CBN devalues Naira, now N168 to dollar by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62285

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

How I survived deadly prostate cancer — SOYINKA >>11

CBN devalues Naira, now N168 to dollar •Raises lending rate to 13 % •Increases private sector cash reserve to 20% •Retains public sector cash reserve at 75% COLUMNISTS:

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor & Emma Ujah

BUJA—THE Central Bank of Nigeria, yesterday, devalued the national currency, the Naira, as it moved the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market

Continues on Page 5

2015: Buhari raises funds on Facebook >>9

I don't give a damn! as a standing order of impunity •P.19

What the next governor of Lagos State should do for us (7) •P.24

Mr & Mrs

FOR THE LESS-PRIVILEGED—Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno (L) presenting a food item to a less privileged woman, in Maiduguri, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Immigration swoops on illegal immigrants in Anambra

Two female suicide bombers attack Maiduguri, kill 67

See Pull-out inside

•Injure 98; 30 shops, 25 vehicles destroyed >>8

2—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

C M Y K

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C M Y K

4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

BRIEFING—National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Left); APC chieftain, Chief Tunde Daramola and Chairman and Chief Medical Director of Finnih Medical Centre, Dr, Yomi Finnih at the briefing on invasion of APC data office in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

CBN devalues Naira, now N168 to US dollar Continues from Page 1 from N155 to N168 to the one US Dollar. This means that the Naira will exchange between N168 and N174 to the dollar at the foreign exchange market. Official devaluation of the naira became inevitable as a result of reduction in government revenue from oil production and sales. The devaluation will increase the volume of Naira available to the federation account and to various levels of government to prosecute their local programmes. The CBN Monetary Policy Committee also, yesterday, raised the interest rate benchmark from 12 per cent to 13 per cent, thus signalling that interest rates charged by banks will go up further than they are now. The apex bank monetary policy committee further raised the cash reserve

requirement for nongovernment deposits in banks to 20 per cent from its previous 15 per cent position while retaining the cash reserve requirement of 75 per cent for government and their agencies' deposits in banks. Briefing the press on the outcome of the 98th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, in Abuja, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said that the combination of low accruals into the nation’s foreign reserves, owing to falling oil prices at the international market; continual depletion of the reserves; and high demand at the foreign exchange market made it difficult for the apex bank to continue to defend the Naira. “All the 11 members voted to move the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else — Albert Einstein. Take time to learn and learn the appropriate way.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

“To be beautiful means to be yourself….You do not need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ACH of us is so different and unique, with gifts and talents. We have been created with certain gifts and purpose in life. Always be true to yourself without trying to be like someone else. Accept the things that have happened in your life, learn from it and allow this to make you better in every way. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the little things that really don’t matter, that we can’t enjoy the moment. Sometimes these little things that we worry about rob us of the joy of the moment. Every day, try and write down a few things you are grateful for, just like the rose gives out its fragrance simply because there is nothing else it can be, whether there is someone to enjoy the fragrance or not; a lamp shines with no thought of whether someone gets its luminescence, the light always shines, the tree does not withdraw its shade, because no one is there. The art of practicing gratitude multiplies what you have even more abundantly.

N155/US$ to N168/US$”, he said. The CBN boss regretted that the high demand at the forex market was the handiwork of speculators and threatened to deal with those found to be involved in infractions. The wide gap between the exchange rate of N155 to $1 at the official market and about N178 to $1 at the Bureaux the Change made round tripping obviously very attractive. Justifying the devaluation, Mr. Emefiele noted that there had been a consistent devaluation at the interbank and BDC segments of the forex market and that in spite of exclusion of some items from being funded through forex from those markets, the demand pressure continued, necessitating more farreaching measures to ensure stability of the exchange rate. His words: “The depreciation at both the interbank and the BDC segments largely reflected recent demand pressures arising from falling oil prices and dwindling external reserves. As part of the demand management measures, the Bank in two recent circulars excluded certain import items from the rDAS window. Despite the tight measures, the high demand for foreign exchange has continued unabated. This demand does not seem to have any bearing on the genuine foreign exchange needs of the country, which the Bank stands ready and has the capacity to meet. The current level of external reserves provides cover for approximately seven months of imports.

Reserves down from $40.7 b to $36.75 b

Justifying the decision to devalue the Naira, the CBN boss disclosed that the nation’s foreign reserves lost more than $3 billion in one and a half months to efforts to defend the Naira. His words: “Developments in the external sector since September 2014, manifested in a build-up of pressures in the foreign exchange market. While the Bank sustained its efforts to maintain the stability of the Naira exchange rate at the rDAS window, a considerable degree of weakening was recorded at both the interbank and Bureaux de Change (BDCs) segments. “The exchange rate at the rDAS window during the review period opened at N157.31/US$ and closed at N157.32/US$, reflecting a marginal depreciation of N0.01k. To maintain and stabilize the exchange rate at that level, gross official reserves declined from US$40.7 billion on 17th September, 2014 to $36.75 billion at end-October 2014. From year-to-date, substantial currency depreciation has occurred in comparator oil exporting countries but the Naira has depreciated by only 1.74 per cent. “The depreciation at both the interbank and the BDC segments largely reflected recent demand pressures arising from the falling oil prices and dwindling external reserves. As part of the demand management measures, the Bank in two recent circulars excluded certain import items from the rDAS window. Despite the tight measures, the high demand for foreign exchange has continued unabated, This demand does not seem to have any bearing on the genuine foreign exchange needs of the country, which the Bank stands ready and has the capacity to meet. The current level of external reserves provides approximately seven months of imports cover. The apex bank also took steps to tighten money supply as it increased the MPR by 100 basis points from 12 to 13 per cent, widened the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from +/-3 per cent to +/-5 per cent and increased the CRR on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect. It however, retained public sector Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, at its current level of 75 per cent.

$73 oil overly optimistic

Mr. Emefiele said that the new oil price benchmark of $73 per barrel was considered too

high as he warned that falling oil prices were likely to become a permanent feature rather than an episode that would go away soon. He said that the US Shale Oil, the Nuclear deal with Iran portend worse situations for oil prices as it predicted greater glut at the international oil market. Already , he said, oil futures for the next six months were being sealed at less than $70 per barrel, an indication that the nation's benchmark could not but be reviewed further downwards. His words, “The Committee also noted that unlike in previous episodes, the current downturn in oil prices is not transitory but appears to be permanent; being a product of technological advancement. Currently, the US which used to be Nigeria’s former major oil export destination now meets on average 80 per cent of its domestic oil demand from local shale oil retorting technology production and exports over 8 million barrels of crude oil daily. Explaining the basis of the decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee to devalue the naira and raise lending rate, the CBN Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele said “A major issue considered by the Committee, however, was the declining level of external reserves, which arose from demand and supply constraints. On the supply side, the falling oil price has considerably reduced the accretion to external reserves thus constraining the ability of the Bank to continually defend the naira and sustain the stability of the naira exchange rate. “The supply side is further weakened by the commencement of normalisation of monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve following the termination of the third quantitative easing on 29th October, 2014; a development which has accentuated capital outflows. These developments are against the backdrop of

considerable loss of fiscal space following our inability to build sufficient reserves during the boom days. “On the demand side, the pressures in the foreign exchange market were aided mostly by the excess liquidity conditions in the banking system and speculative activities. It has become increasingly worrisome that improvement in liquidity conditions in the banking system, designed to enhance the resilience and stability of the banking system, has not translated to increased credit expansion to the real sector to engender inclusive growth and boost employment. Rather, it has led to an upward pressure in the foreign exchange market and Standing Deposit Facility window of the Bank while banks continually exercise a cautious approach to lending. “Against this background, the Committee is of the view that the current challenge requires bold policy moves on both the demand and supply sides of the foreign exchange market. Consequently, bold policy and administrative measures in the management of the nation’s stock of foreign exchange reserves have become inevitable in order to align the market towards its long-run equilibrium path. “On this note, the Committee wishes to reiterate that the Bank remains committed to a stable exchange rate within the limits of available resources and would continue to maintain sufficiently strong level of external reserves to meet its short term obligations and other regular balance of payments commitments. Without prejudice to this commitment, our foreign exchange management framework would have zero tolerance for infractions and would penalize economic agents whose primary objective is to speculate in the Nigerian market.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Man acquitted of mother's murder By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—AN Imo State High Court, sitting in Oguta Judicial Division and presided over by Hon Justice Goddy Anunihu, yesterday discharged and acquitted Dr. Chimezie Osigwe, who had been standing trial for murder. The state had accused Dr. Chimezie Osigwe of murder in line with Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Vol. II Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, as applicable in Imo State. The particulars of offence was that the accused “on August 27, 2004, at Nzuru Umuagwu, Ejemekwuru, in the Oguta Judicial Division, did murder your mother, Mrs. Lucy Osigwe, aged 85, by hitting her with a cement block, which caused her death.” Justice Anunihu said while the two prosecution witnesses narrated how nobody could trace the whereabouts of Mrs. Lucy Osigwe before the matter was reported to the police, the accused gave a graphic account of how his mother died. In his defence, the accused narrated how the seismic work being carried out by Chevron, an oil company operating in their community at the time, caused a serious quake that destroyed the block work in the family’s toilet. Speaking to newsmen after the judgement, Dr. Osigwe described it as victory of light over darkness and truth over falsehood.

CHARITY: Pupils of Hafsat Yuguda Memorial Orphanage with items donated by Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, during the corporation’s 25th anniversary in Bauchi, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Lawyer docked for assaulting colleague over a brief By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A 59-year-old lawyer, Nina Lawani, was yesterday arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly assaulting a colleague. Lawani, who resides at 6, Shomolu Road, Dolphin Estate Ikoyi, was arraigned before Magistrate O. M. Ajayi. The defendant is facing a count charge of assault preferred against her by the

Police. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against her. The prosecutor, Sergeant Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 18. He said the incident happened at about 11:12a.m. at Igbosere Magistrate's Court. Ighodalo said Lawani unlawfully slapped one Helen Ibeji during an argument over a brief.

WERRI—IMO State branch of Deaf Sports Association, yesterday, barricaded Government House, Owerri, to protest alleged reluctance by Governor Rochas Okorocha to release their accrued stipend, amounting to N2.3 million. The protesters, numbering over 150, carried placards, some of which read Okorocha pay us our money; We can't hear, but physically and mentally capable; We want to participate in the forthcoming national deaf games, please pay us, among others.

profession, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991,” he said. Magistrate Ajayi, however, admonished the lawyers, saying their behaviour was disgraceful. She said: “It is disgraceful for counsel to fight. This sort of behaviour brings the legal profession to disrepute.” Ajayi granted Lawani bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case to December 18 for mention.

ASUU protests kidnap of varsity lecturer in Delta By Festus Ahon

SABA—ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State branch, yesterday, stormed Asaba in

protest against the kidnap of one of its members, Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, and his younger brother, Mr. Tega Tonukari, and called on their abductors to release them unconditionally.

Physically-challenged persons barricade Imo govt house over N2.3m allowance By Chidi Nkwopara

According to the prosecutor, the offence is punishable under Section 170 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. Section 170 prescribes one year imprisonment for any offender convicted of assault. Counsel to the defendant, Vincent Usman, urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self-recognition. “I pray that the court should grant the defendant bail on self-recognition because she is a member of the legal

According to a release distributed to newsmen at the scene of the protest, the association’s Chairman, Mr. Chamberlin Inyama, expressed shock that the funds meant for the support of the association had been inexplicably withheld by government. He said the non-release of the fund had effectively scuttled their planned trip to Abuja, to participate in the 3rd National Games for the deaf. “Governor Okorocha has failed to release the N2.3 million, which is our subvention as a registered association in Imo State,” he said. No government functionary

found it necessary to address the protesters, who threatened to remain at Government House gate until they got the governor’s attention. However, the South-East Zonal Youth Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, who later addressed the angry protesters, appealed to them to go home, stressing that Okorocha had a soft spot for the physicallychallenged in the state. Chukwuma said: “Remain calm and bear with the present administration. “I believe you will receive fair consideration and adequate attention in due time.”

The protesters, who were led by Chairman of the union, Professor Abel Diakparomre, stormed Government House with over three buses and one Prado jeep, singing songs of solidarity, and carrying placards with inscriptions such as DELSU is under siege; Stop kidnapping lecturers; Bring back Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, amongst others. The protesters also went to the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Asaba station, and the state police headquarters, lamenting that Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari had spent over 44 days in the kidnappers’ den. Speaking in front of Government House, Professor Diakparomre said: “We have cried and reported the kidnap of Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari at different times and occasions to security agencies in the state and have also informed the state government. “We have appealed to government ceaselessly to help secure the release of Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, yet there has been no positive result. “It is unimaginable that a

lecturer could be kidnapped and held in captivity for over 40 days. This can only happen in Nigeria. “In other parts of the world, lecturers are treated as nearsacred persons because of their contribution to the growth and development of the society. They train manpower required for the upward mobility of the society. “When society decides to treat her lecturers as nonentities, such a society will suffer dearth of manpower and the result is certainly underdevelopment. And this is what Nigeria is certainly suffering from.” Addressing the protesting lecturers, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Toju Ayu, said government was on top of the issue, adding that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had always condemned the act of kidnapping. Ayu assured that he would convey their message to the governor, adding that security agents would step up efforts at securing Tonukari freedom.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—7

The scene of an accident along Oyo Road Ibadan.

5 remanded in prison over assault on policewomen By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—THE Benin Magistrate's Court has

remanded five persons allegedly involved in the assault on three Policewomen at Ikpoba Hill area Benin last

week. The accused persons, who are facing charges of attempted murder, include

UNIJOS mgt sets up c'ttee, as students intensify protest over fees By Marie-Therese Nanlong

OS—PANDEMONIUM broke out at University of Jos, UNIJOS, yesterday, following the renewed protest by students over alleged hike in fees as security personnel used tear gas to disperse hundreds of students, who barricaded the school gate, setting up bonfires on the street. To forestall further breach of peace, management of the institution had closed down the school until further notice and students residing in hostels asked to vacate on or before 2p.m., yesterday. Management of the university had shifted the semester examinations, billed to begin Monday, November 24, to December 1, as a result of the initial protest, saying it was to avoid the escalation of the situation. In a statement by the institution’s Registrar, Mr. JilliDandam, in Jos yesterday, the students were advised to go home and await further instructions, while the sevenmember committee constituted look into the students’ complain. It said: “This morning (yesterday), students mobilized and blocked Bauchi Road Highway and set tyres on fire. “To avoid further escalation of the situation, management met and directed that the university should be closed down until further notice. Students are hereby directed to vacate the hostels on or before 2pm on Tuesday (yesterday).” It would be recalled that the

students, on Monday, protested the alleged systematic increase in school fees, blocking the

main entrance of the main campus of the institution along Bauchi Road, Jos.

Hoodlums still on rampage in Ibadan zWe don't know what they want—RESIDENTS By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—SOME miscreants suspected to have been detailed to cause problems within Ibadan metropolis still continued to unleash terror on residents of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday. In spite of the heavy security presence in the city, the suspected hoodlums still went on rampage, reportedly breaking bottles on major streets and instilling fear in people. The hoodlums shifted from Born Photo, Idi Arere areas, where they destroyed properties between last Friday and Sunday, and moved to Oopo Yeosa, Ayeye and Oritamerin areas, yesterday. A trader: “They were burning and carting away goods and products of traders in the market. By day break, only carcasses of burnt goods, broken bottles of drinks stolen from vandalized shops were left behind.” According to traders, the rampage started around 10p.m. on Monday, till about 5a.m. yesterday.

A resident of the area said the miscreants disturbed the peace of the communities overnight. The resident, a tailor, said: “They did not allow us to sleep throughout the night. They were breaking bottles, looting shops and fighting one another. “Many of them were shouting at the top of their voices. What they actually wanted is still unknown to us. “Some say these acts of violence and breakdown of order was being orchestrated by some people to rubbish the three and a half years of peace brought into the state by the administration of Ajimobi. “Whatever may be their grouse, our appeal is that this madness should stop.” When Vanguard visited the troubled spots, broken bottles littered the streets.

Izinabor Julius, Angela Ovabor, Promise Ovabor, Dele Joy and Happiness Charles. The accused persons, who were arraigned before Magistrate Jonathan Ogbeide, were said to have conspired among themselves to commit felony with attempted murder, punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code. The accused persons, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, were alleged to have attacked Sergeant Evbakoe Idemudia, Sergeant Edith Mokobia and Corporal Ihensekhien Cordelia attached to the Ikpoba Hill Police Station with bottles and planks, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Code. In count four, the accused persons were said to have committed an assault occasioning harm against three police officers after they resisted arrest, even after the police officers identified themselves. “They were also alleged to have hit the officers all over their back and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by behaving in disorderly manner, before stripping them naked in a public place, an offence punishable under Sections 355, 249 of the Criminal Code,” the prosecution said. Magistrate Ogbeide remanded the accused persons after refusing the bail application argued by their counsel.

Final year student nabbed during cult initiation By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— A final year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, has been arrested by the Police during a cult initiation ceremony near the back gate of the university. Spokesman of the police in the state, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, said a graduate of Cross River State University was also arrested during the ceremony, adding that a Beretta pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition were among items recovered from them. He said the Police also foiled what would have been a major cult clash between two rival cult groups at Okwuzi in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, noting that seven suspected cultists were also arrested. He said: “Similarly, on same day at about 1:30p.m., information received had it that some suspected cultists were sighted with arms near the back gate of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Port Harcourt, initiating new members. “A team of policemen stormed the area and arrested the suspects.” Police further appealed to the public to assist them with useful information to fight crime to a standstill in the state.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Reps list 50 impeachable offences against Jonathan

2 female suicide bombers kill 67 in Borno market •30 shops, 25 vehicles destroyed By Ndahi Marama

•To begin process next week By Emman Ovuakporie & Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA — INDICATIONS emerged yesterday that members of the House of Representatives are on the same page with their Senate counterparts in their bid to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan. It was reliably gathered that the assemblymen would start impeachment process against the President immediately it reconvenes next Wednesday. This is just as the lawmakers coordinating the impeachment process have disclosed that they have identified over 50 constitutional violations against the President, which would form part of the impeachment notice. A ranking officer in the House who revealed this said both chambers have resolved to work together for the common good of the country by impeaching President Jonathan for “incompetence, corruption and unprecedented impunity.” He revealed that the impeachment plot against Jonathan was not a partisan affair, explaining that lawmakers from all the political parties have identified with the “cause” and will not give up until the President is “sent packing.” “I’m sure you read the reports today that senators are going to move against Jonathan. Now you can confirm that the impeachment thing is not about APC. It is a non-partisan cause. We have all resolved that the man (President Jonathan) must go. “Never in the history of Nigeria has a leader displayed such crass incompetence as we have seen in President Jonathan. It is glaring and you can feel it. Mr. President, with due respect, has shown that he is not capable of running this country. That is the basic truth”, he stated. According to the lawmaker, over 50 impeachable offences have been identified against the president and members of the House would work closely with the Senate to ensure that the president is impeached.

AIDUGURI — AT least 67 people were feared dead and about 98 others seriously injured yesterday when two female suicide bombers hit a popular Monday market along OneWay Road, Chalarams, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Over 30 shops and 25 vehicles were also destroyed. Unconfirmed report said one of the female suicide bombers was a mad woman suspected to have been used by terrorists, leaving over 16 people including the mad woman dead on the spot, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to University of Maiduguri and the State Specialists Hospital for treatment. The incident which occurred at about 11am forced many traders, students and residents to close. The explosion occurred at a time Governor Kashim Shettima was having security meetings with security chiefs in the state. This is the second most deadly attacks along Chalarams Road at Monday market. In 2011, some terrorists invaded the market road and killed over 10 traders. Health worker, Dogara Shehu, said he counted more than “45 people killed, some of them completely decapitated” in the Maiduguri blasts in an account supported by another witness. An official with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that “many people have been killed” but did not have an official death toll. “What we have is a case of suicide bombings involving two females,” said a senior security source in the city, who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media. The source told AFP that the "first bomber stood by a motorised rickshaw packed with goods in the bustling market and took a call on her mobile phone. She then dropped it (the mobile phone) and at that moment she blew herself up, so people thought the bomb was concealed in the rickshaw. “About 10 minutes later, another woman who looked about 19 and carrying what looked like a baby on her back under hijab arrived at the

BIRTHDAY: Fron left: Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor, Oladipo Akinkugbe; former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Mr. Muyi Ladoja at the International Leadership Lecture with the theme: "Becoming the dream leader for Africa" in honour of Senator Rashidi Ladoja to mark his 70th birthday, orgnised by Reading Awareness Society for Development in Africa in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: SHOLA OYELESE. scene that was crowded by rescuers and residents. She then detonated the bomb on her back.”

Witnesses' accounts An eye witness, who was among the lucky survivors, Mallam Ali Mohammed told Vanguard that “two female suicide bombers hit the vicinity of the busy Maiduguri market killing over 60 people.” Another eye witness, who is a petty trader, Mallam Abba Usman said: “As I am talking to you now, we are still trying to rescue the injured and evacuate the corpses. I cannot give you a number yet but a lot of people died.” He said it was also difficult to rescue people as the entire place has been cordoned off by the military, even as residents were asking the soldiers to leave the place as they had failed to protect lives and property in the state. A member of the civilian JTF vigilante who does not want his name in print said that “one of the female attackers kept a parcel in one of the shops on One-way, a commercial area beside the popular Monday Market, telling the traders that she had something to pick from the market, while the package detonated few minutes later. “And as people were still wondering what was happening and were trying to rescue the injured, another woman in the same area detonated a bomb planted on her, which claimed so many lives.

A trader, Amadi Nuhu, who spoke to our correspondent said: “They were two suicide bombers. The first detonated herself, killing many people and as people were running for their lives, the other bomber detonated her own, killing many more. I don’t know how many people were killed but about 14 Keke NAPEP (Jega) evacuated corpses to the specialists hospital.” According to Nuhu, most of the traders along the axis where the suicide bombers attacked were killed in the explosion, with many more who came to the market for business.

35 corpses at specialists hospital At the state specialists hospital in Maiduguri, our correspondent gathered that, so far 35 corpses were brought to the hospital from the scene of the explosion while other dead bodies were taken to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A staff of the hospital who did not want his name mentioned said, dead bodies were still being evacuated from the scene of the bomb blasts with hundreds more that were injured. Confirming the twin bomb blasts, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jibril said “ whatever figure you heard from the hospital sources are their own figure, but as you know we are still evacuating corpses. We have not yet started counting the

corpses. This is a sad situation, I will update you whenever we were able to clear the scene and I have the casualty figure.”

Gusau tasks Lake Chad Basin countries on menace Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Lt-.Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd), yesterday urged countries in the Lake Chad Basin to urgently work together to curb the menace of terrorism threatening the sub-region. Gusau spoke at the 4th Meeting of Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Intelligence and Security Services of the member states of Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, and Benin Republic. Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Gusau said the global security threat was high. According to him, “an extension of it is seen and felt in our region by the dastardly act of Boko Haram. This had led to instability, underdevelopment and untold hardship to citizens. In this regard, we continue to condemn the reprehensible and atrocious activities of Boko Haram in our countries. “This, therefore, brings to the fore the urgent need for close collaboration between us to curb this menace. We must therefore be resolute, focused determined and cohesive in our response to this threat or it will consume us all.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—9

INVASION OF APC DATA OFFICE:

Jonathan bent on pushing Nigeria towards anarchy —Buhari •As APC likens police invasion of NASS to coup

By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS — ALL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being determined to push Nigeria into anarchy in the shortest possible time. Reacting to the recent invasion of the APC Data Centre in Lagos by security operatives, Buhari alleged that the Jonathan presidency had “mastered the art of how to push a nation into chaos within the shortest time possible.” Also, the APC leadership likened last week’s police invasion of the National Assembly to a coup. The party, however, called for an independent inquiry to determine who ordered the invasion and for what purpose “with a view to preventing a recurrence and also meting out the necessary punishment to those behind it.” In a statement made available to Vanguard, Buhari, who decried the invasion of the party’s data centre said “the desperation of the PDP grows by the hour.” Condemning the abuse of power, he said there was an attempt by the Jonathan administration to level the opposition. The former Head of State said “almost everyday, the Jonathan presidency seems intent on demonstrating for all to see that they have mastered the art of how to push a nation into chaos within the shortest time possible. "The early morning attack by security operatives on the APC data centre in Lagos on Saturday, November 22 is one such display in a growing chain of abuse and violation of the constitution and political rights of the people. It is a reckless act that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.” Faulting the invasion, he said the Jonathan government could not claim ignorance, adding: “The security operatives conducting this illegal raid must have been ordered from Abuja. They would not have done what they did unless given the mandate from their high bosses in Abuja. "Attempting to defend the indefensible, they fabricate a story that the attack was necessary because criminal activity was taking place at the centre. These statements are such plain lies.” Besides, the presidential hopeful expressed worry that “these acts are but a foretaste of things to come. From these attacks, this government is signalling to the Nigerian people they have no intention of holding anything resembling free and fair elections. Their goal is not to create a level

electoral playing field. Their goal is to level the opposition into the dust through the abuse of federal power.”

Police invasion of NASS a coup —APC

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said using weapons to attack an arm of government and preventing it from carrying out its functions are tantamount to a coup, adding that the tear gas that

was fired into the National Assembly by an invading force of policemen is a chemical weapon. It said: “We are demanding the independent inquiry in view of the seriousness of the armed attack on the National Assembly and the danger it poses to our democracy. We are also alerting the international community to the happenings in Nigeria and urging them to show interest because of their investment in the country’s democracy.”

The party said denial by the Presidency of its involvement in the “senseless attack” is not enough to stop the finger-pointing at it (Presidency), “especially because no one, not even the Inspector General of Police, will have the temerity to stop the nation’s number four citizen from entering the National Assembly without an express order from the President.” According to the party, “this is why we have continuously held the President responsible for last week’s show of shame," noting that the IG is just a tool in the hands of a President that has perhaps done more than any other President before him to truncate the nation’s democracy.”

FUNERAL: From left: Former President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings; his wife, Nana Konadu Ajiman-Rawlings; Speaker of the Ghana National Parliament, Hon. Joe Adjajo and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria at the funeral service of renowned African Scouts Commissioner, late Isaac Newton Addy in Accra, Ghana.

500m youths live on less than $2 per day worldwide — Report By Chioma Obinna

AGOS — AHEAD of the 2016 Population and Housing Census, a new State of the World Population Report, launched globally yesterday has shown that over 500 million youths struggle to survive on less than $2 per day. The new report launched by the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, in Lagos described the current level of these youths as impoverishment from which many may never emerge. The 136-page Report tagged: “The Power of 1.8 Billion: Adolescents, Youth and the Transformation of the Future,” also lamented that despite evidence that more governments are paying greater attention to youths, young people are still confronted with many obstacles that keep them from safely moving into adulthood and entering the workforce. It further revealed that currently, tens of millions of young people do not go to school. According to the report, despite their high risk of poverty, for example, in two of every three countries they are left entirely out of the preparation of national poverty reduction strategies and development plans. The report which was launched globally also highlighted the fact that young people are denied of sexual and reproductive rights.

2015: Buhari raises funds on facebook By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

BUJA — FORMER Head of State and All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari, has gone to social media to raise funds for his presidential campaign. The initiative through a crowd funding platform on facebook is a new development in the history of Nigeria’s presidential political campaigns. In a message on his facebook page, Buhari urged for sacrificial giving from his supporters, noting that he was not ignorant of their already difficult living conditions. He, however, cautioned that sacrifice was needed in order to put an

end to the life of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and with it, according to him, the tide of corruption, insecurity and other pains on Nigerians. The message posted last Saturday had as at press time drawn 1,683 likes and been shared by 797 persons. In the message, Gen. Buhari said: "As we have made it clear, our campaign is going to be funded, planned and run by ordinary Nigerian citizens like you. This is in recognition of your role as biggest stakeholders capable of changing the course of history of this great yet badly run nation. "In this regard, we launch our crowd funding platform through which every Nigerian can contribute his token towards shaping the destiny of this country. Here are the details:

Account Name: Buhari Support Organizations Account Number: 2026724405 Bank: First Bank Nigeria Sort Code: 011150000 "Dear friends, I know what it means to ask citizens over 60 per cent of whom live on less than $1 per day to donate for this campaign. I know many of you are finding it difficult to pay your rents, school and medical bills, to buy the fuel to cook your food, light up your homes or power your vehicles. I know how it hurts and I know you have suffered enough. "But that little contribution - that little sacrifice you make is an investment in the future that come 2015 will usher in a new era for our country, one that promises jobs and opportunities for anyone willing to work hard, and peace and prosperity for all. "So when you look at that little

amount of money you are parting with, and the money our opponents are offering you for your votes, think not about the nominal value, think about the choice you are making, and that choice is very clear; either you put your money for a change you trust in, or for four more years of insecurity, corruption and bad leadership under President Jonathan. "Our opponents have huge financial resources, I have only you and God, and I trust that our struggle will triumph. Our opponents have foreign bank accounts and possessions to run to when they destroy this country, me and you have only this Nigeria to live and die in. So let’s join our hands to make it better. "Thank you and God bless. BUHARI FACEBOOK"

10— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Fashola raises alarm over state of police barracks

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday pointed out possible incident of collapse building in police barracks in the state especially the Ojuelegba police quarters saying “the occupants of the building need to be evacuated immediately.” This came barely two months after the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN six storey building collapsed killing over 100 persons and injured several others. Fashola raised the concerns while addressing police officers including rank and file at the commissioning of the Area “C” Police Command named after ExCommissioner of Police, Late Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu in Ojuelegba axis of the state, which also had in attendance the Inspector General of Police, Sulaimon Abba represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Mamman Tsafe among others.

2015: UPP

seeks merger with APC By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—AHEAD the 2015 general elections, the United Progressives Party, UPP, has indicated interest to form a coalition with the All Progressives Congress, APC, to enable it secure landslide in the 2015 general elections. UPP’s National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie disclosed this at a late evening meeting yesterday, with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the Lagos House, Ikeja with some key members of the party’s National Executive Committee.

Rescheduled Lagos PDP congresses produce 735 delegates L

By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—THE rescheduled Lagos State ward congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has produced 735 delegates, just as the chairman of the PDP reconstituted four-man panel on ward congresses, Alhaji Adamu Waziri said the exercise achieved an overwhelming 95 per cent success. Addressing the press at the party’s secretariat at Ikeja, Lagos, alongside other members of the committee and party leadership in the state, Waziri said that regardless of the hiccups, the exercise have corrected the anomalies recorded in the previously held congresses that was cancelled. Waziri said: “We had a congress two weeks ago but there was dispute over it, hence it’s cancellation. The guidelines of our party got breached the first time but I am happy to inform you that the mistakes and anomalies of the past have been corrected and we now have a conclusive report that will lead us to victory in Lagos.” Speaking further, he said, “after the congresses, 735 statutory delegates emerged

AGOS—AGAINST the backdrop of the perennial disruption of academic calendars in the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, the institution’s alumni association, will on Thursday, November 27, hold an Annual General Meeting/Summit, at De Hall, Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos, in order to wade into the crises rocking the university. According to the President, LASU Alumni Association, MajGen. Cecil Esekhaigbe, “The Annual General Meeting/Summit

per cent are where the congresses didn’t hold, where genuine omission were noticed and some were cancelled. We have directed those issues to the appeal committee.” Speaking earlier, the state chairman of the PDP, Tunji Shelle, commended the effort of

the committee, saying that it succeeded in putting the state chapter of the party on the right path. Other members of the panel include: Obafemi Fagbola, Cosmos Ogugua and Vincent Okpaleke.

HANDOVER: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), cutting the ribbon during the officiall hand over of the New Area ‘C’ Police Command named Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu House in honour of the First indigenous commandant of the Nigeria Police at Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos. With him are: Representative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Deputy Inspector General, DIG, Mamman Tsafe (left), Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (middle) and others.

Lagos expresses zero tolerance for rape, domestic violence

By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—LAGOS State Deputy Governor, Mrs Orelope Adefulire, yesterday, said that the scourge of rape and domestic violence will not be tolerated in the state. Addressing activists, civil society groups and advocates, who took part in a walk to create awareness on rape in Lagos State at her office, Adefulire who was represented by a Special Assistant attached to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr Risikat Akinyode said the menace must be put to an end in the state and indeed in the country.

Alumni wade into LASU crisis By Ikenna Asomba

through consensus, direct primaries and voice votes. In all, three delegates emerged per ward and the process eliminated stresses and confusion observed in the earlier cancelled congresses. We recorded close to 75 per cent success this time around but the remaining five

is to allow the stakeholders present position papers on how to chart a new course towards ending the persistent disruption of LASU’s academic calendar.” Expected at the all-important gathering are Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, members of the state executives, members of the university management and senate, members of the governing council, former vice chancellors, registrars and staff unions.

Earlier in her address, founder of the Mirabel Centre, Itoro EzeAnaba, the organisers of the walk, said that the aim of the rape walk with the theme, “Not in our communities” is to provide a platform where all stakeholders

in the fight against rape and sexual assault, can mobilise the community to take action against perpetrators of rape and report such cases to appropriate authority. She said: “Ikeja Motor Park

was strategically chosen as the meeting point as this will enable us to create awareness among different sectors of the community who use the motor park including road transport workers, bus drivers, okada riders, among others."

....Disburses N28.9bn to state retirees By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has so far disbursed N28, 932 billion to 5,530 retirees from the state public service under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, Mr. Rotimi Hussain disclosed this yesterday at the presentation of N1.79 billion bond certificates to 319 retirees which was the 14th batch of the exercise since 2007. Hussain said the government had ensured that all retirees under the CPS got their money as at when due. He said LASPEC had organised the 12th and 13th Batch of retirement bond certificate presentations between August and September, 2014, with 221 retirees smiling home with N923.77 million. Hussain added that as at the 13th bond certificate presentation, the state

government had paid N27.14 billion to 5,211 retirees, being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the CPS in April, 2007. According to him, with the presentation of N1.79 billion to

319 retirees yesterday, the state government had within the limited resources available been able to pay N28.931 billion to 5,530 retirees, a feat, he said, was yet to be matched by any state in the federation.

KILLING OF 4 IGBO YOUTHS:

Court fixes

Dec 11 for hearing By Onozure Dania

AGOS—JUSTICE Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, yesterday, fixed December 11, 2014, for the preliminary hearing of all the motions filed before the court, over the alleged extrajudicial killing of four youths, Anthony Ezenwafor, Chukwuemika Ezeofor, Izuchukwu Ezeama and Alloysius Osigwe, said to have been shot dead by policemen attached to Aguda Surulere

Police Station, on suspicion that they were armed robbers, is being challenged by their kinsmen in Lagos. The Ekwulobia Imeobi Youths Association of Ladipo Market, to which the four youths belonged, had filed a suit against the Attorney General of the Federation and Inspector General of Police, IGP, over the killing. The four were said to be working for one Chief Jude Okoli, a businessman at Ladipo International Market, as apprentice traders.

Vanguard, WEDSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014 —11

How I survived prostate cancer —Soyinka zSays ‘Cancer not a death sentence' A

By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U TA — N O B E L Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday, gave a shocking revelation of how he was diagnosed and eventually cured of deadly prostate cancer. Soyinka while addressing newsmen at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, said he decided to make his health status public to encourage cancer patients to go for treatment and not to take the disease as a death sentence.

Cured after 10 months

The literary icon disclosed that he was diagnosed with cancer last December and was cured 10 months after. With Soyinka at the briefing was one of his children, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who is the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, and founder/director, African Cancer Centre, Lagos. Said Soyinka: “In December last year, I discovered that I had cancer, we were making sure that, that was what it was before going for the other tests and once it was confirmed, I was sure because in my family, we had an uncle, at a time who died mysteriously as far as we were concerned. “His death was attributed to a lot of things. From what I know about cancer, I came to a conclusion that he died of cancer; maybe we have it in our family. “Let me emphasize this: a lot of people know that I am a private person. I believe certain territories of every individual should be private to the individual and to his family, colleagues and it is only when it is of public interest that you probe into people’s hut. “For me, it is not a decision that I am happy with but I felt I have all obligation being a member of Africa Cancer Centre and also having donated during the festival of fund raising for cancer. I felt I owe people obligations to make it known and also to demystify cancer that many people feel is death sentence. “Family, friends and colleagues begin to look at you as if you are a ghost just because you have cancer. No, cancer is not a death sentence, it is curable and I have undergone treatment and I am able to tell you that ,even I have

a medal to show for it. ‘’You know I do not normally wear decoration, but I should be wearing this jacket at will. That is my certificate that I underwent an important treatment. It is destructive anyway but finally, I finished on October 28. As I have said, it was discovered in December last year. Everything is fine and I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever test available to you in our limited circumstances, but more importantly, to encourage those who are in-charge of this matter to take seriously the cancer menace which many people and I call silent killer,” he said.

Appeals to FG on cancer treatment funds

Soy inka, however, appealed to the Federal Government to release

the fund already budgeted for cancer treatment and construction of research centres in the country. He said: “The important thing is that we have enough funds to build all the necessary cancer centres including research that this nation requires. It is very capital intensive, some of it. There are many ways of treating cancer just like there are different types of cancer. Even, diet forms an important part of cancer, diet is critical, the most difficult in the middle of treatment of cancer in fact, was a diet which was prescribed. I have to drink a lot of water. The most painful part of it is that water and I are not friends at least on inside (stomach), no.

Prevention

“There are many preventable actions for any individual. One of the major reasons I decided that I would come and make this personal appeal is because I happen to know that certain amount of money had been approved for the Cancer Centre under Yar’Adua and I want to make a personal appeal that this money be released. Not all of us can move round, stop over and have the necessary treatment anywhere we go. At least, we can have diagnostic centres everywhere elementary treatment can be given to patients.” Asked how he felt, Soyinka said: “To tell you the truth, I do not recollect what I felt. Whatever it takes, just look at the best way of getting rid of this unwanted squatter in our body, that is what I said, ‘get rid if it for me.”

BIRTHDAY: From left: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Yeye Odua, Hannah Idowu Awolowo, and Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the church service to commemorate the 99th birthday of the nonagenarian, at Efunyela Hall in the residence of the Awolowos' in Ikenne, Ogun State, yesterday.

Jonathan congratulates HID Awolowo @ 99

BUJA—President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo on the occasion of her 99th birthday anniversary, which came up yesterday. President Jonathan and his family, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, joined millions of admirers of the late nationalist, renowned political leader and sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in wishing his “Jewel of Inestimable Value” very happy birthday celebrations. According to the statement; “The President prays that God Almighty will grant Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo many more years of worthy service as the matriarch and moral compass of the great Awolowo political dynasty which continues to play a commendable role in national development and progress. “President Jonathan looks forward to personally participating in the celebration of Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s landmark 100th birthday next year to honour the highly-revered spouse of one of Nigeria’s famous founding fathers. “He prays that God Almighty who has blessed Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo with remarkable longevity will grant her continued good health and very memorable birthday celebrations.”

Ekiti monarchs intervene in APC lawmakers, Fayose's tussle

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—THE frosty relationship between All Progressives Congress, APC, members of Ekiti State House of Assembly and governor, Ayo Fayose, may soon be a thing of the past as leading traditional rulers in the state have intervened in a way that will bring the two parties to a roundtable even as Fayose has assured the embattled former speaker, Hon. Adewale Omirin and his colleagues of their safety. In a communique issued after a closed door meeting attended by the governor, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday the monarchs expressed dismay over the level of the disaffection. A communique signed by the chairman of the council, Oba Adamo Babalola, condemned

how the tussle has been externalized by the political gladiators. The communique reads in part; “As major stakeholders and leaders of our people,council has decided to intervene by calling the two parties to order in the over all interest of Ekiti State.

“Council is of the strong view that the whole matter is purely domestic and ought not to have been externalized as it is currently being done. “Council expressed strong feelings that the duo are representatives of Ekiti State and can therefore not afford to do anything inimical to the welfare

and well being of the state. “Having painstakingly considered the issues involved,council therefore resolved to invite the two parties to a round table discussion geared towards restoring peace, concord and harmonious relationship between the two arms of government."

....As Fayose restores ex-gov Oni's privileges

E A N T I M E , GOVERNOR Fayose has restored all the privileges of former Governor Olusegun Oni, which were stopped by the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi. A statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the governor ’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr

Idowu Adelusi, said Governor Fayose took the step in appreciation of the contributions of past leaders in the state. “Governor Ayo Fayose is restoring all the privileges of former Governor Segun Oni. His portrait among those who have led the state that was removed from the

Governor ’s Office by former governor Kayode Fayemi has been returned. All those who served with him and whose portraits and other souvenirs were removed by the past administration such as former chief press secretaries among others, have been returned.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Imoke condemns attack on PDP secretariat G

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has condemned the attack on the state secretariat of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Calabar on Monday. It will be recalled that a minor explosion rocked the secretariat as the party was getting set to conduct its fresh ward congresses across the state, following the cancellation of the November 1, exercise. Imoke, who bemoaned the incident, vowed not to allow political desperados take the state back to its inglorious past that was characterized by political thuggery, all in their quest for political power. The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, said: “In my almost eight years in office, I have always stood for peace. From the time I contested as governor and my elections were annulled twice, Cross River has been a very peaceful state, as I never promoted violence or thuggery. I have always believed that no political office or position is worth the precious blood of any Cross Riverian. “So, this new dimension by

criminals and new entrants into our politics to import violence into our state is totally alien to the ideals and values we stand for as a people and must be stoutly resisted by all

of us.” The governor gave marching orders to the police command in the state to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and make them face the

law. Imoke pledged that his administration will do everything within the law to sustain the peace and harmony enthroned in the state since his assumption of office in 2007.

HARVEST/THANKSGIVING: Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State (left) and Senator Magnus Abe, shortly after attending the 2014 Adult Harvest/Thanksgiving of Cathedral Church of St. Mathias, Anglican Diocese of Etche at Okomoko, Rivers State.

N-Delta ex-militants blame Boko Haram insurgency on Northern leaders

OMADI—NIGER Delta come 2015, will celebrate to- organised for Mr. President. Niger Delta struggle, for their former militants have gether with other Nigerians We also commend President presence. We are encouraged accused some Northern Jonathan’s victory at the poll. Jonathan and all Niger by the rally organised for Mr. political leaders of secretly The ex-militant group said: Deltans, notably Mr. Kingsley President and we are confident sponsoring and aiding the “We commend Pastor Rueben Kuku, Asari Dokubo and all that in 2015, we will celebrate Boko Haram sect in its reign Wilson for the Uyo rally our brothers and sisters in the his victory at the poll.” of terror in the north with the sole aim of truncating the smooth running of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government. The ex-militants also threw their weight behind Jonathan’s request to the National By Simon executed by the has done well. Assembly for extension Ebegbulem Majority Leader of the “If politics is all about of the state of emergency state House of development, the PDP is declared in three states ENIN—THE Otaru Assembly, Mr. Philip supposed to join in affected by the sect’s of Auchi, Alhaji Shaibu. celebrating this kind of onslaught in the North, Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe According to Otaru, achievement we are saying that it would enable government to III, has admonished the who commended the commissioning today. achieve the desired Peoples Democratic projects executed by the Again, if development is Party, PDP, in Edo State APC lawmaker, “We all about politics, I feel peace in the area. Speaking with to commend the state should learn to stop that both the All newsmen, Delta State government in areas playing politics with Progressives Congress, chairman, Amnesty where it had done well everything. I want to say APC, and the PDP should Phase 2, Mr Kingsley so as to encourage those that the PDP in the state make the Majority Leader learn to the consensus candidate. Muturu, noted that holding political offices, should rather than always appreciate success like That is how politics wasting of life and property as perpetrated criticising the state the one we are seeing should be played and not today and not only only criticising the other by the Boko Haram sect government. He said this while criticising the state party. That is killing in the north-east could They development both in our easily be put to an end commissioning the Afaso government. by arresting their Primary school projects, should be able to state and in Nigeria as a of the 42 commend the whole.” sponsors, some of whom, one constituency projects government where it

Learn to commend Oshiomhole’s positive side, Auchi monarch tells Edo PDP

Ekere gets clearance for PDP gov primary in A-Ibom

HE immediate past deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State and leading governorship aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has called on the party to ensure a free and fair governorship primary election which holds on December 8, 2014. Speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving his clearance certificate from the PDP screening panel for South-South Zone in Port Harcourt, Mr. Ekere stressed that a level playing field was necessaries to make the primary credible and acceptable to all the aspirants. He urged fellow aspirants to eschew bitterness and see the contest as a game in which only one winner would emerge.

UN rep, Fayemi, Adefulire for domestic violence confab

NITED Nations W o m e n Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Grace Ongile; Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Princess Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, are among dignitaries expected to lend their voices to the global fight against gender-based abuse at ACTS Generation’s 2014 international conference. The event holds in Lagos tomorrow.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—13

EPZ: Itsekiri won't concede deep sea port to Ijaw —Ojogor By Godwin Oghre

APELE—A MEMBER of Ogidigben Export Processing Zone, EPZ Interface Committee, Mr. Godwin Ojogor, has spoken on the actual location of the proposed EPZ project which has generated controversy in between the Ijaw and the Itsekiri, calling on the Federal Government and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to take the clarification seriously before naming the project. Ojogor, who spoke to Vanguard in Sapele, Delta State, yesterday, noted that since the disruption of the ground breaking ceremony by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu was as a result of the controversy surrounding the location of the project, the Federal Government should be proactive over the location. He said: “What the Itsekiri people are saying is that we will not accept the proposed name of the project after ascertaining the rightful location of the 2,680 hectares for the GRIP. They have clearly seen that out of the 300 hectares of the deep sea port, Madangho, an Itsekiri area has 174hts, while Kpokpo, an Ijaw enclave has 126hts. As such, the Itsekiri have no

reason to compromise or concede the deep sea port to the Ijaw. “How to determine whose land the projects are located has been cleared in the regional map/survey plan of the project. The Ijaw are

basing their claim on Kpokpo community which is a lesser portion of the land in dispute. “Therefore, the Itsekiri have said they will not accept that the Ijaw, with 126 hectares should supersede the Itsekiri with 174 hectares. They have

allowed the Ijaw to agitate for the lesser side to which they claim ownership and not all the land. The project should be named after an Itsekiri community which has the larger part of the land in dispute.”

ENIN—MINISTER of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru, has said that the development of the country was tied to a peaceful atmosphere in the Niger Delta since the region remains the mainstay of the nation’s wealth and economy. He insisted that without peace in the Niger Delta region, there will not be an enabling environment needed

Passage

BI Tony Ijeh, a community leader in Delta State, is dead, aged 52. His remains will be interred at his country home, Ibusa, on November 28. He is survived by a widow and several children.

Late Obi Ijeh

By Jimitota Onoyume

MEETING: From left: Director, Special Duties, Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, Mr. George Okere; Director General SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu and the President, Nigerian Association of Licensed Custom Agents, ANLCA,Prince Olayiwola Shittu, at a meeting between Standard Organization of Nigeria and Nigerian Association of Licensed Customs Agents, at SON office in Lagos, yesterday.

Nigeria's devt tied to peace in N-Delta —Minister By Gabriel Enogholase

Ojougboh, Wadzani clash over disqualification of gov aspirants in Rivers

for the development of the oil and gas industry in the country. He tasked Nigerians to ensure that there was prevailing peace in the Niger Delta, which should be a collective effort of all citizens. Dr Oru, in Benin City, Edo State, at a consultative forum with stakeholders in the Niger Delta, organised by the Niger Delta National Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, NDYLSF, said that section one of the East-West Road, which is the flagship project of the Niger Delta Ministry, would be completed and commissioned by the Federal Government before the end of this year. The minister said that unknown to many, the EastWest Road was originally designed to stop at Oron in Cross River State but the Federal Government has awarded a contract for the extension of the road from Oron to Odukpani and to Calabar for the sum

of $1 billion. He said that the section of the road when completed, will

reduce the journey from Oron to Calabar to about 30 minutes from the current two hours.

NIWA tasks boat operators on safety excess passengers regulations By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—TROUBLED by the high incidence of boat mishaps and the attendant deaths on the nation's waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has called on boat operators and passengers to adhere strictly to its safety regulations, which includes wearing of life jackets before boarding a boat, canoe or ferry. Speaking, yesterday during the Safety and Awareness visit of the management of NIWA to Bayelsa State, the Managing Director of NIWA, Hajia Inna Ciroma urged the boat operators to ensure that they do not carry

on board and also ensure that locally made boats that are above 10 years are replaced.

ORT HARC O U R T — NATIONAL Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, South South, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, openly clashed with the Chairman, Screening Committee of the party, South South, Ambassador Obed Wadzani, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over petitions alleging that about 16 aspirants of the party were not members of the party. Some of those who participated in the screening exercise that ended in Port Harcourt Monday, told Vanguard, yesterday, that Ojougboh expressed strong disapproval to the petitions, arguing that it was not possible that the same aspirants who had gone through all the processes of the party to aspire for a position were now not members of the party. Vanguard gathered that among the 28 governorship aspirants of the party in Rivers State that appeared before the committee, only about 13 were cleared. At press time, most of the aspirants had stormed the appeal panel of the party in Abuja to challenge their disqualification.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

2015: CAN, PFN to hold pra or prayyer erss ffor Nigeria By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY— FOLLOWING what it described as the tensed political environment in the country ahead of the 2015 general elections and the killings of innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect in the North East part of the country, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Pentecostal Fellowship of the Nigeria, PFN, have concluded plans to hold an inter-denominational service in Benin City. The event, tagged, 'The great Christian Festival, will kick off November 27. Catholic Arch Bishop of Benin, Arch Bishop Augustine Akubueze, President of PFN, Rev.Dr Felix Omobude, Edo State Chairman of CAN, Rt Rev. Peter Imasuen, Bishop Fred Addo, Bishop Mon Igbinosa, Rev. Father Alfred Agbonlahon, and many others, are expected at the event.

Bishop Akpan still in Akw a Ibom 20 15 Akwa 201 gov race — Aide By Tom Moses

YO — FRONTLINE governorship aspirant in Akwa-Ibom State, Bishop Samuel Akpan has denied the allegation that he has succumbed to pressure to jettison his 2015 governorship aspiration to support his kinsman and Governor Godswill Akpabio’s nominee, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Bishop Akpan, who spoke in Uyo, yesterday, through the Deputy International Coordinator of his campaign organisation, Mr. Nsikan Inyang, described the allegation, “as the wildest one in recent history that his principal could succumb to pressure by Governor Akpabio to support Udom Emmanuel,” the immediate past Secretary, SSG, to the AkwaIbom State Government. “While not trying to join issues with that local tabloid that brewed or concocted that disparaging news report and other short-sighted individuals, it is still necessary to update us with the fact that my principal, Bishop Akpan was the first governorship aspirant in the

entire Akwa-Ibom State to buy the 2015 governorship intent and nomination forms and is perhaps, the first to have returned them. “Why then should somebody become so desperate to contemplate that Bishop Akpan who has invested so much in the

politics of the state and, of course, Nigeria, could suddenly forgo his ambition and divine mandate? “Why should anybody think that Bishop Akpan with very robust support structure across the 31 local government areas of the state and very enviable

logistic security to prosecute his electioneering process could just wake up to step down for another individual who does not have measured divine favour as himself?” Inyang asked. He called on all the supporters of Bishop Akpan to discard such falsehood.

I'v e fforgiv orgiv en m er I've orgiven myy attack attacker erss — Edo legislator By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN — EDO State House of Assembly member, who was attacked at the state legislators' quarters’ last month, Mr. Rasaq Momoh, has said that he had forgiven those who attacked him even though the attack nearly claimed his life. Momoh, who returned to the country last week after receiving medical treatment abroad, however, wondered why the state governor, hates his person. He attributed the hatred to his popularity among the Afemai people. Momoh, who spoke with newsmen at Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government

Area of the state when members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, added that he has been humbled by members of his constituency, whom he said purchased nomination form for him to return to the state Assembly while he was on the sick bed. “I have put all that behind me. I have found out that the less I talk about it, the easier I forget about it and the more I feel at peace with myself. I got a rousing welcome from my people last week when I returned. It is an indication that the people of my constituency understand what is going on and I have

little explanation to do. “When I came back, I saw a town hall meeting where he (the governor) gathered the media houses together. He mainly gathered them to the town hall meeting to castigate and run me down. “That shows you that the man hates me with passion. He thought that the kind of fame and acceptability he had, as it was then, can never be bestowed on another person by God. He forgot that it is the Lord that gives and takes. “The Lord has bestowed that (acceptability) on me and I have no reason to be sad. They know that I’m on ground and that is why they want me dead but they are not God.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 15

wy er ault int er pre tation of ENUGU WARD CONGRESSES: La Lawy wyer erss ffault inter erpre pretation

High Cour Courtt ruling L

AWYERS TO the faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, headed by Ikeje Asogwa, have faulted the interpretation being given to Monday’s ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, insisting that Justice Ademola Adeniyi, turned down the plea by the plaintiffs to mandate the national leadership of the party to accept the November 1 ward congress results. This came as they expressed “grave reservations and dissatisfaction” with the ruling which upheld the purported ward congresses in Enugu

State, saying the verdict was fraught with many inexplicable errors. The lawyers, however, said they had already filed an appeal against the ruling on behalf of the faction. Recall that Justice Innocent Umezulike, the Chief Judge of Enugu State had in an earlier ruling categorically asked the party not to accept any result purported to emerge from any congress because the congresses were not conducted in the state. A member of the faction's legal team, Mr. Vin Ene, said Justice Adeniyi “turned down the

prayer by the plaintiffs that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should accept the results from the purported congress, and this is quite instructive. "Like we pointed out, the ruling was merely declaratory and did not command Elder Ajah to hold himself out as the Acting Chairman while that of Justice Umezulike commanded him not to hold himself out as the Acting Chairman.” Ene also noted that Justice Adeniyi allegedly erred by refusing the application of some aggrieved candidates in the purported ward congresses to

be joined as parties in the suit which outcome directly affected their rights. He stressed that the refusal of the application amounted to shutting out rightful parties to the suit and denying them their right to be heard, claiming it was a development that suggested bias against the affected persons. Ene said the position of the judge was in direct contrast to that of an Enugu High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Innocent Umezuruike, who in another suit relating to the same subject matter, ordered that all affected

parties be put on notice to ensure fair hearing.

Group gives INEC 72 hrs ultimatum over PVC By Bartholomew Madukwe

IGERIANS FOR Survival of Democracy, NSD, yesterday in Lagos, handed down a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to resolve all issues relating to the distribution of permanent voter’s card, PVC, and voters registration or face legal action. This came as the group said it would embark on a nationwide mass action on December 4 to demand for a better Nigeria. In a statement by NSD convener, Raji Rasheed, the group said, “this government has not shown respect to democratic norms or to the rule of law. "It is not ready to live by the laws of the land."

BZF's suit against police comes up ttoda oda odayy By Austin Ogwuda

NUGU — HEARING in the civil suit against the Police by the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, comes up today before the Federal High Court Enugu, presided over by Justice D.V. Agishi. Prior to the commencement of the criminal charges pressed against the 11 members of the group, led by a lawyer, Mr. Benjamin Onwuka, the detainees had instituted a civil action against the police, seeking for reparation over their arrest and detention. In the suit, filed against the Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police Enugu State, the detainees are seeking the following reliefs: an order of the honourable court releasing the applicants forthwith from unlawful detention, N10 million being exemplary, punitive, aggravated, special and general damages against the respondents.

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

MMF partners Ford Foundation on disaster management in Nigeria

U R TA L A Muhammed Foundation (MMF), a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in conjunction with Ford Foundation, has concluded plans to organize a one-day workshop of key stakeholders in disaster management. The workshop, slated to hold in Abuja, Nigeria on December 2, 2014, will see participants brainstorming on appropriate ways to coordinate emergencies and relief efforts in the country, most especially in the face of unabated insurgency in the North and attack on civilian targets nationwide. Aisha Oyebode, Chief Executive Officer, Murtala Muhammed Foundation who announced this said that the workshop will at the end, adopt an implementable and sustainable coordination mechanism for disaster management in the country. In her words: “The challenge of sustainable humanitarian response in Nigeria today has necessitated the need for a collective and holistic approach from concerned citizens and organizations to develop a Sustainable Humanitarian Response Mechanism for Nigeria.”

EMERGENCY EXTENSION: Military mounts pressure on senate By Johnbosco Agbakwuru &Joseph Erunke

BUJA—THE Senate yesterday grilled the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosun and The Director of Department of State Service, Mr. Ekpenyong Ita for eight hours over the security situation in the North. The senate also disclosed that the Nigeria military was mounting pressure on them for the extension of emergency rule in the three North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe for them to be able to conduct operations in a manner that will bring insurgency to a quick resolution. The red chambers failed to discuss President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for the extension of emergency rule in the affected states despite the fact that the emergency rule had expired Thursday last week. Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who briefed newsmen after about eight hours closed-door session with the Service Chiefs, said that the Security heads insisted that the extension of emergency rule was necessary for the quick resolution of the insurgency in the affected states. Senator Abaribe said that during the closed-door session, all the constraints the Nigerian military was facing towards bringing the insurgency to an end were deliberated as well as the military budgetary provisions. According to him, “The

Two Anambra groups back Sen Okadigbo’s re-election ByJohnbosco Agbakwuru

BUJA—THE second term ambition of Senator Margery Okadigbo has received a major boost as two political groups in her constituency, Authentic Angels and Like Minds Forum, have unanimously, endorsed her reelection in 2015 for Anambra North Senatorial District. Her endorsement was as a result of what the groups referred to as “quality representation” as the senator is said to have spent N240 million this year on developmental projects to enhance the social and economic growth of her people. The two political groups with over 850 memberships further said that their unanimous

zAs senate grills service chiefs for 8hrs

endorsement of Senator Okadigbo as their candidate was because “she is a woman with humility, kindness, hardwork and the fear of God. The groups’ spokesman, Mr. Okecha said continuity was their ultimate agenda for Anambra North Senatorial zone, adding, “Here is a woman with serious concern for the well-being of the Anambra North Senatorial zone and total dedication for service to God and humanity.” Describing Senator Okadigbo as an ebullient personality, Okecha also said that the wife of former Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo had been “a great motivator, a firm believer in the fundamental human rights and Justice.”

VISIT: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (3rd left); Special Adviser to Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Development Finance, Mr Paul Nduka (centre); Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro (2nd right); Assistant Director, CBN Abuja, Amina Umar (2nd right); Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right); Acting Director, Development Finance Department, CBN, Dr. Mudashir Olaitan (2nd left) and Assistant Director, Head Development Finance Office, CBN, Mr Adebisi Adedeji (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Osogbo, Osun State. senate in an executive session has spent more than eight hours interacting with the Chiefs of Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The interaction was very frank and it was very detailed. We looked into what have been the constraints of the Nigerian Military in dealing with the insurgency; we also looked into the budgetary provisions for them and we looked into what has been done so far by the military in containing the insurgency. “And I can tell you, the senate was very impressed with the response from the military and like I said, the military has shown itself to be capable of dealing with the insurgency. The fact that they are capable of dealing with the insurgency means that the senate will do all in its power to support the Nigeria military so that we can bring this insurgency to a quick resolution. “We also found from their briefing that we have some problems which has to do with the troop levels and with the level of equipment and of course all the other ancillary problems where you have to fight what we call asymmetrical war and not a formal conflict. “We are very glad that the military is at this moment, gearing up itself to be able to deal with this asymmetrical conflict in the North East of Nigeria. As of today, we have the briefing and we can reassure Nigerians that the military is up to the task of dealing with this matter.” Commenting on the state of emergency, the senate spokesman said, “The question of the state of emergency was not what was on the table today

and we are going to also wait until it is brought on the floor of the senate and we will now discuss it. “What the senate did today was to separate the two questions. Of course the military continues to insist that they need the state of

emergency to be able to conduct operations in a manner that will bring it to a quick resolution. “When the senate now takes the question of state of emergency of course you will be there because it will be discussed in open plenary.”

Vanguard wins Global Editors' #HackAgainstEbola competition

ANGUARD Newspapers has won the Global Editors Network #HackAgainstEbola competition in Nigeria. The organisation won with the EbolaGo apps, an information apps which gives users relevant information such as news, articles, photos, videos and data on the dreaded disease, held at PanAtlantic University, Lagos. Voice of Nigeria with HackAgainstEbola was rated second, while the University of Lagos, UNILAG, earned the third position with EbolaShield. Other competitors at the event include The Nation Newspapers, Channels TV, Television Continental, TVC, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tell Magazine and Yes Magazine among others. The winning apps, EbolaGo is web, mobile and SMS based, enabling phone users without internet access to send a short code. It connects users to the nearest doctors/hospitals, doctors to users. The Vanguard team to the Editors Lab include Deputy Online Editor, Adekunle Aliyu

and Deputy IT Manager, Joseph Omeike. They will represent Nigeria at the Global Editors Network Summit 2015 holding in Barcelona, Spain. The event which brought together the best media innovators in Nigeria to develop news prototypes to better prevent and cover Ebola was sponsored by Google and International Centre for Journalists. It was organised by the Global Editors Network, in partnership with Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). Nigeria’s #HackAgainstEbola is the second of three Editors Lab which focused on Ebola. The first was held in Accra, Ghana (19-20 November, 2014), while the next one will be in Dakar, Senegal (January, 2015). The Paris-based Global Editors Network is a cross-platform community committed to sustainable, high-quality journalism, empowering newsrooms through a variety of programmes designed to inspire, connect and share.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 JUST a couple of months after the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, arm of the public sector health workers ended its protracted strike, the National Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, and the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, again, withdrew their services. You have a right to wonder how often they are at work in a year. The fresh strike followed even after the Federal Government approved their demand to be allowed to become consultants, just as their peers, the medical doctors. Felix Faniran, President of NUAHP, said other demands including salary increment and upward adjustment of retiring age for his members were not addressed. Patients in public hospitals are left to feel the pinch of the incessant downing of tools by a sector that has become notorious for abusing strikes as if it is at war with members of the public, especially the poor who patronise government hospitals. The latest strike is coming in the last months of the year, when increase in travels exert high demand for emergency medical services. It also coincides with the intensification of the war against insur-

Health W or ker s Wor ork ers Strike Again gency in the North East, where our gallant soldiers and thousands of internally displaced persons require urgent medical and emergency attention. It is very unfortunate that health workers, in the unbridled peer rivalry between medical doctors and other professionals in the industry, have abandoned their social responsibility and the core ethics of their professional calling, which place primary emphasis on saving lives and giving succour to the afflicted. When the Ebola Vir us Disease, EVD, challenged the nation, its defeat which received universal acclaim, was without any input from the public sector medical

doctors because they were also on strike in their perennial struggling to assert their superiority over health workers who were not doctors.The government does not help matters much. Issues that appear pretty straightforward are allowed to fester for years. What does it take for government to implement the salary increase which is already being paid to doctors? Why delay it as if baiting non-doctors strike first? What accounts for the delay in implementing the 33-year-old White Paper which recommended that the condition of service in the universities should also apply to the university teaching hospitals? The raise in the retirement age from 65 to 70 years, one of the demands of NUAHP and JOHESU, was made only for doctors.We again call on governments and all the arms of the health workers union to adopt the best practices in defining relations among peers, such that they would promote stability in the industry. We call for an end to these painful, recurring strikes that deal devastating blows on ordinary Nigerians.

OPINION Lagos 2015: Between Agbaje and PDP By Deji Ogunlowo

HE political primaries season is upon s once again, and aspirants for various offices are gearing up for the processes that will throw up candidates of political parties for the 2015 general elections. While the politicians, especially those with eye for political offices have rolled up their sleeves and are taking the processes very seriously, not so for the majority of Nigerians. For most of us, the big one is the general elections when the candidates have emerged and we can cast our votes for this or that candidate. But that is a big mistake. The political primaries are very important, requiring our sufficient attention, for it is that time when the candidates emerge and if we do not vigorously monitor the process that throw them up and the parties nominate people who do not share our aspiration for our communities, then we may be holding the short end of the stick when the general elections finally arrive. In the US, the home of modern democracy, the primaries of the two leading parties are closely watched. In some cases, it is easy to predict the winners of the general elections because of the painstaking processes that produced them. I therefore believe the forthcoming primaries of political parties offer all Nigerians, not only politicians and their agents, a chance to monitor the politiu

C M Y K

cal system closely and if possible influence the outcome through citizens’ actions such as civil protests, letters to the political parties, among others. For me, no state in the forthcoming elections holds as much interest as Lagos. As a resident, I have watched as the current Governor Babatunde Fashola has been praised to high heavens for minimal work relative to the huge resources at his disposal. In almost eight years, the Internally Generated Revenue of the Lagos Government has been close to N4 trillion, a huge sum by any standard. No state in the federation is anywhere near Lagos in terms of the funds that have been generated and the numerous loans the government has secured. Yet Lagos is still largely a ‘jungle city’, except for the highbrow areas such as VI, Ikoyi and Lekki where the governor has expended his energy and state resources on over-priced projects. For the majority who live in the suburbs in Ajegunle, Okoko, Ajangbadi, Amukoko and the rest, the so-called Fashola magic has been largely absent. Yet the well-oiled media machine of the Lagos government praises Fashola to high heavens and sees him as the best thing since pure water. But we know better. It is the reason why I believe the total redemption of Lagos may well lie with the PDP. In fact, I think this is the best chance yet for the PDP to secure Lagos. Many Lagosians, I perceive, are tired of the lies and deception of the Lagos APC and may be ready to give

the party a black eye in the forthcoming gubernatorial election. But that may depend on the PDP candidate; that is, if the party elects the right person with the political deftness and media savvy to take on the APC machine. I do not think Jimi Agbaje, the new entrant for the PDP ticket, is the man for that job. The last time anyone heard anything substantial about Mr. Agbaje was in 2007 when he lost the Lagos gubernatorial election to Fashola. He went underground soon after and has just resurfaced to fight for the PDP ticket in Lagos. I believe it will be a grave mistake for the party to hand him the ticket as it will tantamount to squandering PDP’s best chance to claim its most elusive prize yet. One of the complaints one hears regularly from hardcore PDP members is that Agbaje cannot be trusted. He was/is a close ally of Bola Tinubu, the political leader of the APC, for many years until the two men supposedly fell out over the 2007 gubernatorial election. Agbaje subsequently defected to the Democratic Peoples Alliance, DPA, the party he bankrolled and was associated with until few months ago when he purportedly defected to the PDP. But the story circulating in the grapevine is that the DPA man had been hobnobbing with the APC crew in Lagos all the while. It is difficult to prove or disprove this allegation, but what is clear here is that the real Lagos PDP party men and women, who have

slaved for the party all the years it has been out of power, view Agbaje with deep suspicion. They don’t trust him. They don’t like the fact he wants to reap where he did not sow. This raises a vital question: would they work for him if he gets the party’s ticket? The answer is likely to be no. Party members are not likely to invest their time, resources and contacts in a man who they distrust. Even if the allegations are untrue, trust is a priceless commodity in the business of politics, where it is better to be safe than be sorry. If people don’t trust you, just forget running successfully for an elective office. But beyond the grave matter of distrust, the other issue dogging the aspiration of Agbaje is that of political inexperience. The man has not held ANY public office, not even as a councillor. I believe this was partly the reason why he was rejected the last time he contested in 2007, coming a distant third. It is doubtful that the electorates in Lagos would be ready to give him the benefit of the doubt now, especially if the APC presents a formidable candidate. The man appears to lack the energy, street smarts, contacts, and drive to take on a formidable APC machine, which no doubt would take no prisoner. Yes, he is in the PDP, but he is not an Ayo Fayose, the very charismatic former governor who had a common touch with the Ekiti people. A free and fair primary should produce the right candidate for this job. One thing is sure I am going to follow the process keenly. Very keenly. •Mr Ogunlowo, an international relations and diplomacy expert, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—19 —19

Extension of emergency rule, Tambuwal and President Jonathan I

F history is any guide, it almost always starts this way. Like a sick joke or high drama without an apparent plot, full of tension that nevertheless ends in tragedy. I am here talking of the violent attempt by the police to prevent Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, from entering the House last Thursday. The House had reconvened for an emergency session to consider the request by President Goodluck Jonathan for further six months extension of emergency rule in three North Eastern states at the epicentre of insurgent unrest. The Senate which had been in session for two days to consider the same request by President Jonathan, prior to the incident at the House of Representatives, had failed to reach any agreement. Although no less tension-filled, matters had been better managed at the Senate. It was in the House that things fell apart. This followed the attempt by the police to enforce an order of no legal origin, one that no court had

issued but which it considers itself competent to execute. The order in question was the one which, according to the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, made the seat of Tambuwal who had defected from the PDP to the APC vacant in the wake of his defection. The Police had withdrawn the Speaker’s security citing sections of the law that it claims mandates its action. This was in spite of the fact that there was an ongoing suit before a competent court that is yet to give its final word on the matter. But like the busybody that it has turned itself into, the police, through the IG, is meddling in matters that should not be any of its concern. Supporters of Tambuwal would have none of the police interference and forcibly made their way into the House and the police responded by shooting tear gas to clear them off. The images of legislators in bellowing robes, scaling the high gates of the House even as they protected themselves

If Tambuwal must lose his seat for defecting to the opposition, it is a wonder why in spite of whatever provocation the law cannot be allowed to have the last say from the tear gas fumes, could have come from the 1960s House of Parliament in Western Nigeria. We all know how that ended. If Tambuwal must lose his seat for defecting to the opposition, it is a wonder why in spite of whatever provocation the law cannot be allowed to have the last say. Someone is surely bent on misusing the power of the president to control the police, goading it into matters about which it ought to be neutral until the law has spoken. It is only then can the police be said to be acting at the behest of the law. Until that time, the Presidency and President Jonathan stand under a heavy cloud of suspicion as being behind the activities of the police. In wanting to retain his seat after defecting from the PDP, Tambuwal has done no more than members of other parties that have defected with support of the President. One cannot see why what was sauce to the PDP gander cannot now be sauce to the APC goose. Except that somebody wants to show that he has the power to obey and interpret the law as its suits him. But since the court which is the last arbiter in the matter is yet to swing one way or the other by

way of judgement, it is strange why we can’t all wait. Nobody believes that the police, the self-imposed enforcer, is acting its own script and is impartial here. All to the contrary, everyone knows that when the police behave as it is presently doing, then it has the support of the oga at the very top behind it. The voice may be that of Jacob but the hand is surely that of Esau. Nigerians, irrespective of where they stand on the Tambuwal case or their party affiliation, are not deceived that the police is doing its own bidding. They know who is beating the drum to which music the police is dancing. There is nothing original in what the police is doing now. It has always made itself amenable to the control of the ruling power, be it military or civilian. It was so used in the confusion that led to the breakdown of order in Western Nigeria in the 1960s. It was again on call in the Second Republic when it was equipped with military-like hardware to enable it crush any opposition. This was the era of the killand-go, when the police mobile force, transformed into an elite security unit of the ruling party, was more or less handed the licence to kill. And kill they did. The military that took over from the civilians would see the police as rivals and would use the excuse of their being so equipped to crush any opposition, including the military in time of a coup, to ground the police and pauperise it for long. The military, some have argued, would use the same tactics against itself, ensuring that units under it lack necessary military hardware that could be employed in coup-making. In taking on Tambuwal when it should be focused on the more substantive matter of how to make

emergency rule deliver on its promise of quelling insurgency, Jonathan is derailing. Opponents of emergency rule are arguing that its imposition has not ensured the security of life and property in the North East. If anything, more people have been killed and kidnapped by the insurgents while more towns have been lost to them since emergency rule started nearly two years ago. How does Jonathan convince Nigerians opposed to the continued imposition of emergency rule that this strategy is working? How does he respond to their argument that he wants emergency imposed for selfish political reasons, namely, to have unfair advantage in the next presidential election? Emergency rule, its opponents argue, would disenfranchise supporters of the opposition that control the affected states where it has been imposed. What has Jonathan to say to these criticisms of emergency rule? These are the questions that he should be finding answers to rather than turning the police into a private squad for the settling of personal scores. He should rise above the partisanship that he seems to be getting himself bogged in. By this proxy war, he lends credence to the argument that he is afraid of a Tambuwal challenge at the polls. This, even though, the latter has now limited his ambition to the governorship of his state which many suspected was his target even when his so-called supporters went on the wild goose chase of purchasing a presidential nomination form for him. Also, in choosing to fight Tambuwal through the police, President Jonathan is telling Nigerians that the man possesses more clout than they previously thought.

I don’t give a damn! as a standing order of impunity B

Y condoning, if not authorising,serial acts of impunity, is President Goodluck Jonathan transforming democracy by redefining it as minority rule? Or simply returning us to the forgotten epoch of might is right? The most popular definition of democracy remains that proffered by Abraham Lincoln in the famous Gettysburg Address to commemorate the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. In the long closing sentence of the short 278word speech, Lincoln uttered the words that every junior secondary school student knows by heart:”government of the people, by the people, for the people.” But Lincoln was a man who could see through the clang and clamour, the gore and rubble, of war to the underlying philosophy of his society’s core values. It is this quality that transformed him from a defender of the status quo of slavery and negation of the American national myth to “the great emancipator.” As I read reports and saw images of how the police, six days ago, teargassed House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and opposition legislators — including, alas, some senators of both parties — in order to prevent them from entering the chambers of the National Assembly where the ruling party representatives sat in a furtive attempt to strip Tambuwal of his speakership as punishment for

defecting to the opposition, despite not having the clear majority to do so, I was reminded of a major source of our predicament which I have written about before: our insistence on practising democracy without democrats. It is a phenomenon founded on a shocking contempt for history, ethics and plain decency. Do the police, President Jonathan, and the PDP house members know the dear price at which our current “democracy” was bought? As they trample on every sacred principle and desecrate every state institution, blinded by a brute will to power or immediate personal gain, do they ever remember how many died, how many were maimed, and how many were denied their liberty in the struggle to end military dictatorship in our

The police has shown a contemptible lack of understanding of the proper conduct expected of them as law enforcement officers whose duty and loyalty is to the nation, and not to the president or the party in power

land? Not questions, perhaps, that one who has been ferried blindly by sheer luck from one high governing office to another right up to the pinnacle might be expected to ask. And so in a short 15 years, we are in danger of redefining democracy against sense or logic. Jonathanian democracy is encapsulated in the formula: 16>19 (16 is greater than 19). Consequently, Governor Jonah Jang who got 16 votes declared himself the elected chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum over Governor Rotimi Amaechi who got 19. Jang would even go on to claim divine sanction for the formula. “I contested and won. So, it’s the will of God,” he proclaimed. The formula was next tried in the Rivers State House of Assembly, this time as 5>27.There, five out of the 32 members of the RSHA”impeached” the speaker for the offence of being proAmaechi. In Edo State, the formula 9>15 is at the root of the crisis that has paralysed its house of assembly. In Ekiti, the formula is 7>19. There, where two-time governor Ayo Fayose had earned the reputation of Mr Impunity even before being sworn in, seven out of 27 members of the house of assembly purportedly removed the speaker. While we don’t know the exact number of the ruling party representatives who sat under

police protection while their opposition counterparts were being hounded, it is a fact that they lacked the two-thirds majority for removing a serving speaker, thereby rendering a perfectly legitimate thing — removing a speaker and electing another — suspect. Thus, ridiculous as it may seem, the opposition party members who defied tar-gas to scale the fence in order to gain access to their place of work and foil the plot, saved Nigeria the greater embarrassment. But not without giving further damning proof of the transformation of the police into the Jonathan and PDP Police Force. No matter who the Inspector-General is, the police can be trusted to display a contemptible lack of understanding of the proper conduct expected of them as law enforcement officers whose duty and loyalty is to the Constitution and the nation, and not to the President and his party. Reuben Abati, Jonathan’s spokesman, has said that the President did not order the police to invade the National Assembly. We do not expect him to say otherwise. Still, Abati ought to know that people who wield

immense power need not speak before they are obeyed. Spineless and fawning subordinates would anticipate their wishes on the basis of previous orders, statements, actions and inactions, even moods. In Jonathan’s case, his infamous declaration that he did not give a damn about leading his self-avowed “ war against corruption”, long since abandoned, by personal example through a public, as opposed to a secret, declaration of his assets, was a foundational statement from which the police could read a licence to act against the public interest in perceived protection of the President’s personal benefit. You could also mention the President’s curious attempt to distinguish between stealing and corruption. “I don’t give a damn!” was Jonathan’s standing order to all willing and able agents to “deal ruthlessly” with the opposition. So the police could claim that opposition legislators were “thugs and hoodlums” while their ruling party counterparts, by definition, were ladies and gentlemen to be accorded every civility. After all, if the President doesn’t give a damn, who should?

20 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

INSURGENCY: GEJ should do something now or step aside (2) BY EBELE ORAKPO

*Scene of an accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with several vehicles burnt by the resulting inferno

Day of horror on LagosIbadan expressway By Bose Adelaja

HE Lagos/Ibadan Expressway has been dubbed in some quarters as a highway of horror due to the frequent fatal auto accidents that have occurred there. This possibly explains why commuters usually engage in passionate prayer sessions before embarking on a journey through that seemingly accident-prone road. Penultimate Tuesday witnessed another ghastly accident on the expressway that claimed several lives, prompting unrestrained wailing from shocked road users and sympathisers. Even law enforcement agents appeared unsettled by the high fatality of the multiple accident which was accompanied by an inferno. All the passengers and drivers of three vehicles involved were roasted to death. They were said to be journeying to an unknown destination, possibly to Lagos, when the accident occurred. The incident also resulted to a traffic jam which lasted for hours. It was a development

that many road users will not forget in a hurry as they groaned and cursed to no avail. Indeed, many had initially thought it was caused by a robbery attack and quickly scampered to safety. It was

All the passengers and drivers of three vehicles involved were burnt to death

later they learned it was a multiple auto crash resulting into an inferno that almost went beyond control. Eye witnesses said some drivers also abandoned their cars and ran inside the bush for safety. It was only later they summoned courage to come out of hiding on learning the real cause of the gridlock. But the tragedy was one nobody expected. It was about 3.30pm when a Cabstal bus which was heading towards Lagos around Danco pump station reportedly hit a pole. The impact left the bus with a severe damage and the driver and passengers severely injured. As soon as the accident occurred, some law enforcement agents were said to have immediately moved to the scene on rescue mission. As this was ongoing, a Golf car with three passengers which was travelling on a high speed was said to have rammed into the damaged bus leading to an inferno which burnt all the passengers beyond recognition. As if this was not enough, another lone

occupant of a Coastal bus belonging to the Nigeria Post and Telecom Services, NIPOST, also rammed into the burning car leading to the driver’s death. An eye witness said traffic law enforcement agents, including those of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, had immediately raced to the scene. However, even though the Ogun State and Federal Fire Services were alerted, they could not do much to save the situation as the victims were burnt beyond recognition before their arrival. An eye witness, Mr Salako Adeola, said while some road users were lamenting the tragic incident, others profusely thanked God for sparing them. The Public Relations Officer of TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi, who confirmed the development to Vanguard Metro, urged road users to be careful at this point in time. Babatunde blamed the incident on over speeding, adding it would have been prevented if the drivers had observed traffic rules.

Continued from last week “DIVIDING Nigeria will still not solve the problem. You see, a Moslem friend of mine told me that there are two houses on earth – the house of peace which is Islam and the house of war (other religions) and it is the duty of the house of peace to fight the others until they all become members of the house of peace. So it means that even if we go our separate ways, a time will come when they will invade others just as it is happening in the North-East now where Christians and moderate Moslems are the target,” said Chris. “So why didn’t they fight Obasanjo as a Christian president?” asked John. Replied Rita: “Obasanjo is a military man and has his boys who are loyal to him in the army and would have used them effectively to destroy the insurgents but GEJ is a civilian and has no base in the Army.” Said Ade: “My reason for not supporting GEJ’s candidacy in 2015 is not because some disgruntled elements do not want him but because of the way he has handled the insurgency; practically with kid gloves. For God’s sake, as a leader, if you see you are getting nowhere with the advice from your advisers in the Defence Ministry, re-strategise, choose those you can trust and let them go to the ordinary people and find out from them what is really going on. You keep listening to everybody, trying hard not to hurt anyone; it’s simply not going to work because you will end up displeasing everyone.” “Exactly! As he has neither pleased the insurgents nor the victims who are fast losing confidence in him. A man from that area said they suffered to vote for GEJ and some of them were killed in the aftermath by Gen. Buhari’s supporters and see what they are getting in return – lack of care from government and killings,” recounted Chris. “The best thing for him to do now is to forget about elections and face this insurgency squarely and deal with it before we can talk about anything else. How can you sleep with a part of your house on fire? It’s not possible and all those who are playing politics, trying to score cheap political points with this disaster should have a rethink because as the Igbos say, ‘the native doctor who afflicts people with cholera does not have his buttocks hanging on a tree.’ In other words, he is not immune to the disease,” said John. “Some politicians keep telling us that once they are voted into power in 2015, the insurgency will stop,” said Rita. “Story, story. Once upon a time... please tell us something else! Look, the insurgents are beyond their so-called instigators now. They have tasted power and money and you think they will listen to any politician asking them to down tools? They won’t until they get their Islamic state,” said Chris. Continued Rita: “If indeed they have human blood flowing in their veins, since they have the magic wand to stop Boko Haram, must they wait till they get to the seat of power?” “The problem with Nigerian politicians is that they are too self-centred. I can’t understand why someone will not proffer the solution he says he has to a problem destroying lives and property in his country simply because he is not in power. Must everyone be in power to contribute to the nation’s development? It simply shows they do not care about the people but simply about themselves and their over-bloated ego,” said Moji. It means that as long as he is not in power, Boko Haram can continue taking over town after town, murdering people for all he cares! Then he is not fit to be a leader; he is simply self-seeking,” said Ade. “A wife was fighting with her husband for having an affair with the wife of their family friend. They went on and on and then the family friend walked in to confront her husband over the issue. You know what the woman did? She quickly stopped quarrelling with her husband and faced the ‘common enemy’ in defense of her husband. Immediately the man left, they resumed their verbal war,” narrated Moji, adding: “That is the spirit. Join hands to face a common enemy and when that is settled, you can continue your PDP-APC bickering. But no, our politicians will play partisan politics with lives.” Like we say in local parlance: ’dis one don pass don’t be silly,’ we must all rise up as one to crush the animals or else, we will all pay dearly for our complacency,” said Rita.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 21

tandard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) said powerful individuals, companies and trade associations were making it difficult for both organisations to effectively carry out their jobs of enforcing compliance to standards and protecting consumers. In separate presentations tagged, “Standards, Prospects and Challenges; and challenges of enforcement, making the consumer king in a difficult environment,” director general of both organizations, Joseph Odumodu and Dupe Atoki said: “We are operating in a very difficult environment where the system doesn’t allow you to take action on infringements.” SON DG said: “The organisation does not write standards; it is based on consensus. What we do is we monitor compliance, for example, the new cement standard was prescribed by 25 Technical Committee and it was approved by SON.” He noted that in spite of the gains of standards to the society (homes, companies and governments) the agency is constrained in enforcing them. “If I seize substandard products such as tyres and cables, I go to court to get judgment before I can destroy them; then there is vast informal marketsAlaba International, Auto spare parts and machinery dealers Association, ASPAMDA; Computer village, etc, are very difficult to regulate,” said Odumodu. He identified other challenges to include ‘Poor consumer awareness about the hazards of consuming fake products, and the economy, ineffective ports and border control as well as poor implementation of standards by manufacturers.” Despite these challenges, he said the volume of substandard products

From left: Group Head, Marketing and Communications of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu; Managing Director of Standard Chartered Securities Limited, Mr. Leke Ogunlere; Executive Director of Mainstreet Bank, Mr. Roger Woodbridge and Country Director of Barclays Group Office in Nigeria, Ms. Elaine Hall, at a luncheon for Nigeria and United Kingdom Senior Business Executives, in Lagos.

SON, CPC under pressure not to enforce compliance to standards By Franklin Alli circulating in the economy had dropped from 85 percent to 45 percent. He believes that by the time the SON new Bill at the National Assembly is passed into law, it will give the agency prosecutoral power, to arrest and

prosecurte offenders. In her own submission, Dupe Atoki, DG CPC, noted “Without consumers patronage, businesses are dead, yet, CPC is faced with the challenges of making Nigerian consumer king. “We get pressure from powerful individuals, companies and trade associations when we try to do our

FG not serious about economic diversification —NBCC By NAOMI UZOR

he Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, NBCC, has accused the federal government of paying lip service to diversification of the Nigerian economy, saying all along, it “has been a long talk with little action”. Disclosing this at the 2014 NBCC presidential dinner and awards night, the President of NBCC, Prince Yemi Adefulu, said long before the current fall in oil prices, the NBCC has been asking government to do more than talk about the need to diversify the economy and it has been a long talk with little action. “The fall in oil prices have not yet reached the bottom. Having missed the opportunity of using cheap oil money to fund the diversification of the economy, government, in the light of crashing oil prices, will have to find the resources to walk its talk. The NBCC is proud of its export initiative” he said. According to him, the failure of Nigeria to tackle the food value chain problems that will enhance export of the much needed Nigerian foods into the UK market daily is a monumental waste for the country and a loss of a huge opportunity. He said the NBCC has rolled the drums out to celebrate the centenary of the Nigerian British relations because in the annals of human relations, there are not too many countries that have influenced each other so

fundamentally as Nigeria and Britain. “In war and peace Nigeria and Britain have stood together in the same trenches and on the same platforms. Substantial parts of Nigeria’s governance, administrative, judicial, political, company, lingua Franca are founded on the British system. So are the professions, civil service, military, educational and other structures. That the over 350 Nigerian tribes can communicate with each other today, and communicate with the world, is due to this highly impactful relationship . There are 3million Nigerians living in Britain which is the largest concentration of Nigerians living outside Nigeria. Many of them hold dual citizenship. This is a great investment in relationship from which both countries can continue to mine for profit forever,” he said. He said the chamber, frustrated by many years of inertia by government agencies on the long held desire of NBCC to promote export from Nigeria to feed the huge Nigerian diaspora in the UK, have taken the bull by the horns and boldly started a private sector export initiative christened as EXPORT NIGERIA which is particularly directed at meeting the needs of the 3 million strong Nigerian diaspora in the UK. “We can no longer stand idly by while Ghana supplies all the needs of the UK market for yams, pineapples and pawpaw. Egypt supplies vegetable, Costa Rica supplies plantain and banana while Uganda supplies pepper while our young men here who can work the farms starve.

jobs. Some of them had even threatened me, saying ‘We can get somebody from the top to move you out of there.” Atoki said that the political might of the federal government is needed to surmount the activities of these powerful individuals and companies if consumers are to be enthroned truthfully as king. “Since I took over, I have improved the rate of consumers complaint by 65 percent from various sectors.”

$189.5

$1.80

$2,862.00

$17.00

$16.11

$0.01

$80.36

$1.03

$76.26

$0.66

CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR 157.41 STERLING 246.567 EURO 195.7236 FRANC 162.7481 YEN 1.3347 CFA 0.2784 WAUA 227.5106 RENMINBI 25.697 RIYAL 41.9525 KRONA 26.2968 SDR 230.1334

CENTRAL 157.91 247.3502 196.3453 163.2651 1.3389 0.2884 228.2332 25.7791 42.0858 26.3803 230.8644

SELLING 158.41 248.1334 196.967 163.7821 1.3431 0.2984 228.9559 25.8612 42.219 26.4639 231.5954

CBN Exchange Rate as 25/11/2014

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Compensation under comprehensive policy to you is on fault or no-fault basis. Some insurance companies charge below the market rate of five per cent of value

It is your duty to manage your risks — Fashola Stories by Rosemary Onuoha

overnor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has said that individuals have a responsibility to manage risks for the betterment of their lives. Fashola said that people should have the awareness of the existence of risk as a natural phenomenon to human existence. He said, “We are often impervious to the risks we face on a daily basis. Risk here is the probability or the threat of damage, loss, injury or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, the consequences of which may be avoided through preemptive action. “In other words, it can simply be described as the probability of losing something of value for example physical health, property or social status. Risk management refers to the steps we take to mitigate or eradicate the risk.” Fashola said that as a government, they are responsible for the wellbeing and welfare of the people they serve, stating, “We have a responsibility to provide social security for both the young and the elderly; a responsibility to provide security of lives and property and also a responsibility to ensure that the infrastructures put in place are properly maintained in a way and manner that the State can be described as having a developed economy status. According to him, where they fail to take pre-emptive steps to attend to the risks that come with the responsibilities that have been placed on them, they would be perceived as a failed Government. Fashola said that the youths and the elderly are exposed to social protection risks which if not addressed could result in poverty, and a resultant security hazard in the community, adding that risks of danger to lives and property of the citizens exist where, due to fraudulent practices on the part of those involved in construction, substandard materials are used in construction. According to him, the business of insurance is to ensure that full or partial financial compensation is made for loss or damage caused by events beyond the control of the insured.

Ladipo-Ajayi underscores commitment to customer centric posture

INSURAN

A comprehensive motor policy covers you whether you are at fault or not A

s a vehicle owner in Nigeria, you have the option to choose between third party motor insurance and comprehensive motor insurance cover. If you opt for the comprehensive cover, you should know that a basic comprehensive motor insurance policy covers; third party insurance; fire damage to your vehicle; theft of your vehicle; collision or overturning damage to your vehicle; medical expenses incurred on you or your family members arising from injury sustained from accident to your motor vehicle subject to the limit specified by your insurer; towing expenses incurred on your motor vehicle following accident and up to the limit specified by your insurer. Premium Annual premium for comprehensive cover is between 10 -12.5 percent of

the value of your motor vehicle. Compensation Compensation under comprehensive policy to you is on fault or no-fault basis. Some insurance companies charge below the market rate of five percent of value. Vehicles may be loaded with extra amount because of their extra-hazardous nature. The basic comprehensive cover excludes the risk of riot, strike, civil commotion and flood but you may secure these by paying a little extra premium. Additional benefits that may interest you on your motor vehicle You may modify the cover to: Third party, fire and accident or; third party theft and accident with annual premium at 75 percent of the market rate on basic comprehensive cover.

Extend cover to strike, riot and civil commotion at extra premium not more than half percent of the sum insured on your motor vehicle. Extend cover to flood damage at extra premium of not more than half percent of the sum insured on your motor vehicle. Increase your third party property damage limit from N1.0m to say N5.0m at half percent of the extra amount required. Increase the limit of your towing expenses to a reasonable amount at 0.25 percent of the extra amount required. Increase your medical expenses limit to a reasonable amount by paying half percent of the extra benefit. Buy back the excess (deductible) on your motor claim at 1.0 percent of the sum insured on your motor car. Extend cover to loss of fixed accessories in your car at half percent of the sum

Obasanjo frowns at insurance firm’s refusal to settle claims By Godwin Oritse

ormer President of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo has decried the action of some fraudulent

insurance companies who try to avoid payment of claims in the event of a disaster. Obasanjo was reacting to the refusal by an insurance company to pay claims on the

burnt property of one of his adopted daughters Mrs Morenike OladunniOmorodion. The former president who refused to disclose the

anaging Director of Lasaco Assurance Plc Mr. Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi has underscored the commitment of the company to sustaining its customer centric posture in order to remain a dynamic and vibrant player in the nation’s financial services sector. According to him, this has manifested in several strategies being deployed to develop innovative products and services to align with the aspirations of the customers. Lasaco, according to Ladipo-Ajayi, has established a solid reputation excellence customer service delivery and prompts claims settlement. The company since inception has thrived on the platform of qualitative customer ’s service delivery. The brand does not only have focus on quality service delivery but also places a high premium on delighting the customers. The brand delights the customers to win through brand loyalty. It has been able to secure greater levels of loyalty from its customers through a dynamic service delivery. He said that since inception, Lasaco has continued to re-invent the wheel to ensure that customers derive good benefits out of their relationship with the company. Expectedly, Lasaco has never been tired of building on such assets of integrity, reputation and good corporate identity as a means of deepening its bond with the customers. C M Y K

From left: Managing Director, Bayswater Industries Limited, Piyush Nair; Chief Executive Officer X Media Communication Limited, Mr. Tunde Lawrenson; winner of the Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show, Juliet Ofodile and Director Bayswater Industries Limited, Chief Reggie Uduhiri, at the Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show Grand Finale in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014,

CE & YOU

— 23

It is worthy of note that the CPS has two major modes of withdrawal after retirement which are the Programmed Withdrawal and the Annuity, however, both packages have provision for initial lump sum

Choose a retirement package that will benefit you at old age

s at February 2014, a total of 84,097 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, were collecting monthly pension under programmed withdrawal while 8,479 were collecting theirs through annuity for life. These figures not withstanding, many contributors under the CPS are still confused as to which retirement package to choose after retirement because they are yet to understand how the programmed withdrawal or annuity work, even as it is expedient that they must choose one at retirement. It is worthy of note that the CPS has two major modes of withdrawal after retirement which are the Programmed Withdrawal and the Annuity. However, both packages have provision for initial lump sum.

Features of Programmed Withdrawal

From left: Mrs Adeola Azeez, Deputy Country Head, Deutsche Bank; Mrs Mary Akpobome, Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank; Mrs Sarah Alade, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs Bola Adesola, MD, Standard Chartered Bank and Mrs Nneka Enwereji, Executive Director, Citibank during the first Female Bankers’ Conference, in Lagos. insured on your motor car. Get a replacement car from your insurer from when your insured motor car is being repaired or stolen to when you have it back at no extra premium. (Look for the underwriters that provides this benefits) Secure compensations for loss of use of your commercial motor vehicle following theft or accident at no extra premium.

Secure payment for your personal effects of laptops, shoes and clothing in the event of theft, fire or accident to your motor vehicle at 1.0 percent of a specified limit. Secure compensation for death or permanent disability to you and your family members following accident to your motor vehicle at 1.0 percent of the total amount selected for medical expenses, death and

permanent disability. Extend your third party cover to other ECOWAS countries in case you need to drive your car in any of them at a premium already fixed. Secure compensation for replacement of your broken wind screen at no extra cost. Secure free vehicle tracker subject to specific sum insured on your motor vehicle.

identity of the insurer also said that the company has been doing everything possible to avoid paying the claims. Omorodion’s property got burnt in the month of July and up to the time of going to the press, nothing has been done to assuage the loss and

inconvenience. Speaking to Vanguard, Omorodion said that she has lost confidence in insurance in Nigeria adding that since the incident occurred, the insurance firm has been insensitive to her plight. She said, “The house is

insured but the insurance company is trying to play funny. I will tell you that up till now, the only thing I know is that one or two teams have visited the house like three or four times. I am not particularly an insurance literate persons.

Programmed withdrawal is one of the two principal retirement products specified by the Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2014. A product offered by Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, for periodic payments, whether (monthly/quarterly) to a retiree. A structured periodic withdrawal based on the peculiarities of the retiree. The Retirement Savings Account, RSA, balance is spread over expected life span of retiree. Expected Life span is determined by actuarial /mortality table. Money still remains in the account, managed/invested by PFA. Monthly pension of at least 50% of terminal monthly emolument. Bequeath inheritance if death occurs at any time. Based on a technical interest/discount rate assumed to reflect the yield on investment for the period. Based on minimum & maximum monthly pension and/or maximum or minimum lump sum. Monthly pension & lump sum in inverse relationship (trade-off).

Features of Annuity

Annuity is a product of insurance company. Annuity is a regular income received from an insurance company in consideration for payment of premium. Only life annuity is recognised by PRA 2004. Retiree negotiates with insurance company. Retiree obtains Annuity Provisional Agreement from insurance company. Provisional agreement shows premium, monthly annuity guarantee terms etc. Money leaves RSA to insurance company to pay premium after lump sum payment. Insurance to commence payment of monthly annuity/pension to retiree. It is guaranteed for 10 years in case of death. No room to bequeath inheritance if death occurs after 10 years.

Send comments and enquiries to: insuranceandyou@yahoo.com.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

ICMR advocates corporate governance audit for companies, MDAs Stories by Nkiruka Nnorom

he Registrar of Institute of Capital Market Registrar, Dr. Walker Ogogo, has called for the introduction of corporate governance audit for public companies, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government. Speaking at the annual SEC journalists’ Academy in Abuja, Ogogo said that with adoption of tenets and principles of good corporate governance by the companies and MDAs, the issues of corruption will gradually become a forgotten issue. He also called on shareholders of quoted companies to take special interest in entrenchment of good corporate governance in their various companies, adding

that they should focus more on long term growth of their companies rather than short term gains. He said that shareholders must have firm control of their companies so that they can quickly step in once something is going wrong at the management level. Speaking in the same vein, the Director/Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mr. Edosa Aigbekaen , said that shareholders associations are self serving in their engagement with the management of their various companies, thereby reducing the vigour with which they pursue corporate governance enthronement by the managers of their companies. According to him, focusing on

companies’ growth increases profitability and long term gains. The SEC scribe noted that shareholders’ association should be more responsive in ensuring accountability and effective management of the company, adding that they should take more interest in sustainable returns and long term performance. “Shareholders should pay more attention to monitoring how their companies are managed. While some of the institutional investors are known to demand good corporate governance practices from the managers of their companies, a lot more is expected of the majority of the small holders who are known to be very passive,” he said.

From left: Mrs. Stella Egbokun, Unilever Retailer; Adetoun Adegbite, Brand Manager, Sunlight Dish Washing Liquid, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Mr. Timothy Tersur and Mrs. Henry Achogbuo, Retailers, being presented with their weekly prizes from Unilever in the ongoing Sunlight Dish Washing Liquid Retailer Reward Programme at Oniwaya Market, Agege, Lagos.

Carlyle Group invests N24.40bn in Diamond Bank

iamond Bank Plc has announced the investment of N24.40 billion (approximately $147 million) by Global Alternative Asset Manager, the Carlyle Group. The investment, according to a statement by Diamond Bank, posted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, was made through Carlyle Sub-Saharan Africa Fund through purchase by the company of rights traded on the floor of the Exchange in the bank’s recently completed N50 billion rights issue. The bank recently offered a total of 8.69 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to its shareholders in the ratio of three new shares for every five previously by investors held as at 13 June, 2014 at N5.80 per share. The offer opened on Wednesday, 30 July 2014 and closed on Tuesday, 26 August 2014.Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank, said the bank believes the investment by the company is a testament of the bank’s strong brand and success over the years, particularly in the Retail/SME space. He also expressed confidence that they will bring unique values to their involvement C M Y K

with the bank, adding that this would be fruitful and beneficial to all stakeholders.

Flour Mills launches new milk product

LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has introduced a new product – Kool2GO Instant Powdered Drink into the market. Presenting the product at the launch in the corporate headquarter, the Group Head, Marketing of the Company, Mr. Martin Anyanwu, said that Kool2go is an addition to the FMN snacks and impulse range which includes products like Marios Cheese Balls, Noodies Sweet Snacks and Golden Bites chinchin. Mr. Anyanwu stated that Kool2Go is an everyday drink good for everyone. He stressed that Kool2Go outclasses others in the same category as it offers the rich natural fruity satisfaction and is packed with multivitamin and minerals that nourishes the body. The Group Managing Director, Mr Paul Gbededo also speaking at the occasion, said the launch of Kool2go is another milestone in FMN’s thrives to be the greatest food company in Africa. He reinstated the company’s commitment to satisfy the needs of consumers from dusk to dawn and even from farm to table.

What the next governor of Lagos State should do for us (7)

he price of Portland property. Thus we must build cement looms large over upwards if we are to minimize the delivery of homes in infrastructure costs per housing Nigeria. The recent price cut by unit. Also finance costs have to the dominant cement be significantly reduced for manufacturer should give some private developments if we are savings to individuals building to provide housing units in their own homes but it may not adequate numbers. have significant effect on the The Lagos State Government, cost of government projects. LASG, has a Lagos Home Contractors working on Ownership Mortgage Scheme, government projects may HOMS, which offers housing simply see this as an units for sale. Buyers are opportunity to improve on their expected to pay 30% of the profit margins. We must designated price of the housing therefore examine methods, unit as initial payment and the procedures and strategies for balance 70% is covered by a the delivery of affordable mortgage with monthly homes. payments over 10 years at 9.5% Blocks made from mixtures of interest per annum. The sand and Portland cement are designated prices start at used for the construction of the N4.1million for a 1-bedroom walls in our buildings. The unit. There are two things equipment currently used for which the LASG should block making consists of a consider. First, the construction mould having as its bottom a of the housing units should be vibrating plate which supports given to contractors who have the block materials. We should the proven ability to complete introduce and put into general the housing units within one use in Nigeria equipment that year. Second, the prospective incorporates a hydraulic press buyer should make the down in addition to the vibrating payment of 30% of the bottom plate. Blocks produced designated price before with the vibrating plate plus construction starts and the hydraulic press would have a LASG should provide the higher density and we could remaining 70% of the make the blocks dense enough designated price such that the that they would not require to housing units are completed be plastered. within one year. If we examine homes that are The housing units currently offered for sale on private on offer under Lagos HOMS estates, we would find that they are limited in number and are on offer as luxury homes. If hence there is a demand for we were to strip off the special these units. However, if large finishes applied to these homes, numbers of these housing units we would find that the major are provided, we would not find items contributing to the offer adequate numbers of ownerprice are the costs for the occupiers to match the available provision of utilities – water, units at current posted prices. power, roads etc and the About 13 years ago, there were finance cost of loans obtained discussions about providing from banks for the execution of homes at N0.5milluon per unit. the project. To my Taking all the price knowledge, a inflation since that time p r i v a t e into consideration, we developer has should now be able to paved about 1km set our sights on homes length of the at N2.5million per unit. public highway If the housing such that there is requirements are not a good, appropriately motorable access addressed, we would to its property find that the population and thereby would move further g i v i n g LASG should away to areas on the p r o s p e c t i v e consider Lagos to Ibadan home buyers a expressway, Ikorodu to favourable first handing over Itoikin road, Ikorodu to impression of the the Sagamu road thus property. The cost compounding our of the road will construction transportation eventually be of the housing requirements. Next reflected in the week we shall start with units to offer price of the producing competent homes on this contractors pupils from our schools.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—25

DIARY zITU Telecom World 2014 Qatar National Conference Centre Doha, Qatar 7-10 Dece, 2014

zTelecoDays

Prague Marriott HotelPrague Czech Republic Mar 23-24 2015

Preview • President Jonathan

Mobile Hydro Rotor solar power

• Omobola Johnson

FG adopts .gov.ng unified email platform By Emmanuel Elebeke

OTOR is a small, low-cost, and robust mobile hydro power plant providing electricity for off-grid areas. Around 1.3 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, with a very real basic need across remote and rural areas for lighting and the supply of small loads such as refrigerators, water pumps or mobile phone charging stations. Rotor is an out-of-the box solution for a variety of geographic settings with a convincing costperformance ratio and easy maintenance.

themselves towards this common purpose to improve internal productivity and HE federal government has adopted quality service delivery to all citizens. the .gov.ng unified email platform for She added that “though, this may have the federal civil service of Nigeria. come late, today’s event marks a major The adoption of the domain platform, milestone in our pursuit to use the marked the official take off of the official potentials of ICT to advance our electronic communication platform in the economy. ” She noted that the new Federal Civil Service of the Federation. platform will improve the speed and Addressing the Directorate of the Federal efficiency of official communications and Civil Service of the federation, the Minister provide the means to share, store and of Communication Technmology, Dr. gain access to official documents anytime, Omobola Johnson, said the switch to anywhere and on any computer or mobile gov.ng is an initiative of the device. Federal Ministry of “The migration of Communication websites to the .gov.ng The migration of Technology to drive platform and the unified transparency in websites to the email platform would governance and improve not only enable the .gov.ng platform quality and cost delivery of government and the unified effectiveness of public business over a more email platform service delivery. secure and robust would not only The Minister said the technology platform, it enable the delivery adoption became would also enhance of government significant considering national cyber identity on several unsuccessful business over a the internet and attempts by both present improves confidence in more secure and and other administrations citizens, businesses and robust technology in the past. She urged foreigners as they seek platform workers of the federal civil Government information service to re-commit

I N S I D E

TECNO deepens penetration in android segment with Phantom Z

PrepayGo counters card hackers with virtual proxy card solution

and services online,” she added. She said the platform could be accessed through the www.fedcs.gov.ng, a simple easy to navigate portal to enable the users activate email accounts. The portal will also eventually serve as the central information portal or Intranet for government, offering authorized and secure access to online services documents and resources. A standard naming convention such as firstname.surname@fedcs.gov.ng. has been adopted in the creation of email accounts for all civil servants. Special e-mail accounts have been created for Ministers who are not part of the civil service workforce but should be associated with their portfolios – but still with the standard naming convention. Role specific email accounts have also been created, but she said they will be extremely limited to avoid a proliferation of email accounts and unnecessary redundancy. These special accounts may be used for non personal, departmental functions and roles. Meanwhile, the platform is available on mobile devices such as BB, Android and Windows phones and tablets. According to the Minister, about 42,000 email accounts have so far been created for all officers on GL 10 to 17 in the Federal Civil Service, while they expand the infrastructure and the capacity of the platform email accounts to be created for federal civil servants on GL09 and below. Prior to this adoption, the Ministry of Communication Technology with the support of the Council of ICT Heads hard embarked on an initiative to standardize the look and feel of federal government websites and also migrate all Ministry websites to the .gov.ng domain name.

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

InfoWARE: African companies should aggregate critical information to attract investments By Florence Amagiya

HE inability to aggregate critical information, inability to monitor markets and portfolios in real time, inability to measure the effects of market risk and potentials are all major factors said to have contributed in undermining African companies from attracting huge investments. This is the position of CEO, InfoWARE Solutions, Mr. Uwa Agbonile. Agbonile said that after careful research on this issue, he discovered that the Sub Saharan African market is continually evolving. He quoted the IMF World Economic Outlook database of 2012, to say that Stock market capitalization in Africa is worth around $1.05 trillion, yet Africa only controls less than 3% of global GDP and believes that the need has arisen to also connect to employees, customers, business partners, and markets via an open and secure environment as a prerequisite to success. For him, “Investment success is all about information. Not just any information, though; you need the right data, at the right time, in the right context. Raw data is not enough. InfoWARE Market Data Terminal(IMDT) is a robust, user-friendly Terminal that offers a combination of a fulldepth order book where traders can see all the trades at any given time‚ as well as detailed African content and market data across multiple asset classes and exchange in the Sub-Saharan Market that matches and exceeds offerings from Bloomberg and Reuters but at a much lower price

Rack Centre shortlisted for international Data Centre industry awards

remium collocation data centre services provider, Rack Centre, appeared as finalist in the Data Centre Dynamics Awards, Modular Deployment category for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region for 2014. The Data Centre Dynamics Award recognises innovation, leadership and best practice in the global data centre industry and Rack Centre is the only company from Africa to be nominated. The winners will be announced at a Gala Ceremony on December 11, 2014 in London. Over 600 industry professionals will convene and to celebrate the shared successes of the EMEA data centre market. Managing Director of Rack Centre, Mr Tunde Coker, expressed delight to receive the short listed notification. He described the development as “another first for Rack Centre and a great first for Nigeria. We remain the only officially Tier III design certified data centre in West Africa and now the first Nigeria to be so recognized

By Emeka Aginam

OWERED by Android 4.4 Kitkat operating system while delivering cutting edge features at retail-friendly price, TECNO Mobile has deepened penetration in the android segment with the introduction of its latest flagship, Phantom Z. Barely four months of its introduction in the smartphone ecosystem, the flagship, according to market findings has continued to to be the toast of fans of android phone as a result of its innovative features including a 7.9mm unibody design; a 2GB RAM that can store memory of up to 32GB; an 3030mAH battery that delivers 24 hours of talk time with up to 960 hours of standby time on a 3G network Accordingly, the device flaunts a stylish high-end back cover, a dual camera complete with the first dual flash camera that allows the user to create stunning selfies at daytime or nighttime. Packaging Being the latest swag song of Tecno Mobile, the product comes with a very attractive blue and white packaging with added accessories to entice buyers. On purchase, you get 5200mAh powerbank in a pack and a Smart Cover in another pack alongside the smartphone, USB cable, battery and earphone in a third pack. This added packaging as well as specification and version of operating system will obviously make Tecno fans not go for other competing brands. Screen display and resolution Tecno Phantom Z comes with a 5.2inch full HD AMOLED display with resolution 1920 x1080 that makes use of the latest AMOLED screen technology to ensure high pixel density and high contrast ratio and with anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint surface. The SIM tray and volume buttons are on one side of the phone while the power button is on another side. Also, at the top-right side of the phone, you will find the 3.5mm jack earphone port and at the bottom center, you will see the micro USB port while the speakers are located just at the bottom sides; like the iPhone 5S. Network and SIM card Tecno Phantom Z comes with a dual mini SIM with dual standby configuration and operate in the network bands GSM850/GSM900/

TECNO deepens penetration in android segment with Phantom Z

DCS1800/DCS1900/W2100/ W850. With these network bands, users have advantage of working with a good number of carriers around the world. Operating system If there’s any area that we believe that Tecno have lagged behind, it’s in the OS in their smartphones which has always been Andriod Jelly Bean 4.2.2. However, with the Tecno Phantom Z, the phone maker has upgraded their operating system from Andriod Jelly Bean 4.2.2 to Android KitKat 4.4.2. One good thing about having the operating system is stability, more battery efficient and sleek. Also, most smart watches needs Android

4.4 for them to work well. Therefore, for those looking to get a smart watch, they will be glad to know that the Tecno Phantom Z will be supported as most smart watches needs Android 4.4 to work well. Processor and GPU Tecno Phantom Z is equipped with a 2.0GHz octa core cortex A7 CPU powered by a MediaTek MT6592 chipset and Mali 450-MP4 GPU. Memory and RAM Tecno Phantom Z comes with a 32GB internal memory for storing those multimedia files: images and videos and other necessary files. Regarding RAM, the Phantom Z comes with 2GB of RAM which is enough to keep things running. The 2GB on the device ought to be enough especially since we are talking o f Android KitKat 4.4 that is very memory efficient. Camera For the photographers and those obsessed with taking selfies and recording videos; Tecno Phantom Z is the best phone option as it comes with a high quality 16 mega pixel AF BSI back camera with a dual LED flash light located below the camera lens for taking high clarity pictures in low lit areas. Having used the device, images taken with the camera of the Tecno Phantom Z is very sharp and vivid. This is further enhanced by the Full HD AMOLED display of the device.

ICT sector grows economy by 11.6% in Q3, 2014 By Emmanuel Elebeke

QUARTERLY survey conducted on the composition of Gross Domestic Product, GDP in the third quarter of 2014 shows that Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology, ICT sector grew the Nigerian economy by 17.66 percent, year-on-year, in the third quarter of 2014. Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale, has just indicated that the sectoral growth up by 5.68 percentage points from third Quarter of 2013 and 6.55 percentage points from the previous quarter of 2014. The survey, according to NBS, was on the composition of GDP in the third quarter of 2014 and the corresponding

quarter in 2013. The Information and Communication sector comprises of four activities namely; Telecommunication and Information, Publishing; Motion Pictures, Sound Recording and Music Production. However, within the sector, the report showed that Motion Pictures Sound Recording and Music Production grew the fastest, growing by 29.68 per cent. Its findings were that Quarter-on Quarter, the sector slowed by -23.35 percent with Publishing, and Motion Pictures, Sound recording and Music production growing the fastest by -11.76 percent and -12.21 percent respectively. Meanwhile, NBS maintained that the contribution of Information and Communication to nominal GDP stood

at 9.51 percent in the third Quarter of 2014, while real growth in the third Quarter of 2014 stood at 8.30 percent, year-on-year, up by 1.16 percentage points from the corresponding period of 2013 and also higher by 0.35 percentage points from the rate recorded during the second Quarter of 2014. From all indication, the report showed that telecommunications was the major driver of growth in the sector, growing by 6.25 per cent, though by Quarter-onquarter, the sector slowed by 11.81 percent. The contribution of Information and Communication to GDP in real terms was 9.58 percent in third Quarter of 2014, compared to 9.39 percent in the third Quarter of 2013 and 11.80 percent in the second Quarter of 2014.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—27

PrepayGo counters card hackers with virtual proxy card solution Stories by Prince Osuagwu

ROWING innovations in technology has no doubt, helped the financial sector maintain robust and global standard of service deliveries that have seen its economy out of the woods. However, the growing implications of technology are also telling so adversely on the sector. On daily basis, the sector counts losses in billions of dollars, globally, due to frauds perpetrated online. Of the frauds, the ‘Card Not Present Fraud’ seems to have defied solutions and many banks, which though, consistently search for secure payments services for card holders, look helpless as millions of dollars stroll out of their vaults to the pockets of people who they do not have legitimate businesses with. This global menace, hands online hackers with powers to use details obtained from credit and debit cards, to defraud card owners, without having physical contact with the card. The situation has raised

security concerns as online payments account for 56 per cent of the total value of card frauds. However, it takes technology to counter technology and this could perhaps, be the basis of latest innovation from online payment solutions providers, PrepayGo, in collaboration with SIBS International, in developing a solution tagged SIBS Virtual card solution. unveiling the solution at a media launch in Lagos recently, representative of SIBS International, Portugal, Mr. Manuel Mendonca said the Virtual Proxy Cards has gained wide acceptance in many parts of the world where online frauds are rife. He noted that Nigeria’s position in world economy warranted his company to believe that introducing the solution in the Nigerian market will not only protect the financial sector but also will maintain the stability of world economy. Virtual Proxy Card is said to be secure as it avoids real card data exposure in the internet. The solution, though virtual, has all the features of a

physical debit or credit card. It acts as a protection to the physical credit card, such that each time the customer wants to make any transaction, he generates virtual card, which will be automatically issued online by the bank and the customer will indicate the specific amount he needed for the transaction. As soon as the transaction is done, the virtual card becomes invalid for subsequent use, because it is a single use card with 30 days validity. What this means is that the details of the card are always protected within the bank and only the virtual card is released for every transaction such that should hackers get the details of the virtual card, they can never transact business with it, since the card can only be used only once, before rendered invalid

I t allows easy authorization for payments with debit or credit card in any merchant, domestic or international that accepts MasterCard, Visa Card due to its global nature. Meanwhile, a Director at PrepayGo Technologies, Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi said that the Virtual Proxy Card service is available for all real cards that work with all International Payment System including Mastercard and Visa even as subscription of the card can be done on ATM, internet

Let your talents inspire youths, Juwah charges MTN Ambassadors

HE Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah last week took to memory lane, to explain to the Musical ambassadors of telecom giant, MTN Nigeria, who visited him, how telecommunications sector became the first genuine platform that has taken over virtually every aspect of human development since the revolution began after the Digital Mobile Licences in 2001. Juwah told the artistes including Sir Shina Peters, Chidinma, KCee, Praize and Iyanya that through the effective oversight of the Commission, the industry has been able to engage the youth through the promotion of the entertainment industry by way of Talent Shows which have seen the emergence of artistes who have become role models for the teeming youth. The EVC told his guests that Nigerian entertainment industry has taken the country’s culture beyond the shores, creating an opportunity where other countries come to understudy how Nigeria uses telecom and entertainment to mainstay the economy. He cited an example of his visit to Atlanta, Georgia, USA recently with some Nollywood producers and actors to attend a seminar where

banking or other banking channels. According to him, account holders who do not have credit or debit cards can also subscribe to the Virtual Proxy Card service to make online purchase on the internet. He disclosed that the solution has received the nod of the apex Nigerian bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which has issued a letter of ‘no objection’ to implement the solution in banks across the country, due to the importance of the solution in addressing online financial fraud faced by financial institutions globally.

Local content, intellectual property to top discussion at ISPON forum By Emeka Aginam

From left: Praise, KCEE, Chidinma, Dr Eugene Juwah (Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC), Sir Shina Peters, Dr Okechukwu Itanyi (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC) and Iyanya during a courtesy visit to NCC headquarters, in Abuja.

Professors and other experts from the USA and Canada, came specifically, to understudy, analyse and talk about the growing entertainment industry in Nigeria and the influence on other sectors and cultures. He however admitted that the musicians themselves have become a standard for the youth of the country, charging them to always ensure their talents influences the youths positively Explaining several ways the commission has benefitted the entertainment industry, Juwah recalled that the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in collaboration with George Mason University,

Fairfax, Virginia and Howard University recently hosted a seminar with a view to providing global best practice in marketing and distribution of movies, training on digital movie production and editing among others. He revealed that in its quest to cushion the effects of high cost of production in the industry, the commission was building a studio in Oshodi, Lagos to leverage the practice for Nigerian entertainers. Also, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi assured the visitors that the telecom industry is a platform for propagating the ideals of entertainment through video

ith Nigeria emerging the largest economy in Africa, it is pertinent that capital flight be reduced to the barest minimum to sustain this coveted position. ISPON believes that the development and advancement of local content as well as proper intellectual property practices can go a long way in helping achieve this. At the 2014 National Software Conference and Competition by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, local content and intellectual property practices will top discussion among the Nigerian IT practitioners. With Nigeria emerging the largest economy in Africa, the President of ISPON Pius Okigbo Junior while unfolding details of the national conference said that capital flight must be reduced to the barest minimum to sustain this coveted position. He said that ISPON seeks to use the forum as an opportunity to use IT, software in particular, for the advancement of the Nigerian economy. Slated to hold next month in Tinapa Knowledge City, Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State, he said that Engr. Ernest Nwapa, the Executive Secretary of the National Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) would deliver the event keynote and is expected to shed light on the opportunities and challenges for local software developers in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

African mobile apps will drive affordable access — Terragon boss A

t the just concluded GSMA Mobile 360 held in Cape Town, South Africa, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Terragon Group, Elo Umeh, was among the discussants during a session on ‘Delivering Affordable Access to the People of Africa’. Telling the story of African mobile ecosystem, he tipped app innovations to foster affordable access across the region. Excerpts By Emeka Aginam

Where Terragon Group plays HE digital mobile ecosystem, the entire spectrum is being covered by Terragon Group’s digital media and that means that services that ride after these networks have been built and the broadband has reached the enduser, the services that extend it, how the user interfaces and consumes the content. That is where we play. How mobile has helped Africa It is evident. It is all over the place. The connectivity is getting everywhere. The voice and internet connectivity is everywhere. It is pervasive. I will cite a couple of examples. There are several things that are evident of what is happening and a lot of these things are driven by mobile. This is because there was never computer or pervasive computerbased access. So we can see it every day, but now after all these networks have been built, what then is the next layer? The next layer is, how do we make sure that people get all the things they want to consume using their Smartphones? Who is going to enable that? The simple example is that the farmer in Benue has planted yams and by the time he wants to harvest the yams, he sells it to a middle man, that middle man sells it to another middle man, and then that middle man then sends it to Port Harcourt or Lagos or Abuja, what we are now doing is that we set up a system where that farmer can stay in Markurdi and contact a buyer in Lagos via his mobile device. That is the next level. Those are services and they are basic services that run via SMS. Something else is the media owners. For instance, the Vanguard newspapers invests a lot on their internet channels. They put content on internet channels. But Vanguard newspapers also has relationship with advertisers but there are various technologies that support those channels, those internet and mobile channels are available 24 hours and the content is being fed to the people. So, we help them with monetising their mobile internet channels. By monetizing, we mean, bringing in the advertisers and ensuring that every page refreshed have another advert which continues to run on an ongoing basis. Our Innovations Some of the kind of innovations we bring to the market is click to SMS. How it works is when you are browsing on your phone, you see a banner ad, you click on that banner

ad and it takes you to to your SMS page and tells you to send an SMS and that’s how you start an engagement with a brand. That is click to SMS. There is also click to call. Another area which is almost intangible is in the area of data. In Nigeria, there is an acute lack of data but every quarter as an organization, Terragon publishes research report and distributes it into the ecosystem at no cost. That is another way we are driving affordable access. With these reports, we are educating the population on the possibilities in digital. We are educating brands and agencies on the possibilities in digital and we are educating the entire spectrum on the possibilities in digital. Anybody can look for our reports, take it up and consume it and use it for economic and for whatever reason they want to use it for. That is another way we are driving affordable access because the alternative will be to source these reports by paying for it. In those little ways we are driving significant affordable access. If you talk about the depth of where we started, when we started off as a business, we went to publishers and told them we would build mobile sites at no cost. This is another way we are driving affordable access because at zero cost we will build mobile site for you. We have done it for several organisations and at no cost to them. And we did this because it was important they come on board the internet. At first, many of these organisations did not get a sense of where people were accessing their contents from. They didn’t know that people were accessing their contents from mobile sites, so we gave them data and showed them the numbers and we then built mobile sites for them. International players versus local players in driving mobile in Africa I think everybody is contributing. International players like Google, Facebook, Opera, Oracle, Cisco, are all playing their parts. But I think that the onus is on the local African companies who can feel the pulse of the average African and so the responsibilities lie on African companies to innovate, to drive innovation that will foster affordable access on the continent and get the critical mass on the mobile channel. Empowering Africa for the future with affordable access and mobile It is very clear. Already we have millions of Smartphones but a significant number of these smartphones all run on international applications. That is already a challenge. Individuals, companies, need to innovate along those small things. Mobile apps, for instance. There needs to be some innovate around mobile apps. Let there be some prevalence around the use of African mobile apps. That is already one way.

•Elo Umeh There is a need for some innovations along that line. Those are some of the things that two or three people can start doing. They just need to come up with exciting ideas and then innovate around it. We cannot wait for the international companies, because the model and their understanding is driven by what holds internationally. African mobile market 10 years down the line

I don’t like to predict the future. But I will say certain things. I think what the GSMA Mobile 360 forum said today is very valid. More and more connections will continue to happen. Something else i think that will continue to happen is the internet. The penetration will continue to grow and will become better. The speed and quality will be better.

Ekeh tips women to spearhead 21st century ICT evolution By Prince Osuagwu

HEALTHY war is imminent in the on-going evolution of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in the 21st century. A number of growing projects which tilt towards preparing women to play very active part in technology seems to be threatening the position of men in the leadership of the ICT industry. Chairman and Chief executive officer of Zinox technologies, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, however, does not agree any less that women are poised to take over in the industry. According to him, “with the right mix of innovation, business focus, accountability and ambition, women entrepreneurs can spear-head and relegate their male counterparts to the back seat”. Ekeh was speaking as guest speaker at an interactive breakfast meeting tagged Women in ICT organized by Technology Distributions at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. Ekeh, who reeled out a number of statistics to buttress his point, made specific reference to global ICT giants IBM which now has Ginni Rometty, a female as its CEO. He also cited the increasingly pivotal role women in the corporate sector are playing in the global arena and urged the

participants to become more ambitious in growing their businesses and targeting bigger ventures. “Women are naturally more structured, trustworthy, less greedy and more prayerful than men. These innate qualities have strategically endowed women with the basic ingredients for leadership. As entrepreneurs, all you need to do is combine these innate qualities with absolute commitment, capacity for innovation, credibility and sound digital knowledge and very soon, the male folk will be struggling to keep pace with the women in the industry. “ICT is a business of the future, one that you can bequeath to your children and unborn generations. It is an industry of constant innovation, requiring a sound business model and structure. Hence, I encourage you to enhance your knowledge in the digital business and build capacity which will in turn enable you accommodate the short term business shocks and eventually take charge of the digital economy.” Urging women to see themselves as equal partners with men, he tasked them to leverage on the emerging force of E-Commerce and M-Commerce which has the potential of laying a foundation for women to control the wealth and leadership of nations in the third quarter of the century.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 29

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—31

Help me walk again, Moses, accident victim, appeals By Chioma Obinna

XCEPT for divine intervention, 30-year-old father of two, Moses Alewi, is

at death’s door. Moses, who sustained injuries following a road accident on December 9, 2013, is unable to walk. So serious is his condition that

doctors at the L a g o s University Te a c h i n g Hospital, LUTH, say his only hope lies in life – saving surgeries on his shattered ankle. Moses woes began when he came to Lagos after losing his job in Akure, Ondo State. Narrating his ordeal, he said: “I was standing at Morogbo Junction along B a d a g r y E x p r e s s w a y, Badagry in October, 2013 when a truck attempting to overtake a car rammed into me. I became unconscious. It • Mr. Moses Alewi on his hospital bed at was at Badagry LUTH.

General Hospital, that I was revived.” Moses said it was from there that he was referred to LUTH where he was currently admitted. “I was at the Accident and Emergency ward for two weeks before I was transferred to the Male Orthopaedic Ward E2,” he said. Moses is in dire need of a corrective surgery to restore his broken ankle as well as bone grafting.

Doctors say bones would be taken from his hip to mend his shattered ankle. But Moses cannot finance the cost of treatment. He is presently on admission in the hospital and his wife, a hairdresser, can barely feed the family not to talk of taking care of the hospital bills. His elder brother, Shina has also exhausted his savings on the problem. Already, Moses is indebted to the hospital to the tune of

N612, 000 for blood transfusions and admission costs. Unfortunately, as much as he wants to settle the debt and have his surgery done, he is unable to. Writhing in pains, Moses is reaching out to kind-hearted Nigerians, corporate organisations and government to come to his aid so that he can walk again. If you are touched by Moses plights, please send your donation to GTBank: Alewi Moses Bankole: 0139312462.

A pain in the chest P

EOPLE often talk of others as being a “pain in the neck” or some other (impolite) part of the anatomy, but never would you hear someone being described as a “pain in the chest”! Chest pain is discomfort or pain felt anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and just above your belly button. The best way to understand what causes chest pain is to consider all the structures within that zone. These are your heart and its coverings, your lungs and their coverings, the oesophagus and parts of your upper bowels, your ribs and breastbone, your blood vessels, muscles and nerves. Quite a list. Pain may also spread to the chest from the neck, abdomen, and back. Most of the causes are not dangerous, some are serious and some can be life-threatening. The number one fear with chest pain is a heart attack. Heart and blood vessel causes. Here there is a feeling of tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing, or crushing pain. The pain may spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back. A tear in the wall of the aorta, the large blood vessel that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body (aortic dissection) causes sudden, severe pain in the chest and upper back. Swelling (inflammation) of the “bag” that holds the heart (pericarditis) causes pain in the centre part of the chest.

Lungs related causes: A blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). The clot may travel all the way from the foot in

situations of immobility (as in bed-bound, or long haul flights) and other factors. Collapse of the lung (pneumothorax) Pneumonia causes a sharp chest pain that often gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough. Swelling of the lining around the lung (pleurisy) can cause chest pain that usually feels sharp, and often gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough.

Other causes of chest pain: Inflammation where the ribs join the breast bone or sternum(costochondritis). This can follow trauma to the chest. The chicken pox (shingles) virus, after its initial skin manifestation, can hide in the nerves of the body for decades, only to reappear and cause a severe debilitating neuropathic pain. It causes a sharp, tingling pain on one side that stretches from the chest to the back, and may cause a rash. Strain of the muscles and tendons between the ribs. Stomach and gut causes Spasms or narrowing of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). Gallstones cause pain that gets worse after a meal (most often a fatty meal). Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux Stomach ulcer or gastritis: Burning pain occurs if your stomach is empty and feels better when you eat food. Call a doctor or get to a hospital as quickly as possible if you have any of these associated symptoms or circumstances: Sudden, crushing,

doctor@lagospainclinic.com squeezing, tightening, or pressure in the chest. Pain spreads (radiates) to the jaw, left arm, or between the shoulder blades. Nausea, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart, or shortness of breath. A usual angina and chest discomfort is suddenly more intense, brought on by lighter activity, lasts longer than usual or occurs at rest. Sudden, sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long trip, prolonged bedrest (eg after surgery), or other lack of movement, especially if one leg is swollen or more swollen than the other (this could be a blood clot, part of which has moved to the lungs). You are already diagnosed with a serious condition, such as heart attack or pulmonary embolism. It could be a heart attack if: There’s a family history of heart disease. You smoke, use cardio-stimulants, are overweight, have hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or you already have heart disease. Fever or a cough that produces yellow-green phlegm, problems swallowing, or chest pain lasting longer than 5 days require a call or visit to a doctor. After the Cardiologist has ruled out the more life threatening causes, the Pain Doctor will aim to fix the rest. Pain, in wherever anatomy, is not a good thing.

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Ronaldo leads Real assault on Basel C

•Ronaldo

ARLO Ancelotti has called up 20 players for the Champions League game five of the Champions against Basel tonight. The squad include goalkeepers Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco. The defenders include Varane, Ramos, Coentrão, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa and Nacho. Kroos, James, Bale, Isco, Illarra, Medrán and Lucas Torró are the midfielders on the trip while the forwards include Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Chicharito. About 150 fans welcomed Real Madrid to Basel when the team touched down yesterday for their last away fixture in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. The Whites, who will play their final away match in Group B of the Champions League at St. Jakob Park tonight, landed in the Swiss city just before 12:15pm, yesterday.

Fenerbahce boss blasts Emenike

ENERBAHCE chairman, Aziz Yildirim, is angry with Emmanuel Emenike following his below - par performance in the 1 1 draw with Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday night. Named in the starting lineup for the seventh time this season by manager Kartal, the Nigeria international refused to pass to his teammates who were in a better position to score, and to make matters worse, he failed to utilize the chances. For his part, Emenike has admitted that the Yellow Canaries ought to have secured maximum points at the Bursa Atatürk Stadium, and pointed out that he put maximum effort into the game. “For us it was a good point. I think we deserved to win the match. It was a tough game in the 2nd half. Praise to God, we’re leaving the pitch with a point.

Giggs: Chelsea ‘hea shoulders’ above bi M

•Emenike

Azeez takes walk of shame

•Azeez

Ramon Azeez was ejected from the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes pitch Monday night when Almeria played a goalless draw with Granada in the Spanish La Liga. The Nigeria international took the walk of shame in the 53rd minute of the encounter, after he was issued a second yellow card by referee Ignacio Iglesias. Before that incident, the central midfielder, who was making his eighth start of this season, was yellow carded in the 38th minute. Since switching to Spain officially in 2011, the Future Pro Academy product has averaged a caution in every four matches. Bringing the statistics to life, Ramon Azeez has accumulated 25 yellow cards in 99 appearances while defending the colours of Almeria II and the main team.

ANCHESTER United No.2 Ryan Giggs admits Chelsea are currently ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest of the Premier League. Giggs, who was appointed as assistant to new boss Louis van Gaal in May, concedes

Chelsea currently look on course to clinch their first Premier League title since 2010. “I think everyone will agree that Chelsea are head and shoulders above anyone else at the moment but it’s a process and you just have to

try to keep improving and see where that takes you,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s never easy winning the league or never easy beating teams in the Premier League, we’ve seen that this season it’s getting more like the Championship has been year after year.

Cruyff: Messi is an enigma S

•Messi

PEAKING on Radio Cope’s ‘El Partido de las 12’, Johan Cruyff gave his view on the relationship between Messi and FC Barcelona: “The management always support him. I have never heard the Board of Directors say that Messi has to pull his socks up or that there is a problem. So there’s no reason to for him to be annoyed, but maybe things are always happening with Messi that we don’t know about.” Will Messi leave Barça?: “The only person that can make any decisions about this is Messi. I imagine that there are clubs willing to pay €200 million for him, but he has no financial

problems and so he won’t be lured away by money.” Do Barça want to sell Messi?: “There are always rumours, but what we never know is just how true they are. What I imagine really annoys Messi are his run-ins with the tax authorities, because the whole thing is linked to the club and he is being investigated every three or four years. They are unpleasant things, not too worrying but annoying.” Luis Enrique’s Barça: “They don’t play a bad game, because it seems that to play as well as last year, you have to look at every small detail and when a team has four or five new players, they have to adjust; the team’s not doing so badly. He is an enigma”

VOL. 1 NO 13

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

How Catholic priest cheated death

PAGE 5

•Some of the suspected illegal aliens at the NIS office in Awka

Immigration swoops on illegal immigrants in Anambra •400 in custody as suspect stabs NIS official BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

NITSHA—ANAMBRA State Command of Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, has arrested over 400 suspected illegal

immigrants at different points in five local government areas of Awka North; Awka South; Onitsha North; Onitsha South and Nnewi North. Upon interrogation and profiling by the men and officers of NIS at their state headquarters in Awka, it was

discovered that most of the suspected illegal immigrants had no residence permit or ECOWAS travelling certificate. Some of the suspects who became violent allegedly resisted arrest even as one of them identified as Suleiman

ALSO IN THIS EDITION Buses donated to schools by Anambra govt parked in private homes

— PAGE 2

Flood destroys 15 shops, goods worth millions of naira in Nkwo — PAGE 8

Some of them who are guilty will be taken to the NIS headquarters in Abuja for our ComptrollerGeneral, Mr. Paradan David to see them before their repatriation

Yahaya reportedly stabbed one of the NIS official with a dagger. As at press time, the officer was still receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state. Briefing newsmen in his office, the new Comptroller of Immigration, in Anambra State, Mr. Chude Darlington, said the exercise was part of the immigration’s routine mop up operation to secure the state and nation by identifying foreigners who found themselves into the country through illegal routes. He said that after profiling those arrested, Nigerians among them would be freed, while the illegal immigrants would be repatriated.

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2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Abia communities groan over 8 years power outage BY ANAYO OKOLI

•Some of the buses donated by government to Anambra schools. Many of them are not in use.

Buses donated to schools by Anambra govt parked in private homes BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—THERE was jubilation in Anambra State when the immediate past administration in the state embarked on massive upgrading of infrastructure in all secondary schools in the state, including the provision of over 600 buses to secondary schools. Both the government and privately -owned secondary schools benefited from the donation for the first time since the creation of the new Anambra State in 1991. However, months after the principals of the various schools took possession of the vehicles, many of them have not left the residences of the principals for the simple reason that government has not made provision for the emolument of drivers who are supposed to be driving the buses. Rather, what is obtainable is that many of the buses are seen at burials and weddings only, but not for businesses concerning the students and the schools. Investigation by the South East Voice showed that some of the principals held several meetings with the Parents

Teachers Associations, PTAs, of their schools on how to sustain the payment of drivers and maintenance of the buses, but most of the PTA officials said the government should also employ drivers for all schools as head of transport units. A female principal said: “Rather than allow the bus to continue to decay in my compound, my husband, who retired as a principal, has been

M UA H I A — M A N Y communities in Amizi, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State have not had electricity in the last eight years. The communities were said to have had electricity last in 2006. For them, light from Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has become a mirage even as the end of the darkness is not yet known. Also, the Isiala Ngwa South communities, including Nsulu, areas are not happy either. Some of the communities in this area have not had electricity in the last two to three months. In Umuahia South council area, communities like of Olokoro, Ubakala, Old Umuahia, Umuobia, Ehimiri, Amauhie, Agbama and many others have not enjoyed electricity for a long time also. Some of them said they have been in darkness for upwards of two to six months. There is a case of an area of the community behind the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, which was alleged to not have had electricity since this year. Even in the university communities, the staff quarters are also affected as some of them have not had electricity

supply from EEDC in the last one month. A further distance from the university community is Ndi Oru, particularly Oboro areas. In Okwe, the residents have not had electricity in the last four months. Sources at Okwe alleged that officials of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, asked them to contribute money for transformers, an action which some the residents are vehemently resisting, saying that they cannot pay money to build a private company which would later charge them for its services. Even some communities under the Umuahia Capital Development Territory such as Umuhu, and the entire Nkwoegwu communities in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Council Areas, had been left without electricity in the last three months. In Umuahia metropolis, where the district headquarters of EEDC is located, power supply is very epileptic. For a whole month EEDC, would supply light to consumers for less than one week, and this would normally be few days to the distribution of new bills. To some residents of Abia

Continues on page 3

fueling it for his personal use. I do not see anything wrong in that and I believe that it is better to do that than park the bus permanently.” According to her, the students were very excited when the bus was brought into the school, adding that her husband even served as driver for sometime until he took a decision to take

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Power installation by EEDC

Erosion threatens Anambra secondary schools BY VINCENT UJUMADU

•Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State

WKA—NO fewer than 60 secondary schools in Anambra State are said to be under serious erosion threats. At a meeting with heads of public and private schools in Awka yesterday, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha directed principals of the affected schools to submit to her ministry, photographs of the state of the erosion in their schools for necessary action. She also directed all principals who were affected by land encroachment by individuals or organizations to

report same, adding that government would no longer tolerate a situation whereby people enter public schools to claim part of the land. According to the commissioner, the state government has decided to replicate all the benefits enjoyed by public schools in private schools since they also train the children of the state, advising proprietors of private schools who have not registered with her ministry to do so without further delay, otherwise they would lose the proposed benefits. Omenugha reminded the people that the directive that pupils and students must show evidence of payment of tax by their parents before

registration, was still in force, explaining that a committee would soon be set up to work on the issue with a view to fishing out defaulters. She said that to ensure that the state continued to maintain its leading position in WAEC and NECO examinations in the country, there would be massive capacity building involving principals, tutorial and non tutorial staff, as well as students. At yesterday’s meeting, the principals were directed to submit names of their students who scored Aggregate A in all their subjects, as the state government would offer them scholarships to enable them further their education.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—3

Buses donated to schools by Anambra govt parked in private homes Continues from page 2 it home for safety. Another principal said she had to spend her money to install the tracking device ordered by the Post Primary Schools Management Board and was unable to convince the PTA of her school to refund her the money. She also said that she cannot afford to be fueling the bus and paying the driver monthly, suggesting that the best thing for government to do is to employ drivers for all schools. However, it was observed that buses donated to the mission schools were better managed, as managers of the schools, who are priests, made provision for drivers in the payroll of the schools under each Diocese of the Church. Mr. Godwin Obika, who retired from the school system

before former Governor Peter Obi donated the buses said: “There is no justification for the principals to continue to park the buses donated to their schools by the state government. We were unfortunate that the buses did not come when we were in service and I do not believe that hiring a driver and paying him regularly is a big deal. “It amounts to waste of scarce resources if the principals continue to park the buses in their houses when students have the need to use them on a regular basis. With the buses available, students can always go on excursions, which are part of education of the children.” He advised principals to lobby education ministry officials to approve transport levies from where drivers of the buses could be paid on a regular basis.

Fighting food insecurity in Imo BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—FOOD, the world over, is regarded as one of the most basic needs of man. In the defunct Eastern Region headed by late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, agriculture was

•Another section of the illegal immigrants in Awka, Anambra State.

Immigration swoops on illegal immigrants in Anambra Continues from page 1 Darlinton, however, warned those who had invalid travelling documents to regularize their stay in the state, as his command was committed to riding the area of illegal immigrants. He said: “We have our systematic way of doing that and that is why we keep our eyes on the immigrants in Anambra State. We want to

make sure that all illegal immigrants leave the state. Some of them who are guilty will be taken to the NIS headquarters in Abuja for our Comptroller- General, Mr. Paradan David to see them before their repatriation.’’ He further said the NIS was keying into GovernorWillie Obiano’s drive to rid the state of criminals, hoping that Obiano would support the

organisation to enable it carry out its civic responsibilities. Also, the Officer-in-Charge of Border Patrol, ECOWAS, African Affairs and state deputy Controller of Immigration, Mr Gilbert Ilogu spoke in the same vein with Darlington, and called for cooperation between NIS and other departments and agencies of government for success to be achieved.

accorded top priority and the policy handsomely paid off. As part of the agricultural programme of the Okpara regime, farm settlements were established in Uzo Uwani in Enugu State; Igbariam, Anambra State; Ulonna in Abia State and Ohaji in the present Imo State among others. Proceeds from the sector were used for the establishment of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, the defunct African Continental Bank, ACB, Limited, roads, schools, hospitals, as well as extending grants-in-aid to mission schools and hospitals. Scholarships were also extended to promising and intelligent students. All these however, changed after the excruciating 30month civil war in Nigeria, which claimed thousands of lives on both sides of the divide. Soon after the war in 1970, emphasis shifted from agriculture to white- collar jobs, petroleum products marketing and execution of contracts. Following the supposed easy money that flowed from oil prospecting

and drilling, many farmers turned their minds away from agriculture. The number of the farming population dwindled drastically, hence the region could no longer feed it’s teeming population. Imo State, with more number of people per square kilometre, for example had its share of the problem. White collar job became the issue, especially when young school leavers saw how flashy some well placed civil servants looked and lived. Nobody therefore wanted to waste time toiling on the farms. Forests were destroyed to accommodate the growing population, as well as the building of government establishments. Erosion also destroyed a good chunk of the farmlands. There was (and still is) the problem of bad road network in the farming communities of Imo State. Traders and other citizens no longer found it possible to easily access the communities to buy their food needs, even as efforts by farmers were not recognised with establishment of silos to preserve excessive crops.

Abia communities groan Continues from page 2 communities, electricity has become more of a luxury rather than basic necessity and would continue to be until EEDC wakes up from its slumber to do the needful which was to provide light to the people and not just ripping them off by just churning out estimated bills to innocent consumers who do not enjoy any power supply. An Aba based businessman, Eze Nzenwata Mbakwem expressed worry over the

situation, noting that he was spending a lot of money on diesel to run his electric generating sets. Also, some artisans told South East Voice the non availability of electricity had adversely affected the prices of their products. Efforts to speak with the EEDC Spokesman, Mr. Eugene Aniowo, proved abortive as he did not pick calls put through his mobile telephone line or reply to a text message sent to him on the issue.

4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 , 2014

NGO’S FREE EYE TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR ENUGU WEST:

Thugs attack medical team, destroy equipment worth millions of naira BY FRANCIS IGATA

NUGU—THUGS suspected to be loyal to some government officials disrupted a free health programme organised by a non governmental organization, NGO, Ikeoha Foundation at Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event was the 2014 edition of the yearly Ikeoha Free Treatment, where an estimated 10,000 constituents were expected to have benefitted. The 4-day exercise was meant to benefit people from the five local government areas of Enugu-West Senatorial Districts, including Awgu, Aninri, Udi, Oji River and Ezeagu and includes free eye treatment, free drugs and eye

glasses as well as free eye surgeries. The event commenced on November 17 in partnership with Community Eye Savers. The Foundation, founded by the Deputy Senate President,Ike Ekweremadu was designed in line with the vision 2020 mandate of the World Health Organisation,WHO, which is prevention of avoidable causes of blindness. Attack on medical team However, political thugs numbering over 10 persons, attacked some staff of the Foundation who were on medical mission at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Oghe. The hoodlums who were reportedly led by two Area Development Administrators allegedly invaded the venue where the Foundation’s Free Eye Treatment Project team

were at work, beating up the staff and destroying equipment worth millions of Naira.

•Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Nwanneka reassuring people with serious sight challenges at the grand finale of the 2014 edition of Ikeoha Free Eye treatment in Aninri LGA

Foundation leader laments Executive Director of Ikeoha Foundation,Mrs. Cindy Ezeugwu, told South-East Voice that they were totally taken unawares as Ikeoha Foundation was a household name in the state as its medical mission was targeted at

Those who did that will be jailed, they may run but will never escape justice

indigent rural dwellers. She said: “We had successfully carried out the 2014 edition of the project in Udi, Oji River, and Awgu Local Government Areas. “So, Ezeagu was slated for today (last Friday). We had set up the venue with canopies and chairs as well as our facilities as usual. We had just attended to two elderly people and Igwe Sylvester Ozoekwem, the traditional ruler of Umumba Ndiuno even as the canopy was full and the queue was long due to the usual massive turnout. “Everything was going on smoothly until thugs led by an Administrator of one of the local governments Development Area (names withheld) arrived with is counterpart in another

16 YEARS AFTER:

US-based town planner ascends Atani throne By CHIMOBI NWAIWU

NEWI—AFTER 16 years without a traditional ruler, Atani, a fishing and farming community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State is set to cover the lost grounds for genuine development with the emergence of a United States of America, USA- based town planner and real estate expert, Augustine Azuka Ngoddy, on the throne. Atani is the home town of Prof Ben Nwabueze, an eminent constitutional lawyer; former Education Minister and former Secretary General of the Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Ngoddy who would be known and addressed as Igwe Eze Ogwuike II of Atani, told the South East Voice at Atani that he was the first town planning officer in Awka, the Anambra State capital, when it was still in the old Anambra State. He said he occupied the position when John Atom Kpera, was the military governor of the then Anambra State, adding that with his wealth

of experience, he would change Atani to the envy of other Nigerians and international community. Explaining how he emerged as the traditional ruler, Ngoddy said: “Contrary to the alleged crisis over my emergence in some quarters, there is no crisis in my community. When you came up here, was the gate not open? Did anybody disturb you? When you see a place where there is crisis you do not need to be told that things are not normal there. “Not only will the king be caged, he will be protected by armed men; did you see such here when you came? It is

only a few disgruntled elements like you have in every other communities that go about creating the impression that our community is in crisis; but I will not be deterred in changing positively, the face of this community. “I emerged as the traditional ruler after some delegates from Atani approached me in USA and asked that I come home; that they have selected my family to present a candidate to be elected the traditional ruler of the community after many years of not having one. “We have two villages that can produce the traditional ruler of Atani: the Umueze and Umuokwa Atani. ‘’In Umueze there are two b r o t h e r s ; Umudiaike and Umuekeke. These are two brothers from one father, so any time it comes to the turn of

•Igwe Ngoddy of Atani

Umeze to produce the king, the two of them will agree on who to be presented. In order words if Umueze produces now, it will be the turn of Umuokwa, the same thing goes for Umudiaike and Umuekeke. “In Umudiaike there are three sub-families, Omu, Eze and Ogwuike. Ogwuike is the oldest among them; so because it was Ogwuike’s turn and given that my fore-father was the oldest or most seniour of the three, and the most efficient in serving the community... ‘’When it rotated back to Umueze, and it became the turn of Umuekeke to produce, and Opia family came up with a candidate named Idowu Uzo, so the town analyzed his appointment and according to the constitution of Atani, when a candidate emerges, the Ndichie Ukwu and Ndichie Nta sit and analyze the candidate. “If there are deficiencies on the candidate or reasons why the candidate cannot ascend the throne they will tell the family to give them another candidate, and in the case of Uzo, a very good friend of mine and a brother too, Atani told them to bring out another person and they went back and reproduced him again.

development area stormed the venue, a Catholic school within a Catholic Church premises, and commanded us to stop attending to the people. “Before we knew what was happening the thugs descended on us beating us up.” Victims cry out One of the victims, Mr. Obiora Obasi, Programme Officer whose head and arms were broken told South East Voice at a private hospital where he was receiving treatment in Enugu with other victims that they had already accredited about 600 people when the hoodlums pounced on them, beating him to stupour. Obasi was still bleeding as a result of the injuries he sustained as he spoke. Another victim and private video cameraman hired by the Foundation to cover the event, Ogo Chinedu had his video camera confiscated with memory card destroyed while they used the camera on his head, inflicting serious wounds on him in the process. Police react The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu Police Command, DSP, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident saying that the Divisional Police Officer ,DPO, at Aguobuowa, Donald Okafor has ordered investigation into the matter. Ekweremadu vows to ensure juctice Ekweremadu who spoke on the issue also, vowed to ensure that the suspected thugs who attacked staff of his Ikeoha Foundation, were fished out and prosecuted. Speaking at the grand finale of the Foundations four-day free eye treatment project at Mpu in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ekweremadu who was visibly angry said his staff were attacked during the exercise at Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state. While condemning the attack, he said that information reaching him indicated that officials of the local government masterminded the attack, saying “those who did that will be jailed, they may run but will never escape justice.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—5

Enugu tricycle operators groan over alleged councils’ multiple levies ...allege extortion by Police BY FRANCIS IGATA

NUGU—TRICYCLE operators, popularly known as Keke-Napep are groaning in Enugu metropolis over alleged multiple levies slammed on them by the three local government areas that make up the area. The local government areas include Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East. South-East Voice roved round the city and other adjourning communities and discovered that most of the operators wore long faces following consistent multiple levies by the council areas. Operator laments Chidozie Ekene, 29, who

plies UwaniTimbershedU g w u a j i communities in Enugu-South Local Government Area said,”the three council areas have subjected us to pay N600 daily for ticket of operation, union fee and ESWAMA charges. “If you fail to pay, the councils’ task force officials will pounce on you and impound your tricycle and once it is impounded, you will pay a fine of N2,100. “I drive my tricycle on hirepurchase terms. Most times, due to the multiple charges, I cannot meet up with my daily

•Keke NAPEP

•Governor Sullivan Chime obligation of paying to the Keke owner the agreed amount. “We want the council areas to introduce a unified emblem or levy system so that at the beginning of every year, one will know the amount to pay. The collection of multiple levies from us is not only oppressive but inhuman. We thought that

the government was promising poverty alleviation but what they are doing is perpetuation of poverty. “Most of us who are operators are graduates from different tertiary institutions. We had to go into tricycle driving because of the prevailing unemployment situation which is so pronounced in Enugu State. “Another worrisome trend is the level of extortion by police personnel at road checkpoints. They collect N50 from us each time we ply the road. Even when your tricycle papers are complete, they still insist on collecting the money. If you do not pay, they will collect your key and discharge your

How Catholic priest cheated death BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—CATHOLIC priests easily roll out the drums to celebrate some holy days of feasts of the church. They not only respect the stipulated feast days but are also allowed to celebrate their birthdays, as well as the days they were ordained priests. They remember the dates of their ordination at the snap of their fingers. Rev. Fr Kingsley Obilonu of the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, is one of such priests that can tell the date of his ordination easily. However, apart from the religious feasts, his birthday and ordination anniversary, there is a day he is not likely to forget in a hurry. It is Tuesday, November 18, 2014. The day started like any other day for the holidaying Catholic cleric. He performed his mandatory religious obligation of saying the mass, before deciding to visit some friends and relations in various places. He had been given the right of way by some traffic managers working at the Relief Market/Mbaise Road Junction. He thus started heading into Owerri municipality. On getting past Ugwu Ekwema Civic Centre and almost getting to the gate of the Technical College, a low-bed,

•Saved from the jaws of death

24-tyre Mack truck that was heading towards Umuahia, suddenly scaled the three feet high concrete demarcation on the road and rested on Fr. Obilonu’s Mitsubishi car. The unconfirmed story, which made the round at the scene of the road crash, was that the brakes of the Mack truck failed and the driver tried using the concrete barricade to stop the vehicle from crushing the several cars in front. A female staff of Imo State Civil Guard, who claimed to have witnessed the accident,

told South East Voice that she was at her Relief Market/ Mbaise Road Junction duty post before the crash occurred. “The priest was driving into Owerri, while the truck driver was heading towards Umuahia before we heard a big bang, followed by screaming from sympathizers. When we got to the scene, we saw the priest emerge from the accident unhurt,” the lady said. According to the security guard, not long after coming out of the badly damaged vehicle, the priest picked the

particulars of his vehicle, removed the number plates and handed them over to a policeman, with an instruction. “Please, give the vehicle particulars and keys to the truck driver. He should take the vehicle. Please, don’t unduly harass the driver. I am happy that I am alive to tell the story of what happened. I have forgiven him. I do not want to press any charge against him.” South East Voice also gathered from the Parish Priest of St. Mulumba’s Parish, Owerri, Rev. Fr. George Ahamefula, that his brother priest, who is now serving as a missionary in a foreign land, was due to travel back to his base a week before the accident occurred. Fr. Ahamefula thanked God for saving the life of Fr. Obilonu, adding that “it would have been very difficult to pull out the heavy duty truck, as it had fully rested on the car.” No doubt, Fr. Obilonu, whose maternal home is not far from the scene of the accident, has every reason to be very grateful to God for coming out of the wreck unharmed. He will definitely not forget this day in a hurry!

passengers.” Police react When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, Enugu State Police command, DSP Ebere Amaraizu said: ‘’You have just informed me about it. Tell them (Keke operators) to come and complain to me so that I will advice them on what to do.”

REACH US DO you have any news of neglect or abandoned projects or your representative at the local, state or federal governments are not representing you well? Do you have unique cultural activities coming up or any community news to tell us? Emeka Mamah (Co-ordinator): 08033218645 Austin Ogwuda(Enugu): 08037136440 Francis Igata 08033387069 Vincent Ujumadu(Awka): 08035804090 Anayo Okoli(Umuahia): 08034046839 Chidi Nkwopara(Imo): 08033391108 Peter Okutu (Abakaliki): 08032680756 Chinenyeh Ozor (Nsukka): 08185664011 Nwabueze Okonkwo (Nnewi): 08037794782 Enyim Enyim (Onitsha): 08169297179 Or: e-mail us: easternvoice@yahoo.com

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Anambra communities’ pain over abandoned water project BY ENYIM ENYIM

NITSHA—PRECISELY on Thursday, February 12, 2009, the immediate past governor of Anambra State , Mr. Peter Obi , flagged off the rehabilitation of the age-long abandoned Obizi- Aguata Regional Water Supply Scheme. Expectedly, the communities within the area went into jubilation and heaving a sigh of relief that at last, they would have adequate and good drinking water when reticulated. But little did they know that it was another scam aimed at giving them the impression that the then state government was concerned and committed to providing them with potable water. Like other administration before Obi’s regime it was again abandoned by the very government that flagged off its rehabilitation. However, with the emergence of Obi’s successor, Chief Willie Obiano, the communities have again called for proper rehabilitation of the project to give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of things in the state. Speaking on the abandoned

water project, the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, Igwe Emmanuel Onyeneka said the communities had been enjoying pipe borne water from the Obizi Water Scheme before the Nigerian civil war. “Before the war in 1967, we had pipe borne water from the Obizi Water Scheme. But after the war, the water scheme stopped functioning and since then, we have been hearing same stories from all the governments that had come and gone. At one time we were told that it is the state government that was

•Igwe of Ekwulobia

rehabilitating it, at another time we would be told that the World Bank had taken over its rehabilitation and of all these stories, nothing positive has happened. We are tired of stories, we appeal to Governor Obiano to come to our rescue. However, a Director in the Ministry of Public Utilities, one Mr. Victor told South East Voice that the present government of Obiano in partnership with the European Union would re-award the rehabilitation of the water scheme. He said the European Union would pay 70 per cent of the total cost of rehabilitation of the project while the state government would pay 30, as its counter part fund which according to the ministry official had even been already paid. Already, he said the EU officials visited the site in May this year and provided field analysis, suggesting that South Africa should be engaged in the project. According to him, with the involvement of South Africa, the scheme would be producing 7,000 cubic metres or about seven million litres of water per hour. He further said that the rehabilitation of the

•Abandoned power house

•Ekwulobia Roundabout project would kick off in June 2015. Six states would benefit from the EU programme which would last for two years. He said the Obi government had provided equipment that enabled the ministry pump water to Ekwulobia but it stopped when some people in the community vandalized them in 2010/2011, causing massive flood that affected the in-take pump house by submerging it and spoiling a

lot of things. ‘’The ministry used swamp bugger to open up and dry water channel in December last year. We intend to provide generating set at stage II so that we will be operating skeletal services till the EU project begins,’’ he said. He further said that there was dire need for government to provide good access road to project site so that the rehabilitation of the water scheme would be effectively carried out.

Customers win car, tryicycle, motorcycle in Tommy-Tommy noodles competition BY CHIMOBI NWAIWU

N E W I — M r . Maxwell Ikemefuna Onyia a civil servant working at the Projects Development Agency, PRODA, in Enugu state must be a lucky man. Onyia who bagged a Masters Degree in engineering this year, was registered as a certified member of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, just as he was also recognized as a chartered engineer. He crowned it with the blessing of God as he also won a brand new

Kia Cerato saloon car for eating some packets of TummyTummy noodles from TummyTummy Foods Industries Limited in Nnewi during a competition. The event took place at the 2014 Customers’ Forum/ Football Promo draw and five years anniversary of the company at Conv-Aj Centre, Nnewi, Anambra State. Eighteen finalists drawn from all over the country emerged for the grand finale that had a brand new Kia car, tricycle otherwise known as Keke NAPEP and another brand new

Winner of KIA motor, Maxwell (middle), displaying the car keys

motorcycle as trophies for the first, second and third runners up respectively. While Mr. Onyia won the first prize of Kia Cerato car, Onubuogu Magnus and Obiora Eucharia went home with tricycle and motor cycle respectively, for emerging 2nd and 3rd runners up respectively, just as 15 other contestants who were not as lucky as the first, second and

•Lucky winner of a tricycle (keke NAPEP), Onubuogu Magnus.

third runners up went home with consolation prizes. According to Mr. Onyia, “this year is a wonderful year in my life and I want to say a big thank you to God for uplifting me with numerous blessings in my educational career, as well as this new car from Tummy Tummy Food Industry Limited. This car I won today is for mobility, it is going to cut the man- hour I spend daily. It will facilitate my movements to work and other places.’’On how he entered into the Football Promo Draw, he said he bought Tummy-Tummy noodles in the market, and saw the raffle draw inside it.‘’I filled and submitted it via the email address that was provided in the raffle draw and the rest is now history.“I am saying; may God bless the company for keeping to its promise of giving out items they said they were going to give to the lucky winners.” Onubuogu told the South East Voice that he was dumbfounded when he was invited for the final draw, that culminated into his winning the star price.

South East Voice caught him while making a call to the person that will ride the tricycle from Nnewi to Nkpor with a promise to pay him for the service. Miss Obiora was surprised and confused on how to take her motorcycle home, but the promise by the company to take the items to the destinations of the winners if they did not know how to do so, settled the matter for her. Speaking with South East Voice , Chairman of the company Mr. Chika Emenike said, “Tummy Tummy has become a trail blazer in the Nigerian Noodles industry; we are proud to say that our progress is wonderful, and we had dedicated the success of the company to God from the onset. ‘’Tummy Tummy is our own; a wholly owned Nigerian company, and that is why we are very careful in its production, since we know that we will eat it and therefore cannot afford to compromise on its standard.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—7

Motorists, residents send SOS to FG over failed Aba-Ikot Ekpene road •Say we can only get to Aba through bush paths

•A bad portion of the road in Aba

By FELIX OGBONNA

BA—MOTORISTS plying the Aba- Ikot Ekpene road have sent a Save Our Souls, SOS, message to the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Aba-Ikot Ekpene highway to end the sufferings which they had been subjected to as a result of the dilapidated state of the road. The road which links Cross River, Akwa Ibom and several communities in Obingwa council area of Abia state to the commercial town of Aba has been in a state of dilapidation, leading to motorists and residents of the communities travelling through bush paths to get to Aba. The dilapidated Aba-Ikot Ekpene road which is worse at the Abia section, has led to buses, cars and smaller trucks diverting through border communities in Abia such as Nlagu through Ndiakata, Umuokereke Ngwa to Ohanze area where they make a detour to the Acho Nwakanma road and link up with the Ururuka road to Aba town. Some of these village roads and bush paths have become

worse due to the influx of motorists diverting from the bad portions at Umuokpo, Umuwaoma, Onicha Ngwa, Ukpakiri and Alaoji which are communities located on the Aba –Ikot Ekpene highway. The situation which becomes worse on rainy days has also provided employment for youths who engage in emergency road rehabilitation efforts after barricading roads as a ploy to extort money from motorists. The suffering which commuters have been going through has led to a huge increase in the transport fares from Aba to Uyo, Calabar and Ikot Ekpene. The transport fare from Aba to Ikot Ekpene which hitherto cost N250 now stands at N600, while a journey from Aba to Uyo or Calabar which used to cost less has now gone up to between N900 and N1,600 respectively. The worst affected are traders from Akwa Ibom State and beyond who throng Aba to buy goods. As a result of the tortuous journey through far-flung village routes, many commuters have resorted to employing the services of Okada riders between Aba and Ikot Ekpene

towns. The ride which involves, meandering through the mud at the dilapidated portions of the road costs between N1, 000 and N1, 500 and could attract more if the commuter had some luggage. This means of transport, though faster, has led many people to their early graves and others to the orthopedic hospitals as the Okada operators speed up as much as possible to make quick returns in what has turned out to be a lucrative business for them. According to a trader on household utensils who gave his name as Okon, the cost of doing business has also gone up due to bad road network. According to him, “the motorists now charge us triple of what it used to be because of the bad nature of the road. If you take Okada, it is even more costly. This has led us to increase prices of goods because we must make profits to stay in business. Though customers are complaining, yet there is nothing we can do about it.” Lamenting the situation, A traditional ruler in one of the communities who declined to have his name on print for what he described as “fear of reprisal,” regretted that after 54 years of independence, the country was still battling with problems of basic infrastructure. According to him; The state of federal roads in the South East zone is embarrassing. There is no good road anywhere in the South East. The Aba-Ikot Ekpene and

Commercial motorcycle operators (Okada) conveying traders on Aba- Ikot Epene federal road.

•Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road Umuahia -Ikot Ekpene highways have been abandoned. It is the same with the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Our people are suffering. Our major occupation is farming; now there is no road for us to take

our farm produce to the city to sell and earn a living. Look at the roads in my community; they have all gone bad because big trucks, buses and cars going to Ikot Ekpene now use this road.”

Foundation begins 10-year U17 soccer devt in Anambra BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A cross section of principals on the occasion (during their meeting with officials of Obijackson Foundation in Awka

WKA—THE Obijackson Foundation, a philanthropic and non governmental organization, NGO, has begun a 10-year soccer development for the under 17 in Anambra State as part of efforts to improve the level of football in the state. The Foundation had for the past 15 years, been organizing annual football competition at his Ihiala local government during which mouth -watering prizes were given to winners and participants in the competition. Apparently due to the huge success recorded in the tournament which identified hidden talents over the years, the Foundation decided to extend it to the state level in which all the secondary schools in the state are to key in.

Manager of Obijackson Foundation, Mr. James Akporere, while addressing principals of public and private secondary schools in Anaambra State in Awka as part of the commencement of the exercise, urged them to register for the tournament expected to start later this year in nine venues in various parts of the state. The venues are Imeobi Stadium, Onitsha, Gabros Stadium, Nnewi, Neros Stadium, Nanka, St. Mary’s Secondary School field, Ifitedunu, Ekwulobia Stadium, Aguata, St. Peter’s Stadium, Okija, Boys Secondary School, Ogidi, Civic Center, Eziowele and Government Secondary School, Ajali. According to Akporere, winner of this year ’s competition would go home with N2 million, while the second and third place winners

would get N1.5 million and N1 million respectively. Similarly, the highest goal scorer would get N50,000, the best behaved team –N10,000, best goalkeeper – N50,000 and most valuable player –N50,000. He explained that the winning school would also be adopted by the Foundation and equipped, just as the players who also perform well in academics would be offered three –year scholarships. The ultimate objective, he said, is to offer about 600 scholarships within the 10-year period, in addition to producing soccer stars for the country. He said: “We want to create opportunity for young stars to be discovered. The promoter of the Foundation, Obijackson, believes that education is an investment which can be achieved through sports.”

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Refuse tak es o takes ovver Nsukka as roads' conditions worsen NSUKKA—THE university town of Nsukka in Enugu State has now been taken over by refuse. South East Voice which visited the town noticed that most of the places had been filthy due to mountains of refuse. This was even as Ugwoye, along Enugu Road has become impassable due to the bad portion of the area.

•Part of the flooded Nkwo Nnewi Market

Flood destroys 15 shops, goods worth millions of naira in Nkwo Nnewi market •Ojukwu Jnr, council boss dole out N2 million for victims in the area. He said that most of the traders had been managing to make ends meet, following the ban on commercial NEWI—MORE than 15 shops motorcycles by some state governments, filled up with goods worth millions adding that the latest flood disaster of naira have been destroyed by flood at would further compound their economic Nkwo Nnewi market in Anambra State woes. after a heavy downpour in the area. Ogbuawa also identified the Conducting the Sole Administrator of consequences of Boko Haram Nnewi North Council Area, Chief insurgency as another obstacle which Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Jnr, had prevented smooth trading round the affected motorcycle spare parts relationship between traders from the section of the market, the Chairman of North and their counterparts in the New Auto Spare Parts Association, NASPA, South East, adding that if serious Chief Ethel Ijenwa, appealed to the local attention was not paid to the incessant government to assist the traders who lost flooding of the market, some traders everything they had laboured for over the would suffer huge setbacks that might years. completely ground their businesses. Ijenwa said that the traders had spent After inspecting the flooded areas of over N3.4 million over a period of time to the market, Ojukwu Jnr. described the check the flood disaster which he said was incident as ‘’deplorable, disastrous and caused by poor drainage system. unacceptable’’ to the local government Accompanied by his executive members council. and a host of other He told the traders that the traders, Ijenwa said council would set up a foursome of the traders man committee and at the were indebted to banks because of losses same time write to the banks suffered after the flood giving them seven days disaster. ultimatum to come up with He alleged that some their support programmes of the commercial for the traders. banks operating Ojukwu Jnr. who has around the market indicated his interest to were not giving the represent Nnewi North/ necessary support to Nnewi South and Ekwusigo the traders to solve the federal constituency in the flood problem even National Assembly, donated The traders had after several appeals to N2million to the traders to spent over N3.4 them following solve the flood problem on previous flood million over a behalf of the council adding disasters. that.the major reason he was period of time to One of the stakeholcontesting the House of ders and a major dealer check the flood Representatives election in on motorcycle spare disaster which he 2015 was to end the parts in the market, said was caused sufferings of his people Chief Pius Ogbuawa from poor said the flood had by poor drainage arising representations over the brought a dull system years. business environment

•Ibagwa Road, Nsukka by Housing Estate taken over by refuse.

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

•Aku Road by St. Theresa’s Junction (taken over by refuse)

•A bad portion of Uguoye Road in Enugu.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 33

Simeone eyes top spot

Juve call up Evra, Ogbonna for Malmo test

uventus are able to include Patrice Evra and Angelo Ogbonna in their squad to play Malmo, but not Kwadwo Asamoah. The Bianconeri had doubts over the trio heading into this midweek’s Champions League trip to Sweden, but are able to include two of them in the squad. Ogbonna trained separate to his teammates today, as he is seen as targeting a full recovery in time for the weekend, whilst Evra is back working with the group and is seen as in line for a starting berth at leftback. That is in part down to Kwadwo Asamoah’s continued absence from the training field with an inflamed knee.

iego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid seek to secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a home victory over Olympiacos tonight. The Spanish outfit goes into the encounter at the Vicente Calderon leading Group A, three points clear of nearest rivals Olympiacos, coached by former Real Madrid player Michel. Atletico will look to avenge their 3-2 away defeat to Olympiacos in matchday one. “This is a crucial game,” Atletico defender Diego Godin told www.clubatleticodemadrid.com. “In order to qualify and finish top of our group, which is what we want, we must win on Wednesday (tonight). “We know that we are playing against a team that beat us in Greece.”

Simeone can book his place in the knocout phase on tonight

Bale: I’ve improved next to Cristiano

Van Gaal meets Robben in hotel

ad and ig four “It’s a case where anyone can beat anyone so you have to be at your best every week and hopefully we will be. “We’ll keep improving, get players back on the pitch and, like I say, there’s enough talent in that dressing room to take us up the league and try to finish as high as we can.”

OUIS van Gaal has revealed he met Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich’s team hotel before their clash against Manchester City - but did not see the club hierarchy after recently being criticised by CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Van Gaal, now in charge of Manchester United, coached Bayern between 2009 and 2011, leading the club to the 2009-10 Bundesliga title and DFBPokal as well as reaching that season’s Champions League final. However, he was sacked during a disappointing

Liverpool face elimnation at Ludogorets

n Rodgers has called on his IVERPOOL manager Brenda of and aggressive in the wake players to be more tenacious to ia Sof to d elle trav Liverpool have ure criticism his side is too soft. ens and run ng losi h atc r-m a fou play Ludogorets looking to end League is extended to their final ns pio am Ch the in t res inte their month. ea match at home to Basle next ous, more aggressive and hav . aci ten re mo be to d “We nee .com olfc rpo live ter as a team,” he told ter – greater capacity to defend bet defend, you have to defend bet to nts me mo r “When there are ghe rra Ca ’ll look to do.” On Sunday tle. and that’s something that we bat a for rt hea ugh showing eno laid into his former side for not of games. Last year when they out lied bul ting get and “They are we said they were mentally came here (to Selhurst Park) nothing’s changed,” he told Sky physically weak. Same again Sports.

•Ogbonna

2010-11 campaign, and Rummenigge told German weekly Der Spiegel earlier this month that the Dutchman was “not always low maintenance” and “ wanted to ‘Van Gaal-ise’ the club”. Van Gaal visited the Lowry Hotel in •Arjen Robben Manchester b e f o r e Bayern’s clash at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League, but he told reporters he was not there to meet club officials. “I am not here to see Bayern but Arjen Robben,” Van Gaal, the former Netherlands manager, told Sport Bild. Referring to Bayern’s traditional post-match gettogether, he added: “I won’t attend the banquet.”

areth Bale believes he has improved as a footballer by playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. “To learn from the best player in the world is incredible. He has helped me to become a better player and his attitude towards me since I arrived in the Madrid dressing room has been fantastic. “He also advised me on where to live in Madrid,” Bale told the Daily Telegraph in comments reported by Marca.

•Bale

Pele stable after medical evaluation

•Sterling

razil football legend Pele has been hospitalised for another “medical evaluation.” The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo says the three-time World Cup champion is “stable” after being admitted late on Monday. Brazilian media says Pele has a urinary infection, but the information could not be immediately confirmed by the hospital. The 74-year-old Pele was released from the same hospital less than 10 days ago after successfully undergoing surgery to remove kidney stones.

•Pele

34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 35

By Josephine Agbonkhese

er passion for protocol, etiquette and leadership lured her into the world of corporate image enhancement. An economist with an MBA from Edinburg Business School, Mrs Janet Adetu who is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, UK, had started out her career as an accountant/auditor but soon got won over by her passion. In this interview, the Certified Corporate Etiquette Consultant and Professional Image Advisor who is Chief Executive Officer, JSK Etiquette Consortium, speaks on the relevance of corporate image enhancement to the growth of any business. Most organisations seem oblivious of the importance of projecting good corporate image, and therefore never see reasons why employees should be trained and retrained. How does this affect business? Corporate etiquette is becoming ever more important. In today ’s ever evolving economy, everybody is racing against time. Organizations are facing stiff competition like never before. The image a company portrays and the company’s reputation are directly affected by the image of its employees who are indeed the face of that company. In order to enjoy a competitive advantage, organizations must show among other things value, capability and professionalism. This can be achieved through training and retraining of its employees. It is equally becoming more apparent nowadays that to get a job, keep and thrive in it, it takes more than just technical skills. It is easy to ignore all these and get on with life as it comes. Nevertheless, for the savvy professional having Manners, Poise, Image, Style and Leadership are significant. It speaks of elegance, grace and executive presence. Being able to identify your own brand and discover your unique identity makes you stand out conspicuously from the rest and place you in the higher ranking for achievement. In a business setting, the lack of manners known as incivility costs millions in lost contracts, client retention issues and

Consultant and Professional Image Advisor. For me, my objective is to assist corporate organizations and individuals to position themselves for success. By this, I mean helping businesses grow through image projection, branding, impression management and leadership. I do enjoy the experience of disseminating knowledge. Having a positive impact, adding value and making a difference in people’s lives are a huge source of passion for me. I personally have learnt a lot through my training programs, especially from the various cultural diversities in the two continents.

Corporate etiquette, key to business growth — Janet Adetu, Corporate image expert

What were some of the initial challenges you encountered when you set up the business? I started JSK Etiquette Consortium in Nairobi, Kenya, where we successfully ran for our first three years until we had a good cause to relocate our head office to Lagos, Nigeria. We still, however, operate in East Africa. At the start, the capital cost of acquiring an office, locating my office in a strategic location and ensuring that all statutory accounting and business legal requirements had to be met whether we had any business or not. I would not say it was a direct challenge but a new experience of starting up a business from scratch. What is major for me though in setting up a business is ensuring I employ the right staffs who are ready to follow the vision of the company, project professionalism and enjoy the job too. What will you say is your staying power in the business? My staying power is simple. The passion I have for what I do is my philosophy in life. As I mentioned earlier, that is to add value to another life. I try to ensure my sessions are interactive, fun filled, informative and educative. I ensure they are platforms for discovering, gaining and learning new knowledge.

Janet Adetu

relationship building. What brought you into the world of corporate image polishing? Professionally, I am a Chartered Accountant, and a fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, UK. I read Economics and have a MBA from Edinburgh Business School. I actually grew up in the UK. For a while, I practiced as a Financial Accountant/Auditor. Today, I am corporate etiquette professional because of my passion for protocol, etiquette and leadership. I am a Certified Corporate Etiquette

Organisations are facing stiff competition like never before. The image a company portrays and the company’s reputation are directly affected by the image of its employees

There are notions that successful female executives don’t have successful homes, how have you been able to keep your home? Success is relative to the individual in question: how approachable you are, your leadership style and your overall vision. I get a lot of my inspiration from my husband and children. My husband has supported me immensely. He is my number one critique and my kids give me ideas. Today, the global business environment is very competitive, harsh and constantly changing. At work, I do my duties as a boss, giving directions and monitoring my staff. At home I am indeed a mother and a devoted wife. I maybe a very busy mother and wife but my home is my priority.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—37

ONLY few weeks ago the projections of those who called the shots in Enugu State have been altered.

By Francis Igata

HE gloom of the Governor Sullivan Chime led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Enugu State was compounded on Monday after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja upheld the ward congresses of the party held on November 1. More than 400 kilometers away in Enugu the same Monday, the camp was further deflated by the decision of an Enugu judge to withdraw from a case where the Chime camp was expecting a counter judgment from that in Abuja. The Chime faction lost out after its members boycotted the congress and the faction is now in contemplation whether to remain and fight within the PDP or to move out to another party and express its political prowess. A move towards the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA was said to be in contemplation but allegations of bad faith between both sides following an aborted transaction in 2011 when Governor Chime faced similar troubles is now said to be hindering progress in that direction.

Resignation of erstwhile chairman Governor Chime had, however, earlier dismissed such speculations that he would leave the PDP for another political party. The governor, who had held a firm grip on the structure of the PDP for most of his stay in power, only recently saw the rug pulled from his feet after the resignation of the erstwhile chairman of the state chapter of the party, Vita Abba. An attempt by the governor to bypass the deputy chairman, Elder David Aja and immediately appoint Ikeje Asogwa from outside the executive as acting chairman or substantive chairman was rejected by the National Working Committee, NWC. Chime’s objection to Aja was understood to be because of the latter ’s relationship to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate. Every effort by Chime to project Asogwa as acting chairman was rejected by the NWC and Aja as the erstwhile deputy chairman projected himself as the acting

•Chime: Losing out

•Ekweremadu: Taking charge

Enugu 2015: The

debacle of parallel leadership chairman of the party. It was in that situation that Aja conducted the November 1 congress that was boycotted by the Chime tendency in the party. The ward congress was characterised by several intrigues including the last minute replacement of Austine

The governor, who had held a firm grip on the structure of the PDP for most of his stay in power, only recently saw the rug pulled from under his feet

Opara in the congress committee by another person recommended by a multi billionaire who was allegedly planted to carry out the instructions to jeopardise the interest of Senator Ekweremadu. In the end, the man was overwhelmed by the failure of the Chime faction to get the congress materials and the preponderance of other members of the committee saw to it that his alleged intentions were not realised. The Ekweremadu led group was also quick to give legal cover to their success in the ward congresses as they were able to get a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice A.F.A Ademola, to grant an against the PDP and its national chairman, national secretary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC from “taking any step or receiving and acting on any purported report or list of candidates or persons purporting to be the list of elected delegates at the ward congress held in Enugu state on November 1, from any person or persons other than the Electoral Committee as constituted.” The Asogwa-led faction has, however, not relented and first obtained an injunction restraining Aja from parading himself as the acting state chairman of the party.

In its ruling on a suit filed by one Charles Okafor challenging the validity of the congress, the Enugu High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Innocent Umezuluike, also ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, citing the urgency of the matter.

Urgency of the matter But the Aja recognized leadership further asserted authority of his leadership when it again, successfully conducted the November 8 special local government congresses of the party to elect national delegates for the presidential primary election. The exercise witnessed the emergence of 17 ad-hoc delegates from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. A day after the LGA congress, Senator Ekweremadu met with the three delegates elected from each of the 260 wards and dismissed insinuations of an annulment of their mandates. “I came to congratulate these delegates you are seeing here because they are going to decide the fate of the people going to the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the senate. They will determine who will be their candidate for Enugu-

West senatorial zone.” “They are the only people that can cancel elections and nobody else. The appeal decided that the congresses that took place in Enugu were perfect and unassailable. So they recommended to the PDP to uphold the congresses that held on November 1.” The Asogwa-led faction had as at last week were expectant of a possible cancellation of the ward congress of November 1. But the NWC of the party only cancelled ward congress in Lagos,Oyo and Cross-River. The decision of the party to incline itself towards the Aja/ Ekweremadu faction of the party has inevitably put the earlier decision to project Rep. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as consensus gubernatorial candidate in jeopardy. Though generally liked, Ugwuanyi has not as much come out to firmly identify himself with the Ekweremadu tendency putting himself out of touch with the men and women that are likely to determine who flies the gubernatorial flag of the party. Given the quick decision of Senator Ayogu Eze to combine forces with the Aja faction, the prospect of people like Eze cooking for Ugwuanyi to come and eat would be very unlikely. It is as such not surprising that the permutations in Enugu at all levels have been altered.

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

I'm completely devoid of the politics of deceit — Hon. Etuk MICHAEL Etuk is a geologist turned politician presently aspiring to win the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. A former commissioner in the State Universal Basic Education Board and subsequently, the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission. Excerpts:

T is alleged that an aspirant has been anointed for the governorship. How do you intend to compete with him? People tend to forget history and that history can repeat itself. In 2006 when we had some other anointed candidates and that the incumbent now was not ranked amongst the first ten. But people were with him who believed in his project and kept working towards the actualisation of the dream. Well, over here, we trust a lot in God and we believe that God controls or sits in heaven and affects a lot of things that happen in the affairs of men because He says that “ He seteth one up and putteth down another”. And so, we believe that at the end of the second term tenure of the present administration, whosoever was marked by God to be the next governor of Akwa Ibom State will emerge, and not one who was tipped by any individual. Politically, we know that human factors are important but God uses people. The human factors in politics are those God uses to actualise His plans for the people. And so, whether anybody is anointed or supposedly anointed or not makes no meaning to me because I believe in destiny and there is nothing that happens in life that is not pre destined. Whosoever is blessed to be anointed by man is fortunate enough but the person that is anointed by God to become the governor of Akwa Ibom State is the most favoured. Would this then be the end of god-fatherism in the state? I have never believed in godfatherism from the onset or else we wouldn’t have been key supporters of Gov Godswill Akpabio in his heydays. And if you also look at godfatherism in the history of politics in Akwa Ibom State, there is no way Obong Victor Attah would have been governor because there were people supposedly more grounded than he was, and rooted in the system who were also supposedly anointed. But he came out tops and changed everything. The incumbent has won several awards for his

achievements in office. How do you intend to build on what he has done? My key focus will be in the area of job creation. And as I speak, we have designed a number of ways with which we will use to push this idea or programme forward. Industrialization, in fact, will be a key part of Akwa Ibom development come 2015 because other infrastructure are on ground. Agriculture is something we cannot overlook, same for human development. There are ways a government can create an enabling environment that will enhance human capabilities and potentials. People will have a platform and the ability to express themselves economically, and so will create employment. We are also looking at our coastline. Anyone who wishes to develop the state must also look along that line. I remember way back then when I learnt that a friend’s father earned as much N1m a

DELTA:

day from fishing. So, we will be looking into fishing, seriously. We, therefore, have all the opportunities to develop that industry in Akwa Ibom which will definitely enhance the welfare of the people of the state. The prime target of the administration would not be just to concentrate all our efforts on infrastructural development but to also increase our economic base. We want to see Akwa Ibom as the trigger of the macro economy for the coastal area of Nigeria and also neighboring countries, even Cameroon. We want to see a situation where the things we manufacture in Akwa Ibom will not just be restricted to the Nigerian market. Your grace factor acronym seems to point to the divine in your ambition. I knew that I would be contesting for the governor of Akwa Ibom state in 2002. As at that period, we were only youth group leaders for His Excellency Obong Victor Attah. Suffice to say that even though in 2002 I knew that I would be the governor of Akwa Ibom state, I didn’t come out to contest then because I knew that there were other people to

•Etuk: My key focus will be in the area of job creation come before me both as teachers and some as role models which would help shape my vision and programmes for the process. So that is what warranted my choosing the phrase “The grace factor” for this project because I believe that God has prepared me enough, since 2002, to this point to be able to deliver

Anioma should negotiate with Urhobo — Jibunoh

OUNDER of Fight Against Desert Encroachment, FADE, Chief Newton Jibunoh, is one of the respected leaders of Delta State. He hails from Delta North senatorial district, whose people (Anioma) want to produce the next governor of the state, but the Delta Central senatorial district (Urhobo) through the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, stated, last week, that it would not happen. Chief Jibunoh in this interview says knows about the fears of the Urhobo people and suggested a way out. Excerpts:

By Emma Amaize

quality service to the people and when I mean quality service, I am not talking about the people. I am completely devoid of the politics of deceit and financial rape of the people. I am talking about truly thinking and working towards the service of the people that I would be given the opportunity to serve.

RE you worried by the number of aspirants from Delta North in the governorship race? When I saw the number of Anioma aspirants, 15 or more or them, I was a bit disturbed, but on second thought, I think it is good because we have potential governors, who believe in themselves, which goes to show that we have been politically emancipated. I do not think that a lot of people can boast of that number from one senatorial district. The number does not bother me anymore. The Urhobo Progres Union,

•Jibunoh: which is the apex socio-cultural group of the Urhobo people, has categorically expressed its opposition to a Delta North candidate in the PDP. Are you not bothered? The obvious thing is that we in Delta North have to work a little harder to remove the fear that they may be having about a governor from the North senatorial district. If we (North) accepted governors, over the years, from the Central and South district, there is no reason why they should refuse a governor from the North, which means we have to

reach out. I did it when I was working with Chief Edwin Clark towards uniting the people of the state. I did it, we did it, we went round the entire South and Central and I made friends, I mobilized them to support the candidate of the North. After the North, it will also go back to another senatorial district, which is the best way to have some kind of peace and stability in a place. If you say the Urhobo made such a statement, I can only say it is a bit unfortunate, but that means we have to work harder now because there is no way we

can be alone. There is no other way, we have to reach out, I did it, but unfortunately, age is not on my side because when I did it, I was travelling a lot and I was visiting both the politicians and traditional rulers and I made friends with them. And the impression I got was that they were ready to support a candidate from the North district. So if they have changed now, that means that we have not worked more in reaching out, in assuring them, in developing what I referred to earlier on, as an article of faith that will bring them to support us. My findings It is the fear of the unknown that is making Delta Central react that way, which is why we should reach out and develop an article of faith that will give them some comfort. You can look at their fears from another angle, which was something I encountered when I was trying to bring the entire state together to support a Delta North candidate. Their fears are that we have the capital of the state and that if we take the capital like we have done

Continues on page 39

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—39

Borno 2015: Shettima and

Sheriff in struggle for survival IN SPITE of the Boko Haram insurgency, preparations for the 2015 general elections are in top gear in Borno State. By Ndahi Marama

HOST of aspirants have picked nomination forms to contest various positions on the platform of different political parties. The incumbent Governor Kashim Shettima is the sole governorship aspirant on the banner of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former governor of the State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is perfecting strategies to stop Shettima from being re-elected. Adoption of Shettima as APC consensus standard bearer Two weeks ago, hundreds of APC stakeholders stormed the Multi - Purpose Hall of Borno State Government House with the sole aim of endorsing Governor Shettima for second term and that was after 28 lawmakers in the state House of Assembly were alleged to have purchased the APC governorship nomination and expression of interest forms for him.

Party faithful The APC stakeholders including federal and state legislators, past and serving local government chairmen, APC executives at state and local government levels among other party faithful unanimously urged Governor Shettima to seek re-election as the party’s consensus choice. Speaking at the meeting, Leader of the Local Government Chairmen, Hon Kadiri Rahis said it would amount to great injustice to the people of Borno State if Shettima did not do a second term in office. Rahis, who is the chairman of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the most populous local government area in the state, said Shettima’s administration had in the last three and a half years recorded unprecedented achievements despite the lingering security challenges. The PDP hurdle With this endorsement, Shettima will have to contend with any of the many of PDP governorship hopefuls such as Mohammed Imam popularly known as Mamman Millionaire as well as Sheriff, who said he regrets choosing Shettima as his successor and vowed to stop him from being elected. Last week, the PDP held a ral-

•Sheriff, Shettima: In a battle of wits ly in Maiduguri, the state capital where thousands of APC members defected to the opposition party. About 20,000 members of the APC and other opposition political parties in the state have defected to the PDP, citing bad leadership, selfish interest, non provision of social amenities by the ruling APC in the last four years. Among those who defected to the PDP with their supporters were former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff; Alhaji Kashim Imam; House of Representative members, Hon. Isa Kangar, Hon. Peter Biye and Hon. Abdulrahaman Terab. I erred in choosing Shettima as my successor –Sheriff Sheriff regretted choosing Shettima as his successor because of ‘’continuous socio-economic problem’’ affecting the people of the state. Noting re-

peated airing by state media of his indictment by the Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Davis as a sponsor of Boko Haram, Sherif said: “If I am a sponsor of Boko Haram, then 90 per cent of those in government of Kashim Shettima are also sponsors of Boko Haram because they were part and parcel of my eight years administration,” he said.

to have left his palace following a call from the Government House some few minutes after Sheriff’s arrival. Sheriff left the palace for the PDP secretariat where he addressed a mammoth crowd after picking his party membership card, which marked his official declaration as a member of the PDP after defecting from the APC.

Shehu of Borno shun Sheriff In what is considered connected to the 2015 polls, the Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, last Sunday, shunned Sheriff and his entourage who visited his palace to pay him courtesy call as tradition demands. The Shehu, it was reliably gathered from the sources at the palace shunned Sheriff and his supporters as the monarch was said

No election is worth the blood of Nigerians –Shettima Reacting to unfolding politics and unfolding events in the state , Governor Shettima urged the military and other security agencies involved in the fight against insurgency to remain focused on the Boko Haram insurgents who are enemies of the Nigerian State saying they should not allow distractions to

Anioma should negotiate with Urhobo — Jibunoh Continues from page 38 and then take the power, they may suffer from some kind of marginalization. That is their basic fear and we did a lot to defuse it and that is why I am pleading with the candidates, all the candidates to understand the need of reaching out to our brothers because you cannot remove fear from people. Whether you are from Ika, Ndokwa, Oshimili, Aniocha, we have to find a way of settling with them, I use the word, article of faith because we cannot run the state without the South and Central.

And we cannot run the state without UPU because it is a powerful voice. Unfortunately, we do not have a very strong voice as theirs. Such a body is the one that should have gone to negotiate with them. Because if you go through the political development of countries that practice similar political process as we do, you will find out that the whole thing is about compromise, negotiating article of faith, it is about what I can give before you can help me. These are the things that we need to work on and during my encounter with some of these

aspirants; I made the point very clear to them. And that is that they have to reach out and even with the present stand of UPU, you can never tell, maybe they are calling for negotiation. It could be they are simply saying that if you (Anioma) want to be governor, please come and let us talk. So what assurance is Delta North giving Delta Central on this vexed matter of marginalization? What I am saying and I stand by it is that Delta North is not going to marginalize the Central Senatorial district or

come their way. In a statement by Isa Gusau, his media aide, Shettima said: “No election in Nigeria should be worth the life of a single Nigerian. I am sure the Nigerian military knows this and is doing everything possible to safeguard lives and property even though in the face of challenges.” Likewise, a senatorial aspirant for Southern Borno Senatorial districts on the platform of the PDP, Mr. Nicolas Mshelizza has warned politicians to stop playing politics with people’s lives. Mr. Mshelizza while interacting with journalists in Maiduguri said “it is unfortunate that APC government in Borno closed the gate of internally displaced persons’ camp when we visited them to present some relief materials, depriving them of their livelihood.” any other senatorial district if one of its own emerges as governor. As elders, we will also ensure that there will be no marginalization if a Delta Northerner emerges as governor. I will personally, despite my age, personally go round to ensure that. I went round in the past to rally people for the course and I will do it again. Assessment of Uduaghan He (Uduaghan) made a statement not too long ago that if he finished all the things that need be done in Delta, what will the next governor do, they are many things that he started that are not finished , but there are also some few things that he had done properly that I will score him high on.

40—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Her vibrator comes between us Dear Bunmi, Y GIRLFRIEND’S pal just came back from abroad with a gift of a vibrator for her. She was so excited about it that she now seems almost addicted to it. I think she prefers it to me. Even when we make love, she rushes to the toilet afterwards to ‘finish things up properly.’ I feel humiliated. Daniel, by e-mail.

My sister-in-law's sex-mad Dear Bunmi, Y SEXY sister-in-law made it obvious she funcied me as soon as we were alone. I hadn't met my wife's older sister until recently as she lives and works abroad. She came back a few weeks ago for another sister's wedding and she's been staying with us on and off ever since. She's a splitting image of my wife except that she is outgoing and lively. My wife is quite shy and quiet I work in a teaching hospital and my shift means I'm at home for part of the day while my wife is at work, so I was left to entertain her. She's flirting and funny and we got on well. Then I started to suspect she was after me. Whenever she looked at me, I saw desire in her eyes. She was always touching me whenever we talked and though this was done casually, I knew what she was thinking as she turned me on too. One day, I took her to the shops and on our way home; she grabbed hold of me and kissed me. She said she just felt like it and the kissing felt good. When we got home, the kissing continued then she suggested I come to her room. She said as we both wanted sex, we should go for it as she'd soon be going back. What hot-blooded man would refuse this? So we had sex, and it was mind-blowing. The sex must have gone into her head as she increased her flirting even in front of my wife. I

felt guilty deceiving my wife with her sister but that didn't stop us having sex a couple more times. Now I am worried my wife could find out. My sister-in-law has since gone back but she phones from time to time and is always asking my wife to pass the phone on to me. I wish I'd resisted sleeping with her. Andy, by e-mail. Dear Andy, OUR wife would certainly be devastated if she found out that the two people she thought she loved have

betrayed her in such a treacherous way. So, she threw herself at you, you needn't take the bait if you weren't greedy yourself. As it is now, there's no point crying over spilled milk. The best you can hope for is that this temptress of a sister-in-law keeps her conquest to herself. She wouldn't want to hurt her sister by squealing. Now that she's out of your hair, guard against history repeating itself if she visits again. You might now despise yourself for cheating, but would it happen again?

I said yes to her when I was drunk Dear Bunmi, N THE last few months, my girlfriend of two years has had marriage on her brain. We went to her best friend's wedding recently and I had such a good time I came home drunk. She must have rattled on about us getting married as usual and I must have said yes, because a few days later, my mum, who'd been at my back she wanted grand children, dropped by grinning from ear to ear. She said it was about time I made an honest woman of my girl and that we shouldn't worry about the wedding reception. She'd foot the bill. The thing is, I don't really

want to get married yet. How do I get out of this trap? Sonny, by e-mail.

Dear Sonny, he morning after you drunkenly agreed to get married, you should have told your girl outright you didn't feel ready for such a major commitment. You need to let her understand that as soon as you can. She won't be happy, but hopefully she'll forgive you if you reassure her that you love her and only want to be with her. As for your own mum, better to be honest with her too than get married only to find out you've made a huge mistake.

He's lost control of the children Dear Bunmi, 'M A divorced mother of three children aged between 15 and 10. Their dad and I split up four years ago and he has them over at the flat he shares with his livein-lover every other weekend When they're with me, they have firm rules about bedtimes and behaviour. With their dad, it's a different story. He lets them stay up late at night watching unsuitable TV programmes and films. They always come back with an attitude, refusing to tidy their rooms and answering back. Apparently their dad's girlfriend does everything for them in an effort to win them over. I'm fed up with always being made out to be the strict parent. I grew up in a loving household where everyone did their bit and I want the same for my kids. However, I'm frightened they'll end up wanting to go and live with their dad. How do I handle

the difficulty of bringing up kids who share two households? Eunice, by e-mail.

Dear Eunice , ou and your ex need to meet and agree to draw up a sort of loose set of rules to be implemented in both households. After letting him know how badly behaved the kids usually are after a visit to his, each of you will have

to have 'treat time' with the children and refuse to condone unacceptable behaviour. For all you 'know, your ex could be letting the kids get away with so much because he felt guilty about the separation. Once the kids realise both parents are in tandem as to what they could get away with, they'll know the game is up and behave.

You and your ex need to meet and agree to draw up a sort of loose set of roles to be implemented in both households. ...Each of you will have to have 'treat time' with the children and refuse to condone unacceptable behaviour. Once the kids realise both parents are in tandem as to what they could get away with, they'll know the game is up and behave.

Dear Daniel, Have you ever asked your girl what you might be doing wrong in the bedroom? Why not ask her how you can give her fantastic orgasm that could be better thim the vibrator? A sex toy doesn’t mean she thinks of you less and it’s not a substitute for the real thing. So, instead of worrying, try and win your love-life back!

Excessive hair growth embarrasses me

OR QUITE a while now I’ve got what looks like a dark moustache on my upper lip, and recently, I’ve started to sprout hairs on the chin and my chest. Not exactly magnet when you want to pull a man, you’ll agree. I’ve tried shaving, but it seems to encourage the growth. Are there lasting remedies? Uju, by e-mail.

Dear Uju, uite a number of women have noticeable facial hair on the chin, upper lip or as ‘side-bums’, and you can get it on your nipples, shoulders and lower abdomen. It’s not sexy but you shouldn’t let your growth bother you. It is all down to over-sensitivify to the male hormone, testosterone, which can either be inherited or triggered by drugs like steroids, used to treat skin conditions like dermatitis. For permanent hair removal, electrolysis is best. Unfortunately, you can’t easily get it in the country. Shaving is guite effective; so are hair-removing creams. Occasionally though, excess hair is symptom. If you have irregular periods, acne, greasy hair and a tendency to gain weight, see your doctor for a blood test.

My husband stole from me

RECENTLY got married and although I've known my husband for almost three years, I'm not sure I could trust him completely. Some few weeks back, I withdraw some money out of my bank account and hid it at home in a section of my wardrobe. Later, I went to get it and the money had disappeared I asked my husband if he knew anything about it - afterall it's just the two of us in the flat. While he didn't actually confess to taking the money, he promised he'd do all he could to make sure I got all my money back. I know he's in debt; he'd borrowed money off me a few times. Do I just accuse him outright of stealing, or wait for him to pay the money back before I do? Ndidi, by e-mail.

Dear Ndidi, f you suspect your husband of stealing from you, you have to address this and deal with the consequences. If you don't, how will you be able to trust him again? His response sounds like a tacit admission of guilt to me. I'd be suspicious, both of his motives and ofhis promise to return the money. Since there is no third party, let him know you believe he's taken your money and that such a behaviour is not on. It's sad that an issue of trust will surface at such an early stage of the marriage. Hopefully, when he realist/he couldn't get away with such dishonest behaviour, he would behave.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 41

By Evelyn Usman

ESIDENTS of Elerinko Estate in Ijoko-Ota area of Ogun State were jolted from sleep sometime last month by sounds of gunshots within the vicinity. Time was 2 a.m. The fear-stricken residents concluded that the shots were from robbers who had earlier written to inform them that they would strike at any given time and also advised them to keep cash and other valuables waiting for them or risk losing their lives. Some of them were said to have brought out the cash kept aside for the unwelcome visitors, while others hid in different locations in their apartments, praying not to fall prey to robbers’ bullets. When the firing stopped, the residents remained indoors, unsure of the purported invaders next motive. Shocking discovery: It was not the robbers, afterall. In the morning, the sporadic shooting was discovered not to have been from the dreaded men of the underworld. Rather, the lifeless body of roadside trader simply identified as Mallam Bello, was discovered in an uncompleted building in the estate. On closer observation, residents told Crime Alert that they discovered that the body of the 22-year-old Bello, was dragged from where he was shot to the uncompleted building. Culprit identifed: While they were still pondering the discovery, one of the residents alleged that the shot was from a mobile policeman identified as Corporal Chris Ojeaga. His claim was further corroborated by a member of the vigilante group.

Policeman allegedly shoots trader dead, dumps body in uncompleted building they said they heard a volley of gunshots which made the vigilante to run as fast as his legs could carry him into the church. While inside the church, the policeman traced him there and warned him not to return to the junction where Bello’s kiosk is. He agreed. Some people also claimed to have seen the policeman dragging the body of Bello into the uncompleted building.” More revelations: Another resident also claimed that immediately the gunshots stopped, the gate leading to the Mobile Policeman’s apartment was heard opening, one of the tenants said he heard the policeman’s wife ask him where he was coming from. The tenant claimed to have sighted him and his wife leaving their apartment

and returning later. One other resident who would not want his name in print said: “While we were all wailing at the sight of the lifeless body of Bello, the Mobile policeman did not utter a word. The case was reported at the Sango Police division following which the policeman was arrested.” At the Police station: Police sources at the Ogun State Police Command told Crime Alert that during investigation, Corporal Ojeaga denied culpability but he was later shocked when one of the residents gave details before policemen at Sango division stating how he saw him fire the shot that snuffed life out of Bello. During investigation, it was reportedly discovered that the bullet that killed Bello was a Police issue. It was also reportedly discovered that Corporal Ojeaga went home with his rifle that night. Police sources hinted that

Make shift shop

According to one of the residents who gave his name as Ojefo, “Bello ( the deceased) moved into this vicinity two months ago. He came from Abeokuta where he served and was settled. He built his make shift shop where he sold provisions, which also served as home for him. He usually slept on a wooden chair in front of the kiosk. “Someone who saw it all said immediately the first shot was fired, the policeman’s voice was heard calling Bello who was sleeping on his bench. On getting to where he was, he fired some shots into the air which alerted members of a vigilante group. Thereafter, he bought some cigarettes from Bello. Vigilante group intervenes: Members of the vigilante came and exchanged pleasantries with the policeman and he asked one of them to give him his torch. He (vigilante ) told him that he was charging it in a nearby church. “He told the vigilante man to go and get it from the church while the other one left. Midway,

•Uncompleted building

he claimed to have submitted his rifle at about 5pm that day. But further investigation, as learnt, revealed that he was supposed to be off duty that day and as such, ought not to be with his rifle at all. Impeccable sources revealed that when checks were carried out, it was discovered that the rifle was returned at about 5am, some hours after the alleged deed was done. Corporal Ojeaga was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, Elewe-Eran, Abeokuta,where operatives at the Homicide section were said to still be investigating the matter. Hausa community mourns, demands justice Meanwhile, relatives of the late Bello, majority of whom were from Abeokuta thronged Elerinko to mourn their brother. In an emotion-laden tone, one of them who gave his name as Salihu said: “ If we had known he would be killed like a chicken , we would have advised him against leaving Abeokuta. We have buried our brother after getting permission from the police and doctor’ s

report too. We were made to understand that the clothes the policeman wore that fateful day had blood stains “We were also made to understand that he had owned up to bringing his rifle home that night. “We are convinced that he has a hand in our brothers death because we were told that he earlier called his wife, who is also a police woman, through the landlord that he won’t be coming home that night. But he returned and drove straight to Bello’s kiosk without entering his house located very close to our brother’s kiosk. He woke Bello up after the first shot which alerted members of a vigilante group. Those who saw him shooting have told the police. But, we wonder why nothing has been said about the incident. All we want is justice. The fact remains that our brother is gone and will never return but his killer must be brought to book. Only that will appease us.” However, when the spokesman of Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was contacted, he told Crime Alert that he was just back from an official assignment and does not know about the incident.

•Bullet-ridden kiosk

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Imminent Collapse of Civil Rule in Nigeria By Femi Falana, SAN

HE dreaded Boko Haram sect has continued to unleash mayhem on defenceless civilians including school children in the north east region. In the last couple of months, the satanic society has annexed part of the territory of the Republic of Nigeria. In the circumstance, the President and Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has requested both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify his decision to extend emergency rule in the war torn Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in accordance with section 305 of the Constitution. While the Senate has commenced deliberations on the request the House of Representatives has been violently restrained by the Police from considering such matter of urgent national significance. Without any justification whatsoever, the Speaker of the House, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, and his colleagues were teargased by the Police and prevented from gaining access to the chambers of the National Assembly last Thursday. In a bid to enter the chambers some of the legislators risked their lives by jumping the fence. In the process, they exposed themselves and the nation to undeserved ridicule. Consequent on the break down of law and order instigated by the Police the National Assemby complex was closed down by the Senate President, General David Mark (rtd). Thus, the House was prevented from carrying out its legislative duties contrary to the order of the Federal High Court that the status quo ante bellum be maintained pending the determination of the suit filed by Honourable Tambuwal over the removal of his security aides. Although the majority of the members foiled the coup to remove the Speaker the triumph of democracy in the National

FEMI FALANA Assembly may be short lived. Since the ruling party cannot secure the endorsement of the required two thirds majority to remove Speaker Tambuwal the House will be factionalized while the minority will be given official recognition and security protection under a new leadership. In justifying the barbaric invasion of the National Assembly complex by security forces the Inspector-General of

Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, claimed that the police received intelligence report that hoodlums were going to break the law and order in the premises of the National Assembly. To the detriment of democracy the security forces decided to break the law when the hoodlums failed to turn up as arranged! In a reckless display of partisanship the Police ensured that the Deputy Speaker of the House, Honourable Ihediora and a few other legislators were not subjected to any form of harassment. Meanwhile, the Presidency and the Police have turned round to blame the Speaker and his colleagues for assaulting security operatives who were discharging their “lawful duties” at the National Assembly complex. According to the Police, Tambuwal and a motley crowd of his supporters “broke the cordon, assaulted the Police and evaded due process...”

Evasion of due process The Police then warned “all political actors to respect constituted authority and due process and desist from the use of thugs to pursue their agenda.” As security forces were used last week to disrupt the proceedings of the National Assembly President Jonathan was prevented by a former militant , Mr. Government Tompolo from attending the flag-off ceremony of the $16 billion EPZ project in Warri, Delta State. Like the terrorists who have prevented the President from visiting Chibok, the militants declared him a persona non grata and forced him to stay away from Warri. As if that was not enough, the journalists who had assembled at the venue to report the event were abducted by a horde of armed goons. Even though the reporters regained their freedom after six hours of horrific physical and mental torture those who committed the grave criminal offences of kidnapping and threatening to overawe the President of the Republic have not been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force!Thus, through sheer negligence and official impunity on the part of the Federal Government the country has become a failed State where security forces are competing with criminal gangs in the wanton infringements of the civil liberties of law abiding citizens. Like the terrorists who attack communities while illequipped soldiers vamoose, armed thugs are allowed to threaten the life of the President of the Republic while the Police without any reaction from the Police. But unlike terrorists who abduct school girls in the night,

Map of Nigeria

militants kidnap journalists, lawyers and others during the day. Unlike coup plotters who overthrow legitimate governments at night security forces collude with antidemocratic forces in broad daylight to remove elected leaders of legislative houses. Having been enriched by the State and allowed to acquire weapons without any license some exmilitants have set up armed gangs for the 2015 general election.It is common knowledge that many politicians have also established illegal violent groups of unemployed youths and cultists. Of recent, there were bloody c l a s h e s between armed thugs in several parts of the country. In fact, policemen attached to s o m e politicians have taken part in such clashes which marred some of the congresses of the APC and the PDP. The Sheik Ahmed Lemu Panel set up by President Jonathan to inquire into the post election violence which occurred in Akwa Ibom State and some northern states in April 2011 h a d recommended that over 850 armed thugs and hoodlums be prosecuted for culpable homicide, arson and allied offences. Although the recommendation

was accepted by the Federal Government the persons indicted in the report have not been prosecuted. In one of his media chats last year, President Jonathan rightly condemned the military invasion of Odi community in Bayelsa state in November 1999 by the Olusegun Obasanjo Administration. Shortly thereafter, Chief Obasanjo accused President Jonathan of training snipers to attack his political opponents. Although the serious allegation was denied by the Presidency security forces are now joined by hounded militants and other nihilist groups to harrass voters during elections. It is an irony that the President of the Republic is being harassed and intimidated with weapons acquired under the pretext of executing multi-billion oil pipeline monitoring contracts by ex-militants!In the first and second republics security forces

and thugs were used in the manipulation of elections and the violations of the rights of the Nigerian people. Such naked abuse of power by the Federal Government paved away for military interventions and the civil war. In the third republic, the military dictators annulled a credible presidential election. The crisis that ensued terminated the expensive political transition programme and facilitated the return of a full-fledged military dictatorship with dire consequences. However, it is hoped that the ongoing politicization of the security forces, the unprecedented wave of official corruption and the subversion of democratic institutions by the Federal Government will not lead to the eventual collapse of the fragile forth Republic.In spite of the threat of terrorist and other nihilist groups to balkanize the country I strongly believe that the rickety democratic process can still be salvaged by all the genuine democratic forces who led the Nigerian people to fight against unending military rule and who equally defeated the cabal that attempted to take advantage of President Umaru Yaradua’s illhealth to seize power from the then Acting President, Dr. Jonathan. As time is not on our side, the forces of democracy ought to return to the trenches now to halt the imposion of fascism on the nation by the Jonathan Administration.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—43

Echoes on Awo, Zik, Ahmadu Bello from Ekiti The annual national migration dialogue By Clement Udegbe

agents of innovation and development. While the concept of Mainstreaming Migration into National Development Planning has increasingly been recognized as an efficient policy and institutional approach to maximizing the benefit of migration and reducing its negative impacts, the gap between this theoretical concept and action undertaken at the local, national and regional levels remain considerably obscure. The dialogue which is the first of its kind in Nigeria is being funded by the Global Programme on Migration and Development (GPMD) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a governmental agency of the Swiss Government within the framework of the Migration Partnership between Nigeria and Switzerland.

N arm of government that has been working quietly but conscientiously towards the elevation of the image of the country in the eyes of the world in the areas of migration management, governance and related issues. That agency is the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI. It oversees the fate of the rather unfortunate victims of the grinding forces of national growth and development in this world. It sees the scars on the conscience of the nation from how the displaced persons are handled hence it may not be too much to say that they are working as part of the conscience system of the nation, because they care for the overlooked of this country. They work with many stakeholders including non-governmental organizations to peep into the Migration life and future of the downtrodden in the diaspora partnership and Nigeria, and help to articulate a policy framework to give meaning again to the In a Statement issued in Abuja during the devastated lives of refugees, migrants, and signing ceremonies of the contract agreement internally displaced persons of the country. The executed on Thursday 25thSeptember, 2014 at aim is to identify opportunities to promote the role the Embassy of Switzerland between the Federal of these persons and migrants as agents of Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and innovation and development. Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Hadiza S. Since 2011, the NCFRMI successfully concluded Kangiwa and the Switzerland Ambassador to bilateral migration partnership with Switzerland. Nigeria, Chad and Niger, Dr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel The purpose is to deepen dialogue and enhance and witnessed by representatives from the cooperation in the field of migration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swiss Ambassador two countries, taking into account the interest of noted that the Nigeria-Swiss partnership was actors involved, namely the country of origin, the aimed at strengthening the cooperation between transit and target countries, and the migrants the two countries in the specific area of migration themselves. It also aims at identifying and development. opportunities offered by global migration, and During the 2013 United Nations High Level finding constructive solutions in a broad and Dialogue held in New York, Nigeria and holistic manner, with a long term Switzerland co-chaired Round perspective. This migration Table Three (3), where both partnership has initiated numerous Countries took the opportunity to projects and activities, with a Joint demonstrate to the global Committee of Nigerian and Swiss community how a bilateral experts which meet regularly to partnership should work. Part of oversee, plan and coordinate different the recommendation of the UN activities. High Level Dialogue was that The NCFRMI, conceived the member States should institute a National Migration Dialogue as a national migration dialogue strategy for mainstreaming migration whose outcome would feed into into the Post 2015 National the regional and global discourse Development Agenda. The dialogue on migration. In the same light, is a derivative of the Implementation the ECOWAS Councils of Framework of the draft National Ministers, at the Migration Migration Policy document. The Since 2011, Dialogue for West Africa initiative for the National Migration the NCFRMI (MIDWA) meeting held in May, Dialogue was borne out of the 2014, in Accra, Ghana, reached a successfully imperative and global recognition of resolution advising member States migration as a strategy for social concluded to institute an Annual National reconfiguration, population dynamics Migration Dialogue. bilateral and poverty reduction. It drew Like many other nations, inspiration from the Global Forum on migration migration did not gain Migration and Development (GFMD) prominence in national discourse partnership and other related platforms on until 2002 when the President was migration discourse. It is aimed at with confronted with the reality of providing a unique opportunity to Nigeria youths transiting through Switzerland work towards a National agenda for the Sahara desert to sojourn effective, inclusive migration abroad in search of greener governance and identify measures pasture. Between then and now, that promote the role of migrants as the landscape of migration discourse has greatly changed; the level of awareness is all time high; Nigeria has realized the potential benefit of migration to national development. Hence, the need for the elaboration of a National migration policy that seeks to provide coherence in the administration of migration issues in Nigeria. The National Migration Dialogue therefore, is a strategy designed to sustain the increasing awareness and importance of migration as a function of population dynamics with great potentials for national Officials of the NCFRMI addressing displaced persons development.

IT is not every time that you have views about many of Nigeria’s political gladiators – dead and living – put together in one single book. But that is what an Ekiti elder statesman, a former Permanent Secretary in the old Ondo State and a top civil servant in the old Western State, Chief Deji Fasuan, did in his latest book, ‘Scaling Accidents of Life and the Political Gladiators of my Time’. The book is due to be presented to the public in Ado-Ekiti on November 27. Snippets on the political gladiators are hereunder reproduced. By Wale Akinola

N Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe ‘’...A self-made frontiers man, he doggedly pursued education on a variety of disciplines in the United States... Dr. Azikiwe was brash, highly talented and unquestionably patriotic, not only to the Igbo nationality, but for the federation of Nigeria ,over which he once *Chief Obafemi Awolowo presided as Governor General and beliefs...’’page 154 and later ceremonial president On Olu Falae ….’’Page 146 ‘’...While in the public service, On Chief Obafemi Awolowo he combined intellectualism with ‘’...A grassroots mobiliser, Trade public management skill almost Unionist and impeccable Lawyer, unknown since the Adebo years the Ikenne Chief has continued …’’ page158 to live by reputation more than On Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu thirty years after his demise … A ‘’...Nowhere was Tinubu’s vastly misunderstood man in his struggle more apparent and more days, Awolowo was not a tribalist, confrontational with Abuja than nor ,was he an ethnic jingoist but the Local Government structure a welfarist to the bone …’’ Page for Lagos State... he went ahead 147 to create more Local Governments On Sir Ahmadu Bello which he euphemistically referred ‘’… Sir Ahmadu Bello was to as Local Government unfortunately killed in the first Development Areas, not coup of 1966. councils.... And so we come to The buccaneers who carried out Akintola judgement again; the dastardly act have done Tinubu is right, Olusegun violence to Nigeria’s political Obasanjo is not wrong. And so history … ‘’ Page 149 everybody is happy....’’ page 161 On S.L. Akintola On Gen. Buhari ‘’.. Akintola thought, perhaps, ‘’...Attempting ,to be a bridge with a reasonable degree of builder, he connects easily with ,correctness that Nigeria cannot the conservative North, and the be ruled ,on the equation of North Progressives of South West and versus South or vice of the Middle Belt … He wants versa....’’Page 150 to be president but his past as a On Aare Afe Babalola SAN stern Military Officer and Head ‘’...The scion of Nigerian legal of State continues to hunt him... practice and educator of unusual Buhari loves this country and fervor and devotion; apart from history will record him making outstanding career in law, appropriately ….’’ pages 168-169 he is fast becoming the benchmark On Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in conceptualizing and ‘’...he instituted political parties, actualizing tertiary education in the National Republican Nigeria... His four-year-old Convention (NRC), Social university at Ado-Ekiti has Democratic Party (SDP) and become a reference point in vision, encouraged, if not installed the commitment and raw will to make leaders for these artificial ,creation a point – this time in the … He later on showed his true development of one’s colours by canceling many environment …’’ Page 226 primary elections meant to push On Michael Ajasin forward presidential candidates of ‘’...He was famous for his the parties ...”Page 174 tenacity, forthrightness, reliability On Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and integrity … When once he ‘’...At the beginning of his cultivated a friendship it lasted for administration in 1999, I saw Gen. all time...’’page 152 Obasanjo as the messiah which On Akin Omoboriowo the country badly needed. Much ‘’...Besides the label of betrayer earlier before he took office which his traducers have officially; he literally traversed the stubbornly attached to him, globe, mending fences and Omoboriowo was a bundle of patching up the damage dome to humanity. His trait as a party Nigeria by Abacha ….. As he loyalist, (indeed fanatic), was the progressed in his administration, source of his seeming double the Owu Chief developed what personality; hence, the odious many people thought was perception. In fact, Omoboriowo impunity in government bashing was decent, forthright and a his enemies right and left, considerate human specie. His installing and dismissing fault, if it was, lay in his origins governors at will...’’ page 171

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Media and Osun election tribunal Dear sir,

SECTION of the media has not served the cause of truth and has rather shown unconscionable partisanship on the Osun State governorship election and its aftermath. While it is generally agreed that media houses have their biases, their ultimate responsibility is to serve the cause of truth and promote democratic development in the land, irrespective of their bias. It is disheartening however that some media organisations either out of laziness or mischief or both are fond of taking news report written by Osun PDP media minders and slamming it on their front pages without cross checking its veracity. This unprofessional conduct has caused confusion and portrayed the media concerned as liars and unreliable entities.

Unreliable entities Not long ago, an appellate court in Ilorin made a ruling on jurisdiction in a long standing suit on the 2011 elections in Osun. This means the trial of the suit proper is set to begin. However, in a bizarre twist, PDP rewrote the judgement and claimed that all elected legislators, state and federal, have been sacked and should vacate their seats. Almost all newspapers reported it as such. A few tried to ‘balance’ it with the reaction of Osun APC. One would have thought that the newspapers have their reporters in court and would rather rely on their own report. When their reporters are not in court, they should have obtained the certified true copy of the judgement and refer it to their legal departments for interpretation

and meaning, in case the editors cannot understand court judgements. Now, the truth eventually came out that it was a preliminary ruling and to further put the media in shame, PDP has now withdrawn the original suit. How low can the media sink in the partisan quagmire? Again, Osun PDP spurned an infernal lie that 100,000 invalid votes had been discovered among Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s lot in the ballot and this would mean that Senator Iyiola Omisore would be sworn in on November 27. The report also claimed that Aregbesola for this reason has asked for a rerun election. This evil report found its way into the website of AIT and the pages of Nigerian Tribune. Several internet rodents latched it and feasted on it with frenzy. The election petition tribunal was so incensed that it warned of dire consequences if such false reports were to appear in the media again. AIT pulled down the report and apologised on the same website. Nigerian Tribune, in its usual characteristics, is yet to make any amends. It is really instructive what has now become of the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The questions we should be asking ourselves are: How much could PDP have paid that is worth the integrity of a newspaper? Secondly, why would media organisations deliberately inflict such pain on its audience that look up to it for the promotion of truth and justice? It is my sincere hope that media organisations will protect their name and integrity from being sullied as a result of Osun PDP fruitless desperation.

It is my sincere hope that media organisations will protect their name and integrity from being sullied as a result of Osun PDP fruitless desperation

Mike Ogundele, Osogbo, Osun State

Kudos to NYSC DG Dear sir, HIS is to commend the DG of the NYSC for the brilliant job he is doing at the NYSC. In life, there are times when just the display of affection and love ignites healing and recovery. This is what the DG of NYSC has done when he chose to visit the injured corps member, Babatunde Oluwagbenga, currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for injuries sustained in an accident on his way to orientation camp in Bayelsa State. According to media reports, the DG

directed the payment of the hospital bill, gave the mother of the recuperating corps member some financial assistance from his own pocket and granted the redeployment request of the corps member. I commend the DG for this rare display of sympathy and empathy. This is a lesson in responsive leadership. Well-done Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi. Lydia Yakzum Bukuru, Jos.

Ebola virus

Concerning the spread of Ebola to America and Europe, any person coming to Nigeria from any of these countries should be quarantined for 21days. We had earlier played the fool by allowing Patrick Sawyer to bring Ebola case into this country. If not for God’s infinite mercy, it would have spread round the country. We may not have a similar grace again if we ignore what we should do now. The Nigerian Immigration Service should be on the red alert. Our porous borders should also be checked now. Mike +2348063897516

Shekau and Boko Haram’s activities

It is indeed good news to hear that at last, the dreaded Shekau is really dead. It is the fulfilment of the biblical prophecy that he who kills b y the sword shall die by the sword. This is, indeed, good riddance to rubbish. Normally, one would expect his partners in crime to learn from this and have a change of heart. But these fanatics and extremists are not likely to take the rational step of putting an end to the bloodshed they now seem to relish. Umar writes in via email Still on Shekau’s death We need to know whether Shekau is dead or alive. I feel it is the constitutional role of the media to inform the public and all Nigerians about the true position on Shekau’s death. I also want to use this medium to express my displeasure over the inability of the Nigerian Army to tackle Boko Haram. If nothing is done now to address the so- called Shekau- led terrorist sect, it will consume the soldiers and government. Uduebor Osaro +2348059826021

Presidency 2015

All eyes are on the APC as it goes into primaries very soon to pick its presidential candidate. The contestants have assured Nigerians that they would abide by the outcome of the primary if it is free and fair. The onus lies on the leadership to ensure this, while contestants should not renege on their promise in the interest of the party and the country at large. Ahmed writes via email

2015 general elections

I am tired of PDP antics and the party’s style of always wanting to force candidates down Nigerian’s throats. We should be ready to vote for candidates of our choice that emerge through free and fair primaries. How long are we

going to continue with this PDP rubbish? Anonymous 2348077296629

NASS dealings

The National Assembly should be genuine and upright in all their doings! Any product that does not work is not original! Making laws and passing fantastic bills that are not working is deliberate. What are they doing or what have they done to see that the Freedom of Information bill FOI works ? Now they are trying to pass the bill to allow independent candidates. What is actually going on in the House? Romanus idiroko +2348024209181 2348056009586

Jonathan’s request for $1 bn loan to fight insurgency President Jonathan’s request for a whooping $ 1billion dollars( 160 billion naira) external loan to prosecute the war against Boko Haram’s insurgency and terrorism is sheer presidential rascality, a barmecidal- dish adventure and an escapade calculated to throw money down the drain and to raise his presidential campaign funds. What has happened to his own army, police and security budgetary allocations over the year now? We call for dialogue and strategic repositioning on the Boko Haram, Chibok,, terrorism and general insecurity matters in Nigeria. Chief Bobson Gbinijie, Mandate Against Proverty, 07068621168

Chibok girls

More than 140 days since the kidnapped Chibok School girls have been held captive in the Borno forest, the Federal Government and its security agencies are doing nothing spectacular to rescue them. Perhaps government is waiting for the girls to die before it would then begin to spend money on the parents just to show Nigerians that it cares. Barr. Anthony O. Obi...Onitsha.

Assault on Ekiti Judge by hoodlums The alleged assault on the Judge,court and court workers in Ekiti State by Fayose and his PDP hoodlums is tantamount to carrying out iniquitous political felony with brazen impunity. The Judiciary must ‘sting’ and bite. Otherwise, it will precipitate leadership doppelganger and the death-knell of our inchoate democracy. Enough of these political rascality; 2015 elections must be protected. Chief Bobson Gbinije, +2347068621168

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner or later. Be kind to get kindness back in return.

Simon Adewale08056180103, Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—45

JTF, DSS rescue kidnapped Bayelsa monarch By Emma Amaize & Samuel Oyadongha

O K O R I — T H E traditional ruler of Oporomor Kingdom, Bayelsa State, HRM Augustine Ebikeme, kidnapped last Sunday at Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State has been released. The royal father is also the spiritual leader of Egbesu, the Ijaw war deity and first vice chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council. He was rescued, Monday, by operatives of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in collaboration with men of the Department of State Security, DSS, from an uncompleted building at a bush in Kokori after a shoot out with the kidnappers, who escaped unhurt. The security operatives were said to have stormed the kidnappers' hideout where the victim was being held during ransom negotiation with the family. “HRM was rescued unhurt while the suspects fled into the surrounding swampy area. The suspects are being trailed, while the house used as

2015 DTHA: BRV rallies support for Mayuku

HE aspiration of Mr. Daniel Mayuku to represent Warri South- West constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA, on the platform of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has got a boost as a socio-political group, Benin River Vanguard, BRV, insisted that Mayuku is the best candidate for the job. In a statement by its coordinator, Mr. Tony Okotie, the group urged the PDP to give Mayuku the ticket to represent Warri South-West in the state’s Assembly. It said: “We believe that Mayuku has all the potentials to continue to represent the good people of Warri SouthWest in the Delta State House of Assembly. “He has brought succour to the Itsekiri through several e m p o w e r m e n t programmes and projects that he has attracted to the area."

C M Y K

hideout was set ablaze instantly,” the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, told newsmen. The monarch was handed over to Bayelsa State deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rted) by the JTF Commander, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe in Government House, Yenagoa, Monday night. Jonah, who spoke on behalf of the governor, commended the JTF for its prompt response which led to the

rescue of King Ebikeme. He also enjoined community leaders in the state to caution their youths to desist from unwholesome acts such as kidnapping, warning that they will eventually be caught and made to face the full weight of the law. The deputy governor also said that he was delighted to see the monarch brought back, hale and hearty with no ransom paid. Briefing the deputy governor earlier, Maj. Gen. Atewe said

that immediately the monarch was abducted by the hoodlums at Kokori, he activated the anti-kidnapping squad of the JTF which swung into action. According to him, following a tip-off, the JTF squad kept a tab on the kidnappers and eventually got to the building in a bush at Kokori where the monarch was held and rescued him after a shoot out but the kidnappers escaped into the near-by swamp. He assured that they will be eventually arrested.

SUMMIT: From left: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; GE Nigeria CEO, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo and GE's Senior Compliance Officer, Mrs. Bina Idonije, at the Practical Nigeria Content summit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Council of Elders faults Ijaw claim on Delta community

ARRI—THE claim by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, that they own Kpokpo, has been described as false, misleading and capable of breaching the peace existing between the Itsekiri and Ijaw. Council of Elders of Kpokpo

community, in a statement by Prince Nelson Kolo, said that Kpokpoland was given to Prince Kolo Fregene as a virgin land by Ugborodo community. The statement said: “Prince Fregene dwelt in the land with his wives, children and servants and when he passed away, his siblings continued to stay there

PDP screening c'ttee clears Ochei for Delta gov primaries

HERE was jubilation in the three senatorial districts of Delta State following the clearance by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, screening committee in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, of Mr. Victor Ochei, to contest the governorship primaries in the state. Ochei is a former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and a frontline governorship aspirant in the state. Mr. Collins Ogaga, a resident

of Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, who reacted to the development, said: “Ochei’s clearance is an indication that his aspiration has divine backing which no mortal can truncate.” Also, Ese Oghoru, an indigene of Ughelli in the Delta central senatorial district, said: “The clearance has vindicated those of us his followers, when we preach the prospects of developmental governance as espoused by Ochei."

until recently when the Ijaw came and burnt the place down. “The Ijaw in Kpokpo came here as tenants doing their fishing business. If the town belonged to them, the Ijaw would not have burnt it down during the Warri crisis.” Prince Kolo said that the Fregene family has in its possession documents to show that they own the place, noting that the Ijaw of Gbaramatu could not produce any evidence to show the fact finding committee set up by the state government headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Otuama, that they own Kpokpo or any part of the land on which the Export Processing Zone is located. Appealing to the Ijaws of Gbaramatu to tow the line of peace and truth, Prince Kolo called on the Federal Government to apply the rule of law and justice and reschedule the grand-breaking ceremony of the EPZ in Ogidighan community.

Delta secondary school girls protest lack of utilities By Festus Ahon

G H E L L I — STUDENTS of Girls Model Secondary School, Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, have protested the failure of the school’s authority to address the problems of nonavailability of water and poor electricity supply facing them. The students marched round the major streets of Evwrevi with placards, some of which read “No water, no school,” “No light, no school,” “No to inadequate food,” among others, chanting songs of discontentment over what they described as the insensitivity of the school’s authority to their welfare. The students who later converged at the palace of the Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, HRM Eruvwedede, called for the immediate transfer of the school’s Principal. Women in the community, in a swift reaction, stormed the Principal’s quarters with plantain leaves and brooms as they attempted to chase her from the school.

DTHA: Akpeti promises effective representation

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, aspirant for Patani constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Lawrence Akpeti, has promised to give his people effective representation if elected. The aspirant, who spoke to newsmen in Patani, headquarters of Patani Local Government Area, said that his chances of winning the Patani seat in the state House of Assembly were bright and urged the people to support his aspiration. Akpeti, who has been cleared to contest the election, said: “I am the best man for Patani constituency in Delta State House of Assembly as the light has come for positive change in Patani.”

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Amanze cleared for Imo governorship

ASCSN threatens Defence Ministry over workers' entitlements

By Sebastine Obasi

By Victor AhiumaYoung

EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, screening committee, yesterday at the Enugu Zonal Office, issued Clearance Certificate to Dr. Charles Amanze to contest for the governorship primaries in Imo State. Speaking at the occasion, Amanze, a medical doctor, said he was in the race to give Imo State quality leadership that would stand the test of time. Also, a community leader, Captain Charles Ekeagwu (retd.), said: “Amanze is competent, knowledgeable, industrious and highly efficient in any undertaking.”

SSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday, threatened to cripple the operations of the Ministry of Defence over unpaid benefits and other pending labour issues affecting thousands of civilian employees in the ministry.

In a statement by its Secretary General, Alade Lawal, ASCSN said workers in the ministry had been going through untold hardship, had been restive and agitated over the worrisome situation. The union said: “The public will be shocked to learn that thousands of civilian officers in the Ministry of Defence are being owned Promotion

Arrears for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. “Besides, those promoted are not properly placed, leading to a situation where officers promoted to grade levels 12, 13 and to 14 are still receiving salary of grade level 10 officers.” According to the statement, other grievances of the union included short-payment of salary to its members, non-

Orji lists qualities of successor By Anayo Okoli

M U A H I A — G O V E R N O R Theodore Orji of Abia State, yesterday, said he would hand over the state to somebody that would sustain the projects aimed at transforming the state, which he initiated. According to him, he initiated the projects to lift the state from backwardness to socio-economic and political

Pa Iwuamadi passes on

prosperity. Orji, who spoke while addressing a crowd of Ukwa/ Ngwa ethnic group in Umuahia during their one million man march to present Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as their consensus candidate for 2015 governorship election, said that any person who could not sustain the legacy of placing Abia in world economic, social and political map, had no business seeking to take over from

Okafor urged to stop parading self as ALGON President

Consummate Patriarch, a renowned community Leader and a devout Christian in Amauzari, Isiala Mbano, Imo State Pa Misheal Chukwukere Iwuamadi passes on at the age of 91years. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family. He is survived by his children among whom is Barr. Uche Iwuamadi, Group Executive Director, African Industries Group, Lagos

By Ediri Ejoh

HE Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, has asked its former president, Chief Nwabueze Okafor, to stop parading himself as the association’s president. In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the association’s Interim Management Committee, IMC, Lanre Balogun, ALGON claimed the former president

was undermining the association, by allegedly still referring to himself as the President. The statement referred to a newspaper publication of November 9, where he was allegedly referred to as the ALGON president. According to the statement, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has since ruled that Chief Nwabueze should seize to address himself as the association’s president.

him. He said through conscientious effort, his administration put the state back on track after neglect by past administrations because of misplacement of priorities, and that Abians could not afford to be dragged back again. He commended the people of the old Aba Division for the peaceful presentation of their preferred candidate.

payment of hanging salary (salary that could not be paid for inexplicable reasons), wrongful stoppage of salary, neglect of Lagos and outstations in training programme. The statement said: “There are also issues of non-payment of death benefits, packing/ repatriation allowance, among others. All efforts by the workers to get the management of the Ministry of Defence to discuss these issues had been rebuffed.” It recalled that on October 11, about 15,000 civilian employees on the auspices of Joint Action Committee, JAC, gave the management of the ministry 21day ultimatum to address the labour issues without any response, stressing that “at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum, JAC issued another seven-day notice of strike, which expired on November 24. “Management of the ministry is adamant. Since all avenues for dialogue have been exhausted without headway, the workers have no other alternative than to embark on strike.”

Why I’m best for Ethiope East seat— ENAMUOTOR

R. Blessing Enamuotor has said his achievements and antecedents put him ahead of other aspirants wishing to represent Ethiope East Constituency in the National Assembly. Enamuotor, who is pitching his candidacy on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said previous appointments had brought him close to the grassroots. He said he had affected

lives in his sojourn at Shell Petroleum Development Company; as Head, Civil Engineering Department, Oleh Campus, Delta State University, Abraka; and that as a field consultant and developer, his works were visible. Enamuotor said looking beyond sectional interests and party affiliations, he was better positioned to reshape the polity of Ethiope East and uplift the lives and standard of living of constituents.

What is your view on Nigeria's failure to qualify for AFCON 2015?

ow it is absolutely very clear to those that are singing high praise for Keshi, and the President who used his powers to reinstate and impose mediocre coach Keshi on us, that Keshi has nothing new andbettertoaddtooursoccer. Miss Blessing EmmanuelWorker

t is unfortunate that visionless and people who are not deductive in reasoning are always at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, virtually in all our important national life. Such people will never feel any pain that we did not qualify. Miss Blessing Ubah- Student

ne thing that unites this country is football. You may have observed that when Nigeria is playing we forget about our differences and live as one. And unfortunately, Keshi had a chance to prove his critics wrong but he could not. Miss Chioma Ani- Model

ll these blame games will not turn back the hands of time. We have lost and we have lost so we do not need to start worrying ourselves over the lost. I have taken my own pills to quench my own disappointment. Miss Judith EkwuStudent

his mental poverty is the challenge our country and most African countries will have to overcome before they can talk of development. We will never make any headway without meritocracy. Nigeria needs new players and coach. Miss Chika Dike- Graduate

erhaps, just perhaps, it was not meant to be. Because going by the way we are buffeting our Nigeria, it may just be no more by the time the competition commences. Not my wish though. Mr Lotanna AzuboguMarketer

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014— 47

Jonathan warns Nigerians against inflammatory comments A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians irrespective of their creed or status to desist from making inciting and inflammatory statements capable of causing disharmony and breach of the peace in the country. Jonathan spoke yesterday in Abuja, while declaring open, a two-day roundtable meeting with Special Advisers on Religious Affairs from the 36 states and the Abuja Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The meeting with the theme: "Towards Synergising and Interfacing in the Religious Sectors for National Development,’’ was jointly organised by the offices of the Senior Special Assistants to the President on both Islamic and Christian Matters. Speaking through the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Jonathan said: “We should continue to assist government with prayers and positive counselling and desist from making inciting statements and comments capable of causing disharmony and breach of the peace. ‘’It should be noted that, by the teachings of our faiths, we shall all account for our deeds in the

hereafter. I therefore admonish you to live by example always and to do good for the development of our country and humanity.” He further noted that without peace there would be no meaningful development, saying that his administration

would not be deterred by the lawless acts of insurgents. “We are working round-theclock to transform all facets of our socio-economic and political lives. Let me reiterate that we remain resolute in our quest to provide positive development to Nigerians anchored on peace

and harmony. We equally remain unwavering in our commitment to bring to an end, the security challenges confronting our dear nation,” he said. On religion, he said, it was a guide to mankind.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Very Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Nwade, DGM, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, Prof. J.C. Ezigbo, MD, Falcon Corporation Ltd, chairman of occasion, Dr. Ngozi Anyaegbunam, Book Reviewer, author of the book, Prof. Maurice Iwu, former Chairman, INEC, Chief Tony Onyima, Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Anambra State, representing Governor Willie Obiano, and Maureen Chigbo, at the second anniversary lecture and the presentation of the Book ; Paragon of Journalism in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

FG restates commitment to tackle desertification

By Tina Akannam

UTSE—THE Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackle desertification and other ecological disasters in the country through the ongoing Great Green Wall programme. This was made known by the Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, while declaring open an advocacy meeting in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, yesterday. Omeri who spoke through the Director, Mass Mobilization of the NOA, Hajiya Tani Umar, urged the participants to take full advantage of what they would learn from the meeting by informing people back home of

their experiences, even as the advocacy meeting was aimed at creating public awareness for the success of the Great Green Wall initiative. He, however, noted that the

According to him, by doing so, the Federal Government hoped to save the communities battling with desertification and other ecological problems nation-wide.

Nigeria earns $53m from fish exports—Abdullahi

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—THE transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the food sector has earned Nigeria over $53 million in foreign exchange in fish exports to Europe and America this year. The National President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON, Dr. Abba Abdullahi made this known yesterday at the 29th FISON’s Annual

Prof. Augustine Nwabuzor passes on F O R E M O S T Educationist and management teacher, Professor Augustine Madubuogor Nwabuzor, 75, of Issele-Mkpitime, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead. Until his death he was a Professor of International Business and Strategic Management at Florida A & M University, USA. Service of songs will hold on Thursday, December 11, 2014. He will be buried the following day after a funeral High Mass at Issele-Mkpitime.

programme was a Pan-African initiative aimed at halting desert encroachment to the south of the Sahara by planting economic trees on the southern front line of the Sahara Desert.

He is survived by the widow, Prof. Bridget Nwabuzor and six children and other relations.

Conference and Fair holding in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Abdullahi stated that the figure represented over 700 metric tonnes of fish exports from the country noting that the sector had become a major source of revenue for the country. According to him; “The reform in the sector has availed over 10 million Nigerians a source of livelihood and has also contributed significantly to food

2015: I was never disqualified, says Benue gov aspirant By Peter Duru

Late Prof. Nwabuzor

supply in the country. He said: “Nigerian families now engage mostly in primary and secondary fishing operations especially in the small scale fisheries sector thereby providing them sources of jobs and income.” In his speech, Governor Gabriel Suswam urged Nigerians to engage in fish production, saying that the vast opportunities in the sector provide veritableandunlimitedopportunities for fish farmers.

AKURDI—BENUE State governorship aspirant, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Hingah Biem, has described as baseless the speculations that he was not qualified to run in the coming election over an alleged N200 milion transmitter scam. Biem told journalists in an interview yesterday in Makurdi the state capital, that he was demoted from salary grade

level 16 to 15 following the recommendation of the Justice Margaret Kpojime Judicial Commission of Enquiry that investigated the award of contract to Artex Investments Limited for the supply of transmitters to Radio Benue during the military regime. His words: “Trouble started when the state owned Radio Benue could not give full live coveragetotheswearinginceremony ofthethenGovernorGeorgeAkume, due to failed transmitters.”

Kogi teachers back autonomy for LGs

By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—THE Kogi State wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, has expressed support for the autonomy of local government councils in the country. The state Chairman of NUT, Mr Suleiman Abdullahi who spoke yesterday when he led the state officials of the union on a courtesy visit to Governor Idris Wada at Government House, however, appealed that funding of teachers’ salaries should still be the responsibilities of state governments. Abdullahi said that the union’s opposition for local government autonomy followed the sad experiences and hardship faced by primary school teachers across the country in 1995 when the payment of their salaries were still the responsibility of local governments. “The state NUT dissociates itself from any autonomy that would make its members go hungry,” he said.

Obi hails Uduaghan on infrastructure devt

SABA—THE Political Adviser to the Delta State governor, (Delta South), Mr. Charles Mallam-Obi, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan over the ongoing rehabilitation work on Kefas Road, Oleh and the building of Emore Grammar School, Oleh. According to him, the commitment of the Governor Uduaghan-led administration to ensure rapid infrastructure development across the state calls for commenddation. Obi said: "The Governor has succeeded in bringing development closer to the people. The pace and standard of work at Kefas Road and Emore Grammar School is commendable. The governor is indeed, finishing strongly.” Mallam-Obi who inspected the ongoing reconstruction of Kefas Road and Emore Grammar School project, said the state government’s developmental strides across the state will bring relief to the people of Oleh in particular and Isoko at large.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

FESTIVAL: From left, Head, Events & Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani; Director, Professor of African Literature at Brown University, USA, Okey Ndibe, and Director, Ake Arts & Book Festival, Lola Shoneyin, at the Etisalat sponsored 2014 Ake Arts & Book Festival, at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

ANNIVERSARY: From left, Managing Director of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Peter Obaseki; Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, and the Commission’s General Manager Compliance, Alhaji Bello Umar, at PenCom’s 10th anniversary, in Lagos.

CEREMONY: From left, Alhaji Bature Umar, Director-General of SMEDAN (left), and Mr. Austin Okere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, during the signing ceremony in Abuja.

STORM: From left, Trade Marketing Consultant, MTN, Imeh David; MTN Ambassador and musical superstar, Kingsley Okonkwo (a.k.a Kcee) and the Dealer Account Executive, MTN, Hartman Mandor, during the MTN Surprises Campus Storm, at the Alvan Ikoku, Federal College of Education, Owerri.

CONFERENCE: From left, (front row), Funke Kuti, Publicity Secretary; St. Matthew-Daniel, Founding Executive Director, and Mrs. Susan Gumel-Dahiru, Advisory Board member, all of ACTS Generation, with partners (back row), at a briefing on the organisation's tomorrow's International Conference on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Trafficking, in Lagos.

PROJECT: From left, Dr. Nkoyo Attah, DGM, Deep water Total Upstream, representing the Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc; Mrs. Edisua Usang Isong, Executive Chairman, Bakassi Local Government, Cross River State, and Dr. Kenneth Takim, representing the Commissioner for Health, during presentation of screening machines at Total Upstream Expanded HIV/AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria preventive awareness and care project, in Calabar.

AWARD: From left, Group Marketing Officer, Dunn Loren Merrifield Group, DLM, Mr. Bola Bhadmus; National President, League of Africa Democratic Students, LEADS, Mr. Ochekwu Morgan; Founding Chairman, DLM, Mr. Sonnie Ayere, and Managing Director, Advisory Partners, DLM, Mr. Chinua Azubike, during the presentation of Africa’s Personality of the Year award to Mr. Ayere, at the company’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

OPENING: Fromleft, Head of Human Resource and Administration, Mr. Boniface Nwabuko; Board Member, Mr. Hasib Moukarim; National Business Manager, Mr. Oluwafemi Asa, and Brand Manager, Ms Tooni Odewole, all of Mouka Limited, during the official opening of the Mouka Lifestyle Store, on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

COMMISSIONING: Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Dr. Uche Oghah (cutting the tape), at the commissioning of an ultra-modern 600-capacity auditorium he built, equipped and donated to Abia State University, Uturu.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—49

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—51

C M Y K

52 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

BRIEFS Iraq to overhaul Baghdad security to stop bombings

U.S. ‘has more work to do’ on race relations — Obama P

RESIDENT Barack Obama issued an appeal on Monday for restraint by protesters and police after a Missouri grand jury decided not to indict a white police officer in the shooting to death of a black teen last August. In a late-night appearance in the White House briefing room, Obama also urged Americans to understand that much work remained to be done to improve relations between black Americans and law enforcement. “We need to accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make. There are Americans who agree with it and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction,” Obama said. Angry crowds in Ferguson, Missouri, took to the streets on Monday night and there were flashes of violence after the grand jury determined there was no probable cause to charge officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown. The shooting set off weeks of sometimes violent

Burkina Faso appoints transitional government

•Obama protests in the St. Louis suburb and highlighted racial tensions in the community. Obama said there were still many parts of the country where a deep distrust existed between law enforcement and communities of color, and that steps must be taken to improve the situation, such as increasing the number of minority people who enter the police ranks. “Some of this is the re-

sult of racial discrimination in this country and this is tragic because nobody needs good policing more than poor communities with higher crime rates. The good news is we know there are things we can do to help,” he said. About 200 protesters demonstrated peacefully outside the White House on Monday night, holding signs and chanting: “We are Michael Brown.”

Obama has weighed in on questions of race previously. When black Florida teenager Trayvon Martin was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012, Obama said: “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” In 2009, he criticized the police handling of the arrest of Harvard University professor Henry Gates, saying police acted “stupidly.”

Ferguson: Race riots hit America S

MOKE billowed from burned-out buildings and sidewalks were strewn with broken glass Tuesday after Ferguson erupted over a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white police officer in the killing of unarmed black 18-year-old Michael Brown. There were reports of l arge crowds that gath-

AGHDAD’s neighborhood of Gorayaat, a small Shiite enclave on a bend in the Tigris River, exemplifies the failures of Iraq’s security agencies trying to protect the capital from attacks by the Islamic State. The district has been a target for years, hit by so many bombings, suicide attacks, rockets and mortars that residents have lost count. After a car bomb ripped through its main commercial street earlier this month, killing 15 people and wounding 42, security forces responded as they have after every previous attack. Soldiers and police swarmed in to secure Gorayaat’s streets. At checkpoints, they checked people’s IDs, and anyone who was not a resident had to account for his presence. “That goes on for one or two days, then it’s back to normal and we wait for the next bombing,” said Idris Jawad, a resident. For months, Islamic State group militants have hammered Baghdad with bombings and suicide attacks, the work of dozens of cells operating in the Iraqi capital, officials say. Security agencies have floundered trying to stop them, relying on techniques that haven’t changed — or succeeded — in a decade.

ered in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and other cities in response to the decision of the grand jury. Firefighters were dousing the blackened remains of some Ferguson businesses and at least one was still ablaze Tuesday morning. Some stores that escaped fire had their display win-

Riot police battle protesters Darren in Ferguson

dows smashed, but the St. Louis suburb’s streets were mostly clear. Monday night’s protests were far more destructive than any of those that followed Brown’s Aug. 9 death, with more than a dozen businesses badly damaged or destroyed. Authorities reported hearing hundreds of gun-

shots, which for a time prevented fire crews from fighting the flames. There were 61 arrests in Ferguson overnight, many for burglary and trespassing, St. Louis County Police spokesman Brian Schellman said. There were 21 arrests in St. Louis, where protesters broke some store windows along South Grand Avenue, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said.

•Wilson

RANSITIONAL leaders in Burkina Faso have agreed on a new government to guide the country to elections next year, allocating several key cabinet posts to the military. The list was read out on Sunday evening, less than one week after longtime diplomat Michel Kafando was officially sworn in as president. Kafando will also serve as minister of foreign affairs. Of the 26 posts available, the army claimed six, including mines, communications and the interior ministry. Isaac Yacouba Zida, who initially took control of the west African country, will head the defence ministry. Other members were drawn from civil society groups and a medley of political parties. Meanwhile, the interim president said on Friday he will allow investigations to be conducted on the remains of Thomas Sankara, a former president whose death nearly 30 years ago during a coup has never been fully explained.

Chinese-built Ebola center dedicated in Liberia

HINA, one of the first countries to send aid to battle Ebola in West Africa, ramped up the assistance significantly Tuesday by opening a 100-bed treatment center in Liberia as rows of uniformed Chinese army medics stood at attention. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf toured the Ebola treatment center built by China, calling it “firstclass.” “We want to commend China for this exceptional response,” Sirleaf said. The facility, which is air-conditioned and has digital document keeping instead of paper, will start accepting patients next week, Chinese Embassy officials said. The giant white building topped with a blue roof and red signs with Chinese characters on them was built in the parking lot of a stadium outside Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Soldiers from America, which has also sent troops and is building treatment units in Liberia, were present at the ceremony. China is Africa’s largest trading partner and has especially close ties with Liberia, where many Chinese firms won contracts for post-war reconstruction projects. It has pledged $81 million in aid to West Africa, including the money for the treatment center, to stem the Ebola outbreak and has also sent at least 200 medical staff and promised more. Ebola has infected more than 15,000 people, the majority of them in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, and has taken an especially high toll on health workers. That has depleted the ranks of doctors and nurses in countries that had too few to begin with just when they needed them most.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 53

France suspends delivery of warship to Russia F

RANCE suspended the delivery of a warship to Russia on Tuesday, after months of speculation about what would be the biggest arms sale ever by a NATO country to the Kremlin. The French president’s office announced the suspension “until further notice” after growing pressure from allies due to tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The first of the two ships, the Vladivostok, is docked at the French port city of Saint Nazaire, where about 400 Russian sailors have spent months training aboard the vessel. A second French-made ship, named the Sevastopol, after a port on the Crimean Peninsula, was slated for delivery next year and recently arrived at the Saint Nazaire docks for finishing touches. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March.

Abkhazia President, Alexander Ankvab shaking aBKHAZIA hands with his Russian counterpart Vladmir Puttin Tuesday ’s statement stopped short of cancelling the two-ship deal, suggesting the French government is reluctant give up on a contract worth more than 1 billion euros ($1.24 billion) and thousands of jobs during an economic slump. The Vladivostok can carry 700 troops, 16 helicopter gunships and up to 50 armored vehicles. Analysts say the two

warships would give Russia an enhanced ability to move large numbers of troops and equipment but were not game-changers for Moscow’s military. Russia’s deputy defense minister told RIA Novosti news agency Tuesday that Moscow did not plan to take any immediate action against France for delaying the deal.

Russia gets greater control over Black Sea region

USSIAN troops have been deployed in Abkhazia for more than two decades since the region of 240,000 people broke away from Georgia in a separatist

war in the early 1990s. Still, yesterday’s agreement reflected a clear attempt by Moscow to further expand its presence and came only after a change of leadership in

Pope counsel Europe accept immigrants

RANCIS made the comments to the European Parliament during a brief visit meant to highlight his vision for Europe a quarter-century after St. John Paul II travelled to Strasbourg to address a continent still divided by the Iron Curtain. Greeted with polite applause at the start of his

•Pope Francis

speech and a sustained standing ovation at its finish, Francis said he wanted to bring a message of hope to Europeans distrustful of their institutions, burdened by economic crisis and spiritually adrift in a culture that he said no longer values the dignity of human beings.

the territory. Coming amid a chill in Russia-West ties over the Ukrainian crisis, the deal raised concern about Moscow’s plans. The Black Sea region has always been important for Putin, who justified the annexation of Crimea by saying it would guarantee that NATO warships would never be welcome on the peninsula, the home base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. NATO’s secretary-general condemned the treaty, stressing that the alliance supports Georgia’s sovereignty. He also called on Russia to reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another breakaway province, as independent states. “This so-called treaty does not contribute to a peaceful and lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia,” Jens Stoltenberg said. “On the contrary, it violates Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and blatantly contradicts the principles of international law, OSCE principles and Russia’s international commitments.”

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Again, police besiege NASS By Emman Ovuakporie

BUJA—BARELY five days after security operatives unleashed terror on members of the House of Representatives and the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, over 65 policemen yesterday mounted sentry at the outer gate of the National Assembly. The policemen, who mounted the sentry as early as 7.30am, hid themselves in the bush, pointing their AK47 at both human and vehicular movements. Last Thursday, members of the House of Representatives reconvened to discuss the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states but discovered that hooded men of the Department of State Security, DSS, and anti-riot policemen had taken over the security of NASS and barricaded lawmakers from entering the complex.

Monarch rues incessant robbery attacks on Oke Odo Elemoro town By Olasunkanmi Akoni

HE traditional ruler of Oke Odo Elemoro in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro, has called on police authorities to come to their rescue over incessant robbery attacks on the community. The Oba, who lamented the reccurring incidence of robbery attacks, stated that it was high time government provided adequate security measures for the people of the community. “Just yesterday (Monday), a report was brought to my palace about another robbery attack that occurred around 2am, where money and several other valuable items were lost to the robbers. This sad development has to stop. “I am also using this medium to appeal to the state police command to hasten the completion of Elemoro Area Command, to have enough hands on ground in case of any emergencies such as this,” the Oba pleaded.

2015: I’m not at war with Suswam — GEMADE By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

B U J A — S E N AT O R Barnabas Gemade representing Benue North Senatorial District has denied the allegation that he was on warpath with the state governor, Gabriel Suswam, saying he was pursuing his reelection bid in a civil and democratic manner. The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and founding member of the party disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, while reacting to a newspaper report that he was on warpath with Governor Suswan. He said he would not descend so low to engage in unwholesome activities, such as distributing fake delegates nomination forms, alleging that it was Governor Suswam who

Ayinde’s gov aspiration gets boost

wrote people’s names down as delegates in private houses, and was still shuffling names on all the electoral materials he commandeered, as he was not sure of what he expected from the people due to his unpopularity. In a statement signed by his

legislative aide, Bob Giga, Senator Gemade said he would not associate himself with anything that ran contrary to democratic norms, describing himself as “a personality that is humble, amiable, hardworking, God fearing, honest and a true Christian.” He further said it was not in his character to aid, abet or support violence and thuggery, adding

that there was no way he could be on war path or at daggers drawn with Governor Gabriel Suswam or any other person for that matter, over the picking of tickets under Peoples Democratic Party. He said: “Senator Gemade has not, and will not engage in battle with anybody with regard to his election returning to the Senate in 2015.''

CONFERENCE: From left; Betty Irabor, MD/Editor-in-Chief, Genevieve magazine; Chizor Maliza, Managing Partner, Brandzone; Ope Wemi-Jones, Group Head, Inclusive Banking, Access Bank Plc; Balikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, CEO, Weclyers and Amaechi Okobi, Head of Communications and External Affairs, Access Bank during the Women Enterpreneurship Conference hosted by Access Bank at its head office, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo By Akeem Salau.

By Abiodun Alade

HE aspiration of Tayo Ayinde, Lagos governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for next year's general election got a major boost last weekend, as four renowned socio-political groups in the state have thrown their weight behind him, ahead of the party’s primaries billed for December 4. The groups; New Hope, NH; Asiwaju Youth Alliance, AYA; Progressives Movement, PM and Asiwaju For Life, AFL, known for their robust membership cutting across the state, gave Ayinde a morale boost by collapsing their structures, to Asiwaju-Ayinde For Life, AAFL. Describing the governorship hopeful, as a bright and vibrant personality, who had the capacity, experience and knowledge required to take Lagos to the next level of development, Hon. Abraham Iroko, former Chairman, Badagry LGA and leader of one of the groups, noted that their decision to form an alliance was a collective one to be stronger and better to confront the tasks ahead of them. Ayinde, who thanked members of the political groups, however, affirmed that he would not disappoint Lagosians if elected governor, adding that unlike other pretenders to the plum seat, he was in the race because he was prepared.

Stop insulting Jonathan, PDP warns APC By Henry Umoru

BUJA—NATIONAL leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday warned leaders, governors and elders of All Progressives Congress, APC, to respect the office of the President of the country and stop insulting him. According to the party, such an act poses a threat to the very survival of democracy and Nigeria as a nation. The PDP also expressed concern that the warning last week by security experts that some opposition leaders might be planning to intensify mayhem against Nigerians to justify their only campaign point, might be responsible for the increased spate of bombings, following the declaration of President Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election. The PDP also raised alarm that while it was preparing for the 2015 general elections with a view to winning, the APC was actively planning to scheme itself into power in 2015, using violent uprising as replacement for planned peaceful polls. The PDP in a statement yesterday by National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, threatened to take on the APC if its leaders failed to stop denigrating the office of the

President through their utterances, warning that enough was enough. The statement read: “PDP will no longer condone the deliberate, unwarranted and sustained vicious attacks on the person and office of the President, the institutions of democracy and the unity of the nation by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. “The PDP will no longer fold its hands while the desperate desire of the APC for power

unchains undisciplined impulses and actions posing a threat to the very survival of democracy and the nation. “The PDP has been watching carefully as the rank and file of the APC, the governors, party leaders, presidential hopefuls and even sidekicks run amok, competing in a heavily subjective castigation of President Goodluck Jonathan with incendiary utterances, signposting its plans for the dastardly when it loses in next year’s general elections.

Axis launches mobile surveillance apps for small systems

XIS Communications, a leader in network video, announces the local availability of mobile surveillance apps for its AXIS Camera Companion and hosted video solutions. “By underpinning our offering with our own in-house developed mobile apps we can assure optimal performance and full compatibility with our product portfolio”, Roy Alves, regional business development manager for Axis Communications, said, adding that, “Providing easy remote access to high definition surveillance video gives our customers the tools they need to efficiently secure their operation

wherever they are.” The mobile surveillance apps allow the user to easily switch from live view to recorded videos from any location within their surveillance system. The integrated timeline notifies about triggered events and allows the user to take immediate action. Single images and videos of interest can easily be stored to a mobile device and shared when needed. The Axis Camera Companion 2.2, with support for Axis Mobile Streaming gives quick and easy access to live and recorded high definition videos for installations where bandwidth is limited.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014—55

Anambra Central: Anaocha leaders endorse Okonkwo for Senate

2015: ‘We have successfully cleared 46 PDP gov aspirants in S/East' By Austin Ogwuda

By Clifford Ndujihe

TAKEHOLDERS and members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anaocha Local Council of Anambra State, have endorsed Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, as their candidate for Anambra Central senatorial seat in the 2015 election. At an expanded executive and stakeholders meeting held at Ifunanya hall Nene, yesterday, the Anaocha leaders said Okonkwo “has been a committed party man, close to the grassroots and capable of representing the people.” The PDP Chairman for Anaocha, Okechukwu Ekemezie said: “Anambra Central senatorial zone needs a committed and i n t e l l i g e n t representative who can hold his own anywhere in the country and Okonkwo is the candidate.” Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, a community leader and human rights advocate, Dr Ramas Asuzu Okoye, said they chose Dr Okonkwo after a critical assessment of all the aspirants in the PDP.

Madam Oribei passes on

ATE EmmilianaAgbaye Oribei, aged 95 is dead. Oribei who passed away on August, 15th 2014 is survived by many children and grandchildren. She will be buried on Friday, November 28, 2014, at Oribei’s compound in her home town of Emuhu ,Umunede, Delta State.

.Late Madam Oribei

NUGU—FORTY-SIX governorship aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been cleared to contest the forthcoming governorship primaries in four States of the South-East geo-political zone, even as seven aspirants failed to show up for screening. This came as one of the aspirants cleared for Enugu race, Mr. Chinedu Onu, declared that no mortal could anoint a governor for the entire people of the state. Speaking to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, Chairman PDP Screening Committee in charge of South-East, Umaru Ndanusa, said his committee cleared 46 of the aspirants but noted that seven of the 53, however failed to show up for screening. According to him, “we do not have unsuccessful ones, but we have those who did not come. We have four absentees from Abia, one each from Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo." Among the successful aspirants who collected their clearance certificate on Monday night were Senator Ifeanyi Ararume (Imo), Martin Agbaso (Imo), Chinedu Onu (Enugu), Immediate past Minister of

ETISALAT MARKET ACCESS: From left, Co-founder, Pagatech, Jay Alabraba; Asst. Director, Women in Export, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Evelyn Obidike; Head, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo; Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Mrs. Nneka Okekearu; and Head, Micro-Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Diamond Bank Plc, Chima Nnadozie during the Lagos edition of the Etisalat Market Access held at Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos. Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Felix Nwosu and Marc Nwagbara, (all from Abia) as witnessed by the press. The screening committee declined to give the names of the aspirants successfully screened, except mentioning the total number. It equally refused to name the seven aspirants that failed

to turn out for screening. Speaking in a separate interview in connection with the purported anointment of Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by Govenror Sullivan Chime, Onu said, “no mortal will anoint anybody. It is only God that gives power. Power comes from God. God spoke to me once. Twice I have heard Him clearly that power

belongs to Him. That is why in Enugu, we do not quarrel, and we do not fight. We market our policies. ''We market our programmes and our expectations. You could recall that when Ifeanyi was running for the House of Representatives, I was the Chairman of his campaign organization.''

Elechi didn't lead protest against ward congresses results — EBONYI GOVT By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—EBONYI State government yesterday debunked the allegation that Governor Martin Elechi led a group of party faithful to protest the outcome of the November 1, 2014 ward congresses results at the Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP national secretariat, Abuja. Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday upheld the result of the delegates elected at the congress held in the state on November 1, 2014. In suit No. FHC /ABJ/CS/ 830/2014, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice A. F. A. Ademola, upheld the earlier result declared by the Electoral Committee, headed by Dr Musa Babayo and that of the Appeal Panel. It also debunked media reports claiming low turnout during the recent rally in

support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election organized by the state government last weekend in Abakaliki, the state capital. It described the reports as “syndicated media fabrications which are all part of a cocktail of falsehood by the Abuja based

coalition of aggrieved politicians who are desperate to blackmail Governor Elechi for aligning himself with the popular decision of Ebonyi people to support Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu as consensus candidate for 2015 governorship election”. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Onyekachi Eni,

said in a statement “By the mammoth and unprecedented crowd that attended last Saturday’s mega rally at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Ebonyi people eloquently spoke about their support for President Jonathan and Governor Martin Elechi in their developmental initiatives.”

APGA ward congress runs into hitch in 3 LGAs By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—THE ward congress of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to elect three-man delegates in all the 326 wards in the state ran into a hitch in three local government areas of the state yesterday. The affected local governments are Anambra West, Awka North and Ogbaru. Anambra State chairman of APGA, Mr. Akunwata Kwentoh, told reporters in Awka that the congress in the three local

government areas had to be cancelled due to unexpected logistic problems, explaining that while that of Awka North would be held today, Anambra West and Ogbaru would be held tomorrow. Chairman of the congress committee, Mr. Jolly Ngbor, who briefed reporters at the party’s secretariat in Awka, said a levelplaying field was provided for all the contestants, saying reports from the 18 local government areas where the exercise took place showed

that it went on smoothly. According to him, the exercise also took place in all states of the federation where APGA will present candidates for the 2015 elections. A visit to some of the local governments, however, showed that voting was yet to start as at 2 pm as officials who would conduct the exercise were yet to arrive. At Dunukofia council, while some party members were seen waiting patiently and others left to attend to other matters.

56— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

*Many Okada riders are from insurgency-ravaged Northern part of Nigeria

Boko Haram: Displaced persons invade Lagos •Narrate their ordeal •Join Boko Haram, get N200,000 By Charles Kumolu & Ebele Orakpo

IKE any other commer cial motorcycle operator, Awalu Bernard who hails from the Northern part of the country, claimed to have an in depth knowledge of Festac Town and its environs where he operates. It was with this confidence that he agreed to take Vanguard Features, VF to Jinifa Plaza located on 23 Road. A ride that was not supposed to last 10 minutes, unfortunately took about 20 minutes. Shortly after take off, he opted to take a route that will lengthen the journey, despite being told that it was not the correct road. Awalu’s insistence on taking the road resulted to an altercation between him and VF since it was obvious that he had little

or no understanding of where he was going to. ‘’Why did you claim that you know the road, when it is obvious that you know nothing?’’ VF asked him in Hausa language. ‘’OgaI! Walahi I am a new comer. If I told you I did not know the place, you would not have patronised me. It is only through this method that we get to know the environment,’’ he stated. Dislocated by insurgency Asked how long he had been in the business, Awalu, who did not hide his excitement over VF’s ability to speak Hausa, said: “Oga! I have spent nine weeks so far. I started this job immediately I arrived Lagos. I knew how to ride motorcycle before coming to Lagos.’’ This surprising disclosure led to question on whether he had

lived in Lagos before. His response was: ‘’This is my first visit to Lagos. I was a successful farmer before I found myself here. I am not the only one from my place, Madagali Local Gov-

Most of them have no decent place of abode in the city; in fact, some of them sleep on the streets in the slums

ernment Area of Adamawa State who came to Lagos at the same time. We were many. The killings in our communities by Boko Haram members made most of us to run for our lives.’’ Continuing, he said, ‘’Some of us are staying with our relations while others are staying with friends who helped them to secure commercial motorcycles. We are not happy that we are here but the situation turned us into what we have become. That is why there are so many commercial motorcycles in Festac. Some of us who could not afford the motorcycles, resorted to doing any menial job in sight’’. Awalu was not done yet. “I used to sell rice, flour and other food stuff. I had a big shop. In fact, in a day I could sell 20 bags of rice but because of the destruction in Adamawa, I had to run for my life. I am not happy that I am riding a motorcycle which does not give me enough money as I used to have before. When I was

at home, we could invest N50,000 or N100,000 into farming. But the insurgents have destroyed all our farmlands. We could not run to any Northern state because none of them is safe,” he explained. Awalu’s story is synonymous with the sad tales of other Northerners who are now taking refuge in Lagos and other Nigerian cities as a result of the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect members in their states. Just like Awalu, another displaced person, who simply identified himself as Bitrus James narrated his ordeal. James, who is also an Okada rider in Mazamaza, told VF that he came to Lagos with only the cloth he wore. Bitrus is a very sorrowful man because the whereabouts of his parents remain unknown. He revealed that contrary to widely held views that Boko Haram members are mainly from the Kanuri ethnic group, some Adamawa indigenes are also members of the sect. ‘’The situation is worrisome over there. It was so bad that I came to Lagos with only the cloth I had on me. What is going on there is a real war. I don’t know

Continues on Page 57

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 —57

NEMA officials addressing some displaced persons in one of the Northern states affected by insurgency

Displaced persons invade Lagos Continues from Page 56 the whereabouts of my parents. We have not spoken since I arrived. We are looking up to God to assist because it is totally bad over there,’’ he lamented. ‘’Some of our people are also members of the sect. They pay them so much money to join. They pay as much as N200, 000.00 for people to join Boko Haram. The money is part of what attracts young people to the sect. Now that I am here, I don’t have plans of leaving Lagos until the condition gets better,’’ he said in Hausa language. Menial jobs VF checks showed that youths in their hundreds from North Eastern Nigeria where Boko Haram insurgency has become alarming, daily troop to Lagos, a city which is already overpopulated with about 17 million people. Though there are conventional visitors who come to Lagos on regular basis, the influx has begun to exert more pressure on lean amenities. From Epe to Badagry, Ojota to Okokomaiko, it is now commonplace to see hordes of Northerners who operate commercial motorcycles. Aside being Okada riders, some others do menial jobs like water vending, cart pushing, shoe mending and security guards. It was further discovered that most of them have no decent place of abode in the city. In fact, some of them sleep on the streets

in the slums, while others occupy uncompleted buildings in their neighbourhood. This development is generating mixed feelings among Lagosians. Some residents are of the opinion that the scenario portends grave danger for the state. These residents however concede to the fact that as Nigerians, they are free to migrate to any part of the country. The Constitution provides that “every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit there from.” There is nothing wrong with it -APC Spokesperson of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe said there was nothing wrong with the influx. According to him, the state is a home for all. ‘’Lagos State is a home for all Nigerians who are constitutionally entitled to reside there. We will continue providing the needed security for lives and properties,’’ he added. In spite of this assurance, the anxiety among residents is increasing on daily basis. But the President of Framework for Good Governance and Accountability,FGGA, Dr. Festus Oseriehmen, differed with Igbokwe. He told VF that the state government must look into the trend. ‘’I don’t share the opinion that it is a normal thing. What we are

seeing in Lagos now is uncommon. I was born in Lagos and was a young boy during the civil war, yet the situation was not like this. I am not saying that they should be repatriated to their states the way the Lagos State government did in the past. But as a responsible government, I expect that a structure should be put in place to monitor the activities of these youths,’’ he stated. Furthering his argument, Oserehmen said: ‘’The government should not fold its arms and claim that all is well. There are a lot of possible dangers in what is going on. While some of them could be said to be resourceful, a good number have constituted themselves to nuisance in places

What we are seeing in Lagos now is uncommon; I was born in Lagos and was a young boy during the civil war, yet the situation was not like this

where they reside. These are facts that can be found in Alaba Rago, Lagos Island and every part of Lagos. Even the Okada riders among them are often defiant in their ways without regard for traffic laws. They have taken over Lagos and it must be checked,’’ he said.

Yola: Worsening refugee situation Although government has provided camps for those displaced due to activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the NorthEast, the camps and homes of relatives are overflowing as more towns and villages are taken over by the insurgents. In a recent chat with Vanguard Features, VF, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, noted that the situation of those living with family members and friends has become very critical. “You hardly see somebody that comes from either Madagali, Shuwa, Baza or southern Borno who does not have a relative in Yola and our people are not used to living in camps. The situation is so difficult that there is just no option; if not, people will not go to the camp as a good option,” he said. Buttressing this point, he said he has over 100 people in his house. “Some of these family members and friends are low- income earners; some earning probably N10,000 – N15,000 a month and now have more than 50 people

in the house. Some of them live in one room and parlour apartment with more than 30 people living there. These are the ones that are badly in need,” the Bishop added. Also narrating her experience to VF, Miss Philomena Anthony Bakuru, who lives in Yola with her parents, said they have between 20 to 30 relations living with them in their bungalow. “We are from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State but live in Yola. When the Boko Haram insurgents got into Michika Local Government Area, a lot of people were displaced and some of my relatives came over to our place in Yola while some left Michika to Mubi. When Mubi was attacked by the insurgents, all of them had to relocate to Yola. So there are between 20 and 30 internally displaced persons in our house – a bungalow with boy’s quarters. So people sleep in every available space,” said Philomena, an applicant. On feeding: “It has been difficult but we are managing. So far, individuals have been helping in their own little way. They bring used clothes, bags of rice and other stuff. Also, the church calls them from time to time to give them foodstuff and medical care. There are mostly women with children. The situation is really terrible because most of them fled without anything. It is a very bad experience. There are a lot of internally displaced persons in Cameroun because not all were able to come back into Nigeria.

58—VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, NO VEMBER 26, 2014 58—VANGUARD, WEDNESDA NOVEMBER

PVC: We won't accept failure, Bishops tell INEC

RCCG lights up Lagos community By Olayinka Latona

N fulfillment of a mandate by t the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christ-ians Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye that the church impacts communities spiritually and phy-sically, the Lord’s Chapel parish of the church re-cently commissioned the third phase of its street-light project in Gbagada area of Lagos. The Lord's Chapel, established in July 1998, is the headquarters of Area 2 Zone 3 under the Lagos Province 23, Maranatha Chapel with head-quarters in Gbagada, Lagos. Commissioning the project on behalf of the General Overseer, Pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 23, Pastor Brown Oyitso stated that giving back to the society is an indispensable responsi-bility of any corporate organisation. According to him, it is a means of getting closer to the public and putting smile on their faces, ex-plaining that it is

becom-ing increasingly difficult for governments, which the people look on to, to provide all the amenities for the people. In his words: “We are motivated by our General Overseer's instruction that the church should not only be seen as taking from the society but must also give back to the society. “Our G.O. believes that government alone cannot provide all the social amenities needed by the masses and that is why he challenged us to assist in our neighborhood by proving some of the needs of the people and ensure that our presence is felt wherever we are as a church. “Our corporate social responsibility programme includes getting involved in physical project, infrastructure, feeding the poor, and pay school fees of indigent people amongst others,” he enumerated. Urging Christian organizations to contribute their quota towards the develop-

By Bose Adelaja

ment of their communities, Pastor Oyitso said: “Church should not be seen as a taker but also as a giver. A parable was told in the Bible about the good Samaritan and since then the question is asked, who is your neighbour? "So we are advising other churches to team up with the RCCG to help humanity as much as possible,” he added. The provinsial pastor also called on all government agencies at all levels to co-oporate with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a free, fair and credible elections next year. He also challenged the electoral body to make available Permanent Voters Cards for all eligible Nigerians to participate fully during the 2015 election. According to him, “our general overseer instructed us to go out and register and have the voters card which he described as our civic responsibility Even at a point in time, we might have to show our permanent voters card in the church which is our power. “If you fail to vote, you have no moral right to complain when an evil government emerges," he said, adding “we are advising people to go out and register notwithstanding the challenges some Nigerians are currently facing to get their voters card." a s t o r P K e h i n d e

Buraimoh of the Lord's Chapel explained that the street light which is part of the church's corporate social responsibility serves as part of the church's corporate *Bishop Luke Angula (3rd l), Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Hon. Luka Barau Dameshi social responsibility (4th l), CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, his wife, Pastor Helen Oritsejafor, Pastor (Mrs.) was also aimed at Lois Angula flanked by members of Benue Dancers and other northern delegates to the just reducing the rate of concluded 27th Jubilee Word Festival at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri. crime in the area. Delighted by the development, a resident of the area, Mrs. Oby Ekpo appreciated the good gesture of the church, noting “we have been living in darkness for years OUNDER and coordinator of failures in the upbringing of the wards. and we are happy because we know the light will help us to curb crime in Mothers’ Summit, under the The mothers don’t have the time to this environment. aegis of Funke Adejumo Foundation, monitor and teach their children some Rev. Funke Adejumo, has enjoined par- basic principles about life, not to men“It is a marvelous project that everyone in this neighbourhood is happy ents to continuously map out quality time tion fathers who have become absent about. Over the years, one is afraid to teach and nurture their children for a from home because he felt he could better direction in life, adding that a pre- make them happy by providing finanto approach the area at night because of arm robbers who often hide under served childhood is better than a re- cially for their need. the darkness to snatch bags and colpaired adulthood, reports EDIRI EJOH. She further lamented that the society Making this plea at Mothers’ Summit leaders in our dispensation have failed lect other valuables from people,” she stated, adding that they vandalize 2014 in Lagos, the visionary, said the simply because, they are not prepared cars, sometimes on motorbikes. shameful and disgraceful display of our to handle the opportunity the world has political leaders can be attributed to a presented to them. “But presently, the street is well lilt at night and we are no longer afraid bad home and faulty foundation from Adejumo stressed that the nurturing to walk freely. We appreciate the their parents when they were growing and praying for a child at the early stage up. church for providing the streetlights. in life brings about development in the We pray that God will continue to According to her, there is need for par- family, society and the nation. bless the church, empower them to ents to pray and teach their children She noted that the various institutions pre-requisites of life to enable them as well as the Sunday school lessons do more,” she payed. overcome the temptations that the soci- created by churches for learning canety has embraced. not take the place of a parent in the bet“It is a pity some parents are complete terment of that child.

Foundation tasks parents on child upbringing

ORMER National Secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN, Archbishop Jeseph Ojo, has said he will not hesitate to seek redress in the court of law should the ongoing issuance of the Permanent Voters’ Card ends up disenfranch-ising him. The cleric who condemned the exercise, describing it as a sham, said, he has been visiting one of the registration centers in Okokomaiko area of Lagos for 10 days and the officers have refused to show up. The bishop who spoke with Vanguard in Lagos, shortly after the quarterly meeting of the United International Association of Pentecostal Bishops, UIAPB, also condemned the exercise, saying it was full of suspicion and has succeeded in disenfranchising many Nigerians especially Lagosians. Archbishop Ojo, the UIAPB president, said the exercise was not conducted in the open and called on Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, to make provision to register all Nigerians to avoid being seen as partisan which could end up as legal battles that will derail the process come 2015. The former PFN scribe said he was at the designated centre the first two days of the exercise without spotting INEC officials only to be informed on the third day that they were sighted in a room issuing the cards to some people. “I personally want to collect the PVC but various attempts have met a brick wall. You need to go there and see the crowd without the officers at sight. Suddenly on the third day, I met a young man at the centre who informed that INEC only hired three officers who were sighted in a room registering some people and since then, I have abandoned other duties for the centre but as I am talking to you, I am yet to collect the card," he said. The archbishop who said he no longer has confidence in INEC, said its recent activities have left one to wonder if it is working for political parties or the nation. A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and jointly signed by the cleric, vice president and senior pastor of Christ Love Evangelical Mission, CLEM, Dr. Tayo Odunuga, Bishop Kayode Odulaja (Secretary) and Bishop Amao-Thomas (PRO), the body said the preparations for the 2015 general elections have started on a shaky note, calling on INEC to make provision for the affected Nigerians before the next general elections." The body wondered why thousands of Nigerians are yet to collect their PVCs, saying that INEC must arise to the challenge and register all those who were denied the opportunity to register. The bishops also advised authorities concerned to ensure adequate security for NYSC members across the country. The bishops also advised the Federal Government to fight corruption which has eaten deep into the nation's fabric, saying failure to do so, will hinder meaningful development. "The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency show the willingness to deal with corruption and the relevant agencies should be put on check and empowered to tackle corruption," the communique stated.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 59 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

AQUARIUS; Today’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you to take your health more seriously. Yet here is a day remarkable success can be your lots. PISCES;. Whatever happens you will have cause to smile. Yet you must not take your friends for granted, especially from 3pm. Take love more seriously. ARIES; Unless you exercise great control domestic water can become heated with re-action from people within your base of operation. Protect your career. TAURUS; Full-Moon’s influence can induce others to oppose some of your moves within your social circle. Respect important view of your good friends. GEMINI; Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis is capable of bringing avoidable personality clashes through financial transactions. If you rely too heavily on promises made by others from 3pm you can be painfully disappointed.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

HERE is this erroneous by workers that they are working for another person e.g. the owner of the business or organisation but this is not really so.

Who are you working for? — 1 If I may ask you: What do you long to be in life? And can you just wake up and become that

TERROR MUDA

thing you long to be without getting prepared for it? And which other way do you get adequately

in “Never say goodbye”

prepared if not by w o r k i n g somewhere to gain something on the job experience? Yes, in the course of your working for someone you are also working for yourself. By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER; Full-Moon in your Star Sign’ll boost your confidence and can prompt you to become unnecessarily aggressive to the resentment of others. Take it easy please. LEO; With the full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis you are meant to do away with whatever can not be placed above board, especially if working today VIRGO; Today’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you not to nurse false hope and do away with self deceit so that you’ll not run into avoidable trouble. This is the wrong time to take your influential friends for granted, especially any time from 3pm today. LIBRA;. Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis can bring you under the fire of enthusiasm but if care is not taken others may take undue advantage of your mind. Do away with whatever can heat your domestic water. Protect your image.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

SCORPIO; Better than yesterday but because it’s a full-Moon day you are advised to take legal related issues more seriously. Minor misunderstanding possible from 3pm SAGITTARIUS;. Full-Moon in cancer warns you to be very careful with both your personal and/or others money and joint ventures too. Be more family minded. CAPRICORN;. Full-Moon in Cancer can bring you avoidable confrontation either from new contacts or old allies; try you best to avoid partnership crisis. Exhibit maturity

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

What’s my Astropersonality?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, Please keep my birth data and identity secret, but I want you to analyse my horoscope bluntly so that I can know who am I; talking about my personality. Anonymous, Osogbo. Dear Anonymous, What you will find here under will prove useful if you take them seriously and utilise them ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA/PLANETARY PLACEMENT Aries that hosted the most important heavenly body (the Sun) together with indicator of mental focus lens-Mercury, is known for special leadership quality and higher degree of positive aggressiveness. Yes you were endowed with leadership talents which can manifest either in the business world or POLITICS and probably both. It is true that Aries can be very aggressive, but with many planets placed in more mild Star signs, with less than 50% of push-full influence, loving Venus as most influential planet when you were born, certainly aggression of Aries is greatly water down to the minimum . That is not to say you the timid type but yours is a balanced personality. You are gentle, honest and straight forward person. Preponderance of fixed and earth in your chart are pointers to the fact that you are the careful type who will not change his mind just for the fun of it. Then as peace loving Venus was the most influential planet when you were born, peace and harmony will always come first whenever you want to take any (important and/or) decisive action. Placement of mighty Sun (indicator of basic-self hood) the Moon (indicator of sub-conscious self/emotion) and the Stellium (that is more than two planets in one Star sign} in Aries, Pisces and Taurus respectively meant that basic characteristics of the three Star signs stated in this paragraph are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

60â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

L-r: Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, Mr. Aminu Nabegu, technical volunteer, Mrs. Udokim Emmanuel, Director General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Pius Oshunyikanmi, and another volunteer, Mrs. Dogwaoh Linda and Mr. Ibidapo Obe during the deployment of 48 Technical Aid Corps volunteers to Kampala University, Uganda, in Abuja

L-r: Cancer survivors exchanging pleasantries with Chairman; Medical Advisory Committee; Dr Adefemi Afolabi and Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan; Prof. Temitope Alonge during a luncheon in honour of Cancer survivors as part of activities marking the 57th anniversary of UCH

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 61

Crisis delays Eagles N1.44bn World Cup money

Why we're enhancing capacity of referees —Pinnick

RESIDENT of Ni geria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pin-

ECRETARY Gener al of the Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Amadu, has said Nigeria are yet to receive the nine million dollars prize money they earned at the last World Cup because of the leadership crisis that has bedevilled the country. “The money is ready, but the katakata (crisis) we have had has meant we are yet to access it,” NFF general secretary Amadu disclosed in a radio interview monitored in Abuja yesterday. “We believe that once everything is sorted, we will get the cash.” The leadership tussle began soon after the country’s exit at the hands of France in Brazil 2014. Amadu also said they are very much aware of the $3.8 million advanced to them by the federal government to offset the appearance fee for the players at Brazil and are obliged to refund it once they get the money. “We have a memo from the sports ministry reminding us of our obligation to the government and once we get the money, we will pay up,” he said. The Super Eagles reached the knockout stage of the World Cup in Brazil for only the second time in their history.

Senator Continues from B/P

because when something happens, you look at it carefully and find out why it happened the way it did before you begin to chart a new course,” Gumba said. “We lost and some people are already conclud-

*Super Eagles at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

2014/15 NPFL season to start early

HE Nigeria 2014/ 15 league season may likely kick off in March to allow the majority of clubs in the top flight access cash from their state governments. Top officials informed that now that the NFF congress has endorsed the new governing structure of the League Management Company (LMC), the league is now on a better footing and what is now left is to decide on a kick-off

date for the new season. “We could all say we want to start the league next week, but when the majority of the clubs are owned by state governments, it is only reasonable we allow them access their funding from their states before they start the season,” an official disclosed. “As a result, the new season will begin either in February or March when these clubs would have received some cash

ing that the team is bad and the coach is bad and we should do something. But I think that is not good. We have lost, and we should be allowed to go down, sleep well, think about it before beginning to propose the next line of action for the Nigerian Super Eagles.”

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after finishing third in Group A behind Congo and South Africa and this has led to calls for the team to be disbanded or overhauled, and for Stephen Keshi to be ‘sacked’ as coach of the team.

Brazil set for Colombia rematch after Copa América draw

RGENTINA will face the holders Uruguay while Brazil will face Colombia in the group phases at the 2015 Copa America in Chile. Argentina, the World Cup runners-up, are the top seeds in Group B in

which they will also meet Paraguay and Jamaica. They were beaten on penalties in the quarter-finals at the 2011 event by Uruguay. Brazil, who will be looking to recover from their disappointing World Cup as hosts de-

spite beating Colombia in the quarter-finals, are in Group C where they will also play Peru and Venezuela. Chile were joined in Group A by Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia at the draw in the Chilean Pacific coast resort of Vina del Mar.

from their various governments.” This month, Kano Pillars won a third straight league title, while Shooting Stars, Gabros FC, Wikki Tourists and Ranchers Bees will replace relegated Gombe United, Kaduna United, Crown FC and Nembe City in the top flight.

*Amadu, NFF scribe

nick has disclosed that the new NFF administration is striving to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s referees in order to be able to improve the lot of football on the domestic front. “We fully appreciate the position of the League as the bedrock of our football. That is why we are determined to improve every facet of the game. We want to start with the referees because they are critical to the matches. Referees have the power to influence the course and complexion of games, for good or for bad. If the referees are firm and incorruptible, we would be on the road to sanity.” Pinnick added: “We are not only aiming to enhance the capacity of referees; we intend to enhance their remuneration as well. In England, referees indemnities are paid by one company. We will try to do the same here. We are already talking to some corporate organisations with a view to helping with payment of referees’ indemnities. “After the above steps are taken to improve the lot of referees, any of them caught in shady business will not only be blacklisted, he or she will also be prosecuted.”

Elite referees secure entry visas into UK

IGERIA’s 11 elite referees listed for a two –week capacity –enhancing programme in England have been granted entry visas into the United Kingdom. The referees, constituting the first batch of arbiters to be afforded capacity –enhancing opportunities with a view

to improving officiating of the domestic League, are Ferdinand Udoh, Shuaibu Abdullahi, Usman Isah, Samuel Pwadutakan, Tope Orowole, Egudia Efosa, Peter Ogwu, Paul Umuago, Musa Dung Davon, Olayinka Olayide and Ukah Ndubuisi. The delegation, to be led by President of Ni-

geria Referees Association, Alhaji Ahmed Maude and Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, will depart for London on Sunday, and will be at the English FA High Performance Training Facility at St. Georges Park, Burton-on-Trent on Monday and Tuesday.

National featherweight boxing champion lauds GOtv

AIDI “Skoro” Us man, the new National Featherweight boxing champion, is full of appreciation to GOtv, the pay-TV company and headline sponsors of the GOtv Boxing Night. The 22-year old, who knocked out Dare “Fighting Machine”

Oyewole in the fifth round of their title fight at the GOtv Boxing Night on Sunday, said without the opportunity provided by GOtv and the other sponsors, he would not have been a champion today. “I have to thank GOtv, 1960 Bet, Flykite Productions and other spon-

sors for making this happen. Without them, I would not have the opportunity. “God will bless them for what they are doing for boxing,” he said after his crowning at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos, venue of the GOtv Boxing Night.

62— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Why we can’t sack Keshi — NFF T

HE leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation have admitted that their hands are tied where Stephen Keshi’s tenure as coach of the Eagles is concerned. Nigerians are calling for the resignation of Keshi following his failure to qualify Nigeria for next year’s AFCON defence of the title he won in 2013 But the Edo born coach still wants to remain as coach. He is yet to be offered a new deal and the NFF have been silent on his future, a situation which a

Don’t involve ministry in your problem, Danagogo tells Igbokwe

board member of the NFF said was out of their control. “The last time we did what we thought was best, we were forced to revert the changes by people in high places. This time around we are helpless”, the source lamented. “We are scared of announcing we won’t renew his deal due to what happened last time and unless he resigns or walks away we can’t help out”, he further added. Keshi himself has insisted he is still the best man for the job.

By Jude Opara, Abuja

HE Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Tammy Danagogo has told one of the parties to the dispute over the administration of football in the county, Barr. Iyke Igbokwe to desist from dragging his name into the matter. Danagogo who spoke througb his Personal Assistant, Media, Patrick Omorodion frowned at Igbokwe’s allegation that the Minister and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF), Senator Anyim Pius were trying to manipulate the outcome of the Barr. Okey Ajunwa Appeals Committee report. “It has come to my notice that one of the disputants in the lingering crisis of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Iyke Leo Igbokwe is alleging that the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission,

Ebikagboro joins U-23 team

•Timi

HE Nigeria Football Federation has appointed hardworking broadcast journalist, Timi Ebikagboro as the Media Officer of the U-23 National Team, otherwise known as Dream Team. Respected among his peers around the country for his energy, resource-

fulness and forthrightness, Ebikagboro has worked at the Delta State Broadcasting Service, based in Warri, for the past 15 years. Ebikagboro will resume immediately with the U23 squad that has started a screening programme at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja under Head Coach, Samson Siasia. The team’s immediate assignment is an 11th All –Africa Games qualifying fixture against Gabon, with the first leg away in Libreville in February 2015.

•Keshi

NFF plans Serbia, Croatia friendlies for Eagles

Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria challenges Toni Sunjic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

HE Nigeria Football federation has vowed to ensure that the Super Eagles never face the embarassment of failing to qualify for a major tournament again. The Eagles were beaten to the third position in Group A of the qualifying round behind South Africa and Congo Brazzaville. And one of the strategies is to make adequate use of the FIFA free window for friendly games to put the team in top shape at all times. “Aside the friendly against Brazil, which we announced earlier, we are looking at meeting Serbia, Croatia or Bosnia during the FIFA free window”, added NFF President Amaju Pinnick. “We will also use the window to show the world

that Nigeria is a good destination for sports tourism”, he said. The NFF has already announced that the game against Brazil, scheduled for March 25, will be played at the new Akwa Ibom stadium in Uyo.

•Danagogo Dr.Tammy Danagogo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ayim Pius Ayim are attempting to subvert the operations of the Appeals Committee of the NFF headed by Barrister Okey Ajunwa. “Rather than wait for the committee to conclude its work after hearing the appeal brought to it, Barrister Igbokwe has jumped into conclusion that the committee is delaying its pronouncement because of an unsubstantiated allegation of pressure by the Sports Minister and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. “It is pertinent at this point to call on Barrister Igbokwe not to drag the name of the Minister into whatever problem he is having with the Nigeria Football Federation or its Election Appeals Committee and therefore should desist from insinuating that the Committee is being pressured by the Sports Minister and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation into subverting the outcome of its finding”.

CAF appoints Pinnick into Nations Cup organizing body

HE Confederation of African Football has appointed the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, as a member of the Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations is CAF’s top organizing body. In a letter signed by CAF President, Alhaji

(Dr.) Issa Hayatou, CAF invited the NFF supremo to the opening ceremony of the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Malabo on January 17, 2015, and also to coordinate one of the four centres during the three –week, 16 –nation tournament. The 30th Africa Cup of Nations will take place in four Equatorial Guinea cities 17th January – 8th February, 2015.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — 63

Federation Cup: Why we lost to Enyimba –Rotimi Sunday By Jacob Ajom

OLPHINS Foot ball Club of Port Harcourt goalkeeper, Rotim Sunday has attributed the club’s fail-

ure to beat Enyimba Football Club of Aba in the final of the 2014 Federation Cup Sunday to momentary loss of concentration by his defence line.

Pele stable after medical evaluation

RAZIL football leg end Pele has been hospitalised for another “medical evaluation.” The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo says the three-time World Cup champion is “stable” after being admitted late on Monday. Brazilian media says Pele has a urinary infection, but the information could not be immediately confirmed by the hospital. The 74-year-old Pele was released from the

*Pele same hospital less than 10 days ago after successfully undergoing surgery to remove kidney stones.

“We played very well,” he said, “but lost concentration in the closing minutes. It is one of those things because we planned to win and we were heading in that direction until the unexpected happened.” Rotimi said they have put that defeat behind them and were now poised to focus on the continental challenge ahead. “We are going to carry over our good form to the continent. We have resolve to win the CAF Confederation Cup. It is not a competition that is new to us. It is a familiar terrain,” Rotimi told Sports Vanguard in Lagos yesterday. “We are going to work hard and ensure we bring glory to Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.”

Besiktas want Cech

*Cech

French official receives life ban for gambling, match-fixing

N obscure 22-yearold French tennis player and official, Morgan Lamri, has been banned for life for gambling and match-fixing. Lamri, unranked as a junior or Tour professional, played a handful of minor matches on the Futures circuit, the last recorded of them when he double-bagled as a wildcard entrant in a qualifier in Morocco two years ago. The Tennis Integrity Unit, based in London, on Monday cited only Lamri’s role as an “official” when announcing

he had, “been banned from the sport for life after being found guilty of multiple offences”. They would not say where or when the offences occurred. Their statement added, without details, that there were, “16 separate breaches of Section D.1.a of the 2012 and 2013 Programmes”, which covers betting on any tennis competition. “Independent anti-corruption hearing officer Jane Mulcahy QC considered the case and imposed the sanction,” the statement added.

Besiktas are interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech if Jose Mourinho makes him available. The Turkish club are hoping to take advantage of their partnership with the Blues if they allow Cech to find a new side during the January transfer window. The 32-year-old has fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and is yet to start a Premier League match this season. Besiktas club president, Fikret Orman, told the Evening Standard: ‘We are working together with Chelsea to sign a player. We have not held talks yet, however Chelsea have recently made an agreement with Besiktas. ‘If Cech does become available I would support such a move.’ However Cech’s agent, Viktor Kolar, has played down the chances of his client moving in January. He said: ‘In the football world you can never rule out anything definitively, however, if you put together the facts with Petr ’s ambitions of a top-class goalkeeper, you will not be left with too many options.

*Rotimi

Austrialian cricket player in critical state after being hit by bouncer

USTRALIAN crick eter Phil Hughes is fighting for his life in a Sydney hospital after being knocked unconscious by a bouncer that struck him on the head during a Sheffield Shield match on Tuesday. The batsman, who has played in 26 Tests for Australia including three Ashes series, has had surgery and is in an induced coma in intensive care. The 25-year-old, playing for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), was struck on the side of his helmet by a Sean Abbott delivery and collapsed face-first to the ground shortly afterwards. It is now a tense wait for the loved ones and cricketing colleagues who rushed to his bedside to hear if Hughes’ surgery was successful. His family

has released a statement which said ‘the outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for the next 24 to 48 hours.’ Horrified spectators watched as paramedics performed mouth-to-

*Hughes

mouth resuscitation on the batsman and treated him on the boundary for around 40 minutes. He was then taken from the field on a medicab and flown to St Vincent’s Hospital by helicopter.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Liverpool face elimination —P.32

TODAY'S CHAMPS LEAGUE MATCHES Zenit Bayer Arsenal Malmo Ludogorets Anderlecht FC Basel At/Madrid

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Benfica Monaco Dortmund Juventus Liverpool Galatasaray Real Madrid Olympiacos

6:00pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

INSIDE

Senator warns NFF over Keshi

Why we can’t sack Keshi —NFF •P.62

Van Gaal meets Robben in hotel —P.33 *Sen. Gumbar

*Pinnick

ENATOR Adamu Gumba has warned the Nigeria Football Federation against any hasty decisions to ‘sack’ out-of-contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi. The senator also warned against any hasty decisions to disband the Super Eagles, as calls continue to mount for an overhaul of the entire Super Eagles team. Speaking in an interview with Cool FM, chairman of the senate committee on sports,

Senator Adamu Gumba also urged Nigerians to always exercise some level of patients before asking for the team to be overhauled. “I always say that Nigerians are impatient Continues on Page 61

IN FLIGHT: Brazil forward Neymar in majestic control of the ball at the last World Cup. Brazil have been grouped alongside Colombia in the COPA America 2015. See story on Page 61.

CAF appoints Pinnick into Nations Cup organizing body —P.62

Crisis delays Eagles N1.44bn World Cup money .61 g P —

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Broth (4) 4 Circuit (3) 6 Jump (4) 8 Stripe (6) 9 Gorge (6) 10 Consume (3) 12 Flutter (5) 14 Showy (5) 15 Peer (5) 18 Sofa (6) 20 Brawl (6) 24 Go in (5) 26 Uttered (5) 28 Conceit (5) 30 Spring (3) 32 Revenue (6) 33 Hidden (6) 34 Intend (4) 35 Fasten (3) 36 Woman (4)

Down 2 Surpass (5) 3 Stop (7) 4 Enjoy (4) 5 Divide (4) 6 Paramour (5) 7 Memory-loss (7) 11 Sicken (3) 12 Owns (3) 13 Fish-eggs (3) 16 Insect (3) 17 Newt (3) 19 Cost (7) 21 Material (3) 22 Coming (7) 23 Observe (3) 25 Sleep (3) 27 Recognised (5) 29 Challenged (5) 30 Remitted (4) 31 Pain (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 2, Raise 7, Hades 8, Drool 10, Bloom 12, Ear 13, Revue 15, Tactful 17, Edited 19, Rue 20, Patient 23, Clip 25, Dais 26, Tangled 30, Nil 31, Reside 34, Scraped 37, Satin 38, Tic 39, Debit 40, Repel 41, Reach 42, Steed.

Down: 1, Dazed 2, Rebut 3, Asleep 4, Slot 5, Pretend 6, Forum 9, Oaf 11, Mariner 13, React 14, Visit 16, Cue 18, Dangled 21, Tacit 22, Ashen 24, Panacea 27, Nip 28, Desire 29, Acted 32, Sated 33, Ditch 35, Rip 36, Deft.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.