Fuel subsidy trial : Suspects in court,arraignment stalled

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61674

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

CHARGED!

Mahmud Tukur

Mamman Nasir Ali

Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi

Christian Taylor

FUEL SUBSIDY TRIAL:

Suspects in court, arraignment stalled •AGF absent in court, wants to lead prosecution team

•Family members, friends, others storm court •Case adjourned till today

A petroleum industry —P. 17 bill for Diezani

NUC mum as Reps nullify —P.29 withdrawal of varsities' licences

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BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—THE much anticipated legal fireworks that would have been detonated in the pursuit of the N304

SALAMI: HOUSE, PRESIDENCY Force CRISIS WORSENS: Hqtrs grill How delay in MTN allocation stirred officials over call trouble Pg.5 logs —P.7 20 houses burnt over youth's death in Rivers —P.12

billion subsidy fund allegedly illegally taken from the Federal Government coffers by some oil companies and individuals was put on hold yesterday. The legal sparks are likely to fly

Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—3

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4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

GHANA: Atta Mills goes, Rawlings returns ANALYSIS

BY IKEDDY ISIGUZO, Chairman Editorial Board

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COMMISSIONING: From left— Prof. Pat Utomi, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Mr. Paul Arinze, GM, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria, during the commissioning of Ofu Obi Health Centre in Nanka, Anambra State, donated by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited.

Wonder Bank defrauds 300 investors in Plateau

BY AKANINYENE EZEKIEL

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OS—NO fewer than 300 investors, who deposited various sums of money with Wiscom Business Venture, otherwise known as Wonder Bank, are counting their losses as the management of the bank has absconded with their funds.

The depositors, who came, yesterday, to the known address of the business premises at GRA, Jos, Plateau State, to withdraw their deposits and/or interest, were shocked to discover that the office was under lock and key with the management nowhere to be found.

Investigations revealed that any deposit attracted 100 percent interest at the end of 30 days; hundreds

of residents of Jos were attracted to deposit huge sums of money daily.

One of the depositors, Mr. Zango Josiah, who spoke to Vanguard at the premises, said he came to the office to collect his money, but discovered that the place was locked from the outside and that there were no staff on ground to

N African child dies of malaria attack every second, which translates to 3,600 children dying every hour and 86,400 every day.

This much was revealed

by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

Represented by Dr. Rukevwe Ugwumba, his Special Adviser on Health Monitoring, Uduaghan spoke at the Roll Back Malaria campaign held at National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, permanent camp at Issele-Uku. During the enlightened campaign, he said: “Much of the data from the free under-five Health Care Programme C M Y K

ing business offers. He also appealed to state and federal governments to fish out the business owners, with a view to retrieve their money.

Jonah said since the business commenced operations, relevant government agencies did not do anything about it, which made people believe that it was genuine.

Tribunal dismisses ACN's petition against Nyako

BY UMAR YUSUF

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OLA—THE Governor ship and Legislative Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday, dismissed the petition by Action Congress of Ni-

‘Nigerian child dies of malaria every second'

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attend to him.

He said he invested N50,000 with the hope of getting 100 percent interest every month, but was surprised that the people disappeared from the business premises without trace or explanation.

He regretted his action, cautioning people to be wary of such mouth-water-

of Delta State shows that malaria accounts for 43% of all deaths in children in this category. Also in Delta State, the Free Maternal Programme, which allows for comprehensive data collection, shows that malaria is a leading cause of miscarriage.”

Dr. Ugwumba, with assistance from Deaconess Vivian Omeruo, Campaign Coordinator, and a medical team, distributed free preventive anti-malarial drugs, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and offered free HIV and malaria parasite screening to NYSC members and indigenes.

geria, ACN, challenging the election of Governor Murtala Nyako in governorship election held on February 14, 2012.

ACN and its governorship candidate, Mr. Markus Gundiri, had dragged Governor Nyako, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before the tribunal, challenging the poll results, which they argued were characterised by multiple rigging, stuffing of ballot boxes, under-aged voting and multiple thumb-printing of ballot papers.

The petitioners also alleged falsification of election results, monetary inducement, intimidation of opposing political parties with the use of law enforcement agents and other glaring irregularities, during the election.

The petitioners had prayed the tribunal to declare ACN’s candidate, Gundiri as the winner of the election in view of the alleged irregularities or, in the alternative, order a fresh election in 11 of

the 21 local government areas of the state, where it said the irregularities were glaring.

In its judgment, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the allegations adduced in the petition.

The tribunal also held that the petitioners failed to produce evidence to substantiate their claims of under-aged children, stuffing of ballot boxes, hijack of ballot boxes, intimidation of the opposing political parties, among others.

HE demise of Ghana ian President John Atta Mills may finally open the way for Jerry Rawlings’ political clan to return to power. Mills, who was Vice President to Rawlings from 1997-2001, has been under tremendous pressure since 2010, barely a year after he won the slimmest victory in the country’s history.

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Jerry’s wife, has been critical of Mills and has been positioning herself to run against him in December’s election.

Both were from the same party, the National Democratic Congress, NDC. But 63-year-old Nana, with the backing of her husband, has been emphatic enough about running against Mills that she had threaten to enter as an independent candidate, if the party did not present her.

Mrs. Rawlings’ public declaration of her intentions in February 2011 shocked NDC officials.

They fear the fractionalisation of the party, which could cost it the hard-won victory that took the 2008 election into January 2009, before victory came to Mills, who had lost presidential election twice to John Kufour. Mrs. Rawlings’ posters are already all over the country.

When she contested the party’s leadership against Mills last year, she got only 90 votes, or 3.1 per cent of votes cast. She has not relented. Early this month, she formed a new party, National Democratic Party, NDP, on whose platform she wants to run for president. Will she return to NDC? Mills beat Nana AkufoAddo of the New Patriotic Party after a run-off, a revoting in one constitu-

ency. In the first ballot Akufo-Addo, from Kufour’s party led with 49.13 per cent to Mills’ 47.92 per cent.

Without any of the candidates making 50 per cent, a run-off was required. Mills had a slim lead in the run-off on December 28, 2008. The final result had to wait until the January 2, 2009 voting in Tain Constituency, located in the Brong-Ahafo Region. The final result was Mills 50.23 per cent, AkufoAddo, 49.77 per cent.

The return of the Rawlings is a big threat to democracy in Ghana.

Without Mills, the journey seems easier. John Dramani Mahama, the new President, former Vice President and a former Minister of Communication, is no match for the Rawlings who may again stake their interest in NDC. Rawlings’ two terms as President was hugely responsible for the NDC losing power to Kufour in 2001. Ghanaians are in for another round of the Rawlings wanting power, something almost close to Jerry being on the seat.

Mills, 68, a lawyer, earned a doctorate from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies before becoming a Fulbright scholar at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He spent most of his time teaching at the University of Ghana before politics.

He ran a modest government that the discovery of oil did not change.

He was so Spartan that he seemed almost unpresidential. Ghanaians will miss a President they loved.

The calculations for the December election have moved to new gears.

Kufour ’s New Patriotic Party has a chance, just as Ghanaians may still vote NDC, to reject the Rawlings and their NDP.

Indigenes absolve Benue Principal of sexual withheld) through a it smacked of malice and offence

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI—A group, under the aegis of Concerned Indigenes of Otukpo/Akpa, the host community of Federal Government College, Otobi, has decried what it described as a calculated plot by some individuals to ridicule the institution and its Head Teacher (names

trumped up allegation of sexual harassment.

The gorup, in a statement by its leader, Mr. Ogbe John, yesterday, in Makurdi, denied the allegation, allegedly instigated by the Parents Teachers’ Association, PTA, of the institution.

The group said: “The allegation and publication that trailed it came to us as a rude shock because

falsehood; and the misleading information has generated much tension among parents in Otobi community.”

It alleged that the masterminds of the allegation petitioned the Minister of Education on the matter, but “failed to supply the name of the girl allegedly put in family way by the Head Teacher.”

Vanguard, THURSD AY, JUL Y 26, 2012—5 THURSDA JULY

POCKET CARTOON

Fuel Subsidy Trial: Suspects in court, arraignment stalled Continues from Page 1 this morning when the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, SAN, is expected to lead the prosecution team. The case was adjourned till today.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has already filed charges against seven oil companies and 12 directors including Mahmud Tukur, son of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. They were expected to enter the dock yesterday at Lagos and Ikeja Divisions of the state high court.

When the matter came up before Justice Habeeb Abiru of Ikeja High Court, a prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs informed the court of the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation, who he said wanted to personally lead the prosecution team.

He said: “My Lord it is important that the AGF appears in court for the case to go on. Also, the AGF wants to handle this case himself”, he said.

Counsel to one of the defendants who was also absent told the court that his client has not been served with the court processes but only got wind of the case informally.

Granting adjournment till today,(Thursday) Justice Abiru fixed hearing for 10.30 am.

In a similar case before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo the trial of

the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur ’s son, Mahmud Tukur was equally adjourned till today (Thursday).

Tukur was expected to be arraigned with Alex Ochonogor, Abdulahi Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas. The judge after meeting with counsel in his chambers decided to adjourn till 12:00 pm.

Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer and Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele are to be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N1, 959, 377, 542, .63 (N1.9 billion) from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) for a purported importation of PMS while Mahmud Tukur, Abdullahi Alao, Ochonogor Alex and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc are being charged with fraudulently obtaining N1,899,238,946.02 from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) for importation of 80.3 million litres of premium motor spirit (PMS).

In court yesterday to witness the arraignment were family members and business partners of those to be charged who stormed the court as early as 8:00 am The car parks within and outside the premises of the court were filled with different types of exotic cars.

The oil marketers who were brought to court by the EFCC officials in a white Hiace Bus with Abuja registration were accompanied by anti riot policemen.

The EFCC had alleged that the suspects on

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is truer than You – Dr. Seuss

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CCORDING to the law of the universe, for every action there is an equal reaction. When we realize that we are accountable for every thought, word and deed, we recognize the wisdom hope of restraint and being aware of the intentions of our actions.

Through divine love we can reflect form within our hearts. We find our true self here, not the ego.

This can be done by anyone, through maintaining a feeling of calmness and concentrating on higher thoughts, whether through prayer, song, meditation or just being still from within. When we focus our lives on higher thoughts and actions, we connect with the Divine.

There is a Loving Intelligence that pervades all things. All that is necessary is for us to maintain our trust even in the midst of uncertainty and allow the Divine Order to work through our situation without trying to force the results ourselves.

April 28, 2011 in Lagos, fraudulently obtained a total sum of N676.9 million from the Federal Government purporting same to be payment accruing to Eterna Oil under the Petroleum Support Fund.

They are also accused of falsifying claims of having “purchased 33,288,388 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS) from Mercury

Energy Trading AS and imported to Nigeria through Ex-MT Fulmer, Ex-MT Emirates Star and Ex-MT Panther.”

The case preferred against the defendants before Justice Abiru bordered on “conspiracy to obtaining N1.9 billion under false pretence contrary to Section 8, punishable under Section 107 of Advance Fee Fraud & other Related offences.”

House, Presidency crisis worsens: How delay in allocation stirred trouble ....Gbajabiamila dares Jonathan

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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BUJA—THE faceoff between the Presidency and the House of Representatives over the slow implementation of the 2012 budget got messier yesterday with allegations and counter allegations between both arms and their proxies over ulterior motives for their respective actions.

The House was also on the defensive with the allegation that the crisis was partially stoked by anger over the refusal of administration officials to give bank guarantees that would have allowed members collect their third quarter recurrent allocation before proceeding on holidays last Thursday.

In a related development, the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila who has become the subject of media attacks since he flew the kite of the impeachment threat against the President, yesterday, picked up the gauntlet challenging President Goodluck Jonathan to make known to the public, the whereabouts of the people’s money that have made it difficult for him to implement the budget as at when due.

Gbajabiamila who has been accused of ethical misconduct in recent publications since he mooted the impeachment threat, in a rebuttal to the allegations against him, denied being convicted or debarred in the United States as alleged by his traducers in the newspapers.

The actions of both sides were despite the strident efforts by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly, Senator Joy Emodi to calm frayed nerves. Senator Emodi has focused her troubleshooting efforts towards redirecting the crisis as a media fascination with the assertion that both President Goodluck Jonathan and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal were on the same page on most issues.

Meanwhile, House members claimed that the face-off was paying off for the budget as some ministers who had been complaining of slow releases from the Ministry of Finance were now claiming to be receiving more funds.

Sources sympathetic to the presidency claimed that the action of the House was partially stoked by selfish interests as they said that some members were motivated by the refusal of administration officials to provide bank guarantees to enable them collect a loan in lieu of the third quarter allocation. The funds for the members’ third quarter allocation it was learnt was tied up in the July allocation of the Federal Government which was not received until last Thursday when the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC met to share the federation account for the month.

Incidentally, that was the last day before the adjournment of the house. Sources in Abuja revealed that some House officials had before then sought the

help of administration officials for a bank guarantee to enable members go home with their quarterly allocation, but Finance Ministry officials declined.

The refusal added to the already tensed relations with the House over the slow implementation of the budget and the presidency ’s reinstatement of Ms Arumah Oteh as Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

House leaders deny ulterior motives House officials however, denied any ulterior motives on the ultimatum with one official saying that it would be ironic for the public to turn against the House when the members were fighting for the public good. The official further asserted that the administration was not owing any money to house members but Vanguard learnt yesterday that the allocation for the members was not paid until after last Thursday.

“This issue is about Nigeria and it is not about us and I don’t want to go into the issue of allocation,” one house official said.

“What we are doing is for the good of Nigerians and it would be unfortunate if the same Nigerians would start buying the propaganda targeted against us. If you must know, this face off is already helping the system as some ministers are already telling us that funds have started coming to them since this crisis started,”

the House official said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Gbajabiamila in a challenge to President Jonathan yesterday, asked him to publicly declare his case on the issue describing as unfortunate the effort by his supporters to fight dirty over the issue. “I have stated my case now let the President state his,” Gbajabiamila said in a statement yesterday.

“Now as we were saying Mr. President sir before the debate was rudely interrupted by these guys, where is the peoples’ money? We must as a country learn to address issues and not skirt them. We must leave shadows alone and deal with substance,” the House Minority leader said.

In his rebuttal of the allegations against him, Gbajabiamila said: “My attention has been drawn to various newspaper paid advertisements calculated at disparaging my person and aimed at discouraging me from discharging my responsibilities as a legislator and as the leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

"To my traducers let me quickly and unequivocally state that I am not deterred but remain focused and even emboldened in my determination to continue to bring germane national issues to the fore and to hold the Presidency and those in charge of our affairs accountable. Because I believe in accountability, I also must be accountable to the electorate. It is for this reason and this reason alone that I have decided to respond to a faceless and amorphous group that lacks the courage to affix their real names to the publications.”

6—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Gunmen kill 2 Indians, injure 3 in Maiduguri

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI — G U N M E N suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, yesterday, attacked the Zajeri Industrial area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where they killed two Indian nationals and injured three others at their Gum Arabic factory at about 1

p.m.

The gunmen, according to an eyewitness, demanded unspecified amount of money from the Indian traders, before they fired gun shots into the factory and fled in unmarked vehicle, chanting Allahu Akbar ( God is great!)

He said: “We had to run for our dear lives, as the gunmen continued to fire sporadically to scare us

from the scene. It took the Joint Task Force, JTF, half an hour before they arrived at the Zajeri Industrial Area and condoned it off to prevent further attacks and killings.”

He said none of the local residents was killed or injured, except the five Indian nationals.

Hospital sources at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, told our correspondent in a

telephone conversation that two bodies and three others injured were brought into the hospital’s Accident & Emergency Unit, AEU, by men of JTF in their patrol van at about 1.30 p.m.

The attendant said the three injured Indians had already been put under intensive unit for the gunshot wounds they sustained, while the two bodies had been deposited at the hospital morgue for

autopsy.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col Sagir Musa, in a signed statement said two Indians were killed and another Indian national injured at the Gum Arabic factory.

According to the statement,“information available to the JTF indicated that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a Gum Arabic factory operated by Indians

located at Bayern Quarters, Maiduguri metropolis at 1p.m today (yesterday). The incident led to the death of two Indians and one wounded and is receiving treatment at UMTH.” He said the suspects made away with thousands of naira from the factory, adding that the area has been condoned off while search was in progress with a view to apprehending the culprits.

Jonathan okays appointment of new MD, executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

BY BEN AGANDE & GODWIN ORITSE

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A black Mitsubishi Montero Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, with number plate, Lagos UB787AA, fell off the Dopemu bridge on Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, Lagos, yesterday. However, a year-old baby, her mother and a driver survived. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Communications, Dr

SLOW BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION:

Presidency shifts blame to N-Assembly zSays 100% budget implementation by Sept was untenable

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA — THE Pr e s i d e n c y, yesterday, shifted the blame for the slow implementation of the 2012 budget to the doorstep of the National Assembly, saying the insertion of constituency projects by the legislature into the original copy of the budget has significantly altered the budget.

Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who addressed State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja maintained that the ultimatum given by the House of Representatives for a 100 per cent implementation of the budget by September was untenable even in advanced economies.

According to the minister, who was accompanied by the Minister of Information and the Director General of the Bureau of Public

Procurement, the insertion of constituency projects by the parliament requires the ministries to commence fresh procurement process which is procedural and backed by the law.

Okonjo-Iweala said the collaboration between the two arms of government on the budget implementation had yielded results as the implementation and utilisation of resources which as at end of May stood at 39 per cent was now at 56 per cent as at July 20.

Third quarter funds for release next two weeks She said of the budgeted figure of N4.96 trillion, N404 billion had been released with a cash backing of N324 billion and a utilisation of 56 per cent.

The minister said the third quarter funds would be released within the next two weeks.

She noted: “We have been working quite collaboratively with the

National Assembly on the budget. We have met with the various committees of the House and the Senate and we appreciate the cooperation that we have from them in trying to get this budget and also in working to implementation.

“Let me stress that the objective of Mr. President and that of the execuives is very much the same as that of the National Assembly, which is to ensure that there is budget execution in order to deliver on the development programmes for this country. To that effect, we have really been working hard to try and get this done and I think the proof that the attention the President has been giving to these issues is bearing fruit is the fact that from the review we had last month, where implementation and utilisation of resources was at 39 per cent, we are now at 56 per cent. So, we have moved from 39 per cent as at the end of May to 56 per cent as at July 20.

“So, I think that is a very good progress and we expect to see continuing

progress in that particular area. As you know, we have released about N404 billion so far, cashed back N324 billion and the utilisation of that is 56 per cent. We will soon be considering the release of the third quarter funds, we hope to do that within the next two weeks or so.

Challenges “We do face a couple of challenges that we have also been working with the National Assembly on, effectively and quietly we have been working with them on a couple of these challenges.

“We hope that the good cooperation we have had with the National Assembly will continue in rectifying some of these moves which you find in the budget because it will also enable MDAs to implement the budget a bit faster.

On 100% budget implementation On the ultimatum that government must

implement 100 per cent of the budget by the end of September, Okonjo-Iweala said: “In terms of 100 per cent implementation, I think what I read that was said by sections of the National Assembly will have to do 100 per cent implementation of the budget by September.

“First, in my experience world wide, there is hardly any country where you would implement 100 per cent even by the end of the year and this is based on very broad experience, but people try to get at least to 80 per cent or 90 per cent of the budget, as much as can be done.

"One hundred per cent by September, you know September is the ninth month of the year, so we will definetly be moving. I think the point is that Mr President is determined to implement this budget as fully as possible and, therefore, we will be moving towards the figure of as full implementation as we can by the end of the year because the budget was made for the whole year."

Reuben Abati, said in the new appointment, Mr. Abdullahi replaces Engr.

Omar Suleiman who has been relieved of his appointment.

The statement added that the new managing director who hails from Kano State and was the Acting Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of the NPA holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Masters degree in Public Administration.

In other changes in Federal Government parastatals in the transportation sector, Jonathan also approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority. They are Engr.

David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine & Operations); Mr. Mohammmed Sani Saleh (Executive Director (Engineering & Technical Services); and Mr. Olumide Oduntan (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

Similarly, the President approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. They are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, (Executive Director, Maritime Safety & Shipping Development); Mr Obi Callistus Nwabueze (Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services) and Mr. Baba Haruna Jauro, (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

All the appointments are with immediate effect.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—7

Ghana High Commission, ECOWAS, Ikuforiji mourn Atta Mills

BY EBUN SESSOU WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu (left); Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada (middle) and others during the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

SALAMI: Force Hqtrs grills MTN officials over call logs for 5 hours

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

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BUJA — AUTHORITIES of the Police Special Task Force investigating the case of perjury and alleged perversion of justice against communication giant, MTN, over Justice Ayo Salami’s telephone interaction with ACN leaders in the Osun and Ekiti tribunal judgments saga, have uncovered alleged deceit of the communication firm in the matter following MTN’s admittance, Tuesday, that the phone number which they earlier claimed belonged to one ‘Tunde Folawiyo’ is owned by former Lagos State governor and ACN leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Vanguard gathered that a new round of investigation into alleged conspiracy by Justice Salami prior to the judgment in the Osun and Ekiti states governorship elections petitions was sequel to a petition to the Inspector General of Police by former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola which the IG tasked the CP Ali Amodu-led Special Task Force to investigate.

In the petition entitled ‘A Case of Perjury Against Mr. Rotimi Odusola, Senior Manager, Commercial Legal, MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd’, Oyinlola requested the police to investigate allegations of false evidence

by MTN officials before the National Judicial Council, NJC, panel which initially disowned the ‘Call Logs’ presented to the panel as not authentic.

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Confronted with Oyinlola’s petition, MTN officials claimed the company gave out several SIM cards to the Lagos State Government a long time ago and provided the Police with photographs of supposed current users of the telephone lines.

However, while providing additional information to the Police, Oyinlola’s principal witness, Mr. Adeolu Oyinlola, claimed that MTN was being economical with the truth.

He stated categorically that it was the fact of the telephonic interactions between and among Action Congress of Nigeria chieftains, its lawyers, Justice Ayo Salami and his bosom friend, Tunji Ijaiya, which MTN desperately tried to cover up from the National Judicial Council’s Special Investigative Panel, that led it (MTN) to manipulate the call data records it transmitted to the panel, through the law enforcement and security agencies.

Both numbers, Mr. Adeolu Oyinlola claimed, belong to Bola Tinubu; one registered in the name of the ACN leader’s aide, Gbadegesin Ademola, while the other is registered in the name of Tunde Folawiyo, who is a Director at MTN. Consequently, it was gathered that the Police have asked MTN to produce the documents (driver’s license, utility bill, crossed cheque, passport photos) it collected from the supposed owners of the two controversial lines, prior to accepting them on the telecoms company’s postpaid platform.

Also, the Nigerian Communications Commission has reportedly been served with a court order to release the biometric data of the owners of the two lines.

It would be recalled that following the testimony of the communication giants, NJC absolved Salami and the other justices of the election tribunal of any ethical breach. The call logs disowned by the MTN were allegedly sourced from Area G Police Command in Lagos, during investigation, making former Governors Oyinlola and Segun Oni to suspect that the MTN was acting a script to pervert the course of justice.

Officials quizzed for about 5 hrs The telecoms officials, who were quizzed for about five hours by the police, Tuesday, at Force Headquarters and later released on bail, according to sources, tried in vain to convince detectives why the numbers were registered in the names of persons other than the real user, but this was interpreted as a ploy by the communication company to cover up the identity of the real subscribers.

It would be recalled that Police investigators had earlier been told by MTN officials that a second line said to belong to Tinubu was owned by one Abdusalam Rasheed.

Meanwhile, Police sources told Vanguard that the MTN official who initially testified before the National Judicial Council Panel, one Rotimi Odusola

who is also facing allegation of perjury for giving false evidence in his affidavit before the court, recanted, Tuesday, and admitted that the call logs were provided to the Area ‘G’ Police Commander by the company.

Odusola had initially claimed in his statement on oath that MTN’s systems could not accommodate more than three months call records but when confronted with call data records from his company, showing that such records of up to a period spanning five months can be accessed, he resorted to pleadings, saying the situation could only be explained by the technical officials of the company.

BUJA — THE Ghanaian High Commission, yesterday, in Abuja lowered its flag at half mast as a mark of respect for the death of President John Atta Mills.

Mills, aged 68, who was elected president in 2009, died on Tuesday while receiving medical treatment at a military hospital, according to a statement from the Ghanaian Presidency.

In accordance with the one-week mourning period declared by Ghana’s government, the High Commission said that it would open a condolence register today.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, members of staff of the commission were in a mourning mood as some of them wore black outfits.

Although the commission usually experience low turnout of people seeking consular service, it was deserted following the death of Mills.

Mills was selfless —Ashiru Mr Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister of Foreign Affairs, told NAN: “President Mills was selfless in serving his people and unswerving in sustaining democracy in Ghana, Nigerians mourn with our brothers and sisters in Ghana.

He said: “His sudden death is a great loss not just

First Ladies Summit: Presidency denies buying 200 cars

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BUJA — THE Presidency, yesterday, refuted report that the Federal Government has purchased 200 new “exotic” cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja today.

A statement by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity said the African First Ladies Peace Mission, AFLPM, which is holding its summit in Abuja is a NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organisation and its activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives According to the

statement, “in accordance with its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee to raise funds and sponsorship for the organisation of its Abuja summit.

"As part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Ltd offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organisers or the Federal Government of Nigeria. Under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit.

to Ghana but to Africa, we shall miss his wise counsel in both ECOWAS and the AU. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ashiru assured the people and government of Ghana that Nigeria would work closely with Mills successor.

ECOWAS condoles with Ghana Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Commission has said that the death of John Atta Mills, has “robbed the region of a voice of wisdom.”

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission on Wednesday in Abuja, to condole with the people of Ghana.

The statement described Atta Mills as one who “enriched the discussions of the affairs of the community,” adding that the news of his death came as a shock.

It urged the government and people of Ghana to “rise to the challenge of the late President’s death and defend the values that he represented."

“The community wishes to condole with the government and people of Ghana over this irreparable loss and urge you to rise to the challenge of his death.

“Defend those cherished values that the late president represented and which he sought to introduce to his compatriots such as his love of peace."

Atta-Mills, a great loss to Africa —Ikuforiji In his reaction, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji said Atta-Mills’ death was a great loss to the entire people of Ghana and Africa in general.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, said: “As one of the best brains to rule over an independent state in Africa from the colonial era to date, it is on record that President Mills was an internationally acclaimed university teacher who impacted positively on the several thousands of university undergraduates and graduate scholars that received legal training under the tutelage of the late president.

“The late President will be greatly remembered as one of the best brains to rule over Ghana, and indeed one transparent, an uncommon visionary, who vigorously attained sustainable economic growth, prosperity and good governance for his country, Ghana.”

8—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Airline operators petition Aviation Minister over 15-yr age limit for aircraft

Okogie tasks Jonathan on good governance

BY SAM EYOBOKA &

BY KENNETH EHIGIA-

TOR

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AGOS —A I R L I N E Operators of Nigeria, AON, has petitioned the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, over the recent 15-year age limit set for aircraft operating in the country.

It also urged the minister to suspend the continued grounding of Dana Airlines, ADC, Sosoliso and Bellview Airlines to enable them resume flight operations.

The group’s petition came against the backdrop of the new age limit for aircraft operating in Africa set at the just-concluded aviation con-

ference in Abuja, which played host to aviation ministers and other stakeholders on the continent.

The new age limit vacates the 22 years limit set by former Aviation Minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, aftermath of EAS crash in Kano, which claimed about 100 lives, including those on ground.

AON, in the petition by Secretary General, Capt.

Mohammed Joji, said there was no co-relation between the age of aircraft and safety, contending that much of air accidents were caused by human rather than machine errors.

It stated: “There is no

correlation between safety and the age of an aircraft.

The decisions to retire aircraft are basically economic.

Ageing aircraft require more frequent maintenance than new aircraft and this is undertaken outside Nigeria on annual basis in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, SARS, under the supervision of NCAA. “A well-maintained old aircraft is better than a poorly maintained new aircraft.

New aircraft are often purchased to add capacity to the existing fleet not to immediately replace existing fleet.

“Imposing a 22-year ban

Mr. Abayomi Abidakun, Assistant Brand Manager, Maltina (right) and John Petry Ebhonu, overall winner in the 20-30-year-old dance category during the presention prize at the MDA 6 auditions in Benin-City, Edo State.

on aircraft is not consistence with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. It is one of the draconian policy decisions taken without recourse to the actual industry practice.

“It’s natural for a ‘lay man’ to equate the so-called old aircraft to ‘Tokunbo’, ‘Molue’ and ‘Danfo’. Just as there are aging aircraft, there are also aging or obsolete facilities and aging personnel.

“Pilot, been most critical factor in the aviation industry whose age limit has been extended from 60 to 65 years in accordance with; (a) Pilot age group (JAR FCL 1.060 Licensing (b) Amendment 167 to ICAO Annex 1 dated 25th November, 2006 implies that age should not be a limiting factor for a wellmaintained aircraft. IATA is currently working on 70 years provided the pilot is fit.”

AON also appealed to the minister to allow Dana Airlines and other airlines that had been involved in accidents, including ADC, Sosoliso and Bellview, resume operations, arguing that their suspensions were contrary to global practices.

According to the group, the continued closure of Dana Airlines has rendered its over 500 staff jobless, even as the airline still incurred salary liabilities of over N90 million monthly.

Jonathan wants supervisors of collapsed Naval building sanctioned

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan has ordered that those who supervised the construction and demolition of a two-storey building belonging to the Nigerian Navy that collapsed early this year be sanctioned.

It would be recalled that a building located on 45 Road, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, which belonged to the Nigerian Navy collapsed in January killing two people and trapping three others when it was being demolished.

Minister of Information Labaran Maku, said to forestall a reccurence, President Jonathan had also directed that henceforth supervision of all public buildings must be done by the Department

C M Y K

of Public Building either in the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, or in the Federal Ministry of Housing to ensure quality.

According to the Information Minister, FEC deliberated on the report of a committee set up within the Council to investigate the incident.

The report revealed that the poor construction of the building led to severe stress which necessitated the decision to demolish it.

He said members of the council ordered that those responsible for the supervision of the building should be identified while the committee should recommend appropriate sanctions to be applied on those found culpable in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

He said: “We believe that the time has come that all of us must answer for the decisions we make in the course of the duty we perform for this nation.

“The committee that was set up has been mandated to conclude investigations on the incident and bring up a proper report that would identify all those who are responsible in supervising the project as well as the demolition which went wrong.

“We also took some farreaching decisions in terms of all projects in the country that they must be properly designed.

“In the past, there were situations where projects were awarded without final designs. Henceforth FEC took decision that no contract would be awarded in council until we see final

designs certified by those who should advise the Federal Government and proper cost of execution identified, these measures are being carried out by all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s.”

OLAYINKALATONA

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AGOS—ADMINIS TRATOR of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to rise above the myriad of challenges facing the nation and deliver on his electoral promises to Nigerians.

In a statement by the Archdiocesan Director, Social Communications, Very Rev Msgr. Gabriel Osu, the outgoing Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See bemoaned the degenerating level of insecurity, corruption and unemployment in the country, saying that the president should settle down to address the contending issues of good governance instead of dissipating energy on the selfish ambition of running for a second term in office in 2015.

He said: “President Jonathan must commit all available resources towards providing good governance for Nigerians. All these talk about second term and constitutional amendments are more like ploys to divert attention from the real issues on

ground.

“The country is in a bad state; nothing seems to work. During the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the issue of third time agenda came and went away. When Jonathan took over and promised to serve for only four years, Nigerians thought he was the much-awaited messiah, but no sooner had he settled down than he began to call for five years single tenure, supported by the Senate.”

He said the President “is now desirous to contest for 2015. Who do they think they are dealing with? Presently, the lower House of Representatives is threatening to impeach him over poor budget performance while the sycophants in the corridors of power are trying to shield him. These are not acceptable.”

While bemoaning the high level of insecurity, collapsed social infrastructure and total decadence in the country, Okogie wondered why the president and his cronies have been playing lip service to matters that bothered on the welfare of Nigerians he swore to serve; calling on him to either brace up or be shown the way out.

‘Pinnacle Oil & Gas not on EFCC's list'

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AGOS—MANAGE MENT of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, yesterday, denied that the oil company and its managing director were being slated for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the subsidy scam.

The company in a statement, said: “This clarification has become necessary to set the records straight and

disabuse the minds of the public, especially associates, friends and relations of Pinnacle Oil and Gas who have inundated the company and its MD with calls subsequent to the publication. As a further confirmation, the name of Pinnacle Oil and Gas as well as that of its managing director never featured in EFCC’s list of those indicted on its website”.

Naira appreciates by 172 kobo as interest rate rises CRR, of banks to 12 per cent

BY BABAJIDE KOMO-

LAFE AGOS—THE naira, yesterday, appreciated by 175 kobo while short term interest rate rose in response to the decision of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Tuesday to tighten money supply From N160.75 per dollar, the interbank foreign exchange rate declined by 1.1 per cent to N159 per dollar translating to 175 kobo appreciation for

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the naira.

At the official foreign exchange auction conducted by CBN, the naira also gained five kobo as the official exchange rate fell marginally to N155.84 per dollar from N155.89.

On Tuesday CBN at the end of its monetary policy committee meeting, MPC, tightened money supply to check inflationary pressure. The apex bank raised the cash reserve requirement,

from 8.0 per cent. CRR is the portion of total assets banks must keep as cash.

In response, interest rate on overnight lending in the interbank money market rose to 17.5 per cent from 15.8 per cent on Tuesday.

Also, to reduce demand for foreign exchange, especially for speculative purposes, CBN reduced the amount of foreign exchange banks can hold per time, known as net open position limit, to 1.0 per cent of the shareholders’ funds from 3.0 per cent.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—9

Briefly

Lagos sanitation holds Saturday

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

I

KEJA—THE Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians to use this Saturday's monthly environmental sanitation for the cleaning of drainage channels across the state.

The exercise lasts between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, urged residents to join hands with the government to ensure a flood-free Lagos.

Bello said the ministry had intensified its midrain cleaning programme, after completing the prerain cleaning exercise.

DANA CRASH INQUEST:

How we received remains of crash victims — Obafunwa z Says DNA results out next week z Court flays police officer for lying on oath

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—PROFES SOR John Obafunwa, a consultant forensic pathologist and Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State, yesterday, told a

Lagos Coroner Court that some remains of the victims of the Dana Air crash were burnt beyond recognition.

Obafunwa, who also is Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, told the court that several of the bodies only “contained bone fragments while

some had body parts” which were salvaged in pieces by the rescue team who brought them to the hospitals for autopsy.

The Coroner was put up sequel to petitions from some lawyers for inquest into the June 3 Dana air crash in Iju, Lagos.

The pathologist, who

Navy urges system integration

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS—THE Nige rian Navy, yesterday, called for the need to integrate its communication systems, with a view to meeting up with contemporary electronic warfare.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, said this while declaring open the annual Directorate of Naval Signals Communication Conference, at NNS QUORRA, Apapa, with the theme: NN Communications: Past, Present and Future.

The CNS was represented by Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, RearAdmiral Ameen Ikioda.

Graduation

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OWEN College, La gos, has held its 10th valedictory service and graduation for the class of 2011/2012. Ninety-six students were graduated.

Cynosure of all eyes at the event were the 36 graduating students from Bayelsa State, who were part of Bayelsa 100 Initiative Programme instituted

by President Goodluck Jonathan, when he was governor of the state in 2006.

The school Principal, Mrs. Olawumi TogonuBickersteth, extolled all the graduants and congratulated their parents on the sacrifices made for their wards.

CONFERENCE: From left, Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Professor Temitope Alonge; Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ebenezer Farombi; Deputy Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Arinola Sanya and Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Mr. Moses Adeyemo, at University of Ibadan Third Conference of Biomedical Research in Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube .

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS—A gunman, operating on motorcycle, yesterday, shot Daily Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Steve Nwosu, at Mazamaza, Mile 2 area of Lagos.

Although his health condition was unknown at press time, reports said he was in a stable condition and being attended to at a private hospital around the area.

Nwosu, as gathered, went to the Mazamaza branch of a new generation bank to withdraw money. But, unknown to him, he was being trailed by robbers.

It was gathered that as his driver was about negotiating from Agboju to the newspaper’s corporate headquarters at Kirikiri, the hoodlums struck.

They reportedly intercepted his vehicle, fired several shots into the air and ordered that the money be handed over to them.

An eyewitness said they

bemoaned the cost and time for carrying out DNA test abroad, said it was time the country had a functional DNA centre.

He added that the result of DNA tests on the bodies of some of the victims would arrive the country next week, to enable their families bury their remains.

Led in evidence by a counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, Mr. A k i n g b o l a h a n Adeniran, the witness said: “When the body bags of the victims were opened at the morgue, some of them contained bone fragments while some had body parts.”

Recounting the gory sight of the crash victims, Obafunwa told the coroner, Magistrate Alexander Komolafe that: “60 per cent of the crash victims had multiple injuries while about 20 per cent had multiple injuries and smoke inhalation. ‘’Fifty bodies were fairly complete; about 100 victims were burnt while there were also charred bodies. There

The Sun editor loses money to robbers after attack shot the editor and made away with the money. His driver reportedly rushed him to the hospital where he is said to be respond-

ing to treatment.

When contacted, spokes person for Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was just

hearing about the incident. She could not give any detail, but promised to get back to our reporter.

Fashola assures corps members of adequate security

BY DAYO ADESULU & PROVIDENCE OBUH

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AGOS—GOVER NOR of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has assured corps members posted to the state that adequate security to counter any unwarranted insurgence had been put in place.

He said this at the closing ceremony of 2012 NYSC batch ‘B’ Orientation Camp at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

Gov. Fashola, who was represented by Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman, Lagos

State, NYSC Governing Board, Dr. Wale Ahmed said: “Government has put in place sophisticated security apparatus to counter any unwarranted insurgence in the state.

You are expected to report any suspicious movement or activities around you through these toll-free lines (767 and 112) for prompt action.”

Fashola also promised corps members serving in the state that his government would not relent at ensuring that sufficient opportunities were created and made available to them to excel in the im-

plementation of government programmes, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, rural health care delivery, environmental sanitation and beautification programme.

Commissions chemical firm Mean time, the governor has commissioned a German manufacturing conglomerate, BASF Chemical Company, as it made a re-entry into the country after being away for 10 years.

were bodies with recognisable heads and some their limbs were chopped off.‘’ He said the pathology department was able to identify about 152 bodies, either complete or partial.

Obafunwa told the coroner that contrary to insinuations that the government was holding to the bodies of the victims, the pathology department was doing a final editing of postmortem reports.

He said: “I am expecting that the DNA results will be finalised next week.”

The consultant pathologist said the chemical analysis of the samples and tissues taken from the bodies of the victims would be ready in a week.

He said: ” I will say we have completed our job, on the average, 80 per cent of the job is ready.”

Obafunwa, while being questioned by some lawyers including, Mr. Anthony Idigbe,SAN; Mr. Obi Okwusogu,SAN, and Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, suggested that the Federal Government should set up a Mass Disaster Committee comprising all the rescue agencies in the country.

He said the body would be able to mitigate with future disasters in the country.

The proceedings was not without a drama when a senior police officer, Mr. Olusola Agoyi, was reprimanded by the court for lying on oath.

Agoyi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and second-in-command at the state Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, had told the court that the disposition he signed and presented to the inquest was not written by him.

The coroner judge had asked Agoyi to read his disposition, which contradicted his oral evidence that he was only sent to the scene of the crash only to observe and not to investigate while in his disposition he said he was sent there to investigate. He said: “I did not write this. The lawyer did.

That is the truth.”

But the coroner fumed saying he had lied on oath as that was not what he disposed to before the Commissioner for Oath.

The proceedings continues today.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Briefly SINGING FOR THE LORD...

Witchcraft: Woman's family rejects autopsy report zSeeks audience with Ekiti gov over youths' threat

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DEDICATION: From left: Ikoyi Baptist Church Counselling Unit Head, Deacon Yusuf Enebi; Church Pastor, Pastor Abayomi Lawal; Reverend Ekerete Inyang, Rev. Bunmi Adegboyega and visitation and welcome leader, Deacon Victor Edomwande, at the dedication of the New Ikoyi Baptist Church Sanctuary, Ikoyi, Lagos.

DO-EKITI—FAM ILY members of the 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, allegedly lynched in OmuoEkiti over witchcraft accusation, have rejected the autopsy conducted by pathologists at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital.

The family has also raised an alarm over threats from some youths in the community to banish them from their town.

The youths were of the opinion that they (Adewumi family) may be responsible for the arrest of some of them by the police in connection with the killing of Madam Adewumi.

The woman was allegedly lynched last June 30 by a youth group, ‘Omekula’ for allegedly bewitching her step-son, Ola Adewumi, with a strange illness.

At a briefing, in AdoEkiti, yesterday, a cousin to the deceased, Mr. Gabriel Omokanju, dismissed the claim that woman died as a result of foot ulcer, the wound she carried for over two decades before her demise.

He said this was an attempt to commute the case from murder to manslaughter.

According to the family, the medical experts did not perform any critical examination on the deceased, but only observed her skin and

Akande derides Agunloye's decampment to LP

L ENDORSEMENT: From left, Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Founder, Odua Peoples' Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun; Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Yoruba Council of Elders', YCE, chieftain, Dr. Kunle Olajide and former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, when Gov. Mimiko declared for a second term, at Democracy Park, Akure, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Protest as Ajimobi converts LAUTECH hospital to proposed Oyo varsity campus

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—A large number of staff of Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, yesterday, protested the conversion of the hospital to one of the campuses of the proposed Oyo State University, Ibadan, by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The former governor, Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala, sited the hospital of the university jointlyowned by Oyo and Osun states in Ogbomoso. Another LAUTECH hospital is in Osogbo, Osun State.

But, Gov. Ajimobi agreed with his Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, counterpart in Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to convert the hospital to one of the campuses of the proposed state university.

The hospital, according to a source, would no longer function as part of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, but as a satellite campus of the new state university which Ajimobi intends to establish in his homeC M Y K

town, Ibadan, in September.

While expressing their displeasure at the decision, aggrieved indigenes of Ogbomoso and workers in the hospital made a bonfire on the major Ilorin road that links the state with the northern parts of the country.

This hindered human and vehicular movements on the road with several articulated vehicles conveying goods remaining static for several hours.

The protesters made roads in Taki, Apake, Sabo, General and other parts of the town impassable.The complex was said to have been shut down, yesterday, while the staff were sent packing.

The Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanafor, said: “The protest was caused by some Okada riders upon hearing that the management of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has been divided between Oyo and Osun states.

They said they did not want

the division.

“The staff of the hospital were said to be uncomfortable with the directive in which they will henceforth be collecting their salaries and other allowances from Osun State. Those are what caused the protest. But the police have brought the situation under control.”

AGOS—NATIONAL Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday, described the decision of Dr. Olu Agunloye to decamp to Labour Party, LP, in Ondo State, as good riddance to bad rubbish.

Akande, who addressed party supporters in Lagos, said: “From the day Agunloye moved to ACN, we knew he is a mole of LP. Since that day, I have been receiving text messages that his campaign is being financed by Mimiko (Ondo State Governor), although he kept denying it. Yesterday's event has proved that he is a mole.”

Akande stated that he never trusted Agunloye with the ticket of the party

against his antecedents.

He recalled that Agunloye betrayed former Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, by joining the Peoples' Democratic Partyled government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Akande added that Agunloye joined hands with former Ondo State governor, Dr. Segun Agagu, to ouster ex-governor, Chief Adebayo Adefarati and at the same time joined Mimiko to ouster Agagu.

Akande noted that Agunloye only went back to his base, but this time round without any follower.

He assured ACN supporters that the party would be victorious in the October 20 governorship election in the state.

Stakeholders charge optometrists to expand frontiers

BY EBELE ONUORAH

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AGOS—NIGERIAN optometrists have been charged to establish links with government and other sectors to expand the frontiers of Optometry in the country.

Making this charge at the 36th annual conference of Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, themed, “Expanding the Frontiers of Optometry in Nigeria,” Minister of Health, Professor Chukwu Onyebuchi, acknowledged optometry as a major contributor to the six building blocks of the health system and part of

the commitment of stakeholders in healthcare delivery.

Chukwu, represented by Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Abdulrahman Lawal, urged all health workers to have mutual respect for one another and work in the same direction for the good of patients.

Keynote Speaker, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, represented by Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasubaa, decried the poor state of optometry education in the country. He regretted that

although Nigeria was in great need of services of optometrists, it was experiencing a shortfall.

Chairperson, NOA Lagos Branch, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, said optometry had advanced over the years and Nigerian optometrists could not afford to be left behind in the on-going revolutionary transformation in the field of optometry. Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria,Dr. Samuel Ntem, assured of strict adherence to the criteria for admission into the profession.

found that there was no laceration on her body to confirm that she was tortured to death.

He said: “Though, the result of the post-mortem has not been made public, but the family had the idea of the result, having been present when the test was conducted.

“On the autopsy, we are not satisfied with the outcome. It was manipulated.

They said there was no laceration on her skin to confirm that she was tortured to death. They also claimed that there was no mutilation on her fingers as we had earlier alleged. ''When they opened her stomach, they confirmed that she was not poisoned, but they found few grains of rice in her stomach 18 days after she had died, but no extraction from her stomach to confirm this. This woman did not eat until she gave up, so, I didn’t know where and when she ate the rice.”

Omokanju added that the pathologists confirmed that the peeling of the deceased’s skin did not suggest any torture, contrary to family’s suspicion that was a symptom of maltreatment.

He said, the youths recently besieged his younger brother, Taiwo Omokanju’s abode, beat him up and chased out the occupants. He said the family was stepping up efforts to make oral petitions before Governor Kayode Fayemi and the Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, over their ordeal.

Salaam mourns Mills

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S O G B O — SPEAKER, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, has commiserated with Ghanaians over the death of their president, Professor John Atta Mills, saying that the death was regrettable and painful.

In a statement, the Speaker noted that the Ghana under Mills was a working project that was highly promising and steady with record of achievements.

He expressed his sorrow of the departure of President Mills, claiming that another great African had left the continent to the great beyond as at the time the continent was demanding good leaders for turn things round.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 —11

JTF arrests 7 over alleged illegal larly important because it bunkering in Rivers serves to assure the operaBY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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HRH Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, the Egbaen of Siluko and Vice President, Association of Enigies (right) presents a congratulatory card to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for his re-election victory during a visit of Enigies (royal fathers) in Edo South to the Governor in Benin City, yesterday.

ORT HARCOURT— JOINT Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, has intensified its fight against oil thieves with the arrest of seven persons over illegal bunkering at the Isaka creeks in Rivers State.

At a briefing in Okrika, yesterday, while handing over of a tug boat to its owner, Assistant Media Coordinator of JTF in the region, Lieutenant-Commander Ayi Basil Ayi, said the tug boat was handed back to the owner after investigation showed that he was not aware the barge

Delta doctors down tools over kidnap of 2 colleagues

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—MEDICAL doctors under the aegis of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, staged a peaceful protest in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, following the kidnap of two of their colleagues.

Vanguard gathered that Dr. Otobo Ugege was, weekend, kidnapped in front of his house in Warri

while Dr. A.C. Ojumah was abducted in front of Government Hospital, Abraka.

As a result of the incidents, the leadership of the state NMA declared Tuesday and yesterday, no work day.

The aggrieved doctors, all dressed in their white lab coat, visited the state Police Command Headquarters in Asaba, as well as some media outfits with placards

condemning the kidnap of their members.

At the state police headquarters, Delta State chairman of NMA, Dr. Abaninwa Chuks-Ossai, said “since Tuesday, we have not provided services at our various hospitals.

Our colleagues’ lives are in serious danger. Kidnappers have been sending us text messages that they have the list of all doctors in the state and that they have the list of our children,

the schools they attend and our wives; that all of us are at risk. They also threatened that the two of our colleagues currently in custody will be killed, if we don’t bring N5 million each for them and come after us.”

Addressing the protesting doctors, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, said the police were on top of the situation. “I will assure you that within two days, you will hear positive result.”

NASS members are confused —Omoruyi

BY SIMON EBEG-

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BULEM

ENIN CITY— FORMER-Director General, Centre for Democratic Studies, CDS, Professor Omo Omoruyi, yesterday, urged the National Assembly to deliberate on the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, rather than going on vacation.

He said: “The National Assembly members are in search of a role to play. They don’t know what to do, which explains why they are involving themselves in functions that have nothing to do with law making. We have the PIB bill; they should sit down and work on it instead of going on vacation.”

He noted that members of the National Assembly were confused about their duties, and urged them to concentrate on law making.

He said the alleged impeachment moves against President Goodluck Jonathan by the House of Representatives was an indication that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was collapsing.

Omoruyi, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said: “This impeachment thing we are hearing is in a bad

taste because it simply shows that PDP is collapsing. Look at the companies they are taking to court over corruption, they are related to the current chairman of PDP and former chairman, Ahmadu Ali. This is not good enough.

“They are creating instability at the national level.

The process of impeachment is very complicated and it simply means that PDP is dying. It is not Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, because they don’t

have the number, it is PDP that has the majority. It means that the House of Representatives is now the official opposition at the national level. I don’t think it is a proper thing. It is in bad taste."

SUBEB staff protest stay-at-home order

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—NO fewer than 100 staff of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, yesterday, protested against what they described as “unnecessary and unproductive order of the Board and the state government, which had made them remain at home since 2009 without going to work,” while they are still paid their salaries.

The protesting SUBEB staff decried a situation where they had stayed at home for three years without going to work, for reasons they do not know.

They noted that though they were receiving their salaries, they have become bored from the condition they had been subjected to, adding that the situation was no longer conducive and healthy to them.

They demanded to be recalled to their duty posts im-

mediately.

Spokesman of the group, Mr. Ohweri Oris, said he joined SUBEB in 1990, under the then Bendel State, adding that their problem started in 2009, when a new board headed

by Mrs. P.N. Okwuofu took over the management of

the board.

Oris alleged that Mrs. Okwuofu had demonstrated a strong dislike for three directors of the board, inclusive of him, all of Urhobo extraction, who headed three out of four departments of the board.

it was hired to tow was carrying illegal crude “The tugboat and its fourman crew were found culpable as they were contracted by the barge owners to tow the barge after her engines developed problem. This event is particu-

Shell urged to tackle oil pollution

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—IDOKO royal family of Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, has asked Shell Petroleum Development Company, to urgently address oil pollution ravaging the community.

The community said the oil spill, which polluted the area, was from the company’s facilities.

The family, in a statement by its Chairman, Prince Fred Ogelohwhor and Secretary, Mr. Isaac Offi, condemned what it described as the non-challant attitude of Shell to their plight and welfare.

Y

E N A G O A — BAYELSA State Government has warned against undue rejection of members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, posted to various places of primary assignment across the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson gave the warning to local government chairmen and traditional rulers at the orientation passing out parade of the 2012 NYSC Batch ‘B’

at, Kaiama in Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by Commissioner for Education, Chief Salo Adikumo, the governor called on Bayelsans to be receptive to the corps members and assist them in settling down.

As part of efforts to enhance the welfare of corps members, he said his government had commenced the rehabilitation of ‘Corpers’ lodges across the state, while plans were on

The statement said: “We the family of Idoko are peace-loving. We want to dialogue and negotiate with Shell to avoid a break down of law and order.

“We are demanding employments, contracts, scholarships and for anybody in the family above 18 years to be paid N100, 000 monthly among others from Shell to improve the lives of the people as host community.

“Since the early 60s when Shell acquired our land, we have not benefited from the oil company as all we have is the pollution of our farm land.”

Community leader makes case for Uduaghan's 3-point agenda

BY EMMAARUBI

W

ARRI—NEWLYelected Ifie-kporo Community Chairman, Mr Monday Agbeyi, has said that his administration will adopt Governor Emmanuel Uduaghans’ three-point development agenda to take the community to its desired level of growth and progress.

He appealed to the community for support and understanding, saying that his dream of a new and virile Ifie-kporo depends on the co-operation of all.

He called on those who contested the various elective offices to come on board as he was determined to work with everybody.

At the inauguration of his nine-man executives at Ejoki Hall, Ifie-Kporo, Warri South Local Government

Bayelsa warns against rejection of NYSC members

BY EGUFEYAFUGBORHI

tors of the maritime sub-sector of the economy and all others engaged in legitimate petroleum business that JTF will not disrupt legitimate businesses.”

He said owners of the barge conveying the illegal crude will be prosecuted.

to build new ones.

The governor commended NYSC state Co-ordinator and the entire workforce for the success of the exercise, noting that efforts were on by his administration to review allowances of corps members in the state.

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, NYSC Governing Board in the state, Professor Edmund Allison-Oguru, assured corps members of their safety during service year.

Area, Delta State, by the community elders, yesterday, Agbeyi said the new executive was set to tackle issues of infrastructural and capital development and ensuring peace and security in the community.

Groups laud Edo guber polls

B

ENIN—THE over whelming victory recorded by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the last gubernatorial elections in Edo State has attracted commendation from two nonpartisan organisations in the state.

The Ofure Club of Ihievbe in Owan East Local Government of Edo State and Concerned Edo Citizens, CEC, said in a statement that the people of the state have spoken with one voice that they truly appreciate exemplary leadership demonstrated by the Governor during his first term in office.

ThepresidentofOfureclub,Mr. Jafaru Abu and the Secretary General, Alhaji Yakubu Kadiri, commended the people of Edo State for shunning tribalism and nepotism in ensuring that the people’s vote counted.

Also in a statement signed by the CEC’s General Secretary, Mr. Charles Ikhaghe, the group said the massive votes from the 18 local government areas of the state, should motivate Oshiomhole to bring more dividends of democracy to the people.

12—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Man arraigned over alleged duping of girlfriend of N400,000

BY GABRIEL ENOGHO-

LASE

B

WHERE ARE THE WASTE MANAGERS? A heap of refuse on Effurun/P.T.I road in Effurun, Delta State, prompting questions on effectiveness of the waste managers. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

ENIN—A 23-yearold man, Austin Giwa, has been arraigned before an Egor Magistrate's Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State for allegedly duping his fiancee of N400,000 under the pretence of assisting her procure travelling documents to the United States of America.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Thomas Omokaro, told the court that the accused

20 houses burnt over youth's death in Rivers

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— NO fewer than 20 houses, were, yesterday, set ablaze in Omudioga community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, when irate youths reportedly went berserk over the death of a youth, who was simply identified as Benjamin.

Details at press time were hazy but community sources said the rampaging youths speculated that the death of the late Benjamin might have been caused by some members of the community.

Effort to stop the rampaging youths from venting their anger on the property of innocent community folks was futile. Efforts to

get the reaction of the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ben Ugwuegbulam, were futile, as his mobile lines rang out.

Meantime, community sources said security men had been deployed to quell the riotous situation.

Some victims of the attack, said they had to flee their houses when it became clear that the rampaging youths were out of control.

Chairman of the council, Mr Allen Nma, confirmed the incident, adding that the development had been brought under control.

“Several houses were burnt and property worth millions naira destroyed.

The Police had taken over the place to prevent any further attacks, but the youths, responsible for these evil acts must face the wrath of the law,” he said.

Delta govt warns taxi operators

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

S A B A — D E LTA State Government has threatened to sanction taxi operators in the state, who failed to change their cab colour to the approved blue and white taxi colour, as the three-month deadline for changed of same, expired, yesterday.

The State Executive Council, had approved the

change of colour for cabs in the state within three months, following security reports that most of the taxi cabs not painted in taxi colour were being used to perpetrate crime undetected.

State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, had earlier warned that there was no going back on the deadline for all commercial vehicles operating in the state to be branded in the

approved colours, saying that it was time to bring defaulters to book.

He expressed sadness that despite the three months, many commercial vehicle operating in the state were yet to comply, adding that the negligible few, who had complied, were yet to report to the ministry to obtain the free identification numbers plate for their vehicles as directed.

Edo South monarchs hail free, fair guber poll

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY— ROYAL fathers in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State, have described the just concluded governorship election in the state as the most peaceful in the history of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Ogiegbaen of Egbaen, HRH Ogiemwonyi Ogiegben,

when they paid a visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, described his victory in the July 14 election as a vote of confidence of Edo people on the administration.

He said: “We the Enigies in Benin Kingdom are here to congratulate you on your overwhelming victory in the election. I want to say that the achievement was

made through the Almighty Father and the good work you have started. This victory has not been easy for a messiah governor to win all the local government areas in the state. I have never seen it in the state or country as a whole.

“Wehopethatourgovernorwill in no distant time look forward to the highest level. We will continue to give our support and prayerstoyouradministration.We

also like to thank his Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin for his support.

“For the first time, we are seeing an election where there was no death, no killing and brigandage. We know that you will sustain the development you have started.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomholethankedthemforthe visit and dedicated his victory to the good people of the state.

committed the offence between the months of June and December 2010 at S/T Road, Uselu, Benin City.

The accused was alleged to have collected two passport photographs from the unsuspecting girl, one Miss Joy Aibangbee in addition to the sum of N400,000 already collected from her.

Testifying before the court, Miss Aibangbee, said the accused person collected the money in

installments at various times and also took her to Oshodi in Lagos State, with a view to introducing her to one aunty, who he said would perfect the traveling documents.

Counsel to the accused person, asked for time to study the case file, as he was just briefed by the accused to represent him.

Trial Magistrate, Mrs.Taiye Omoruyi adjourned further hearing till August 13.

Aginighan seeks life jail for electoral offenders

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H ELLI— FORMER Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor Power Aginighan, yesterday, charged the National Assembly to recommend life jail term for electoral offenders in the ongoing constitution review.

Aginighan, in a statement, hailed the re-election of Mr Adams Oshiomole for a second term in office as Edo State

governor.

Commending Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, for a peaceful, orderly, credible and transparent election in Edo State, he said; “no vote of thanks for the success of the Edo governorship poll can be completed without commending President Goodluck Jonathan for keeping faith with his pledge to ensure one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote."

CBN to train 5,000 youths

BY JOHNBOSCO

C

AGBAKWURU

ALABAR—CEN TRAL Bank of Nigeria Development Centre is to train and empower 5,000 youths annually from the South-South geopolitical zone in small and medium enterprise.

Director General of Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency in Cross River State, Mr. Ignatius Atsu, made this disclosure during the presentation of certificate of incorporation to three cooperative societies facilitated by United Cement

Company, UniCem at the company’s corporate office in Calabar, Cross River State.

Atsu, who said that Cross River State has won the hosting right of the apex bank enterprise development centre for the SouthSouth zone, explained that CBN will inject more resources to assist the centre for the empowerment of the youths.

He said no fewer than 5000 youths, would be trained and empowered economically every year by the centre to be on their own,addingthatthemeasurewas aimedatreducingunemployment, which often times lead to restiveness among the youths.

Ijaw lauds Justice Tabai @ 70

L

AGOS—THE Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, has described the former Justice of the Supreme Court and chairman of Delta State University Governing Council, Justice Frank Tabai, who clocked 70 years, as a great asset to his generation.

In a congratulatory message by National Coordinator, IMG, Comrade Joseph Evah, the group noted that Tabai’s services at the Supreme Court greatly improved the image of the judiciary, adding that his retirement from legal practice has created

a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

“The exit of this fearless and courageous judge from Torugbene Community in Ijaw land from the Supreme Court in accordance with the retirement age for judges is very painful because, as things stand today, our country needs men and women of his like the most.

“The visionary leadership of Tabai is also appreciated in the academic world. Since he became the chairman of Delta State University Governing Council, the institutions has become of one the leading universities in the country."

Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—13

Akinyemi calls for fiscal federalism zSays monthly allocation has made states lazy

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA— FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has called for full fiscal federalism for the country, saying the present system where states converge on Abuja monthly to share money for their development and payment of staff salary was not the best.

Akinyemi, who spoke in Umuahia during a visit to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, noted that the monthly allocation by states had made most of the states

lazy.

According to Akinyemi, governors should look inward for ways of increasing their internally generated revenue for purposes of development.

Besides revenue generation, Akinyemi said looking inward would also help to create job opportunities for the teeming youths in the country.

He recalled that the former regional governments were semi-independent in terms of revenue generation.

“They kept major part of it while a little was sent to the central government for its operations,” he added.

According to him, the agitation for resource control by some parts of the federation will be a thing of the past if states are allowed some flexibility and latitude to operate.

He said: “I have been to four states in the federation and the little I have seen shows that the current Governor Theodore Orji has done well with the little resources available to him.

“These are not things one could say was done by the past governments, as they are infrastructure that are at several completion stages and not repainted structures.

“I also noticed that the development work going on in the state is going on side by side with private development and this will lead to faster development and opening up of the rural areas and this means that the governor has brought development and value in the process of governance”.

Chime presents 260 cars to councillors

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, yesterday, presented Hyundai Saloon cars to the 260 local government councillors in the state.

Speaking when he presented the cars to the councillors , Chime said the gesture was in appreciation of their good works and to encourage them to do more.

According to the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. .Amechi Okolo, “it is to ensure that you discharge your duties effectively to your constitu-

ents, your respective local government councils and Enugu State in general.”

Chime also stated that it was in line with the policy of his administration to provide functionaries of the state in all tiers and arms of government the needed facilities to discharge their constitutional roles and functions efficiently and with dignity.

He reminded them that the cars were provided as loans guaranteed by government which they will offset through deduction from their salaries.

Anambra begins enumeration of market stalls

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State government has concluded plans to conduct an enumeration of market stalls in the state beginning from next Monday.

The essence of the exercise, according to the governor, is to shore up the state’s internally generated revenue, IGR, which had remained very meagre.

Consequently, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Robert Okonkwo, yesterday held a meeting with presidents of the major markets in the 21 local government areas of the state during which modalities for the exercise were worked out.

Ogbueshi Nonye, 82, for burial

C

HIEF Jonas Ononye (Ogbueshi Okunnwa), 82, a devout Christian and community leader, is dead.

He died on May 19, 2012.

A statement by Mrs. Chinwe Agwuegbo, on behalf of the family, said burial would hold tomorrow at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Obosi, Anambra State, while interment follows immediately at his Mmakwum Village home, Obosi, Anambra State. He is survived by eight children, grand-children and great-grandchildren.

zLate Ogbueshi Nonye C M Y K

14—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

RAMADAN TALK 07

NERC boss donates books to 18 varsities

Ibadah after iftar

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

M

A

BUJA—DISTURBED by the dwindling culture of writing and reading, especially by Nigerian students, chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, has yesterday donated books written by a Nigerian to 18 universities across the country.

The NERC boss, who spread the donations among federal, state and private universities in the country, said though the donation was his personal contribution to the development of the education sector, NERC was also committed as an institution that reckoned with the education sector.

The universities that are recipients of five books each are Abia State University; Anambra State University; Caritas University, Enugu; Ebonyi State University; Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu; Evangel University, Ebonyi; Federal University of Technology Ebonyi; Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu and Gregory University, Abia.

SIGNING—From right; Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji and Mr. Collins Chikeluba, Chairman, ASO Investment & Development Company during signing of Memorandum of Understanding for financing and construction of 400 units of flats at the proposed Ochendo Liberation Housing Scheme in Amauba Community, Umuahia.

PRESENTATION—From right: Mr. Yinka Sanni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Mrs. Sola David-Borha, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange and Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operation and Technology, during the Stanbic IBTC Bank presentation at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Admission racketeering: Police quiz IMT director, others zAs aggrieved students petition SSS, NBTE

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—CON CERNED National Diploma graduates of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu and other polytechnics, who applied for admission into the institution’s Higher National Diploma, HND, for year 2011/2012, have petitioned the Director of State Security Services, SSS, in Enugu State and the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, over alleged admission racketeering.

Vanguard learnt that the police have interrogated the Chairman of the Admission Committee, Mr. Chris Ejiogu, while two other staff had been invited in connection with the reported saga during this year’s admission.

But in a reaction to the allegation yesterday, the IMT Rector, Prof. Mike Iloeje, C M Y K

dismissed the petition as frivolous, saying the recently concluded admission was carried out by a special committee in compliance with laid down rules.

He also admitted that some stakeholders bothered him with very long lists of candidates seeking admission into the school, which he turned down.

Iloeje said he usually used his discretion to approve one or not more than

two names within the 10 percent admission quota under his control so as to give other applicants an opportunity.

In a letter dated July 10, 2012, addressed to the Director SSS in Enugu State, copy of which was made available to newsmen, the students stated that they had earlier been assured by the new rector, Prof. Mike Iloeje that this year’s admission would be based strict-

ly on merit, adding that since they had scored 3.0 G.P and above, they believed his statement.

The petitioners said they had forwarded the same petition and “all the annexure” to the Executive Secretary of NBTE because they have been told that “Prof. Iloeje has allegedly lied to him about the true situation in respect of the 2011/2012 admissions in IMT.”

Justice Minister urges public officers to comply with FOI act

E

N U G U — MINISTER o f Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke, yesterday restated the call on public officers to implement the Freedom of Information Act in line with the operational guidelines.

Adoke made the call at a four-day training for workers of the National Planning Commission on the imple-

mentation of the FOI. Represented by Prof.

Deji Adekunle, his Senior Special Assistant, Adoke said the guidelines on implementation would facilitate understanding and compliance by custodians of public records under the Act. “There is the need for a strong internal mecha-

nism within Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, for monitoring compliance and responding to FOI requests,” he said.

Adoke also called for interaction and consultation among public institutions to enable them appreciate the importance of the Act.

ANY spend most time in eating during the time of breaking fast (iftar) to make up for what had been missed during the day to the detriment of giving enough time for the worship and remembering of Allah.

The month of Ramadan should rather be used as an opportunity of getting closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and attracting His blessings at any time of the day in the month. Concentration on food throughout the evening is not a good use of time and ibadah in the month. Of what use is the fast, if at the time of breaking it not only make up for all one has missed during the day, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods? Like it has been said before, this is another time we bring the poor and the fasting needy to the table to celebrate the day’s fasting if we have more that what we can take moderately. It is more like a social affair than a spiritual fiesta.

Hasten to break the fast Avoid a situation where your fast will drag into the night. It is advisable to break fast immediately it is sunset. Be conscious of your fast just as you are with your prayers. You don’t have to wait for the stars to

to be visible before breaking your fast. Again, this has to be done before the Maghrib saalaat as in the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

What should be said at the time of breaking fast Make du'aa before breaking your fast, remember that the supplications of three groups of people are not rejected; the du’aa of the fasting person when he is breaking his fast, the du’aa of the just Imam and the du’aa of the oppressed. As a fasting person, among other prayer you will say ALLAAHUMMA LAKA S’UMTU WA A’LAA RIZQIKA AFT’ARTU WA A’LAYKA TAWAWKKALTU, FA-TAQABBAL MINNAA INNAKA ANTAS SAMEEU’L A’LEEM It is, therefore, essential to cut down one’s intake of what one would consume on a normal night, when not fasting. No benefit is derived from the fast if one consumes as much as he or she would usually take during the day and night combined.

After the fast has been broken, the heart should swing to Allah, in supplication on forgiveness and blessing. Embark on superrogatory prayers, tahjud and recitation of the Holy Quran.

May Allah accept it as act of Ibaadah, forgive us and bless us abundantly.

Airfield lighting 'll improve air safety — Minister

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

A

VIATION Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, said yesterday that the restoration of the airfield lighting at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, would boost the confidence of the public and airline operators.

The airfield lighting is currently undergoing rehabilitation, following past epileptic performance.

The minister, who spoke in Abuja after the inspection and commissioning of the newly rehabilitated airfield lighting, said the facility will also improve air safety in Nigeria.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation of the airfield lighting in Abuja was part of the overall effort by the ministry to refurbish and

renew the facilities at the air side and terminal buildings across various airports in the country.

She described the project as one of the critical safety initiatives embarked upon by the ministry, adding that the selection of the original contractor to undertake the works, Messrs Julius Berger Plc, “has ensured that the security of the airside is not compromised in the process, given the current global and domestic challenges”.

She further explained that in order to ensure proper and effective management of safety in the sector, the Federal Government approved the transfer of the responsibilities for airfield lighting from FAAN to NAMA in the interest of the sector and in line with best practices.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—15

Presidency after me— Gbajabiamila

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

AWARDS: Mr. Kayode Adejumo, KIA Marketing Manager (right), receving awards for Budget City Car of the Year for the KIA PICANTO and Entry Level Car of the Year’for KIA RIO, at the 2012 Nigeria Auto Awards.

May/June results not ready—WAEC

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

W

EST African Exami nation Council, WAEC, yesterday, refuted reports that it has released the May/June 2012 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, results.

In a statement by its Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Yusuf Ari, the body said the marking of examination scripts had just been successfully concluded, noting that the results were yet to be officially released.

It said: “We wish to draw

the attention of parents, guardians, schools and the general public to the false information in circulation that the results of the May/ June 2012 WASSCE results have been released.

“Indeed, the marking of the scripts of the examination was just recently concluded by the Council. The Council is, however, working round the clock in order to release the results by August.

“Candidates and other stakeholders are, therefore, advised to be wary of falling victims to the schemes of fraudsters.”

BUJA—THE controversy generated by the impeachment motion against President Goodluck Jonathan last week took a new twist, yesterday, as a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamilla, who presented the motion, accused the Presidency of circulating misleading reports in the media to tar-

nish his reputation.

However, he admitted he was punished for professional misconduct in the United States in 2003.

In response to reports in some sections of the media alleging that he was convicted by the Supreme Court of Georgia, USA, Gbajabiamila said he was sanctioned by the Georgia Bar Disciplinary Board for professional misconduct.

Gbajabiamilla said: “Let me state very clearly that,

yes, I was sanctioned by the Georgia Bar Disciplinary Board for professional misconduct and negligence due to an unfortunate ethical violation that took place about 10 years ago in 2003.”

He said it was his paralegal staff who stole the money, contrary to his instruction that the said sum, $25,000, be paid to a client.

He said: “This did not come to my knowledge until I received a letter from the Georgia Bar in 2005.”

Communities shield Boko Haram members—SSS

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—DIRECTOR of Department of State Security Services, SSS, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, Mr. Little Okojie, has lamented that government made little progress in curbing the menace of the militant Islamist sect, Boko Haram, because communities shield members of the sect.

Okojie, who spoke while hosting the new executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abuja council, decried the reluctance of the people to provide useful information to security agencies on the identity of the sect members and its operations.

He explained that the job of the agency was principally to prevent crime, stating that the in-

visible mode of operation of members of the sect had made it difficult to successfully dialogue with them.

According to him, the sect is usually represented by intermediaries who will not disclose the identity of members of the sect, making the situation more complicated, unlike what happened with the Niger Delta militants.

Okojie said the service and other security agencies were doing their

best to protect lives and property.

He commended NUJ for its support to the Service and other security agencies in the fight against crime.

He tasked journalists to give accurate and balanced account of every event and situation, in line with the ethics of the profession, pointing out that the command had had to approach the leadership of the union on issues where the SSS disagreed with the media.

16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—17

I

A petroleum industry bill for Diezani the patriotic version of the PIB, didn’t see the light of day. And finally, Diezani’s version of the PIB! Whichever one chooses, there can be no gainsaying the fact that PIB hopes to change the management of Nigerian oil resources forever. What we might not be able to vouch for is whether in the long run,a restructured oil industry will be in Nigeria’s best interest.

Don’t get me wrong please; a few people will continue to feed fat on the huge returns that oil industry brings; but the question is whether we want to entrench a few rich men and women in the oil business at the expense of the rest of us. Whatever the touted merits of the PIB, it must be appreciated in the context of the broad neo-liberal capitalist economic choices made by the ruling elite since 1999. They are not policies in the best interest of the Nigerian people; Diezani’s PIB cannot

Diezani Allison-Maduekwe, Petroleum Minister

,

T must be, arguably, the most anticipated Bill,as far as legislation goes in Nigeria.

That is the much-vaunted Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); and talking about the typically Nigerian hype, the PIB was hyped! It is described as panacea for every problem associated with Nigeria’s petroleum industry. You could literally close your eyes and see the PIB, rather like a magician’s wand, in Diezani Allison-Maduekwe’s hands: she waves it around and corruption disappears from oil fields; oil thieves are out of business; transnational oil giants retain absolute control; Nigeria’s comprador oil bourgeoisie is in business; more money flows into oil bearing communities, ensuring a bigger slice from Nigeria’s oil revenue; the North pays more for fuel, with the scrapping of the petroleum equalisation regime (afterall, Diezani on behalf of the South-South, can say “it is our oil” so let them pay more!), and so on.

To underline PIB’s importance, Nigerians were inundated with tales of various versions of the Bill: a patriotic version, aimed at strengthening a nationalist regime in the oil industry, drafted by patriots in the industry. For their effrontery as patriots, they were allegedly side-lined and eventually weeded out of the NNPC. Then a version, preferred by oil majors, with the express intention of ensuring that in the long run,

It’s a good month for Dame Patience Jonathan, this July!

T

HE gods must be smiling on President Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience; and its looking like this month of July, is her “Season of Harvests”, as Pentecostal churches might describe her fortunes. A few days ago, like a bolt out of the blues, Dame Patience was appointed Permanent Secretary, by Jonathan’s proconsul in Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson. It turns out, according to the account, that she had been collecting salary, well, for no job done, since 1999 (this can only happen in the ‘Anything Goes’ Federal Republic of Nigeria!). In a display of a dollop of her much-fangled “ wisdom of the Dame”, at her swearing-in, Patience offered the “earth-shaking” constitutional amendment seeking recognition of wives of political office holders. Dame Patience said “it is regrettable that the role of the wives of political office holders was not included in the constitution”, but thanks to her active advocacy, things might be about to change: “the proposed inclusion in the anticipated amendment WILL ENABLE THEM HAVE BENEFITS AT THE END OF THEIR HUSBAND’S TENURE OF OFFICE (HEAR! HEAR!!)”

And while we were still chewing the chord of incredulity about an absentee Permanent Secretary, last week, sychophancy landed with funfare in Abuja! A certain Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), (whatever in hell does that stand for?!) named a “refurbished” DEPOWA to Shehu Musa Yar ’adua road after Madam Patience. The VIP beneficiary of the (sycophantic!) gesture, Dame herself, said it provides “an evidence of the capability of our women to initiate and execute projects and programmes critical and beneficial to the wellbeing of our nation”! Indeed! Such profound thoughts! I have a humble suggestion for President Jonathan. Didn’t Dame Patience once work “briefly” in a defunct community bank?

Given that background, can’t she be appointed the next CBN Governor after the “troublesome” Sanusi Lamido Sanusi ends his tenure? Dame Patience will surely bring relevant experience to the job of stabilising Nigeria’s monetary policies.It will also be an opportunity for a woman to hold the position for the first time!Nigerians did not recognize for a long time, that we had a gem on our hands, hiding under an “umblela”; it took President Jonathan’s Bayelsa sidekick, Seriake Dickson and the Matriachs of DEPOWA, to remind us of what we have long been missing; and believe me it says a lot about our “manhood” in Nigeria that we didn’t see what they saw in Dame Patience!

The Dame’s overdue recognition is in tune with her “Season of Harvests”; this month of July!

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came to power.

If an individual can become the face of a particular law in Nigeria, then Diezani AllisonMaduekwe, is the face of PIB. And she is quite besotted with it; at least with her own version! I last saw Diezani on the night of June 24th, 2012,at the Aso Villa, soonafter the Presidential Media Chat. She spoke like an enthusiastic salesperson attempting to sell a product (genuine or fake didn’t matter!). She said the PIB was the next great assignment of her job as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister; without doubt, the most powerful minister of the Jonathan regime and as many

Ghali Na’abah’s House of Representatives was heavily bribed to pass the law that abrogated OnshoreOffshore oil dichotomy. There is similar apprehension today, about what Aminu Tambuwal’s House of Representatives will do with Diezani’s booby-trapped version of the PIB

therefore be isolated from economic choices foisted on our country since the PDP

,

people believe, the only minister with a secure tenure.

Lucky lady that one! In the

Hypocritical selectivity: They recall Arunma Oteh but refuse to reinstate Justice Salami

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AST week, most newspapers carried the picture of workers at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), demonstrating with placards, against the recall of their boss, Ms. Aruma Oteh; she had been suspended from work, owing to controversies around her leadership. Her recall was preceded by her attendance of a meeting of the Economic Team, while still on suspension. There must be something the entire nation, including the National Assembly, cannot see, about the woman, which made it imperative to return her to work. The government through Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, appealed for SEC workers’ understanding while firmly stating there was no going back on her recall.

The hypocrisy of the Jonathan administration has become frightening! The government suspended Justice Ayo Salami, on the basis of a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC). The same NJC cleared Justice Salami of all allegations and recommended his re-instatement as President, Court of Appeal. But just like scoundrels hide behind patriotic declamations to commit unpatriotic acts, Jonathan’s government hid behind sandbags of cases against Justice Salami that were allegedly ‘sub judice’ to refuse his reinstatement. The government operates hypocritical double standards: what is good for Aruma Oteh is apparently not available for an upright, honourable judge! Oteh is a privileged member of our ruling caste, like those who the French novelist, Balzac once said, have earned the right to commit any misdemenor and go scot-free! But Justice Salami is not recalled because his forthrightness and honour affront the decadent PDP regime that holds our nation in a stranglehold. For that reason he must suffer! No country prospers on the basis of injustice!

past week, Diezani’s version of the PIB was adopted by FEC and submitted to the National Assembly just as it was going on recess. But the little we have seen of Diezani’s PIB, titillates, rather like the proverbial lady’s skirt: long enough to cover essentials but short enough to be suggestive! Diezani has drafted a Petroleum Industry Bill around her own very ambitious and tall ego indeed!

As DAILY TRUST, of Friday July 20th, 2012 noted, the new PIB will make Diezani “more powerful than she already is”, if passed by the National Assembly. Why? She “ will become chairman of the boards of plum parastatals in the ministry and also have powers to scrap the Petroleum Equalisation Fund which ensures the uniformity of petrol prices allover the country”.

Absurd and self- serving provisions

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ow the obviously absurd and self-serving essence of these provisions was allowed to pass by FEC remains a mystery. But it is clear, that if passed, as is, Diezani will literally become the petroleum industry itself!

The PIB provides that Diezani will become chairperson of PTDF; the National Petroleum Assets Management Corporation and Petroleum Equalisation Fund and aside from chairing the agencies, she will “be responsible for recommending to the President who to appoint as chief executives and as board members.

Diezani will similarly directly supervise “the activities of the Petroleum Technical Bureau and the Upstream Petroleum Inspectorate, and also recommend its officials for

appointment”. It is incredible that Diezani’s PIB plans to make a superhuman out of a lady who runs the industry largely because she is close to the President and is from the Niger Delta! It is also the intendment of Diezani’s PIB, to set up a Petroleum Host Community Fund; with it, all oil companies will pay 10 person of their profit from upstream activities. The hundreds of billions expected will go solely to the Niger Delta, along with funds already provided through Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Ministry of Niger Delta and 13 percent Derivation!

Instructively, President Jonathan’s letter to the National Assembly asked for “expeditious passage”.

Diezani’s PIB is tall enough to fit her ego while giving more funds to the Niger Delta.

As the saying goes, the devil is in the detail. People continue to lament that Ghali Na’abah’s House of Representatives was heavily bribed to pass the law that abrogated Onshore-Offshore oil dichotomy. There is similar apprehension today, about what Aminu Tambuwal’s House of Representatives will do with Diezani’s boobytrapped version of the PIB.Nigerians please ‘shine your eyes well, well’, with Diezani’s Petroleum Industry Bill!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY , JULY 26, 2012 HOW far can the House of Representatives go in its bid to impeach the President? It seems it would end with issuing the threat. Once known for progressive steps, the House has descended into a morass with the series of scandals that it generates.

It has been a bad year for the House with almost every move resulting in a bigger scandal than what it set out to amend. From the investigation of the capital market to the petroleum subsidy probes, the House smeared itself.

Nigerians expect members to concentrate on sanitising the House on which many Nigerians built high expectations, especially in the midst of the January crisis over the increase in the price of fuel.

As things are, nobody expects the fuel subsidy probe to resolve anything. From all sides, spirited efforts are mostly in ensuring the matter departs from public view. Success in this direction would save the House from the biggest embarrassment since its inauguration last year.

We are in support of moves to have the President implement the budget. It is illegal for any President to implement the budget differently

Counting Budget Per erfformance without amending it according to the law.

Many forget that the budget is a law. Any changes in it must be through amendment process that the law recognises.

“The President, by failing to implement the budget as passed by this honourable House, violates the 1999 Constitution and is therefore liable to be impeached under section 143 of the 1999 Constitution,” Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader, said as debates on the issue raged.

Budget performances are considered unimportant. The practice has been on for years.

Various committees of the National Assembly that oversee the ministries, departments and

agencies of government are compromised.

They raise alarm over abuse of the budget where their interests are not protected, otherwise there is no problem.

The more ignored aspect of the budget – capital projects – is the one that creates opportunities though infrastructure and jobs for many.

Government is implementing the recurrent side of the budget well – salaries, vehicles, furnishing of offices, travels and the daily expenses that go into running its activities.

Reports from the House’s 20 key committees indicate that budget implementation for Works, Agriculture, Customs, Gas, and Petroleum (Upstream), among others, was less than 30 per cent.

The House, whatever its intentions, and important as budget implementation is, is not on a strong footing to impeach the President.

Moreover, it requires the concurrence of the Senate.

We suggest the House spends a good part of its recess working at regaining the credibility its swirling scandals are eroding. Without crossing those hurdles, its efforts at morality would be sheer grandstanding.

OPINION

BY CLEMENT OFUANI

I

WAS driving in my private car along Nnebisi Road, Asaba and got to the Federal Medical Centre Roundabout where there was the ubiquitous police checkpoint in those dark old days. It seems now like such a long time ago. The gun-toting policeman stood at the centre of the road and ordered me out of my car. “Your particulars!” he barked at me. I calmly presented him my vehicle license and insurance certificate. “Wetin dey your booth?” he thundered again, in what was probably his most intimidating voice. “Nothing,” I replied, meaning that I had nothing in the booth that could be of any interest to him even though I had no idea what, precisely, he was looking for. Anyway, he ordered me to open the booth of my car which I did and he took interest in the only package inside. It was actually the old car battery which I had changed and had forgotten to drop at home. It was left in the carton with which the new battery was packaged. I explained this to him.

He then asked me for the purchase receipt and I was really getting exasperated but I managed to remain calm.

Another car pulled by and the driver came out and rushed to me. “Honourable, what is the matter?” He asked, and before I could respond, another car had pulled by again to ask the same question. Sensing that he might have picked on the ‘ wrong’ person, the policeman asked me to go. As I drove off, I mused that this is what ordinary citizens go through on a daily basis. At that time, I was a serving Commissioner in the State and had chosen deliberately to run an errand in my private car rather than use my official car with the green license plate that would have provided me express passage through all police checkpoints. For me, it was a way of reminding myself that one day, I would no longer be a commissioner or public officer for that

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The system criminalises us matter and would have to deal with this situation. It was some kind of psychological therapy against being carried away by the privileges of high office.

Beyond this my personal odyssey, I was also concerned about why things had to be that way. I discussed this with several friends in government and realised that I was not alone in my fears. Indeed, several of them would not venture out of town without a car that carried green number plates for fear of police harassment. It also accounted for the apparent desperation to remain in public office at any cost.

Many of my friends would not mind any particular public office as long as it came with a green vehicle license plate.

That was how much the police harassment was dreaded.

Over time, I also came to realise that my public office carried some other enormous privileges that would seem incomprehensible to people in better organised societies.

I recall, one particular occasion, as I was sitting in my office in Abuja, my phone rang and it was an old university classmate. He had just been held at a notorious police checkpoint near Warri over some inane vehicle particulars different from the usual vehicle license and motor insurance which they called ECMR. Apparently completely flustered as he had an appointment to keep in Port Harcourt, he remembered that he had a friend in Delta State Government and placed the call to me. Unknown to him, I was no longer in the Delta State Government but at the Presidency which appeared even better. After explaining his situation, I asked him to pass the phone to the police officer who was gracious enough to agree to speak to me. I introduced myself as the Senior Special Assistant to the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces and asked what the problem was.

Suffice it to say that my classmate was promptly let off without further ado and he called back to express his gratitude.

When I reflect back on this episode and similar such episodes now, I am thoroughly bemused. In the first instance, the policeman had no way of knowing who was at the other end of the line. More importantly, what had my position in government to do with his holding my friend if it was for a genuine offence? Yet, he responded to the apparent authority from the other end of the line and let him go. I could very well have been a confidence trickster in that particular encounter and the result would have been no different.

I know a lot of friends who had to put up all kinds of stickers on their car windscreens in order to achieve free passage through Nigerian roads. NUJ, Police, the Armed Forces, Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, were especially popular, whether the car had anything to do with these entities or not was immaterial. The point was that each person had to design all sorts of subterfuge to get by and they simply continued to adapt. People learnt to tell lies to stay out of police trouble even when they were ordinarily innocent.

It took an act of courage and vision of one man to bring all this to an end. The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed D. Abubakar, a thorough-bred police officer saw clearly the damage that the police operations at the checkpoints were doing to the fabric of our national life and morality and with a flourish brought it all to an end. If this revolution which he has started is sustained, I daresay that many public officers would no longer desperately cling to public office for fear of losing their cherished green motor vehicle license plates.

•Mr. Ofuani, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—19

, CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT (1):

Don’t strengthen LGAs, scrap ‘em!

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N Tuesday, July 10, 2012, I watched with confusion as retired Justice Alfa Belgore submitted his panel’s report on Constitution amendment, suing for what he called “a stronger” local government system. I do not know whether he meant enhancing the existing local government structure or actually creating a different, more functional system.

For long I have maintained that the current system of local government which we operate has never worked; at least not for all Nigerians. It has probably worked most for the North because while their sons were controlling political power through military rule, the system was used to aggrandize that part of the country to the utter disadvantage of Southern areas, particularly Eastern Nigeria. The local governments were used as the second units for allocation of oil money (after the states). The local government system was one of the devices of booty sharing after the civil war, which accounts for the fact that the North had the lion’s

share, the West next and the core Igboland (today’s South East Zone) the least.

Secondly, it does not take adequate cognisance of the republican outlook of communities in the Eastern and even Central parts of the country, as opposed to the imperial systems in the North and to some extent, West and Midwest. During the days of the Provinces, independent and autonomous communities, with their own dialects, cultures and local administration styles existed as Local Authorities. It was then possible for these communities to engage in healthy competition in terms of education, health, public amenities and what have you.

But as soon as the local governments were put in place in the 1970s, these independent communities were forcibly squashed together into local governments. Thus was artificially created imperial fiefdoms where the communities that had the good fortune of housing the local government headquarters became the overlords of communities they

Under the new envisaged amended constitution let each federating unit (state or region/zone) determine whether it wants to continue the existing local government system or replace them with community or county governments

,

were never able to subjugate during pre-colonial times. One of the greatest failings of the local government system is that amenities are concentrated in communities that house the local government headquarters. The other surrounding communities, starved of government presence, are left desolate even though the money collected from the Federation Account is for the benefit of all communities within the administrative enclave.

A

further failing of the local government system is that due to the existence of the joint account with the states and the power granted the state Houses of Assembly to regulate their activities, the states have hijacked the local council funds and usurped their political power.

Most local governments are run by illegal caretaker committees and transitional bodies set up the

by the governors. The funds allocated to them from the Federation Account are confiscated by governors and used to pay contractors even when these contracts have nothing to do with the local governments whose moneys have been hijacked.

I said it before and I say it again: It is time to do away with the local government system. Post-war booty sharing is over. The local government system is a parasitic contraption that does not promote competition and development – whether democratic, economic or social.

Besides, the local councils have no business being regarded as a separate tier of government catered for by the Federation Account. The envisaged Constitution amendment must remove the local government as a tier of governance. In other words, the local governments must be scrapped. Let each state or region devise its own means of local administration and create the structures that conduce best to the aspirations of the people in the locality.

I give the example of my own community, Abiriba. Since it was forced into the Ohafia Local Government Area, with headquarters in Ebem Ohafia, there has virtually been nothing like governmental presence. Apart from the self-help projects which the age grades and individuals have for ages provided, little else is happening. Yet in March 2012, the Ohafia Local Government collected over N170 million from the Federation Account.

If the local government is discarded and we revert to the local or county councils, we will have three large communities, each with its county councils: Abiriba, Ohafia and Nkporo. If the money from the Federation Account is split according to the

electoral wards, the sharing will come to Abiriba (with three wards: about N48 million per month); Nkporo (with three wards, about N48 million) and Ohafia (with five wards, N64 million). This fund will truly get to the grassroots where they will be better deployed to serve the needs of the people under the special transparency and accountability systems of each locality.

Under the new envisaged amended constitution let each federating unit (state or region/ zone) determine whether it wants to continue the existing local government system or replace them with community or county governments. This is the experiment that Governor Rochas Okorocha is pioneering but with the local government system protected by the superior Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 impeding his innovation.

We are looking for a constitution amendment that will improve on what we have, not one that will mire us deeper in a failed experiment. With governance taken to the counties where the people really reside, economic, political and social potentials will be unlocked. The deserted communities will be refilled by their indigenes currently languishing unproductively in the urban areas. Dwindling local cultures and dialects will be revived and grassroots generation of revenue will be boosted. Security will also improve because there will be young people around to guard the local communities due to governmental opportunities which the county governments will provide.

Let us move from this lose-lose local government system back to the win-win community councils under which we flourished before the civil war!

Edo: All's well that ends well (2) VEN more important than winning the election is governing the nation. That is the test of a political party; the acid final test.

"When the tumult and the shouting die; when the bands are gone And the lights are dimmed; there is the stark reality of responsibility”-Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) Even where it is not in our character to over use a particular quote, we still find it necessary to start today’s piece with the view expressed by Adlai Stevenson as far back as 1952. This view is as valid today as it was then. Stevenson was a great orator and, perhaps, one of the greatest presidents that America never had. He was two times the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party and both times, he was defeated by his Republican rivals. After the second defeat, he gave up and wrote a book titled How to come second. Are the Buharis listening?

By the time we shall be counting the cost of that election, let no one forget the Ologbo boat tragedy in which three police personnel and one ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, perished. Human life is a terrible thing to lose. If a man must die, he must die with dignity; not like a poisoned rat.

It may be too much to expect INEC to procure its own speed boats but it is certainly not too much to ask why INEC should not, as part of its preparation for elections, possess life jackets, which should be made available to those on assignment in the riverrine areas. What arrangement is INEC making to contain future occurrence of this type of mishap? In fact, our elections have since become the moral equivalent of war.

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It will be appropriate to take up a comprehensive insurance cover – similar to the workmen’s compensation insurance – for people on election duties.

We must commend INEC for the speed with which the election results were released.

In the past, we saw cases of election results that were not announced even more than four days after voting and in the process, wicked spanners were thrown in the works.

We are still very far in the woods. All those who have claimed that the Edo election was very successful and that it should be used as a yardstick for future elections throughout the country must be under some delusion.

For one thing, we wonder if INEC can truly beat its chest and say it has really organised a hitch-free election. In just the same way that you don’t postpone Christmas, these elections come at intervals of at least four years (in the case of Edo State, the 2012 election came after five years and three months as the last gubernatorial election was held on 14 April 2007). Why on earth should we still be having the same old singsong of shortage of materials and late arrival of materials to polling centres? Why are we not yet seeing the people responsible for this sabotage in prison?

Given that long time, why on earth could INEC not produce credible voters registers?

They had enough time even to go and print them in Niger Republic, the same place from where we now import refined petroleum products, because of our penchant for imported goods! What is happening? And in the process, they wrong-footed everybody.

For one thing, what is now looking like a low turn-out in the Edo election is purely because of the tardiness of INEC. They

,

E

“

What we need is a system that works; when we get there, managing an election will be a routine clerical job of filling in the dotted lines; election shall cease to be war

,

disenfranchised a whole generation of otherwise legible voters. It is sad, sad, indeed!

S

econdly, we have heard many people accusing Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for hastily condemning the very system that eventually threw him up as the winner of the election. How many people would see what Oshiomhole saw at that time and not be apprehensive? In an election that was supposed to have started at 8 a.m., materials had not still arrived at some ACN strongholds as late as 3 p.m. And in some of those strongholds, photo copies of voters registers were being paraded. What was an appropriate time for Oshiomhole to raise an alarm – after the election, when the evil

must have been fully entrenched? Ha! Ha! Have we really sat down to count the cost at which the Edo war was prosecuted? We are aware that the first consignment of military men was about 3,500. Elementary mathematics shows that in a general election involving the 36 states and Abuja, we would need 126,000 soldiers to start with. We are sure that even the Police High Command has since lost count of the number of policemen that were sent to Edo State. In a general election, the number would have to be multiplied by 37. We are reminded that men of the State Security Service, SSS and other para-military establishments – Immigration, Civil Defence Corps, Customs, Road Safety, Fire Brigade, etc – were all here from other states! Whatever number you have, multiply that by 37 for a general election.

Barring self-delusion, it would be easy to admit that Oshiomhole and his performance made the essential difference in the Edo case. And how many Oshiomholes do we have in this country? They are few and far apart. What we need is a system that works. By the time we have an electoral system in place, any warm body can operate it. When we get there, managing an election will be a routine clerical job of filling in the dotted lines. Election shall cease to be war.

Then, the electorate, our professors, the soldiers, the policemen and all the now wasted generation can go about their normal businesses. May the time fly faster!

20—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, , 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 21

ICAN pegs economic transformation on good governance

BY NKEM EGENUKA

F

OR economic transformation to be achievable as envisaged by the vision 20:2020 document, there is a need for the right tone to be set by persons who have responsibilities relating to governance, says Mr. Adedoyin Idowu Owolabi, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. Speaking at the 7th Eastern district conference held in Bayelsa with the theme, “Good Governance: A Panacea for Economic Transformation’. he noted that economic transformation cannot occur when the process that guarantees accountability, transparency, the rule of law and the protection of the lives and property of citizens are absent or weak.

Owolabi stated that the goal of vision 20:2020 will elude the nation so long as personal will continues to take precedence over the general will, adding that there must be entrenched framework and enforceable rules which will ensure that resources of the nation are judiciously deployed for the benefit of the whole nation.

According to him, only then will governance be seen as effective, good, functional; have accelerated economic growth and then, transformation and prosperity will be attainable and achievable.

The ICAN president further added that, through their public interest mandate as a professional body, they would continue to support the government with policy initiatives that will ensure good governance and economic transformation at the long run.

“Indeed, we are willing, able and ready to share our experiences in corporate governance with persons charged with governance responsibilities at all levels of government. We must work together to achieve the Nigerian dream,” he noted.

175.45

-9.65

2,229.00

-9.00

23.51

-0.38

103.38

+0.12

88.48

+0.34

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

0.2668 25.167 187.262 240.5751 41.2996 232.1182 155.8406 154.89 231.6778 1.9782 24.253

0.2768 25.2482 187.8665 241.3517 41.4329 232.8675 156.3437 155.39 232.4257 1.9846 24.3317

0.2868 25.3294 188.471 242.1283 41.5662 233.6168 156.8468 155.89 233.1736 1.9909 24.4104

CBN Exchange rate as at 25/07/2012 C M Y K

From left: Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant/Convener; Governor Liyel Imoke ofCross River State/chief host and Audrey Ezeigbo, Chairperson, Board of Directors, ThistlePraxis Consulting at the just concluded 2012 Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility at the Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

Outsourcing companies seek less cumbersome licensing processes

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

H

UMAN Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, the umbrella body of licensed recruiters (Outsourcing companies) in the country has appealed to the Labour Ministry to look into the processes of issuance and renewal of recruiters’ license with a view to making it less cumbersome.

President of the association, Mr. Alexander Emedo, who spoke at the 2nd Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the

group in Lagos, said the process was too stringent and constitutes a major challenge to private employment agencies.

Emedo argued that the conditions for obtaining the license and its renewal should take into account best practices, especially Convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation, ILO, on freedom of association and Section 40 of the nation’s constitution.

He assured that the association would work with the ministry in the new dispensation to ensure that members

LASG keys into alternative sources of energy

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

I

N order to address environmental challenges facing the country and to reduce carbon emission responsible for global warming, the Lagos state government said it has keyed into alternative sources of energy.

The commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Eng. ToafiqTijani said the Lagos state government has been able to do this by means of solarpowered street lights projects, thereby urging residence to use alternative sources of energy.

Speaking at the fourth Alternative Power Exhibition in Lagos, Eng. Tijani said science had provided alternative options for sourcing energy without destroying the environment.

Eng. Tijani who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. FouadAnimashaun, said “We have the renewable lanterns, renewable cookers; these are developments that will help

reduce hazards to our environment.

“Solar energy is going to be very useful. This is a good time to get one solar product in our houses.”

The SSA said the state government had keyed into alternative sources of energy, which could be seen in its solarpowered street lights project.

He said, “At the moment, the problem we have with solar lighting has been illumination. But at the moment we are solving them.”

Animashaun advised residents to form the habit of switching off electrical appliances to save energy that could be used by others who needed it.

In his keynote address on ‘Government’s Challenges in the Sustainability of Solar Project’, a representative of the Council for Renewable Energy, Mrs. Anita Okuribudo, listed some of the challenges of alternative energy as substandard equipment, inadequate research and development activity and lack of skilled manpower.

adhere to the requirements.

On casualisation and unfair labour practices by employers, HuCaPAN President urged the ministry to make it mandatory for all registered private employment agencies in the country to belong to HuCaPAN to ensure that their employees were pensionable, have health coverage and good life insurance coverage in line with the requirements for issuance of recruiters license.

According to him, the Ministry of Labour alone can not monitor all the private employment agencies but with a central body like HuCaPan, we can partner with the ministry to address unfair labour practices and the issue of quacks in the industry. This way, we can also ensure freedom of association of our employees who so desire in line of with Convention 87 of the ILO and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution. It is sad that thousands of agencies are operating outside the umbrella of the association and control of the ministry of labour and productivity. We require all the state coordinators of the federal ministry of labour and productivity to give their full support to help sanitise this industry.”

Speaking, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, said the licensing of private employment agencies was to promote the basic human rights and enhance employability.

In his goodwill message, the minister, who was represented by Controller, Lagos office of the Ministry, Nafisat Arogundade, said, licensing private employment agencies became necessary because of incessant reports of unfair labour practices and the need to regulate parallel and multiple levels of recruitment in the country.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

NSE Listing: Oteh urges FG to encourage multinational companies

BY PETER EGWUATU The Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, has urged the Federal Government to encourage multinational companies to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), saying, Nigeria may not record much growth in the economy without a virile capital market.

Oteh who spoke in Lagos on Tuesday at a dialogue with operators in the capital market

and organised private sector noted that the Federal Government needs to strengthen the market to support real sector growth.

According to her, if telecommunication companies such as MTN Nigeria, Glo and other multinational companies get listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, it will boost investors’ confidence in the market.

Speaking on the roles of private equity and venture capital, she said the country needs to do

much more in preparing companies in having good management and accounting system.

She pointed out that in 2011, 250 Nigerians invested in mutual fund, 10 million in Brazil, noting that with the country population of 167 million, ‘ we can do better” Meanwhile, the Chairman of Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN), Mr..Bolaji Balogun , has urged the Federal Government to quickly intervene in the capital

market.

According to him, “ A situation where the country’s capital market has been down for close to two years is not good for our economy. In advanced economies, when the capital market nosedive for between two and three months, the government intervenes. So there is need for some forms of g o v e r n m e n t intervention in our capital market. When downturn exceeds one to three months, no matter any reform, there wont

be any meaningful impact, because investors’ confidence has already been eroded.”

While making its presentation on reviving the Nigerian capital market, Balogun, stated that the success of the transformation agenda of President Jonathan’s administration is dependent in an efficient capital market for the provision of capital.

He further suggested the need for the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to move its money from fixed income investment to equity market.

According to him, “At present, the PFAs are allowed by law to invest between 10 and 25 per cent maximum in equity market. But this is just theory. In practice they hardly do.

So government should intervene by advising

the PFAs to invest in the market where higher returns abound in the long run. We are aware of government plan to establish Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) with an initial investment in Nigerian capital markets to bring about much needed stability and increase investor confidence. This is in the right direction.”

Balogun, however, berated government for crowding out the private sector in the issuance of bonds.

According to him, “Trading activity in bond is declining especially in the secondary market.

The Federal Government issue bond to finance its recurrent expenditure instead of capital expenditure.

This is not supposed to be so. Bond should be issued to finance long term projects that will aid further production of goods and services.”

CSR: Ecobank donates books to schools in Katsina From left: Mr. Inusa Bello, Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria; Mr. Deepak Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Airtel; Mr. Olu Akanmu, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel and Mr. Emeka Opara, Director, Corporate Communication and CSR, Airtel at the launch of Airtel Quick Talk Voucher Package by Airtel Nigeria Plc , in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

First Bank pre-tax profit rises by 125% in Q2

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IRST Bank of Nigeria Plc has announced 125 per cent increase in its profit before tax for the half year ended 30th June, 2012.

A breakdown of the bank’s unaudited results for the period filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showed that the pre-tax profit rose to N54.1 billion, as against N24.1 billion in equivalent period of 2011.

The bank also reported 26 per cent in gross earnings to N182.3 billion from N145.1 billion in 2011, while non-interest income rose by 48 per cent to N44.5 billion compared to N30.1 billion in 2011.

The operating income grew to N153.3 billion compared to N126.3 billion in 2011, representing 21 per cent increase over the period.

Cost to income ratio witnessed 58.3 per cent within the period, as against 69.3 per cent growth in 2011, while impairment charges for credit losses stood at N9.1 billion compared to N14.4 billion reported in the same period of 2011.

Commenting on the results, Bisi Onasanya, Group Managing Director of the bank explained that growth in pre-tax profit was driven by strong revenue growth, lower impairment charges and modest growth in operating expenses, saying “This translated into annualised after tax return on equity of 25 per

cent.”

He noted that the result was a demonstration of the resilience of the bank’s business. He said, “Given the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, declining oil prices and its resulting impact on the domestic economy, FirstBank recorded 125 per cent growth in the Group’s profit before tax. It was particularly pleasing to see the strength of the Group’s retail franchise, as we were able to grow deposits over the half year period by 13 per cent, in an environment of tight liquidity management, high interest rates and higher velocity of money as a result of the increasing deployment of electronic channels across various segments of the e c o n o m y .

Notwithstanding these headwinds, we were able to moderate the impact on our cost of funds.

“We are pleased with the continuing progress in our transformation agenda, which is focused on driving efficiencies in our business. The focus over coming periods will be to consolidate and build on those gains as we refine our business and operational platform to ensure we achieve our set objective of excellent service delivery as a basis to expand business volumes. We will continue to stratify our customer base, provide bespoke products across our various customer segments and with the needs of our customers being of primary concern.

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COBANK Nigeria limited has donated text books to secondary schools in the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

This is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility activities to reach out to citizens within the area where the bank does business Presenting the books to the State Deputy Governor, Alh. Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari and other officials of the State Government, Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku, represented by the Regional Head, Domestic Bank (North West) Saidu Umar, said the bank’s vision is to build a world class Pan African bank and contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa.

According to Mr. Aku this is also the guiding principle of “our corporate social responsibility activities.

Our main focus is to give back or contribute effectively to the societies in which we operate. We

project Ecobank as a responsible and caring corporate citizen; assisting communities and underprivileged groups to enhance their lives; we also encourage creativity and excellence among Africans and foster integration within the continent”.

He said the main areas of interest for the bank’s CSR activities include Entrepreneurial d e v e l o p m e n t , especially in rural c o m m u n i t i e s ; Education; Community development and Health.

Receiving the book on behalf of the schools, Katsina State deputy Governor, Alh. Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari expressed appreciation and commending the bank for its contribution to the growth of education in the state.

According to the Alh. Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari , Ecobank’s action is showing the way on how corporate organisation should support the development of society.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 23

Nigeria’s foreign assets’ value dips

by N459bn in three months …insecurity depletes FDI by 19%

By MICHAEL EBOH

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HE value of Nigeria’s assets abroad dipped by N459.2 billion (US$2.87 billion) in the first quarter of 2012, according to a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN also disclosed that Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, inflow into Nigeria dropped by 19.25 per cent to N275.2 billion (US$1.72 billion) in first quarter 2012 from N340.8 billion (US$2.13 billion) recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011, blaming the decline on the activities of terror group in the country.

In the report titled, ‘Development in the external sector for quarter one 2012’, the Apex bank said the country’s assets dropped by 56.83 per cent from N808 billion (USS5.05 billion) recorded at the end of 2011 to N348.8 billion (US$2.18 billion) at the end of March 2012.

The CBN blamed the decline on the country’s foreign assets on the global financial crisis which is threatening the global financial landscape.

According to the apex bank, the decline may be linked to the persisting Eurozone crisis which has continued to adversely affect major international financial centres.

Despite the decrease in the value of the foreign assets, the country recorded a surplus in its Capital and Financial

F

UNDING of infrastructure through budgetary allocation is volatile and can rarely meet crucial infrastructure expenditure requirements in a timely and adequate manner and usually receives a larger brunt fiscal of retrenchment in times of financial crisis.

Mr. Joe Ohiani, Head Legal and Governance Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC stated this at a 5-day ESQ Project Finance Summit 2012 organised by the Legal Blitz.

In a lead paper titled, “Governmental Promotion of Infrastructure Development” Ohiani noted that, “ Infrastructure development plays a key role in promoting economic growth through enhancing productivity, reducing poverty, linking people and improving competitiveness.

C M Y K

Unity Bank rejuvenates work force

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ICAN President, Doyin Owolabi and Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) at the ICAN Eastern District Conference held in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

accounts.

According to the report, the capital and financial accounts swung from a deficit position of US$1.06 billion in fourth quarter 2011 to a surplus position of US$2.46 billion as at the end of the first quarter 2012. The improvement in the capital and financial accounts, according to the apex bank is as a result of the huge surge in portfolio investment.

Also, aggregate financial liabilities increased from US$3.99 billion recorded in

fourth quarter 2011 to US$4.65 billion as at the end of March 2012.

“This is a welcome development, especially with the crave for the economy to have more foreign capital to finance domestic economic growth. This also indicates a renewed investors’ confidence in the economy.

“Notwithstanding, there is need for cautious optimism given that the bulk of the inflow is portfolio flows,” the CBN said.

Budgetary allocation not reliable means of funding infrastructure — Expert

BY EBUN SESSOU

BRIEF

“Accordingly, it forms the foundation of any development in a country, investment in infrastructure assets such as roads, power, water supply and healthcare facilities raises the quality of life in any society by creating amenities, providing goods and services and contributing to macroeconomic stability” He said that special emphasis on infrastructure delivery through Public Private Partnership, PPP should be given optimum consideration so as to solve all challenges besieging the financial and execution of project in African and Nigeria in general. “A recent study of the Federal Government of Nigeria isolated the absence of integrated national planning framework for infrastructure delivery, lack proper project preparation, dearth of capacity in public authorities, inappropriate funding mechanism, faulty

project execution framework, and scarcity of long term finance as the key to the suboptimal infrastructure delivery in Nigeria.

“Of the numerous challenges, those of long term finance and inappropriate funding methods posed the most daunting. In aggregate terms, the annual budget, which hitherto provided the funding for infrastructure in Nigeria, has not only proved completely inadequate. It may indeed be partly responsible for the dismay state of infrastructure in the country.

“The drip-feeding of projects by the annual budget, whereby limited funds available through the budget for capital works is spread across a large number of projects with the result that most are abandoned, very few ever completed often at multiples of the original cost and at scandalous extension in the completion time”.

Analysis of the flow of capital into the country in the period under review, shows that foreign investors invested N884.8 billion (US$5.53 billion) in the Nigerian economy, compared to N556.8 billion (US$3.48 billion) and N542.4 billion (US$3.39 billion) in fourth and first quarters 2011 respectively.

A

ccording to the report, Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, inflow accounted for 31 per cent of the aggregate foreign capital inflows while portfolio investment accounted for 69 per cent.

Continuing, the CBN said, “Further analysis revealed that FDI dropped from US$2.13 billion in fourth quarter 2011 to US$1.72 billion in first quarter 2012. In contrast, estimated portfolio investment inflows increased significantly from US$1.36 billion in fourth quarter 2011 to US$3.82 billion in first quarter 2012.

“The decline in FDI inflows during the review period was traced to the insecurity occasioned by terrorist activities while the increase in portfolio investment inflow was attributable to the positive effect of the CBN’s policy on foreign investment in short-term instruments and the relatively high yield.”

The apex bank, however, warned that the continued increase in portfolio investment over and above FDI portends serious consequences for foreign exchange management. “Therefore, there is need to closely monitor this and to put in place measures to stem any adverse effect, in case of a reversal,” it stated.

NITY Bank Plc has b e g u n implementation of a programme of workforce reinvigoration aimed at raising productivity and competitive position in the financial industry.

With the implementation of the programme, the bank has announced staff promotions, retirements and will embark on new recruitments to fill vacancies.

About 389 staff of all categories have been promoted while salary increments by way of notches were given to another 1,855. In the same vein, about 500 will proceed on retirement as per the rejuvenation programme which emphasizes different age bands of retirement for categories of staff.

According to the bank, one Deputy General Manager was promoted General Manager, two to the rank of Deputy General Manager and five others to the position of Assistant General Manager. Three members of staff were elevated to the position of Principal Manager, nine to Senior Manager position, six to Manager status while those promoted to the ranks of Deputy Manager and Assistant Manager altogether number 54.

Other staff in the rank of Senior Banking Officer, Banking Officer, Assistant Banking Officer and Executives also benefitted from the promotion exercise.

Of the number proceeding on retirement one each are in the rank of General Manager and Deputy General Manager and another an Assistant General Manager while others are of various categories.

In carrying out the retirement, the bank worked in co-operation with all the stakeholders including The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) to ensure industrial harmony.

The retiring staff will be paid their terminal benefits, gratuity, and other entitlements and supported to start new lives as entrepreneurs.

24 — Vanguard Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

APPOINTMENT & PROMOTION

Federation of African Engineering Organisations elects Shehu president F

EDERATION of African Engineering Organisations, FAEO, has elected the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr.

Mustafa Shehu, its Presidentelect.

President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, have commended the NSE for Shehu’s election and securing the hosting of the Permanent Secretariat of the Federation.

In separate letters to the Executive Secretary of the NSE, the Federal Government said it was pleased with the double achievements.

In the President’s letter through his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike A Oghiadomhe, Dr Jonathan said he was particularly pleased that as a result of vigorous international role of the NSE, Engr. Mustafa Shehu, President of the Society had been made President-elect of FAEO and its secretariat awarded to Nigeria to host.

According to the President, “I wish, on behalf of Mr. President, to congratulate NSE on these laudable achievements and to urge it to continue to play a pivotal role in the infrastructural development of the country as well as maintaining strong collaboration with similar institutions in the international scene.”

The NSE had earlier written the President to brief him on the membership, structure and activities of the Society both at home and at the International level. On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ashiru said the election would also afford the society the platform to showcase Nigeria and project a positive image of the country.

He said, “While congratulat-

...Gets Jonathan's commendation ing the NSE for clinching the coveted position of the FAEO’s President-Elect and the location of the FAEO Secretariat in Nigeria, I wish to observe that

the development is a recognition of Nigeria’s profile within the African Region, consistent with the determination of the present administration to

ensure that Nigeria retains its rightful place in the comity of Nations.” Shehu will assume office as Substantive President in May 2014.

Alimosho LG chairman gets award C HAIRMAN of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Israel Sola Adekunle, has been honoured with an award for the outstanding developmental projects.

A civil society organisation and a non-governmental body, Concerned Human Rights of Nigeria (CHRN) in collaboration with Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance which conferred the award on Adekule, said it was done after the assessment of his developmental projects in the council.

The society gave Adekunle the award in recognition of his outstanding performance upon embarking on the assessment tour of the local government on October 2010.

CHRN led by its National Coordinator, Declan Ihekaire, commended the effort of the chairman for the moral and financial support given to the under-privilege people in the local government area during time of need.

The National Coordinator noted that the people of the local government had enjoyed developmental projects located within their community such as provision of 10 units 500- kva power transformer, rehabilitation of Abati primary school, Akowonjo, Community primary school, Shasha and Rauf Aregbesola primary school.

Other dividends enjoyed by the residents of the local government under Adekunle are;, provision of 60 units of exercise books, construction of borehole, provision of three thousand units of desk and benches, procurement and distribution of one hundred General Certificate Education (GCE)) forms and job creation for the people among others.

The group however de-

scribed the award as a challenge for more performance on the part of Honourable Adekunle.

Responding at the award ceremony which took place at the council secretariat, Akowonjo, Lagos, Adekunle said; “our long term goal is to create an enviable local government that will be used as a yardstick to measure service delivery to the people.”

Hon Israel Sola Adekunle receiving the award.

NLC congratulates Justice Muktar over appointment

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•Justice Aloma Muktar C M Y K

HE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has congratulated Justice Aloma Muktar over her appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

In a letter of congratulation by its President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Congress said “With this appointment, Mr. President has demonstrated yet another commitment to the delivery of quality governance and merit driven decisions which is exemplified in this particular appointment. With a background of fearlessness, and incorruptibility we are convinced that Justice Muktar is capable of conducting credible reforms in the judicial arm of government to the satisfaction of majority of Nigerians who have been advocating for reforms that will ensure justice and fairness to all as well as positively impact on our collective desire for a corruption free society.”

“We believe Mr. President that a sound

and dependable judiciary is critical to the sustenance of democracy, and a judicial officer of Justice Muktar ’s standing is what we desire for our country to deepen democratic governance where all citizens will be considered equal before the law. Mr. President, for us we have confidence in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar, whose past gives us hope for a better, people driven judicial system.” “On behalf of Nigerian workers we commend you for this historic appointment, being the first Nigerian President to appoint a female judge as CJN. This has justified our longstanding commitment to the struggle for gender balancing at all levels in our country.We are prepared to partner with the new Chief Justice in the quest to reposition the Judiciary for justice and fairness in the sustenance of democracy in the interest of the nation.

vicahiyoung@yahoo.com 08033348923

Ekpuk now District Gov

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HE Lions Clubs International District 404A Nigeria, has installed Lion Samuel Ekpuk as the 2012/13 Governor of the District at the Rivers state house of assembly complex in Port Harcourt.

The installation of Lion Ekpuk, a former Leo District President (1994) and former President of Port Harcourt Crystal Lions Club, was performed by Lion Wayne Madden, the International President of The International Association of Lions Clubs, who is on a working visit to Nigeria.

Born on April 1, 1970, the new Lion District Governor is a Veteran Lion with over 27 years of service in the Lions Family and a winner of many awards for humanitarian service, fellowships and commendations.

He is a diamond Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship, Nigeria Lions Charity Funds contributor, and has received Leadership and Appreciation Awards from seven International Lions Presidents.

Ekpuk, a trained banker and an MBA Graduate of Enugu State University has attended many professional and Lions Leadership trainings including Senior Lions Leaders Institute, Hammamen, Tunisia (2005) and Lions Faculty Development Institute, Lusaka, Zambia (2011).

The District Governor has chosen for his Lions Year, the theme, Footprints to the Future. This, he described as “a statement of direction, indicative of our shared vision to remain confident of our future.

You cannot possess your future without taking steps in the direction of the future” A major project which Ekpuk will be encouraging fellow Lions to execute in the District during his tenure is the OPENING EYES INITIATIVE, a project aimed at providing free quality eye screening and treatment access to less privileged Nigerians to help correct and treat their sight problems.

He is the only Lion in the entire multiple District to have served three District Governors at different times in principal roles.

•Lion Samuel Ekpuk

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 25

Team Nigeria is ready— Ndanusa T

he London 2012 Olympic Games finally gets underway on Friday with Team Nigeria ready to explode.

Having integrated into the Olympic Village with coaches putting finishing touches into their final training, the Nigerian flag-bearers can’t wait to test the waters.

Nigeria Olympic Committee president, Engineer Sani Ndanusa was in high spirits after moving from one training session to another to see for himself on the fitness level of the Nigerians. And when he came out, he beamed with smiles and declared; “ let the Games begin. Our athletes are ready to roll”. He said that he was optimistic with the chances of

Team Nigeria as all reports on the teams are positive. ‘’At a time like this, you need to thank God that all is well in the team. There are no worries in camp and the athletes are equally enthusiastically

looking forward to the start of the Games. With the support and prayers of Nigerians, we can make Nigerians proud. We have done our beat and it is left for God to bless us. He will bless us”, Ndanusa assured

•Notes Hot weather disrupts trains to Olympic Games

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Beatles star blasts over Beckham neglect

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aul McCartney has labelled Team GB men’s football coach, Stuart Pearce, an “idiot” after he excluded former England captain David Beckham from his London Olympics squad.

The ex-Beatles singersongwriter is set to play at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, and called for Pearce to perform a volte face and choose the 37-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder, who had been selected in the original squad of 35 which was trimmed to 18.

Pearce was allowed to name only three players over the age of 23 and opted for Craig Bellamy, Ryan Giggs and Micah Richards.

“He’s a national hero, a crowd-puller,” McCartney, speaking to ShortList Magazine, said of the former Manchester United, Read Madrid and AC Milan player, who made 115 appearances for the Three Lions. “I would’ve thought Beckham would be first choice because of his huge contribution to getting the Olympics.

•D'Tigers players ready for Tunsia on Sunday.

Agu good as gold in female boxing O

goke Edith Agu is the only female boxer in Team Nigeria for the London 2012 Olympics and she is raring to show why she is wearing Nigeria’s flag among two other male boxers.

The lass fighting in the 75kg is so good that she has sent out warning signals to her opponents after sparring with British and American girls in training. She was in no mood for trivialities. Her foot-works were amazing and her left and right combination overwhelmed the American and British female pugilists.

Their coaches had to throw in the towel to save them from further punishment and avert a major disaster even before the bell rings for the boxers to climb the square ropes.

Dr Patrick Uwagbale, the Admin Personnel of the Boxing Team informed yesterday that the girl was too good.

‘’She has improved tremendously and has been in devastating form. She is good for a medal”, Uwagbale said. ‘’She is dedicated to her training and adheres to it religiously. She is good. Her

punches are too much for a female and her foot-works are equally amazing. She dances away from problem and rattles her opponents with lightening punches. We are indeed hopeful”, Uwagbale noted.

The two other male boxers representing Nigeria are Akanji Muideen Olalekan fighting in the 75 kg and Lawal Lukmon Olaiwola fighting in the 81 kg.

Cable car suspends passengers

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Ogoke Edith Agu with former boxer and Mayor of Keighley George Metcalf

Water-tight security at Olympic Village T

•Beckham

he Olympic Village where all the athletes are staying for the London 2012 Games is a beehive of activities. And visitors or Journalists wishing to come to the Village go through the eye of the needle before getting

he weather fortunes of London turned around for good yesterday when the sun came out blazing. But the sun did not only bring cheers to thousands but also brought sighs as it disrupted their travel plans.

With temperatures in London reaching an unusually high 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), rail chiefs were forced to cancel a handful of trains due to stop at the Stratford International station next to the Park and impose speed limits on others further up the line.

That led to minor delays on the main rail line out of northeast London, although the impact on passengers going to the Olympic site was said to be slight.

The opening ceremony for the Games is on Friday and most of those currently using Stratford International to access the Park are media, volunteers and arriving athletes and officials.

the required daily passes to be at the Olympic Village.

In the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics, armed police have been deployed and media restrictions are being enforced on unaccredited

journalists and film crews around the Olympic Games village.

The security officials are very polite but have the eye of the Eagle. They are complimented by sniffer dogs.

assengers were left suspended up to 300 feet in the air after the multimillion pound cable car above London’s main river that links key Olympic venues broke down amid claims it was because of the hot weather.

Witnesses reported that the problems might have been caused by the hot weather, after workers told them that faults were recorded on the £44m service if temperatures reached 86F (30C).

Dozens of passengers who were using the cable car were left suspended almost 300 feet above the River Thames above the main river through central London after it broke down at 11.45 yesterday.

They were eventually brought down to solid ground more than 30 minutes later, where they were given water.

Officials later apologised for the problems, saying the service had experienced an unspecified “technical fault”.

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Igali eyes gold for Nigeria in 2016 D

r Daniel Igali knows a potential medalist when he sees one. For a man who won gold in the Olympics, the

DOPING: No new adverse findings — Anugweje

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ompete true. Compete real. Doping is not real.

The handwriting is on the wall and this message is conspicuous at the massive dining hall for all the competitors at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

And Nigeria’s Team Doctor, Dr Kenneth Anugweje allayed fears yesterday when he said that the Team Nigerian athletes are so far clean to compete.

Nigerian officials have been drumming the dangers of doping warning that Nigeria does not want medals tainted with drugs. ‘’Team Nigerian athletes are so far clean. Tests earlier carried out in Surrey camp only confirmed earlier reports at the Athletics championships in Calabar.

For the three athletes in the team before doping violations, hearing has been held for two. One is likely to be cleared”, Dr Anugweje said.

Jamaican officials calm Bolt anxiety

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amaican team officials have moved to allay fears over the fitness of star sprinter Usain Bolt, with the three-time Olympic gold medallist declared “101 per cent” ready to compete at London 2012.

Doubts have been growing over the defending champion’s fitness after he flew to Munich for treatment on tight hamstrings following his double defeat in the 100 metres and 200m to Yohan Blake at the Jamaican trials.

Bolt, 25, did little to ease concerns when sitting out Jamaica’s open training session at the University of Birmingham on Tuesday.

However, Jamaican team manager Ludlow Watts calmed fears over the sprint sensation - who was forced to pull out of last Friday’s Diamond League meeting in Monaco with a minor hamstring injury confirming he is firing on all cylinders ahead of his 100m campaign, which begins on August 3.

Nigerian is in a better position to say which wrestler is as good as a medalist. And he said yesterday that 2016 Olympics would be better for Nigerian Wrestlers than London 2012. ‘’Realistically, I am looking forward to 2016. That is a time I can predict without looking back to tell you what Nigerian Wrestlers can do. We have very good talented Wrestlers but you know that the Olympics is not something you prepare in one year or six months. That is why I am taking it upon myself to do everything possible for these crop of wrestlers for the 2016 Olympics. Right now, we are in the middle of the pack. I am not going to wait for anybody to put them through immediately after this Olympics. By the time they attain three World Championships, I can beat my chest and tell you which tree will grow and which one that will not grow”, said Igali who is also Honourable member of Bayelsa House of Assembly.

Are you saying that there is no Daniel Igali currently in the Nigerian Wrestling team?

He smiled and said that ‘’there is only one Daniel Igali but we have a lot of potentials. They are good but they need experience and that is why I am pointing to 2016 Olympics”.

That, however, does not mean that the Nigerian matsmen and women would not pull off their stunts. ‘’Definitely, they are not here for a Circus. They are here to compete and to win. But I am a realist”, Igali stated.

Murray catches gold fever

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•Igali

107 athletes fail dope tests

ndy Murray believes winning an Olympic gold medal is “the pinnacle in any sport”.

The grand slams are the blue riband events in tennis but the Olympics has grown in importance since it was reintroduced to the Games programme in 1988 and this year ’s tournament at Wimbledon has really captured the imagination of the world’s best players.

Murray made his Olympic debut in Beijing four years ago but has since admitted he got too caught up in the occasion and slumped to a first-round defeat by Lu Yenhsun before losing in the second round of the doubles with brother Jamie.

The pair will attempt to do better this time around, while Murray is also determined to ensure he has a long run in the singles, less than a month after reaching his first Wimbledon final.

The 25-year-old said: “In terms of achievement, I think winning a gold medal is the pinnacle in any sport and it would be right up there with anything I have done so far.”

The eight-strong British tennis team were part of Team GB’s welcome ceremony at the Olympic Village on Tuesday, and they have been enjoying the experience of mixing with stars from other sports.

Murray earned brownie points from girlfriend Kim Sears for his Olympic mingling, the Scot saying: “I met William Fox-Pitt. My girlfriend was very happy about that. She loves horses.

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ADA chief John Fahey said testers had been out in force in an effort to discourage athletes from using performance-enhancing substances in London.

“In the six months prior to June 19, at least 107 athletes were sanctioned,” Fahey told an International Olympic Committee meeting.

“I cannot confirm how many of those would have qualified but had that been their ambition I am pleased to say they are not with us in London.”

The Games begin on Friday and run until August 12 although the ‘in-competition’ testing period started with the opening of the athletes village and the official start of the Olympic period on July 16.

The IOC said on Tuesday there had already been 300 drugs tests since that date with none proving positive.

“These efforts in the lead-up to the Games are bearing fruit,” said Fahey. “They (doping offenders) should know that avoiding detection is the smallest (possibility) it has ever been.”

There will be around 6,250

samples analysed at the Games, more than any other Olympics, while U.K AntiDoping have also been mandated to test in precompetition training camps.

There were 20 proven cases of doping at the Beijing Games four years ago, including six horses, down from 26 cases in Athens in 2004.

•Murray

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 27

FG adopts UNCTAD model to boost 17.3m MSMEs

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

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HE Federal Government has adopted the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Entrepreneurship Policy and Implementation Framework 2012, to boost the performance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country for the next five years.

The National Bureau of Statistic says there are a total of 17.28 million MSMEs in the country. Out of this figure, micro enterprises account for the majority (99.87 percent) with 17.26 million enterprises.

“Lagos State has the highest number of small and medium enterprises (4,535) while Osun state has the least (100),” said Statistician-General of the NBS, Dr. Yemi Kale.

Speaking during the official presentation of the National MSME Survey report to stakeholders in Lagos, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said that the adoption of the UNCTAD model by the government was in line with global best practice cum government’s determination to reposition the MSME sectors as drivers of economic growth.

He said that the UNCTAD model has replaced the previous policy developed five years ago by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and her technical partners- the African Institute of Applied Economics (AIAE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the sectors.

“The first policy has been implemented for about five years now and needs to be updated in order to be in line with unfolding economic and social imperatives affecting the sectors in Nigeria,” said Aganga He commended the SMEDAN and the National Bureau of Statistics that carried out the

survey in all the 36 states of the federation, for a job well done.

Aganga said the UNCTAD SME framework if well implemented by the different states, and the Federal Government,

it would ensure a robust SMEs sector for the country in the very near future. The National MSME Policy, according to the minister, envisions an MSME sub-sector that can deliver maximum benefits of employ-

Dr. Gloria Elemo, Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) answering questions on cassava bread policy, while John Isemede, Director General of NACCIMA, and Toba Agboola, Chairman of Commerce and Industry Correspondents, listen.

NACCIMA advocates hi-tech toll-free gates to curb insecurity

BY NAOMI UZOR

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HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) says it wants the Federal Government to invest in high technology toll-free gates across the country to curb the menace of insecurity in the country.

“The security situation in the country is alarming; it has reduced the Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria. So many businesses, especially in the North are dying. “Jos used to be a place of peace where people go for holiday to relax, but now, the place is a death zone. Some other parts of the country are also facing the same fate. The gov-

N

IGERIA can generate more than N7.8 billion ($50 million) annually in foreign exchange if palm oil is harnessed and developed, says Professor Peter Onwualu, Director General, Raw Material Research and Development Council, RMRDC. In a speech on ‘Palm Tree as Gold Mine,’ the RMRDC boss said the global palm oil industry has an estimated value of N24.16 trillion ($155 billion), and by year 2020, it is projected to worth about N25.72 trillion ($165 billion) and that Nigeria can gain N7.8 billion forex from

ernment should mount equipped toll-free gates across the country that can trace ammunitions such as bombs, guns etc,” said President of NACCIMA, Dr. Herb Ademola Ajayi.

He said there is need to ask and inquire other developed countries how they curbed or upgraded the security situation in their countries.

Great industries started as small business ventures — Olofa of Offa

“

EVERY great industry you see today began as a small business venture,” said the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Esuwoye 11.

He made this comment recently to encourage Nigerian youths to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship to help themselves and the country.

Oba Mufutau, who was the

Palm oil can generate N7.8bn forex for economy — Onwualu cessing, palm nurseries developBy LAZARUS IBEABUCHI

ment generation, wealth creation, poverty reduction and growth to the Nigerian economy. This is because everywhere in the world, MSMEs are the biggest employers of labour.

it.

“Looking at the market price of palm oil it is very attractive as the price has been on a steady increase, rising from $424 per tones in 2006 to $824 in 2007, and $1146 in 2010.

“Today, a gallon (3.751) of palm oil sells between $18 and $25, depending on the grade.

Besides, at current, annual growth rate of 7.88 per cent, world consumption of palm oil is expected to rise from 28.12 million tons in 2004 to 43.2 million tons in 2020.

“Different segments of the industry can be explored: palm oil extraction and processing; palm oil wine tapping; palm wine pro-

ment and marketing of palm produce, research and development.

Others, according to him are palm oil and kernel processing plant development and installation; manufacture of soap and detergents; pomades, margarine, biscuits; transport and marketing of palm produce; plantations development and management, harvesting and post harvest handling. He urged government to address the current challenges facing the industry. These challenges include: use of overage palm tree; predominance of wild palm grooves; water related stress resulting from erratic rainfall; neglect and failure of extension officers to educate farmers.

Royal Father of the day at the 2012 Crystal Nite of Excellence, organised by the Commerce & Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), in Lagos, said: “My call goes to the budding graduates in the nation, with emphasis on the undergraduates.

Everything depended on how innovative and forward looking an individual wanted to be.”

He narrated how he started his own business in Lagos in 1998, after he resigned from the Federal Housing Authority, in 1997 and took to trading in commodities, such as rice, sugar, salt, cement, and others.

According to him, as time progressed, and by dint of hard work, passion and personal commitment, he became an importer of electrical cables and began to own and coown companies and today, his business horizon had expanded so much that he had become the chairman of many companies.

17% YouWIN fund for women SMEs

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

T

HE Federal Government has earmarked seventeen percent of YouWIN! Fund for women owned Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, disclosed this when she addressed delegates at 2 nd African Women’s Economic Summit organised

by New Faces and the African Development Bank (AFDB).

YouWiN stands for Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria. It is an innovative business plan competition aimed at job creation by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial youth in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas.

“We launched YouWIN to encourage young men and women who have business ideas that are good on paper and can be translated to generate employment. Our target is to generate 80-100,000 employments through the project,” she said.

She urged women who have existing business and prospective ones to key into the next phase of the project by submitting winning business plans as seventeen percent of the money has been earmarked to boost their access to finance.

BrunoFisher eyes Nigerian food industry

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

B

RUNO Fisher, a German firm, manufacturer of organic foods has indicated its interest in the Nigerian food market as it enters franchise agreement with Sanura International Ventures Limited to market its products in the country.

The products are BrunoFisher Salad Mayonnaise and BrunoFisher Tomato Puree. The products are being launched simultaneously in major supermarkets and open markets in Lagos.

Steve Agwudagwu, Investment Advisor/ CEO, Sanura International Ventures, said Sanura markets and sells quality organic foods and nutritional medicine products to health conscious people in Africa and to attract foreign manufacturing concerns in that segment into Nigeria.

He stated that the uniqueness of the products lies in the fact that they are produced naturally without chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics and Biotechnology.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

NUC mum as House of Reps nullifies withdrawal of varsities licences zOther stake holders react

BY DAYO ADESULU & LAJU ARENYEKA

T

HE National Universities Commission, NUC, is keeping mum over the declaration by the House of Representatives that its withdrawal of operational licenses of seven private universities is null.

Last Thursday, the House committee on Public Petitions declared that the NUC action is “null and void, ultra vires and of no effect.”

Presenting its recommendations, committee chairman, Representative Uzo Azubuike said NUC should not to take further steps that will in any manner interrupt the normal academic programmes and activities of the accredited courses of the affected universities.

The report also directed the commission to carry out a forensic audit on the affected universities and advise the government as required by law. Although the NUC has given no official statement regarding the actions of the House, other stakeholders in the education sector have reacted to the situation.

Dr. Aremu Owolabi, spokesman of Lead City University, one of the affected institutions who filed a petition against NUC told Vanguard Learning in an interview that “the House of Representatives has established that NUC has no power to withdraw or suspend any university’s licence.”

However, prior to the decision taken by the House, the NUC restored the licences of two of the seven varsities — Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) and Achievers University.

The Public Relations Officer, Achievers University, Mr. Adebayo Olagunju confirmed this in a telephone conversa-

tion, adding that there is also a letter from the NUC to that effect. The restoration letter as published at Achievers’ website reads in part: “This is to inform the general public, our students, their parents and members of staff that the issue which predicated the suspension of the operational licences of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has been amicably resolved.

By its letter Ref. No. NUC/ ES/319/Vol.1 of July 17, 2012, the National Universities Commission (NUC) lifted the order of suspension and restored the operational licence of the university with effect from July 17, 2012.”

JABU registrar, Barrister Wale Aderibigbe in a press statement said that the restoration of the university’s licence “ was made known through a letter from the NUC/ ES/259/Vol. I/219, dated July 16th, 2012 duly signed by the Commission's Deputy Executive Secretary, A.S. Agbaoye, and addressed to the ViceChancellor, Professor Sola Fajana.”

According to him, when the news of the suspension came, “the university management

*SOLA FAJANA through the Board of Trustees and Governing Council, swung into consultations with the NUC. Coupled with this, several efforts were made to align with the Commission’s directives."

In response to this, Owolabi said: “It’s interesting that

*OKOJIE they can simply restore a university’s licence barely a few days after suspending it. Does it mean that such a university fulfilled all the requirements in such a short time? That is Nigeria for you.”

However, the question as to whether or not the NUC has

the power to suspend the operational licences of universities still remains. Dr. Jamiyu Oluwatoki, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University chapter, said: “The House of Representatives has Continues on page 34

FCC tasks varsities on federal character principle

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

T

HE Federal Character Commission, FCC, has challenged the country ’s universities to embrace the principle of federal character in their operations to foster national integration and development, as no unity could be achieved without the practice of equity.

FCC Executive Chairman, Prof.

Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem, who gave this advice at a one-day seminar for administrators of Nigerian universities, noted that all parts of the country are equally endowed with skills and should not be marginalised in the staffing process.

Abdulraheem advised vicechancellors, registrars and key

officials of universities to be mindful of the heterogeneous nature of the Nigerian nation in their search for academic expatriates. ”It is good to let them know that there is absolutely no contradiction between the requirements of the federal character principle and the principle of meritocracy. We will, while searching for the best in terms of academic expatriates,

also be mindful that universities are situated in a particular geopolitical environment, in a heterogeneous community like Nigeria,” he said.

He expressed hope that the opportunity created by the workshop to constructively engage universities will broaden public understanding of the application of the federal character vis-à-vis the general principle of meritocracy.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Winners emerge in In’Genius Project Contest Version 1.0 —— C M Y K

Page 30

UNICAL Social Sciences boils again over SUG elections — Page 33 —

There is disconnection between research and farm practices — MADUKWE ——

Page 35

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

provide the opportunity for ingenious people to present innovative and relevant solutions to problems in developing nations and receive funding to execute theses solutions;

Right investors “The vision for In’Genius is to bridge the wide technological gap between developing nations and developed ones by deploying strategies that will serve as a melting pot for youth with innovative ideas and the right investors with the needed funds to translate the ideas into tangible solutions” he said.

Ogundipe disclosed further that the top 10 ideas will be presented to Top CEOs and Government functionaries at a special Gala night to hold at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, and Lagos to create the platform

Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Abdul Rahman Bello (left) presenting the Award of Excellence to Oreoluwa Ogundipe, the Project Head, In’Genius Youth Project during the grand finale of the competition at the Main Auditorium of UNILAG.

Winners emerge in In’Genius Project Contest Version 1.0

BY DAYO ADESULU

T

EAM Aspire- inventors of one of the top 10 ideas in the In’Genius Project Competition Version 1.0 with focus on Information Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of In’Genius Project competition at the grand finale which was held recently at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

Team Aspire comprises three members - Ibrahim Durosimi, Alex Iyaji and Dapo Shosayo with their education-based Econnect Playbook and Web Platform adjudged by the panel of judges after presentation and evaluation of all the top 10 Ideas. Team Funab became the second up with innovative project focusing on transportation with the theme Diamagnetic Levitation of Vehicles while Team Diamond came third focusing on Tourism.

The first team receives the prize of the whopping sum of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2.500,000.00), the second gets the sum of One Million ,Five Hundred Thousand Naira(N1,500,000.00) while the third prize went home with a paltry sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira C M Y K

(N750,000.00) In’Genius Project Competition Version 1.0 is organised by In’Genius-the Nigerian global Youth Organisation to tap into the brain power of the youth by tasking them to evolve innovative ideas to serve as catalyst and solutions to 6 major sectors of the economy

including; Transportation, Tourism, Taxation, ICT, Agriculture and Power. The competition is organised in conjunction with the University of Lagos Engineering Society (ULES).

Speaking at the Grand Finale, the Project Head, Oreoluwa Ogundipe explained that the competition is instituted to

ZODML launches online library to boost our reading culture

I

BY OLAYEMI FOFAH

N its quest to revamped the decadence in the reading culture of Nigerian students, Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML), a non-profit organization has set up in memory of late Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue, an online library and website (www.zodml.org) to assist our children and researchers in their various disciplines.

The website is designed to give students and readers of all ages throughout Nigeria and across the globe access to resources to educate

With dedication, focus students can be what they want to be — Keshi

BY AISHA MOHAMMED

T

HE Super Eagles Chief Coach and one of the facilitators at the GTBank Tournament Ambassador ’s programme, Stephen Keshi told the over 700 secondary school students at the programme on the need for them to be focus and dedicated to whatever thing they determine to do in life.

He pointing out that the reasons he succeeded as a footballer was because he was dedicated to whatever thing he does. “At my early age, I love playing football and I never allow any thing to distract my attention not even opportunity to school abroad because I knew where my passion is” Urging the students to utilised the giving opportunity they had

to hear from the facilitators, he noted that when he was growing up, he never had the opportunity that those students have to listen to motivational speakers to give them a sense of direction and opportunity to become whom they desire to be.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Head Communication and External Affairs, GTBank, Mr Lola Odedina, has said that the company has kept faith with the secondary school students whom he described as the seed of the future of Nigeria that would be exported outside the country as worthy ambassadors.

“At Guaranty Trust Bank, we have decisively kept faith with our secondary school students, the seed of the future we hope to see and export outside Nigeria as worthy ambassadors

for the Ideas to meet Investment.

He noted that the Governor of Kaduna State, Governor Patrick Yakowa is expected to be the special guest of honour at the event.

Also speaking on the competition, the Director of Operations for In’Genius, Mr. Emmanuel Olaiya noted that the competition receives over 60 innovative entries form Nigerian youth all over the world including those based in China, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. He stated that two of the top 10 teams flew into the country from their base in the United Kingdom to be part of the finals.

In his remarks at the grand finale, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Abdul-Rahman Bello commended the In’Genius Youth Organisation for the laudable project.

of GT Bank’s youth football tournaments.”

Speaking at the GTBank tournament ambassador ’s programme held at Ikeja, Lagos, Odedina said that as an organization that has worked its Corporate Social Responsibility into its business strategy, every investment made today will pay off with the emergence of a new crop of responsible adults.

She described success as not just the accomplishment of set objectives in the area of one’s chosen endeavour but an all-round development and actualization of one’s potentials. Odedina noted that the purpose of programme among others, seeks to stimulate our young football players to success both on and off the pitch.

themselves.

The launch of the online library is central to the achievement of ZODML’s mission of providing channels through which people may acquire knowledge and improve their learning by accessing the information and learning tools offered by the library.

Speaking at the launch of the online library, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri, Co-Chair and member of ZODML’s Board of Trustees said that ZODML’s vision is a Nigeria in which everyone has access to resources for personal development and growth.

“At the core of this project is self-learning which can only be possible if there is free access to educational resources. Now with the launch of our website, www.zodml.org, students and readers all over Nigeria and beyond can access our online library and also take advantage of the various learning tools that the website has.”

Mrs. Esiri announced a bimonthly essay competition for secondary school students as part of activities to project and launch the website. Students will be required to write short essays on their learning process in their various schools. The winning entry will win a net book and a visit to Google Nigeria to experience a day of work at the search engine company.

Also speaking at the launch, Mrs. Ayo Obe, another ZODML trustee and a civil rights crusader lamented the dearth of good libraries where students can just go and have a good read in Nigeria.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 —31

Igbo Law students task senator on good governance

UNILAG student launches books

BY IKENNA ASOMBA & AISHA MOHAMMED TIFFIN

I

N a bid to address the rising spate of moral decadence amongst the teenagers and youth of the country, a Mass communication student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Master Tosin Adesile, has launched two books- “Seidu the Youth Corper” and “The School Leavers.” The books are the fifth and sixth to his credit.

While describing the effort as worthwhile and a remarkable development, especially in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dean of the Faculty, Prof.

Omololu Soyombo lauded the young author, whom he described as “an enterprising, energetic, resourceful and a

highly focused student, who was able to combine his academics with authoring.”

Soyombo said: “With the books, he will further cultivate and promote reading culture, especially among young people whom he made his target audience.”

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude to God whom has seen him through in achieving this feat, the author, Tosin Adesile said: “I thank God Almighty for giving me the opportunity to be alive today.

When I first gained admission into the University, I launched two books like this. Then, I prayed that when I will be graduating, I should also launch two or more books. So today, I feel it’s a dream come true giving back to the society.”

BY ESTHER MARK, UNIJOS

T

Mrs Bunmi Shonde, a programme officer with HDI (left) and the author, Tosin Adesile at the book launch.

Radiance High School graduates 9th set of students

BY IKENNA ASOMBA & LAJU ARENYEKA

N

O fewer than 96 students have graduated from Radiance High School (RHS), Festac, Lagos, in her 9 th Valedictory Service/ Graduation ceremony, held Sunday, in the school premises. Undeterred by the rain-soaked day, members of staff, Board of Directors, parents, kins and kiths of the 2012 graduating set trouped out enmasse to celebrate with their sons and daughters..

Addressing the graduands at the ceremony, the Principal, Mrs. E.N. Okonkwo expressed delight in the landmark feats achieved which

they have achieved after their six years in the school.

She said: “I am particularly delighted to see the magnificently dressed graduating students looking so resplendent. All too soon, you have reached a major milestone in your academic pursuit. You came in as mere starry-eyed children and now, you are leaving as accomplished teenagers with your boots full of pride. It’s a thing of immeasurable pride to see these graduating students radiating with confidence and maturity.

Okonkwo, however, urged them to be good ambassadors of the college, even as they

Frequently Confused Words COMPLIMENT – COMPLEMENT Compliment and complement are frequently confused words. Note the difference in spelling between compliment and complement. The letter ‘I’ in the former and ‘e’ in the latter convey a whole world of meaning difference. Compliment is ‘an expression of praise, admiration or congratulations.’ Complement means ‘something that completes.’ A complement in grammar is ‘a noun group which occurs after

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further their academic pursuits in tertiary institutions of learning within and outside the country. “As you go into the world, guide against dream killers. Believe in your dream, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. As from today, remember that the realization of your bright future, self dignity and the image of RHS are at stake in you. You are not just ex-students of the college, but radiant hope of Nigeria,” she added.

Also, addressing the students on the objectives and importance of education in their life, Dentist and motivational speaker, Dr. (Mrs.) Bosede Akiba advised them to guard their education with

all sense of honour and humility.

Speaking on the topic: “Education for Sustainability: A Dental Surgeon’s Perspectives, Akiba explained that education goes far beyond enrolling a child in school, but rather described it as a prerequisite for the harmonious function of a better society.

“Man becomes nothing without education. No matter how wealthy a man is, without education, something is missing. Among other things, education teaches man to struggle and live for what he believes in. When you have education, you have freedom,” harped the Dental surgeon.

a verb such as be, seem or become’ e.g. in the sentence ‘Professor Niyi Osundare is a renowned poet’, ‘a renowned poet is a complement.’

Each of the two words can be used both as a noun and as a verb. You can pay someone a compliment (noun) i.e. you say something nice about the person. You can compliment (verb) someone i.e. You praise the person. As a plural noun (compliments), you send compliments ‘to express good wishes or respect.

Examples: The Principal paid the brilliant student a compliment on his academic performance.

The cashier did not take the customer’s remark as a compliment.

Compliments of the season!

Communal labour should complement government efforts on road repairs.

Men and women have strengths that complement each other.

OFF-HEAD - BY HEART - OFFHAND Off-head is not an English word (though it is common among Nigerian users of English) but offhand is. Offhand is an adverb which means ‘spontaneous, without needing to think very hard, without preparation or research’; as in

HE National Association of Anambra State Law Students (NAALS), have described as ‘‘victory to all Anambarians and in particular Anambra students’’ the judgement of the supreme court in upholding the election of Mrs. Margery Chuba Okadigbo as sitting senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Anambra North at the National Assembly.

In a statement signed by the president of the association, comrade Marvelous ofodille and made available to Quadlife in Jos, the association said they were congratulating the senator for her patience in ensuring that the rule of law and due process were followed to the end. ‘’justice no matter how long, will always prevail and Senator Mrs. Okadigbo instead of using threat as commonly seen, resolved to have faith with the judiciary’’.

The association further said the unity of Anambra state which is paramount to the youth for which students constitute the larger percentage and senator Okadigbo as a mother and a public officer, together with her family antecedent in the political echelon of Anambra state, remains a pillar to rally around. We all know women in politics have a passion for youth development, peace, and unity and as a mother, we expect she will be a mother to all Igbos and igbo students in particular.

‘Offhand, I can think of five examples of criminals in government’. Do not say offhead, when you want to express that you can remember something perfectly. By heart is the expression to use. By heart implies ‘from memory, by rote’. Example: ‘Some teachers encourage learning poetry by heart’.

IT’S HIGH TIME… The expression ‘it’s high time’…is not followed by a present tense verb though its meaning is present or future. It is always followed by the past tense of a verb. It is ungrammatical to say ‘It’s high time he comes’.

It is an error in the use of verbs. The grammatical sentence is ‘It’s high time he came.’

zCONTINUES NEXT WEEK. Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com & gabosoba002@yahoo.co

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Campus journalists inaugurate new executives

BY STANLEY UCHEGBU, UNICAL

T

HE long awaited inauguration of Nigerian Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar has has finally taken place after some litigations and constitutional irregularities.

The inauguration exercise which kicked off at old the Senate building of the institution was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke who was represented by the Dean, Student Affairs, Prof.

Eyong U. Eyong, Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Effiong Eyo, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Cross River State council, Mr. Albert Andinam, Editor, Cross River State Weekened Chronicles, Mrs. Florence Oluohu, Head, Department of Linguistic and Communication Studies, Dr. Agada Obute, among others.

The inaugurated executives were Ahanonu Emmanuel as the President, Umunnankwe Meachelle (vice-president) and Tobby Godwin as secretarygeneral. Others were Odey Augustine, Afufu Anthony, Gobo Blessing, Odey George, Ademuyiwa Tayo, Essien Clement as deputy secretarygeneral, financial secretary, treasurer, director of programmes, director of socials and director of projects respectively.

Valedictory speech In his valedictory speech, the outgoing President, Emmanuel Ogar extended his profound gratitude to the ViceChancellor, Prof. James Epoke and his team of administrators for the high measure of solidarity and solicitous towards his dispensation. He equally appreciated the efforts of his distinguished executive members who carried out their duties diligently and effectively well and frowned at the unfortunate incident that occurred on 26th and 27th of August 2011 as one that hampered the success of returning of pen brotherhood which he termed National reunion, establishment of campus lens magazines and the press week which is an annual event the campus organized its members for training, he stated. He enjoins the newly inaugurated executives not to allow their personal circumstances influence their official duties.

In his acceptance speech, the C M Y K

Mobil sponsors 2012 STAN quiz contest with N20m

newly President Ahanonu Emmanuel thanked those who supported his candidature which saw his emergence and called all the campus journalists to shed off what he termed toga of projection which is *Legal Adviser of the union, Samuel Umesi administering oath of office capable of jeopardizing and allegiance to the new excos. the tenets and the objectives of the union. great extent the safety of The inauguration witnessed He categorized his pressmen on campus’. the presentation of awards to the administration in dual aspect Speaking at the deserving ones and certificate which is consolidation and inauguration, Editor of of service to the out going innovation. He solicited for the Weekend Chronicle executives. Dean students’ full support of campus newspaper, Mrs. Florence affairs Prof Eyong commended journalists in expanding his Oluohu applauded the frequent on uprightness and objectivity tentacles to other institution of reports of campus journalists of the campus journalists and higher learning and pledged to corresponding from the implore them to cooperate with actualize the clamored National university at the Nation and Student Union Government and reunion. He said: ‘I will build a Vanguard newspapers as well the management on its solid cordial relationship with irrespective of absence of Mass efforts to transform the the management and most Communication profession in institution. importantly guaranteed to a the university.

UK varsity offers four Nigerians scholarships

BY MARVELLOUS AJUDEONU

T

HE joy of four Nigerian students knew no bounds when London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom in collaboration with Murtala Mohammed Foundation awarded them post-graduate scholarships to study courses of their choice at the prestigious university.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Lagos, the Director, International Development of the university, Mr. Mark Bickerton who was optimistic that the present awardees would do well in their various fields of study, said that the past beneficiaries

did well and are back to Nigeria to contribute their quota in national development.

The awardees include Mrs Onyekachi Akwuiwu (Public Health), Ayorinde Rufai (Pharmaceutical Sciences), Mr. Babajide Macaulay (Biomedical Science) and Dayo Afolabi (Nursing).

According to Bickerton, “the purpose of the scholarship abroad is to enable the awardees come back to their country and make impact.”

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Mrs Aisha Mohammed-Oyebode who sees the foundation as a means of fulfilling her late

‘Bring back our culture’

I

N its bid to bring back the Nigerian culture being fast eroded by the European way of life, Kingstep Schools, Festac, Lagos through cultural dance and beauty pageant celebrated their end of session.

Students and teachers were dressed in indigenous attires to grace the occasion.

The secondary section of the school presented an Igbo cultural dance while others presented Yoruba cultural dance. Also, the traditional wears competition amongst students attracted a standing ovation from the parents and teachers.

The Admistrative Manager, Kingstep Schools, Mrs Ngozi Okonkwo noted that the essence of the event which takes place at the end of every session was "to teach our students not to forget the culture of their father land. This could be displayed both in dressing and spoken language."

In his speech, Okonkwo who also urged the students to endeavour to combine sports with academic, commended their predecessors who did well by lifting the 2010/2011 football competition. “You can surpass the achievement of your predecessors,” he said

father ’s dream to give qualitative education to Nigerians, commended London Metropolitan University for their gesture to assist Nigerian students further their education, urging the beneficiaries to use the knowledge that will be acquired to develop themselves and the nation.

Good education Explaining why the foundation partnered with a UK institution, MohammedOyebade said: “It is to ensure that our Nigerian youths were well educated because after the death of my father, our mother gave us the kind of education that made me and my siblings stand tall in the society.”

She added: “I was 12 years old when my father died. When we were growing up, my mother stood by us and gave us good education that made us stand tall today.” She noted that she is always happy when she sees parents supporting their children to get quality education.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Biyi Mabadeje thanked the institution, reiterating that the scholarship awards will assist the recipients acquire more knowledge both to broaden their horizon and develop the nation.

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OBIL Producing Nigeria (MPN), an ExxonMobil Affiliate in Nigeria, has voted over N20 million to bankroll this year's edition of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) National Science Quiz Competition slated for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja between August 6 and 11.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN)have consistently sponsored the competition for 17 unbroken years. The competition, which has both primary and secondary schools categories, is held annually in conjunction with STAN to encourage and reward excellence in science-based subjects among students drawn from all the states of the federation.

Speaking on the sponsorship commitment of the company, the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arinze, said that the NNPC/ MPN JV believes in investing heavily in youths in order to prepare them for future challenges in the nation’s quest to achieve technological development.

Corporate citizen He said: ‘As a responsible corporate citizen of this country, Mobil Producing Nigeria is delighted to announce again that we will sponsor this year ’s edition of the annual STAN National Science Quiz competition. We have consistently over the last 17 years demonstrated, through this sponsorship, our commitment to the development of science education in Nigeria.

Moreover, through this sponsorship, we have shown the organisation’s belief in laying a solid foundation for the country’s technological development through a consistent re-awakening of students’ interest in the study of science-based subjects. With a good grasp of science subjects, Nigerian students are better equipped and positioned to lead the technological revolution that will permeate every facet of the country. That’s the guiding philosophy driving MPN’s consistent partnership with STAN on this project.”

The Executive Secretary, STAN, Dr. Ben Akpan, who expressed the readiness of the association to host both the annual conference and the competition, noted that the support of MPN has been invaluable to the modest achievements recorded over the years by STAN.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 33

LASU alumni charge students on self determination

BY MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI & SADIQ OYINKANSOLAMABEKO, LASU

L

*Students queueing to be accredited at the polls.

UNICAL Social Sciences boils again over SUG elections

BY EMMANUEL AHANONU, UNIMKE IPONG & BLESSING GOBO, UNICAL

T

HE Social Science Students Association (SOSSA), University of Calabar, is engulfed in another political tussle as the Ebri Edmond-led 2010/2011 dispensation ends.

The fight is between two contenders aiming to succeed Ebri Edmond. The Ebri dispensation witnessed countless petitions and counter-

petitions as a result of what some termed “Ebri misrule.”

The election which was staged in the institution’s Hagan Bassey pavilion was massively attended by observers and students as the undergraduate social scientists trooped out en masse to exercise their franchise. The electoral committee members who were drawn from the eight units that make up the faculty, sat neatly and separately from each other with their ink and

the eligible voters' list. There was heavy presence of armed security personnel everywhere to maintain peace.

Speaking, Comr. Ekpe Austin, a level 300 student of Economics and one of the contestants, opined that “at the beginning, everything was moving well, but later, some persons wanted to manipulate the election the way they wanted it,. To some extent, they succeeded until the security personnel intervened.”

The election which started at

about 12:30pm as against the slated 10:00am, was going on smoothly until about 12:45pm when some irregularities were noticed. The irregularities (according to the electorate) was caused by members of the ELECO as noticed during the accreditation.

This was because some students who actually registered for the election could not find their names in the printed list that was used for the accreditation.

Science students hold orientation

BY STANLEY UCHEGBU, UNICAL

N

ATIONAL Association of Science Students, University of Calabar chapter (NASS-UCC) which cut across departments which including physics, pure and applied chemistry, geology, botany, microbiology, zoology, genetics/ biotechnology and many others, has held orientation for their new intakes just last week.

The exercise which was held at New Science Laboratory Theatre hall five popularly known as NSLT 5 was attended

by Prof. Ani Nkang, Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr. (Barr) V. Obianwu, Head,Department of Physics and Dr. Eno Michael, head of Microbiology, Mrs. Chukwuka Icha, the faculty officer, Dr. Eno Ededet, a lecturer from Chemistry department, emeritus President of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, Comr. Ogar Emmanuel, Ubana Blessing, C M Y K

the faculty president, Okuta Emmanuel, the faculty Director of Information and other departmental presidents from the faculty.

The orientation featured one of the most respected comedians on campus, Faddo ‘D’ tokative who was the master of ceremony.

While presenting his address, the Dean of the faculty, Prof.

Nkang congratulated the new students for scaling through admission hurdles which he described as hard nut and urged them to be studious as their success lies in their hands.

He urged them to eschew social vices that are capable of tormenting their academic pursuits and walk on the right direction as their academic journey begins with a step.

Mr. Benson Jonas, a graduate of Political science department, gave his succinct lecture on Academic Excellence.

According to him, the importance of higher education cannot be over-emphasized. He

IFE Line Academy in conjunction with Lagos State University Law Students Association (LASULAWS) has held a meeting tagged: Re-inspire LASU Project to impact on students’ lives.

The programme which was held at Okunuga Hall, Faculty of Law, LASU saw no fewer than 300 students and eminent members of the LASU alumni association in attendance.

Victoria Pepple, a presenter with Silver Bird Television (STV); Bar. Kayode Adedeji, a Lagos-based legal practitioner; Toyin Adesola, founder and executive director, Sickle Cell Anaemia Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) and representative of chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA among others were present at the occasion.

Speaking on Re-Inspiring LASU Project, the author of Still Standing and CEO, SAMI, Toyin Adesola, enjoined students to make their challenges their stepping stones to success while saying that people’s lives are not determined by what happens to them but how they react to what happens.

Numerous challenges

*Kingstep Schools, Festac, celebrate cultural day. advised them to work closely with lecturers and be punctual and regular at lectures and practical classes, adding that failure to do so, will lead to failure.

Dr. Eno Ededet, a lecturer from Chemistry department gave a lecture on how to calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). According to him, the knowledge will help the new students to personally examine himself and his academic

performances even before he gets to the final year.

The faculty president, Ubana Blessing stressed the need to maintain a cordial relationship with both lecturers and students.

In her soft voice full of laden advice, she urged the new students to always put up the respectful attitude while relating or interacting with their lecturers and advised them never to allow extra curricular activities influence the major reasons why they are on campus.

Sharing her experiences as someone with sickle cell anaemia, she narrated a heart-breaking story that drew tears from some of the listeners. She said: “One of the numerous challenges I ever reckoned with is stigmatisation. It’s sad to be condemned by friends and relatives because of one’s natural challenges. I was made to realise that life out there is a jungle especially when I was bed-ridden for six months and later three years and I had to withdraw from school.”

Speaking further, she said that in the spate of condemnations, she became an ‘isolate’ but she is very appreciative to God, having made use of that isolation to think of better things. “One of such things is SAMI, an initiative which advocates for treatment and counselling both for people with sickle cell disease and those going into relationships.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

An educated workforce increases our GDP — John Iyoha In this interview with Amaka Abayomi, Mr. John Aiyemenre Iyoha, Managing Director, Abutech Training Academy, Gwarimpa, Abuja, talks about the relationship among ICT, education and national development, and the role of continuous education.

•Iyoha

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HAT informed the setting up of Abutect Training Academy?

I am a scientist by training from the University of Ibadan, but I have always loved challenges which triggered my interest in ICT. Back then, there were very few schools into ICT training so I started reading to broaden my knowledge about ICT and I became Microsoft certified.

I started an institute of business studies in Festac, Lagos, 15 years ago, and later added the ICT training because almost all the schools then didn’t have computers and ICT centers. We used to go to schools’ proprietors to elicit the interests of their students in computer; if they agree, they schedule us in their time table.

I later set up a company that was involved in diverse areas of ICT because we were gradually moving into core training areas of ICT. With our gathering momentum in training and growth in business, we thought it necessary to separate the

training from the other ICT businesses so that we can allow the training arm to grow. We have trained the Nigeria Police in Kano Zone, the Supreme Court, State House, among others.

Abutech Training Academy was set up solely for training purposes and we have four faculties - Information Technology Communications, Financial Management, Personnel/ Corporate Performance and Governance and Leadership.

Broadbased training So this is a broad-based training institution. It was opened to the public in May 2012.

What are organisations like yours doing to change the trend whereby public schools lag behind in ICT? This is a problem of awareness of importance of ICT, and is not limited to public schools. When we opened shop in May, we ran free trainings all Saturdays in

May and June to elicit the interest of the public in ICT. We are currently working on a project, ICT for Schools, which is a PTDF-sponsored project, whereby benefiting schools receive ICT centers with 50 computers powered by solar. This is done to expose students to the importance of ICT and also help open new avenues and possibilities for them. Aside this, we plan on interfacing with them regularly to train their t e a c h e r s through the train-thet r a i n e r programme.

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We should bear in mind that there are some people who want to go to school, but due to the nature of their jobs, can’t afford to be regular students

hat is y o u r take on the calls by some people to scrap continuous education in N i g e r i a , against the backdrop that we are not getting the r e g u l a r education right?

Continuous education and r e g u l a r education are not the same thing because the regular schools cater for regular students. If one million people sit for UTME

Lagooz rolls out scholarship programme

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HE Lagooz College, Agege in Lagos has designed a scholarship programme for public and private schools in the state.

Explaining details of the programme, Chief Executive Officer of the school, Otunba Yomi Otubela, said the application form which is free, could be obtained from the school or online, stressing that eligibility of candidates C M Y K

involved scoring a minimum of 70 percent in each of the subjects taken during the first and second term examinations of 2011/2012 session.

He said: “Those who qualify for the scholarship scheme must have the option of becoming day or boarding pupils while other documents like birth certificate, originals of report cards must be submitted to the head teachers

and 500,000 gain admission, what becomes of the remaining? They have to find ways to keep themselves busy, enhance their knowledge and seek other avenues to seek admission other than JAMB. And this is where continuous education comes to play.

We should bear in mind that there are some people who want to go to school, but due to the nature of their jobs, can’t afford to be regular students. That is why there are evening and weekend classes for this class of people.

Is there any relationship among ICT, education and n a t i o n a l development?

They are interwoven because one leads to the other. The role of ICT in education can’t be overemphasised because ICT serves as a vehicle through which we get enlightened as it is a reservoir of k n o w l e d g e .

Assuming one is computer- literate and can use the internet very well, you stand a chance of acquiring more knowledge online.

This would drastically bring down the illiteracy level because information and solutions to

office.”

Otubela said that candidates will have written examinations in English Language, Mathematics, General Paper, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accounts and Literature amongst others, adding: “The examination which comes up on August 18 will have the result published on the notice board and website.”

The objectives of the scheme, he claimed is to contribute towards the development of the education sector in Lagos State and the country in general, stressing that he also aimed at addressing the spirit of academic competition among primary and secondary school children.

“While thanking God for our numerous achievements, we want to encourage parents and support public and private education sector in terms of qualitative status,” he added.

problems are just a click away.

In terms of national development, an enlightened workforce would contribute immensely to the overall growth of the country. I keep telling people there is nothing like unemployment just that most of our school leavers are not employable or have not been able to position themselves to be employed.

People can actually go to the internet to learn new skills which would enable them contribute to national development.

NUC mum as House nullifies withdrawal of varsities licences Continues from page 28 oversight powers concerning education. This issue is first of all a legal matter, and one would have to go through the law when considering the rightness or wrongness of the situation. The NUC should have the power to monitor universities which they give licences to but in this situation, there seems to be some form of over-handedness and the universities have the right to ask questions if they feel that they are not being properly treated because we are in a democracy. If the House of Representatives cannot check the NUC, then the commission will be too powerful.”

Barrister Donald Iyashere, a legal practitioner argued: “NUC has been given the statutory power to approve, regulate, sanction and withdraw licences of universities unable to meet up with stipulated criteria. When there is conflict between the universities and the NUC, the House can intervene and consider whether the reasons guiding NUC’s actions are sufficient.

The role of the House is just a mediatory one. Compelling the NUC to go back to its vomit will be tantamount to asking them to compromise on the standard of education, and the NUC has no right to do that.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—35

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

There is disconnection between research and farm practices — MICHAEL MADUKWE

*Prof. Michael Madukwe ...I don’t see why an industry like agriculture should not fast-track development in this country

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HE need for government to fund researches has once again been highlighted as according to Prof. Michael Chukwuneke Madukwe, a professor of Agricultural Extension at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, researchers will continue to do the bidding of those who sponsor them, which in most cases, have no relevance to the society. In this chat with Vanguard Learning, Prof. Madukwe says there is an urgent need for researchers to come together with all the relevant stakeholders especially in agriculture, before embarking on any research that will impact the economy positively.

Excerpts:

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ccording to Prof.

Madukwe who holds special interest in agrotechnology transfer policy and agricultural innovation system, “agriculture has two major areas - agric economics and extension which deals with human issues in agriculture. We look at technologies that have been developed from crop, soil and animal sciences and then see how they are arranged or rearranged to become useful to rural farmers. In extension, I work on agricultural administration systems, looking at systems of innovations in agriculture in Nigeria, how agriculture could be reorganised to become more efficient and more useful to farmers and society. In my studies, I discovered a disconnection between what researchers are doing and farm practices.

There is what we call innovation system in agriculture, talking about key actors within the agricultural

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administration system. You have policymakers, finance institutions, farmers, researchers and marketers.

All these actors play a role in driving that system.”

Policy gaps and way forward: “What you find in Nigeria is that while farmers are doing their thing, researchers and university lecturers stay out somewhere doing something that has no relevance to the needs of farmers. So if you want to have linkage, a few things must be put in place.

“One, research funding. You don’t fund research that is not emanating from the farmers’ problems, otherwise, you will be wasting money. There should be rules and regulations preventing research institutions and university researchers from doing research for its sake, it should be addressing real farmers’ problems. If you stay in your laboratory and develop a technology that nobody actually needs, it will be difficult to sell. So if you identify a problem, invite the key stakeholders in that problem. Take for example the issue of refrigeration of farm produce; you want to do a solar refrigerator for preserving tomatoes. If you go into your lab and produce it, no farmer will touch it but if at the conception of that research, you brought together farmers, those who will produce the machine and those who will finance the production, and the farmer says 'this is exactly what I need' and the financier says 'if you do it this way, I will put in N10.00' and then the researcher says 'well, if you put in N10.00, that will give us this'; you arrive at something. As they are producing it, the farmer is asking for it, the person that

will invest his money will willingly do so because he knows he is going to make profit. But if you don’t, by the time you finish in your lab and bring it out, the farmer first of all, does not know you are solving a problem, you may have to spend extra time and

You don’t fund research that is not emanating from the farmers’ problems, otherwise, you will be wasting money

,

By EBELE ORAKPO

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money trying to convince him.

You don’t do research that way. It is only in Africa you find such.

“In the US, you don’t say you are doing research without tackling real problems. But because government is not funding research, you find a researcher who wants promotion sourcing grants from outside. So if you get a grant from outside, you have to do their bidding. The areas they are interested in may not be relevant to our national needs. But if you also have to use your money to do research, you do research that you can publish, not the one that will solve societal problems. So there are policy gaps we need to look at,” saif Madukwe.

Bringing researchers and end-users closer: “The system of promotion in the university must have to change, government’s position and the rules/ regulations for funding

research in Nigeria must also change if we have to bring researchers and end-users closer,“ he said.

Harping on the need for collaborations, Prof.

Madukwe said although it is costly, but it is a necessity.

Said he: “For collaborations, there is a cost. For example, if I want to do a study on yams at UNN, nobody will expect me to use my money and go to yam-producing communities to buy yam.

Somebody has to fund that initial move – transport fare, accommodation, organising a meeting with farmers to see their problems and decide on the ones I will put my energy into. There is some level of funding to help that networking within the agricultural system for things to move.

“Today ’s economy is knowledge-driven, so the more money you put into education, research and retraining, the greater the growth of the economy. I don’t see why an industry like agriculture should not fasttrack development in this country. “ Solution to unemployment: “We need just seven months to stop unemployment in Nigeria. Rice can be grown in five months and under seven to 12 weeks, you can raise poultry. We can assemble some of these degree and school cert holders from across the local government areas and do a two-week training program for them and they will start production. What do they need? They need backing money for day-old chicks, feed, structure, already paid for and a little collateral. You set up another facility to buy, package and freeze the products and hit the West Africa market. I believe we can capture the broiler market within two months and government has a role to play. Also, oil palm is another crop. The south-east states can mount a three-year campaign, replacing all the old palm trees with new ones.

By the third, fourth year, you are harvesting. Nigeria will be exporting palm oil. All government needs to do is to provide the policies, the financial backing and the market."

Akwa Ibom students to represent Nigeria at the UN … seek sponsorship

BY IDORENYIN INYANG

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INE students of Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State will be representing Nigeria at next year’s National High School Model United Nations [NHSMUN] Conference. The school came tops out of five secondary schools that participated in the selection exercise.

NHSMUN is the premier conference on the high school Model UN circuit which hosts 3,000 participants from 150 schools and over 20 countries.

During the conference, participants represent their assigned delegations in simulated committee meetings and plenary sessions and they deliberate on current burning issues.

According to the organisers,

the forum provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the theory and practice of international relations firsthand.

They also have the opportunity to learn about the UN and the international community through intensively researched debate with their peers in a setting moderated by students from the most elite universities.

The students - Edem Edidiong Anietie, Asuquo Aniebiet Johnson, Etuk Odudoobong Aniefiok, Agwuegbo Chidiogo Godswill, Offong Nyaknoabasi Christopher, Eshiet Vanessa Udosam, James Abasietem Enobong, Akpan Fredaline Akpan and Unah Grace Sunday- will be joining over 3,000 delegates from more than 35 countries in the hallowed chamber of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in March next year.

36—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, , 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—37

SUCCESS RECIPE with UDEME ARCHIBONG

Strategies to cruising in success domain

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*From Left: Dr. Ghalib Fahad, Principal; Mrs Josephine Peters, Marketing and Admin Manger, and Theo Theodorou, Director of Studies, GEC International College (1st from right) and one of the graduating students receiving an award with her mother at the graduation.

FG, NMC celebrate Mathematics

By AMAKA ABAYOMI

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HE Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the National Mathematical Center, NMC, has lined up activities to celebrate the study of mathematics as a subject by students.

This was disclosed by the Director-General, NMC, Mr Adewale Sholarin, who stated that government is resolved to demystify mathematics in secondary schools by making it more appealing to students.

“Mathematics is part of our daily lives and its knowledge helps in solving some of the deepest puzzles in life.

Unfortunately, many students still have phobia for the subject which has brought about their dismal performance in public examinations.

Level of failure “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the NMC, had declared 2012 a Mathematical year because of the worrisome level of failure in the subject. Making 2012 a Mathematical year would not only popularize the subject among primary and secondary school students, but would go a long way in stressing that mathematics is the foundation of science and technology, and the pillar of development.”

Sholarin listed the activities lined up to celebrate mathematics to include: tertiary institutions' competition designed to produce C M Y K

future mathematicians and scientists, and the best teams would represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Competition.

The national mathematics competition for Colleges of Education and Polytechnics; Mr.

President’s Favourite Contest; mathematics queen selection; professor solve this! (a TV programme); and mass production and distribution of mathematics books and mathematics made easy projects.

MTN Foundation, Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu and a Music Scholar at the 5th graduation ceremony of MTNF-MUSON music scholars programme at the Muson centre, Lagos.

A cross section of the recipients of the Astymin reward, during the Astymin Brilliance Reward in Lagos.

uccess does not answer to struggles but wisdom. It is not for the wishy-washy mindset but for those who possess backbone clothed with an obsession for their worthwhile purpose.

Advancing in the success journey entails having a grasp of the know-how of handling the issues of life. The success journey is not always easy but it is simple if one is acquainted with the strategies that could transport one to the pinnacle of success and sustain one there.

Most times reality is hard on vision and success is not always achieved until you’ve conquered several road blocks strewn along the success domain. This brings us to the first strategy which is the ability to handle frustration.

When I think of someone who could handle massive frustration without being daunted, my mind envisions Soichiro Honda.

Here was a man that conceived the idea of a piston rig and decided to produce a sample for Toyota. Honda worked relentlessly day and night and sometimes slept in the workshop.

He even pawned his wife’s jewellery for working capital. At last when he was done, he took the piston rig to Toyota. And guess what happened? Toyota rejected it on the premise that the piston rig did not meet their standards.

Consequently, Honda was ridiculed in school when the engineers laughed at his design. But it didn’t deter his focus. He continued with his re-design and after two years of persistent effort, he won a contract with Toyota. What made him hang on in the face of defeat and ridicule? Tenacity of purpose! Honda managed to build a factory when materials were in short supply, only for the factory to be bombed twice. What an awful discouragement but he still pressed on. Finally, an earthquake left the factory in ruins but this man was too determined to let go.

In the early fifties, he was near bankruptcy and several times his bike failed during races. But Honda dared to believe and gave it his best. He never allowed the frustrating elements of life to destroy his dreams.

Honda grew to become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Therefore, life does not give you what you deserve; it gives you what you demand. Your ability to see the “reaching” in your mind will act as buffer against the frustrating experiences of life. Consequently, there is a desperate need to guard your focus because your life can only move in the direction of your focus.

Ponder on the words of Anthony Robbins, “All successful people learn that success is buried on the other side of frustration, taking each setback as feedback, you can learn from and push ahead.”

The second strategy is the ability to handle financial pressure.

Many dreams and hopes have been dashed due to financial pressure. Financial pressure if allowed breeds scarcity mentality which makes one susceptible to greed, envy and deceit. These vices can choke the chances of attaining true success. The rich could also become the victim of financial pressure. Therefore, handling financial pressure entails having an abundance mentality and knowing how to harness your potentialities and your resources at your disposal to legitimately earn and save money for investment and reinvestment. In essence, the ability to handle financial pressure lies in the ability to manage self (self discipline) and in the ability to effectively manage the resources at your disposal. Remember, the key word is “Management”.

“The solution to a problem I had wrestled with for three solid months came to me when I completely forgot about my needs and became engrossed in finding a way to meet the needs of others,” reveals Zig Ziglar.

The fourth strategy is live to give. We can never attain true and enduring success if we do not help another person to become successful. We need to shift our focus from ourselves and our problems and begin to look for ways to solve the problems of others. We need to lift up the downtrodden. In essence, we should strive to be a blessing to people; it might just be giving a smile, a compliment, an encouraging word, a listening ear, time and even our finances. When we apply this principle, we will begin to experience joy profound and abundant blessing outpouring on our destinies. We need to always give unconditionally and more than we expect to receive. Nothing accelerates the success journey than a large giving heart.

I conclude with the words of Zig Ziglar, “You can get everything you want in life, if you will help enough other people get what they want.”

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

dayobenson@yahoo.com I N S I D E

Celebrating first female Chief Justice — Pg 38

Bakassi Peninsula: ICJ Can government be sued judgment cannot be over people’s welfare? reversed — Lawyers Counsel Corner:

— Pg 39

— Pg 40

Mariam Mukhtar: Challenges before first female CJN

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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Justice Mariam Mukhtar Aloma ,Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN. According to the constitution, the onus is on the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, to forward name of the candidate to the National Judicial Commission, NJC, which in turn, nominates to the Presidency.

If the President approves, he then appoints the candidate and sends the appointee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Meanwhile, there are presently 16 justices at the apex court bench, out of

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USTICE Mariam Mukhtar Aloma, last week Monday, made history as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria. She became the 13thindigenous CJN in the annals of the nation, having succeeded Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who bowed out of service on July 15, after clocking the 70 years mandatory retirement age for judicial officers within that cadre.

Remarkably, since 1963 when the Federal Republic of Nigeria was proclaimed and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became its first President, no woman has ever headed the judiciary.

Statutorily, the CJN heads the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council, NJC, a position that has been the exclusive preserve for men since the country gained independence.

As it stands today, Nigeria has thirteen successive CJNs, with the first being Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, who held sway at the apex court bench from 1958 to 1972.

Prior to 1963, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, JCPC, served as the highest court of the land and sits on appeal over any disputed judgment of the Federal Supreme Court, which existed at that time.

Following the abolition of the JCPC, the Supreme Court became the highest court in Nigeria while the Court of Appeal which was originally known as the Federal Court of Appeal, came into existence in 1976 to entertain appeals from the High Courts of each of 36 states of the federation.

The Supreme Court in its current form was shaped by the Supreme Court Act of 1990 and by Chapter VII of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.

Under the 1999 constitution, the Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction over all lower federal courts and highest state courts.

Decisions rendered by the court are binding on all courts in Nigeria except the Supreme Court itself.

While section 230 of the 1999 constitution, provides that the apex court shall consist of (a) The Chief Justice of Nigeria (b) Such number of Justices of the Supreme Court, not exceeding twenty One as may be prescribed by act of National Assembly.

Sections 231 (1) (2) (3) of the Nigeria Constitution on the other hand, stipulates procedures that must be followed in the appointment of a

Our citizens complained of delayed trial, particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern

,

which only four are women.

Justice Mukhtar holds double record as the first female to be promoted to the Court of Appeal bench, as well as, the first female jurist in the history of the country.

The Kano-born first female lawyer from the northern part of the country was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1967, a year after she was adopted into the English Bar.

By September 24, 1987, she became the first female to be appointed as judge in the appellate court, and was subsequently sworn-in as the first female to ascend to the Supreme Court bench, on June 8, 2005.

It took four years for another female judge, Justice Olufunlola Oyelola Adekeye to equally ascend to the apex court bench, even as Justice Mary Peter Odili, on June 23, 2011, made it three women against eleven men on the bench.

The equation remained that way till Friday, July 13, when the immediate past CJN, Musdapher, performed his last official function by swearing in two new justices into the apex court bench, one of them being a woman, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi and Justice Musa Dantijo.

Although Justice Mukhtar was the first woman on the bench, she quickly ascended the judicial ladder to become the most senior ranking justice

of the Supreme Court besides Justice Musdapher, who retired in-line with the provision of section 291(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Meantime, aside Justice Musdapher who took over the mantle of judicial leadership from Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu in 2011, the ten other past CJNs Nigeria has produced are, Adetokunbo Ademola 1958–1972, Taslim Olawale Elias, 1972–1975, Darnley Arthur Alexander, 1975–1979, Atanda Fatai Williams, 1979–1983, George Sodeinde Sowemimo, 1983– 1985, Ayo Gabriel Irikefe, 1985–1987, Mohammed Bello, 1987–1995, Muhammad Lawal Uwais, 1995–2006, Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore, 2006– 2007, Idris Legbo Kutigi, 2007–2009.

Before her ascension to the Supreme Court, Justice Mariam Aloma held varying positions at different time. She worked as Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Northern Nigeria (1967), Draftsman, Office of the Legal Draftsman, Interim Common Service Agency, Magistrate Grade I, North Eastern Government (1969 – 1973), Chief Registrar, Kano State Government Judiciary (1973 – 1977), Judge – High Court of Kano State (1977),Justice - Court of Appeal (1987),Presiding Justice - Court of Appeal (1993- 2005).

A Life Member of the International Association of Women Lawyers, Justice Mukhtar was recently nominated to take over as the Chief Justice of Gambia, an offer she promptly declined.

Justice Musdapher had in a letter he wrote to the NJC on April, 2012, tendered his notice of retirement. This according to him was to expedite process for the swearing-in of Justice Mukhtar into office.

It is worthy to note that she was one of the three Supreme Court Justices that nearly voided results of the 2007

Continues on page 39

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—39

Celebrating first female Chief Justice

BY DAME CAROL AJIE

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HE Senate historic confirmation hearing of Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, is a most welcomed development, following an extraordinary journey, one could say, similar to the confirmation by the US Senate of the nominee of President Obama of the first female Hispanic, Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the United States’ Supreme Court, albeit a less comprehensive process.

Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended required President Jonathan to make this historic appointment upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC, subject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.

NJC made the recommendation following precedents on seniority.

She is the most senior, so sidelining her and appointing others would have been incongruous. Thankfully, NJC and Mr. President did the right thing and the Senate heightened it at the historic session July 11, 2012.

Paragraph E, Third Schedule Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended requires the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, to advise the National Judicial Council in nominating persons for appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Upon receiving FJSC’s advise, NJC made the recommendation to Mr. President; unlike the US system where the President goes out of his way to search for a nominee and select from a list of qualified candidates.

However, in exercise of his constitutional duties, President Goodluck Jonathan acted in consonance with the wisdom exhibited through NJC’s decision when it recommended Her Lordship in the first week of June, 2012.

However, I had wondered why Mr. President created some anxiety to my mind when it took approximately four weeks to write to the Senate only on July 3, 2012 for confirmation, long after the NJC had done its work.

One would have thought the presidency would have given priority to it in issuing the instrument expeditiously and causing same to be transmitted promptly through the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly matters, to the Senate so that the people will see the presidential enthusiasm that should accompany such history.

In the US, there are 20 female Chief Justices and 30 male Chief Justices. A good number of States in Nigeria have produced a female Chief Judge, some two or more, viz Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kaduna and Lagos States. Other African countries made ‘firsts’ in this regard including Chief Justice Ms Aloysia Cyanzaire of Rwanda, 2003; Chief Justice Georgina Wood of Ghana, 2007 and C M Y K

Chief Justice Umu Hawa Tejan Jalloh of Sierra-Leone, 2008. It edifies and exults to join the continent’s league of judicial reformers in a way that is significant.

The Justice Mukhtar, CJN, had worked twice as hard as others, as a Judge through the hierarchy of courts before she was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in June 2005, a measure that wholly prepares her for the challenging task ahead. Of impeccable integrity, earned momentous respect from members of the Bench and Bar in a way that is unprecedented. Accomplished, she comes with iconic experience and

•Carol Ajie

legendary judicial finesse. Adored by many who look upon her as our super model and mentor; firm yet fair with a reputation for intellectual precision and zero tolerance for corruption, fit as the 13th CJN and first female to ascend this zenith, at a time the judiciary seeks the cleansing of the Augean stable, to win public respect.

Ajie; Professor Scholar Juris, Constitutional and Human Rights Lawyer. Fellow, Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa, Georgetown Law Center, Washington D.C.

Challenges before first female CJN Continues from page 38 election that brought late President Musa Yar’Adua and President Jonathan to power.

In determining the final judgment in the election appeal that was filed by former head of state who was the presidential candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, Major Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, whereas the quartet of Justices Kutigi, KatsinaAlu, Niki Tobi and Musdapher, dismissed the appeal, Justice Mukhtar, George Oguntade and Walter Onnoghen, in their dissenting judgment, maintained that the allegation of substantial noncompliance with the Electoral Act, 2006, was proved by the petitioner.

Interestingly, Musdapher and Mukhtar were originally judges in old Kano State before state creation moved the former CJN to Jigawa shortly after he was appointed the state Chief Judge.

Though Mukhtar was appointed judge in 1977, while Musdapher was appointed on January 1, 1979, however, Musdapher ended up being her senior both at the Court of Appeal and the apex court.

As it stands today, Justice Mukhtar will only spend about two years and four months in office as she will be due for retirement on November 20, 2014 when she will also clock 70 years.

In-view of the perceived high level

of moral decadence in the judiciary, President Goodluck Jonathan has already set an agenda for the new CJN, saying she must not only rid the judiciary of corruption, but equally tackle impediments to justice administration in the country.

According to the President, “Your Lordship will preside over the judiciary at a time of profound changes that demand united response. We believe that judiciary can play a crucial role as we confront critical challenges.

“We are dealing with security challenges occasioned by sporadic acts of terrorism in some parts of the country. The three arms of government must work together to overcome this terrorist threat and acts in the country.

“The war against corruption is another endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of government. I am confident that the judiciary, under your able leadership, will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges.

“Our citizens complained of delayed trial, particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern. This complaint has led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed. It will

be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call.”

In her response, Justice Mukhtar who had earlier vowed to weed out all the corrupt judicial eggs in the country, said there may not be need for the establishment of special courts to try corrupt government officials.

Her words: “A judge, two or three in the states can be designated to take care of that. I will again go back to what I said in the Senate, that I will lead by example and I will hope and pray that the others will follow.”

On security challenges, she said: “I did say, during my screening in the Senate, that we will partner with the authority to ensure that we curb this menace.”

On delayed trials, she said: “It is not the fault of the judges alone. We have counsel to contend with bringing various applications. We have the Constitution also to contend with.

“Witnesses will not be available and there is a whole litany of reasons for this delay. You just place the blame at the doorsteps of the judges.”

Having assumed office, it is expected that the new CJN will immediately settle down with a view to discharging the overwhelming judicial responsibilities that has been placed upon her shoulders.

It is time for her to prove her critics wrong by giving credibility to the age long maxim that “what a man can do, a woman can do even better!”

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY JULY 26, 2012

VANGUARD LAW IN PIX Can government be sued over people’s welfare?

I really want to know if any action can be instituted

against the government to compel it to cater for people’s welfare? I ask this question because recent developments in the country seem to suggest that this democracy is not for the generality of the people, but only for the ruling elite. For example, some state governors are not willing to pay the new minimum wage which has now become law. They have asked the federal government to remove fuel subsidy if the new minimum wage has to be paid.

This is certainly not in the interest of the people. Also, from July 1st electricity tariff will go up despite persistent darkness Nigerians are being subjected to. The question one may ask is why hike the tariff when power supply is still epileptic? So, are people going to be paying more for improved power supply or longer hours of darkness? Amid all these, our lawmakers are earning jumbo pay when millions of Nigerians are suffering.

As if this is not enough, President Goodluck Jonathan is planning to create more ministries so that every state will have ministers of equal status.

The implication of this is that government recurrent expenditure will leap sky-word while capital expenditure for development will further slump. So, I ask the question again, can any legal action be taken against this government on this issue?

–Samuel, Abuja.

There is no doubt that people’s welfare is the fundamental objective of government. That is where democracy derived its widely accepted definition as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. What this definition implies is that the essence of democracy is about the people.

Specifically. S. 14 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the government’s objective. According to the Section, (a) sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through its Constitution derives all its powers and authority; (b) the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government: and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Additionally, the issue of people’s welfare is further provided for in other sections of chapter two of the Constitution which deals with fundamental objectives and directives principles of state policy. Such provisions are found in S.13, S16 (1) and (2) (a), S.16 (2) (a) and (b).S. 17 (a) © (d) and (f) and S. 18 (1). According to the sections. It shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of this Chapter of this Constitution. 13.

It shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of this Chapter of this Constitution. (a) sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through its Constitution derives all its powers and authority; (b) the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government: and (c) the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. 16.-(1) The State shall, within the context of the ideals and objectives for which provisions are made in this Constitution - adequate medical and health facilities for a persons; (a) children, young persons and the aged are protect against any exploitation whatsoever, and against moral material neglect; d, a dynamic and self-reliant economy; (b) .control the nationa1 economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of (c) the health, safety .and welfare of all persons i employment are safeguarded and not endangered or a.-(1) Government sh(a) harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an there are adequate medical and health facilities for a persons; (f) children, young persons and the aged are protect against any exploitation whatsoever, and against moral material neglect; 18.-(1) Government shall direct its policy towards ensure that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.

Government shall promote science and technology.

Regrettably however, these provisions of the constitution are not justiciable.That is, they cannot be enforced by court of law even the government fails to comply with the provisions despite the letters and spirit of S.13.

So, a direct answer to your question is that no action can be taken against the government even if it neglects the people’s welfare.

But this situation may change if a subsisting class action filed by former NBA president Mr. Olisa Agbakoba against the Federal Government succeeds. The suit which is pending before a Federal High Court in Enugu was filed by Mr. Agbakoba on behalf of himself and the South-East geopolitical zone over alleged neglect of the area and its subjection to inequitable share of the nation’s resources over the years.

You can send your questions to dayobenson@yahoo.com or 08056180119 (text only) C M Y K

NIALS holds valedictory dinner for Justice Musdapher Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies, recently held a valedictory dinner in honour of immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

From left: Ambassador Joseph Ayalogu, Ambassador Aminu Waziri and Director General, NIALS, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN.

From left: New Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, immediate past CJN, Jutice Musdapher and wife, Fatima.

From left: Mr Michael Lana, and Director of Research NIALS and Prof Bolaji Owasanoye.

Dr. Valerie Azinge (left) and Justice A. O. Otaluka.

Chief Solomon Awomolo, SAN (left) and his wife, Victoria.

From left: Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Mr John Odubela and Mr Godwin Abali.

A cross-section of NIALS Choir.

Mr Rickdey Tarfa, SAN (lef) and Justice H. A. Nganjiwa.

Mrs Olivai Agbajoh (left) and Col. Bello Fadile (rtd).

From left: Mr Kingsley Agomoh and his wife, Chidinma and Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chairman, Mr Afam Osigwe.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—41

Bakassi Peninsula: ICJ judgment cannot be reversed — Lawyers

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE Following last Tuesday’s resolution of the House of Representatives r that the Federal Government should review judgment of the International Court of Justice, ICJ, that ceded Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon in 2002, Vanguard Law and Human Right sought the views prominent lawyers, including Senior Advocates and Professors of Law. Excerpts: Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) The Reps., obviously, have no international lawyer as their staff. Otherwise, they would not be wasting time and resources talking about that. How can the Federal Government revert a decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has far been implemented. It is not possible.

It is like the Supreme Court having taken a decision and you say it should be reversed.

Even if you go to the ICJ, it cannot be reversed anymore.

You can go back to say that some fundamental facts, which you were not aware of when it did its judgment, has since arisen. And in the light of those new facts, the Court should reconsider its judgment, which is within six months. Now it is over ten years. So it is a lost case, there is nothing anyone can do except to go to war against Cameroun. If we do that, the consequences will be terrific.

On the “Green Field” agreement, to have been binding on Nigeria after it must have passed through the ratification of the National Assembly, that is an internal impact that is within the Nigeria system. The international community and international law is not interested in our domestic system. Once you have signed or ratified, that is the end of it. Whether you are inefficient within your domestic system and you do not fulfill the requirement of your domestic law, it has no impact on international laws and international relations at all.

So that is our own problem.

It is not a problem for the United Nations, the International Court of Justice or any other body outside Nigeria. It is not their problem, it is our problem.

Lanre Ogunlesi (SAN) Well! If there is a new fact to

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support the new suit, then they can do so. Yes these are new facts, but I don’t see the new facts that will now avail them because the parties were the same before, the issues were the same, now what so facts would they have said were now not available at the time the matter was in court? Courts matters are not done in piece-meal.

Saying that the decision of the Federal Government was in breach of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which says that the Green Field agreement has to go through the ratification of the National Assembly, which is an internal problem and not the World Court problem.

What will the new facts change, will it change the fact that the land does not belong to Bakassi? Those are the things that have to be looked at. They were there when the matter was taken to World Court and you see this is an internal matter, not external.

So the new facts will not affect the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Prof Oyelowo Oyewo That is probably a joke. A big joke because the ICJ judgment is being implemented and those are some of the things that you don’t understand. There are so many articles we have written in the last year; they don’t invite any intellectual input into their discussions before they make such a pronouncement. It is a disgrace.

The European Government

•Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) and the US Government have all contributed money. There is a work that is being done, that was financed by a German Human Rights outreach. There is a book that was contributed to scholars to contribute for the implementation and it has been implemented. I don’t know what they are talking about.

Judgment is not something that you wake up one day and say “go and set the judgment aside”. And who will set aside the ICJ judgment; do they think it is the Nigerian judgment? This people should stop putting us in the light that the whole world will be laughing at us.

How would they say that the Green Tree Agreement was a breach of the Nigeria Constitution? Look there was a judgment, we are not talking about a treaty and Nigeria held itself bound by that judgment. Nigeria and

•Prof Oyewo Cameroun constituted a body for the implementation of that judgment under the aegis of the office of the Secretary General of the United Nation.

Government of other countries had contributed money, what is Nigeria doing all this while?

Seriously, they should face things that are more important than all these. Let them give us light.

Chief Morah Ekwunoh Whether the fresh process will seek to set aside or vary the ICJ judgment, it will fall flat like a pack of cards or house on a quick-sand. This is because the Court having delivered its judgment, is functus officio and cannot revisit same for purposes of writing another one, in its stead, on the same or similar issue. Otherwise there will never be end to litigations.

Variation of same can only be done in order to correct

clerical or grammatical errors, or for enabling its meaning come out clearly, as to bring into being its easy enforcement. In the present case, non of these situation exists to warrant a revisit of the judgment, which in any case is already executed with shameful funfare from Nigerian leadership.

Clinging on the tiny straw of defects in the “Green Tree” agreement, which I admit exist, does not provide any magical oxygen needed to resuscitate the dead horse in the Nigerian case, since there is always presumption of regularity in processes leading to official or judicial acts.

Bamidele Aturu Well! I agree with them, that if there are circumstances showing that the decision of the ICJ could not be defended or rationalized, then the government should not abandon the Bakassi people.

Whether we like it or not, there are affiliations between them and our people here and it is difficult for Nigeria to just forget about them.

So whatever the government can do, on the sense of the Bakassi people, I think it is worth doing. Ofcourse, government may begin to raise issues of the matter which have already been decided. But I think we should look at our own interest as a nation and the interest of our people in Bakassi. These people have been Nigerians and to just take them away from their social relationship with us, I think it is creating a strong dislocation.

A Socio-Legal Analysis of GaniF awehinmi’s Human GaniFa Rights Praxis (2) understanding of what role

BY PROF OBIORA OKAFOR

These are of course difficult questions to ask about any human rights defender or group, what morewhen they are being asked about the work of such a celebrated iconic human rights figure as Gani. For, as MakauMutua has correctly noted, human rights defenders and the human rights movement now occupy a high “moral plateau,” a high level of more or less deserved venerationthat too oftenimpedes efforts at the rigorous assessment of their methods, approaches, coherence, and effectiveness.Indeed, as Susan Dicklitch has noted: Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have a

•Gani Fawehinmi certain mystical, venerable quality to them. They are often portrayed as fighting for the poor and helpless, especially in developing countries,.…

It is thus sometimes difficult to develop a clear, unbiased, and realistic

NGOs really do play in the context of democratic transition and human rights protection.

This difficulty is even more pronounced when the scholars who must undertake such balnced enquiries do themselves support these human rights defenders and feel as if they are part and parcel of the human rights movement. Yet, as difficult as it is to ask the hard questions about the good and not-sogood sides of the human rights praxis of accomplished activists such as Gani, scholarly rigour and integrity demand that these questions be fairly posed, investigated and answered. And that is one of the objectives of this paper.

In order to systematically pursueall of its objectives, the paper is organized into

five main segments, this introductory section included. In Section II, the character of Gani’s human rights praxis is analyzed and exposed. Section III is devoted to an assessment of the attainments of his human rights efforts; i.e. the extent to which he has “added value” to the effort to improve the human rights situation in Nigeria and beyond. In Section IV, the limitations, if any, of his approach to the human rights struggle are examined.

Section V concludes the paper with a conceptual reflection of the lessons that may be learned from Gani’s praxis regarding the immanence or otherwise of human rights dualities.

To be continued

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 Edited by MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU 08026350360 E-mail: chimeena@yahoo.com

A woman weaving Akwete cloth

AKWETE CLOTH:

An Igbo textile art

BY MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU & APPOLOS OZIOGU IBEBABUCHI

W

EAVING is an ancient craft of man dating to the early new stone age when he learnt to make a rough kind of clothing from the fibers of flax plants. Weaving is described as the orderly interlacing of fibres and pressing them together to make the cloth. In Nigeria, cloth weaving is universally practised in most urban areas and cities like Abeokuta, Ilorin, Iseyin, Akwete, Okene, Benin, Sokoto, Borno, Kano, Bida and Iseyin area among others. Raffia and cotton are most-widely used in clothweaving in Nigeria.

Cloth is material of great economic, cultural, political and social importance. Before the introduction of coinage currency in Nigeria, cloth was used as trade good and currency item. It is worn for body beautification and decoration, and for ceremonies. There are different types of cloth-making among various ethnic groups of Nigeria. The Yoruba are famous for Aso-Oke traditional fabric weaving.

Aso-oke is just a local homespun cotton cloth woven by men as narrow-strip cloth, usually woven with vertical stripes in different colours on background coC M Y K

lour. The Hausa are known for Kura cloth-making which is deep blue black and shining design.

The Igbo also are known widely for Akwete-cloth weaving which is basically done by women.

Akwete cloth is a special woven fabric by Igbo women in Akwete area near Aba in Abia State. It is originally referred to as “Akwa Miri” (Cloth of the water) meaning towel. Akwete cloth weaving is said to be as old as the Igbo nation.

Socio-cultural importance: Because of the dexterity of the weavers who demonstrated evincingly great mastery of technique and beauty of design, the art of Akwete-cloth weaving was erroneously believed to have been introduced from Okene in Kwara state where a similar but highly developed style earlier existed.

Patterns of red and black designs However, Akwete cloth comes in different colours and designs.

Some are in the patterns of red and black designs, interwoven in geometric patterns on the white ground which is favoured by Igbo men. It is mainly used as a towel for bathing. The Akwete cloths, woven from sisal-hemp fibres are of coarse type, used by

masqueraders, and by warriors as headgears, while those made from raffia fibres are used on religious occasions like the Ozo titleship, and for mourning by women.

But the most popular Akwete cloth is the type of cotton fabric woven from cotton fibres in colourful patterns; the weavers have much preference for bright and strong colour like red and yellow. Traditionally, the raw cotton fibres that surround and protect cotton seeds do undergo some processes before use,

namely: First, ginning process, to form the warp and then the by which the cotton seeds are re- weft thread (net-work of thread) moved from the fibres by rolling is passed over and under the a rod over the cotton ball. Sec- warped thread. ond, bowing process, which inThe weft thread can be passed volves making cotton fibres fluffy over more than one warped by flicking the string of a small thread at a time to produce varibow against them until they look ations of thread colours and patlike cotton wool. terns in the woven cloth. As the Third, spinning process, which weaving progresses, the finished is done by pulling the fibres into cloth is slipped down over the threads. Processing of the cotton lower beam and up and back. fibres from the cotton seeds is not Then, the weaver uses a weavthe same with that of the raffia ing stick to separate the odd and fibres. Raffia as we know is the eve warp thread before she winds fibre from the fresh leaf of the the weft thread onto a long narrow stick which is passed palm tree. The profrom side to side. cess of extracting fiIt is expedient to reitbre from the thorny erate that Akwete cloth is raffia palm frond deusually made of cotton mands a special skill thread, and the decoraby the woman weavtive motifs are produced er. She first of all starts with cotton threads of a from the tip, the disheavier texture or rayon tal end by splitting it, silk. and then gently pulls Politics of cloth: The down to the infloresdecorative motifs appear cence. mostly on one side of the Weaving as gencloth, though they can der defined job: She appear on both sides. dries the fibres in the The decorative motifs are sun or by the fire place given names which are to make them dry suggestive of their apenough for use in pearance. A few among weaving. Generally, them are animals heart; it is women who pro- The most children’s fingers; comb; cess the raffia fibres earring; snake-back; stool or cotton fibres or any popular and tortoise. other kind of fibres for Akwete However, some weavused in weaving. cloth is the ers can give different names to motifs that are Wide vertical type of not suggestive of their loom cotton fab- appearance. In the olddays, the “tortoise” Weaving is done on ric woven en motif (ikaki) is only worn a loom. There are two types of loom name- from cotton by members of royal families and if anybody from ly: horizontal loom fibres in non-royal family dares which is used by men wear it, he or she could weavers; vertical colourful be punished or be sold loom, used by wominto slavery. The “ebe” en weavers. Both patterns design is specially retypes of loom operate served for use as a proon the same principle.

An Akwete woman weaves on tective talisman for pregnant a wide vertical loom which pro- women or warriors. Most of these duces cloth about 115cm wide x designs or motifs are by inspira1609cm long; the length of the tion because the weavers claim finished product is normally twice that certain motifs are revealed the height of the loom. Thus, af- to them by the gods, and as a ter processing the cotton to de- result, no weaver is allowed to sired thread form, the weaver copy the design and it therefore fixes a set of threads on the loom dies with its owner.

2012 Osun Osogbo Festival holds August

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

P

LANS have been conclud ed for the 2012 Osun Osogbo Cultural Festival to be hosted

by Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Olanipekun Larooye 11, in collaboration with State Government of Osun come August, 2012.

The cultural fiesta which has been widely described as a leading platform for cultural tourism development in Osun State and Nigeria will feature interesting pre-festival events such as, school cultural competition, workshops and Festival Art exhibition which will take place on Au-

g u s t 1 5 .

Most notable features of the grand finale include; PMAN’s Performance day to hold, August 20, HIV-AIDS Promotional Campaign and Sisi Osun Cultural Pageant and Asa Musical Concert, both to take place on Thursday, August 23. The Osun Oshogbo Festival Grand finale and Royal reception for sponsors and invited dignitaries are billed to hold on 24th August at Palace’s White House and attendance is strictly by invitation.

Speaking at the conference heralding the event, the Festival Working Committee Chairman

High chief Popo Bolarinwa who first praised the sponsors - MTN Nigeria; Star- Nigeria Breweries Plc; Seaman’s Schnapps- Grand Oak; Eagles Schnapps- Intercontinental Distillers, for their support which the festival has always enjoyed, disclosed that beginning from August 13 to 24, the two week long cultural fiesta would be a big plus to tourism development in the country.

Bolarinwa said: ”the existence of cultural awareness and peace not only in Osogboland but in Osun State as a result of the establishment of the festival which led to

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, THURSDAY,JULY 26, 2012— 43

Mural by Prof. Agbo Folarin, one of the works allegedly defaced at MMA

Renovating to kill arts at Murtala Muhammed’s Int'l Airport

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

A

LOT has been said about the way Nigeria as a country values the works of creativity. While few individuals have respect for artists and their works, many, and especially the leaders do not have regard for works of the creative imagination and their creators.

This non recognition of the import of creativity by Nigerians and managers of the State is equally and sadly manifested in the way the country’s museums and national galleries are neglected.

A country like Nigeria that has produced great artists like the late Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, Uche Okeke, Prof. Bruce Onabrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Yinka Shonibare etc whose works adorn many first class museums, public and private galleries around the globe cannot boost of a befitting national gallery and the authorities concerned are not doing anything about it.

They do not appreciate the works of this great artists neither do they have plans to preserve their works neither for them nor for prosperity.

Even, as the proposed National Gallery of Art’s bill to the National Assembly, which canvases for regulation of art in public spaces is being awaited, the recent destruction of art works at the Murtala Muhammed International airport by the authorities as a result of the ongoing renovation works calls for a concerted action by the those concerned to do something and fast too.

Art enthusiasts have cried out at what they saw at the airport where the works of some of the masters like Prof. Yusuf Grillo, Late Prof.

Agbo Folarin, Jimoh Bramoh and Isiaka Osunde are destroyed, bringing credence to the fact that Nigerians do not value what they have.

As a result of the renovation, Flight, a 5 piece frieze ( on each side of the arrival lounges) produced by Yusuf Grillo is reduced to one while a glass mosaic mural titled Spirit of man in flight by late Prof Agbo Folarin erected at the entrance is defaced.

Architectural design Other works by other artists are also touched and one annoying aspect of this development is that the artists are not consulted neither the Society of Nigerian Arts contacted too before this apparently sacrilegious act.

Many reasons have been adduced for the action, topmost being the fact that the

new architectural design of the expansion is different from the way it was when the works were still part of the airport’s embellishment.

But observers are saying that no matter the new arrangement, such works should have been built into the new design . And in reaction to the ugly development, Our reporter sought the views of some art patrons and they all expressed their displeasure with the action.

According to them, it is only in Nigeria where they do not have value for art that such a thing can happen. They argued that no matter the changes to the environment, the identity of the works should have been sustained.

Chief Frank Okonta, Association of Gallery Owners of Nigeria, (AGAN) chairman described the action as terrible. “That will be terrible because the art works were bought by the federal government. The airport belongs to the federal government. I have

not heard about it but if it is true, it is terrible. The authorities of the airport are supposed to gather them properly and keep and after renovation they bring them back.”

For embittered art collector/promoter, Omooba Adedoyin Yemisi Shyllon , “it is not surprising to me , in a country that does not look at the past neither is it planning for the future. I am not surprised that our cultural heritage is been destroyed, the creativity of our great artists are been ignored. In other countries of the world, that is one area that could be preserved for the good of our children and great grand children.” Continuing he stated that “it is not the best way to preserve the creativity of our people and also our way of life. It is very very disgusting and disappointing that you got to renovate an airport and you now destroy the creativity of great men like Yusuf Grillo, a man who has toiled for this country and who has creat-

ed wonderful piece of works of art only for some miscreants to bring it down.

People like Jimoh Braimoh and late Isiaka Osunde, who is now late, if you destroy his works, that means that you have destroyed everything about his life. It is very painful. For some of us who are stakeholders in creativity in this country, we are pained when we see things like that been done.” He said.

Kolade Osinowo, artist and former President of SNA said that “it shows our attitude towards visual art. It just shows that people don’t care. In other countries, those works even if they were going to be removed, they would have consulted and ask, what do we do with these works, do we build around it, how do we preserve it. But it is part of our life, we just don’t care, we have no sense of history, a valuable work

by Yusuf Grillo, Agbo Folarin. I traveled , came back and those were the news I was welcomed with. It is appalling.

It just tells you that usually here we don’t have consultation, they don’t believe that the artist deserves to be consulted.”

2012 Osun Osogbo Festival holds August Continues from page 42

the enlistment of Osun Grove in July 2005 by UNESCO as a world heritage site is one of the best ways to boost the nation’s economy and interaction with the outside world.

“The Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration has transformed and is still transforming the Osun Grove within nineteen months in office. He has structurally created free movement at the Grove, adding that the “governor has demolished the existing pavilion in the

Grove and immediately embarked on the re-construction of a theartre-like stage. He is also re-modifying the festival route with construction of road drainage system in addition to designated car parks”.

Bolarinwa added that the government is treating the issue of security of lives and properties within the state of Osun seriously by making adequate security arrangement for the grande presentation.

Also speaking, MTN representative Stella Nwosisi said that the festival is a

leading world heritage fiesta which provides an opportunity for Nigerians to interact and know how best to go back to their roots. She said: “MTN Shares same values on leadership and relationship as the festival projects, which is the reason it would continue to lend its support”.

Soyode said the occasion is not only an opportunity to showcase Osun Oshogbo festival but most importantly, to share cultural heritage of the black to the world, “thereby helping us remember that there is need for us to retrace our roots rather than copy Europe or America.”

44— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

*Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson

Dickson is widely credited to have started on a note of difference. Matching words with action, the government has impressed with wooing runaway construction giant, Julius Berger back to the state. At the height of militancy in the region, the German firm noted for quality construction projects delivery abandoned its stakes in Bayelsa and the East West Road, forced out after two of its expatriates were killed in uncontrolled violence in the land.

*Yenagoa, capital city of Bayelsa State...work in progress

DIVERSIFYING MONO-ECONOMIC BAYELSA:

Odds, consequences •Terrorists, ritualists, kidnappers hold sway and interventions With an economy almost solely dependent on the government, Bayelsa State has an overstretched responsibility to meet its core obligation to build infrastructure and improve lives. Some discerning private investors are, however, initiating drastic measures to change the situation for the better, EGUFE YAFUGBORHI reports.

A

T a glance, even a first time visitor to Yenagoa, the state capital, notices that the economy in rapidly expanding Bayelsa State revolves around the State Government. As a young state, government at all tiers, particularly at the state level, is saddled with herculean primary task of raising infrastructures and institutions to support development and improve living standards for the surging population.

For the private sector, such an environment is supposed to present an attractive world of new economic frontiers of multifaceted sectors, the reason an observer would think is responsible for the rapid human migration to Yenagoa, the state capital. Ironically since her 1996 creation, the Bayelsa situation has defied this common premise.

Everything in Bayelsa is all about the government. The productive sector noted for sharing the burden of easing mass unemployment with the government is almost nonexistent. Industries for genuine secondary or tertiary production are lacking. The private sector is saturated with service providers, buying and selling, and contracting with government as the super client or customer.

That has left business attentions fixated on government to provide not just basic infrastructures. In specifics, the increasing number of hotels and food chains cannot survive without the patronage from government, its fronts or those swarming the state to look for limited government opportunities. In specifics, all contractors, concentrated in

Yenagoa scramble only for limited contracts from government and its agencies or institutions; all applicants have only government to bombard with applications for job engagements. The circle goes on and on.

The challenges, effects: Clearly, the environmental terrain in Bayelsa is constant among the challenges discouraging effective private sector participation in the state’s economy. Emerging indigenous investment giant and former commissioner in the state, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani puts it, “we (Bayelsans) live below sea level.” The cost of investing in a predominantly coastal terrain scares private investors.

Hotbeds of piracy Beyond this primordial causative factor, insecurity has been the bane of development in no mean measures. At the height of militancy in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa was one of the hotbeds of piracy, kidnapping, mostly of external investors, destruction of established or sprouting investments and wanton killings.

Earliest investors who were

Long term job engagements

beginning to grow human and capital resources in the fallow The easily measurable gain economy were forced out in from the return of Julius Berger droves. With investors’ is not only of renewed public confidence drained by both confidence in the delivery of top remote and immediate quality roads and other weaknesses, government is left infrastructure being handled by standing alone with an the firm. The construction giant overstretched burden to develop has also spontaneously, by its infrastructures, provide presence in Yenagoa, reduced the employment and dictate growing population of the commerce. Because unemployed in the government can only do state by providing as much with limited short, medium and resources, the situation possibly long term job has instigated mass engagements to unemployment, the deserving applicants, pace of development some of who may drastically slowed and have been jobless for increased cost as years. government meant One of the lucky so Azikel is newly engaged, everything.

Interventions: If ready to Bruce Ekiye testified government has been that, “I have been standing alone for so deliver the contending with long in the task of first three doing commercial developing Bayelsa, the cycling with all the job of regaining aircraft to associated risks since investor’s confidence for kick-start a leaving technical much needed economic school. I dropped my turnaround equally Bayelsa bike the minute I was rested squarely with owned employed as government. Over the operations support in airport. years, successful the Berger yard. It is administrations seemed When that a thing of joy. The pay to have concentrated on time comes, is encouraging." motion with In added insignificant movement; Azikel Air interventions, the all talks, no action.

Deputy would shift State Going by early Governor, Rear manifest results so far, base to Admiral John Jonah, the current Bayelsa a couple of weeks administration by back also harped on Governor Seriake Continues on page 45

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 45

Diversification of Bayelsa's mono-economy who won similar opportunities that year have started producing.

The implication, according to Mr. Gibson Ezekiel, a safety and environmental expert, is that government has no business getting in the direct investments.

“Government can only provide the infrastructures, peace and The Oka 800 S125 aircraft...set to commence commercial flights to security to create the enabling Yenagoa environment for the employed as security personnel. private sector to come Today, he has been trained on all in”, he said. the rudiments of the dredger Concurring to this operations. He know everything basic reality, in his and he is managing one of our words, Chairman of dredgers and currently rewarded Bayelsa based Azikel with up to N450,000 monthly Group of Companies, pay.

Dr. Eruani, said: “The From the success scored with political world is the dredging interest, Azikel has different from the diversified. Recently, it business world. announced the acquisition of an Government does not aircraft to in pursuit of full scale understand the commercial airline. The aircraft, business world.” the Oka 800 S125, was delivered Beyond spotting the to augment a fleet of an existing problem, Eruani, a *Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani , Azikel Group craft and helicopters earlier familiar political figure chairman acquired by the group’s in the state had also long realised depending on hired dredgers. At subsidiary, Azikel Air. The that no external investor would the moment, the company boasts group’s president said the firm come for meaningful venture of six intensive dredgers, boats has been discreet about the unless the people who own the and a fleet of tipping trucks and earlier fleet until such a time it land set the pace. “We know the loading equipment, enjoying was prepared for effective area, we own it. We know it is near monopoly for its commercial air business. peaceful now. We know there are competitively reduced rates. The lots of opportunities. And we Group president admits business Long term know we can make things work. has been good. strategic plan So we need to prove it before Today, that business has others can come with the expanded Currently, both the Azikel Air into active confidence to join in developing involvement in several major fleet are involved in charter Bayelsa”, he declared. projects from channel flights from a base in Abuja. The Indicators of positive canalisation and major President believes in the next c h a n g e : R e a l i s i n g reclamations for the oil industry, couple of months, Azikel should meaningful drift from federal government and the host go commercial full scale. In the solely government Bayelsa state. In business sense, medium and long term strategic driven economy and taking the opportunity was a plan, the company has its eye set development would not classical step adopted by the on establishing the first airline on gel until indigenous company to gain a greater its home soil, Bayelsa. That investors take the proportion of government predisposes that the company initiative, stakeholders expenditure by reducing the cost already has the resources and like Eruani may have of sand for both government and waiting on government to take taken the bold first the people of Bayelsa State for responsibility for the provision of move. Built on a ease of development.

Political a functional airport in Bayelsa. sustainable investment It is confirmed the state intrigues template of “starting Burden of government is impressed with small and growing big”, employment partnering talks already at the Immediate past he floated Azikel level of determining technical Governor, Timipreye Dredging firm based in Sylva, consciously From a human face, the Azikel details to go into the process of Yenagoa. shunned work on the initiative is also proving to relieve airport construction. “Azikel is The sole objective for government of the burden of ready to deliver the first three The state hotel project.

Only recently, the government taking sand from the employment for the vast aircraft to kick-start a Bayelsa surrounding rivers, unemployed. With a staff base of owned airport. When that time current governor, according to the Group 500 currently and still climbing, comes, Azikel Air would shift and other Dickson, has deemed President, was to the group is humbled by being base to Bayelsa." it fit to revive relevant provide cheaper sand at able to create sustainable jobs In other interests, Azikel construction on the project which is no stakeholders cost effective arms and offering a new lease of life Petroleum has its corporate eyes length to government to families in Bayelsa and from set on active participation in the surprise to anyone must be and individuals, diverse other backgrounds in the oil upstream and downstream familiar with the knowing the Niger Delta. sectors. In the next bidding political intrigues. In concerned the other instance, the over recent indispensability of that The Group President measured rounds soon to be unveiled by natural resource for the significance of Azikel’s federal government, the group state owns an oil field, episodes of massive reclamation of contribution to human capital hopes to corner one or more of acquired at a huge cost since 2003 Federal violence and the largely marshy development in the state with two up to 10 marginal fields up for Government bidding piracy in the terrain and construction instances. He narrated of an grab within the boundaries of of much needed employee engaged as a staff Bayelsa. The group has boasted rounds for marginal infrastructure. state fields and oil blocks. driver initially on a N35,000 of producing crude within Looking back, Dr. monthly pay. Today, he said, the eighteen months of winning one For this long, no action Eruani is satisfied that particular staff has been trained of the fields and assets. had been taken to every kobo invested in into a qualified boat captain, The interest in marginal field develop the awarded oil interests by the state oil firm Azikel Dredging has been worth manning one of the boats of the is the ultimate desire to establish established to drive the initiative. the venture. The company firm with a N350,000 take home. a refinery in Bayelsa to refine a No drop of oil has been taken started without any major “There is another staff we significant proportion of the while other investors, private, operational tool of its own, Continues from page 44

concentrated American investment in the state beyond oil and gas to tourism, agriculture and ports development among other viable investment opportunities in Bayelsa. The deputy governor was challenging two visiting economic advisors of the American Consulate, Lagos.

Limit of government involvement, imperative for drastic private initiatives: Agitated at the stagnated private sector involvement in core investment in the Bayelsa economy, the state government has been tempted to do it all by itself, that is talking about direct investment.

In as many occasions, however, the results have been far from encouraging. Limited by a combination of bureaucratic challenges, changing policies and acrimonious transitions of governments, nothing really cheerful is being derived from the government efforts.

In counterproductive appeal, genuine funds needed for development of basic infrastructure ended up being tied down in stagnated investments. For the top two most verifiable of such dragging or ineffective state investment initiatives, there is the five star hotel initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the State.

Many years down the lane, the project, far from completion, has been more a subject of controversy and political muscle flexing among feuding political leaders of the ruling PDP.

crude to produce, realising that a basic limitation responsible for the inability of past awardees of refinery licences is the difficulty with guaranteeing adequate crude supply from second parties. “You have to be sure of unhindered crude supply to set up a refinery. That is why we will first produce crude to be able to effectively refine for the needs of our people. We are serious about this and we are confident we will get there because I believe that as Bayelsans, we cannot be home to so much oil and gas reserves and not be actively involved in tapping that resource.

Azikel is also perfecting modalities for involvement in agric development and construction. But all of these ventures added to the efforts of other prospective investors in the Bayelsa economy would not score lasting impressions if peace and security as indispensible ingredients or a healthy investment climate is not sustained. It would not be wise to lure investors in only for the state to relapse into insecurity.

This is why the government and other relevant stakeholders must be concerned over recent episodes of violence and piracy in the state.

On Monday, July 16, gunmen waylaid and viciously gunned down two men identified as exmilitants in broad daylight in Azikoro suburb of Yenagoa, their bodies mangled with a rain of bullets.

Identity of killers In subsequent denial, the Sector 2 Command of the JTF, Operation Pulo Shield discredited the state government as going beyond boundary in insinuating that British was rather working with the JTF for the security of the Niger Delta.

The preference for the double denials by both key stakeholders in the security of the state obviously overshadowed investigations into the circumstance of the Azikoro Village shootings and the identity of the killers who remain unknown.

The next Monday, July 23, reports had it that two mariners of a Lagos based fishing firm were kidnapped for four days in the mangroves of Bayelsa where they were held in hunger by sea pirates and kidnappers. They were released only after their company parted with N3m ransom.

Both recent episodes have left several persons wondering whether insecurity was returning uncontrolled to Bayelsa State.

There is need for concerted efforts for mutual trust and commitment among stakeholders in an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence to achieve a truly diversified, public/private investors shared Bayelsa economy. *Yafugborhi writes from Yanagoa

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Over-aged officers flood Benue council workforce —Commission Chairman C

OMRADE Richard Gbande is the Executive Chairman of Benue State Local Government Service Commission, BSLGSC. In this interview with Labour Vanguard, he spoke on government/labour relationship, among others.

Excerpt: Since your assumption of office at the Benue local government service commission, there has been regular meetings between you and officials of the 23 councils. There are insinuations that these meetings are preluding a looming purge in the system?

Not all, I call the top echelon of the local government councils, that is, the bureaucrats, the departmental heads to charge them to enforce discipline at the third tier of government. You know that policy formulation and implementation are two different things.

We had to brief them properly that Governor Gabriel Suswam's administration has come up with laudable programmes and policies to move the state forward. If the implementers of policies who are the core engine room of governance fail in their responsibilities to take governance to the door steps of the rural populace, the aims of these polices will be a mirage. That informed my regular meetings with them to ensure that they implement the policies. I also remind them of the fact that performance is a function of training, motivation and ability. Since my assumption, we have enhanced their carrier advancement to grade levels

16 and 17. We have been effecting their promotions as at when due. Benue state government has also implemented the new minimum wage at the councils. All their dues in terms of welfare packages are giving to them as at when due. Training and retraining has been our watch word and we have been organizing induction courses for them as well.

So, they have no reason whatsoever to be indolent. I must state that we have no cases of victimization in the service. So, to whom much is given much is expected. We expect them to be above board at all times

new wage to all council workers.

No council worker is owed a kobo. All the staff of the 23 local government councils in the state are enjoying the new wage.

You can verify for yourself.

You recently conducted a verification of workers at the 23 councils, what were your findings?

We conducted an exercise though it was not targeted at ghost workers per say, but we also found out that people who were not supposed to be in service at the attainment of 60 years or must have put in 35 years in service

Richard Gbande

,

BY PETER DURU

and we expect them to take development to the door steps of the rural populace. Because it is only by so doing that the impact of government will be felt at that level. Therefore all hands must be on deck to achieve this. If we get it right at that level, others will follow because all tiers of Government premise on the Local government. Once that tier of governments is developed the entire country is developed.

How far has the state government gone with implementation of N18.000 new wage at the local levels?

We have started paying the

We also found out that people who were not supposed to be in service at the attainment of 60 years or must have put in 35 years in service were still in service

were still in service . But after the discovery, we started the process of categorizing them with the intention of commencing their retirement process. In fact, after computing the figure of those on this category we found out that they are well over 1,800 persons. We are currently working on ways to ease them out of service to inject in fresh blood into the local government service. But in terms of ghost workers, that is quite negligible. When I assumed duties as the Head of the commission, I repeatedly conducted verification exercises to ascertain the number of

,

Employers want ILO, UNDP sanctioned

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

N

IGERIA Employers' Con sultative Association, NECA, and International Labour Organisation , ILO's Certified Masters Trainers have called on the Federal Government to take necessary action against the activities of ILO and the United Nations Development Programmes, UNDP for preferring expatriates from South Africa and Zimbabwe rather than Nigerian certified ILO Master Trainers to train young farmers in Ekiti state.

NECA and ILO certified masters trainers, at a briefing,

C M Y K

said it was against international best practice for the ILO and UNDP to give preference ILO Certified Master Trainers from South Africa and Zimbabwe rather than Nigerian certified ILO Master Trainers, who have same competence and qualifications as their foreign counterparts, in their support for the Ekiti State Government's project on International Enterprise Development Training for Young Farmers in Ekiti State.

Speaking, Director-General of NECA, Mr. Segun Osinowo contended that the action

of the ILO and UNDP was a deliberate attempt to undermine the development of Nigerians, and called on Government to protect the sovereignty of Nigeria by addressing the anti-Nigerians activities of international agencies He said "The ILO in 2005 collaborated with NECA on training Maters Trainers on enterprise, microfinance and local development programs through which Certified Master Trainers (CMT), Certified Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) trainers and other trainers en-route certifica-

tion track have been produced to promote entrepreneurship programmes in Nigeria. While lots of graduates flood the labour market with several competences but are faced with job scarcity, the ILO and UNDP went against international best practice by preferring foreign Consultants so as to move abroad donor funds and Nigeria resources, since the Ekiti Government is providing counterpart funding, through employment of these foreign consultants, which in most cases are more expensive than Nigerians.

staff on our payroll. In fact, we did several familiarization tours, sensitized workers and we also opened registers to ascertain the actual number of workers. At the end of the day, we discovered that the service is bedeviled by people who are due for retirement but still hanging on. So, we took immediate action to address the anomaly without any form of compromise.

You are former President of NULGE and besides other positions as a unionist. Today, you in active partisan politics, how would you view politics and unionism?

In fact, the most important thing is that government is the employer of labour and labour is the creator of wealth just as it is the engine room of governance which implies that the two must always have a meeting point. The two must as a fact, come together and work together, after all, they are all gearing towards development. They are partners in progress and we must see ourselves as such. Once we see ourselves as stakeholders, then the system will move ahead and make resounding success. That is exactly what we are doing here to partner each other. For example, when I was moving round the councils to sensitize local government staff on the need for greater performance and for all to key into the reforms of the third tier of government and even when we commenced the screening of council staff, NULGE was on the team.

The mother union and that of the councils were part and parcel of the team that went round to do the screening. At the end of the day, we had no problems because they saw transparency and accountability in the entire process. We were very transparent and honest with ourselves. There was no cause or reason to insinuate on any issue and they also consented to our actions.

It all tells you that once you take labour into confidence there will be no problem. As a former labour leader, I always take them into confidence and we have been working together. We are all doing well and I have continued to urge my fellow comrades to keep up the spirit. However, I have also urge that they see reasons with me especially where the civil service rules and regulations are there to guide.

In deciding disciplinary cases, I always allow them to be around to see that we are doing the right thing. I must say of a truth that we all have been reciprocating that good gesture. I have also charged them to know that since I am their own, they are supposed to give me the best.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—47

F

OR the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, workers’ missing pension fund known as “Superannuation Fund”, it has become one controversy after another and in fact, a case of the more you look, the less you see.

First, the unions; National union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Senior Staff of Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, and National Union of Pensioners, NUP, Electricity sector, claim the money accruing from the 25 percent deduction from workers’ monthly salaries into the Superannuation Fund, is close to the N400billion mark.

They insist that as at 2010, the fund had accumulated a total of N331billion. But the government is talking about N200billion.

Whether N400billion or N200billion, the question is; where is the money?

To get to the root of the issue, the Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, inaugurated a Panel of Inquiry into to the N200billion that it claimed is missing.

Organised labour in the sector reacting to the probe panel, through the NUEE’s General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, while welcoming the establishment of the panel and demanding that it should sit in the public with full coverage, however objected to the inclusion of Dr. Sam Agbogun as a member and Secretary of the Panel and one Nick Agbo.

According to Ajaero, “We take exception to the appointment of Dr. Sam Agbogun as a member and Secretary of the Panel. The reason is not farfetched. Dr. Agbogun is currently enjoying arguably illegal Pensions which may have contributed to the Pension scam. He stands to make biased contributions. As a former Executive Director of PHCN that may be under investigation, it would be hypocritical to allow him to serve in this Committee. Besides, his retirement, pension and salary while on retirement should be areas of coverage by the probe panel. While the other members of the Committee are not known, one Nick Agbo is equally not acceptable to us for credibility and transparency to play out. Agbo who is the Minister ’s hatchet man cannot deliver the goods because of his interested stance on the subject under investigation. Prior to now he has made comments and pronouncements that cast doubt on his impartiality. He is biased and has disdain for Nigerian workers.”

Minister of Power’s allegaC M Y K

PHCN missing pension: More questions than answers

,

STORIES BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

If it is true that they have so much information about the missing fund, why not make such available to the panel investigating it?

Comrade Joe Ajaero, NUEE's Scribe tion Less than five days after it was made public that the Government was inaugurating a probe panel, the Minister through his Special Assistant (Media), Ogbuagu Anikwe, challenged the workers to demand from their leaders the where about of their pension funds.

In a statement issued on Sunday July 22, the Minister said the workers should find out from NUEE, SSAEAC and NUP, how hundreds of billions of naira purportedly contributed over the decades by them towards their pension scheme disappeared.

Nnaji said the PHCN management had over the years provided N3billion annually for the payment of retirement benefits to staff members who were retiring individually, making most workers believed that the scheme was well funded from the 25% deductions purportedly made by the company over the decades.

The statement read in part, “However, with the impending privatization of 17 PHCN successor companies which necessitates mass retirements.

There are practically no funds in the account to pay the severance package of the 50,000 PHCN employees. Contrary to the propaganda by some labour activists to the effect that there is N88billion in the pension account as of June 30, 2004, when the old scheme ceased to operate, what is available in the account administered by the union leaders and the PHCN management is a mere N3billion. It is, therefore, incumbent on the

PHCN employees, whether retired or serving, to find out from their union leaders who are the signatories to the bank account what happened to the difference of N85billion, in the interests of transparency, probity and accountability."

Labour dismisses allegations Responding to Pension and You’s enquiry, one of the labour leaders said though labour would issue a formal statement of response to the Minister’s allegation, but dismissed the allegation as part of the orchestrated media cam-

,

Prof Barth Nnaji, Minister of Power

paigns by the government and its agents especially the Power Ministry to blackmail the unions and their leaders into submission.

The Labour leader who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed labour leaders met with the Minister of Power on Monday, July 23 in Abuja and told him their mind on the allegations, insisting that besides the issue of Dr. Agbogun and Agbo, they were fully in support of the probe panel which must not sit in camera.

He said, “The question is why is the Minister or his aide

in a hurry to issue statement challenging workers to ask their leaders the where about of the missing pension fund?

While we insist that we have no hand in the fraud, we must also ask the Minister or his aide, if it is true that they have so much information about the missing fund, why not make such available to the panel investigating it? Unless, it is part of the plot to prepare the mind of the public to a pre-determined outcome of the panel.

Never the less, we insist that the probe panel must be allowed to do its work unhindered and not tele-guided."

First Guarantee Pension: PenCom appeals Abuja court's order

T

HE National Pension Com mission, PenCom, has appealed appealed against the judgment of the Abuja High Court setting aside its takeover of the Board and Management of the First Guarantee Pension Limited, FGPL. The commission has also applied for a stay of the execution of the judgment presided over Justice D.U Okorowo delivered on July 18, 2012, pending pending the determination of the appeal filed at the Court of Appeal.

Justice Okorow had issued an interim injunction under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Rules and on the application of Derrick Roper.

The Federal High

Court, Lagos had earlier struck out the application by the erstwhile Chairman, Chief Orlando Ojo and Vice Chairman, Nze Chidi Duru seeking a judicial review of the decision on their removal and takeover.

Pension and You gathered that PenCom had intimated the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, F C T, and Lagos Command on the status of the appeal.

It is also gathered the Commission forwarded an endorsed copy of the notice of appeal to the Inspector General o f Police intimating him of the motion for stay of execution pending appeal.

It will be recalled the Com-

mission in exercise of its power under the Pension Reform Act, PRA, (2004)tookoverthemanagementFGPLin August 2011.

Announcing the takeover in a statement, PenCom, said “The National Pension Commission (the Commission), by the powers conferred on it under the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004) and in the exercise of its statutory mandate of protecting the pension fund and assets, has taken over the management of First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) with effect from Monday 15th August, 2011. The takeover became necessary due to incessant shareholders squabbles and several issues of adverse corporate governance in the PFA.”

48 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Ogun govt woos investors

Cleric to Nigerians: Keep hope alive

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

D

O

GUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has said his administration was committed to giving necessary incentives and encouragement to interested investors, willing to invest in the state, so as to sustain the level of investment already coming into the state.

Speaking through the State Commissioner for Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru at the ground-breaking ceremony of a multi-billion naira new manufacturing plant of Procter and Gamble, at Agbara, Ado/ Odo Ota local government area of the state, the governor said his administration will continue to play its expected role as a catalyst for industrial development through the provision and improvement of infrastructural facilities.

He listed some of the incentives already put in place to include a new land policy, which gives generous discounts to investors in need of land, road rehabilitation, electricity supply and provision of adequate security.

From left: Dr Hope Uweja, GM Technical Operation; Mr Akin Fadeyi, Producer, Bridges Health Insurance Advocacy drama, Dr Abdulrahman Sambo, NHIS Executive Secretary and Mrs Hannatu Ardo, DGM/Head of Media, NHIS during the presentation of drama in Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

GUN State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to call the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to order over fresh plot to hold purported congresses in the state.

This was in spite of the subsistence of the Engr.

Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee which emerged from the March 2012 congresses.

In a statement by the Director of Organisation, Mr. Segun Showunmi, the party said Oyinlola is spearheading the move in disobedience of several court judgments against such act.

The party said it was incumbent on Jonathan and Tukur “to step into the matter in order not to further rub in the erroneous impression that our great party is a lawless organisation that does not have respect for the rule of law and constituted authority.”

The statement reads in part: “It might interest PresC M Y K

ISTRICT Superin tendent, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith, Rev Emmanuel Adeniran, has called on Nigerians to keep hope and dream alive in the face of increasing socio-economic challenges.

Rev Adeniran, who briefed newsmen at the church National Headquarter in Anthony, Lagos on their forthcoming international Convention with the theme “The Goodness and Glory of Godliness” scheduled for August 5 to 26, at Faith City Igbesa, Ogun State, said there was need for Nigerians to remain re-

silient, focused and retraced their step back to God. He said God is capable of handling the current challenges facing the country, adding that there was hope for the country as the country was not beyond redemption.

The cleric said the country will experience a new turn around if Nigerians shun evil and genuinely seek the face of God in fervent prayer.

He said, “What we are experiencing in our country today are hallmarks of ungodliness. The consequences constitute the myriads of challenges we had to grapple with, as a nation and people".

Okpe youths hold seminar on peace

BY GODWIN OGHRE

Mrs Julie Chima-Obiora, Asst. Manager, HR, Morison Industries Plc (left); Mr Mudashiru Adepoju of Morison Industries Plc; Mrs V. O Yinusa, Asst Matron, Oluyole Cheshire Home, Ibadan (right); Mrs Adebola Ajanaku, Ag. Company Secretary, Morison Industries Plc (2nd right) and inmates of Oluyole Cheshire Home, during presentation of some products to the home in Ibadan.

Plan to hold fresh congress: Ogun PDP appeals to Jonathan, Tukur O

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

ident Jonathan and the National Chairman to note that three of those behind the move – Ireti Oniyide, Tunde Oladunjoye and Fasiu Bakenne – have been convicted for six months by a Federal High Court in Lagos for criminal contempt in respect of the Ogun State PDP.

“How can these people still want to brazenly trample upon the rule of law and bring the Jonathan administration into disrepute?

There seems to be a sense in the insinuation that Oyinlola and his cohorts have an agenda that is totally averse to President Jonathan’s interest.”

The party appealed to the President and all wellmeaning Nigerians to “urgently wade into the matter and save the party from another needless embarrassment that disobedience to court orders and judgments might bring to it by stopping Oyinlola and his cohorts in their tracks.”

Police arraign 18 over mayhem in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI—EB ONYI State Police Command, said, yesterday, that 18 persons suspected to have masterminded last Saturday’s mayhem in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, had been charged to court.

Speaking with Vanguard, state Commissioner of Police, Mr Maman Sule, said the suspects were apprehended during the outbreak of violence involving Umunaga Enuagu and Urobo village in Uburu, which led to wanton destruction of property, in-

cluding vehicles, houses and food produce belonging to the people of the area.

Sule, who condemned the violence, wondered why youths in the state would allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction, instead of engaging in worthy ventures that would engender peace and development of the community.

It will be recalled that on July 21, irate youths from Urobo village allegedly attacked their counterpart, Umunaga Enuegu over a disputed land; a situation that led to wanton destruction of property worth millions of naira.

Meanwhile, Chief Security Officer of the area and

Coordinator of Ohaozara West Development Centre, Mr . Roy Umahi, has said a 36-man peace and reconciliatory committee had been set up with a view to resolving the crisis affecting the two villages.

Umahi said the people of Umunaga Enuagu village had been warned against any form of reprisal attack as the state government through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, was going to provide succour to victims of the mayhem. “We have warned Umunaga people against reprisal attacks. It will not help us. What we are preaching is peace in line with the policies of the state government".

S

APELE—A one day seminar, tagged Dialogue, A Better Weapon Than Violence, organised

by Okpe Youths Association, OYA, holds on Saturday in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State. It will attract dignitaries from various

walks of life.

National President of the sssociation, Engr Felix Oborodowan in a statement, said the seminar will provide training for youths of Niger Delta region with a view to ensuring peace and unity in the area and provide enabling environment that will attract investors particularly to Okpe land.

Oshiomhole 'll surpass achievement—ACN chieftain

BY KOLA FOLORUNSHO

A

chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Edo State, Chief Bob Izua, has said Governor Adams Oshiomhole will surpass the achievements he recorded during his first tenure in office.

Izua made this call during a party he organised in Benin City for ACN supporters to celebrate the victory of Oshiomhole in the

gubernatorial election in the s t a t e .

He commended the party’s supporters and the electorate in Edo on the role they played in re-electing Oshimhole for second t e r m .

His words: “ I want to use this opportunity to thank all members of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Benin City and Edo State in general for their doggedness in ensuring that the party clinched victory in the concluded election".

Ode-Itsekiri: CDC boss tasks FG on devt

C

HAIRMAN of Ode-It sekiri Community Development Committee, CDC, Mr. Ebobo Araye, has urged the government to direct the Ministry of Niger Delta to embark on building houses and other infrastructure on the Ode-Itsekiri land which was donated to the Federal Government by the Olu of Warri.

Ebobo, who was reacting to the mixed reaction trailing plan by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to fence the said land, noted that fencing of the land would be a waste of fund, advising that such money should be used for the main purpose the land was earlier donated to the g o v e r n m e n t .

Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, JULY 26, 2012 — 49

Atta Mills: Ghana’s sticks to election calendar

G

HANAIANS will go ahead with the scheduled election calendar regardless of the death of formaer President Atta Mills. The election is fixed for December and the country ’s election commission said Mills’ death would not affect December’s presidential and parliamentary elections. He said “The election calendar remains unchanged - it’s purely a party matter,” Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the elections chief,Ghanaian yesterday hailed the country’s constitution on the succession guidelines that ensured the swift transition

of power to the Vice President Vice-President John Dramani Mahama following the sudden death of President John Atta Mills on Wednesday.

Mahama took the oath of office as head of state before a sombre parliament just hours after the announcement of Mills’ death.The swift adherence to Ghana’s constitution on succession underlines the country’s reputation as one of the most mature democracies in the region, commentators said.

“This is the saddest day in our nation’s history.

Tears have engulfed our

• President John Dramani Mahama, nation and we are deeply saddened and distraught,” Mahama said after being sworn in.

“I never imagined that

one day that it would place our nation in such a difficult circumstance.

I’m personally devastated, I’ve lost a father, I’ve lost a friend, I’ve lost a mentor and a senior comrade,” he said. “Ghana is united in grief at this time for our departed president.” The president’s office said that Mills, who had celebrated his 68th birthday last Saturday, died a few hours after being taken ill, but no further details were given. A presidential aide, who asked not to be named, said the president had com-

Obama, R omne ords on fforeign oreign Romne omneyy trade w words policy I N a rare face-off on for eign policy, President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney are swapping sharp criticism but exposing few clear policy differences on key national security matters.

For Romney, who seeks to boost his foreign policy credentials as he begins a high-stakes trip abroad, a lack of specific proposals has exposed him to a flurry of criticism from Obama and his surrogates. Just over three months from Election Day, the president’s team has dug in on its efforts to cast the Republican as a national security lightweight while trying to capitalize on Obama’s strength on such issues.

shown few signs that the presumptive GOP nominee will offer more specific areas of contrast with Obama when he meets with world leaders overseas. Instead, Romney has continued with broad jabs casting Obama as a timid leader.

B

C M Y K

ened. Mills had returned from medical checks in the United States a few weeks ago.

Assad bolsters troops for Aleppo

A

CTIVISTS say thou sands of troops have been sent to Syria’s second city, Aleppo, as clashes were reported in the city for the sixth consecutive day.

Fighting was reported in the central al-Jamaliya neighbourhood on Wednesday, close to the local headquarters of the ruling Baath party. In Kalasseh, in the south of the city, rebels set fire to a police station, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The 16-month revolt against President Bashar al-Assad has in recent weeks been transformed from an armed uprising in remote provinces into

a battle for control of the two main cities, Aleppo and the capital, Damascus, which have been the regime’s main bases of support.

A spokesman for rebel Free Syrian Army said thousands of Syrian soldiers had been moved from the northwestern province of Idlib to fight in Aleppo.

“A large number of troops is being redeployed from Jabal al-Zawiyah to Aleppo, which is strategically more important for the regime than Idlib,” Colonel Abdel Jabbar al-Oqaidi, the FSA’s Military Council spokesman in the city told AFP.

North Korean leader marries N

•Obama Following Romney ’s speech Tuesday to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, Vice President Joe Biden said Romney “reflexively criticizes the president’s policies without offering any alternatives.”

“When he does venture

•Romney a position,” Biden said, “it’s a safe bet that he previously took exactly the opposite position and will probably change his mind again and land in the wrong place — far out of the mainstream.”

Romney ’s campaign has swatted away that criticism, but it’s also

New owners of Newsweek to end print edition ARRY Diller, the chairman of IAC/InterActiveCorp which recently acquired sole control of Newsweek, said that a plan to end its print edition is coming as soon as this fall. His comments came in IAC’s quarterly earnings call and were first reported in a twosentence story

by Bloomberg News’s Sarah Frier (“Newsweek, the 79-year-old maga-zine, will eventually transition to an online-only publication”) and then in a tweet from her colleague Edmund

plained of pains on Monday evening and died early Tuesday afternoon when his condition wors-

Lee (“Barry Diller says by September-October, plan for digital only Newsweek will be announced”).

The first actual quote from Diller came later in a post by Politico’s Dylan Byers: ”The transition will happen. The transition to online from hard print will take place.

We’re examining all of our options.” The family of late billionaire stereo magnate Sidney Harman has stopped investing in the Newsweek Daily Beast Co joint venture that it co-owns with Barry Diller ’s IAC/InterActiveCorp, according to

representatives of both companies.

IAC said it continues to subsidize Newsweek Daily Beast’s operations, and as a result its initial 50 percent interest in the joint venture has grown into a controlling stake.

The Harman family confirmed its ownership stake has been diluted by its decision to cap contributions to the loss-making venture, but would not give a figure. The family plans to maintain a minimum level of ownership in the venture, according to a source familiar with the situation.

ORTH Korean state media ended weeks of speculation yesterday, announcing that the mystery woman who has accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on recent public events is his wife.

Referring to her as Ri Sol Ju, the station reported on the couple’s visit to Neung Ra People’s Resort during the 8 p.m. broadcast, identifying Ri by name for the first time, and identifying her as “wife” four times during the news report. “As welcome news played, our Marshal Kim Jong Un and his wife comrade Ri

Sol Ju came to the inauguration,” the announcer read.

Ri, wearing a black skirt with a burgundy jacket in black heels, was shown walking alongside Kim at

the resort followed by Kim’s uncle Jang SongTaek, known to be the power behind the new leader. In another scene, she was seen sitting on the right side of Kim while being briefed by officials.

•Kim Un and his wife.

Colorado shooter’s notebook surfaces

T

HE man accused of the shooting rampage in a Denver-area screening of the latest “Batman” movie mailed a notebook detailing his plans to a psychiatrist days before the attack, FoxNews.com reported yesterday, as the first funeral was held for one of the 12 people killed.

The package allegedly from the suspected shooter, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes, remained unopened in a mailroom, perhaps for as long as a

week before its discovery Monday, FoxNews.com reported, citing a law enforcement source.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report but was seeking to do so. Messages left with police in Aurora and other law enforcement officials involved in the case were not immediately returned. The Fox News.com report said Police and FBI agents were called to the University of Colorado Anschutz medical campus in Aurora on

Monday morning after a psychiatrist, who is also a professor at the school, reported receiving a package believed to be from the suspect.

Although that package turned out to be from someone else and harmless, a search of the Campus Services’ mailroom turned up another package sent to the psychiatrist with Holmes’ name in the return address, the source told FoxNews.com.

50— Vanguard, THURSDAY , JULY 26, 2012

GHANA/NIGERIA:

Historical parallels THE death last Tuesday of Ghana's President Atta Mills again draws close parallels with developments in Nigeria.

However, in both countries, the natural endowments did not do their people any good.

Notoriously so in Nigeria! When Ghana became a commercial producer of oil recently, the late President Mills in an apparent dig at Nigeria said Ghana would not misuse the wealth from oil as some countries in the region.

The two countries at the beginning of the nineties evolved plans for democratic transition.

In 1992 Ghana elected Rawlings as its president. A seemingly similar plan by the then ruling military junta in Nigeria to transform itself first in 1993 failed and the more audacious plan by Gen. Sanni Abacha was also stopped by death in 1998.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

O

NLY two years ago Nigeria lost its own President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, in his first term in office after a protracted illness just as the late Ghanaian President, Atta Mills, who died under almost similar circumstances.

Mills was a lecturer like Nigeria's Yar'Adua. Like Yar`Adua, who had an overbearing "godfather" in the person of Olusegun Obasanjo, Mills had a godfather in Jerry Rawlings, the messianic Ghanaian former ruler. It is also remarkable that Obasanjo sought for himself the image of a messiah. Even more noteworthy was that the godfathers of both Yar`Adua and Mills were both former military rulers of their respective countries who helped to stabilize democracy in their two countries as two term civilian Presidents.

Besides the comparison of the death of their recent leaders, Ghana and Nigeria also share nearly similar stories of birth and rascality at babyhood. The two countries were both colonies of Britain and gained independence about the same time.

Ghana gained independence in 1957 while Nigeria got its liberty in 1960. Nigeria's military, however, beat Ghana's military in rascality staging the first coup in the sub-region in January 1966.

In February, 1966 the military in Ghana took its cue and sacked the country's independence torch bearer, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, from office.

Military rule in the two countries remarkably brought illwind to the fortunes of both countries. It was so terrible in

*Late Atta Mills: Installed by Rawlings *Late Umar Yar'Adua: Installed by Obasanjo

*Jerry Rawlings: Mills' godfather Ghana that many citizens relocated to Nigeria. By the time Nigeria was about to have its own economic downturn in the early eighties, it was convenient to target Ghanaians in the country in a mass hysteria

Squabbles with Rawlings

*Olusegun Obasanjo: Yar'Adua's godfather

popularly known as 'Ghana Must Go.' The two countries have also had the fortune of being blessed with natural resources. Ghana was at one time renowned as a world leader in gold. Nigeria on

the other hand has had the mixed fortune of being endowed with oil or the black gold as its people termed it, apparently to claim equality in blessings with her regional rivals in Ghana.

Ghana has since then soldiered on. Mills who died last Tuesday was the choice of former President Rawlings. Mills had his own squabbles with Rawlings just like Yar'Adua in Nigeria also had his own issues with his godfather, former President Obasanjo.

Indeed, the late president Mills was opposed by Rawlings' wife, Nana, for his party's presidential ticket last December.

But as is reflective of the party system in the region, Mills used the power of incumbency to coast home to victory. It was the same chasm that emerged in Nigeria when agents of the state under Yar'Adua pursued and dragged Obasanjo's daughter, Iyabo to the courts in an arguable case of budget infringement.

Remarkably, both godfathers in Nigeria and Ghana, Obasanjo and Rawlings have outlived their protégées!

Bakassi: Thank God we are all now on the same page

BY FLORENCE ITA-GIWA

I

N the last 15 years I have as sumed the position of Political Leader of the people of Bakassi. On the account of my advocacy for the creation of the Bakassi Local Government, I was nominated into 1994 constitutional conference by General Abacha, it was at that conference that I and Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Nsan with the support of Chief Tony Ani and Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Edem including traditional rulers and the people made

successful case for the creation of a Bakassi Local Governement. In essence, I am a bona fide stakeholder in the fate of Bakassi. I have never shirked my responsibility towards the people, if anything I have been described as overly emotional and militant in some quarters, a charge to which I gladly plead guilty.

However, it will be useful for me to reel out instances where my people have been taken for granted so that everyone can judge whether or not I have a right to be emotional.

Is it not a shame that no Bakassi

indigene has ever been appointed commissioner or minister in this country? Is it not strange that a non Bakassi indigene was nominated to represent the interest of Bakassi people on the mixed commission set up to oversee the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon? Is it not a shame that the NDDC position meant for Bakassi was deliberately taken to another Local Government?

Is it not also puzzling that my people were ordered to be resettled in a place called Ikang which in itself is a part of the existing Akapabuyo LGA,

when the only portion of Bakassi not ceded to Cameroon called Day Spring Island was available to us for resettlement. Finally I ask if it is proper to prevent the Bakassi people from voting during the governorship primary and general elections. Before I am accused of being recalcitrant, permit me to avail you with some facts. During the last general elections, the INEC Resident electoral commissioner rightly refused to carry out voter registration and verification in Ikang for Bakassi indigenes because according to him the voter’s Continued on page 51

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—51

appointed more than one thousand aides including 20 special advisers, 94 senior special advisers, 810 special assistants, 24 directors-general and a motley crowd of other appointments without clearly defined portfolios.

House faults appointment of DGs: The fresh appointments vexed many in the State House of Assembly who particularly faulted the appointment of 24 directors-general without legislative approval.

Legislative approval

Yuguda and his many aides A GOVERNOR famed for his retinue of more than a thousand aides in a dramatic move wields the big axe against them. Is it financial restructuring or the redirection of political patronage?

BY SUZAN EDEH

S

ENIOR officials of the Bauchi State government deny any financial pressure on the state administration. But opposition figures and many other stakeholders point to the unceremonious sack of the about more than a thousand political aides of Governor Isa Yuguda as a reflection of the dire financial straits presently facing the administration.

Mostly affected were directorgenerals, senior special assistants, senior special assistants ii, special assistants and senior assistants II who were appointed at the commencement of Yuguda’s second tenure. The sacking of the appointees came on the heels of press statements by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yuguda, Mr. Michael Ishola, claiming that the state was not broke.

Financial paralysis The duo described insinuations of financial paralysis in the state as the handiwork of enemies of the state, who do not wish Bauchi well. Justifying the sack, they claimed it was due to “complaints by stakeholders that the political appointments were lopsided and did not reflect the structure of the ruling party in the state, according to Local Government areas and ward levels.”

Yuguda, won fame for his appointment of more than a thousand aides in his first term when he in 2007 appointed 1,040 persons as commissioners, senior special assistants, (SSA),

special advisers, (SA) and personal assistants (PA). Perhaps only Governor Murtala Nyako who appointed about a similar number of aides could challenge him in that regard. Opposition figures in the state say that the number of aides in the first administration eventually

surpassed 3,000.

Given the criticisms that trailed the appointments, it was not surprising that the governor after his re-election promised to trudge a different path. However, after some dilly-dally, Governor Yuguda in September 2011 again went the same way when he

Dayabu Chiroma, representing Darazo state constituency, who raised the issue on the House floor under matters of urgent importance stated that the assembly had approved the governor ’s request for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers and called for explanations on the appointment of the Directors-General.

Following deliberations, the Assembly set up a seven-man committee chaired by Abdulmumini Ningi, r e p r e s e n t i n g Ningi constituency, to look into the matter. Although the governor blamed his action on pressure from his party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, political watchers in the state believe otherwise. “The political appointments are reflections of his personal style (or lack of it) as he is not the only governor from that party,” Bello Shehu, an

opposition member observed.

Shehu expressed pessimism regarding the appointments and wondered if truly it was designed to enhance governance or help the “boys” to survive.

2012 budget did not reflect payment for aides: Another contending aspect about the number of Yugada’s aides, was the claim that 2012 budget did not reflect payment for appointees. It was gathered that with the large junk of political aides, that the weight on the budget increased frustrating the implementation of other viable projects.

Commenting on the matter, a former governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in the April 2011 election, Mallam Yusuf Tuggar condemned the appointment of over 1000 political aides, noting that the appointment was a waste.

According to him, “Bauchi State is now surviving on borrowed funds to keep government machinery going. What I expect from Yuguda is to redeem all the unnecessary debts he incurred in the name of the state rather than enslaving the people. I am at a loss as to how or where he (Yuguda) is going to source for the over N1 billion to pay for the upkeep of these political aides.”

It is against this background that the recent sack of the thousand aides has now become a matter of controversy. Was the sack meant to reduce cost or redirect political patronage? The government’s next utterance on the issue will resolve the puzzle.

Bakassi: Thank God we are all now on the same page Continued from page 50

list he had listed wards named after our ancestral homes and not Ikang.

At great personal expense I moved my people who were squatting all over Southern Cross River State and even some who stayed behind in Cameroon to the only constitutionally recognized piece of Bakassi land within Nigerian Territory called Day Spring Island for registration. Eventually they all voted in the State Assembly elections, National Assembly elections, and PresSen. Ita Giwa idential elections all from Day Spring. Come time for the governorship elections a strange injunction bearing the names of fake Bakassi indigenes as plaintiffs was served on us on the eve of the election after we had had expended tremendous amount of money to move our people to Day Spring Island to vote. I led my disappointed people to protest in Calabar. I am very sad that my paramount ruler was humiliated and threatened with exile because of his principled support for the registration of voters and the eventual voting that took place in Day Spring Island.

Now in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgment giving the 76 oil wells to

Akwa Ibom State on the ground that Cross River State is not a Littoral State and so can not possess off shore oil assets, it is worth noting that had we been allowed to settle in Day Spring, Cross River State may not have been described as non littoral State because of its proximity to the Bakassi coastline. While I do not intend to question the integrity of the Supreme Court verdict on the 76 oil wells, it is important to note that as tragic and unfortunate as it is for Cross River State; the verdict has made it increasingly imperative for the displaced people of Bakassi to be properly resettled.

Bakassi indigenes It has been claimed in some quarters that Bakassi Indigenes have been properly resettled in Ikang and they even got some compromised Bakassi indigenes to agree. The truth is and I stand to be corrected not one Bakassi indigene has settled talk less of resettled in Ikang. The houses allegedly built for Bakassi returnees have all been allocated to non Bakassi indigenes. This then raises the question about where all the budgetary allocations to Bakassi LGA have gone to over the years.

For the avoidance of doubt, I resisted the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon to the limit of my ability. I even out of desperation formed the Bakassi Self Determination Front which advocated an in-

dependent Bakassi.

I thank God that we are all on the same page today as it concerns the resettlement of my people. Can we now implement the three year old report prepared by the Bakassi Resettlement committee that I served as Chairman? Is it not time after 10 years of being marooned that the Federal Government will rescue my people and resettle them? Should my people who have been treated as second class citizens in their fatherland not be compensated?

Recently, a motion was passed in the House of Representatives asking the Federal Government to appeal the World Court judgment. In as much as that motion is rather noble, I find it rather curious that it is being moved 10 years after the judgment and after 10 years of my people being physically and emotionally traumatized.

My consolation is that to the glory of God we are all on the same page at last. Finally, still with regard to the disputed oil wells, I wish to conclude that as a mother, I recognize the huge sense of loss presently experienced by my people of Cross River and the ill feelings it’s generating. I, however, strongly recommend that Akwa Ibom State should resist the temptation to adopt a winner-take-all attitude in this matter. I believe that there is still room for dialogue between the two Sister-States so that we can arrive at a mutually satisfactory political solution not through physical violence or verbal altercations.

•Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa, OON, Eka Iban Ke Essien Efik Duopeba

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26 , 2012 —53

Email: godfrey_bivbere@yahoo.co.uk

VOL. 02

No. 13

JULY 2012

www.vanguardngr.com technologically up to-date as well as meeting market demands.

Other decisions such as rationalization of staff were dictated by government policies while services performed for government by the company were not paid in time when the money would have been more beneficially used.”

Similarly, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said that 90 percent of earnings in the shipping subsector of the maritime industry goes to foreigners, even as he blamed some provision of the Cabotage law for the seeming ineffectiveness and inability to meet the aspiration of operators.

Group calls for international hydrographic co-operation for safer navigation

A

GROUP under the ae gis of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS) has called for co-operation of International Hydrographers to ensure safer navigation.

Making the call in Lagos at the just concluded 2012 World Hydrographic Day celebrations, President of the NHS who doubles as the Hydrographer of the Navy, Commodore Achinge M. Maiha, said that “supporting safer navigation for all seafarers cannot take place in isolation, as was the case a few centuries ago.”

Maiha who is Nigeria’s representative at the International Hydrographic Conference (IHC), said the crux of this year’s celebrations is “to raise awareness on the importance of international co-operation in the field of Hydrography with a view to attracting them to the profession.”

Hydrographic equipment The NHS boss said, “As part of the public awareness campaign, simultaneous visits were made to select schools in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri on June 19, 2012.”

This was in addition to the Hydrographic equipment exhibition, which he said was “to showcase some hydrographic equipment and promote the practical aspect of Hydrography.”

The World Hydrographic Day according to the United Nations’ (UN) Resolution A/60/30 is “celebrated annually on June 21 by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), with the aim of giving suitable publicity to its work at all levels, and of increasing the coverage of hydrographic information on a global basis,” he noted.

Nigeria joined the 80-member Organisation in 1976 and is a member of its East-Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) which covers the West African sub region. Thus, the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) is the focal point for IHO activities in Nigeria and payment of its annual contributions.

Indigenous operators

L-R Mr Mehmet Ozkarakas, a representative of Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association (TSEA) presenting a document to 'Tayo Rabiu, Managing director, Cotecna Nigeria during a recent visit of TSEA in Lagos

FG hinders development in maritime industry— Operators

By GODFREY BIVBERE

O

PERATORS in the maritime industry have blamed the federal government for its role in the stunted development of the sector. The operators are, however, in agreement that government's lack of sincerity has contributed to slow pace of development in the sector despite the huge potential to the economy and the unemployment situation in the country.

Speaking on the matter, Managing Director of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Lines, NNSL, Mr. Gerald Chidi, said but for the “negative government interference” in the affairs of the NNSL, the benefit of the shipping company would have been unmeasureable.

Chidi said that with the 100 percent acquisition of the company in 1961 by the Nigerian government which was previously operated on a 51 per cent share owned by the Federal Government Nigeria and 49 percent share owned by two British companies as technical partners, Elder Dempster Line Limited and Palm Line Limited, there was no longer deliberate government policy to protect and support the line.

He said: “In 1961, either in the

euphoria of political independence or selfish interest of the Nigerian management of the company, the non-Nigerian equity holdings were bought out rather prematurely and the company became wholly owned by the Federal Government with Nigerian management in total control. The company and government could not react without delay to situations dictated by market and technological changes or development in the trade. For instance, it took the Federal Government almost five years to approve the tonnage expansion programme and

modernization of NNSL ships in the seventies.

“Perhaps the post civil war demands contributed to this. By the time the vessels were eventually built and introduced into the market, a measure of obsolescence had set into the original concept.

Appropriate vessels It took another five years to convince the government about the need to phase out the19 combo vessels with a view to introducing appropriate vessels that were

Speaking at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Postgraduate School, Department of Transport Management Interactive Discourse Programme 2012, he said requirements of the law which stipulate that vessels to be used by indigenous operators must be built and registered in Nigeria and also be wholly owned and manned by Nigerians are unrealistic.

Afolabi in his paper entitled, “Impact of Cabotage Act on Entrepreneurial Opportunities in a Developing Economy”, pointed out that at present over 90 percent of income in the shipping sector is earned by foreign shipping companies alone. He said: “Until this issue of cargo rights is addressed, it is my submission that the present controversy raging among the stakeholders concerning the cargo which has come to sound like the proverbial egg and chicken conundrum may prove diversionary, useless and nauseating. Out of about 400 vessels that are owned by indigenous operators, over 70 percent of them are reportedly not Continues on page 54

Nigerian freight forwarders groan under foreign domination •as CRFFN concentrates on revenue generation

W

HILE the freight forwarding business in the country is groaning under foreign domination, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, the body established to regulate and protect the business is concentrating on revenue generation.

The Council has just completed its membership registration

exercise which has fetched the body several millions of naira.

While Nigerian freight forwarders are condemned to struggling for crumbs in the clearing and forwarding business at the ports, the foreigners are in control of the oil and gas component of the business.

Investigations revealed that these companies are gradually

drifting to the ports to struggle for available businesses with their local counterparts. Some freight forwarders who spoke to Vanguard estimated that the country losses about N100 billion annually to foreign operators.

Efforts to reach both the Chairman and Registrar of CRFFN, Alhaji Hakeem Continues on page 54

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26 , 2012

Email: godfrey_bivbere@yahoo.co.uk

Nigeria must utilise scanners to improve port operations — Cotecna Ghana boss Recently, PortsandHarbours ran into the Managing Director of Gateway Service Limited, a subsidiary of the Cotecna Group, Mr. Neseili Bawa, who spoke on port operations in Ghana, the role of his company in the trade facilitation, scanning operation and port operation in Nigeria. Excerpt:

By GODFREY BIVBERE

F

EW years back I was in Ghana and I saw the operations there then. What is the cargo traffic now?

As a matter of fact, I think that in Ghana, general traffic has increased quite a bit. At the time you came there, we were scanning may be about 70 containers daily.

Now, we are scanning about a 100.

With all of that, we still really need to scan more which is because of the limited working hours. I just spoke with the Deputy Commissioner of Ghana Customs, few minutes before you came in here. They are considering either extending the customs working hours, or have a system in place where we scan all the containers that are going to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) before they go out, because there are a few bigger ICDs outside the port. The other alternative is for us to put in mobile scanning in two of the bigger ICDs. This is still something they are still considering. They are yet to get back to us.

What is the total volume of containers that pass through the scanning site annually from 2009,2010 and 2011?

I won’t be able to give you the exact figures now but I could get you the exact figures if you want; just to be sure that I am giving you the correct figures. You know we got two operators (service providers) in Tema Port, which is the main port in Ghana.

I

think may be up to 90 per cent of all the imports come through Terma. We were doing about 100 most of last year and this year. Other operators have more volume as the other service providers were scanning through them because of the contractual arrangement that we have.

They scan around 150 a day. So between us and them, I will say that we are doing currently maybe 280 containers a day. Takoradi Port is

Continues from page 53

to be there, otherwise if you are not there, once customs sign, off you go. If you like, you can follow them to their warehouse. If it is food and drugs, go and take the sample there. But there is a time for everything. You know, business must move on.

You talked about scanning frozen foods. Does that not have health risks when consumed?

We have gone to the Radiation Protection Board and it has given us a licence. There is no harmful effect on that; all the things that we scan. At the beginning when we started, we were being very cautious. But we have done tests and we have been given a certificate saying it has no harmful effect on that.

It is just that with radiation normally, now in Ghana at least, using the x-ray scanners, they can give you permission to be able to scan with a dose range of 10 multiple electron volts (MeV). But even in the manufacturing, the technology hasn’t gotten there yet; the highest now is 9 MeV. But if we are to be using Gamma Ray, that one they will not licence you if the MeV is only five. When you use Gamma and you go beyond 5, it starts creating some harmful effect on the product.

Harmful effect

•Neseili Bawa

a smaller port. We don’t have much there in terms of import.

They don’t scan much containers there, though all the containers that come can be scanned. I don’t think they scan up to a 100 in a month because the business in Takoradi Port is mostly export.

They export a lot of timber from that place and also Bauxite. Now with the oil firms coming in, there is a bit more business than before but it is still not much compared to Terma Port.

Looking at Ghana Port op erations since the introduction of scanning machines, what has it been like in terms of I think may risk profiling and collection for be up to 90% revenue the Ghanaian Governof all the ment? as I explained imports come toWell, you earlier, the through Ter- purpose of the scanma. We were ners is to ensure that people psychologically doing about behave right. Because normally, what they 100 as at can get away with most of last physical examination, year and this whether intentionally or unintentionally, with year the physical

FG hinders development in maritime industry — Operators

examination is very difficult. You know in Ghana, even with the frozen chicken, we scan that. The Ghana Customs has directed that anything that is frozen chicken, irrespective of your risk level, you still come to the scanner because they don’t want the frozen chicken or meat to be removed from the freezer and then put back. Everything should go into the scanners.

We facilitate trade. We are facilitating the clearance of goods much faster than if we are doing physical examination. And also, given the volume of containers coming to the port, we couldn’t even cope.

Volume of containers Even now as we speak, I just mentioned to you that Customs wants to find a way of increasing the working hours or for us to find a way to scan all the containers going to the ICDs before they go out. So, it has increased the volume of containers coming to the ports. Ghana Customs made the highest revenue in their history. Thanks to the combined effort. I won’t really say just us, but everybody working together; customs are doing their part, we are doing our part. If there is going to be inspection, they want all the people who are supposed to do it

Our competitor has one of such scanners using Gamma but the rate is very low; it is not harmful, only 1.5. The down side of it is that because the penetration rate is not high, the pictures become very blurred. It is not as clear as in the x-ray.

Earlier you talked about the Ghana Customs making the highest revenue collection for the government in its history, last year. What was the figure?

Again, I can’t give you the exact figures but it is all in the newspapers. What I will do is that I will forward to you some of the publications so that you can quote from there; even their target for this year. You know the Ghana government has re-organised the whole of the revenue collection agencies. They have put them under one umbrella. We now have the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), we have Customs, the VAT and the IRS, they call them domestic tax unit. So normally in this their publication, they give Customs their target, also the domestic tax unit also there target and also the VAT and the internal revenue.

So all of them are now under one umbrella now?

Yes. The Ghana Revenue Authority, they are all under that. It has Customs Division, it has International Revenue Division and VAT division.

engaged because the vessels are presumed to be unsuitable and need to be put up to standard.”

He noted that the Act which made provision for waivers, should indigenous operators be unable to meet the requirements of the act, has not been used favourably to better the lots of indigenous operators.

Afolabi said: “And if, as it is likely to happen, the indigenous operators fail to meet these requirements, government has also provided a waiver clause in the same legislation that allows their more advantaged competitors to muscle in and corner the larger chunk of the trade.

"Given the combination of these two adverse elements in the Act therefore, in a non-technological and developing economy such as ours, it is little wonder that the critics of government can go to the extent of pronouncing the enactment of the Cabotage law as “dead on arrival.”

According to the Sifax boss, available statistics indicate that an average annual traffic of about 152 million metric tonnes of both oil and non-oil cargo worth over US$5 billion (or N750 billon) in freight earnings is generated in the country and that if government ensures that the indigenous shipping interests have access to 50 percent of these earnings, it will go a long way to solve the problem. He equally noted that Cabotage as an idea is good but that its implementation has failed.

Nigerian freight forwarders groan under foreign domination Continues from page 53

Olanrewaju and Mike Jukwe, on the issue proved abortive as they did not pick up their calls after several attempts. However, the Council Chiarman had told Vanguard prior to his election as head of CRFFN that there was need for government to control the involvement of foreigners in the freight forwarding practice in line with its local content policy.

Olanrewaju who was then deputy chairman of Council and who is the Managing Director of Talod Oceanair Freight Ltd had noted that government must ensure restriction of the freight forwarding business to Nigerians to protect the nation’s economy and security.

Similarly, Jukwe was quoted in a section of the maritime press as saying that CRFFN would begin the enforcement by February this year across the country and that only those who have been registered by the council will be allowed to operate in accordance with the provisions of the CRFFN Act 17 of 2007.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—55

Police in Enugu launch manhunt for cyclist robber that hacked victim to death division together with the corpse of the motorcyclist and the instrument of death.

By CHINENYEH OZOR, Nsukka

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•CP Musa A. Daura, mni Commissoner of Police, Enugu State.

•Urama-suspected killer? up splashes of his victim’s blood on it.

Crime Alert also gathered that the villagers who lived nearby became apprehensive having noticed that a motorcycle was coming with its full light and suddenly stopped abruptly, wondering what could be the matter. The villagers then rushed to the direction with torch light but when the cyclist robber noticed that some people were coming to his direction, he abandoned the motorcycle and took off under the shadow of darkness, abandoning his victim in the

,

ENSION mounts at Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North local government area, Enugu state as a suspected robbery kingpin on a motorcycle hacked his victim to death with Monday hammer and absconded, unknown to him that he was spotted by agile villagers in the area.

Crime Alert gathered that the suspected notorious cyclist robber was identified as Ifeanyi Urama, a secondary school drop out who hailed from Aji in Igbo-Eze North local government area and lives in Onitsha, Anambra state where he runs a booming cyclist (Okada) business with no fewer than 20 motorcycles.

Ifeanyi, the suspected perpetrator of the heinous crime had approached his victim Festus Idoko, an Okada rider, to convey him from Ogrute, headquarters of the local government to Aji, a distant community in the area.

It was learnt that as soon as they got to a lonely spot, the suspect hit the motorcyclist with the Monday hammer and he lost consciousness. The motorcyclist reportedly fell down while his assailant took control of the motorcycle and navigated it to a point where he stopped to drag his victim’s lifeless body to the edge of the road. He later moved the motorcycle a distance to clean

The following morning, three boys rushed into my house and told me that Festus was killed by thieves and his corpse was taken to the police station

pool of his own blood, unknown to him that he was identified by villagers when they beamed torch light on him as he fled. Sources said the

Fatal plunge: Mother, 1-yr-old baby, driver escapes death

By EVELYN USMAN

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woman, her one-year old baby and her driver narrowly escaped death yesterday, after their vehicle fell off the Dopemu bridge along the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway.

Among those that narrowly escaped unhurt were taxi drivers on whose park the vehicle, a Mitsubishi Montero Sports Utility Vehicle with plate number UB 787 AAA, landed.

Eye witnesses said the incident occurred after the driver of the vehicle simply identified as Alex, attempted to avoid having a head-on collision with a commercial bus which drove against traffic .

But in the process, eye witnesses said, the driver turned the steering forcefully and before he knew what was

C M Y K

happening, the vehicle skidded off the median and the bridge, landing on the taxi park. Immediately the incident happened, the driver of the commercial bus zoomed off.

Sympathizers ran to where the vehicle landed and discovered to their amazement that the

•A motor crash

occupants, a man and a woman with a little child were still breathing. They were later rushed to the hospital while some officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority(LASTMA) towed the vehicle to their office at Agege.”

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suspicion of the villagers was heightened when they saw a corpse lying by the edge of the road and quickly rushed and reported it to members of Neighborhood Watch in the area who, acting on a tip off, traced the assailant, Ifeanyi Urama to his house but he had fled before they could arrive.

The Neighborhood Watch however, picked his elder brother and handed him over to the police at Igbo-Eze North

arrating the ugly incident to Crime Alert, an uncle to the deceased, Chief Paul Idoko disclosed that they waited for his return on that fateful day throughout the night to no avail as his motorcycle was newly bought about four months ago. “The following morning, three boys rushed into my house and told me that Festus was killed by thieves and his corpse was taken to the police station. I could not understand them well. All of us went to the police station where the police confirmed that the boy was killed the previous night and his corpse has been deposited at a mortuary in Ogrute,” Chief Idoko said.

He prayed the Enugu state police command to do everything possible to trap the fleeing suspected assailant of his son, Festus Idoko.

Contacted for comments, a competent senior police officer who pleaded anonymity confirmed the killing of the teenage youth by the suspect who is still at large but stated that his senior brother is helping the police in their investigation.

The senior police told Crime Alert the matter has been transferred to the state police headquarters, Enugu for further investigation. As at the time of filling this report the suspected assailant of Festus Idoko is still on the police wanted list.

Efforts made to speak with the state police public relations offices (PPRO), Mr. Ebere Amarizu failed as his mobile phone line was not available for further comments.

Contact the Inspector-General of Police on this e-mail policemonitor@npf.gov.ng When to be used: (a) When providing information on the activities of criminal groups, terror gangs or other forms of organized crimes such as; armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, advanced Fee Fraud, arms trafficking etc. (b) When reporting cases of breach of public peace or imminent breach of public peace. (c) When providing information relating to ongoing criminal investigations by the police and other law enforcement agencies.

•MD Abubakar, InspectorGeneral of Police

56 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Love on the run (3) I, Have you ever taken a bus ride with a sex pervert? Many who are privileged to own a car or have one within reach, may not actually know what I’m talking about. They may even find this very difficult to believe.

However, this happens all the time when one commutes with public transportation.

The story line goes thus: You board a bus and a stranger, for whatever reason, takes out his fantasy on you. Without bothering to seek your consent or even make a pass at you for starters, someone starts touching or rubbing himself against you!

Actually, women seem more prone to this, but a male friend also informed me that he’d once fell victim of this mobile sexual attraction to a lady before.

The amazing thing about this act is the culprit’s boldness when challenged. They never seem embarrassed or remorseful of their inappropriate behaviour. A friend’s elderly aunt once came home lamenting her ordeal with one of such perverts while returning home. As evidence to her claims, she displayed the portion of her wrapper, smeared with semen which was already dry and stiff like a starched fabric. Some of our respondents shared the stories you will be reading with us.

Dear reader, you can add your voice to this issue too, if you or someone you know of had such an experience?

Feel free to send your comments/views or opin-

ion on this topic with us also. Perhaps, together, we can run these perverts off our buses for good.

Our address remains: The Human Angle, Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. Or E-mail add r e s s : humananglepage@yahoo.com

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time the driver changed gear or applied the brakes, the idiot will just grind his thing against my backside. I became very uncomfortable indeed, but there was no space for me to change position. This he too repeated when I asked him to stand properly. I

He feigned ignorance and attempted to ask me what I was trying to accuse him of

Tope (28) a Pharmacist: It happened to me in a Molue bus a long time ago on my way home from Lagos Island. I had boarded the bus at Balogun en-route Apogbon to Mushin.

There was no more sitting space, so I had to stand. It was in the evening and the usual Lagos hold-up had began building up seriously. The bus was jammed packed and very hot too, so I could not feel anything or even think properly for a very long time. However, when we pulled out of Apogbon unto the bridge, some fresh air started blowing and I began to feel more comfortable.

That was when I noticed that someone was pressing tightly against my back. I felt something really stiff pressing hand against my buttocks and I realized it must be the man standing behind me. I tried to shift my buttocks but it appeared as if it was glued to this man. He was resting his body against me like two lovers dancing to the blues would do. Every

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had to endure him until we got to Costain bus stop and some passengers came down. I thought there would be more space, but the situation persisted and I wondered what happened to the space occupied by those that went down from the bus.

It was as if there was a conspiracy by all to trap me close to the man. At least, that was how I felt at that moment.

On getting to Alaka bus stop, again some people came down. This time, I was able to shift my position. I now turned my side to him, facing the side of the bus and looking out of the window, instead of the front.

He was not happy and even had the guts to tell me to stand properly. I was angrier with him and changed the position of my bag to my other shoulder, so that it became a wedge between us. Soon the conductor started shouting that there was space in the bus and that we should all move close to each other. He began making nasty jokes about the fact

that no rich man would join a Molue bus if he does not want to be touched. Rather he would hire a taxi, adding that every one should therefore move closer to each other.

You know that the stupid man had the guts to tell me that I was the one that the conductor was referring to. He told me I was occupying more space by standing the way I was, and urged me to turn my back to him again. I did not know what to say but to ignore him. Soon, he continued his act, but this time, the pressure was not as hard as when he was pressing it against my back side.

My anger erupted then, because I could not take it anymore. I remembered something similar that was related to me by a friend. She concluded that the man released himself on her body without her knowing until she got down. I would not take chances for this man to do that to me. So I just called his attention and I told him that if he loved himself he would desist from what he was doing.

He feigned ignorance and attempted to ask me what I was trying to accuse him of. I just cut him short and told him I was not interested in any arguments but that if he respected himself he would stop, because I would not hesitate to call the attention of other passengers. First, he appeared as if he wanted to call my bluff. Then probably thought twice about it and gave me a mean stare. Then he called out to the conductor that he wanted to stop at Barracks, which was the next bus stop.

Perhaps what annoyed me even more was what he did when he got down.

He looked at me through the window and when our eyes met, he bursted out in laughter. He continued laughing as the bus drove past him.

To be continued

Asisted by Onozure Dania

Friends Searching Males

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08064494604,08127879556,08067489684 •Raphael, 30, needs a Christian lady, who is either a nurse or a doctor, for marriage, age 23-27 . 0 8 0 3 3 6 6 4 1 1 1 •Prince, 20, needs a beautiful, intelligent and God fearing girl, aged 17-20, in Abia state.

0 8 1 6 1 3 9 8 4 0 3 •Sammy, 22, handsome, cute, from Delta state, needs a caring, responsible and God fearing lady, for a relationship.08105487271,08108206606 •Lekan, 24, a student, needs a Christen lady, who •Dear readers, please note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests on the Lovezone that may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public.

Also note that we do not run any match-making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with anyone claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk.

Henceforth, only messages sent through the numbers readers want to be contacted on will be published.

This notice is necessary in order to serve you better in our refreshingly different style. To get your requests published, just text it to the code number 33055. For further enquiries, call 08026651636. Cheers!

Being Irresistible to Men

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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here is no one way on how to be irresistible to men but there are a variety of steps a lady can take that will make her attractive and interesting to a lot of men which raises the odds of finding a nice guy to date or who knows, maybe even marry.

Men respond to a woman’s appearance by being turned off or turned on. However, that does not mean you have to look like a celebrity, in order to attract or keep a man.

The truth is that there are wide ranges of women, men consider attractive and it’s all about personal preferences.

Some guys go for the tall girls with legs up to their armpits while other guys are wild about petite women who they can pick up with ease. Some men like their lady to have meat on her bones while others are turned off by body fat and go for the woman with a trim, athletic build.

One universal thing men want is a woman who takes care of herself a woman who fixes her hair, flosses her teeth, dresses neatly and it depends on the guy, uses a little make up to accentuate her beauty. This shows the man that she values herself and has self c o n f i d e n c e .

So, what is the key to being irresistible to men?

I recently spoke with a male friend about his courtship with a lady he absolutely adored. I asked him what was it about her and his reply was that “I could not resist her resistance”.

Men want to win.

They want to win the heart of the woman. If it comes too easily, this is when he loses

interest and often pulls away. There isn’t much fun in that at all. This is why it’s so important to resist him. It makes you hard to get. This is not a game.

Your heart shouldn’t be easy to get in the first place. It’s valuable and you shouldn’t just give it away to a man who hasn’t put in the effort.

You are the prize r e m e m b e r .

Resistance means not jumping through hoops every time he calls. It means if you have plans with the girls, you keep them and don’t ditch them because you want to see him.

Resistance means if he invites you to go somewhere that you aren’t that crazy about, you aren’t going simply to please him. You decline offers if they don’t really suit you.

The fact of the matter is, men fall in love in your absence, not your presence.

This is when they think about you. When they think about you, their imaginations fill in the gaps. Usually with positive things. If you are always there jumping to be with him when ever humanly possible, he doesn’t have time to think about you.

If you offer no resistance, you offer no challenge. Men love a challenge, they simply can’t resist it. Men also like mystery. A woman that jumps right into a relationship with her heart is no mystery. She is an open book.

Resistance actually builds up attraction in a man. It is the key to being irresistible to men.

Resistance also show self control.

A woman with control of herself and her life is very, very attractive to men and is hard to resist.

He will put in effort to be a part of her world. He becomes a challenge to get her attention.

is God fearing and beautiful, for a relationship.08029668329 •Omatsola, 34, from Delta state, needs a honest, sincere and caring girl, for a relationship that will lead to marriage.

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Vanguard, THURSD AY, JULY 26, 2012 —57 THURSDA

The many benefits of lime juice L @ .

IMES may not be what you would choose for an in-between meal or afternoon snack, but you cannot overemphasise the power of lime when you want to bring out the flavour of other foods.

Have you ever flavoured your tea with lime or combined lime juice with olive oil, freshly crushed garlic and pepper to make a light and refreshing salad dressing?

Wonderful as a flavour, it also has a lot of health benefits!

Limes containss unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anticancer properties. While these flavonoids

have been shown to stop 08091276796 cell division in many cancer cell lines, they are perhaps most interesting for their antibiotic effects. In with Funke Oshifuye several villages where cholera in nature. Vitamin C travels through the body neutralizing any free radicals it comes in contact with. Vital to the function of a strong immune system, a little extra vitamin C gotten from lime may be useful in conditions like colds, flu, and recurrent ear infections.

Due to their high content of this vitamin, lime provides humans with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints.

Limonin is present in lime in the form of limonin glucoside, in which limonin is attached to a glucose molecule. Our bodies

Rotary battles polio via soccer

BY EMMANUAL ELEBEKE

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epidemics had occurred, the inclusion of lime juice during the main meal of the day was found to have been protective against the contraction of cholera.

The healing properties of limes cannot be overemphasised as studies have shown that cell cycles, including the decision of a cell makes about whether to divide or die are altered by lime juice. In addition to their unique phytonutrient properties, limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants

HE Rotary District 9125 recently took its campaign against polio in Nigeria to another level with a football match between the men’s wing of the service organisation and the women’s wing of the body.

The match which was organised by the Abuja Presidents Forum of Rotary International took place at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja. enhance exercise among Rotarians.”

For the outgoing President

of Rotary Club of Asokoro, Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie, the exercise shows the unity in Rotary, saying that the women’s wing of the service organisation,have been fully integrated in the Rotary to advance the advocacy to ensure that polio is kicked out of Nigeria. It was gathered that Rotary clubs in Abuja executed over 30 projects in areas of micro-credit, water projects, library equipment among others. Three new clubs also joined the fold. They are Abuja central, Maitama

easily digest this compound, cleaving off the sugar and releasing limonin which have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Limonin is long acting as research has shown that traces of limonin would still be present in the bloodstream even 24 hours after consumption of

lime! Limonin’s bioavailability and persistence may help explain why lime is a potent anti-carcinogen that may prevent cancerous cells from proliferating.

Choose limes that are firm and heavy for their size, free of decay and mould.

They should have a glossy skin that is deep green in colour; although limes turn more yellow as they ripen, they are at the height of their lively, tart flavour when they are green in colour.

Always juice them when they are at room temperature or place them in a bowl of warm water for several minutes as they will produce more juice when warmer.

Apollo hospitals,Diamond Helix train doctors in Lagos

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N Indian hospital, the Apollo Hospital Group in collabora tion with its Lagos Information Centre Coordinators, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Ltd will tomorrow hold a Continuing Medical Education programme, CME, for Nigerian medical doctors.

The CME billed to hold at the Mainland Hotel, beside Leventis Building Oyingbo between 10 AM to 5PM wouldl also host a Boot Camp for patients in need of expert reviews on various ailments including spinal surgeries, hip replacements and knee replacements. The training programme is aimed at sharing globally relevant standards of evidence-based practice. According to the organisers, the training would be centered on series of carefully designed teaching plans with case-based discussions and practical workshop constructed to conform to international standards in planning and delivery of medical education.

The first day of the training would attract a maximum of 5 CPD for attendees while the Boot camp day, would be strictly for patients with heart disease, and orthopedic cases. Some of the facilitators include; Dr. A Navaladi Shankar, Senior Consultant Trauma & Orthopedic Surgeon. Apollo Hospitals Chennai, Dr. T. S. Srinath: Interventional Cardiologist. Apollo Hospitals Chennai and Nigerian Dr. Amby Rukevwe: Anesthesiologist and Emergency Room consultant, from the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Topics to be covered during the conference includes: Cardiology-Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Young, Current Treatment Options, Orthopaedic - The Knee – Oxinium Knee Replacement amongst others.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

AM dating my best friend’s ex-boyfriend. His name is Tony. Ada told me that she had broken up with Tony. One thing led to another and I started dating him. I really love him and I am surprised that my friend broke up with a nice guy like that. And then last week, Ada told me that she has decided to forgive Tony and give their relationship another try. I am shocked and I don’t know how to tell her that Tony and I are seeing each other – Maureen Dear Maureen, however you approach this issue, it will not end well. You cannot have Tony as your boyfriend while Ada remains your best friend. You know very well that if you tell Ada about your relationship with Tony, that will be the end of your friendship with her and she will fight you over this. Your other option is to break up with Tony to save your relationship with Ada. I doubt if you will to do that because of your love for Tony. So it is either you lose Tony or you lose Ada. The choice is yours. But you cannot have both. And here is my advice to you when making future decisions. Never date your friend’s ex-boyfriend if you want to remain friends with them. It always back fires. I wish you luck – Uche Hello sir. I just read your column and I will like to know if there is a drug that can cure premature ejaculation instead of using creams. Thanks – Mohammed Dear Mohammed, rarely will you hear of drugs for such a purpose because premature ejaculation is not a disease. Only diseases have cures. The solutions you will find for premature ejaculation are usually performance enhancers and they come in the form of delay creams, delay wipes, penis sleeves or delay condoms because premature ejaculation is best controlled from the outside. If you don’t want to use a delay cream for this, then go for Sex on the Go Delay Wipes, Pasante Delay Condoms or a penile sleeve like the Stud Extender Delay Sleeve. These are all good options and will help you last longer – Uche Well done sir. I have started using the Mega Me enC M Y K

larger and I am seeing results just like you promised. I am just wondering if I can combine it with Extenze Plus penis enlargement supplement for faster growth. I am getting married soon and will like the results to mature before then – Madubike Congratulations Madubike. Yes you can combine it. One is a cream and the other is a supplement – Uche My uncle is 50years old and recently started experiencing weak erection. Sometimes he gets an erection but it will get weak in the middle of intercourse. On top of that, he does not last for up to three minutes before ejaculation and his sperm is small and watery. He does not want to use drugs because he is hypertensive – Luke Dear Luke, tell him to get the Potent Developer Penis Pump. It is an organ enlargement pump and it also gives erections. He should combine this pump with a Cockring to avoid losing the erection when he gets it. For his premature ejaculation, tell him to apply Power Plus Delay Cream a few minutes before intercourse. He will last longer that way. As for his watery sperm, the best solution for that is Max Load. Max Load is a natural supplement that makes sperm thicker and more voluminous for an electrifying climax– Uche Hello sir. Thank you so so much. I am taking Sex Voltz now and I am getting powerful erections – Uche I experience pain sometimes during intercourse – Margaret Margaret use a lubricant for intercourse. Climax Burst Lubricant is great for this - Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria.

For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

58—Vanguard, THURSDAY,

JULY 26, 2012

Edited by Ogbonna Amadi amadi_o@yahoo.com

Bimbo Akintola finds love

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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F you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to star actress Bimbo Akintola’s versatile acts then, wait until you see the movie, Hoodrush.

Hoodrush will perhaps change the perception of many as the warm actress finds love and demonstrates more affection in the new Nollywood movie.

A music inclined movie starring some of the best young talents in Nollywood like O.C Ukeje, Gabriel Afolayan, Chelsea Eze, Ijeoma Agu, Lilian Byoma and a host of others, the movie was directed by Dimeji Ajibola.

For Bimbo Akintola, starring

in Hoodrush was just another step in the right direction.

The Theatre Arts graduate of University of Ibadan who started her journey into acting in Owo Blow, with an equally great performance in Out of Bounds, where she acted alongside Richard MofeDamijo (RMD), she further cemented her place as a force to reckon with when she starred in the award winning movie, the Mourning After, a movie that highlights the pains of widowhood.

According to a statement signed by Bigsam Media, “it’s a pity that such a big star like Bimbo Akintola has not had her moment in the present day cinema. What Flipsyde Studios has done with

•Bimbo on set

Hoodrush is to make Bimbo Akintola play a different kind of role that further lends credence to her acting prowess and blend it with that of talented young stars like O.C Ukeje, Gabriel Afolayan, Chelsea Eze, Ijeoma Agu and others. This is Bimbo Akintola at her best”.

According to the writer and director of the movie, Dimeji Ajibola, “Bimbo’s performance in this movie is something people should watch out for. She really did great on the set of Hoodrush, working with her was a pleasure”.

Hoodrush tells a story of two brothers closely bonded by their love for music; but deeply separated by their means for success. Shez(O.C Ukeje) and Tavier(Gabriel Afolayan) are two of a kind pursuing a Herculean dream of becoming music stars. But all they have is their amazing vocal talents, good looks, a crib in the ghetto and a menial job that could hardly pay for their clothing and feeding expenses.

They soon realize they need more to achieve their dreams, and participating and hoping to win a credible talent hunt show comes as their only natural option. Being at the bottom of the societal grid, ghetto life’s ugly fabric begins to wear on them and their eventual vulnerability puts them at the mercy of the high and mighty.

Produced by Flipsyde Studios where Dimeji is the CEO, Hoodrush will be in cinema from October this year.

•Rihanna & Chris

Rihanna, Chris Brown hook up secretly?

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HE duo of Chris Brown and Rihanna seem to still be madly in love with each other. This could partly account for why Chris Brown jetted to St.Tropez over the weekend.

A source close to Chris revealed that “Chris Brown is in France to shoot a music video with

Jennifer Hudson family killer gets life imprisonment

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TRUGGLING to contain his anger, a Chicago judge on Tuesday sentenced Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson’s former brother-in-law to life in prison for killing her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew in what prosecutors say was a fit of jealous rage.

In blistering comments, Cook County Circuit Judge Charles Burns rejected William Balfour ’s claims that he was innocent of the crimes.

Balfour was convicted in May of first-degree murder in the 2008 shooting deaths of Hudson’s 57-year- old mother, Darnell Donerson; her 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King.

During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Balfour, who was married to Hudson’s sister, Julia Hudson, as a jealous estranged husband who often stalked the Hudson family home after he moved out in early 2008. Balfour ’s attorneys suggested someone else committed a crime in the family’s three-story house in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.

Burns’ harshest comments came in regards to Julian’s death. The judge’s voice cracked as he recounted how terrified the child must have been in the second before he was shot twice in the head.

Hudson, who attended every day of Balfour ’s trial earlier this year, sat next to her sister and dabbed her eyes with a tissue a couple of times during the hearing, including the 10 minutes in which Burns put his own anger into words. She did not make a statement to the judge and left the courtroom without commenting.

Balfour offered his condolences to the Hudson family while maintaining that he didn’t kill their relatives.

Illinois does not have the death penalty, and Balfour faced a mandatory life sentence. The judge sentenced Balfour to three terms of life in prison plus 120 years on other charges, a largely symbolic move but one that underlined the judge’s feelings.

•Jennifer

Ludacris for Swizz Beats’ album. He is not on her (Rihanna’s) yacht.

Karrueche is there with him in France — they never broke up.”

While Chris is not specifically in St. Tropez for Rihanna, however, another source close to Chris tells says that, “He ain’t on the same yacht as Rihanna, but I know he wants to be. It’s a business thing for the most part, but he got access to planes and boats, so I wouldn’t put it past him to sneak off, you feel me?”

The source continues, “Don’t just think he’s out there and they won’t try to connect. Rihanna goes hard for him and he might let his guard down, so you never know. Rihanna text him and told him she wants to connect out here and they will see each other. Trust.”

It must also be noted that Rihanna is currently in St. Tropez as well, and has been tweeting that she “misses her boo” — a nickname she has reportedly assigned to Chris!

In 2009, Chris Brown was arrested for assaulting Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and six months

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—59

S-West big wigs endorse Mimiko • Agunloye defects from ACN to LP gressive party in this country today; a party with extensive poKURE, the Ondo tentials anchored on the increasState capital stood still for ing knowledge among our peoover five hours as the state gov- ple that the quality, depth and ernor, Olusegun Mimiko, made breadth of performance of govknown his intention to contest the ernment is the principal yardstick October 20 governorship election. by which progressive politics is Yesterday marked fourth anni- gauged, not by the depth of your versary of what happened on capacity at sloganeering.”

July 25, 2008 when the Election While saying that he would not Petitions Tribunal presided over depart from the oath of office he

by Justice Garba Nabaruma gave took in February 2009, Dr Mimiits unanimous judgment declar- ko said “by the special grace of ing Mimiko the winner of the Almighty God and with your trust April 2007 governorship election. and confidence, I again declare Also, a front line governorship that I will continue to work for you! aspirant of the ACN, Dr. Olu Our desire is that by the time we Agunloye, defected to the LP with shall be ending our tenure - at his Omoluabi network and en- the end of the second term which dorsed the governor for a second we seek now - we, by God’s own term. Oba Adesida/ Oyemekun grace, shall have fundamentally road venue of the event was filled restructured governance in Ondo just as thousands of party sup- State through such glaring high porters across the 18 council ar- achievements that the barometer eas of the state trooped to the ven- of performance shall have been ue for the declaration. The mam- set at a level below which any fumoth crowd spilled to all the ad- ture government would find it to jacent streets with many others difficult to operate.” viewing from balconies of housMimiko recalled that he dees close to the venue just to have clared his intention to run for his a feel of the ceremony. first term on December 14, 2006 Notable leaders across the at Akure City Hallwhen he concountry attended the declaration tested the April 14, 2007 goverceremony and they took turns to norship and exactly four years declare their support ago, the Election Petifor the governor second tion Tribunal declared term ambition. The him the winner of the leaders include the election. The Appeal leaders of the NLC and Court presided over by TUC , lead by Comrade Justice Umaru AbdulaAbdulwaheed Omar hi also affirmed the and Peter Esele respecjudgment of Justice tively. Speaking amidst Nararuma on February interjection by the 23, 2009 which made mammoth crowd, Govthe declaration of next ernor Mimiko said the day possible. need for second term in He noted that on each office was for him to of these occasions “I consolidate the made a broad commitachievements recorded ment to work for you, by his administration in the good people of the past three and half I made a Ondo State. I give years. broad com- thanks to God that three half years on, we mitment to and Deepening of have, by the grace of democracy work for God, lived by that commitment.”

He said: “We desire you, the Mimiko said: “Durto continue to contrib- good peopleing these three and half ute to the deepening of years, we made the peodemocracy in our land of Ondo ple of Ondo State the through clear-headed State central focus of goverperformance and delivnance. We emplaced a ery of the public good, string of people-orientand thus unravel efforts ed projects. We, by the at substitution of slosheer magnitude and ganeering for goverquality of our projects, nance that some folks benchmarked Ondo are striving to enforce State for Nigeria , and as culture among our people. I indeed, in many respects, for Afdesire to run again on the plat- rica. We have raised the profile of form of your party, the Labour governance and set a standard Party, undoubtedly the most pro- beyond which no government

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

L-r: Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; founder, OPC, Dr Frederick Faseun; Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr Kunle Olajide and Chief Olu Falae at the declaration for 2nd term of Mimiko, at the Democracy Park, in Akure, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko (middle) with labour leaders: National President, TUC, Comrade Peter Esele (2nd right), National President, NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar and State Chairman, NLC, Comrade Bosede Daramola.

can afford to fall in our dear State.

We have, by the grace of God, pursued activities that cohere with our vision of government.

“We have formulated policies that were informed by the collective interest of our people, exe-

cuted projects focusing on the primacy of man in the scheme of development and, generally, we have democratized access to the good things of life for the people of our dear State.

“As we promised in 2009, we

have not shied away from what we consider the obligation of government in a society like ours. We thus have delivered programmes directed, as we promised, at ensuing that ‘the weak in the society are given opportunities to develop and actualize their potentials. It was with the conviction the governments within the limits of our God-given resources and ability have kept faith with the electorate, that “I solemnly seek your mandate for a second term in office as Governor.”

Dr. Mimiko said that if given the mandate it “would make him complete several of the projects that were initiated during this first term, emplace a new string of programmes directed at enhancing the quality of life of our people, desire to use the next four years to lift up those of our people that are still left behind, and take to those cities and communities that are yet to have some of those projects of ours.”

••Fasoranti, Adebanjo, Falae, others deliver solidarity mesages

E

MINENT Nigerians, yesterday, attended the second term declaration of the governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

They include Afenifere leaders, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Dr. Fredrick Faseun, the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar, his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Peter Esele. Also present include the former Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, governorship aspirant, Dr. Olu Agunloye; Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Remi Okunrinboye who defected from the PDP yesterday to join the Labour Party.

Others include Yinka Odumakin, an ex Militant Chief Bibiborpiri Ajube, NURTW National Chairman Chief Gboyega Tomori and a host of other dignitaries.

Taking their turn to speak Afenifere leader, Chief Olu Falae, said he was at the declaration to publicly acknowledge

Mimiko as his special political son. Falae said because of the performance of the governor the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) which he is the National Chairman would collaborate with him to win another term. He said: “He (Mimiko) has done a good job in the last three years, I am not saying he is perfect but he has been exemplary, he has been an Omoluabi as most of his programmes are for the ordinary people. Some people are claiming that they are the progressives, they are not, we, Afenifere stand for progressivism, we are anything that is progressive, it is time for change and change is the name in progressives.

Another chieftain of Afenifere, Chief Adebanjo said: “I have been hearing about Mimiko from far and now I can confirm that the people of the state are behind him, we are also here to let you know that as you cherish Mimiko, we also appreciate him. I am an Awoist, Mimiko is an Awoist, who is an Awoist? He is somebody that serves the people. Awolowo laid the foundation and Mimiko is

building on it. He is not among those that pay lip service to being Awoist.”

The founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Fredrick Faseun, described the Labour Party, LP, as the most progressive party in the country with a progressive man at the helms of affairs. Faseun tasked the people of the state to troop out during the election to vote 100percent for Dr Mimiko.

The NLC president Comrade Omar who said he came with three messages for the people of the state appealed to them to ensure that the governor remains in office after February 2013 by voting for him and also defending their votes. He said: “It is ridiculous and stupid to have said that we collected money, we stand by principle and stand by the common man, we are backing Iroko for second term 100 per cent.”

His TUC counterpart Peter Esele said the congress was supporting Mimiko because of the visible transformation in the state in the last three and half years.

60—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 26, , 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012—61

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62 —

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Brits get Games off with a win S

TEPHANIE Hough ton curled in a 64thminute free kick to give Britain a 1-0 win over New Zealand in a women’s football match that kicked off the London Olympics on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony.

Houghton struck a right-footed shot into the left side of the net, getting the ball just inside the wall to beat New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon and give the host a winning start to the London Games.

The football tournament started before Friday’s opening ceremonies because of its long match schedule. The men’s competition will begin on Thursday.

Britain is one of the favorites to advance from Group E along with 2008 silver-medalist Brazil, which will play Cameroon later Wednesday at the same Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

New Zealand, which has never won a match in the Olympics or the World Cup finals, controlled play early before Britain took over about midway through the first half, creating a series of dangerous scoring chances.

The best chance before Houghton’s goal had come in the first half when midfielder Anita Asante’s header struck the post and just trickled out in the 34 th minute, prompting Bindon to kiss the woodwork in appreciation.

Bindon had already

IAAF suspends 9 for doping N TUSSLE . . . France’s Eugenie Le Sommer (R) fights for the ball with US Amy Le Peilbet during their group G Olympic Women’s football match at Hampden Park in Glasgow yesterday. US defeated France 4-2. Photo: AFP made a difficult save on a long-range free kick taken by Houghton in the 21st. On the ensuing corner, forward Eniola Aluko had her shot blocked just in front of the goal, with Bindon

already on the ground.

Asante also just missed with a header in the 36th from a corner, and Alex Scott’s shot in the 38th went just wide after she cleared a defender inside the area.

Brazil begins quest for 1st Olympic soccer gold B

RAZIL has waited a long time for an Olympic gold medal in men’s football, and the team enters the London Games ready to put an end to that drought.

Brazil will make its debut in the London Olympic tournament today against Egypt at the Millennium Stadium, hoping a good start will lead to success in the only significant competition it has never won. Brazil finished with the Olympic silver in 1984 and

1988 and the bronze in 1996 and 2008.

Brazil is playing with a nearly full-strength squad and coach Mano Menezes and his players know there are high expectations. Many of the players at the Olympics will also likely be in the team trying to win the World Cup at home in 2014.

It will be the second significant competition Brazil is playing under Menezes since he took over the national team

Federer op seeds ederer,, Azarenka are Olympic ttop

T

HE International Ten nis Federation (ITF) announced the seeds for the London 2012 Olympic Tennis Event, being held at the All England Club, Wimbledon from July 28 until August 5.

Seeds are based on the ATP and WTA world rankings of Monday, 23 July.

The draw for the 2012 Olympic Tennis Event will be held at the All England Club, Wimbledon on today at 11:00 in the Debenture Holders Lounge. Any accredited media for the London 2012 Olympics are able to attend the draw.

Wimbledon champion Roger Federer (SUI) is top seed for men’s singles, with Beijing Olympic bronze medalist NoC M Y K

New Zealand had one of its few scoring chances early in the second half, when Amber Hearn’s free kick sailed wide but close to the goal in the 49th.

INE track athletes were suspended ahead of the London Olympics for doping, including three who were caught in retests of samples from last year ’s world championships, the IAAF said Wednesday.

The governing body said six were caught in biological passport tests, which measure changes in an athlete’s blood profile. The others were sanctioned after retroactive testing of blood and urine samples from the world championships at Daegu, South Korea.

Eight of the athletes received two-year suspensions, while one was handed a four-year ban.

The IAAF said the athletes — eight women and one man — were involved in “sophisticated doping,” including one case of human growth hormone and two of synthetic testosterone.

Among those suspended was Ukraine’s Nataliya Tobias, who won a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She tested positive for testosterone in further analysis of urine samples from Daegu, where she finished ninth in the 1,500.

after the 2010 World Cup. His team was eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Copa America in Argentina in 2011, prompting heavy criticism from fans and local media and putting his command in doubt.

More than a year later, he thinks the situation is different and Brazil has a better chance of succeeding in its quest for the elusive gold medal.

“We’ve had a good sequence of matches since then and I think that’s going to make a difference,” Menezes said. “I think this sequence is going to show on the way we play. We are better prepared now.”

ECSTATIC . . . Brazil’s jewel, Neymar celebrates after scoring and is ready to show his stuff against Egypt in today’s game.

Canada falls to Japan in first game

A

•Federer

•Azarenka

vak Djokovic (SRB) seeded No. 2. Federer, who teamed up with Stanislas Wawrinka to win doubles gold for Switzerland in Beijing, is still looking for his first Olympic medal in singles. Home favorite

Andy Murray (GBR) is seeded No. 3, followed by David Ferrer (ESP) at No. 4. Ferrer will be leading the Spanish challenge in the absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal through injury.

SECOND half goal

by Canadian forward Melissa Tancredi and a late offensive push were not enough to overcome Japan as Canada fell 2-1 in their opening match at the London 2012 Olympic women’s soccer tournament.

Both of Japan’s goals were scored in the opening half at City of Coventry Stadium.

Nahomi Kawasumi opened the scoring when she fired a shot over Canadian keeper Erin McLeod in the 33rd

minute to put Japan ahead.

Kawasumi’s goal was created courtesy a nice back-heel from Shinobu Ohno after breaking down the Canadian defence to set up the mark-

•Tancredi

er.

In the 44th minute as the half approached, Aya Miyama was also able to head past McLeod, who came off her line in an attempt to play the ball, to double the World Champions advantage.

Following a great goal-line clearance by Canadian defender Lauren Sesselmann to keep the score at 2-0, Tancredi connected on a ball in the box from Rhian Wilkinson and fired home Canada’s only goal of the game.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 — 63

Feeding Fat! Feeding is a very important ritual for me. I don’t trust people who don’t like to eat.

F-L-I-C-K-S! from London

Gina Gershon Gina Gershon is not a Nigerian but many Nigerians will agree with her easily on her famous quote on feeding. Time was when the beauty of women was synonymous with their expertise in the kitchen. That’s when women taste the love of their husbands with the volume of food they consume.

Men who eat voraciously are easily loved by their wives. It’s a sign of the wizardry of a good cook for the hubby to lick the plate.

That’s old school. The hand of the clock has been turned. The table, too, has been turned. Most men sweat it out in the kitchen more than men. And awards over-time have shown that men are better cooks. They have grabbed more awards in cooking competitions than women. It is debatable.

This piece is not about the best cook. It is about too much food on offer at the imposing Olympic Village housing well over 16,000 athletes, coaches and officials. The dining runs 24 hours. That means that there is food every second, minute and hour.

Eagle-eyed volunteers are positioned to ensure that it is not food for all who do not have the fork and knife sign on their accreditation and ofcourse with the big R which means they are residents of the Olympic Village.

But how can they cook for people from over 299 countries, each with their peculiar cultures and food needs?

Inside the massive dining hall with tables stretching everywhere are big signs leading athletes on where they can make their choices.

There are places for Europe, Americas and Mediterranean, Best of Britain, Africa and Caribbeans, India and Asia. McDonald’s, the fast food giants are inside with their might. Soft drink giants, Coca-Cola are well positioned with their assorted drinks. The food and drinks are at the beck and call of the athletes and officials with the servers smiling and urging you on to eat and eat.

The danger for athletes is that all of these beautiful food with sumptuous aroma will be a temptation for them. Luckily, the athletes are used to seeing the varieties and dwell more on fluids than food.

But there are still athletes who need to consume more to do their sports. Think about the Weightlifters, Wrestlers etc. For athletes and officials coming from war-torn countries with limited choices back home, it is eat and eat and forget your mission.

Those who win or lose early may comfort themselves with delicious food. It is bad not to win medals. It is worse to starve in the midst of plenty.

Missing my dear friend There are people so close to you that you think they are your relatives. Sylva Eleanya is one of them. His massive size notwithstanding, dwarfing me in all fronts, people still make the mistake of

Chukwumerije Continues from BP bronze medallist, Blessing Okagbare are the captain and vice captain respectively of Team Nigeria.

They flew 29 hours from Istanbul, Turkey to London yesterday Chukwumerije won a gold medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games in the +80kg class and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games soon after. Although he lost to eventual silvermedal winner Alexan-

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dros Nikolaidis in the semifinals of the +80kg event, he claimed the bronze medal after defeating Akmal Irgashev of Uzbekistan, Nigeria’s third medal of the tournament.

His arrival and compatriot Isa Mohammed was celebrated by members of the team as most athletes and officials look up to the taekwondo exponent for a credible performance in London.

thinking we are related. We are not but he is close enough to allow people make mistakes on our identity. A jolly good fellow who is good with his works. A photographer of repute who made name taking pictures in his village in Owerri before clicking his way to fame(not notorious). Sylva(his village people prefer to call him Prof) has won several awards, and has travelled many parts of the world covering sports. We are still awaiting his arrival in London and that is where the problem starts. If and when Sylva comes, where and who is he going to stay with? Ordinarily, I would have had the misfortune of pairing with him if not for my national duty as Press Attache to Team Nigeria.

I had endured covering the World Cup, the African Cup of Nations, Commonwealth Games sharing room with him. When we spoke on phone and he said he was coming over, I laughed and heaved a sigh of relief. Not again!. Atleast, I can sleep soundly the little time I get to sleep. All the times I stayed with Sylva, people complained that I lost weight and I blamed it on too much work. Half truth!. I stayed awake once Sylva slept before me.

As much as it’s irritating, it helped me work more.

He is quick to ask me how one who snores knows when another person is snoring? Funny. I f Snoring comes in sizes. Mine, no doubt, will be small size. If you know Sylva, you know his size.

Blood-curdling snoring, with its gargling and squawking and terrifying noise will hit London soon.

I volunteer to help!

Volunteers are streaming from all corners. With

Continues from BP

IAAF

on false starts ahead of the London Olympics. The little-publicised clarification by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) permits athletes to move in the starting blocks without being disqualified so long as their hands do not leave the ground or their feet the blocks.

Previously, such twitching or flinching could have resulted in disqualification at the discretion of the starter.

“The bottom line is, out-

side of an athlete removing his hands off the track or his feet leaving the blocks, nothing else is a false start,” David Katz, one of 17 members on the rule-making IAAF technical committee, told Reuters by telephone.

The need for improved quality and consistency by starters worldwide had prompted the clarification, said Paul Hardy, IAAF competitions director.

Usain Bolt’s false start at last year’s world championships in Daegu, while a clear violation, only added to the discussion.

beautiful uniforms. Black and white. And with good manners. They are ever-ready to help.

Always with a smile.

Both young and old. Men and women. Boys and girls. They are all here making London 2012 a Games to remember. Interestingly, the volunteers come from different professions. Team Nigeria has its own fair of volunteers, with most of them Nigerians in diaspora who find it difficult to speak the language. They answer typical Nigerian names, proudly identifying themselves as Nigerians but with little knowledge of their origin.

I met one at the imposing Olympic Village dining. He lifted my accreditation and exclaimed – You are a Nigerian!. Indeed, I’m a Nigerian”, I responded pepping at his tag to reveal his name as Agwu. An old man who has lost track with his origin and happy to be re-united with his people through the Olympics. ‘’I’m from East Central State of Nigeria. It’s a long time”, he said apparently reading my face in awe. He did not stay to finish his story as duty beckoned on him.

He was no doubt referring to the 1960s after the civil war.

He is not alone. Michael Ibo Ohajuru is another volunteer who works at Team Nigeria’s secretariat at the Olympic Village. ‘’I’ve been home in Owerri but cant speak the language”, Ohajuru said in accent that makes it difficult to know he is a Nigerian. ‘’I love Nigeria and I love people who are focused to win. I love to be with young people and as a Nigerian, I want to be with Nigerians. I am in love with the Taekwondo lads. They have the energy and they are disciplined. that is why I am here to meet with Nigerians and to help them do well at the Olympics”. Ohajuru himself burstling with energy said.

A Ghanaian, Miss Catherine Owiredo-Oppong is also a volunteer with Team Nigeria. ‘’I put Nigeria first and any other African country.

Nigeria is more serious in sports than Ghana.

Don’t know or hear Ghana making impacts in sports”, pretty Catherine who is a graduate of Biomedical with her Masters in International Health is currently teaching Mathematics. ‘’I wanted to be a Doctor but cannot wait that long. I decided to teach but I’m on the move reading Finance”, Catherine said complaining of soaring temperature. A Ghanaian! Asked if she would settle down to marry a Ghanaian or Nigerian; she laughed. ‘’I don’t know for now. I am not thinking about that now. My parents live in Ghana are into property. I might one day go back to give them a helping hand”, the Ghanaian beauty said.

Alexander Shoderu is from Ogun State and a Youth worker in London. ‘’Because I love sports and I love Nigeria. And also, Olympics is not going to be in London again. It is a life-time thing and I have to grab it with both hands”. Alex is different from others because he also speaks Yoruba fluently. There is Adedapo Ogunjimi from Osun state and Helen Manufor who is in charge of Administration. Helen played Netball for Britain and is desirous to see it back to Nigerian sports.

She is a workaholic. She has got the energy. She moves people. She loves Nigeria.

Team Nigeria Continues from BP precedented act of solidarity with other competing nation’s athletes who will also be wearing traditional dress.

The Nigerians will be led out by flag bearer, Usman Maryam competing in the +75kg Weightlifting. The Nigerian contingent will be clad in their white attire that is sprinkled with green, making up the national colours of the largest black nation in the World.

Secretary General of

the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Honourable Tunde Popoola confirmed yesterday that the attires were carefully chosen for the contingent. ‘’It’s going to be our traditional attire mixed with white and green, the colours of Nigeria.

It’s a reflection of us and we are ready for the opening ceremony ”, Popoola offered. . The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Chukwumerije, Isa storm Olympic Village

• Ready to rumble T

•Chika Chukwumerije

IAAF softens false-start rules

T

HE danger of one inadvertent twitch ruining the greatest day of a sprinter ’s life has

been removed after athletics’ governing body softened the rules Continues on Page 63

EAM Nigeria camp came alive yesterday as the Captain, Chika Chukwumerije and Isa Mohammed who are Nigeria’s two flagbearers in the Taekwondo events of the London 2012 Olympics stormed the Olympic Village.

The duo with Scribe of Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Chinedu Ezealah have been criss-crossing Asia where they have been perfecting their acts for medals in Taekwondo .

Chukwumerije, a bronze medallist in Beijing Olympics together with another Continues on Page 63

SQUEEZY... Britain’s Stephanie Houghton (top L) fights for the ball with New Zealand’s Amber Hearn (2nd L), goalkeeper Jenny Bindon and Abby Erceg (R) during their women’s Group E opener of the London 2012 women football event at the Millennium Stadium in Cardif, Wales. Britain won 1-0.

Team Nigeria to wear traditional attire

T

EAM Nigeria ath letes competing intomorrow’s opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will wear traditional clothing in an un Continues on Page 63

More Olympic stories on Pages 26, 27, 62 and 63

TODAY'S

PUZZLES

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Today’s Events UAE Great Britain Mexico vs Gabon vs Belarus vs Brazil vs Honduras vs Spain vs G. Britain Japan USA Brazil

Men Fixtures vs Uruguay 5pm vs Senegal 5pm Korea Republic 2.30pm Switzerland 5.15pm New Zealand 7.45pm Egypt 7.45pm Morocco 12.pm Japan 2.45pm

Football Women Results 1 New Zealand 0 2 Canada 1 4 France 2 5 Cameroon 0

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Boast (4) 4 Fruit (3) 6 Search (4) 8 Hateful (6) 9 Strain (6) 10 Epoch (3) 12 Rigid (5) 14 Fracture (5) 15 Demon (5) 18 Inn (6) 20 Suppose (6) 24 Devil (5) 26 Untrue (5) 28 Split (5) 30 Crafty (3) 32 Coax (6) 33 Golden brown (6) 34 Mix (4) 35 Mire (3) 36 Action (4)

DOWN 2 Perch (5) 3 Animal (7) 4 Wither (4) 5 Robe (4) 6 Weapon (5) 7 Utter (7) 11 Possess (3) 12 Drunkard (3) 13 Tree (3) 16 Finish (3) 17 Barrier (3) 19 Unyielding (7) 21 Cry (3) 22 Slighted (7) 23 Consume (3) 25 Fish (3) 27 Scrub (5) 29 Beano (5) 30 Appear (4) 31 Spar (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 2, Satan 7, Sinew 8, Relay Wager 12, Net 13, Creek 15, Dictate Hatred 19, Our 20, Neutral 23, Crib Last 26, Careful 30, For 31, Season Forfeit 37, Among 38, Oil 39, Tinge Adder 41, Under 42, Greed.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

10, 17, 25, 34, 40,

DOWN: 1, Tiara 2, Sewer 3, Awake 4, Aped 5, Central 6, Tatty 9, Lea 11, Riotous 13, Check 14, Ethic 16, Cur 18, Demerit 21, Lasso 22, Sting 24, Baffled 27, Roe 28, League 29, Moody 32, Amend 33, Onset 35, Rid 36, Tier.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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