, Chief Edem Duke; Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Chairman, House Committee on Health, Ndudi Elumelu and Special Adviser on Media to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati on the President's arrival from London at the Presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Presidency, Jang blast Niger gov, Aliyu Continues from page 1 2015 presidential elections.

While the Presidency

accused him of rubbishing his office through frivolous allegations, Governor Jonah

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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HE way to gain a good reputation is to en deavour to be what you desire to appear — Socrates I recall a scene from a movie called Fighting Temptation; in this scene, the substitute pianist supposedly sees himself as this honest, simple hearted, God loving individual, who attended service regularly and also thought the other fellows in the choir were as dedicated as himself, when he discovers that others have what he feels are inappropriate amorous feelings, some were still drinkers and even liars and haters. He made this remark with indignation: “And I thought you people were holy and sanctified”. This is really funny because earlier in the movie he too has shown some lapses in his behaviour.

The point of the story is that, I have silently expressed such feelings about others and wondered what kind of people I am fellowshipping with, some are constantly gossiping, and bickering like children, getting into other people’s businesses, so much envy and tall tales, and some will even try to ensure you do not partake of activities because somehow your light will out shine theirs, as if that is even possible, and will try to discredit others. But know that there are always and even more loving people reflecting the good works of truth and divine love. And it dawned on me, why should I expect mastership behaviour and perfection from someone who is here to learn about life like me, we are all learning; some do well in some lessons than others, but all striving toward excellence and contrary to the cliché ascribed to this word, Fighting Temptation, which I will like to call Overcoming Limitations, the story is more about finding our true humanity, through our virtues in our everyday living with each other, in a way you might want to call it seeing the face of God or divine love.

Jang of Plateau State also branded Governor Aliyu as the number one saboteur on the list of prominent northerners ready to betray northern interest.

Governor Aliyu had last Saturday alleged that the presidency had bribed about 400 prominent northerners to support President Jonathan in his alleged bid for reelection in 2015. He claimed that he would make the list public as soon as he obtained it.

Responding yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr. Ahmed Gulak, told Vanguard on phone that the allegation was not only laughable but was also frivolous and unbecoming of a governor, who should know better.

Gulak noted with dismay the penchant by the Niger governor to throw up wild allegations which neither him nor any of his officials had been able to substantiate.

The presidential aide recalled that it was the same governor, who alleged that Jonathan signed an agreement with northern leaders to serve only a term but had not been able to pro-

duce a copy of the socalled agreement when challenged to prove his claim.

The Presidential adviser said: “Nigerians should be able to know Aliyu Babangida for who he is. He is reckless with speech and fond of trying to malign the President. They should just ignore him for always trying to play to the gallery.

“I think that the Niger State Governor is rubbishing the high office which he occupies and should learn to respect his office.

“President Goodluck Jonathan does not need to bribe anyone to win election if he decides to seek a second term in office. The Jonathan that we know must go round the country and campaign as he has been doing rather than seek to induce anyone for votes,” Gulak said.

In his response yesterday, Jang, factional chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, described Aliyu as number one on the list of betrayers of northern interests.

Jang said that if a list of those who have betrayed northern interests is ever compiled that Governor Aliyu would

top the list on account of his alleged tendency of sowing seeds of distrust among the Northern political class.

He particularly accused Aliyu of using the crisis in the Northern States Governors Forum to further a sinister agenda.

In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja yesterday, Jang said: “The ultimate betrayal occurred when the northern governors met and agreed on Governor Jang as the consensus candidate of the North to become the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum only for Governor Aliyu and his cohorts to betray the Northern Governors agreement.

“Maybe Governor Aliyu and his group do not see me as a Northerner and perhaps need to explain to us what makes you a northerner

if they can so flagrantly disregard the collective decision.

“If Governor Aliyu is accusing anybody in the North of betrayal, maybe he should think hard to find out if these people did not learn the act from him. Nigerians are not stupid, the more the issues unravel, the more they see the root cause of some of the issues plaguing our polity today and those responsible through their deceit and dishonour which now means state governors can no longer sit down together and believe anything they agree on collectively”.

Contacted on the development yesterday, a senior media aide to Governor Aliyu promised to respond after making contacts with the governor but had not responded as at press time last night.

FG, ASUU both losers in ongoing strike — Aremu

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN—THE Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State said both the Federal Government and striking members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, were both losers in the ongoing over four months old industrial action embarked upon by the university lecturers.

Aremu who is also the General Secretary of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, regretted

that the death of the former ASUU leader, Professor Festus Iyayi had caused major setback in the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC’s intervention in resolving the face -off between ASUU and federal government.

Aremu spoke with journalists in Ilorin at the fidau for the late wife of the pioneer Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offence Commission (ICPC ), Hajia Akanbi.

He pointed out that Nigeria cannot be among the top economies of the world with her universities shut for over four months.

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Edo police kill 7 suspected robbers

5 killed, houses burnt as gunmen attack Plateau community

BY TAYE OBATERU

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY— SEVEN suspected robbers were shot dead, yesterday, along the notorious Benin by-pass, during a gun battle between the police and the robbers.

The operation was personally led by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Folusho Adebanjo.

At press time, the CP and a special squad of detectives were still combing the area popular referred as haven for robbers.

Some of the robbers, according to CP Adebanjo, were still in the bushes with bullet wounds.

As at 10:30am when the bodies of the dead policemen were brought to the Edo State Police Command, one of the robbers who identified himself as Sanda from Kebbi State, was still alive and he confessed that he only joined his dead colleagues for the first time, because he needed money to go back to Kebbi State.

NSCDC arrests 26 over illegal mining

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC, Ogun State Command has announced the arrest of 26 suspects, including four teenagers, for allegedly engaging in illegal dredging activities.

The Corps Public Relations Officer in the state, Kareem Olanrewaju, disclosed this in Abeokuta, weekend.

The four teenagers arrested, according to Olanrewaju were, Argentina Zack 14, Azeez Inagozou ,16, Podo Sunday 17 and Kabra Kaziyan,15.

They are from different places including Benin Republic.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include four lorries fully loaded with sharp sand with number plates Lagos, EKY244YE, Lagos KSF445XB and two others with no registration numbers as well as a Jincheng motorcycle with number plate Lagos, QQ902EKY.

The eyewitness said they ran out of their houses to seek refuge as Policemen in the village could not match the fire power of the assailants who outnumbered them.

He added that the prompt arrival of military men from Taraba State saved the situation from getting worse

Media Officer of the Special Task Force maintaining security in the state, Captain Salisu Mustapha, who confirmed the attack said there were only two deaths, adding that the attackers had been successfully repelled and normalcy restored to the village.

Lebanese arrested for defiling underage girls

3 killed, houses razed, in Katsina village blast

J

OS — FIVE people were yes terday killed and several houses burnt at Kuka village in Shendam Local government Area of Plateau State when armed men attacked the village.

The gunmen, said to have numbered over 100, stormed the village,

which is about 300 kilometres from the state capital and shares boundary with Taraba State, after midnight.

An eyewitness said the attackers who were armed with sophisticated weapons torched houses and shot sporadically as they moved, killing the five and injuring others.

... as Police nabbed woman for trafficking girls to Libya

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE —A 32-year-old Leba nese, Jack Sankary, whose hobby is to have carnal knowledge of under-aged girls in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has been nabbed by detectives.

Also middle aged woman, Chinwe Chinasa, has been arrested for allegedly trafficking six young girls to Libya for prostitution.

His recruiter, Patience Godwin, is currently undergoing interrogation at the state CID. Vanguard gathered that Patience was arrested at her hideout in Odopetu area of Akure metropolis and one 14-year-old girl about to be taken to the Lebanese rescued.

Speaking on the woman who trafficks young girls to Libya for prostitution, the state Police command said she was arrested at the Olufoam area of Federal Housing Estate, Shagari Village in Akure following intelligence reports.

The command image maker, Wole Ogodo, said after the raid on the hideout, it was discovered that the six young girls had been prepared for the journey to Libya.

Ogodo said part of the preparation was shaving of their hairs and cutting of their nails.

He assured that investigation was ongoing to apprehend all her collaborators.

Ogodo said that some Nigerian international passports, cheque

D

The rescued girls books of different banks and fake Naira notes were recovered from the suspected trafficker ’s house. Speaking while she was paraded by the police, Chinasa said she picked four of the girls from a hotel in Asaba, Delta State.

We were virgins

Some of the girls confirmed that the suspect deceived their parents that she was going to help them look for jobs and not

prostitution.

They alleged that they were virgins before they were lured into the illicit business by the suspect.

The girls were said to have pleaded that the police should temper justice with mercy since they were deceived into the trade by the suspect.

According to Ogodo the suspects will be charged to court after completion of investigation.

4 Nigerian cadets injured in Hurricane Haiyan

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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AGOS— FOUR Nigerian ca dets whose identity Vanguard could not immediately ascertain were said to have been injured following the hurricane that swept through the Philippines recently.

The cadets are currently under going different courses in maritime studies in that country.

It was said that the cadets on

sighting the storm coming towards their hostel, tried to escape the hurricane and jumped from a high platform thereby getting injured in the process.

The injured cadets, it was gathered, were taken to hospital for treatment but were discharged after a few days later.

Besides the injured Nigerian cadets, more than 100 people

were killed in a major Philippine coastal city that took the br unt of Super Typhoon Haiyan, authorities said Saturday.

The death toll in Tacloban was the first significant casualty report on a day authorities began surveying devastation by a typhoon described as perhaps the strongest storm ever to make landfall in recorded history.

A N D U M E ( KAT S I N A ) — THREE people were killed when two fuel-laden articulated vehicles exploded at Gyazama village, along the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Transition Committee Chairman of Dandume Local Government Council, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dandume that four other persons sustained burns of various degrees.

He also said that six houses were also burnt in the resultant inferno which occurred Saturday evening.

According to reports, the blaze started when some drivers were transferring fuel from a broken-down vehicle to another using a pumping machine.

Muhammad said two of the deceased were operators of the pumping machine, while those who sustained burns were receiving treatment at Funtua General Hospital.

He added that the houses were burnt because of the fuel which spilled from the scene of the incident.

Muhammad, who was an eyewitness, explained that the fire could not be contained by the Dandume council firemen, adding that it took the intervention of nearby firemen from Faskari, Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas to put it off.

He said that the fire lasted till Sunday morning, adding that he attended the burial of the deceased, while paying condolence visits to the victims’ families.

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013—7

CONFAB: Okurounmu c'ttee submits report Dec 2

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

B POWER PRIVATISATION: From left— Mr. Samuel Agbogun, MD/CEO, National Electricity Liability Management Company, NELMCO; Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, MD/CEO, Egbin Power Plc; Mr. Dapo Abiodun, Chairman, First Power (lease holders for Ijora Power Company); and Mr. Ademola Adebisi, Executive Director, Wema Bank Plc, First Power financiers, at the formal handover of Ijora Power Co by NELMCO to First Power.

WOW: Do business like men, Oputu tasks women

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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AGOS— THE Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BoI, Ms. Evelyn Oputu, has charged Nigerian women to take their destinies into their hands and strive for opportunities that will empower them financially.

She gave the charge while speaking at Women on Wellness, WOW, conference organised by Vanguard Allure magazine in Lagos.

Speaking on Building Financial Capacity as a Valued Health Model: Approaches, Intents and Opportunities, Oputu asked women to be proactive and emulate their male counterparts’ approach to financial freedom.

Oputu said: “You need to empower yourselves since you remain the pillar of support of the society as far as care giving is concerned.

“When going into business, go into it like a woman but do it like a man. Embrace your hobby and things that are profitable and you must learn to win without losing yourself.”

The conference, organised to mark the fifth anniversary of the WOW programme and a prelude to Allure’s annual award, had experts from different fields educating women on health-related issues, improved healthy lifestyle and financial management.

On health, sleep

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Aham Onyike, who spoke on The Desirability of Healthy Habits for Improved Condi-

tions of the Musculoskeletal System, said that changes in lifestyle, especially inactivity, are the major cause of orthopedic issues.

He encouraged the participants to embrace more physical activity instead of leading sedentary lifestyles.

He said: “The lifestyle of our forefathers involved lots of physical activities and therefore led to better health.

Today, our bodies have become inactive due to the nature of work and predominant lifestyles.

“So we have to design artificial activities, like exercises that the body would respond to, as research has proved that the body responds to such activity for improved health.”

On his part, the Managing Director of Sleep Medics, Dr. Don Onu said that to maintain perfect health, people should understand the importance of sleep as it is needed to restore and heal the body.

Speaking on Managing Sleep Routine: A Necessity for Optimal Health, Cognitive Functioning and Emotional Health, Onu noted that the human body depends on sleep to be able to function well.

Fashion, image

The Creative Head, Adebayo Jones Limited, Adebayo Jones, who spoke on image, style and fashion, underscored the importance of managing social reputation through responsible fashion and style.

He spoke on How Your Style and Style Choices Affect Your

Image and Social Well-being, Jones said people’s opportunities to succeed in life is impacted by their sense and choice of fashion.

He said: “How you present yourself would affect your opportunities in life. It would also affect how you are perceived as a professional person.

“It would by extension determine whether people would consider doing business with you.”

Other speakers at the event were Dr. Abayomi Ajayi and Eryca Freemantle, who spoke on family wellness and noninvasive reconstructive make up, fitness and living well, respectively.

Some participants that spoke to Vanguard after the programme said they were impressed as they have been empowered to embrace life with a renewed vigour.

Ibiyemi Fashina said: “This is my first time of attending the WOW programme and I must say that I enjoyed all the topics that were treated.

“Although for want of time, some of the speakers could not go into many details, I got the messages. They were clear enough. And this is good for Nigerian women. I feel empowered.”

what you put on, on the outside.

We are also interested in what happens to you on the inside, because if you are not well and healthy, whatever you may put on amounts to nothing.

“So we have tried to marry the two, to ensure you are well and then doing fashion. That is what Allure is all about.

“WOW is all about trying to create awareness about health and push out information that would help individuals make better health choices.

“What we are hoping to achieve is that by tomorrow, Nigerians would be so conscious about their health that instead of all the gold and the music, they would also add their fitness to all their enjoyment in fashion, music and football.”

Some dignitaries at the event were Dame Ambibola Fashola, the First Lady of Lagos State, and Vanguard’s Editor-inChief, General Manager Publications, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye.

Editor's remarks

On her part, the organiser and Allure Editor, Remmy Diagbare, said: “Allure is not just a fashion magazine. It is about fashion, lifestyle and wellness. Put together, the topics make the total person.

“We are not just interested on

Ms. Evelyn Oputu

ARRING lastminute hitches, the 13-man Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue will submit its report on or before next Monday, December 2.

The panel would have turned in its report detailing modalities for organising the proposed national conference on November 19, but was granted two weeks extension by the presidency to wrap up its work.

A member of the panel told Vanguard yesterday that the committee concluded its zonal tour across 13 cities in the six geo-political zones, weekend, with a visit to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and is now holed up in the capital city to finish off the job.

The member said: “We finished going round last weekend. We are still in Abuja getting our reports ready. We are trying to keep to limits.

“They gave us extra two weeks and we have loads and loads of memoranda to work on.”

President Jonathan raised the Senator Femi Okurounmu-led committee on October 1 and inaugurated it on October 7 with a sixweek time frame.

The cities visited by the committee are Akure, Jos, Minna, Calabar, Benin, Enugu, Umuahia, Lagos, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Lagos, Bauchi, Kaduna and Abuja.

Asked their experience during the zonal visits and the picture emerging from Nigerians on their e x p e c t a t i o n s , Okurounmu, after one of the sittings, said: “The picture that has emerged so far is that of Nigerians exceedingly grateful to Mr. President for listening and acceding to their yearnings to convene a national conference.”

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Jonathan sacks aide

P

R E S I D E N T G o o d l u c k Jonathan has sacked Mrs Aisha Umar from office as his Senior Special Assistant.

This was contained in a press statement issued yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

The statement further indicated that Mrs Umar’s sack takes effect from today.

NCAA declares Hajj operation successful

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

N

IGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday, revealed that only 10,000 out of the 75,000 pilgrims that participated in 2013 Hajj were delayed in their return journey because they employed the services of tour operators.

According to NCAA Public Affairs General Manager, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, “over 75,000 pilgrims were airlifted in the 2013 Hajj operation in an exercise that was largely hitch free.

“All the pilgrims were airlifted in a total of 166 flight operations. The only grey area was the delay experienced by the 10,000 pilgrims who employed the services of the tour operators.”

DEDICATION: The Bishop of Abuja and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most. Revd. Nicolas Okoh, flanked by the Bishop of Arochukwu/Ohafia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Onuoha and Vicar of Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ven. Stephen Ejezie, at the dedication of Our Saviour Anglican Church's new building in Abuja, yesterday.

Pro-Jonathan lawmakers move to dump constitution review for confab

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

A

BUJA— THE review of the 1999 Constitution by the House of Representatives might have been put on hold, following subtle moves by many members of the lower chambers of the National Assembly to stop further work on the matter, pending the conclusion of the national dialogue, which was recently initiated by the presidency.

Findings by Vanguard indicated that many of the lawmakers loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan were favourably disposed to the suspension of further action on the amendment of the Constitution by the

leadership of the House of Representatives until the conclusion of the proposed conference.

A source in the National Assembly said that the progovernment elements had been meeting routinely on how to scuttle the completion of the amendment of the Constitution, which they suspect may adversely affect the political fortunes of some top politicians in their camp.

To get at the leadership of the House of Representatives and stall further deliberations on the constitution amendment, the progovernment group is reported to have begun insinuations that the leadership had already spent

close to N100 billion on the project without any progress.

The group also alleged that the leadership had diverted part of the funds meant for the review for the acquisition of exotic cars for some of the top officials of the House, leaving the job undone.

‘Amendments must proceed'

However, chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, said that members would not suspend review of the constitution for the deliberations of the national dialogue, as the two were completely different.

Mohammed stated that the amendment must be taken to

CBN's reforms yet to impact on the people— WAIFEM

BY PETER EGWUATU

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s banking reforms is yet to impact on the citizenry as lending rate is still high, Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, WAIFEM, Professor Akpan Ekpo, has said.

He also said that the Federal Government has the capacity and expertise to determine the oil benchmark more than the National Assembly.

Ekpo, who spoke weekend during a workshop for

financial journalists in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, said: ”In my opinion, in as much as the lending rate is still high in the country, the banking reforms have not really impacted on the lives of the ordinary people.

“It is obvious that the reforms have brought some level of sanity in the industry but its desired effect of impacting on the economy has not been achieved.

“Until we see the lending rate dropping to a level where manufacturing firms or industries can borrow at minimum cost, which will

then have a multiplier effect on price of goods, employment and standard of living, then we cannot really say that the reforms have achieved its purpose.”

On benchmark

While answering questions on the controversial benchmark for oil price in determining the 2014 budget, the WAIFEM boss said: “The Ministry of Finance and the budget office have the capacity and expertise to determine the benchmark for oil price than the National Assembly whose function is to

make law.

“The fixing of oil price should be conservative in nature as it is a volatile product. It is better to underestimate than over estimate.”

In his paper entitled Economic Reforms in Nigeria: Issues and Lessons, Ekpo said: “Reforms are part and parcel of governance. They even assume a life of their own in most human endeavours, in economic, socio-cultural or political spheres, reflecting limitations of the human mind and need for adjustments.”

a logical conclusion to satisfy the desire of Nigerians to have a truly peoples constitution and deepen democracy and good governance in the country.

Although the lawmaker did not say how much had been expended on the project, he dispelled the allegation of spending N100 billion on the amendment of the constitution, saying that the entire budget of the National Assembly was not more than N150 billion.

Another lawmaker, who is close to the leadership of the House, noted that there was a serious attempt by some aggrieved persons to use some members against the leadership of the House over perceived lack of cooperation and support for the presidency.

According to the lawmaker “ we are aware of subtle moves to get at our leader, whom they accuse of not supporting the party that gave him the ticket.

“But we know that they will fail woefully because the Speaker has chosen to be on the side of the majority of the people of Nigeria and not play to the gallery for cheap popularity.

“The national dialogue is a creation of the presidency and we do not know what it is out to achieve, while the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution is a project that must be done speedily to bring about a positive change in the way we do things.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013—9

Land Use Act: Lagos demolishes event centre

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — LAGOS State government, weekend, demolished a multi-million naira Event Centre on block 36 Plot 4 in Magodo, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, LCDA, for violating the land Use Act of 1990.

The demolition exercise carried out by the State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences, which stormed the newly constructed Event Centre Saturday, suspended its operation till yesterday, to avoid casualties.

When Vanguard visited the scene at Tokumbo Disu-Sule Street, it was learnt that the land was allocated to one Mr. Sarumi Adebowale Atinmo in 1994 by the state government under the Magodo Residential Scheme.

Sources said the government revoked the certificate and 35 others in 2011, for violating the stipulated clause in the Certificate of Ownership, C of O, issued during allocation, which included inability to pay the ground rent and erect residential apartment after 17 years of allotment.

After the revocation, it was gathered that Sarumi allegedly leased the land out to recoup his investment.

However, effort to speak with

either the previous owner or the new occupier of the building proved abortive.

Chairman of Taskforce, Mr. Bayo Sulaimon, while speaking to Vanguard after the demolition, said: “This land was among the 36 plots of lands that were revoked by the state government within the Magodo Residential Scheme for inability to erect structure on the land within the stipulated period and the

inability to pay the required ground rent.

“The revocation was done in year 2011 by the state government after the government had waited for 17 years for the owners to develop the land. The previous allottee, Mr. Sarumi who got his C of O, in 1994, leased the land to another person.

“There is a clause in the C of O which falls in line with the

land Use Act of 1990, that each of the allottees must commence construction on the allotted land within three years. Before the government revoked the land, the owners were contacted.”

He said they were referred to the section in the C of O which stated that the place must be developed within a stipulated time, adding, “and they all accepted.”

FORUM: From left, Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State; Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, and Mrs. Bisi Awoyomi, Director, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network, LEARN, during the parenting forum, ‘Shaping our Future: The Vital Role of Parenting,' organised by LEARN, at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Lagos screens citizens for cancer, diabetes, hypertension

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

LAGOS — Lagos State Government is commencing a wellness health week in which it

will carry out an integrated free screening and awareness exercise for breast cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases, NCD.

The exercise which kicked off today, will run through to Friday, November 29, in all local government and Local Council Development areas of the state.

The wellness health week,

being organised to tackle the spectre of inadequate knowledge and awareness of the symptoms, signs and effects of untreated hypertension, diabetes, cancer of the breast,cervix and prostate, among other NCDs, is designed to create awareness about early detection.

Special Adviser to will win.” the Governor on But displaying the Public Health, Dr. Supreme Court judgment Yewande Adeshina, in Appeal No. SC53/95, who disclosed this, dated July 14, 2000, Oliyide weekend, noted that said there was no Lagos, being the ambiguity in the fact that commercial nerve both Oshodi family of Lagos centre of Nigeria, (Epetedo) and Arota had peculiar Ologun family jointly environmental and owned the modern day other risk factors that Oshodi Town. predisposed He said that the Supreme residents to NCDs Court affirmed and and explained that recognised the two families the exercise tagged in the third paragraph of its ‘First Statewide judgment, where it said Wellness Health “that the land in dispute in Week Awareness this case, as shown on the and Screening plan attached to the P r o g r a m m e , ’ statement of claim in this became necessary in suit, is part of the land view of the danger litigated upon in suit AB/ to health and 16/57 and it is also part of economic losses the land granted absolutely such disorders pose to the Oshodis and Arotas to society. by the Oba Onigbesa of Igbesa

Family warns against misinterpretation of S-Court judgement

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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ARTIES to the lingering tussle over the control of resources of Oshodi town, in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government

Area, have been warned to desist from distorting and misinterpreting the Supreme Court judgment over the land tussle.

Mr. Lanre Oliyide, counsel to the Arota Ologun family of Oshodi, handed down the warning in a chat with newsmen over a recent publication by a national daily that Oshodi was an exclusive property of Oshodi family of Epetedo.

In the said publication, one Chief Surakat Alabi-Oshodi had claimed that the Oshodi family gave the land to the Arota Ologun family, which, he claimed, had stopped to recognise them as the owner of Oshodi Town.

He said: “There have been court cases which lasted 35 years in 2000, a Supreme Court judgment affirmed the Oshodis as the owner of Oshodi town but we are still in court and we

TUC decries delayed federal budget presentation

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

TRADE Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, weekend, decried the delay by President Goodluck Jonathan in presenting the 2014 budget proposal to the National Assembly, warning that the delay was bad for Nigeria’s economic development and growth.

The umbrella body for senior staff associations in the country equally faulted perceived forced holiday given to National Assembly workers in preparation for the aborted presentation of the 2014 budget by President Goodluck Jonathan to a joint session of the National Assembly, describing it as u n n e c e s s a r y, counter-productive and an example of executive impunity.

TUC in a statement by its President and Secretary General, Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal, argued that it was a globally acknowledged fact that good budgeting and early presentation of budgets was a serious business for better fiscal and socio-economic planning and should not be subject to delay on the basis of frivolities.

Cleric urges government to improve security

T

HE LORD Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Reverend James Odedeji has urged government to step up its security apparatus to make the country safe.

He spoke to reporters at the Holy Communion/ Thanksgiving Service to mark the 14th anniversary of the diocese, at ArchBishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Lagos.

Odedeji said the country needed prayers to heal all departments in the country that had fallen short of the people’s expectation.

He said: “I don’t want to agree with government that it is on top of the security situation in the country. We need to pray.

Things are easier said than done. Life and property are not safe and our people are living in fear.”

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Adeyeye decries state of Ekiti hospitals

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FENIFERE CHIEFTAIN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State has called on the state government to pay more attention to the parlous state of hospitals in the State, saying, “the present state of infrastructure and medical services in hospitals in Ekiti State should be a source of concern to well-meaning indigenes of the state.”

He admonished the state government to stop paying lip-service to health-care delivery in the state, adding that, “spending a whopping sum of N70 million on a ‘Health Mission’ programme in which Paracetamol, cotton wool, cotton bud, soap and toothpaste are distributed when hospitals in the state are under-staffed with decaying infrastructure is a waste of public fund.”

Ogun partners World Bank, others on health insurance

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HE OGUN State Government, under its Public/Private Partnership, PPP, initiative has secured support of the African Health Market for Equity, AHME, partners comprising the World Bank and allies on the roll-out of the Community Based Health Insurance Scheme, CBHIS, in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who made this known in Abeokuta after a presentation to the group on the process and modalities for the operation of the scheme, pointed out that the development would help in achieving the re-defined health strategy of government towards providing efficient health-care system.

Responding, Director, Health Market of AHME, Mr. Matt Boxshall assured of the readiness of his team to collaborate with the state government to provide high quality service delivery, describing the CBHIS scheme as a genuine intervention capable of addressing health-related challenges.

Akarigbo commends cement firm over road rehabilitation

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Akarigbo of Remo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Sonarinwo has commended Lafarge Cement WAPCO for its plan to rehabilitate some parts of the Sagamu/Ogijo VISIT: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); daughter of the Federal road in the local kidnapped industrialist, Mrs. Olabisi Obaleye (left); All Progressives Congress government.

Chieftain, Senator Bayo Salami (right), and others, during the Governor's visit to Oba Sonarinwo stated this before commiserate with the family of the kidnapped founder and CEO, Yinka Oba Foam, the commissioning of four renovated Mrs. Olayinka Obaleye, at Ilesa, Osun State. blocks of classrooms and distribution of 176,000 exercise books, among others, at the presentation of 2013 Community Development Programmes to the Sagamu community, weekend, The monarch who, however, regretted the neglect of the

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN road by the Federal He said the election said, were genuine observers Government, said many monitors were being used to working on the platform of the commuters and motorists Justice and Equity OVERNOR RAUF test-run alleged rigging plying the Sagamu/ Ogijo Organisation.

Aregbesola of Osun schemes of Governor road were facing serious While calling on the police State and Senator Iyiola Aregbesola ahead of the hardship. and the Independent National Omisore were, yesterday, forthcoming gubernatorial Oba Sonarinwo’s Electoral Commission, INEC, to locked in a verbal war over the election in Osun State. commendation came as a result Omisore’s assertion was monitor Governor Aregbesola’s fate of the 181 election of the pledge made by the chief activities in the run-up to the monitors deployed from Osun immediately rebuffed by Executive Officer, Osun State gubernatorial State to monitor the recent Governor Aregbesola who LafargeCement WAPCO, Joe election, Senator Omisore said: Anambra State gubernatorial accused his traducer of Hudson that the company smelling election defeat in the “What Aregbesola did was to election. would rehabilitate some parts test-run and perfect his rigging Senator Omisore, a face and resorting to all of the Sagamu/Ogijo road. means to plans towards next year election gubernatorial aspirant on the desperate Hudson in his remarks, said in Osun Sate having declared platform of the Peoples ameliorate defeat. the company had decided to Aregbesola also accused the to his APC members that his Democratic Party, PDP, take the responsibility of the second term ambition is a doasserted that the election police in Anambra and Imo road in Ogijo with a view to or-die affair.” monitors now held by the states of working in cahoots ameliorating the suffering of Accusing the election monitors Police in Imo State were fake with opponents of freedom to the people that ply the road. arrested by the police in Imo election observers who should destabilise the work of the 181 election monitors, who, he State as fake election observers, be diligently prosecuted.

Omisore called on the police to diligently prosecute them for the sake of equity.

Aregbesola in a riposte said: “It is laughable for people like Iyiola Omisore to use the Anambra/Imo police chicanery as a premise to call on the graduated.

BY OLA AJAYI did not have any political Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr. Iweala was awarded colouration as being insinuated to monitor the movement of honorary Doctor of Science in in some quarters.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola.”

BADAN — THE Accounting, her counterpart was According to her: “There is In the statement by Semiu Coordinating Minister for honoured with Doctor of Science no politics in it. Every state goes Okanlawon, Director General, the Economy and Minister of in Economics. to Federal Allocation Bureau of Communications, the Finance, Dr Ngozi The ceremony attracted Committee meeting monthly; governor said: Okonjo-Iweala, weekend, important dignitaries like the they see the account and know “Omisore is smelling defeat appealed to the striking university Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade who that oil production is down and already before he emerges the lecturers to call off the strike and was represented by his wife, the receipts are down. candidate of his party. resume teaching.

Chief Mojisola Sijuwade; the “They know Customs’ Obviously, Omisore nurses the She said this after she and the Pro Chancellor/Chairman, revenues are down, yet we fear that Aregbesola’s influence Governor of the Central Bank of Governing Council, Dr. distribute whatever that is to be transcends the shores of Osun Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Adegoke Adedoyin, among distributed. From that, we have State and thus wishes that the Sanusi bagged doctorate honorary others. been able to manage this governor ’s movement be doctorate degrees at a private She said: “We are indeed country and workers have been monitored. university, Oduduwa University, saddened by the death of able to collect their salaries.

“No amount of such dubious On the need for the Ipetumodu in Osun State.

Professor Iyayi. I appeal to and devious moves will earn The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade ASUU to go back to school in the revitalisation of tertiary Omisore a place in the hearts of Sijuwade, according to the Vice interest of students, their education, she said: “Our Osun electorate and, in fact, Chancellor, Professor Adeleke parents, because the Federal tertiary institutions face serious every right-thinking person. For Ogunwale, nominated the two Government has acceded to challenges which require urgent attention. President more than a week now, eminent Nigerians for the award their requests.”

Nigerians have been as part of activities marking the The Minister said this just as Jonathan injects N220billion a entertained with a drama of the maiden convocation of the she clarified that the shortfall in year on top of regular resources absurd by the Nigeria Police.” institution which produced 18 first the federal allocation to state to address challenges in tertiary education.”

Defending the mission of the class graduates out of 166 that governments in the federation

Aregbesola, Omisore disagree over 181 poll monitors G

Okonjo Iweala appeals to ASUU to call off strike I

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013—11

Bayelsa probes communal clash

We now repair our aircraft locally —COAS

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ENAGOA—Bayelsa State Government has condemned weekend’s violent clash between Akenfa and Agudama-Epie communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, which reportedly left three persons dead and several others injured.

Governor Seriake Dickson, in a statement, yesterday, flayed the ugly situation and called on the feuding communities to sheathe their swords pending the outcome of the investigation panel set up by the government.

The panel, headed by the state deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd), has as its members, the Commissioner of Police, Director of Department of State Security, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey and the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor.

The setting up of the panel, according to the statement, was to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis.

“However, where such cannot be achieved, the government will be forced to invoke a section of the Constitution and take over the ownership of the land in accordance with the laws of the land,” he said, noting that security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent any form of reprisal attacks by either of the feuding parties.

P

REPORT: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right) receiving a report from Mrs. Cicilia Udo Essien, Head, Committee on the Production of Schemes and Conditions of Service for Ibom Airport Development Company Ltd., in Uyo.

Navy arrests three suspected oil thieves, community’s spiritual head

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Delta, have arrested three suspected illegal oil bunkerers and gun runners in oil-rich Ugborodo community, in Warri South-West Local Government Area, along with the community ’s spiritual head, for allegedly parading himself as a traditional ruler.

The arrest followed a raid, weekend, on the community during which the suspects were picked up and taken to Warri for further investigation.

Chairman of Delta State Waterways Committee, DWSC, Chief Ayiri Emami, who spoke

to newsmen on the matter, said he had to report to Police, Soldiers and Navy authorities, the criminal acts of the suspects, to stem any breach of the peace in the area.

Ayiri said that the suspects and their leaders would be arraigned before the state High Court, noting that though no gun was recovered at the time of arrest, investigation was on-going as it was not proper for him to allow the nefarious activities of the suspects to continue unchecked.

He noted that the problem in Ugborodo community was because of the order by the Community Trust Chairman, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi that all illegal bunkering activities be stopped

Imoke declares free medicare for pregnant women

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OVERNOR Liyel Im oke of Cross River State has told pregnant women not to pay for their medical treatment because such expenses would be defrayed by the state government.

Speaking while flagging off the state’s Maternal Newborn Child Health Week in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area of the state, Imoke enjoined mothers in the state not to also pay for the medical treatment of children of five years and below.

He explained that gov-

ernment’s decision was borne out of the fact that medical treatment for pregnant women and their children was free and motor cycles, generators, pickup vans and medical kits had been provided to enhance their treatment.

He said though the state’s financial position was not buoyant, he was determined to provide free and affordable medical services to enable the people work and the children go to school, adding that immunisation was free while vaccination should

be taken regularly for polio and measles in order to kick them out of the state.

The governor advised that if they were asked to pay for medical treatment at government facilities, they should report such medical officers because such money does not get to the government’s coffers but to individual’s pockets.

Imoke said that the ambulance given to the area was meant to convey pregnant women from their communities to the General Hospital in case of emergency for treatment and was not the doctor’s car.

forthwith to protect lives and property of innocent indigenes or the perpe-

trators would face the wrath of security agencies.

ORT HARCOURT— CHIEF of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, has said that the Air Force now maintains its aircraft in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, adding that the development was saving the Air Force huge sums of money that would have been spent on such maintenance outside the country.

The Air Force boss, who spoke during a tour of facilities of the 97 Special Operations Group, SOG, of the Nigerian Air Force, Port Harcourt, said that the technological development would also generate revenue for the Air Force.

“In Port Harcourt, we are fixing aircraft locally.”

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

UNIBEN ASUU wants Wada, others tried for Iyayi’s alleged murder zAs civil societies give FG 7 days ultimatum to set up probe panel

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Benin chapter, has called for the trial of the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Idris Wada and others connected to the accident that claimed one of their colleagues, Prof. Festus Iyayi. The union also blamed the government of the state for attempting to distort the facts about the accident.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations in Edo State have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the death of Prof. Iyayi, or face unpleasant reactions from Nigerians.

The organisations, made up of legal practitioners, students, labour unions and lecturers, made their position known, weekend, at a symposium and street protest organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, and National Human Rights Commission and Citizens Wealth Platform to mark 2013 International Day to End Impunity.

Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, said that a society not driven by justice was unacceptable, hence the need

for the Federal Government to set up a panel of inquiry into the killing of the former ASUU president.

UNIBEN ASUU, on its part, said that at the appropriate time, ASUU and the Iyayi family would demand concrete answers from the Kogi State Government for Iyayi’s murder.

Reacting to the accident that claimed Prof Iyayi’s life, the ASUU branch Chairman, Dr. Anthony Monye-Emina and

Secretary, Okeri Henry, said: ”Prof. Iyayi did not just die in an accident, but was willfully murdered by the state and its agents.

“Nigerians are aware of the recklessness of political office holders and their aides and in particular, of Alhaji Idris Wada on our roads and the arrogance that goes with it. It is time that Nigerians rise up to curb the menace and put a stop to the lawlessness, reckless-

ness and impunity of our leaders.”

Insisting that ASUU and the Iyayi family were capable of giving him the befitting burial that he deserves, the union said that it did not want any state interference in his burial, warning that “his burial should not be an avenue for government officials to score cheap political points as we will resist any state involvement in the burial.”

SAFETY CULTURE: Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria, JBN, Mr. Wolfgang Goetsch (middle); Executive Director, Administration, JBN, Mr. Zubairu Bayi (left) and Deputy General Manager, Operations, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Mr. Ola Oluwafemi, during the presentation of Toyota Hiace Ambulance bus by NSITF to Julius Berger Nigeria, for exceptional safety culture in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Family of murdered Fedpoly staff in Bayelsa wants IG to take over investigation

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE family members of Mr. Frank Moses, the 35 years old staff of Federal Polytechnic, Ekeowe, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, who shot death a fortnight ago by gunmen, have accused the Police of shielding their son’s killers.

They want the Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation of the matter and arrest all the persons involved.

Frank Moses was assassinated at Agudama, a suburb of Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

Though the Police was said to have arrested the Rector of the polytechnic in connection with the incident, but releasing him the same day. Sources

close to the Rector, said he was only invited for questioning and not arrested.

The family of the deceased, in a statement, weekend, by their representatives, Mr. Frank Talent, Chief Benjamin Egberi and Chief James Frankiyel, questioned the handling of the murder case by the Police.

“We the members of the family are worried over the manner the Police in Yenagoa are

Appeal Court affirms Mbukpa as Calabar monarch

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & EMMA UNA

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BUJA—THE Appeal Court in Calabar has upheld the ruling of a Cross River State High Court, Calabar, which affirmed Muri Effiong Mbukpa as the Muri Munene of Calabar South and the Grand Patriarch of Efut kingdom.

The ruling was sequel to an appeal by three Muris, chal-

lenging the selection of Muri Mbukpa as the successor of the late Muri.

The aggrieved Muris, Okokon Edet Edem and Hogan Bassey, had challenged the ruling of the state high court affirming Muri Mbukpa as the acclaimed Muri Munene of Efut.

The Muris, in the appeal, had sought to nullify the ruling of the high court and to stop Mbukpa as the Muri Munene of Efut, as well as Ndabo God-

win Bassey and Ndabo Obo E Obo, as Secretary and Chairman respectively of Efut Combined Assembly the right to execute documents of transfer of title in land matters in Calabar South Local Government Area.

The appellate court in its lead judgment by Justice Uzo Anyanwu, held that the appeal against the ruling of the state high court presided over by Justice Obojor Ogar was “unmeritorious” and consequently dismissed the appeal.

handling a sensitive matter of this magnitude. It is now obvious that there is a grand design to shield the culprits and all those involved in the gruesome murder of our son,” the family said in the statement.

They wondered why the Police released the Rector, who was said to be the prime suspect in the assassination.

They, however, alleged that the police acted in obedience to “a powerful call from above.”

Besides, members of the family, said their investigations revealed that prior to the incident, many letters were written to the Police and the Department of State Security, DSS, informing them about threats to the life of the deceased.

They claimed that the security agencies ignored the alarm raised by the deceased and members of the institution’s labour union.

They explained that the deceased and members of the Senior Staff Association of Federal Polytechnics, SSAFP, were engaged in industrial dispute with the Rector and management of the institution over issues bordering on workers’ unpaid benefits and alleged financial recklessness.

DIC-FO lauds Jonathan’s extension of emergency rule in N-East

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UNDREDS of traditional Izon chiefs from 14 kingdoms of Delta State have thrown their weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan for extending the emergency rule imposed on the three North-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for another six months.

The chiefs, under the aegis of Delta Izon Chiefs Forum DIC-FO, in a statement, observed that the security situation was orchestrated to distract the current administration, adding that with the bold steps taken by President Jonathan, the Joint Military Task Force operating in the North East, the pockets of insurgents still operating in the states would be dislodged.

DIC-FO, in the statement by its Vice President, Chief Sunday Oruware and Secretary, Chief Austin Enekorogha also affirmed their support for Jonathan’s 2015 second term ambition, adding that the president’s transformation and peoples’ oriented programmes earn him their support.

Illegal bunkering unsettles Rivers fishermen

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT— FISHERMEN in Bonny, particularly those concentrated behind the Oloma Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Flow Station in Bonny locality of Rivers State, have lamented that uncontrolled illegal bunkering close to the flow station was polluting the surrounding waters and putting them out of business.

The community dwellers who live by fishing on the Bonny waterways complained through the Organisation of Fishermen Seafood Dealers and Farmers in Niger Delta, saying that the absence of pipeline surveillance in the area was encouraging large scale illegal bunkering with monumental damage to fishing activities.

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2013—13

ALLEGED N230M CONTRACT SCAM: Police probe ex-Enugu UBEB boss E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE police in Enugu State have commenced investigations into alleged contract scam of over N230 million involving the former Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, ENSUBEB, Mrs Ethel NeboEzeabasili and some contractors.

Operatives of the state Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, are handling the case in which the former ENSUBEB boss is being accused of alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N230,245,000.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, weekend, said: “The former, ENSUBEB, Chairman, Chief Nebo-Ezeabasili between the month of September and October, 2012 conspired with others and allegedly defrauded Government of the sum of Two hundred and thirty million, two hundred and forty five thousand naira.”

He said the alleged fraud was committed in course of an award of a contract “which is viewed not to have involved ENSUBEB board members who were supposed to be members of tender’s board whose duty is to recommend procurement and contracts thereby not following the normal procedure of awarding contracts. She is also accused of using more than two company names and that some of the contractors got the alleged contract through her without

biding evidence and that contractors involved could not be traced hence the suspicion that the transactions were handled by her personally.

“It was based on the foregoing that a written complaint was made against the former chairman of ENSUBEB so that her alleged fraudulent activities could be investigated.”

The police spokesman said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged crime, noting that they were already helping the police in their

investigations.

According to him, the former ENSUBEB Chairman had made useful statement to the operatives, explaining that “the suspects are yet to produce any valid document to buttress the award of contract neither has the former chairman presented any valid document regarding the award of the said contract.”

It was gathered that the award of the contentious contracts did not follow due process and that some of the individuals/ companies said to have been

awarded the contract were alleged to be cronies of the former ENSUBEB Chief Executive.

Efforts to speak with Mrs Nebo-Ezeabasili on the issue yesterday proved abortive as she could not be reached on her phone.

Vanguard learnt that the former ENSUBEB boss has since traveled to London but the police said she was arrested and later granted bail after she had made statements on the issue.

BRIEFING: From left: Co-founder, Paga, Mr. Jay Alabraba, customer, Mr. Murphy Isichei, MD/CEO, Paga, Mr. Tayo Oviosu, during the Paga's media celebration of its one million user, and customer engagement forum in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Pension assets now N3.73trn, says PenCom DG

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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B U J A — N AT I O N A L Pension Commission, PenCom, weekend, told a World Pension Summit, that Pension assets in Nigeria had hit N3.73 trillion, with over 5.8 million contributors.

Acting Director-General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, while showcasing the successes of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, to delegates from 40 countries who attended the 2013 World Pension Summit in Amsterdam, Netherlands, esplained that pool of pension assets generated aided the deepening of Nigeria’s financial sector.

A statement by Emeka Onuora, Head, Communication Unit, PenCom, said . Anohu-Amazu equally informed the delegates that the CPS was sustainable, fully funded and privately managed by operators licensed by PenCom. According to her “the legal and institutional frameworks established by the Commission have led to the registration of over 5.8 million members and the pool of pension assets generated has

aided the deepening of Nigeria’s financial sector. They have also provided a platform for the provision of infrastructure and the development of the real sector, thereby reinforcing the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

The Acting Director-General led a delegation comprising Mrs.

E

NUGU—OHANAEZE Youth Council, OYC, has adopted Abia State governor, Theodore Orji as a replacement for Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as chairman of South-East Governors Forum.

The adoption of Orji was contained in a statement by the National Organising Secretary of OYC, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, yesterday.

Isiguzoro hailed Orji for the airport project in Abia State and his rare courage to recall non indigenes back to the state civil

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—TWO private universities in Anambra State, the Madonna University, Okija and Paul University, Awka weekend received N100 million each from Governor Peter Obi as part of the state government’s on-going intervention in tertiary institutions in the state.

Similarly, Governor Obi gave N30 million to St. John’s Technical College, Neni to enable the college improve infrastructure.

Obi recently began the intervention in tertiary education in the state with a grant of N5 billion to the state –owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University for infrastructural development during which he promised that private universities in the state would also be supported.

The governor said during his visits to the two private universities that the intervention was necessary because as institutions in Anambra State, they were training the children of the state.

Obi also donated two vehicles to each of the universities.

Ki-Moon, Zuma bag Global Peace Award

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

Grace Usoro, the General Manager/Head Public Sector Pensions Department and Ms. Olusola Odufuwa, Head Corporate Counseling Unit of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to the Summit which took place between 13 and 14 November 2013.

The statement said “The World Pension Summit is an annual

event dedicated to ongoing and advanced learning for senior pension professionals and it also offers comparative analysis of pension experiences in participating countries, insight into the impact of emerging trends on pension arrangements and ample room for peer-to-peer discussion among delegates.”

Ohanaeze youths canvass Orji to head S-East govs forum

BY TONY EDIKE

Obi doles out N200m to Paul, Madonna varsities

service.

“Igbos are pleased with him now. He is an icon in Igbo land.

He has empowered Igbo youths across all the states of the SouthEast. We know that with somebody like him in the saddle as chairman of South-East Governors Forum, there will be better federal presence in Igbo land. We are totally behind him” he said.

Isiguzoro also said they were happy that President Goodluck Jonathan had fully recovered from his ill-health and assured him of their unalloyed and unfettered support for his

government.

He appealed to the federal government to repair the PortHarcourt express road, Abakpa Ikot-Ekpene road and other highways in the South-East that were now death traps, to stop further loss of lives on the roads.

He said: “Igbo youths are calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to live up to expectation in the supplementary election in Anambra State. We are watching events in Anambra state. OYC is watching.”

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EW YORK—SOUTH Africa’s President Jacob Zuma and UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-Moon have jointly won the Global Peace award 2013.

They were presented with the award at a ceremony, organized by the Akasoba Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, ACPCR during the just concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Global Peace initiative prize is specifically awarded annually to those who have used their initiatives to ensure Global Peace and cordial relations among Nations, for the elimination of discrimination and for disarmament.

Presenting the award to Ban, the Chairperson of ACPCR, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Akasoba Duke-Abiola, who is the Akasoba of Kalabari, Rivers State praised the United Nations scribe for his ‘humility, universalism and an unending passion for peace’.

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Why Anambra guber poll must be cancelled, by APC

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AGOS—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has said there is enough substantial evidence for Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, rather than order the conduct of ‘supplementary election’ for what is nothing but an irredeemable poll.

“Our party has provided incontrovertible and more than substantial evidence to show that what took place on November 16 was a parody of election, the party said in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

His words: “What other evidence can be more substantial than the fact that INEC, in conducting the November 16 election, failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act? What other evidence can be more compelling than the INEC Chairman’s admission of compro-

mise by a top official of the commission? If Jega’s statement that the election fell short of what the commission had expected and prepared for, what else could be more substantial?’’ it queried.

APC said that, for the umpteenth time and so that Nigerians can understand the absurdity of Jega’s contradictory stance on the ill-fated election, the party has decided to list its reasons for demanding the cancellation of the election.

Professor Jega’s unforced admission that a senior official of the commission has been financially induced to compromise the election in the Idemili North Local Government Area with over 173,000 registered voters is very serious because this local government is the stronghold of the APC candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, and the fact that in the 2011 senatorial election, Senator, Ngige scored over 80 per cent of all votes cast in the local government.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, during a gala night, to mark the 25 years on the throne of the monarch, at his palace in Minna.

Nyanya Gen Hospital to be demolished

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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BUJA—Barely two years after the commissioning of Nyanya General Hospi-

tal by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, it has been marked for demolition.

The general hospital was originally built to serve the people of several communities outside the FCT city centre, with current daily patient attendance put at 150, majority of who live below the poverty line.

The communities served by the hospital include Karshi, Orozo, Jikwyo, Karu, Nyanya, Masaka, Mararaba and Gagbarakpe, comprising mostly the poor who can not afford private hospital bills.

Precisely on the September 16, 2013, the

Abuja Development Control was said to have marked Nyanya general hospital for demolition on account of a road construction that is to link to Kaduna.

At the hospital, doctors were attending to patients but a staff who pleaded anonymity, said “if the government wants to be sincere, why should Kaduna road pass through a hospital that is serving the poor?

Why should they waste such amount of money to build a hospital that they know they are going to demolish?

“This is the only hospital that is serving, Orozo, Karshi, Jikywo, Karu Mararaba, Masaka

and Nyanya, so the question we are asking now is that after they demolish this hospital, what is the next thing for us to do, or are they saying we should all be going to private hospitals where consultation fees are thousands of Naira? How many of us can afford that kind of money?

“They should look for alternative road that will lead to Kaduna and leave the poor alone, or is it a crime to be poor in FCT? The government has demolished our buildings before, now it is hospital, what does the government want from us”? he asked.

ASUU may end strike this week

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE & LAJU ARENYEKA

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BUJA—Strong in dications emerged yesterday, that the five-month- old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, may be called off this week as President Goodluck Jonathan meets with ASUU leaders today in Abuja.

It will be recalled that the leadership of the ASUU met at the Bayero University, Kano, BUK, last week Friday.

Though details of their resolutions are still

sketchy, a source who spoke to Vanguard said the National Executive Council, NEC, met in Kano to discuss issues relating to their ongoing strike which began on July 2, nationwide.

He said the meeting deliberated on how to bring the strike to an end within the shortest possible time.

He also disclosed that the union discussed among other things, how ASUU can contribute to the burial of the late Professor Festus Iyayi, who died in a motor accident along Lokoja-Abuja road recently.

Asked if the strike

would be suspended after the meeting, he said: “It appears to be a reality, but it might be called off later this week.”

According to him, “there are strong indications that tentatively, the strike might be called off next week, going by the level of discussion here at the NEC.” A few weeks ago, ASUU officials had met with President Goodluck Jonathan where he pledged to inject N1.1trillion into the university system to address lingering challenges within the next five years.

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013—15

5TH ALLURE VANGUARD WOMEN ON WELLNESS (WOW) SEMINAR & AWARDS The 5th anniversary of Allure Vanguard Women On Wellness (WOW) Seminar and Award took place at Intercontinetal Hotel, Lagos, weekend. Photos: Oscar Ochiogu & Bunmi Azeez

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (left) presenting award to Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Oyo State First Lady, represented by Dr. Oyedipe, for her Educational and Health programmes.

From left: Mrs. Remi Diagbare, Editor, Vanguard Allure; Dame Roli Uduaghan, wife of Delta State Governor, presenting award to Mrs Ebunola Anozie for Breast Cancer Awarness.

Dr. Don O g u (left) and Dr. Aham Onyike, all guest speakers.

From left: Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Eryca Freemantle and Mr. Adebayo Jones, all guest speakers.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu (left) Uduaghan, for Cancer Advocacy.

presenting award to Orode

From left: Mrs. Adeola Shabi, Mrs. Oladunni Ogunbanwo and Hon. Omorede Osifo, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Edo State.

From left: Mr. Chris Ebie, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebie, Mrs. Mubo Amoda and Prof. John Amoda.

From left: Mrs. Bola Fashola, Regional Director for Internationl Association of African NGOs (IAAN); Mrs. Moni Ani, Monique Ltd and Lawretta Sam-Ogrih.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

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FTER a hectic six months of battling Is- lamic insurgents under a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, President Goodluck Jonathan came back to the National Assembly early in November 2013, to ask for a sixmonth extension to enable the armed forces complete the job.

The Senate gave its express approval, even though a few of its members from the troubled zone grumbled. The House of Representatives was not so expeditious. It summoned the Service Chiefs on November 20, 2013 to explain in greater details before also granting the President’s request.

The Service Chiefs made it clear that more military resources were needed to establish the level of stability in the areas before the emergency rule could be called off, warning that this might go on for a much longer period than expected.

We are aware of the displeasure that citizens from those areas have expressed over the extension, particularly given the challenges it imposes on their economic and social activities. The emotions are also

Extension of emergency rule understandable, given that the political season is coming into full swing, and people desire the liberty to go into the arena.

We, however, wish to point out that unless the areas are completely secured, there will be no room for political, social and economic activities. Terrorists will continue to penetrate the populace, wreak their havoc and flee. The recent murder of a bridal train in Borno and attack on Damaturu by Boko Haram suspects should sound a note of warning that there can never be half measures when it comes to the war on terror.

It is evident that the armed forces have made great progress, driving the terrorists away from the big cities into the forests with the support of the general populace. In fact, the valiant vigilance groups known as the

Civilian JTF have helped into no small measure in driving the anarchists to the fringes, from where they now make desperate and uncoordinated attempts proving they still exist.

The only way a return to sustainable normalcy can take place is for the armed forces and the local population to redouble their efforts and get the job finished in quicker time.

Meanwhile, we call on government at all levels to consider some relief packages for those hardest hit by the conflict, especially the displaced persons and those needing food, medicine and clothes. The war on terror is a war. Wars breed human suffering, and efforts are made to reduce it through relief efforts.

The armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are mandated by the Constitution to secure the nation from internal and external threats. The President has sworn an oath to implement this constitutional provision. It is mandatory for the people to cooperate and ensure that this sacred national mission is accomplished.

OPINION MOSHOOD ISAH

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ECENTLY my attention was drawn to a news report that security agencies may be working towards unraveling some politicking in the country where there are unnecessary and unfortunate bickering within the PDP as the ruling party and the inter-party rivalry that are taking negative dimensions.

I strongly believe security agencies have a role to play in protecting the nascent democracy from the antics of politicians who engage in distractions rather than serving the populace with positive programmes and projects.

The recent altercation in Anambra is another typical instance. I was not in Anambra to witness the recent gubernatorial polls in the state, but the scoops from friends, updates on the media and numerous comments on social network (especially twitter) are enough to convey the wrong message. Different opinions abound depending on individual bias towards a particular party but it all boils down to one thing: the election was far below average when defining a free and fair election.

While candidates of the opposition parties, i.e. All Progressives Congress, APC; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labor Party, LP, are all calling for the cancellation of the results, the leading and incumbent party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, is happy with the present outcome of the election. This is

Anambra election: Reassessing the electoral body basically normal in every election in Nigeria, in the sense that losers are always bad losers, but with comments from eyewitnesses and protests from some disenfranchised voters, it could be said that the election was not fair.

Already some aggrieved parties and individuals are calling for the resignation of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, over the tussle.

No doubt INEC is still far away from conducting a free and fair election in the country. There are little positives to take away from the Anambra elections. The fact that election results were cancelled in about 65 polling units goes a long way in sending a message that the body is determined to deliver credible elections to the people. It is pertinent to say that INEC officials are just like every other human being that could be vulnerable to temptation, especially in the face of electoral hazard in Nigeria. Officials can be threatened by party hoodlums to compromise the electoral process. This explains why elections had to be cancelled in some polling units. More so, the fact that individuals can be dubious and greedy, also explains why an electoral officer was arrested for trying to maneuver election result for a particular party. Thus, no matter the efforts of the body to deliver a transparent election to the people, there

are always sabotages, that even Jega admitted within and outside the body, mostly sponsored by party stalwarts to frustrate the effort of the electoral body.

We have also witnessed protestations from different groups, including women taunting Jega for accepting some of the results, not minding the fact that the INEC chairman is not the returning officer of the election. All the same, he is always the culprit if anything goes wrong with elections in the country.

Election in a complex country, like Nigeria, filled with religious and ethnic extremists, goes beyond the electoral body alone. Patriotic citizens in concomitance with incorruptible security personnel can only complement a credible electoral body.

Imagine yourself as a polling officer and the security personnel attached to you at a polling station are already negotiating with the highest bidders on how to rig election on their behalf. The same security man who is supposed to protect you in cases like this is already luring you into it.

It is so difficult not to compromise in such a situation.

In a scenario where, as a polling officer, you stood your ground to foresee a fair poll, you are exposed to the mercy of desperate and wicked party officials and their hoodlums. Furthermore, even if you dance to their tune and later report irregularities in the unit, your life still remains at

risk as you could be hunted down. Thus, security men have a major role to play in delivering credible election in the country.

In as much as security agents have a stake in the conduct of a free and fair election, the people are the omega of credible election anywhere in the world.

Voters’ apathy is the number one opportunity for election riggers to find their way. Thus, voters should always come out to vote in any election, in as much as they are eligible. This will deter dubious electoral officers and party agents from transacting ballot papers. More so, any other manipulation that would happen on the election field is always with the consent of the people. This is especially if the manipulation goes in favour of the popular party in the unit. Thus, at the end of the day people still ultimately blame INEC and its leadership if anything goes wrong.

The Anambra poll is a wakeup call to all stakeholders, ranging from citizens, voters, security men and every other person who dreams of a free, fair and credible election in Nigeria. Let’s have it at the back of our minds that no amount of electoral reform will ensure credible poll if bad citizens are bent on sabotaging the effort of the electoral body.

*Mr Isah, a political analyst, wrote from Garki, Abuja

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 — 41

Take Action: End gender-based and intimate partner violence now half of its people behind. Nigerian women die needlessly for lack of proper health care, are forced into HE 16 Days of Activism Against prostitution and human trafficking, Gender-Based and Intimate face poverty for lack of an Partner Violence, beginning on education, and cannot live up to November 25 and ending on December their potential to contribute to a 10, International Human Rights day, democratic and prosperous Nigeria. offers an opportunity to renew the The United States believes global commitment to free women and gender equality is critical to our girls from violence. Whether it shared goals of peace, security and happens behind closed doors or as a prosperity. We invest in the public tactic of intimidation, whether it training and mentoring of women occurs in our neighborhoods or on entrepreneurs, so they can not only distant shores, violence against women lift up their own families, but also and girls damages us all, men and help their countries’ economies women alike. As Secretary Kerry has grow. We invest in girls’ education stated, “Too many women are being so that they can escape forced early silenced, abused, or subjected to marriage, break the cycle of poverty, violence simply because of their and develop into community leaders gender…Their courage must inspire us and engaged citizens. Increasing to continue to work toward a world girls’ and women’s education and where every woman can live free of their access to resources also violence and pursue her fullest improves the health and education potential.” of the next generation.

Gender-based and intimate partner We need to empower girls to violence cuts across ethnic, racial, sociospeak up for themselves, and economic, and religious lines, and educate boys to speak up for their knows no borders. It occurs in Nigeria, sisters. We must support the the United States, and every other inclusion of men, boys, and critical nation. An estimated one in three community stakeholders – such as women worldwide has been beaten, religious leaders – in addressing coerced into sex, or otherwise abused and preventing violence and in her lifetime, with intimate partner changing gender norms and violence as the most common form. attitudes. Together, we need This means that most of us know a increased advocacy and more victim of this violence or even have interaction between policy makers been victimized yourself. and those who work in the field.

The term ‘intimate partner violence’ We must ultimately overcome the describes physical, sexual, or deep-rooted gender inequalities psychological harm by a current or that either tacitly allow or actively former partner or spouse. This type of promote violent, discriminatory violence can occur among heterosexual practices. I hope Nigerians will want to join me We need to empower girls to speak in taking part in the 16 Days up for themselves, and educate boys of Activism A g a i n s t to speak up for their sisters Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence.

You can follow or same-sex couples and does not the U.S. Embassy’s activities by require sexual intimacy. Intimate visiting our website at (http:// partner violence includes acts of and nigeria.usembassy.gov) physical aggression, psychological Facebook (http://facebook.com/ abuse, forced intercourse and other usembassynigeria). You can also forms of sexual coercion, and various contact or visit our Information controlling behaviors such as isolating Resource Centers in Abuja and a person from family and friends or Lagos to learn what the United restricting access to information and States and other countries have assistance. Intimate partner violence done to protect women, such as the affects 30% of women worldwide; 35% Violence Against Women Act of of women around the world have been 1994, which strengthened efforts to raped or physically abused, and, if this investigate and prosecute violent violence occurs at home, 80% of the time crimes against women, including it is caused by a partner or spouse. domestic violence.

Although women can be violent in When women and girls can live relationships with men, the free from violence and are afforded overwhelming burden of gender-based equal opportunities in education, and intimate partner violence is borne healthcare, employment and by women at the hands of men. political participation, they lift up We all need to work together—the their families, their communities international community, governments, and their nations, and act as agents multilateral organizations, private of change. As Secretary Kerry sector companies, and grassroots-level stated, “Investing in girls is a advocates, to address and prevent critical part of our duty to promote violence from occurring. Many peace, security and prosperity nations, including Nigeria, have around the world. Empowered girls passed legislation addressing gendergrow up empowered women. They based violence. The next critical step grow up to be empowered mothers, is to improve implementation of those leaders, and innovators.” laws in order to increase accountability MARIA BREWER is United States’ and address impunity.

Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria No country can get ahead if it leaves

By MARIA BREWER

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Oduah: Emotions trump reasons in Reps Report (2) would still be accommodated within her approval limit. The argument that by so F the report and recommendations doing Minister Oduah would be ‘leaked’ to the media ahead of committing succeeding Aviation submission to a Committee of the whole Ministers is a non issue. And I will House were to be believed it would then explain. The Federal Minister of Works appear that the House of will be stupid to limit the lifespan of Representatives Probe Panel members contracts for road repairs and on Oduah worked from the answer-Get construction to terminate with the Oduah out by all means. duration of his stay in the Jonathan Let us analyze their findings and Cabinet. In any case how would he know recommendations taken from how long he will serve. Nothing that newspaper reports: *President Jonathan says he will be in the FEC and in the should sack Minister Odua for bursting same post till 2015. He, like others, her approval limit. serves at the pleasure of the President. *Oduah breached the Appropriate Act In like manner the bold statement in 2013 by allowing an Agency under her remodelling our airports cannot begin watch to procure vehicle not captured and end with the initiator-Oduah. In in the Budget. other words, future Aviation Ministers *Minister bypassed public will have to continue with contracts procurement process. entered into under her charge as long *A clean bill of health for First Bank as such contracts are not incurably bad. but that the executed lease purchase More important is the fact that the travails of Oduah have The plot of Jonathan haters is to little, if anything, to do with corruption. It’s discredit Oduah and weaken the more about 2015 and credibility and moral standing of Jonathan. For those who Neighbour-To-Neighbour when the choose to live in denial, they are free to do so. time comes.

Princess Stella Oduah agreement should be revoked. inspired an NGO-Neighbour to *Other recommendations which Neighbour-that gave hell to those who obviously were designed to fulfill all opposed Jonathan ahead of the 2011 righteousness. We will ignore them for presidential election. Neighbour-Tobeing inconsequential.

Neighbour was a formidable movement It is interesting that a member of the and a nightmare to opponents of House Probe Panel told a newspaper Jonathan. If Jonathan needed that there was nothing in their findings Neighbour-To-Neighbour in 2011, he that suggested that Oduah derived or will need it more for the yet undeclared would derive personal benefits from the reelection quest in 2015. The plot of transaction and that the bullet proof cars Jonathan haters is to discredit Oduah were not bought in her name. Drawing and weaken the credibility and moral from the findings so far it would appear standing of Neighbour-To-Neighbour that if Minister Oduah was guilty of when the time comes. anything, that thing would be They have started with the President’s indiscretion. And indiscretion in this party-the Peoples Democratic instance cannot be equated with Party(PDP). Nobody needs a prophet corruption. to confirm that Jonathan will seek Anticipatory approval for a contract is reelection in 2015. But he should realize part of government business in our that his opponents in the forthcoming clime. The N255 million for bullet proof contest will not take prisoners. Prisoners cars by NCAA will surely be covered by can be a burden and a distraction. They this mode of doing business. If the would rather apply the Italian solution.

Minister gave approval(which of course But for as long as he is the President, she did not do given the documented Jonathan holds the aces. evidence she directed the Agency to do *Mr. Onuoha, former media manager, the “needful”), the sum which lease is a commentator on public affairs arrangement spans over 36 months Cncluded

BY UGO ONUOHA

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,

,

Stella Oduah

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42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013—43

Armed forces winning war against insurgency, crimes — David Mark Mark noted the tremendous progress recorded by the armed forces had also AKURDI — THE Senate been complemented by their “dogged P r e s i d e n t , determination, unwavering loyalty and David Mark, weekend, declared sincerity to ensure the forces of evil did Nigerian armed forces were winning the not succeed in derailing the transformation war against insurgency and other violent agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. crimes in parts of the country.

The Senate President spoke at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Air Staff’s 10th annual golf tournament at the Makurdi Golf Club.

While commending the ATIONAL LEADER of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams has called on Air Force Chief for the governments and people of Yoruba nation to promote tournament, Mark urged and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba people. members of the armed Otunba Adams, who is the chief promoter of Olokun forces to “continually strive Festival Foundation, made the call at Ira in Oyun Local towards nation-building Government of Kwara during the Oya festival celebration. and the protection of the territorial He said every son and daughter of Oduduwa wherever nation’s integrity.” they were in the world should be proud to display and Represented by Senator showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba nation.

Ahmed Alkali, the “Let us be the generation that will bring back the Chairman, Senate glorious days of our cultural heritage; let us be the Committee on Air Force, generation that will use culture to develop our land,” Mark also said: “This Adams said.

He called on Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah tournament should be Ahmed to emulate his Osun State counterpart, Alhaji sustained because it was Rauf Aregbesola, who, he said, was focusing attention aimed at improving the spirit of sportsmanship and on the development of cultural heritage of the state.

Gani Adams said Kwara State government should ensuring that our officers endeavour to develop indigenous culture and traditions and men are mentally and physically fit to discharge of the state to promote tourism and earn revenue. statutory “You will agree with me that Osun festival in Osogbo their responsibilities at all has successfully put the town and Osun State on global times.” map,” he said.

BY PETER DURU

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OPC leader calls for promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage

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44—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

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Decisive factors of Anambra guber obliterated. The party itself would go into oblivion or more appropriately, empty back into the PDP from where it made its original offshoot. That would have been the end of the experiment of having and “Igbo party”, which the late Dim Chukwuememeka Odumegwu Ojukwu successfully spent the tail end of his life battling to in-root.

Predominantly Christian Anambra people would thus have handed over their state to a Muslim-dominated APC, which is essentially a Yoruba/Hausa-Fulani (or more appropriately, South West, North West and North East) party with Ngige as the local

tates of an individual political overlord.

Ojukwu will be gratified in his grave that the “last wish” he requested from Anambra people in 2010 was not the last. Rather, it has been turned into a potent instrument for reclaiming Imo in 2015 and moving on from there. If APC had won, Igbo enemies would have rejoiced. The “deportation saga” would have gone without appropriate political sanctions.

The election in Anambra was not about Obiano, Ngige, Nwoye and Uba. It was a failed attempt of a South-West and NorthWest alliance to annex Anambra State rath-

,

HE much awaited governorship election in Anambra State has come, though it has not quite gone. The election was declared by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, as “inconclusive”. Chief William Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, established a commanding lead with 174,710 votes, with Comrade Tony Nwoye, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, scoring 96,856 votes to place second.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Chris Ngige, surprised many of his admirers with his 92,300 third place vote, while controversial moneybag, Mr Ifeanyi Uba of the Labour Party, had 37,446 votes to show for all the billions he poured into his gubernatorial venture.

Obiano was the only candidate who not only led by a majority of votes cast but also secured 25% in 18 of 21 local government areas. He needed only 14 LGAs. However, due to irregularities, the INEC cancelled the elections in some polling stations and announced it will conduct a supplementary election only in areas where the poll was cancelled. It enjoined any candidate or political stakeholder not satisfied with the conduct of the election to go to court, as the courts are the only authorities vested with the powers to cancel already declared results.

Even as we wait for the supplementary elections to be organised, it is pertinent to examine the major factors that determined the result of the election. It is interesting to note that the candidate of the PDP, Nwoye, has gone into cahoots with his rivals of the APC, Ngige and LP, Uba, to discredit the election in its entirety. They are calling for fresh elections. But on the other hand, Nwoye’s party, the PDP, APGA and 16 other registered political parties which participated have extolled the poll’s virtues. It is a classic case of osondi owendi. Some are rejoicing, others are aggrieved.

The Anambra governorship election of November 16, 2013 was really between the APGA and Chris Ngige of APC. Mind you, I did not say Obiano versus Ngige. Obiano was (and still is) non sequitur. He is still a dark horse, even if he is eventually declared the winner. The real object was APGA and all it stands for. Governor Peter Obi is an incumbent who has spent almost eight years in power and will be leaving in the next four months. Had he failed in his bid to transfer power to a successor, his legacies would be

Ojukwu will be gratified in his grave that the “last wish” he requested from Anambra people in 2010 was not the last; rather, it has been turned into a potent instrument for reclaiming Imo in 2015 and moving on from there; if APC had won, Igbo enemies would have rejoiced

agent. The Igbos would have come out as a people who are incapable of holding their own politically but rather so weak that they need to climb on the backs of other parties.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed described it by saying that Igbos collect from the highest bidder in their political games. Baba-Ahmed and his disgruntled cohorts have seen that their malicious aspersions on the Igbo have, once again, been proved for the waste of empty hot air. Anambra has proved its sophistication in politics as opposed to those who make all the loud noises about how sophisticated their politics when all they do is to follow sheepishly the self-serving dic-

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er than accommodate the South East (and South-South) as equal partners with the rest in a national party. This was one of the reasons that the election produced the result that we see. And I dare say, no matter how many times fresh elections are conducted the result will only be further confirmed. It was not a fluke.

The second critical factor that led to APGA’s victory was the strategic alliance between Governor Obi and President Goodluck Jonathan. Obi was the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum when, in 2010, the Igbo people decided not to field a

presidential or vice presidential candidate but to give their unqualified support to a cousin and next door neighbour, President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan when he emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP. They followed up by giving him the second highest block votes during the presidential election, thus being critical factors in the making of the Jonathan presidency.

Jonathan has symbolically done quite a few things no leader has done for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war. These include the appointment of Chief Anyim Pius Anyim as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, the first post-war Igbo Chief of Army Staff is effectively “in office and in power” (given his exploits since he assumed office).

Most importantly, President Jonathan directed Ihejirika to bring out the Nigerian Army and give Ojukwu a national burial fit only for former presidents or heads of state!

These may seem merely symbolic, but they went a long way in reassuring the Igbo people that they have moved closer back to their pride of place in Nigeria. Jonathan is the closest thing to a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction. Peter Obi and the South East governors (minus Rochas Okorocha, who used APGA to climb into power only to jump ship and join APC without consulting with Igbo people) have demonstrated their support for the President since the rebellion started in the PDP to the point where the ruling party has more confidence in Obi than any of the people tussling to emerge as governor of Anambra State on its platform.

That was why it was possible for the federal and state incumbency powers to be combined to ensure the victory of APGA in this election in preparation for 2015.

What happened in Anambra was not unique. It was test-run in Edo and Ondo states. In Edo State, Governor Oshiomhole, who helped the President to win in his state and assisted in easing the President’s Labour headaches, had to be assisted to retain his seat, while the PDP in the state was told to cool it. In Ondo, Governor Rahman Mimiko also helped the President to win in his state in 2011, as well as supporting his camp during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, saga. PDP in Ondo had to wait for Mimiko to ride on.

Jonathan has learned to go beyond his party to look for friends and allies since the party is now full of people whose loyalties can no longer be trusted.

OPINION

BY DAN OWEGIE

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ovember 12 of every year is a day to remember in the annals of Edo developmental metamorphosis as that was the day light flushed darkness away from the State. In 2008, that was the day Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole was sworn in to dislodge the many failures of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state with a clear focus and purpose to redistribute state resources for the masses.

This explains why Edo people from all walks of life, at home and in Diaspora rolled out their drums recently to celebrate five years of unbroken development in the state by the Government of Comrade Oshiomhole.

For this year ’s celebrations at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the event witnessed the presence of all state government functionaries drawn from all the arms-Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Dignitaries were invited and they came from all parts of the country-North, East, West, North Central, South-South and overseas. They massively graced the august event which was specifically a state function.

A day after the celebrations, the chairman of the PDP, who out of shame could not attend the celebrations addressed a section of the media in Edo where he spoke out of the abundance of ignorance and made unfounded criticisms of the State Government and thoughtlessly accused the Chief Judge of

Oshiomhole’s 5th anniversary and Orbih’s hallucination Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa of “attending APC rally.”

Dan Orbih, who is currently operating a one-man show in the Edo PDP having usurped the duties of the Director of Publicity, Mathew Urhoghide and other officials and having lost almost all his followers to the ruling party went hallucinating that he saw the Chief Judge of Edo State at the formal launch of our new party in Edo. This is a big fat lie! It is fetched from the pit of hell.

It is important, therefore to correct this wicked lie. The CJ , Cromwell Idahosa, was not present at the launch of the APC in Edo State. He only attended the state function which held at the stadium in his capacity as the Chief Judge of the State. APC was not launched at the stadium as falsely circulated by Orbih and his PDP. It was launched at the new APC secretariat along Airport Road. So, the event at the stadium attended by the Chief Judge was simply a state function packaged to celebrate the five years anniversary and had nothing to do with partisan politics. It amounts to the approach of the witchcraft to drag a serving Chief Judge into partisan politics where there is just no reason to do so. Orbih should apologise to the Edo State Chief Judge for falsely accusing him of an offence he never committed.

Secondly, Orbih accused the Edo State

Government of borrowing over N250bn to finance development in the state. Edo State Government is in the good books of its creditors. Of what was borrowed to finance development, Edo State debt profile stands at N35bn with clear repayment schedules that is unbroken and has not entered into any new borrowing. At the rate the government is going, at the end of the Oshiomhole’s administration in 2016, what his regime borrowed would have been liquidated because, he has consistently assured that he will not leave any debts for his successor as the PDP administration did to him when he took over. It is on record that the Comrade-Governor has been servicing all the huge debts left behind by the PDP government in Edo. In Edo today, people see what Oshiomhole used whatever money he gets, including borrowed, to do for citizens. In the world of development, borrowing is not bad. America today lives on borrowing and many other developed nations. What is bad is when you borrow irresponsibly and even steal the money borrowed on behalf of a people. I challenge Edo PDP to point to one project they executed with the billions of naira that accrued to the state for 10 years and the billions they borrowed from the capital market during their locust years in the state.

Let us even look at some more

burning issues in Nigeria and try to locate Orbih’s stands in all to really appreciate the character of this garrulous politician.

Where was Orbih when the Bern Declaration recent report showed a multibillion dollar scheme used by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and Nigerian importers all under the nose of the PDP Federal Government , in connivance with Swiss oil traders, to rip Nigeria off to the tune of nearly $7 billion?

Not a hoot from voluble Orbih.

Our children in public universities who have been kept at home for several months by the PDP Federal administration which has failed to honour a simple agreement it entered into with Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in 2009. We have not heard a word from Orbih condemning the PDP government. Just as our children were getting happy to return to school the convoy of a PDP Governor killed an illustrious son of Edo State, Prof Festus Iyayi. Orbih’s voice is not heard among all those who have condemned the Governor’s reckless driving with his entourage on our high ways having dispatched so many Nigerians to their untimely graves in his three avoidable accidents. So, Edo people should disregard Orbih.

•Mr. Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013— —45

I

T is a fact that our country is facing enormous challenges.

It is also true that we have the required human capital to tackle these challenges but for the corrupt and inept leadership at all levels of governance. The gateway to the solution therefore is to have a genuine God-fearing leader at the helm of affairs showing the way by personal examples.

It was with this in mind that we followed all the activities of Mr President during his recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We noticed his resolve to get closer to God, he even promised improvements at future election exercises. For a believer, relationship with God is a personal thing, so when Dr Goodluck Jonathan makes promises and supplications to the almighty God, it is not the duty of us mere mortals to criticize and rubbish his actions as they relate to the spiritual.

However, we must highlight the fact that the Almighty God gave certain conditions to be met before our prayers receive His blessings, one of which is to observe and obey His laws as written in the holy book.

One of the rules is that one should not steal. Has Jonathan resolved to tackle this cankerworm that is threatening the existence of this country? He can start by decisively resolving all issues relating to the BMW bulletproof cars and extend the investigation to all other ministries and parastatals. It is well with the righteous.

The holy book also says that we should love our neighbours as ourselves. As the President returns, it is hoped that he has put past misgivings behind. All his erstwhile traducers like Sylva, Amaechi et al, should be granted unconditional pardon with new and progressive relationship planted, for except you forgive those that offend you God will not listen.

The holy book also says that we

If you work in line with God’s tenets, you will please the people; when the people are happy, God is happy; the voice of the people is the voice of God

should not be covetous. Anything that belong to your neighbour should not be coveted by you. In your position as President, you must begin to consider this very important injunction of the Almighty God. Have you taken into consideration every ethnic nationality that is in this geographical expression called Nigeria?

Have you noticed that each of them came up under peculiar circumstances? Have you taken note of these circumstances?

What I mean here is, whether you have taken note of their peculiar needs. You are to give equity and equal representation to all ethnic nationalities in this country, that is the demand of the United

Demolitions, human rights and the Enugu MFM example

BY KELECHI ONWUGBUFOR

H

UMAN rights or in its easily under stood form, are those inalienable fundamental rights that a person (or organisation) is inherently entitled to either as a human or corporate being. Locally and internationally, human rights as a doctrine is a cornerstone of public policy and good governance.

Many Nigerians view human rights and its abuse(s) from the prism of the oftenpractised acts of denial of freedom, indiscriminate arrests, etc, without thinking for a second that the numerous demolitions of immovable properties and evictions carried out with purported legal backing are sometimes acts of illegality, discrimination, nepotism, unconcealed favouritism and gross abuse of the fundamental human rights of the people or organisation(s) at the receiving end.

Demolition, as an act based on public policy, is a variegated tool of enabling infrastructure development and urban renewal; easing the seamless movement and right of way of man and machine; restoring the original concept or masterplan of a town or metropolis or as, in the Nigerian socio-political milieu, a handy instrument of coercion to whip “erring” persons or corporate organisations into line as atonement for perceived wrong(s) done someone in authority as a show of mundane strength. In the extreme case, a demolition is carried out as a precautionary measure to forestall and/or pre-empt a looming collapse of a structure with questionable integrity that will endanger human life if allowed to do so on its own.

What has really stunted public knowledge of the human rights component of demolition exercise(s) is the omnibus usage of long-abused technical terms like right of way, obstruction, distortion of masterplan, wrongful conversion, negative environmental impact assessment, etc, which serves as justification for some of these exercises, even though they are illegal, ab initio.

In many cases, the so-called prescribed authorities hide under a canopy of selfserving laws and bye-laws couched in a kaleidoscope of legalese with enough loopholes to achieve their mindsets or targets.

One of the basic but very important reC M Y K

quirements for living is shelter. It is a fact that the wilful destruction of any accommodation – whether residential or otherwise- connotes the deployment and firing of a missile at the very soul and existence of such an individual or organisation. In effect, it is a declaration of war!

It is gratifying to note that there is a growing awareness and concern over the employment of demolition; threat of demolition and eviction as a means of coercion and settling scores.

As a first step, there is an ongoing series of public hearings on demolitions and evictions in Nigeria. The hearing being organised and conducted by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, will traverse the six geo-political zones starting with the South West from November 18-21, 2013.

The exercise is expected to look into numerous allegations of demolitions and evictions in Nigeria with colourations of human rights abuses; determine the effect, legality and otherwise on the fundamental human rights of the victims and formulate government policy on the reparation of these violations and forestall future ones; provide the foundation for a new set of guidelines for the seamless exercise of demolitions and/or eviction; compile recommendations to the Federal Government of Nigeria for consideration, approval and adoption in consonance with the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended).

T

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his new consciousness about the in herent abuses and deprivations in the demolition of structures and the eviction of persons and organisations could not have come in a more appropriate season such as this.

This is considering the illegal demolition of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles South East Regional Headquarters along Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu, Enugu State.

The demolition exercise which occasioned the wilful damage and destruction of church property, came after a three-day notice and a back drop of a subsisting High Court order to stay execution, which the government side-stepped in its haste to demolish the building..

For a church organisation that is reputed to be the fastest growing one in Christendom, the Enugu State Government’s

Nations. You must also take care of them in the allocation of resources.

Even in the South-South region, we notice a manifestation of a predominantly Ijaw representation at the Federal Government level. What happened to the other ethnic groups in the SouthSouth?

If you are giving positions and resources only to your own people, you are coveting and the Almighty God does not like that.

Now that you are back from Israel and haven drawn closer to God, it is hoped that previous act of inequitable distribution and allocation of resources will be a thing of the past. By doing so, all of your prayers will be answered

by God. The Almighty God also says that we must not bow down to any other god or worship him. Bowing down to mere mortals like you does no credit to your relationship with the Almighty God. Therefore, let no man be indispensable in your present administration. Do not allow yourself to be misled by so-called elders who have in the past helped to run this country aground and are now prancing over the whole

action was an over-kill in relation to the infraction allegedly committed by the MFM authorities, encroaching on the free flow of River Asata, which is in fact a seasonal pond at the point the Zik Avenue bridge traverses it.

Another salient issue that the Enugu State Government has completely downplayed in their efforts to conceal the attrocity visited on the MFM property, is that the new bridge being constructed over River Asata on Zik Avenue is on a new site many metres aways from the old one near the MFM building. This detracts from the government’s propaganda that the building is encroaching on a water channel very close to the new bridge!

The initial building approval (Certificate of Occupancy) and other necessary documents were issued in 1998 and updated for remodelling and reconstruction in 2002 and 2010 because of the constant astronomical rise in membership which the MFM authorities in Enugu had to contend with, always.

With the history and pedigree of MFM Ministries as the fastest growing Christian organisation in the world, the various branches followed the trajectory of the mother-church. A flash-back into the for-

,

BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

,

God is in control — Welcome back GEJ from Israel

place playing ‘gods’. If you are truly in tune with God you will not yield to their negative advices. If you are with God, you will not fear, for the holy book says: ‘Thou should not fear but hold your peace’. The one to fear is the Almighty God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Fear God only and not any man.

The only way to fear God is to listen to His commandments. If you work in line with God’s tenets, you will please the people.

Your interest is in the progress of the people. When the people are happy, God is happy. It is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Initiate programmes that will benefit the people and not a miserable thieving few; through this the people will be behind you and whatever is your prayer wish will be answered by God. The examples are many but space contraints will not allow me to list all here, one thing is sure. If you have truly sought God and have resolved on His injunctions, you can be rest assured, God is in control. Welcome back Mr President from Israel. *Mr Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos

Africa with diverse language blocs and thousands of member-branches.

In spite of this rapid global expansion, there have been no known incident or complaint of encroachment or obstruction caused by any of the Church’s structures until the recent wilful demolition of Enugu Regional Headquarters building by the government of Governor Sullivan Iheanacho Chime.

Added to the fact that there is a subsisting court order emanating from an ongoing action filed by the MFM authorities in Enugu to put on hold the demolition, the issue of premeditated discrimination comes to the fore. It is incontrovertible to aver that of all the structures owned by individuals and corporate organisations which are equidistant to the pond over which the old Zik Avenue bridge traverses, ONLY THE MFM BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED. The other buildings/structures are still standing with no threat of demolition!

Governor Chime should take a cue from his fellow Governors by extending the axes and frontiers of religion through empowerment programmes, policies and projects for religious bodies. A case in point is Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the Gover-

The MFM should be fully compensated for the loss of its property that were destroyed during the demolition; human rights should not be administered in the breach to favour government and its cronies

mative years of the church organisation reveals that it grew from the mustard seed sown by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya in 1989, under the guidance of God and with 23 initial attendees. Within a short period, this number increased in spiral degrees and this neccessitated the movement of the prayer meetings to No. 60 Old Yaba Road, Yaba, Lagos. This did not last long as the prayer group relocated, once again to No. 13, Olasimbo Street, Onike, Yaba (Close to UNILAG Second Gate), a location that has remained as the International Headquarters of the Church organisation, which held its first service on April 24, 1994. The name Mountain of Fire and Miracles, MFM, Ministries was revealed to Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Church organisation through divine impartment. It is to the eternal glory of God that MFM branches are located in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, the rest of Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and many countries in

,

nor of Delta State, who has assisted many religious organisatins to erect place of worship, irrespective of their denominations.

The Chime administration should seek the face of God by apologising for its iconoclastic act of wilfully demolishing a place of worship that has, in the main, sought for protection under extant laws passed by the same government but administered with vengeance and discriminative behaviour.

The MFM should be fully compensated for the loss of its land and immovable property that were destroyed during the demolition. Human rights should not be administered in the breach to favour government and its cronies, but the generality of its citizenry.

*Dr. Onwugbufor, a commentator on public issues, wrote from Abuja

46—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

2015: South-South ‘ll disown Jonathan if he doesn’t run — Gbagi •Govt has no business running universities OLOROGUN Kenneth Gbagi, 52, lawyer, criminologist, businessman and former minister of state (Education) is a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a chat in Lagos, he, spoke among others on the protracted strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the proposed national conference and why President Goodluck Jonathan must seek re-election in 2015. Without mincing words, he said the people of South-South will not allow President Jonathan return to the region if he does not seek re-election. He also advised government to privatise the universities and hand them over to the professors to manage . Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

D

O you think the President Jonathan’s proposed conference will reshape Nigeria, if well organised?

You used the word if ‘’wellorganised.’ I am talking as a lawyer now; what is the legal plank on which the national conference is seated? We have a presidential system of government with a constitution that structured all strata of the administration of governance. We have not amended the constitution to give relevance and legal backing to the constitutional conference. Is the conference sovereign? If it is sovereign, what makes it sovereign? You must carve out something to give out something. In my opinion, I don’t know the plank on which the national conference is based.

I am at a loss because the same duty the National

don’t agree with the opinion that there is need for Nigerians to dialogue?

I agree absolutely that, as a people, we must have a conference. I only disagree with the way it is being put together. For instance, who is representing my interest as an Urhobo man, as a Deltan?

What input do I have in the conference?

Who is representing you from Ohafia?

What interest do you have?

Take for instance, the police.

We must go back to state and local government police at the appropriate time. How can a policeman from Adamawa come to Okpe, in Urhobo land, to say he wants to do proper policing? He needs four years to study the language, to know the place, etc. But you and I from the local government know ourselves from childhood, we know who is a thief or criminal from primary school. We can simply

,

If because of this predominantly northern opposition Jonathan did not contest, he cannot come back to the South-south, we will chase him away

Conference is now supposedly doing, both houses of the National Assembly- the Senate and House of Representatives are invested with powers to look at them under the constitution.

Nigerians don’t have confidence in the National Assembly because of the way they were elected...

What is the difference between the manner in which the members of the National Assembly are appointed, handpicked or selected by government or persons and the manner members of the committee were appointed?

So does that mean you

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do what needs to be done.

So, on national conference, we must thank President Jonathan for thinking about national conference and initiating the process.

Whatever the shape or form of the conference, Nigerians must now use that platform to demand the proper way forward, a sovereign national conference, to bring about change.

Some critics see the conference as a diversionary tactics to boost President Jonathan’s 2015 re-election agenda. How do you see that?

I disagree with you. We have structures. I don’t see

Jonathan - I worked for him, I am a criminologist and as a professional I can read people, I don’t see how President Jonathan can imagine that he can swindle Nigerians with the national conference. We have courts, we have laws and legislation.

If Nigerians truncate the conference, it is a different matter. Nigerians have been agitating for national conference and now the president has started the process, whether we as a people can use it to achieve a positive or negative purpose is not Jonathan’s making.

No president in Nigeria, military or civilian had said there should be no no-go areas. Before, it was like an evil forest, nobody dared go there for 53 years. But Jonathan has said, open the forest. So it is a stepping stone in the right direction. If President Jonathan does not conclude the conference the way it would satisfy the yearnings of Nigeria, it will no longer be a taboo for the president coming after him to say, he has done to it to this stage, I want to take it to the next level.

I commend President Jonathan for touching and daring what previous presidents in Nigeria could not touch.

As former education minister, what do you make of the ASUU four-month strike?

The ASUU problem is that of pure deceit. As a minister in the Education Ministry I had information. You will recall that at a good cost, we created 12 universities. Before then, I had a conviction and proposal that we have no business, as a country, to run all these universities. America and other developed countries do

•Gbagi: Asking Jonathan not to re-contest is making SouthSouth people second class citizens

not run universities. Why are we still running universities like University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, etc?

These new ones we are creating, let’s nurture them, structure them as a business and hand them over to the professors to manage. These professors can manage the universities. We will almost not invest in these universities again. All we need to do is to transfer ownership and structure them in an arrangement of a corporate business.

Corporate business If we can sell NITEL and NEPA, it is the responsibility of government to sell these First Republic universities to the professors, let them structure it themselves and run it but let the Ministry of Education regulate them. That is how it is done everywhere in the world.

There is no way we can resolve the ASUU problem without privatising the universities. We are not being realistic. We cannot continue like this as a country. If this oil that we depend on today dries up, how are we going to pay the trillions? If we did it yesterday as a Father Christmas nation it is about time we get things right.

Private universities in

Nigeria now are working better than these universities we have been carrying for decades. You cannot fund them adequately. If you hand the university to the professors, they will not allow anything to stop them from developing it because they will see it as their own.

Won’t privatisation take university education out of the reach of the poor?

We can address this by giving scholarship to all poor and disadvantaged students.

Poor students can be given discounted fees and we structure them in all the universities. With that, Government will pay less than five percent of what we spend in running the universities today.

With the newly created 12 universities, the existing universities and private universities, in my memo to council, we still have 674,000 Nigerians qualified to go into universities, but have no access because the universities have filled up. So we will still need more universities. We need education system where we produce technicians, carpenters, welders, bricklayers. We have drifted away.

You are the first recipient of Arch-Klum Society (AKS) medal of Rotary International in the Black world. What does that portend for Nigeria?

The AKS is an exclusive

Continues on page 47

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 —47

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SUN State has experienced dramatic alterations in several spheres of infrastructurel and human capital development in the last three years since the advent of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration.

When Aregbesola was inaugurated, 36 months ago, he pledged that he would offer the people of Osun a friendly government that will totally committed to unlocking the latent potentials of Osun people.

The education sector is perhaps one of the most noticeable and talked about sectors that have received the imprint of the Aregbesola administration.

It flowed from the education summit spearheaded by renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and other stakeholders, which was convened by the administration shortly after assuming the mantle of leadership on November 27, 2010.

Prior to the inception of the present administration, the State of Osun as Aregbesola has restyled the state, no one would ever have imagined the changes.

Public education had been so badly managed that only pupils whose parents could not afford the financial implications of a private school were left in public schools. The students, especially those in primary schools were roughly dressed and mal-nourished. School

Aregbesola’s three unusual years in Osun GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola will clock three years in office this Wednesday. The three years have been largely remarkable

•Aregbesola

buildings were in dilapidated state, students’ performance both at the internal/external examinations were abysmally poor.

One of the steps taken by the administration in sharpening the sector is the provision of two pairs of unified school uniform to each of 750,000 pupils in all the public primary and secondary schools across the state to boost the morale of the students and further promote unity among the public schools in the state.

T h e provision of the uniform free of charge reportedly gulped a whopping N800million aside the N1.8billion being injected for the running of basic education.

About 3,000 tailors were contracted by t h e government to sew the new uniform made of Adire batik.

The material was chosen to empower artisans and Adire makers in the state and as well make the state a reference point for its creativity.

The administration is also injecting N30billion to give a new lease to the structures and classrooms in line with the recommendations of the summit.

Under the arrangements, the state government is constructing 170 new model schools across the state to replace the dilapidated buildings with state of the art

facilities expected to enhance and stimulate the teaching and learning environment.

To further stimulate the interest of students in learning, the government said it is reducing the burden of having to go to school by replacing books with computer tablets invented for that purpose.

The device designed in the form of an iPad called “Opon Imo,” has a software containing the entire senior school syllabus, including Yoruba traditions, past questions of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO) and Joint Administration and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in the last 10 years.

The government’s achievements in the education sector have, however, been trailed with controversy, notably in the reclassification scheme of the schools. That scheme has been especially criticized by the opposition in the state and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN which has flayed it as a scheme directed against Christians.

The administration has also made landmarks in security to the extent that Osun is today one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Apart from the regular police, the government set up

dedicated crime response teams nicknamed Swift Action Squad (SAS), who are now visible in strategic areas in the state as well as identified troubled spots.

Not done yet, additional 100 patrol vans were also to be provided for the SAS and seven more police stations to be built.

C u rrently, a state –wide distress management system, which would allow security agency to respond within 40 minutes, is being developed so to guarantee effective and efficient crime, detection, prevention and control.

In addition to this, a community policing network is also evolving to boost security network across the state.

Because security must be allround, the government recently purchased a helicopter for SAS for area surveillance of the state.

The administration has also made strategic improvements in the health sector and embarked on a social security system tagged Agba Osun (Osun Elders), under which the government selected about 1, 600 most vulnerable people across the state and placed them on monthly stipend of N10, 000.

The youths have also been boosted with an empowerment scheme dubbed Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme otherwise called OYES.

2015: South-South ‘ll disown Jonathan if he doesn’t run — Gbagi Continues from page 46 cadre of Rotary where you must have donated to the cause of humanity the sum of at least $250,000. Once I made the mark of becoming the first Nigerian, African and Black person in the world to attain AKS, the President of Rotary, Sakuji Tanaka, flew all the way from America and came to my private house in Abuja to give me the pin. In spite of the security challenges, if the president of Rotary can come to Nigeria to recognise me, it has a leverage arrangement where relevant departments of government, if properly used, can make a lot of impact.

Having started the AKS euphoria, a few Nigerians have joined me. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid up and became the second AKS in the Black world and then my friend, Sir Emeka Offor became the third. We have four other Nigerians, who have made some contributions but have not fully paid up but because of a provision of the Rotary

constitution they have been elevated to AKS because they gave a promisory note to pay up over time.

You asked about the gains AKS has for us, our various departments and agencies of our ministries are not living up to expectation. On October 30, 2013 at the investiture in the United States of America, there were two flags: the Nigerian flag and the American flag. Just before I was inducted, the Nigerian national anthem engulfed the air.

Rotary started in 1961 in Nigeria, the year I was born.

It pleased God that through me as a contact, we now have a Nigerian Day in Rotary.

Talking about the budget of Rotary, it is more than the budget of countries. There is no president in the world that does not identify and partner with Rotary. By my efforts and those coming behind me, we now have seven AKS in Rotary and established the Nigerian Day in Rotary. I believe it is great step in the right direction that sooner than

later we will be able to influence more advantages to Nigeria and Africa in the affairs of Rotary. There is no way I will make a statement to Rotary the world over today and Rotary will ignore it. It is a only a matter of time these advantages will begin to come.

How do you view comments from a section of the North that President Jonathan should not seek re-election?

President Jonathan has a constitutional right as a Nigerian to seek re-election.

I do not know what qualifies, Tafawa Balewa, Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo to seek office for second term that Jonathan does not have. Obasanjo from the South-West ran for two terms and nobody challenged his right to go for second term.

Shagari from North-West contested election, completed his first term and ran for second term and was swornin but the military truncated his second term. But nobody challenged his constitutional right to go for re-election.

Nobody also challenged Tafawa Balewa.

If late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua was alive, nobody would have challenged him if he wanted to go for second term. Nobody has stopped a serving president in Nigeria, Africa, America, from seeking reelection unless he was defeated at the election.

Matter of mathematics I do not agree that the proponents of asking Jonathan not to re-contest make any legal, political and historical sense.

However, should they feel that Jonathan has not done well, which is a matter of mathematics; what did Jonathan as president get overall, what has he been able to achieve? What did Jonathan get overall and how much has he used to prosecute Boko Haram war with the army and what is left for executing projects? What did he get with regard to a

level playing ground of a peaceful existence as a nation as opposed to what other presidents got? We must have a benchmark to assess all the presidents to know how they have performed.

Having said so, it is not to say Jonathan should not contest. Jonathan should contest, Jonathan must contest. If those who don’t want him to re-contest know what they are doing, they should mobilise and stop him at the election.

If because of this predominantly northern opposition Jonathan did not contest, he cannot come back to the South-south, we will chase him away. It is not Jonathan’s mandate, it is South-South’s mandate. We cannot be made second class citizens in our country. He cannot dare to say he will not re-contest. He will be shocked with the answers he will get.

His mandate is a collective mandate of the South-South led by our hero, Ken SaroWiwa, who paid with his blood.

48 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

B-R-I-E-F-S Malians vote amid threats

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Iran's nuclear deal sparks off row •Obama hails deal •Israel vows to defend itself •Rouhani expects backlash from hardliners

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ONTROVERSY greeted Iran's nuclear deal with world powers yesterday as Israel vowed not to honour it while hardliners in Iran are planning a mass protest against it in Tehran, the Iranian capital.

Iran struck the deal with the United States and five other world powers, agreeing to a temporary freeze of its nuclear program in the most significant agreement between Washington and Tehran in more than three decades of estrangement.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani endorsed the six-month period agreement. US President Barack Obama hailed the pact's provisions, which Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called "historic mistake."

Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu said yesterday that Israel is not bound by the deal and reserves the right to defend itself. That is a reference to possible military action against Iran.

Netanyahu has said the international community is giving up too much to Iran, which it believes will retain the ability to produce a nuclear weapon and threaten Israel.

The deal includes curbs on Iran's enrichment and other projects that could be used to make nuclear arms, as key to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear threat.

"Simply put, they cut off Iran's most likely paths to a bomb," he told reporters in Washington. But for Iran, keeping the enrichment programme active was a critical goal. Iran's leaders view the country's ability to make nuclear fuel as a source of national pride and an essential part of its insistence at nuclear self-

sufficiency. Giving up too much on the enrichment programme would have likely brought a storm of protests by Iranian hardliners, who were already

uneasy over the marathon nuclear talks and Rouhani's outreach to Washington.

In a nationally broadcast speech, Rouhani said the accord recognizes Iran's "nuclear rights" even if that

precise language was kept from the final document because of Western resistance. The deal marks a milestone between the two countries, which broke diplomatic ties 34 years ago when Iran's Islamic revolution climaxed in the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

ONES believed to belong to Saint Peter, one of the founding fathers of the Catholic Church, went on display for the first time Sunday, as Pope Francis held a ceremony to end the “Year of Faith”.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered to catch a glimpse of the remains, eight fragments of bone between two and three centimetres (around one inch) long displayed on an ivory bed within a bronze chest on a pedestal in St. Peter ’s Square.

The chest, given to Pope Paul VI in 1971 and usually kept in the tiny chapel of the papal NUCLEAR DEAL: From left British Foreign Secretary, Williams Hague, EU Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, Germany’s Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius and Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, after Ashton read a statement to the media at the UN Palais, Geneva, Switzerland after signing the deal yesterday.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DEAL IT DEMANDS THAT IRAN MUST: •Halt enrichment above five per cent; •Dismantle technical connections required to enrich above five per cent; •Not install additional centrifuges of any type; •Not install or use any next-generation centrifuges to enrich uranium; •Not construct additional enrichment facilities; •Not commission or fuel Arak reactor; •Provide daily access to IAEA inspectors at Natanz and Fordow sites; •Provide IAEA access to centrifuge assembly, production and storage facilities; and • Provide design information for Arak reactor.

WORLD POWERS, IN RETURN, MUST OFFER: • Restrictions on new nuclear-related sanctions for six months; • Suspend some sanctions on gold and precious metals, cars and petrochemical exports, potentially providing Iran approximately $1.5 billion; •Allow purchases of Iranian oil at their current levels; •License safety-related repairs and inspections inside Iran for certain Iranian airlines; and • Allow $400m in governmental tuition assistance to be transferred from restricted funds directly to educational institutions in third countries to defray the tuition costs of Iranian students.

GYPT’s interim president issued a new law yesterday regulating protests, weeks after the muchanticipated bill stirred criticism from rights and political groups that say it will undermine freedoms and stifle all opposition.

Drafts of the bill have been widely debated since the military-backed government first floated

it in October. Interim President Adly Mansour approved an amended version Sunday and it will be released later,

presidential spokesman Ihab Badawi said.

The law comes 10 days after authorities lifted a three-month long

emergency order that granted security forces sweeping powers.

JFK’s spirit lives on — Daughter

T

HE daughter of Presi dent John F. Kennedy said that his spirit lives on even though his life was cut short.

Caroline Kennedy, who is the new U.S. ambassador to Japan, said in an inter-

view published in Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper yesterday that people often tell her they were inspired by her father. That’s a reminder that we all have a duty to work together for a better world.

Amb. Caroline Kennedy

•Mali's President Keita leader in August.

“I wanted to express my joy at coming to vote,” President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said after casting his ballot in the capital Bamako.

St. Peter's bones go on display

B

Egypt passes new laws against protests

E

ALIANS voted yesterday in parliamentary elections intended to seal the troubled West African nation’s return to democracy but overshadowed by the threat of Islamist reprisals. The polls mark Mali’s first steps to recovery after it was plunged into chaos by a coup in March last year, and finalise a process begun with the election of its first post-conflict

apartments, was decorated with a carving of Peter, who was a fisherman before becoming the Church’s first pope, casting his nets into the sea.

At the start of the solemn ceremony, Pope Francis prayed before the chest, bordered by white and yellow roses, before blessing the bones with incense.

The bones have long been the object of controversy between historians and archaeologists: they were first discovered in a 1940 dig next to an ancient monument honouring Saint Peter, but ended up gathering dust in a storage box.

Afghan assembly favours US deal

A

N assembly of Afghan elders endorsed a crucial security deal yesterday to enable U.S. troops operate in the country beyond next year, but President Hamid Karzai left the matter up in the air by refusing to say whether he would sign it into law or not.

The gathering, known as the Loya Jirga, had

been convened by the president to debate the pact which outlines the legal terms of continued U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. It voted in favour and advised Karzai to sign it promptly.

But Karzai, in his final remarks to the four-day meeting, said he would not sign it until after a presidential election due next April.

UK captives: Tanzanian, Indian freed

A

couple accused of keeping three women as slaves in a London house for 30 years are of Indian and Tanzanian origin and two of the victims were part of a political “collective”, police said on Saturday. The two older victims involved in Britain’s most shocking case of modern-day slavery are thought to have met the male suspect through a “shared political ideology ” and began living with him as part of a collective, London’s Metropolitan Police said.

The third victim, a 30year-old woman, is believed to have spent her entire life in servitude in a case that has stunned Britain.

Police commander Steve Rodhouse said the couple, both aged 67, were of Indian and

Tanzanian origin and had been living in Britain since the 1960s.

Pakistanis threaten NATO supply trucks

D

EMONSTRATORS protesting U.S. drone strikes roughed up drivers yesterday as they sought to stop trucks carrying NATO troop supplies and equipment from passing through northwest Pakistan. The rally came a day after a party led by politician and cricket star Imran Khan said it would prevent NATO supply trucks making their way to and from Afghanistan from travelling through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province until the U.S. stops drone strikes.

Vanguard, MOND AY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 —49 MONDA

Sweeter alternatives to white sugar

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

HITE (processed) sugar is bad. I know it is incredibly nice tasting, but sugar is absolutely terrible for your health. It rots your teeth and makes you fat. The more you eat, the more you crave.

It increases your risk of developing serious health problems, interferes with normal insulin action, raises blood sugar levels and a lot more.

Eating sugar or any foods rich in white sugar is a sure health destroyer. So, the most effective method of keeping blood sugar levels down is by avoiding intake of processed sugars in the first place.

Here are far better and healthier substitutes that you can freely use instead of white sugar.

Honey

Honey is a better alternative to white sugar because it is alkaline in nature. It does not produce gas or acids. It helps strengthen the heart and prevent fever, cough and colds. It has also been found to help purify the blood.

People who are hypertensive should take honey, as the acetylcholine found in the honey helps increase blood flow to the heart, therefore decreasing one's blood pressure. This can be added to beverages or used as a sweetener in desserts.

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

N

• Replace this..... ginger or any other ingredient for flavour.

Jaggery

Often called "medicinal sugar," and frequently used to cure constipation, coughs and indigestion. It has a large amount of mineral content. In terms of usage, this is the closest alternative to sugar. You can get jaggery in the form of a powder, liquid or even a solid block.

Dried fruits

Sugarcane juice

Though white sugar comes from sugarcane, the process by which it is refined takes out a lot of the useful nutrients. The juice from sugarcane actually has vitamins B and C, as well as various organic salts like iron, calcium and manganese.

This is good for those who suffer from anemia and jaundice. Natural, fresh juice from sugarcane can be taken as a refreshing beverage, even without adding lemon,

Popular dried fruits include raisins, prunes, dates and figs. Dates are a great source of iron, vitamin B, potassium and fiber. Raisins can be used to sweeten food.

Figs are great for those who have digestive problems.

These are also great for fighting asthma, coughs and colds. Prunes are rich in fibre and can help people have a healthy digestive system. When you have a strong craving for sugar, dried fruits are a great

Julia Oyefunke Fortune

The Chronic Disease

FIGHTER

juliafortune@hotmail.com

Stock up on yellow fruits and vegetables (2) Health benefits of bananas you might not know

I

F you ever find yourself stranded on a desert island, you better hope for bananas. This nutrient rich fruit would be enough to get you by until you are rescued. Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, manganese, fibre, and potassium.

In fact, just one banana contains a whopping 467mg of potassium! Potassium is essential in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and these miracle fruits also contain tryptophan and serotonin, or as I like to say, natures own anti-depressants.

These have a calming and mood-boosting effect.

When researchers conducted a study on 40,000 male professionals over a four year period to determine the effect of diet on health (Bananas,whfoods.com), potassium

Pharmacist apprehensive over poor health literacy

showed its true colours. It was proven that individuals who follow a diet rich in potassium laden foods had a reduced risk of stroke due to its ability to lower blood pressure. Potassium in bananas also ensures a healthy cardio-vascular system.

That’s not all, bananas protect against painful stomach ulcers by activating the cells that line the stomach. How? They aid in producing a thicker mucous membrane as well as eliminating bacteria in the stomach, usually a direct cause of ulcers. Those monkeys are onto something big I’d say.

Yellow squash nutrition facts

Okay, so it might not have been entirely true when your grandma told you to eat your squash for curly hair. She wasn’t ly-

• ... with this. alternative.

Fresh fruits

Instead of taking in white sugar or foods that are rich in it, fruits like apples, oranges, mangoes, watermelons and papayas will do the trick.

The sugar they contain isn't as concentrated as white sugar. They are also full of nutrients, but with none of the unwanted fat.

Stevia

Stevia is a herb that has been found to help lower hypertension and reduces stomach acidity and gas. This is the only sweetener suggested for diabetics. ing though when she said, “eat your squash for bright healthy eyes!” Yellow squash is abundant in lutein and betacarotene, which protects against macular degeneration – which can lead to vision loss.

Yellow squash is also rich in potassium and magnesium to promote heart health and healthy blood pressure levels. Folate in yellow squash removes homocystiene in our blood, which is a harmful metabolic by-product that has been linked to heart attack and stroke.

Yellow squash is also rich in manganese, which is effective in treating muscle cramps, particularly PMS cramps. It has been proven that women regularly consume yellow squash have fewer PMS symptoms and less painful period pain.

These are just a few of the yellow fruits and vegetables and their wonderful health benefits.

Other examples

Yellow figs, yellow apples, yellow kiwi, plantains, yellow peppers, just to name a few. One thing that these brightlycoloured fruits and vegetables have in common is that they are all teeming in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that protect against heart attacks, stroked, degenerative diseases and even cancer.

Nature is a wonderful natural healer and yellow fruits and vegetables are a very good place to start.

IGERIANS have been urged to pursue health literacy if the spate of sudden deaths must be curbed across the country.

According to the Founder, LiveWell Initiative, Bisi Bright, who expressed concern over the ebbing rate of life expectancy in the country, Nigerians, irrespective of functional literacy, had been found wanting in health literacy.

Speaking at a comprehensive screening exercise conducted by the Soroptimist International of Lagos Mainland in collaboration with the LiveWell Initiative on over 500 grassroots men and women at the popular Mushin area of Lagos, Bright regretted that most Nigerians were ironically unaware of this deficiency.

“They take diets that are very high in fat, salt and sugar. Sugar on its own will not cause diabetes except a person is sugar-intolerant. Diets high in fat also predispose people to high cholesterol level which subsequently predisposes them to diabetes, hypertension and so on.

Unfortunately, very few people eat fruits and fibers which are essential for countering cholesterol and sugar”, she stressed.

Speaking earlier on the significance of the exercise which included blood sugar, cholesterol, high-blood pressure, stress level, body mass index, breast and cervical cancer screening, Titilayo Ramatu Ojeifo, President, Lagos Mainland Soroptimist, who hinted that some women had tested positive to cervical cancer, emphasised that the absence of relevant structures in the country was also culpable for the growing trend in sudden deaths.

“People are dying needlessly! In the course of this screening, we have discovered cervical cancer positive patients who never knew they had cervical cancer! In England, once you are 35, the NHS would invite you for medical check.

But here, government does not even know how many people reside in Lagos State; talk more of asking them to come for check”, Ojeifo bemoaned.

50

—

Vanguard Vanguard,, MONDAY, NOVEMBER

25, 2013

YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may bring you personality clashes base on envy from the other party. Slow down and give peace a chance at least for now.

SCORPIO; Full-Moon in Aries points to possible misunderstanding (probably) within your working arena. This is the wrong time to fan the embers of discord.

SAGITTARIUS; Although the full-Moon is generating tension, your wish is to have your good time.

It’s wrong to under-rate the havoc jealousy can wreck.

CAPRICORN; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis will bring pressure from many fronts, the more noticeable ones are career/business and domestic related types AQUARIUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to watch what you sign and verbally agreed to do. If you fail to respect the law, it’ll back-fire very soon.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

W

HEN you table a request before your parents and they turn it down, how do you reacts? And supposing it’s your boss in the office that turned down your request, how will you feel? And what it it’s your peers

Managing rejection that refused your request, how do you cope?

Being able to manage rejection is a skill.

And like every other skill, it could be learned. Know that rejection is part of the

TERROR MUDA

equation of life. That somebody has rejected your request is not a retorrendum on you.

There are many reasons requests may not be granted. It could be wrong timing. It could also be improper phrase of the words

in “Never say goodbye”

used. It could be the person is not in the right mould etc.

Rejection is part of life’s equation. But do not reject yourself just because your request is not granted today.

Do you know what tomorrow has in store for you?

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; Today’s full-Moon in Aries does not encourage carelessness with money as such can actually lead to avoidable but serious troubles. Avoid jealous approach ARIES; Full-Moon in your Star sign will encourage you to under-rate many to their resentment the way you too’ll be negatively affected. Don’t ignore your spouse TAURUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to do away with whatever can not be placed above board. Take your health seriously today more than before GEMINI; Today’s full-Moon in Aries can tempt you to expose your love life unnecessarily. Separate your private/personal affairs and open friendship CANCER; Full-Moon will certainly affect your mood and make you aggressive but, encouragement of tension along your career line and/or within your business circle can not help your cause now. Protection of your image is important however.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Full-Moon may bring you what you’re likely to see as an insult but in reality it is not one. You only need to be on the right side of the law so that you’ll have the last laugh to the detriment of your opponents. Discourage of jealousy within you.

VIRGO; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may generate tension around you but, the best way for you not to be the loser is to make sure your finances are well protected. Then green eyed monster called jealousy may make things a little bit difficult.

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

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Basic characteristics of Pisces Pisces is 12th of the twelve Zodiac signs ruled by mysterious Neptune. It quality is mutable while it element is water. Mutable aspect of Pisces indicates that people born under it are changeable, by this I mean they change their minds often times. Being a water sign, naives of this Star have very strong intuition and can flow into anybody heart and/or mind.

Neptune as the ruler of Pisces brings compassion and ARTISTIC talent into Pisces born people’s creativity quotient. Neptune rules psychic related thing and many of things that cannot be placed above board; Neptune makes most natives of this star sign secretive, hard to understand and dreaming.

Two opposing fishes as joint symbol of Pisces oftentimes responsible for occasional confusion suffer by all natives of Pisces one time or the other. It is truly important for them to learn how to control both their emotion and mind.

Because it is easy for Pisces people to become pessimistic unnecessarily The reasons are while one of the fishes may head for optimism and day dreaming, the other ’s inclination may be of fear, despondency and timidity. Thus, confusion can creep in and that will be to the detriment of their confidence.

Cultivation of practical nature and adoption of realistic method in all you do will be of great importance. It is equally important for Pisces born people like you to take psychic related things more seriously because they can make use of psychic and/or spiritual related things.

HOME & ABROAD Lawrence Akapa

by

Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 — 51

52—Vanguard , MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED BYEMMANUEL

AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

Y

OLA—GOVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has challenged the presidency to give facts and figures on the alleged depletion of the Excess Crude Account, saying that the use of semantics against Governor Rotimi Amaechi was largely unhelpful.

He spoke in response to the war of words between the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Governor Amaechi over the alleged depletion of the ECA to the tune of $5 billion.

Governor Amaechi, chairman of the mainstream faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, had at a retreat of the forum last week in Sokoto accused the Federal Government of depleting the ECA to the tune of $5 billion without the knowledge of the other tiers of the federation who are beneficiaries of the ECA. The Federal Ministry of Finance had in response accused Governor Amaechi of playing to the gallery as it claimed that the Rivers State Government got N56.2 billion from the sharing of the said $5 billion.

Amaechi retorted at the weekend, saying that what the state received was its statutory allocation and not funds from the ECA, daring the Federal Government to give a

EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT: Give statistics, not semantics, Nyako tells FG breakdown of the country’s revenue inflow from oil.

He specifically asked how much Nigeria earns from oil, what price is the country’s oil sold and how much exactly the country has earned this year from oil sales.

Intervening yesterday, Governor Nyako charged the Federal Government to respond with facts and figures to the issues raised

by Governor Amaechi and not with semantics.

“So far it is Amaechi that is giving Nigerians the truth. Amaechi has quoted a figure and if anybody has reasons to justify why that figure is missing, that person should give a breakdown, not mention areas that they have spent the money on, but give a breakdown,” Governor Nyako who spoke through

the Director of Press, Ahmad Sajo.

“This much of the money was used for this purpose, this much was used for this purpose, but we are saying that between Amaechi and the Federal Government, Amaechi has given a figure, they should also give statistical figures to disprove Amaechi not semantics,” the governor said.

CHIEFTAINCY: From left: Erelu Mojisola Adams, Otunba Gani Adams, receiving the certificate of Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun, from Oba Salawudeen Oyefusi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, and Olori Oyefusi, during the conferment of chieftaincy title on Otunba Gani Adams by the Ikorodu monarch, at Ikorodu Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

20,000 drivers’ licences ready for collection in Lagos

L

AGOS—LAGOS State governor, Mr. Babatnde Fashola has visited the drivers’ licence Facility at Ojodu to complete his driver’s license process, directing all the agencies concerned to publicise the fact that over 20,000 licences are ready for collection across the state.

The governor went through eye and written tests with the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, and photo data capture with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, at the end of which he got his temporary driver ’s licence.

In an interview at the premises of the driver’s licence facility after the exercise, Governor Fashola told newsmen who inquired about his experience, “the only

thing now is that I was told that there is a batch of drivers’ license there that people have not come to collect. So we will, at the state level and with the FRSC, think about how to create public awareness on this.

“I am told that about 20,000 people out there are yet to collect their licences. They (Drivers Licence Facility

agencies) are concerned about cost and may be they are thinking about how to publish the names on the internet or something. Perhaps, it is a good time, those who have come here for biometrics may come here and do random check and they will respond to them.” the governor said.

He described his

experience during the exercise as good, noting, however, that it was presumptuous to judge with his own experience since it could also be possible that he received a fast tracked treatment because of who he is.

The governor said he got favourable feedback from members of the public whom he met and spoke with at the facility.

Back-up Network deploys novel solution for efficient service

A

BUJA—A service provider company, Backup Network Limited, has deployed a novel solution to boost the quality of service by telecoms operators.

The deployment is aimed at strengthening the poor quality of services across the country and to enable

telecom operators deliver improved quality of experience, QoE for the increasing number of its subscribers in Nigeria.

The solution is believed to have the capacity of enabling operators to achieve improved QoS, which will in turn boost QoE for subscribers.

The Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Monday Ogbe, descried the pain Nigerian subscribers go through in the hands of telecom operators, due to poor quality of service, insisting that there was a lot of room for improvement.

BANJOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olajumoke Abiodun Banjoko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olajumoke Abiodun Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORUGBO —l, formerly known and addressed as Miss Heritage Omohwo Orugbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omohwo Heritage Ochuko Oge. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UNUAJEFE— I , formally known and addressed as Miss Grace Oghenekevwe Unuajefe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Oghenekevwe Oghenebrume. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EFE-OMOJEVWE —I, formally known and addressed as Zelda Anne EfeOmojevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Zelda Anne Elum.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ISHAKA —I, formally known and addressed as Miss Ishaka Ereremena Nikky, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ereremena Nikky Ayoro. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWEZE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Promise Ebere Nweze now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Promise Ebere Meka. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UZODINMA—We, formerly known and addressed as Uzodinma family of Oji River L.G.A.of Enugu State, now wish to be known and addressed as Iloejenachi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKARIAKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukariaku Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwoko Chibuzo Peace.

All former documents remain valid. Abia State College of Health Technology, Aba and general public please take note.

IHEME —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Catherine Azuka Iheme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Catherine Onyekachukwu Orjiukwu. All former documents remain valid.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria and general public please take note.

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Vanguard, MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013 — 53

T

T

HE Chairman of the National Academicals School Sports Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu has lauded the contribution of Kwara State in ensuring that the Sterling Bank-sponsored 6th National School Sports Festival (NSSF) holds.

Idowu said the level of support accorded the organisers coupled with the facilities in place remains a big surprise to him

Conversation with a Golden Eaglet parent

,

ELEPHONE rings.......

Chief Effiong......Hello who is this?

Alhaji Maigari...If I am on to Chief Effiong,, I am Aminu Maigari the President of the NFF Chief Effiong....Ah interesting how are you? You are the one who wants to teach me how to manage my son? When I bought him his first ball when he was three years old where were you? At age six, I got him a football boot because I knew he was destined for greatness.

You needed to be at my house on that day of the final. Over fifty people came to watch the match with me. Neighbours, relatives and well wishers they all came.

And my wife had to cook for all of them because we knew there was going to be a celebration at the end of the match.

Do you know how much we spent for food and the drinks?

Without consulting me as the father, you went and wrote the two million naira cheque in his name. Do you know how much we spend every time he plays?

You went and wrote a two million naira cheque in the name of a 16 year old?

I want to return the cheque so that you can reissue it in my name.

Alhaji Maigari.....on the contrary sir, I advice that you use the cheque to open an account in his name, so that as he grows up you can help him to invest and….

Chief Effiong.. ( cuts in ) Invest what? I have told you what we have put in so far to bring him to this level and you want to put enmity between me and my son?

Alhaji Maigari....God forbid sir. In fact that is why I called to first of all congratulate you for siring a child who has the potential of becoming a great footballer if properly nurtured Chief Effiong....Did you hear when I told you that I knew he was going to be great? Look if not for injury, today I would have been one of Nigeria’s best footballers. I played for my primary school and I was always the one called upon to take corner kicks...

Alhaji Maigari....No wonder your son is so good.

Congrats Sir. As earlier said we will find time to sit with you and discuss how best to handle your son’s future, because right from UAE, we noticed the influx of scouts who we believe can short circuit the future of these boys if we do not intervene..

Chief Effiong...listen Alahaji Maigari, I am not a novice, I know what is good for my son and I do not need you to tell me about his future...

Alhaji Maigari.....hold on sir, talk to the Honourable Sports Minister.

Chief Effiong....Hon Minister, are you one of those who want to reap from where you did not sow?

Hon Minister.....I beg your pardon Chief.....reap from where we did not sow? If you must know. We are the ones that have sowed. This country invested millions in those children. For the past three years we have given them the best in terms of comfort of living and personal development. I don’t know about your son, but nearly all those kids stayed in hotels for the first time when we took them over. None of them had flown in an aircraft before. Since we adopted them they have benefited the best of training from first class coaches and international academies.

Ask them about the Aspire Academy in Dubai, five star hotels, best of airlines......they owe this country Sir you owe us for bringing your child to the level where he has become a global celebrity...dines with Presidents, met face to face with Mr Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of The House, Ministers…..

Chief Effiong ....Hon Minister, I withdraw my statement.. I think you have a point there.....I apologise.

Without consulting me as the father, you went and wrote the two million naira cheque in his name. Do you know how much we spend every time he plays?

You went and wrote a two million naira cheque in the name of a 16 year old? I want to return the cheque so that you can reissue it in my name

,

In fact it was when he always came back from camp that we discovered he could eat rice with a fork and knife.

Hon Minister....Apology accepted. Sir I asked the NFF President to call you because I heard, and authoritatively too, that an agent offered you one million naira which you collected....

Chief Effiong....Don’t go there....don’t just go there.

A whole country gave my son two million naira, an individual brought one million naira and you are querying me...?

Hon Minister...The federal Government’s donation was an appreciation, one that is bound to open the flood gates for more of such. The one million naira from the agent may be an invitation to slavery, a bet that you may regret.....

Chief Effiong ...What makes you think you people are the only ones that know about football?

Hon Minister....Far from it, we are not the only ones, but this is our culture medium. We plan and sincerely too to bring together experts in the business to sit down with all the parents of the kids and the kids themselves to advice on the way forward. We have multiples examples of bright youngsters whose careers were destroyed by self seeking and selfish agents. We do not want that to happen to this glorious bunch at our disposal.

Let me also congratulate you for being the father of such a wonderful footballer as I hand you back to the NFF President Alhaji Maigari....So sir we are planning to come and see you.

Chief Effiong....Are you coming alone?

Alhaji Maigari...No sir, I am likely to come with one of the coaches and the chairman of the technical committee of the NFF. In fact if possible with other members of that committee including Chairman Christian Chukwu, JJ Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal.......those who have seen it all and are in a position to give wise counsel.......we also have your country man Paul Bassey in that committee Chief Effiong......Ah Paul Bassey....we are proud of him. Tell him I saw him on Tv during the Algeria Burkina Faso match. He has added weight.....he is chopping FIFA money....

Alhaji Maigari....We thought so too but when we confronted him he said the cold forced him to wear

two jackets that is why he appeared fat...

Chief Effiong .....None of you will admit to chopping money until we catch you with oil on your lips.

On a serious note, let me know when you will come because we must celebrate with a feast Alhaji Maigari.....Sir, that will not be necessary. What we are coming for is serious, bordering on the future of your child and of course the sustained sports glory of this country.

Chief Effiong....My friend we in this part of this country are noted for culinary excellence ask Paul Bassey. Do you know what it means to be visited by the Award winning NFF president? I am not talking about all those junk you eat in hotels....I am talking about home made buffet that includes afangsoup, edikang ikon, white soup with goat meat to go with pounded yam, fresh fish pepper soup........do you eat dog meat?

Alhaji Maigari.....No thanks I don’t like it.

Chief Effiong... What is no thanks? How can you not like what you have not tasted? The day you eat well prepared dog meat with unripe plantain to boot that day you will bow.....

Alhaji Maigari...(..laughter)......I pray that day does not come ( more laughter) so sir in summary of what the Honourable minister said, it is our desire and the wish of all Nigerians that these boys be guided and monitored for a better tomorrow. Rather than collect a one million that is like a one off...

Chief Effiong....President, forget this one million....forget it. I have collected it and have spent it, except you want to refund it...

Alhaji Maigari.....Sir I was saying that rather than collecting a one off, we will prefer a 500,000 thousand that will come again and again.....I give you the classic case of Mikel Obi and how two great clubs Man U and Chelsea were fighting for him. On paper, Man U was the better choice, but a lot of other factors were taken into consideration in counseling him, including playing regularly and the presence of Africans in the team that will help him settle down faster, and today Mikel is one of the world’s greatest footballers whose profile rises daily...

Chief Effiong....Alhaji Maigari, I am not dumb, I appreciate all you are trying to say.....my only concern is that you people should consider the interest of the parents in all that you do. I could not have invested so much in a child only for you to come and issue a two million naira cheque in his name..

Alhaji Maigari....Sir, again this is a one off. What we are saying here is a stable future. Go to Jos and see what Mikel has done to his parents and siblings.....Kanu, Okocha, Finidi George, Obafemi Martins. With the benefit of proper counseling and good upbringing, even the sky will not be his limit....

Chief Effiong...Anyway, money is like a spirit. If you don’t have, no problem, but the moment it enters your hand you feel like taking a big bottle of stout with every meal. Besides this agent looked quite honest and serious...

Alhaji Maigari.....Sir we are not saying all agents are bad. By the time we know who you are dealing with, he may just be someone we can trust.

Chief Effiong....Ok till you come. You people must bring something for me and my wifeoooooo. You are busy chopping CAF and FIFA money Alhaji Maigari....( laughter )Have I also added weight? You must be a very interesting person.

Chief Effiong....See let me tell you, did you see that first goal my son scored? That was me in my youth.

All I needed from my team mates was for them to put the ball in my left leg and off I went. My nick name was okokobioko.......

Alhaji Maigari ( prolonged laughter....)

See you next week.

NASCOM hails Kwara over national school sports fiesta “Kwara state is one of the biggest surprises for me. Having a one-stop facility of this nature made it easy for us. Indoor sports halls, wonderful pitches and they even have a Cricket pitch here.

Akwa Ibom State disappointed us and we took solace in Kwara and there’s this revelation that lots of things are happening outside Lagos.

Idowu said every one in a way is involved in sports, adding that the fact one does not win a medal when running to catch a bus does not make the person less an athlete.

“Some of us have been privilege to have a background of structured sports. NASCOM is particularly interested in school sports and children below 17. Once a

child is 18, 19, there’s really not much progression. When you take a child of nine years, you can manage their progress as they graduate into the elite sports.

“You get the joy on seeing how that child responds to training or instructions, the behaviour of the child and how the character evolves and that gives me a lot of sat-

isfaction and that is why I am particularly involved with grass root sports.

We will grow out the problem of sports in Nigeria. Instead of worring over what is happening, let’s start an agenda to grow out the problem and thats what school sports represents. Focus on the children for the future, pay attention to the chil-

dren and the problems will grow out naturally.

•Yemi Idowu

54 —

Vanguard, MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Obudu: Kenyans sweep the stakes

BY EMMA UNA

I

N Keeping with its record of producing new winners each year, Abebe Dinkesa of Ethiopia, the 2012 Obudu International Mountain Race winner was displaced to second place by another Kenyan, Rono Philemon while Ugandan Godfrey Kusuru came third.

Rono Philemon won the 11 kilometre race in 1 hour, 43 seconds, Abebe Dinkesa braced the tape at a time of 1 hour, 57 seconds while third place winner, Godfrey Rono touched the finish line at the time of I hour, 2 minutes and 8 seconds.

The Ethiopians swept the female race, with 22year-old Jenet Yellew

making the distance at the time of 58 minutes, 55 seconds, Selem Ahere came second returning a time of 59 minutes, 48 seconds and Berha Afere coming third at the time of 1 hour, two seconds.

The First Nigerian male to brace the tape was Cletus Eyo while the first Nigerian female to brace the tape was Deborah Pam from Plateau State to cart home the, 2,000 USD each respectively, the top prize money earmarked for the first male and female Nigerians to brace the tape.

The first prizes for both male and female athletes are the sum of 50,000 USD dollars, 20,000 USD for the second place winners and 9,000 USD for third place winners.

•Abebe Dinkesa of Ethiopia placed second in the race.

Nigerian Sports Award: Keshi, Maigari confirm attendance W ITH barely 48 hours to the award ceremony of the second edition of the Nigerian Sports Award, dignitaries and top shots in the Nigerian Sports circuit have been confirming their attendance for the event.

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari who is a nominee for the Sports Administrator of the year award, alongside Chief Solomon Ogba, President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Amaju Pinnick are among those that have confirmed they would be present at the event.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye and the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi are also expected to be at the

event.

The organisers have received a major boost from Amstel Malta – a leading low sugar malt drink brand in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, the General

Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, the organises of the award Mr. Kayode Idowu described the coming on board of the leading malt drink brand as a major boost for the award.

Idowu declared that the broadcast support deal with Amstel Malta was brokered by the Mitchell Obi and Ejiro Omonode led MasterSports International, the technical partner for the Nigerian Sports Award.

Race for cars begins at 45th Asoju Oba Cup

M

OLADE OkoyaThomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium will on Monday November 25 comes alive as players commence hostilities at the 45th edition of the yearly Asoju Oba Cup table tennis championship, which begins with two cars at stake.

19 events including para table tennis event will be competed for at the Africa’s oldest table tennis tournament.

According to the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Molade OkoyaThomas, this year ’s

promises to be glamorous as two brand new Chevrolet cars would be won by the men and women singles champions.

He, however, used the occasion to emphasise the need for Nigeria to regain its lost glory in table tennis. “I have said many times during the press conferences of the annual Asoju Oba com-

Ikpeba Continues from BP ruled them out, insisting that they must pass through the Under 20 and possibly the Olympic team before they can qualify to play for the senior team. He later changed his mind, saying a chance could be given to any one that merits a place in the Eagles.

All the members of the Eaglets team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup were drawn from academies unlike before when some were fished from some clubs.

This is why many Nigerians dub the team the youngest Nigeria have paraded in recent years.

They played with passion and their flair thrilled the world.

“It will be good to give

petition, that if Nigeria must regain its lost glory, not only in table tennis but sports in general, we must go back to grassroots development.

I must commend the grassroots development embarked on by the Lagos State government some years ago. It is not only a great step in the right direction, but has even yielded great dividends,” he said. them a chance to play for the senior team but they cannot play for the national team as academy players,” Ikpeba said at the weekend, adding, “ they have to develop and gain club football experience. It is vital for development . I expect the players to be engaged by the clubs and those doing well in their clubs can be given a chance. That should be the condition. I was with them for two weeks in UAE and I can tell you that they are good players. But they need club football experience to play for the national team. That’s what will keep them fit and competitive.”

Ikpeba is a product of youth football. He was in the 1989 squad in Scotland.

Nigerian lifters arrive Malaysia

N

IGERIA’s weight lifting team to the Commonwealth weightlifting championship holding in Penang, Malaysia arrived the Asian country on Saturday two days before the commencement of action today.

A board member of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Lawrence Iquaibom who led the team out of the country said the 22-man contingent arrived Kuala Lumpur Saturday morning and headed straight to the coastal city of Penang, venue of the championship.

“We arrived Kuala Lumpur in the morning and flew thereafter to the coastal city of Penang where the championship

City Continues from BP Beaten 1-0 by Sunderland in their last outing prior to the international break, City did not look back after Jesus Navas gave them the lead after only 14 seconds.

The Spanish winger deftly lobbed Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after the Frenchman had gifted the ball to Sergio Aguero with a loose kick, and an own goal from Sandro in the 34th minute made it 2-0.

Aguero claimed a brace either side of half-time,

Adamu Continues from BP ria Football Federation (NFF) to invest in the excellent performance of the Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi, who has showed his great coaching potential to the world.

Adamu noted that the football federation should not listen to calls, at any point in time, for it to employ a foreign technical adviser ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He said in a press statement signed by his Media Assistant, Dapo Sotuminu, that, the NFF should ensure Keshi gets the right exposure and knowledge of a world class coach by sending him to international coaching seminars, workshops and trainings which other great football coaches across the globe would attend while preparing for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. “We should be proud of Keshi and I am sure the

is holding. We have settled down and quite ready for the competition which begins on Monday (today)” Iquaibom told NWF official website yesterday.

According to the ex-international who won silver medal for Nigeria at the Brisbane 82 Commonwealth games, the 14 lifters in the team are in high spirits and determined to do the country proud.

“The lifters are in high spirits and ready for the competition. The lifters are happy with the level of support they are enjoying from the president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Hon. Chibudom Nwuche and from the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC). tucking away centres from Navas and Yaya Toure, to take his tally of goals to 14 in his last 11 appearances.

Alvaro Negredo added a fifth in the 55th minute, flummoxing Michael Dawson with an audacious turn and lashing a left-foot shot past Lloris, before Navas completed the rout in injury time.

Victory preserved City’s 100 percent home record in the league this season and having annihilated Norwich City 7-0 in their last fixture at the Etihad, they have now scored 13 goals in their last two home games.

NFF has great respect for him for helping to bring back the glory days of Nigerian football. Today, the Eagles can face any team in the world without fear of being mauled.

The last Eagles’ friendly against Italy tells it all”.

He added: “Keshi should be celebrated as the first Nigerian coach to win the Nations Cup, play FIFA Confederation Cup and qualify the Eagles to the World Cup. “Already, he is a reference point in African football having helped Togo to play in their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2006.

He is also the only living African to win the Nations Cup as a player and a coach.

“Keshi is our own and he should be celebrated,” Adamu said.

The former CAF and FIFA Executive Committee member also congratulated the NFF president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the Super Eagles team for picking the ticket to the 2014 World Cup.

Vanguard, MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013 — 55

Delta set for NFF AGM T

HE Delta State Football Association has put the necessary logistics in place to host a successful Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation in Warri, come Thursday, 28th November.

According to a press statement by the Secretary General of the Delta FA, Friday Onothoja, delegates to the AGA made up of state football association chairmen and secretaries from the 36 states, including the FCT Abuja, are expected to arrive warri on Wednesday 27th November.

Onothoja disclosed that the Brownhill Events Centre, venue of the AGA is set for the ceremony, which is the highest and biggest congregation of football stakeholders in the country. As part of the AGA programme, there will be a charity cup match at the Warri City Stadium between Kano Pillars Fc, current premier league champions and Enyimba Fc, the Federations Cup champions. The FA scribe

C M Y K

also disclosed that a gala night will hold at the Brownhill events centre, where the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON is expected to be given a sports award.

Early in the day, the Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama, SAN will declare the AGA open. Also to attend the opening ceremony is the Speaker, Delta State House of

•Alhaji Aminu Maigari

Assembly, Rt. Hon.Victor Ochei and members, House Committee on Sports. The delta FA, through the scribe, Onothoja, has expressed appreciation to the Delta state government, for graciously accepting to host the 2013 edition of the AGA of the NFF, coming at time when Nigerians at home and abroad are celebrating the successes of our national teams.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Ike Uche scores a brace Uche made a from 14 games.

Nigeria coach Stephen IKE strong case for an EaKeshi has said he has gles recall after he scored twice for Villarreal against Levante in the Spanish La Liga.

Uche, who has not played for Nigeria since the Africa Cup of Nations in February, was on target in 74th and 89th minutes for Villarreal’s second and third goals on Sunday.

He has now scored six goals in 11 games and Villarreal are fourth on the league table with 27 points

overlooked the striker because they does not play for the team.

In Belgium, former Nigeria youth international Michael Uchebo was on target for Cercle Brugge in a 4-2 home loss to Lierse.

The former Enugu Rangers striker scored in the 80th minute to take the game to 2-2. He has now scored four goals in the league this term.

Conditions for Eaglets to join Eagles — Ikpeba City crush Spurs 6-0 M

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

ANCHESTER City swept back into contention for the Premier League title after humiliating title rivals Tottenham Hotspur 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Continues on Page 54

E

X-INTERNATIONAL and one time Africa’s Footballer Of The Year, Victor Ikpeba has backed Stephen Keshi’s decision to give members of the Golden Eaglets a chance to play for the Super Eagles but says that “any such player must be playing club football.”

Keshi had, before now

Results EPL Cardiff 2 Man Utd 2 Man City 6 Spurs 0 SERIE A Livorno 0 Sampdoria Sassuolo 2 Torino 4 Udinese 1

Continues on Page 54

Adamu: NFF should invest in Keshi

T

HE former DirectorGeneral of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Amos Adamu, has called on the Nige Continues on Page 54

Juventus 1 Laazio Atalanta Catania Fiorentina

2 1 0 1 0

LA LIGA Levante 0 Villarreal 3 Vallecano 1 Espanyol 4 BLOODY........Manny Pacquiao(right0 dodges a punch thrown by a bleeding Brandon Rios during their title fight on Sunday morning. Pacquiao won the bout 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 and collected the WBO international welterweight belt. The former eight-division champion dominated the bout from the opening seconds until the end. He improved his record to 55-5-2, with 38 wins inside the distance, while Rios’ record dropped to 31-2-1, with 23 knockouts.

BUNDESLIGA Hamburg 3 Hannover 1 LIGUE I Lille 1 Toulouse Nice 0 Etinnne

0 1

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Gust (6) 5 Oppressive (6) 8 Catastrophe (8) 9 Tidy (4) 10 Network (3) 12 Pulverise (5) 15 Clique (3) 17 Meadow (3) 18 Vase (3) 19 Fuss (3) 20 Converge (5) 21 Tavern (3) 22 Rotten (3) 23 Young goat (3) 24 Owned (3) 26 Premature (5) 29 Sheep (3) 33 Certain (4) 34 Aristocracy (8) 35 Reveal (6) 36 Hate (6)

Down 2 Wholly (5) 3 Out (4) 4 Afterwards (5) 5 Temptress (5) 6 Arm-bone (4) 7 Chip (5) 10 Anger (5) 11 Gore (5) 12 Blunder (5) 13 Risk (5) 14 Swarthy (5) 15 Malicious (5) 16 Tint (5) 25 Sky-blue (5) 27 Vex (5) 28 Tag (5) 30 Sorceress (5) 31 Kit (4) 32 Excuse (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

Across: 1, Whim 4, Map 6, Pain 8, Fuhrer 9, Notify 10, Shy 12, Edict 14, Chide 15, Leash 18, Ordeal 20, Insult 24, Break 26, Actor 28, Pithy 30, Bed 32, Mingle 33, Refund 34, Heat 35, Mob 36, Leck.

Down: 2, Hound 3, Miracle 4, Mars 5, Puny 6, Pitch 7, Infidel 11, Has 12, Ego 13, Tea 16, Alb 17, Hie 19, Receive 21, Nap 22, Skilful 23, Toy 25, Rye 27, Ought 29, Hence 30, Beam 31, Drab

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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