I'll review Sanusi's N266bn deficit— EMEFIELE

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62109

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N150

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Court declares FRSC's new number plates •P.10 illegal

North, South split over 58, 59 voting benchmark

I'll review Sanusi's — EMEFIELE N266bn deficit BYJOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

•As Senate confirms him next CBN Governor •Promises to tackle ‘dollarization’ of economy

A

B U J A — NIGERIA’s next governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, promised to review the past expenditure profiles of the nation’s apex bank to find out why it ran a budget deficit of N266 billion in 2013.

Emefiele, who was con

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

•P.17

•P.19

Mr & Mrs •P.17

PUBLIC SERVICE DEBATE: From left, Abdul Mustapha, a lecturer in African Politics, Oxford University; Okechukwu Oko,

professor of law; Odein Ajumogobia, former minister of foreign affairs; Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations and debate moderator, and Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate at a public service debate entitled Will Nigeria be better served by a Parliamentary System of Government?, organized by The St. John's Forum in Lagos , yesterday.

Why FG partners US to repatriate Abacha loot 8 —AGF

Our presidential system of govt breeds corrupt leaders

8

Defection: APC lawmakers ask court to suspend judgment sine die 9

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

MEETING: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving a document from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs president and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar while Vice President Namadi Sambo (l) applauds during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo:Abayomi Adeshida

I'll review Sanusi's N266bn deficit — Emefiele Continues from page 1 firmed by the Senate after being screened for about two hours also unfolded his plans on how to grow the economy. He said the CBN under his watch will adopt development banking model.

During the confirmation hearing, yesterday, Senate President, David Mark, gave a stern warning to senators who were in the habit of hobnobbing with nominees before screening and confirmation to desist from it to protect the sanctity of the Senate.

The Senate had explained that the reason behind the confirmation of the CBN Governor before the expiration of the incumbent governor was to ensure that there was no lacuna.

While fielding questions from senators at the Committee of the Whole, the CBN governor- designate said he would probe into the various expenditure components of the bank to know how exactly the deficit became inevitable.

He said, “I will look into the budget expenditure components in the CBN but I am aware that we have what is called the operational expenditure profile as well as administrative expenditure profile.

“I think and I suspect that more of the deficit would have come from areas that pertain to operational expenditure and if it is about operational expenditure, it means that unfortunately, we cannot do anything about it.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

“Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals, and to imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.” C Kennedy-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

SOMETIMES also, it seems that when you are doing well, people you care about the most may not be as enthusiastic about it as you are. It can be frustrating, to say the least. Don’t let those, who put down your good luck or accomplishments, get you down. Instead, use their lack of interest or support as motivation to do even better things. You don’t need anyone’s approval, just your own. Don’t let others’ negative or indifferent attitudes affect your desire to grow and prosper.

Remember the saying that if you feel you need to go one way, even when everyone else is going the other way, do so, do so to make positive changes in your life and for this world. I guarantee you that you will never regret that decision. Believe in yourself, other people will also believe you in time.

Ella Randle

“This is because those were the expenditures that were incurred in the course of open market operation which is needed to ensure that we maintain a strong currency and ensure that we continue to have a good country.”

On the issue of high target to bank staff, he stated that there was nothing wrong with the target even as he said that in any establishment, there was always a target which he said always led to promotion, though he was silent on the issue of immorality that the target normally leads to especially among the female staff.

Dollarisation of the Nigerian economy He also promised to look into the dollarization of the Nigerian economy as his prime duty as one of the core mandates of the CBN was to maintain the legal tender, adding that continuous dollarization of the economy would create problems in the economy.

His words: “On the issue of dollarization of the Naira, I think one of the core mandates of the CBN is to ensure that we maintain a legal tender and respect it and ensure that whatever is done, our Naira has to be used as a legal tender. I will take it as a primary responsibility to ensure that the attempt to dollarize the Nigerian economy is discouraged. We should not allow it because it will create problems for the economy.”

He, however, assured the Senate and Nigerians at large that if approved, his own regime as the CBN governor would not spend any money in contravention of the law.

Emefiele noted: “The core

mandate of the CBN is to achieve monetary and price stability, ensure strong exchange rate and build foreign reserves. We will ensure that we have a sound financial system in Nigeria.

“We will work hard to achieve macro economic stability in the country where inflation rate will continue to come down. We will also ensure that the interest rate will continue to come down.

During my tenure, whatever monetary policy decisions we take will be those that will lead to the improvement in the level of employment in Nigeria because employment is very crucial to national development.

“Today we have an employment emergency in the country and we must ensure that whatever decision we take at the CBN will be those that will lead to improvement in the level of employment in Nigeria. We will work with the manufacturing companies to ensure that we improve on their level of production and by extension, ensure that we achieve economic growth and development in Nigeria.

“The CBN and all stakeholders in the economy will play a central role towards ensuring that we grow the Nigerian economy in a stable environment. We will do this through the adoption of the development banking model that had been tried and tested in different jurisdictions in the world.

“In fact, in some of the frontiers and emerging markets in the world, we have seen development banking used as a tool towards achieving economic growth and development and industrialisation. In the Latin America countries of Brazil and Mexico, development banking was used for their economic growth and development.”

On the issue of the cashless economy introduced by Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, he said, “The cashless policy is one that we consider very good and important because all nations of the world today are embracing electronic banking as an electronic channel for doing business.

“Nigeria being a very important country in the comity of nations should also embrace the cashless regime. We are going to look at part of the policy that has to do with penalty being imposed on excess withdrawals.

“We will review it to ensure that we mop up all the cash which are outside into the banking system notwithstanding the limit but we

will encourage people to make sure that they embrace the electronic form of doing business. Then we could say that when making withdrawals, you should pay something to encourage you to embrace the electronic form of doing system. We will look into that and make it better.”

Also speaking on devaluation of the currency, he said, “it is true that we have seen the reserves dropping, it is as a result of speculative attack on the naira because people think that there will be devaluation as a result of what is happening in the world today.

No develuation of currency “There is no need for anybody to worry about devaluation because it is a very devastating action to be taken in the country particularly because we are an import-dependent country.

Devaluation will hurt the economy. We have an economy that is still very strong with about $39bn in foreign reserve to sustain about nine months of import. For as long as we have crude prices standing at about $100 per barrel, it is a strong economy.

“So, if we allow devaluation to happen, it will hurt the economy. Because we are import dependent, if we allow devaluation, many people will lose their jobs, prices of goods and services will go up, productive capacity will come down and eventually lead to inflation.

“The policy being adopted now which allows us to hold on to exchange rates and ensure that we do not engage in devaluation should be continued.”

He also described AMCON as a child of circumstance, stressing, “it came about as a result of the financial crisis to clear toxic assets in the books of some banks and to address the plights of those who lost investment in the capital market. “If the agency was not established, some of the banks would have been liquidated today and the cus-

tomers would have lost their deposits.”

On the exchange rate, we will continue to ensure that we have a strong exchange rate. “What the CBN is doing now is to use various instruments of currency policy to ensure that we control the exchange rate. Actually, the exchange rate that the CBN has is N155 to one dollar. We have the unofficial markets but the CBN usually intervenes from time to time to bridge the gap between the official and un official market.”

Emefiele equally promised a cordial relationship between the apex bank and the Ministry of Finance towards ensuring economic growth. He said, “the Central Bank of Nigeria is the monitoring authority whereas the Ministry of Finance is the fiscal authority. It is important that in their relationship they must work in one direction.

“They must push in one direction. If we push in opposite directions what you will find is that we are not going to be able to achieve economic growth and development that we are talking about. It is important that both the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank move in one direction. If the decision is that we should pursue a conventional policy, both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance should be seen to move in one direction.”

However, Senator Mark warned that “We don’t have to follow the nominees out of the chamber. Please, we should sit where we are (and) if you want to see them later on, we can do so.

The way we follow to go and take pictures and all that is not the best for elder statesmen who are our senators. I want to appreciate your cooperation in that aspect”.

Mark at the end of the exercise noted that the number of hours spent on the screening and confirmation of Emefele was clear indication of the importance that the Senate attached to the offices.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

A suspect arrested.

IBADAN HORROR HOUSE: Demolition of the kidnappers' den at Soka forest, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as ordered by Oyo State government, began yesterday. PHOTOS: Dare Fasube.

Members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, where on ground.

6 accused of stealing 817 bags of flour

Police stop demolition of Ibadan horror house z42 SIM cards found on ‘mad’ suspect z Mob sets another ablaze

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN— EXPECTATIONS of hundreds of people whose relatives are still missing were dashed, yesterday, in Ibadan when the demolition of the kidnappers’ den at Soka in Ibadan, where hundreds of people have been killed by suspected ritualists, was stopped midway by men of the Oyo State Police Command.

The people who came from different parts of the country claimed that some victims were still trapped in a dungeon which is yet to be located.

This came as 42 SIM cards of various networks were found on a man that pretended to be a madman.

The arrest of the man followed the jungle justice meted out on him by angry youths after the discovery of the den last Saturday. The youths mobbed the man and another one in separate parts of the city.

Vanguard gathered that the incidents took place at OkeAdo area of Ibadan, where a man feigning madness was caught and set ablaze.

Eyewitnesses said the man disguised as a madman while a pistol, foreign currencies and three ATM cards were found on him. Police took his burnt remains away.

The other suspected kidnapper was attacked at Queens Cinema area, but the police rescued him.

Confirming the two incidents, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said three identity cards of different names and N11,600 were found on the man rescued at Queens Cinema. Forty two SIM cards of various networks were also found on him.

The order

On the demolition of the kidnappers’ den, the main building used by the kidnappers as torture chamber, was about being pulled down when policemen said “an order from above” had put the demolition on hold.

Immediately, scores of policemen who had been deployed to the place left in droves leaving a few of them behind.

While people were waiting for the next line of action, some members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, stormed the den with red piece of cloth tied round their heads.

After making incantations, they claimed some people were still somewhere at the den.

Later, another message came that everybody should leave the area for security men to do their job.

Governor Ajimobi, through the Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo said that

the demolition was stopped to allow the team of forensic experts from the police headquarters in Abuja carry out their investigations.

The governor also directed environmental health officers to fumigate the forest and the entire area to prevent outbreak of epidemics.

Why demolition was stopped

No sooner had the demolition of the buildings started than the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Ndabawa, called the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Prince Ayoade Abass Aleshinloye, informing him of the need to stop the exercise to allow the team of forensic experts from the police headquarters in Abuja carry out their investigations.

Abass Aleshinloye was at the site with his Ibadan South West Local Government counterpart, Mr. Taoheed Adeleke and the General Manager of Ibadan Local Governments Property Development Company, Mr. Lekan Babalola, to supervise the exercise.

The police boss said if the exercise continues, concrete evidence that would help the police in their investigations would be destroyed.

The demolition and clearing of the bush will, however, resume tomorrow as the forensic experts are expected to have completed by then.

Abass Aleshinloye and

Adeleke said efforts were being made to ensure that the speculation in some quarters of a possible dungeon in the forest was properly investigated and the site cordoned off.

Accord Party, APC govt trade blames

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, Oyo State Chapter, has called on the National Human Rights Commission and civil societies to step into the Soka house of death saga to get an unbiased report.

The party alleged that the state government should be held responsible for the atrocities committed in the den.

The party, represented by Chief Ayodele Adigun, former Secretary to the State Government, said the land belonged to the Oyo State Government, having revoked the site from its earlier occupiers.

Responding to the allegation, the All Progressive Congress Publicity Secretary, Dauda Kolawole, said: “The people of Oyo State are in a state of grief and shock at the horrendous discovery of ritual killers’ den in the state.

“The situation calls for sober reflection from all and sundry. To be confronted with this cheap politicking in the name of infantile accusation by the Accord Party is like opening the fresh wounds of the people of the state who are still mourning their dead and lamenting the ugly incident.”

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— A 52 year old man, Ojo Fajana, and five others, accused of stealing 817 bags of flour worth N5.3 million were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The other defendants are Okpara Uzoma, 47; Jerry Ugwoke, 38; Sunday Aina, 36; Femi Sunday, 32 and Emmanuel Orivi, 22.

They are facing a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing, preferred against them, by the police.

If found guilty, the defendants are liable to three years imprisonment.

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

She adjourned the matter to May 5.

The police Prosecutor, ASP Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences between December 31, 2012 and February, 28 2013. He said that the incident took place at 22, Wilmer Street, Isheri area of Lagos.

Nnamonu said the defendants stole 817 bags of flour valued at N5.3 million, belonging to one Mrs Oluwafemi Oshagbemi.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 —7

Iyare Motors boss' wife, daughter kidnapped

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN— THE wife and daughter of a Beninbased transport magnate and Chief Executive of Iyare

Motors, Abel Omoruyi, have been reportedly abducted in Benin.

Vanguard gathered that Mrs. Omoruyi and her daughter were said to have been kidnapped by unknown

gunmen, Monday evening, in the Ugbor area of Benin metropolis, while they were returning home from her place of business.

At press time, yesterday, the abductors were yet to make contact with the family of the victims.

When contacted,

Agbero to die by hanging over theft of N5,520, two phones

spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Eguavoen, confirmed the incident.

He said: “Police have received the complaint and we have swung into action.

We are doing everything to rescue the victims unhurt and to arrest the perpetrators.”

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA— A MOTORPARK tout, popularly called agbero, has been sentenced to death by hanging having been found guilty of robbing his victims of N5,520 and two handsets, while armed with cutlass, when his gang broke into their apartments.

The 31 year old convict, Emeka Nweke, said to be the only son of his parents, was yesterday sentenced to death by an Asaba High Court, which agreed that prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Prosecution had told the court that the convicted armed robber, with others now at large, robbed one Izuchukwu Okeke and other residents of various sums totaling N5,520, while armed with dangerous weapons at Oduke within the Asaba judicial division on or about the 30th day of September 2012.

Also, another high court in Asaba has sentenced one Ndubuisi Obiora, 26, a c o m m e r c i a l motorcyclist, otherwise known as Okada rider, to death by hanging for robbery.

The convicted armed robber wept and rolled on the ground immediately the judge handed down the death sentence.

The suspected ritualist that feigned madness at Ring Road area, Ibadan. NAN PHOTO.

JTF officer accused of raping 4-year-old girl in Plateau

BY TAYE OBATERU & MARIE THERESE NANLONG

J

OS— A member of the Special Task Force, STF, in Plateau State ( names withheld), has allegedly raped a four-year-old girl in Kassa village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

Villagers said the suspect was in the habit of raping minors as this was the third time he had committed the act by luring victims into his makeshift tent.

The Chairman of the Local Government, Emmanuel Loman, confirmed the incident, saying “a policeman attached to the STF in Barkin Ladi raped a girl at Kassa village yesterday.

“The girl has been bleeding profusely and is currently hospitalised at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital.”

He added, “it is sad that

some security personnel posted to restore law and order have abandoned their duties for something else.

What has restoring order got to do with defiling a minor?”

He called on the Commander of STF, Major General David Enetie, to ensure that the culprit faces

the wrath of the law as the local government would also follow the case to its logical conclusion.

The Medical Officer of Barkin Ladi General Hospital, Bapigang Audu, said: “A minor of about four years was, yesterday, rushed to the hospital and from

results conducted so far there was forceful penetration as her hymen was broken.”

Audu further lamented the high rate of rape cases in the locality, stressing that over 10 cases of rape had been brought to the hospital in the past six months.

Man caught with Diazepam in Lagos airport

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

O

PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday, arrested a 39-year-old electronics merchant with eight kilogrammes of Diazepam injections at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

The suspect, Mr. Udoji Chike, was caught while attempting to smuggle the drug to Liberia aboard an Arik Air flight.

Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said that the suspect disguised the diazepam as packs of Alabukum powder which is not a controlled drug.

Mr. Umar told newsmen that “officers discovered 8kg of Diazepam injections in a luggage brought by one Udoji Chike.”

The luggage was meant for export to Liberia. He has accepted ownership of the drug and he will be charged

to court soon after investigation” Meanwhile, Chairman of NDLEA, Ailhaji Ahmadu Giade, urged the public to desist from drug trafficking, stressing that the consequences were condemnable as they affect both the individual and the society.

‘Why I did it’

The suspect said he got involved in drug trafficking in order to give his wife some money for her upkeep.

He said: “I am a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Monrovia. I sell electrical equipment and electronics in Liberia where I have lived with my family since 1997. I came to spend last Christmas with my family in Ihiala, Anambra State.

“Unfortunately, my father died on January 8. Since then I could not go back to Liberia and I am worried how my wife and child are coping financially. So I agreed to carry the drug.”

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

NIS tragedy: Jonathan sets up committee to conduct fresh test

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

F

OLLOWING the cancellation of the tragic recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service, penultimate Saturday, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the composition of a Special Committee to assist in reconducting the exercise.

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

According to the statement the committee would be chaired by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Other members of the committee are the heads of: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC; Federal Fire Service; Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Prisons Board.

Others include representatives of: the Head of Civil Service of the F e d e r a t i o n ; the Commandant-General NSCDC; Comtroller, Prison Service; the Corp Marshal, Federal Roads Safety Commission; Director-General, Department of State Service DSS and the Permanent Secretary, incharge of Special Duties at the Office of SGF who will serve as Secretary.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee are as follows: To liaise with the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board and confirm the actual number of personnel to be recruited; To assist the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board by re-advertising the recruitment into the NIS with a view to starting the recruitment process afresh; To assist the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board by processing the applications, short listing potential candidates and conducting the necessary interviews for the purpose of the recruitment exercise; To assist the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board by following all relevant laws, public service rules and guidelines, to determine successful applicants and announce their appointment into the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Why FG partners US govt to repatriate Abacha loot — AGF

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—THE Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, said yesterday that Nigeria would do all within its powers to support moves by the United States Department of Justice to ensure that funds looted by former military head of state, General Sani Abacha, were repatriated to the country.

In a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday, the AGF, maintained that the overall objective of the effort was to guarantee that “Nigeria as the Victim State, is able to have the forfeited assets (money) repatriated to Nigeria to fund development projects for the benefit of the people in accordance with the dictates of Chapter IV of the United Nations Convention against corruption, UNCAC. According to him: “The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the forfeiture proceedings initiated by the United States Department of Justice against the property related to the corrupt conduct of late General Sani Abacha, the former head of state of Nigeria, and his associates and the subsequent laundering of corruption proceeds.

“The proceedings will make it possible for the defendants to

forfeit over $550million and £95,910 in 10 accounts and six investment portfolios linked to the Abachas in France, United Kingdom, British Virgin Islands and the United States.

“We applaud the efforts of the United States to recover the proceeds of corruption for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.

“As the Central Authority for the Federal Republic of Niger-

ia, my office has received requests for Mutual Legal Assistance for the Central Authority of the United States and we are cooperating with the United States in line with the obligations we assumed under the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

“The overall objective of these efforts is to ensure that Nigeria as the Victim State is able to

have the forfeited assets (money) repatriated to Nigeria to fund development projects for the benefit of the people in accordance with the dictates of Chapter IV of the United Nations Convention against corruption (UNCAC). Let me assure you that Nigeria as State Party to UNCAC will do all that is required to realize this objective”, the AGF stated.

FEC MEETING: From left, Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (left) discussing with the Power Minister, Prof. Chinedu Nebo while the Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Abduljelil Adesiyan (first right) confers with Minister of State (Defence), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (3rd right) during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja yesterday. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Our presidential system of govt breeds corrupt leaders — Soyinka ...Ajumogobia, others root for parliamentary style said, ‘’unless the government

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

L

AGOS—NOBEL Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday took a swipe at the presidential system of government being practiced in Nigeria, describing it as a model that breeds corrupt leaders.

He also regretted that those who were not elected bulldoze their ways into public offices under the present structure of governance.

Soyinka, who was among the panelists at the inaugural Public Service Debate convened by the Saint John’s Forum, titled: Will Nigeria Be Better Served By A Parliamentary System of Government?, spoke in Lagos.

The event, which also had former Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who was represented by Prof Okechukwu Okoh, Dr. Abduraufu Mustapha as panelists, was moderated by former Commonwealth

Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

Soyinka further stressed the need for a public discourse on the structure of government that can guarantee fair representation of Nigerians, adding that the public became critiques of the presidential system of government because it is close to kleptomania.

In addition, he argued that unlike parliamentary democracy, the current system of government in Nigeria, is prone to manipulation.

According to Soyinka: ‘’Parliament reminds me of the organisation that I belong to, the international parliament of writers. The organisation does not make law and does not belong to any constituency.

Whatever system of government you operate, is determined by so many factors. There is a straight line between dishonourable members and what Nigeria is going through.

Yerima is one of those that make laws but he defiles the law. We need a public discourse on a structure that guarantees

representation of the people.

Those who were never elected bulldoze their ways to the hallowed House. ‘’You cant say that after the civil war, people can’t examine the protocol that bind them.

The cost of democracy in the two systems, which is cheaper and less open to manipulation?

Which one encourages corruption? The public became critiques of the presidential system because it is close to kleptomania. Presidential system breeds corrupt leaders.’’

In his remarks, Ajumogobia said: ‘’The characteristics of the two systems of government, showed the tendency of each system to fail. Parliamentary system has its characteristics that makes it work. In Nigeria, we have sectional leaders.

Parliamentary structure ensures greater accountability. In the list of transparent countries in the world, you will discover that the majority operate parliamentary system. It provides for better benefits to the people.’’

Also speaking, Ekweremadu

addresses the past, it can not work. We need a system that will protect our values. We need a system that will address all the questions begging for response. You can’t go forward except you address the past.

The ideals of presidential system is good but the problem is the operators. Every system aspires to make its institutions work, , but the problem is the operators of that system. We need a people oriented system.’’

Other speakers at the forum took turns to advance their preference for any of the systems of governance. But an opinion poll that was conducted at the event indicated that many would want a parliamentary system for the nation.

The St. John’s Forum is a non partisan platform committed to advancing dialogues that promote the common good in all aspects.

It believes that the coming together of such a diverse body of people with widely differing backgrounds and aspirations to debate the issue, must ultimately promote good governance.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—9

Defection: APC lawmakers ask court to suspend judgment sine die

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—FIF TY- ONE lawmakers that defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, persuaded the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to suspend judgment on a suit they entered before it with a view to stopping their former party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from declaring their seats vacant.

Though the high court had on February 18, concluded hearing in the suit and adjourned to deliver its verdict, however, at the resumed sitting yesterday, the lawmakers, through their lawyer Mr. Magaji Mahmood, SAN, filed a fresh motion, asking the trial judge to hands-off the matter and await the outcome of a referral application entered before an appeal court in Abuja.

Immediately the case was called, the plaintiffs told the court that they have gone before the appellate court to seek a clearer interpretation of section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, stressing that in-line with the tenets of judicial hierarchy, the high court, ought to put the judgment on hold and await the decision of the higher court.

Relying on Section 295(2) of the Constitution and decided caselaw in Achebe vs Mbanefo, 2007, 10NWLR and FRN vs Ifegwu, 2003, 15 NWLR, the lawmakers, argued that since there are five separate suits bordering on their defection to the APC, it would be in the interest of justice to allow the appellate court to interpret the relevant section of the constitution relating to the subject matter of litigation.

They therefore prayed the high court to suspend judgment on the suit, sine-die (indefinitely).

Meanwhile, the PDP and the Senate President, Mr. David

Mark, yesterday, challenged the competence of their application, urging the court to discountenance it and proceed with the judgment.

Counsel to PDP, Chief J.K Gadzama, SAN, described the application as an abuse of court process, saying it was a deliberate ploy by the lawmakers to further extend their stay in office knowing fully well that they would be sacked for violating the provisions of the constitution through their acts of defection.

According to PDP, “This matter was for over a month ago adjourned till today for judgment.

It is a matter which is of urgent national importance that different sections of the polity are affected.

Everybody is waiting anxiously for the outcome of this case which pertains to tenure of office that is time bound.”

“This fresh application is a classical example of an incompetency. It is a very clear

example of what should not come to court. There is no appeal against any ruling of this court on this matter so far, what then are they appealing against?

“In the eyes of the law, there is even no application for referral.

Moreover, a copy of the application they are brandishing before this court was not certified. What they are trying to do is to go to the appeal court through the back window when the gates are wide open.

“We urge this court to dismiss the application and proceed to immediately deliver judgment in the case”, Gadzama stated.

Besides, PDP, contended that section 295(2) of the Constitution gave only the high court the powers to refer a matter to the appellate court, insisting that the lawmakers ought to have filed the said application before the high court and not at the appeal court like they have done.

Likewise, the Senate President,

through his lawyer Mr Kenneth Ikonne, sought the dismissal of the application, saying “it is even inequitable and unethical for the plaintiffs to be talking about referral at this stage. Having already fully participated in the hearing on the merit, they have waived any right they had under section 295(2) of the Constitution” Mark told the court that the application was misconceived, “It is a disingenuous attempt by the applicants to arrest the judgment of this court. Secondly, no cogent reason had been adduced in support of the application. The intendment of section 295(2) of the 1999 Constitution is not to relieve the High Court of jurisdiction to hear matters of which it is already seized, even if those matters border on the interpretation of the Constitution. After all, section 252(1) (q) of the Constitution vests the Federal High Court with original jurisdiction to interpret the Constitution”, he argued.

CONFERENCE: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right), Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, Meg Hillier, and Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State during the British Africa Diaspora Conference held at the House of Parliament, London, Tuesday.

Fayose is PDP’s candidate for Ekiti election, party insists

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—AHEAD of June 21 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP declared yesterday that former governor Ayo Fayose who won last week’s primary election to defeat others, remains the party’s candidate for the election.

In a statement yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received the report of the Ekiti State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee.

“After thorough consideration of the report, the NWC approved the result and upheld the

...I will deliver Ekiti State to PDP, former gov vows nomination of Ayo Fayose as the candidate of the PDP for the June 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State.

“The NWC commended the committee for the conduct of a peaceful and transparent exercise and urged all PDP members in the state, including the other aspirants to support the candidate of the party to ensure a successful outing at the guber election.”

13 out of the 14 aspirants contesting for the ticket were clamouring for consensus, while Fayose insisted that there must be primary and he eventually won the primary with a wide margin last Saturday.

Reacting to the party’s position,

Fayose, who spoke through his aide, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, appealed to those who lost to put behind them issues before the primary and let them bury the hatchet, just as he urged them to work with him for the success of the party.

He said, “I wish to thank the PDP leadership and Mr. President for providing we the aspirants a level play ground. I thank the party leadership for upholding my nomination. I promised with God helping me, I will deliver Ekiti state to PDP. “To those who lost, am appealing to them to bury the hatchet and put the primary behind and lets work together for

the party to win. The PDP umbrella is very wide and accomodating. I can assure them that nobody will lose and I will not victimise anybody. The interest of the party is far above any personal interest.”

Meanwhile, ahead of Osun State gubernatorial election slated for August 9, a former member of the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke yesterday submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the governorship race, just as he alleged that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has disconnected the people of the state from their resources.

Use of aircraft by terrorists not true — COAS

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS—The Chief of Air Staff,CAS Air Marshal Adesola Amosu ,yesterday in Lagos, described as untrue claims that the Boko Haram insurgents were releasing explosives through the airspace.

Rather,he assured that the Air Force was monitoring the air space ,threatening that any aircraft discovered to be used to unleash terror on Nigerians would be brought down.

Speaking with journalists at a seminar organised by the Nigeria Air Force Logistics Command, Ikeja, Amosu further handed down a warning to terrorists never to consider using the air to perpetrate their dastardly acts.

He said: “The claim that Boko Haram insurgents bombed from the air is not true. The information is far from the truth. Someone who does not know Nigeria Airforce planes may see it and think they belong to the insurgents. We are in full control of the airspace of Nigeria” Reinstating the Airforce preparedness to carry out its constitutional responsibility , Amosu disclosed that : “ In the Northeast, we have deployed additional technology that will enable us see when there is any strange thing in the air. Don’t forget that we have air defence capabilities. When we observe such aircraft, we would intercept it and bring it down. I can assure you. We are monitoring our airspace I can assure you.

“One of the things we do as leaders is that we visit our men constantly to boost their morale. Generally, we set up an operation independent of the countering of insurgency and that operation is to ensure patrol of our borders. We wanted to get intelligence on how they get their supply. That was why we embarked on the patrol.

He explained that the aerial border patrol was necessary because it was one major way to nip in the bud any likely move by criminal minded individuals to bring to move in incriminating materials.

“One of the ways we can cut off fuel supply to them is to be sure that we monitor how they move because they might camouflage the fuel as other goods.”, Amosu said.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Court rules FRSC's new number plates illegal

BY INNOCENT ANABA AGOS—A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday held that it was unconstitutional for the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to impose new number plates on motorists in the country.

The judge, Justice James Tsoho, delivered the judgment following a suit by a lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, challenging the powers of FRSC to issue the new number plates.

Ofoegbu had challenged the power of the commission to impound vehicles of motorists who failed to acquire the new numbers.

Tsho held that it was unlawful for the respondent to impose the new number plates on motorists, where there was no existing law permitting same.

He said: “The issue of redesigning new number plates by the respondent is not covered under the provisions of any law in Nigeria.

“The respondent cannot force Nigerians to acquire new number plates by impounding cars, without the backing of any legislation to that effect.

“I hold that the act of the respondent amounts to an arbitrary use of power, and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.

“Judgment is, therefore,

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Governor’s office not affected by CBN fire —ALADE

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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AGOS—ACTING Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr. Sarah Alade, said yesterday that no serious damages was recorded in the fire incident that occurred at the Lagos office of the apex bank.

Addressing journalists during an inspection visit to the affected building, Alade said the fire incident did not claim any life or destroy the records of the apex bank.

She said the fire affected the first floor of the over 50-year old building which housed the Branch Support Office and one or two administrative rooms. She added that the few files lost were minor as the bank had effective backups under its disaster recovery system.

She said that the Governor’s office was not located on the affected floor, but was located in the 22-storey new building of the bank. She added that the branch office was for the service of CBN’s stakeholders in Lagos and its environs.

entered in favour of the plaintiff, and all the reliefs sought are hereby granted, I so hold.”

The plaintiff had filed the suit on September 30, 2013 through a Human Rights Activists, Mr Ogedi Ogu. The plaintiff had sought a declaration that the threat by the respondents to impound vehicles of motorists, who failed to acquire the new number plates was invalid and unconstitutional.

In his statement of facts, the

plaintiff averred that the old plate numbers were issued under the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations, NRTR, 2004.

He averred that the NRTR 2004, is a subsidiary legislation made under the FRSC Act, Laws of the Federation as revised in 2004.

Ofoegbu averred that there was no law made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which prohibits the use of the old plate numbers, or

declares its use as an offence.

He also averred that the threat by the respondent to impound vehicles and arrest motorists who failed to comply with the October 1 deadline, was a gross violation of the provisions of 36 (12) of the constitution which guarantees the rights of individuals.

He had, therefore, urged the court to declare as unlawful, the threat by the respondent, to arrest motorists using the old number plates because there is no law validly made in accordance with the constitution prohibiting its user.

TRAINING: Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, (middle), Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (2nd right), Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga (2nd left), Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu (right) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Eko Project, Ms Ronke Azeez, during a Training and Sensitization on Teachers’ Competency Framework, TCF, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Lagos expects 263 days of heavy rainfall this year

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS—LAGOS State government, yesterday, declared that the state is expecting 263 days of rainfall this year and this may be accompanied with strong winds, lightning and thunderstorms.

It added that rainstorms would be common over the coastal cities areas with occasional flash flood and ocean surges that would greatly affect persons living along the flood plains but the

magnitude of devastation shall depend on the activities of the people.

It would be recalled that the state government last year, announced rainfall of between 249 and 275 days with intermittent stoppages.

The state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated this at the presentation of year 2014 annual seasonal rainfall prediction and socioeconomic implication for the state as earlier predicted by Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, held at Ministry’s office, Alausa, Ikeja.

“The Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, SRP, rainfall onset date for this year began in the first week of March in the southernmost part of the country and late June in the far northern parts. However, rainfall onset in Lagos Stare has since commenced from 14 March, 2014 in Ikeja, with a three days marginal error was given.

“The strong winds, lighting and thunderstorms which are regular phenomena during the onset and cessation of rainfall was also predicted to occur in stronger magnitude during this year’s raining period,” he stated.

Advocacy, regulatory role remain our priority —CIPM BOSS channelsi.e.printandelectronicmedia.

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AGOS—PRESIDENT and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, has said that the institute’s advocacy and regulatory role remain an urgent priority.

Famuyibo, who stated this in Lagos at the 45th Annual General Meeting of the CIPM, said the institute must see the need to selfregulate the practice, to ensure that its members adhere to its code of conduct.

He also noted that six strategic objectives which include

advocacy, corporate governance, regulatory role, organisational capability, membership development and financial sustainability, still remain the institute’s key focus.

Hesaid:Thebuildingofamillennium 5 storey edifice is on course. Though work was stopped temporarily due to the ‘Stop Work Order’ from the Lagos StateMinistryofPhysicalPlanningand Urban Development, but contractors had since been mobilised back to site earlier this month.

“As part of a brand plan, the Institute launched its ‘brand endorsement campaign’ across two marketing

“Ourmembershipdevelopmentwhich remains a priority as the Governing Council approved a revised proposal designed to expand the 'route to entry' into the Institute’s membership cadre.

“The CIPM accreditation also received a boost as the Institute was invited to the meeting of the National Council on Establishment in llorin in February 2014.”

The highlight of the annual general meeting was the election for the post of National Treasurer in which Mrs. Ifeoma Adeniyi was elected unopposed, as well as the election of 5 newCIPMcouncilmembersfortheyear 2014 - 2015.

Oba of Lagos stool: Court adjourns for out-of-court settlement

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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A G O S — JUSTICE Samuel CandideJohnson of a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday adjourned till May 5, 2014 for report of settlement in respect of a suit challenging the legality of Oba Riliwan Akiolu’s accession to the throne of Oba of Lagos.

The court adjournment was not without a drama when the presiding Judge, Justice Samuel CandideJohnson shouted down a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Babatunde Fashanu over whether or not the court should adjourn the case for report of settlement or for definite trial.

The claimants, Prince Sammy Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile had eleven years ago filed the suit asking the court to set aside the appointment and installation of Akiolu as the Oba of Lagos.

Joined as respondents in the suit are Governor of Lagos State, AttorneyGeneral of the State, Prince Babatunde Akitoye, and Chief Junaud Eko.

Oshodi rail station to resume services after 7 yrs

BY BOSEADELAJA AGOS—THE Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, is to re-open its Oshodi station in Lagos on March 31 after seven years of closure.

The NRC said in a statement in Lagos yesterday that the proposed re-opening was in response to appeals from commuters.

The statement was signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos District of the corporation, Mr Ademuyiwa Adekanmbi It noted that the highly patronised station was shut following a clash between two factions of the National Union of Road Transports Workers.

The NRC said that much damage was done to the station, train engines and coaches during the clash.

It urged commuters to patronise the corporation.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 11

Osun guber: APC doubts other parties competitiveness

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BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, yesterday, said opposition aspirants for August 9, governorship in the state so far might not be able to compete effectively with the incumbent governor Rauf Aregbesola.

This came as Governor Aregbesola debunked insinuation that he had entered into any alliance with the former governor of the state, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, over the August 9 Governorship election in the state According to the party: “For any governorship aspirant in the state to say that since Aregbesola came to power the governor has not commissioned “a single project” is absurd.

“Again, any aspirant who is out in the open criticizing Aregbesola’s Youth Empowerment Programme, which has become a United Nations model that is being replicated across the country- even by the PDPled Federal government of Nigeria-must be a low-level mischief-maker."

Amosun presents C of O to 12 beneficiaries

BY DAUD OLATUNJI BEOKUTA—OGUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday, gave out Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents to the first set of beneficiaries under the Homeowner’s Charter.

The governor, while presenting the documents to ten beneficiaries at the Conference room of the Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta , expressed satisfaction with the interest so far shown by indigenes in the scheme and charged those yet to take advantage of the program to do so.

Amosun explained that the Homeowners’ Charter was an initiative of the state government that was introduced last December to enable homeowners regularise their legal status at a discounted rate.

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Osun model good for child education, says Amaechi

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE SOGBO—CHAIRMAN of a faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, and the governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuke Amaechi, yesterday, said adequate school feeding programe such as that practised in Osun State was key to better education of the Nigerian child.

Amaechi while delivering a lecture titled, “Higher Education and Good Governance in Nigeria: The way Forward” at the second Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Distinguished Guest Lecture Series, at the University Auditorium, main campus in Osogbo, charged every governor in Nigeria to learn from Osun.

This came as Governor Rauf Aregbesola noted that despite the dwindling allocation coming from the federal government, his administration was still providing development projects.

Amaechi held that other states of the federation should emulate the school feeding programme of Osun, saying the programme would reduce the number of outof-school children in the country.

He said he was amazed with the level of infrastructural development of Aregbesola’s government in the State of Osun.

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According to Amaechi: “Every serious governor should take education seriously, though it is common for most governors to want to concentrate on road construction because people will praise them.

“It is not enough to construct

roads alone. The issue of his school feeding programme deserves applause and every other state must emulate it because it will drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children which is rampant in Nigeria.”

Speaking on his commitment to basic education, Governor Aregbesola said: ”Basic education is not negotiable, that is why we are doing what we are doing on basic education considering the neglect that the sector had suffered, it is our concern to give it necessary quality.”

SIGNING: Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (left), signing the Contributory Pension Scheme and Land Use Charge Bills into Law, at his office, in Akure, on Tuesday.

With him is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN.

Anyim urges youths to defend nation’s unity

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BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE—THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday said the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable and should be defended by the youths.

Anyim spoke in Akure, Ondo State capital at the opening of the South-west zone of the centenary quiz competition organised for the six states of the region.

He said people from the various groups in the country, particularly youths should always look forward to a great Nigeria in another 100 years.

Speaking through the Managing Director, Centenary City Plc, Dr. Ikechukwu Odenigwe, Anyim said the quiz competition was part of the moves to unite the people of the country and foster the spirit of nationhood.

He said the leadership of the nation was looking upon the youths to move Nigeria forward and ensure that it became one of the greatest nations in the world in no distant time.

On his part, Governor Olusegun Mimiko said the theme of the quiz competition “I know my country ” was

appropriate at this time of national life as it would afford the youth the opportunity to be familiar with the nation’s past.

Coordinator of the Centenary Quiz Competition, Mrs. Angela Nmoh, said the competition had succeeded in educating Nigerians about

the history of the country towards instilling the spirit of patriotism and fostering unity among Nigerians.

Fayose lashes Fayemi for linking Jonathan to PDP primaries

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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DO EKITI—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has lampooned Governor Kayode Fayemi over his comments on the emergence of Fayose as the governorship candidate of the party, saying it is purely an internal affair of PDP. Fayose while reacting to Fayemi’s comments, insisted that there was nothing wrong if President Goodluck Jonathan supported Fayose emergence as the party gubernatorial candidate.

The governor spoke in a statement on Monday.

Fayemi said that the President would be held responsible for any act of

violence by his party ’s governorship candidate But reacting through his spokesman, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said: “Picking Fayose by the PDP is purely internal affairs of the PDP and the party has the right to pick who it feels can win the election. Fayemi who we learnt developed malaria immediately Fayose was declared winner perhaps is back to office now.

“Fayemi and APC can call Fayose names they like. It is meaningless to the teachers, workers, traders, Okada riders, drivers, artisans, pensioners and students who went to town jubilating because Fayose won the primary.

“It is a signal to Fayemi if he does not know that his days in the government are numbered since Saturday March 22 when

Fayose won the party’s ticket.

“Fayemi who accused Jonathan of supporting Fayose perhaps has forgotten that Bola Tinubu and Niyi Adebayo equally supported him during the ACN governorship primary in 2006 over Dayo Adeyeye, Caleb Olubolade and 14 others prompting their defection to PDP. So, what is wrong in that assuming that Jonathan supported Fayose which he did not but provided level play ground for all the aspirants.

“On the issue of murder raised

by Fayemi, the police have since 2008 cleared Fayose. On EFCC case, I can’t talk on that because the matter is in the court and by the grace of God the law says I am innocent until court proved otherwise. Therefore, the cries of Fayemi are meaningless. We are going to meet in the ring on June 21 and will know that I am his master.”

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Bayelsa advocates stiff laws against pollution from oil exploration

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Government has advocated stringent environmental laws to protect and preserve of the environment against crude oil pollution and other activities occasioned by oil exploration and exploitation activities in the Niger Delta.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who made the call when members of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, led by their Chairman, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), visited him in Yenagoa, lamented what he described as the ongoing environmental terrorism in the region.

He said an environmental summit would be organised soon to discuss ways of mitigating the effects of oil and gas exploration and exploitation in the region.

The governor said he was committed to collaborating with NOSDRA to facilitate the speedy passage of the amended act of the agency, which had undergone first and second readings at the National Assembly.

He emphasised the need for international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to protect the environment, la-

menting the manner in which the environment was being abused with what he referred to as “reckless abandon.”

The governor, said: “What has been going on in Bayelsa State and in all oil producing areas, concerning the levity with which oil companies treat the issues of the environment and the maintenance of environmental and health standards, is unacceptable.

“When you look at all of these and particularly listening to your (NOSDRA) chilling statistics,

which I believe is only a tip of the iceberg, one is left with no other conclusion than that, we are actually facing a case of environmental terrorism.

“What has been going on in the Niger Delta since the discovery of oil, a situation where more than one spill takes place in Bayelsa every day, is most unfortunate, going by what your statistics is telling us and all these sites, are treated with reckless abandon and the environment is left to fend for itself.

The livelihood and in fact the lives of the people and the ecosystem are not attended to.

What then is more of terrorist action than this?

“This is an opportunity again for us to remind ourselves that we all have a duty to work together as government and it is also an opportunity for us to call on all stakeholders especially the oil companies, regulatory agencies and everybody to be alive to the need to protect our environment.”

SEMINAR: From left: Mr. Jerry Uchechukwu Eze, President, Streams of Joy International; Mrs. Odo Edeogu, wife of the Vice Chancellor, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Professor Pat Utomi, Founder, Centre for Values Leadership; Professor Hillary Odo Edeogu, Vice Chancellor, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Toyosi Akerele, Founder RISE Networks, at the RISE National Youth Forum, sponsored by MTN, at the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

Give govt time to settle Warri North crisis —Egbema group

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—EGBEMA for Positive Change, EPC, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, has appealed to Egbema Radical Change, ERC, the Ijaw group which admitted blowing up the Dibi pipeline, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, last week, to give government time to address their grievances.

In a statement by its president, Mr. Ebi Fetimi, the group said: “We call on Egbema sons and daughters, particularly members of the Egbema Radical Group, to allow all relevant government agencies, which the matter had been reported to, the opportunity to find an amicable solution to the complaints.

“The crisis is gradually snowballing into an uncontrollable dimension with the blow up of the Dibi pipeline, a major oil facility of Chevron.

We have always advocated a peaceful resolution of the is-

sues that led to the crisis and we shall continue to seek peaceful options at resolving the dispute.

“We have warned several

times that the crisis may continue to escalate unless the Delta State Government and the leadership of the Itsekiri people in Warri North, ad-

dress the fundamental question of the marginalisation of the people of Egbema-Ijaw in Warri North.”

Niger Delta ex-militants take non-violence philosophy to schools

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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N their efforts to take the gains of the Federal Government amnesty programme for Niger Delta militants to the grassroots, former militants are now taking the non-violence philosophy to primary and secondary schools in the region.

The consultant to the programme, Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria, FEHN, which is anchoring the initiative, tagged: Message to School, said that same was to inculcate in the students, a consciousness to shun violence and embrace unity across all ethnic lines.

Speaking on the initiative, Mrs. Motunrayo Boladale, FEHN's Programmes Officer, said the move is “a practical approach at the reintegration of the ex-militants as they serve as peace vanguards, teaching the nonviolence philosophy to primary and secondary school students in the region."

The ex-militants who hitherto were youths of violent means now come on board with transformed identities, grooming young minds towards living lives worthy of emulation.

“The programme captures an essential stage of the development of the young stu-

dents, inculcating tenets of non-violence orientation as well as civil behaviour in them as they grow and take up various responsibilities in the society.

"A fundamental strength of this package is its illustrative drive, being that it utilises a platform where the students can see the transformed exmilitants in the wake of their new lifestyles and share in the knowledge that birthed their own journey towards non-violence transformation.

This helps to cultivate the young minds to embrace practical solutions to all forms of possible conflicts within the society.”

Oil, gas host communities in Edo seek dialogue with contractor

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—HOST Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Edo State, have appealed to the contracting firm laying the West African gas pipelines from Oben in Edo State to Lagos, Zakhem Construction Nigeria Limited, to look into their legitimate demands instead of branding them as thugs and hoodlums, insisting that it was the only way the company could be guaranteed safe operations in the state.

They accused the company of failing to respond to their letters on their social and economic well being, saying: “We have, on several occasions, made legitimate complaints bordering on the violation of our rights relative to the company’s corporate social responsibilities to our communities in writing to the company.”

Representatives of the host communities, who staged a peaceful demonstration, yesterday, at the Edo State construction site of the company in Obayantor, Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area of the state, accused the company of total neglect and disregard for the rights of the communities as well as its non-compliance with the provisions of Nigeria Local Content Act, Nigeria Land Act and other extant laws.

In the protest letter by Dr. Sam Igbineweka (Chairman), which was also copied to President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Inspector-General of Police and 13 others, the communities called on the company to immediately tender a written apology to the host communities in the state for neglect, marginalisation and disregard for their rights and expectations in its implementation of the Oben- Kogi State gas pipeline project and the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline project.

The communities are, meanwhile, demanding for the payment of N2 billion for the destruction and degrading of their habitat, environment as well as the destruction of their means of livelihood caused by the laying of the gas pipelines.

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14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Ignore ‘no work no pay’ directive by FG —COEASU

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA — COLLEG ES of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, yesterday, directed chapter chairmen to ignore the ‘no work, no pay’ directives of the Federal Government.

In a March 19 letter, en titled “update on issues in contention with government and need for caution”, General Secretary of the union, Mr. Nuhu Ogirima, called on all members not to bow to pressures from the government.

The union lamented that its meeting with the Federal Government on March 18 failed to resolve its demands for better condition of service, adding that it was yet to receive an approval letter from the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on the Peculiar and Responsibility Allowances as well as the migration of the lower cadres.

Rectors seek end to polytechnic, varsity dichotomy

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA — THE Coun cil of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, COHEADS, yesterday, sought an end to the discrimination against graduates of polytechnics in the country, saying it was counter-productive.

COHEADS after its 127th regular meeting at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, called on the Federal Government to urgently review the policy of discrimination between graduates of polytechnics and varsities and warned that it was not good for the growth of the country.

The seven-point communiqué by the Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Matazu, also urged the Federal Government and the striking lecturers to shift grounds to resolve the prolonged strike.

Reps want one-lane traffic on River Niger Bridge ...as move to rescind cancellation of NIS recruitment suffers setback

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, asked the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission,FRSC, Osita Chidoka, to move his men to existing Niger bridge, Onitsha, pending the completion of the second bridge.

Chidoka is to further station

the Corps’ towing vans on the approaches to the bridge to facilitate prompt removal of broken down vehicles.

This move was sequel to a motion promoted by Mr. Cyril Egwatu, who argued that human and vehicular traffic had increased tremendously since 1970 when the bridge was rehabilitated, after it was blown up during the Nigerian civil

war.

Moving the motion, which was unanimously adopted without debate, Egwatu also argued that overloaded vehicles often broke down on the bridge obstructing the free flow of traffic, adding that even when the bridge was not originally designed for double lane traffic, reckless users had continued to form up to four traffic lanes on it.

VISIT: Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State (left), chatting with the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Shehu Yusuf, at the Government House, Enugu during the visit of the latter to the governor.

Resident doctors threaten strike over govt’s failure to implement agreement

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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BUJA — NATIONAL As sociation of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, NARD, has warned the Federal Government to strictly adhere to agreements reached with it or risk another round of strike across the country.

President of the Association, Dr Jubril Abdullahi, gave this warning at a briefing at the National Hospital after several weeks of monitoring the implementation of agreements signed by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the association, He said: “We observed that government is yet to fully implement the agreements reached, relating to proper funding of residency training, implementation

of payment system and welfare of our members.

“The sudden and unwarranted removal of teaching allowances from the emoluments of some category of our members despite paying it to allied health workers and the presence of an adopted position on its retention for all doctors.

“Termination of rural posting allowances in institutions that hitherto have been enjoying it” They stressed that, “this is surprising as the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of determining rural centers are yet to sit.

“It is pertinent to state that, contrary to stories being peddled by partners nay adversaries in the industry that a new salary package has been approved for doctors as contained in the joint AHPU and JOHESU press briefing of March

10th, what was done was to correct the injustice done to doctors twenty two years ago.”

Dr. Abdullahi said government should also be ready to face another round of disruption of services in the country unless it did the needful.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has directed the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and its partners to ensure Nigeria exited the group of polio endemic countries, in line with the presidential deadline on the programme.

The Minister gave the order while receiving the Executive Director of the Agency Dr. Ado Muhammad, who was in his office to brief him on the mandate; progress and challenges facing the agency on its programmes’

Enugu police nab 10 suspected certificate forgery syndicate members

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU STATE Police Command has arrested one Ngozi Orji and nine others over alleged involvement in selling forged school certificates.

According to a press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, in Enu-

gu, the suspects were apprehended by Abakpa Police Division on March 24, following a tip-off from members of the public.

According to the statement, stamp seals bearing Academic Affairs unit of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, scanners, desk top computers, among others, had been recovered from members

of the syndicate.

The statement said Ngozi Orji, who is said to be an alleged forgery king-pin and residing at No. 38, Bus Stop G.R.A, Enugu, was apprehended after some persons reportedly revealed her illicit activities to security operatives.

The principal suspect, a native of Owelli Court in Awgu Local

Another motion promoted by Ahmed Idris seeking, among other things, approval of the House to cause President Jonathan to rescind his earlier directive to cancel the recent tragic recruitment by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, and constitution of a special committee to do a fresh one suffered setback on the floor.

It would be recalled that the President had in the wake of the tragedy, ordered the cancellation last week, and raised a committee under the leadership of Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, but Idris argued that the President’s directive contravened the provisions of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board, CDFIPB. Idris said this development was tantamount to total disregard of law, for the executive arm of the federal government to unilaterally constitute a separate committee to conduct fresh recruitment into the NIS when there was an existing law which gave such powers to the CDFIPB. His submissions were, however, countered by Mr Nicholas Ossai who, through a point of order, drew attention of the House to Order 67, Rules 4 and 6 to the effect that there was a substantive motion already adopted, with a mandate to the House Committee on Interior to investigate the tragic incident, and would be out of order to take a fresh motion on the same subject matter.

But Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, argued that the said order referred to by Ossai did not contemplate general issues, but specific matters, which the illegal constitution of a committee was one.

He urged the House to take the matter on its specificity.

But the Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who presided, asked Chairman of the Committee on Interior, Umar Bature, whether the mandate for the investigation covered the current matter being raised.

While calling on the House to allow his committee finish the investigation first, the lawmaker explained that the CDFIPB Act recognized the Interior Minister as Chairman of the Board, implying that the subsisting motion would not yield anything different.

Government Area of the state and other members of the syndicate, allegedly forged certificates of some institutions which they sold to persons, who were not graduates of such schools.

The police spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was completed.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—15

FG tasks Broadband Media Advisory C'ttee on robust campaign

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

HE FEDERAL Government has tasked the newly inaugurated Broadband Media Advisory Committee to embark on robust enlightenment of the public on the importance of broadaband network.

This comes on the heels of recent launch of broadband campaign in Lagos by Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

The 15-member committee, which was inaugurated, last Monday, is made up of media professionals who are expected to assist the communications' partners to create immense publicity for the broadband awareness campaign.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, had taken the broadband campaign awareness to core international investors at different telecoms fora, organised by the International Telecoms Union, ITU in Dubai, UAE and Bangkok, Thailand.

The awareness drive, focused on wooing international businessmen to invest in Nigeria’s broadband plan, "is beginning to yield results," according to the minister.

The Federal Government had a soft launch on broadband awareness, and went ahead to inaugurate the Media Advisory Committee that will further take the campaign to the urban and rural communities, through massive publicity that will highlight the benefits of broadband to Nigerians.

Alleged misapplication of MDG fund: Reps summon NDE DG

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA — THE House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and Values has summoned the Director General of National Directorate of Employment, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar, over how he allegedly spent N44million Millenium Development Goals, MDGs, fund to commission three centres.

Vanguard reliably gathered

that the committee, while going through the 2013 expenditure of the agency, uncovered how the agency allegedly recorded that it spent N44 million to commission three centres.

A source said this discovery irked chairman of the committee who demanded the invitation of the agency’s director-general.

According to him, the DG was asked to appear on March 16, but deliberately avoided the committee and turned down the in-

Govt moves to check anti-trade monopoly

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA — THE Federal Government has concluded plans to provide a legal framework to prevent anti-trade and monopolistic practices in the Nigerian economy.

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who briefed State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, yesterday, said the the two reform bills presented by the President to the Council were the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2014 and the Nigeria Postal Commission Bill.

According to the Minister, the bills are necessary to support transformation achievements recorded in the Nigerian economy in the past ten years.

The minister noted that a committee, headed by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, had been enpanelled to further examine the bill before transmitting same to the National Assembly.

He said: “The Nigerian economy has been undergoing fundamental reforms for the past ten years. These reforms have been aimed at achieving a transition from a state-dominated economy, where all the key sectors of the economy are dominated by government parastatals to transit into a market-driven economy that opens all sectors of economy to private sector competition.”

”Now in the course of these reforms, a number of government agencies and companies have been privatised in the last ten years or have been opened up for competition.

“The purpose of the reform is to ensure that where government has constituted a clog in the wheel of progress, particularly in key sectors, we opened them up to ensure increased private sector investments."

vitation.

In the document made available to Vanguard, the agency spent N16,077,842.14 in commissioning of Araromi training centre in Ibadan and another N16,077,842.14 on Onipanu training centre also in Ibadan.

Another training centre located in Bwari was commissioned with over N12m, bringing the total amount spent by the agency in commissioning three centres to N44m.

The committee also queried the cost of replenishment of consumables at NDE/MDGs skills centres put at N2m each which appeared in 13 sub-heads totalling N26m.

It was also gathered that the committee queried why N17,952,000.00 was spent on fueling of generating sets for on training cycle at N50,000.00 per centre.

Vanguard further gathered that members of the committee were angered because the DG shunned their invitation and threatened that the committee must get to the bottom of the matter.

He said: “We will like to know how he spent MDG funds to commission centres whether one meat pie or scissors used to cut the tape cost N1 million. ”Even MDG uses N23m to build a block of three classrooms including furniture, yet our NDE, an agency designed to alleviate poverty, squandered N44million on commissioning ceremonies.

We also expect him to tell us what he meant by training consumables which appeared in 13 subheads. ”Why he also used an MDG intervention fund for such spurious expenditure, we need answers to those things we queried. ”The most annoying part of it all is the fact that the MDG intervention fund is billed to end in 2015. “ When contacted, Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Abiodun Faleke, confirmed that the committee had issued another summon to the DG. He said: “We know what to do if he turns down this committee again because he has no reason to disrespect our invitation.”

NATIONAL CONFAB: From left, former Niger State Deputy Governor, Dr. Shem Nuhu, discussing with Senator Musa Adede, and Amb. Mamman Yusuf, at the National Conference, in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

Nigeria records 180,000 cases of TB annually —WHO ....ranks 11th among 22 high burden countries

BY VICTORIA OJEME & RAPHAEL IZOKPU

M

INISTER OF State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, yesterday, expressed concern at the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the country.

Alhassan, who also noted that the country was ranked 11th among the 22 high burden countries in the world, said the 22 countries accounted for 80 per cent of Global TB burden, with a total of 180,000 cases occurring annually in Nigeria.

Speaking on the occasion commemorating the World TB Day, Dr. Alhassan maintained that the disease remained an epidemic, and blamed non-detection of the disease for the high number.

He said: “Tuberculosis today, remains an epidemic in most parts of the world, causing the death of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries. Nigeria ranks 11th among the 22 high burden countries that account for 80 per cent of global TB burden.

”The World Health Organisation in 2013 Global TB report estimated that a total of 180,000 TB cases occur annually in Nigeria. ”However, the recently concluded National TB prevalence survey have revealed that actual burden of TB in the country is about three times higher than the current WHO estimates and five times more than what is being notified by the programme. ”The burden of the disease in Nigeria is further made worse by the negative effects of the inter-

actions between TB and HIV.” He described TB as the most common life-threatening disease and the number one killer among 'people living with HIV,' PLHIV. Dr. Alhassan expressed regret that despite efforts by government to eradicate the scourge, most of the TB patients in the country were still being detected, blaming the development on the large pool of infectious people.

According to him, the TB Knowledge and Attitude, KAP, survey conducted in 2013 also

showed that knowledge about TB in the community was low.

Alhassan, however, assured that government would continue to provide drugs for management of drug resistant TB and associated logistics. ”We will also continue to build the capacity for management of drug resistant TB at all levels.

While this is ongoing, the expansion of services for drug-susceptible TB from the current 5,356 treatment centres will be pursued aggressively,” the minister said.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Muslim Council urges confab delegates to adopt parliamentary system

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

ILORIN — KWARA State Muslims Council has asked the delegates to the ongoing National Conference to adopt the parliamentary system of government so as to reduce the high cost of governance in the country.

The council also advocated the adoption of a singleterm of five years for the President and governors to reduce political tension and fast-track development in the country.

Spokesman of the group and former Grand Khadi of the state, Justice Abdulkadir Orire made this known during a news conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Ilorin, the state capital, yesterday.

2015: Southern Kaduna people predict victory for Jonathan, Yero

BY IKENNA ASOMABA

T

HE PEOPLE of Southern Kaduna have predicted resounding victory for President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero in the 2015 elections.

This was contained in a joint

statement by two socio-cultural organistions representing the interests of the people of the area yesterday, the Southern Kaduna Youth for Progress and Development, SKYPAD, and the Southern Kaduna Progressive Youth Movement, SOKAPYM.

Danjuma Sarki signed on behalf of SKYPAD, while Caleb Abbott signed for SOKAPYM. They debunked alleged claims by certain groups in the area that voters in the zone would not support candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming elec-

Niger govt to honour Abubakar today

N

IGER StATE Government has concluded plans to name an ultra modern hospital named after a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) today.

The decision was informed by the meritorious service rendered by Abubakar to the development of the state, as well as his contribution to the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.

Speaking on the honour being bestowed on the former military leader, a top civil servant in the state, who pleaded anonymity, described Abubakar as a distinguished officer, gentleman and statesman, who brought honour to the state.

GRADUATION: From left, former President, KADCCIMA, Hajiya Nuhu Aliyu; Chairman, TY Danjuma Foundation, General T. Y. Danjuma, ACCIF team leader, Mr. Ranti Daudu (behind Gen. Danjuma), and district head, Barnawa, Alhaji Mohammed Zubairu, at the graduation ceremony of ACCIF/TY Danju Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi

tions, saying that Southern Kaduna had always been a PDP zone.

Furthermore, they warned those they described as enemies of the Southern Kaduna people against politicising the crisis in area, saying no group other than SOKAPU and the Southern Kaduna Elders Forum, had the mandate to speak for the entire people of the zone.

They, however, said that both SOKAPU and the Elders Forum had articulated their positions at different fora and”there was nowhere, they stated that our people will not vote for President Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero or the PDP. ”Rather, they clearly stated our demands and expectations, without politicising the issues or engaging in partisan threats. The people of Southern Kaduna strongly stand by that position.”

They also condemned the killings of over 100 innocent citizens of Southern Kaduna as well as attempts by some groups to escalate the issues. ”We out-rightly reject any ploy by any individual or group under whatever guise to use the current happenings in our area to seek cheap popularity, advance personal interests, settle personal scores or achieve partisan goals.”

They also urged security agencies to redouble efforts at ending the attacks on hapless citizens in the area.

Federal Medical Centre shut over insecurity

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI — The management of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Makurdi, has shut the hospital and ordered the evacuation of patients, following the state of insecurity occasioned by the killing of 60 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the area.

The Consultant Pathologist at the FMC, Dr. Donatus Dzuachii, had earlier said that dead bodies from the Falani/Tiv war in Gbajimba,

Guma and Gwer communities had over-stretched mortuary facilities at the FMC. Dzuachii, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Makurdi, yesterday, said that the mortuary, which was designed to accommodate only 50 corpses had 107 corpses.

He said that 54 of the corpses had been abandoned in the mortuary in the past one year, while the remaining 53 were victims of herdsmen attacks and those who

died of ailments unrelated to the attacks.

“The mortuary is actually overwhelmed with corpses; at the moment we have 107 corpses, 54 unclaimed corpses while 53 corpses are victims of the ongoing crisis in Guma, Gbajimba and Gwer.

However, reacting to the situation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah, had directed the deployment of over 800 military personnel to assist the Benue State government stem the clashes between herdsmen and the natives in the state.

On Tuesday, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Tse-Agena community after sacking the people of Gbajimba, Guma Local Government headquarters, killing and maiming innocent people, especially women and children.

This was even as some students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, had

started fleeing their hostels for fear of being killed by the Fulani attackers.

One of the students, who preferred anonymity, told Vanguard, yesterday, in Makurdi, the state capital, that they fled their hostels due to lack of adequate security within and outside the institution which is less than 30 minutes drive from Gbajimba town. ”We have no choice, but to flee our off-campus homes and hostels because Gbajimba, which is just few minutes drive from the school, had been deserted and our fear is that they may re-group and attack the campus and its environs. ”Some of us have decided to attend classes from the town because nobody knows the next move of these invaders. " The management of our institution has also not found it expedient to beef up security within and outside the institution."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 17

L

AST week, Olisa Metuh, the ruling PDP’s Publicity Secretary, said the insurgency in the country was sponsored by unpatriotic elements to discredit President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

According to him, Jonathan is being persecuted for no other reason than being a Nigerian from a minority ethnic group, adding further that no leader in the history of the country faced the height of persecution the President has been subjected to since he assumed office. Well, just in case Nigerians had forgotten, and with eyes firmly fixed on the needs of the 2015 elections, Metuh “recall[ed] statements by some politicians vowing to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan on the eve of the 2011 general elections”. And in order to awaken [Christian] religious consciousness (manipulating the religious fault line has be-

Olisa Metuh’s Goebbels complex place, the fact that his statements have not been denied by the PDP, make them official party position. Similarly, it is incredible that the Jonathan PDP administration knows the “unpatriotic elements” sponsoring insurgency but has chosen not to arrest and prosecute them since

,

Metuh is a bad salesman for PDP’s political wares; his consistent effort to manipulate Nigerians’ emotions by reference to the 2011 post-election violence is part of the grand strategy for the 2015 elections

come grand strategy of the Jonathan campaign project for 2015 just like it was in 2011!), he described the action of the ‘unpatriotic’, but apparently faceless elements (it is always politically profitable to set up straw men, that can be repeatedly flogged!), as “the climax of wickedness only heard by Lucifer in the distant bosom of hell fire”.

A few days later, Metu went even further when he said that his PDP had “verifiable evidence” that the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, was involved in insurgency in the country. According to him, his accusation was “not in vain”, just as he had summarized the manifesto of the APC as “a product of Janjaweed ideology”.

Unprecedented violence And to remind us that the dirty politicking for 2015 was already underway, Metuh added that “it was not a coincidence that after General Muhammadu Buharinhad beckoned on his supporters to go on a lynching spree should he lose the 2011 presidential election, an unprecedented violence broke out, which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Nigerians”.

Not done, Metuh, then returned to Buhari’s “allegory” of bloody monkey and baboon in respect of the 2015 election as well as Nasir El-Rufai’s warning that there might be violence if the 2015 elections were not free. Metuh said El-Rufai’s admonition amounted to “prophecy of violent deaths and destruction”.

There are many interesting matters arising from Metuh’s desperate attempt to play Joseph Goebbels’ card. In the first

,

2011. It also refused to arrest and prosecute General Buhari and Nasir El-Rufai, despite Metuh’s “verifiable evidence”.

It means that something is wrong with the PDP and its administration, because by refusing to so act, they violate Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, which says: “The security and welfare of the peo-

ple shall be the primary purpose of government”. Hundreds of Nigerians have been killed in the Boko Haram insurgency and yet in spite of the PDP having “verifiable evidence” of those responsible, President Goodluck Jonathan has flatly refused to act upon the evidence, allowing Nigerians to continue to die!

No wonder that he has refused to visit Yobe where over 50 young Nigerian students were recently slaughtered or Borno, where hundreds have been and are being killed!

Metuh is a bad salesman for PDP’s political wares. His consistent effort to manipulate Nigerians’ emotions by reference to the 2011 post-election violence is part of the grand strategy for the 2015 elections. He hopes to herd Nigerians into the larger of religion for effective divisiveness in 2015. It is also part of that grand design that there is the propaganda that the opposition APC is a Muslim party, dominated by Muslims. They

are apparently or implicitly saying the PDP is also a Christian party! The exploitation of religion for political advantage is very dangerous politics but is clearly important for circles around President Jonathan, and party spokesperson Metuh for the 2015 elections. It served Jonathan well in 2011; he has returned to visiting various churches around the country, to strengthen the narrative that he is the Christian candidate.

Metuh’s demonisation of his APC opponents from that same platform fits a pattern of manipulative use of religion for political ends. It is the reason that I describe Metuh as suffering a Goebbels Complex: repeat a lie as often as possible and a significant segment of the population might believe a reasonable amount of the lies.

It is instructive that on the same day that Metuh was expressing his Goebbels Complex, the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was un-

furling a new counter-insurgency strategy for the country. Dasuki’s plan recognises that there must be a de-radicalisation process along with a welllaid out socio-economic project that seeks to empower the young and vulnerable in those areas of the country where the insurgency has laid communities to waste and has been responsible for the recruitment of young people as well as the killings of many of these young people. In all that Dasuki laid before Nigeria, there was no hint of Metuh’s “verifiable evidence”.

It was a proffessional, well thought out document, which offers a different narrative as well as providing a responsible platform to end the insurgency; de-radicalise the youth, working with people in the various communities where the insurgency took hold and hopefully, opening up the vistas of an inclusive, democratic society, with a modicum of social justice.

It is unfortunate that Metuh was making his wild statement on the day that the NSA was assisting President Jonathan with a serious, well thought out and patriotic programme. A Goebbels Complex is an expression of the irresponsible side of politicking; unfortunately it is the complex that Metuh thrives upon as PDP’s spokesperson. With individuals like Metuh, it should not surprise us that the PDP has moved so far away from the patriotic idealism of its founding fathers; like the much lamented Chief Sunday Awoniyi.

National Conference 2014: Of sparks, hot air and entrenched positions

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NE of my resolves as a del egate to the 2014 National Conference is to keep a running diary of events of each day. I have not been able to do so just yet.

But I have observed as keenly as possible as the heat of the battle of the entrenched positions of the various delegations has risen like the thermometer in the two days of meeting this week.

Because of the alphabetical arrangement of seats, I have sitting almost directly behind me, Col. Anthony Nyiam, whose name connotes controversy at various levels of our national life. It is very safe to describe Nyiam as a very emotional man. He responds to arguments with a passionate abandon and I have tried to engage him in discussion about his views of the Nigerian situation.

Of course his position has been severally canvassed in the media and they reflect the general argument that many elite circles in Southern Nigeria canvass: restructuring the country into regions so that they can not only control their resources, but also “healthily” compete with each other, as they decide how they govern themselves.

It is clear to me that the fundamental contradictions located in the nation’s political economy choices completely escapes Ny-

iam as it does a lot of those who share that broad perspective. I say that not as critique of the individual, but merely to point out that the posturing that heat the Nigerian polity are located squarely within the inter-elite rivalry that has been fought from ethno-religious and regional trenches since the beginning of Nigeria. It was also clear to me that the demographic reality of Nigeria does not play into the focus of disputation, either within the National Conference or out of it, with the various groups of the nation’s elite.

Passionate debate That is why the underlining current of the passionate debate which commenced this week has been about the positions of the so-called regions and so fiercely insistent are they going to be canvassed, that one of the elite groups, the Yoruba elite, actually said that any Yoruba person that refuses to support that agenda must not return to Yorubaland!

Phew! And before you could spell conference, the outlines of the battles of the next three months are already out in bold relief. The debate about consensus or

whether 75% of delegates voting as the Procedure Rules book said, or the 2/3 of delegates voting as a section of the delegates canvassed on Tuesday this week.

Those who did the numbers crunching noticed that there were deliberate imbalances worked into the composition of the delegates to the National Conference from the beginning.

Of the 492 delegates, only 191 come from Northern Nigeria; that could not have been an accident!

Those who want the voting pattern changed are mainly the delegates from the South who sensed that the numbers momentum is with them and the Northern delegates will not allow any deviation from what Procedure Rules book said, especially again because President Jonathan canvassed the option of consensus building during the National Conference.

I don’t have any delusions about the depth of distrust between elite groups in Nigeria.

That has been one of the greatest problems militating against building a genuinely great country. It has never stopped amazing me that the default position for elite groups in Nigeria, whenever they are locked in rivalry, has always been to question the right of their country to continue to

exist: secession and disintegration seem to be some of the most beloved concepts amongst Nigerian elite groups and as we move ever closer to 2015, they seem determined to make that end of Nigeria become a self-fulfilling prophesy. This week at the National Conference, the sparks, heat and entrenched positions are becoming the frighteningly dominant currents of the discourse.

They are portents for the monster on the horizon. Nigeria is dangerously divided; elite groups have built emotions close to hate for the “other” and these emotions becloud judgement and condition the thrust of argument and debate. If we cannot build the consensus to break these emotive logjams, then things will get even worse as we move forward. That is very clear in my mind.

But I am very interested in how these elite forces will play their hands and meet the admonition from President Jonathan that “we must seize the opportunity to cement the cleavages and fault lines that separate us”. From what has happened this week, it appears that those cleavages and fault lines have become dangerously wider between us!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 ELECTIONS present the best opportunities for candidates to say the worst things about their opponents. Threats and counter threats appear to be the only selling points of most candidates. We are seeing more threats as people jostle for space in the governorship elections in Ekiti (June) and Osun (August).

These are preludes to the preparations for the bigger ones, the 2015 elections. In Ekiti, the earliest practising pitch, a party secretariat has been torched, possibly at the level of intra-party feuding. Nothing stops opposing parties from pulling that stunt. All seems to be fair in the war they call politics.

Worries about who becomes governor, to some, are more important than what happens to the States, and the larger society.

We are again seeing the damaging threats that precede elections. In 2011, there were thrAeats of the country being ungovernable if certain people did not win the elections.

Actors in the States are adopting the same approach, from rancourous primaries to campaigns themed on what has not been done, rather than what candidates intend to do.

Tough On Thugs Thugs are back in business. They have no reason to relent from a profitable venture.

Instead of punishing the thugs who destroyed lives and property during the 2011 elections, government assumed responsibility for the losses by paying compensations to the victims. It is instructive that nobody was punished for the riots that swept through many States. Some political leaders had openly promised trouble if certain candidates did not win.

Last year while handing out cheques to victims of election violence, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State said, “Let me take this opportunity to call on the political class in this country to exercise utmost caution and high sense of responsibility in all our actions and

utterances before, during and after elections.”

Mobs act on some people’s behalf. They are equipped, they are fed, they are paid, they are drunk on their principals’ violent utterances, and most importantly, they are assured the law would not inconvenience them. We cannot excuse murderers and arsonists because they act for politicians.

Duplicity in treating electoral offences makes sanctions unjust and unjustifiable.

Every Nigerian has a right to lawful contention for power. Every Nigerian has rights to legitimate alliances to access power under the constitutional provisions on freedom of association. We must avoid being so consumed about winning elections that we set the country on fire.

Laws guide our country. Those who aspire to lead – and their supporters – must eschew threats in their ambitions. They should be telling Nigerians how their leadership would improve Nigeria.

The country has gone through enough violence since 2010. Voters should punish those who threaten the peace by not electing them.

OPINION

BY GODWIN ETAKIBUEBU

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HE President inaugurated the National Conference in Abuja on Monday. By so doing, he has fulfilled another promise of “this nebulously packaged Transformation Agenda”. Another noise making gathering of the people has commenced. It shall produce nothing except the desires and wishes of the man who singled out everyone that is qualified to be member, and that is the President himself. That is not to say that one or two people, or even a group or tribe, besides the President, shall not benefit from the gathering at Abuja. Yes, a few others shall definitely benefit from this jamboree that is meant to “deceive most Nigerians a little more”.

The Urhobo tribe of the Niger Delta has benefited majorly already, even before the inauguration of the Conference. This “lucky” tribe which ranked the fifth largest tribe in Nigeria re-identified and reaffirmed all her enemies in one swoop – courtesy of the selection of delegates. This is what the Urhobo Nation has benefited so far and there may be other groups or nationality that might have come into this category.

But for now, l will limit my observation and comment to the Urhobo people only.

Who are these enemies of the Urhobo people? They are three, at least for now and these are: [1] Urhobo sons and daughters in politics, [2] Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan; Governor of Delta State and [3] Goodluck Jonathan; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There is no way one can accuse these great individuals without verifiable evidence on ground. I shall attempt producing the evidences by presenting facts of conviction for everyone

Urhobo tribe and her three core enemies to peruse. But I need to say one or two things about the Urhobo of the Niger Delta region first. Who are they?

The Urhobo speaking people are geographically concentrated in the central senatorial district [or call it zone] of Delta State. It borders the Isoko, Izon, Ukwani, Itsekiri all around and with its numerical population strength, it has remained the stabilising factor of that region, ditto Nigeria as a whole. I will give only two examples of its stabilising facto role-playing for the purpose of this presentation.

Major General David Ejoor, a retired General and former Chief of Army Staff, is from Urhobo tribe. When he was the Governor of the Mid-West Region, he reverted the banishing of the Olu of Itsekiri to Ode-Itsekiri by the previous government of Western Region.

He returned the monarch to Warri to the glory of the Itsekiri nation. What a beautiful role in proving to be one’s brother keeper.

The same David Ejoor, also as the Governor of Mid-West region, refused bluntly to yeild the geographical land of the region for Odumegwu Ojukwu exploitation when the later was on his suicidal voyage to annexing Nigeria. Odumegwu Ojukwu was to put a price of “either dead or alive” on David Ejoor for no other crime but “keeping Nigeria one” from his military point of view. This is the Urhobo Nation and her people that we are talking about.

However, the table has turned against this same people that would do everything to “keep their brothers safe” if it is even to their own detriment. Now, permit me to give brief details First with the Urhobo politicians: They

stand out in selling the collective political birthright of the Urhobo for their personal greed. Today, all of them queue up in Asaba for the handout from the Governor and the Governor, being such a dangerously clever political animal would always know what he wants and would always demand that he wants from them. And of course, these Urhobo politicians are willing, at all times, to pay the price of betraying the course of their people for the largesse they get from the man that controls the collective wealth of Delta State. Will posterity not question these politicians when our ancestors shall rise against them? Let us move to the second enemy.

This is the Governor himself, a man that can better be described to be Urhobo without doing injustice to his Itsekiri tribe. For the records, Emma Uduagha was brought to Urhobo land [Masogar] at a tender age of five years. He grew up cutting his teeth of wisdom in Urhobo, drank Urhobo water, ate its food and made his connection that was to eventually bring him to Asaba as a Governor. Yes, James Ibori; his predecessor in office might have been Itsekire maternally but it remains on record that the Urhobo made Uduaghan the governor.

What the Urhobo are getting from Uduaghan now is an avowed stand of an enemy that must route out the people [Urhobo] politically. Time will judge as there is what is called nemesis, which shall visit every individual and their works at the end. How shall Uduaghan be judged? Only time will tell. Let us move to the third enemy.

During the general election of 2011 that

brought Goodluck Jonathan to the presidency, every vote of all voters in Urhobo land was recorded for him. What do we have in return? Urhobo people that are not good enough to be minister no any important place at the federal level.

Kenneth Gbagi’s appointment as Minister of State for Education by Jonathan did not come out of a slot for the Urhobo people.

That young man – Gbagi – worked his way independently through his Ikiagbodo godfather to get that appointment and of course, the honey moon did not last. But why will Jonathan be this ruthless with the Urhobo?

I must admit knowing the reason for his grudge with the Urhobo as being the inimical role James Ibori played, before, during and after succeeding the late Ya’Adua as president. Ibori played it rough, l must admit. That being what it was, Jonathan became the President at the end to the glory of God. Ibori was later rounded up by the “law of Kama”, with Jonathan hand though – a hand that started from “their” godfather in Ikiagbodo.

If Ibori has been this far disgraced, why will Goodluck Jonathan not willing, at this point in time, to let the sleeping dog lie?

Has every Urhobo man become James Ibori that must be treated like leper?

For now, it is only lamentation for the Urhobo people. There is a word of comfort however for this forgotten tribe of the Niger Delta. Somebody should announce to them that their hour of glory shall soon come whenever they are ready! The challenge is theirs! *Mr. Etakibuebu, a public affairs commenator , wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014— 19

, Sanusi’s blunders Emefiele must avoid ENITH Bank Chief Executive consolidated banks being looted Officer, Mr. Godwin Emefiele unchecked by their founders and Z will assume the seat of Governor managers. He brought his risk of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, early in June 2014 if his nomination by President Goodluck Jonathan is ratified by the Senate. It will be the beginning of a new era and the close of the most tempestuous five years in the Bank’s history under Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Sanusi turned himself and the Bank into objects of political attention such that when he became the first CBN Governor to be suspended with a few months left of his tenure, it became a drawn battle line between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. That war is being fought across media platforms. This (politicisation of that office) is one thing we will not like to see again from any CBN Governor.

We have to admit that Sanusi was able to correct some of the weaknesses the Dr Chukwuma Soludo regime left behind in the financial system, which saw

management acumen to play, fired the offending executives, prosecuted many of them and created the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to help prevent the collapse of the rescued banks.

Some will still say that Sanusi’s combustive approach cost the nation high in terms of scarce resources spent in the process, that if the Kanoborn banker had reined in his impulses and excesses, he would still have ended up as one of the most successful CBN governors in Nigeria.

Sadly enough, he ended up a complete disaster; an experience we would rather quickly put behind us as we wait for Dr Emefiele to bring his calm and independent professionalism to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Sanusi in the Bank and the financial system.

This thing called mindset often accounts for the difference between a job well done and another job ending in a catastrophe. The messy way in which Sanusi ended his call

I never knew that the CBN had the right to give away the money belonging to all Nigerians; proceeds of revenue from the resources of the Niger Delta to only schools, charities and political interests from Northern Nigeria alone

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to serve at the CBN had to do with the delusional mindset he came with.

For instance, that Sanusi is a prince is something he wears like a toga.

He is an openly interested contestant to the throne of Emir of Kano, even while the occupant, Alhaji Ado Bayero, is still alive, kicking and ready for a long distance run. Sanusi sometimes goes to work dressed like an Emir of Kano! I don’t know if he has advisers. If he does I don’t know if he listens to them. He should know that this unwholesome body language is irritating and that people are watching and may ensure he never gets to sit on that throne when the time comes (assuming he will be there when it does).

S

anusi also took the title: “Governor” to mean he was entitled to spend the money of the Bank just as he pleased. Perhaps, he was inspired by the penchant of elected state governors to spend from the state coffers, forgetting that their actions are justified by the

fact that the funds are appropriated by the State Houses of Assembly.

Apart from that, state governors are pavilioned with constitutional immunity from prosecution while their tenures run. The CBN Governor has no such cast-iron protections, their “independence” notwithstanding.

The “independence” in question is even restricted to certain technical operations of the Bank which no sensible, well-meaning government will want to interfere with. Sanusi did not know where to draw the line and plant the posts.

The truth of the matter is that the “independence” notwithstanding, the CBN Governor, being an Adviser and Chief Accounts Officer of the President and Federal Government, is part of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. He is answerable to the President and the National Assembly, both of whom have the power to appoint and terminate his appointment. When President Jonathan last year issued queries to Sanusi over the indicting report of the Financial Reporters Council, FRC, Sanusi nearly did not answer the query. He eventually replied when he liked, well after the deadline.

But even at that, he started what his supporters now call “ whistleblowing”, making unsubstantiated allegations of “missing” funds and waffling from one figure to another. He came across as someone who did not know what he was talking about; a peddler of falsehood and confusion. That is a total betrayal of the job of a CBN Governor. Even if a CBN Governor decides to turn a whistleblower, he must be cocksure of his facts because an allegation that $49.8 billion (later adjusted to $12b and $20) was

missing from the economy by a CBN Governor could ruin the entire economic system.

The “whistleblowing” parody obviously tickled the fancy of Western media operators, who started seeing Sanusi as an anticorruption central bank chief being persecuted in corruptionriddled Nigeria, forgetting to look into the issues raised by the FRC portraying him as an alleged reckless spender of unappropriated resources of the Bank.

The most outrageous part of Sanusi’s misadventure in the CBN has to do with the alleged donation of the Bank’s funds to some schools, charities and politicians from the Northern part of the country. In fact, the reports have it that he actually gave hefty amounts of money to key opposition leaders and political adversaries of the President. Sanusi calls them “corporate social responsibility” gestures. I never knew that the CBN also possesses the magnanimity to dispense favours with nepotism and favouritism to boot. I never knew that the CBN had the right to give away the money belonging to all Nigerians; proceeds of revenue from the resources of the Niger Delta to only schools, charities and political interests from Northern Nigeria alone.

When Emefiele takes over, we will hope to see an end to this ugly style of central banking. Meanwhile, we must proceed with gusto to probe Sanusi’s “missing” billions through the proposed forensic audit and lay the matter to rest once and for all. We must also make sure that if Sanusi contravened the law with regards to handling of the funds of the Bank, he and his cohorts must face the full weight of the law.

The NIS debacle: Harvesting the dead RAGICALLY, somebody must now die would have struggled in vain to extricate T for other members of his family to be itself from the disaster. But in Nigeria, sooffered jobs. The policeman must be cut called leaders are so contemptuous of the people because they know that we remain jolly good fellows under even the worst situation - suffering and smiling.

This tragedy captures the real essence of Nigeria and the people’s legendary docility. Where else would 520,000 applicants be chasing 4,556 jobs if not in Nigeria where the government is doing nothing to expand the economy?

Worse still, as soon as news of the foreign content of the job filtered out, the number of applicants exploded. Where else in this world are the youths so willing to check out of their country in search of the good life; if not Nigeria where nothing works and where life has become so harsh -- sans light, sans water, sans jobs; and sans everything? Yet people want to stay glued to power at all cost and by all means.

Is it not the very height of criminality to ask people looking for jobs to pay for such jobs? Where else does a sitting government ask its citizens to come and pay even for non-existent jobs? Our government has virtually become a gaming machine, which no amount of money can ever satisfy.

Shamelessly, instead of accepting his fault and apologising to the people, Moro must pass the buck. For him, the police, the doctors, the teachers and, in fact, every other person, must be blamed for the ensuing stampede that resulted in the death of those young Nigerians, even where there are numerous claims that he sidelined every other stakeholder in the exercise.

In a kill-and-divide tradition, it is doubtful how many people at the corridors of power can look Moro in the face and ask him to resign when they all got their slots and sometimes, sold them! We hear that the going rate for a slot has now risen to a million Naira. They also know that

Moro was just the arrow head to fulfill all righteousness by creating the impression that the recruitment exercise was for real.

,

down by the assassin’s bullet for his children to get scholarship to go through their university education. These are all efforts at harvesting the dead. And in most cases, these scholarships end up at the levels of vain promises. In this age, we wonder which scholarship anyone still requires to go through the basic primary and, to some extent, the secondary school education, when our children are being begged to go to school. Even if you have a hundred scholarships lined up for you, if you cannot attain the cut-off points required for admission into a tertiary institution, you can only graduate into the mechanic workshop where no scholarship is required.

The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, fiasco of the penultimate week was a major catastrophic public relations outing for the current administration. It captures the inability of a government to cater for its citizens. It illustrates, in lucid terms, the people’s desperate economic plight, in ways that not even the greatest critics of the administration would have done.

That was the situation where 19 unsuspecting young job-seeking Nigerians, including a pregnant woman, were carelessly dispatched to their early graves.

The tragedy was not new. An equally gory one occurred in July 2008 when a recruitment exercise by the same NIS produced a grim toll of 17 lives across the country. Expectedly, all those who presided over the earlier disaster got away with their crimes.

In other climes, by now, this administration and, of course, the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, would have been past descriptions - former government and former Minister, because the government

A situation where government functionaries share the slots among themselves and release the empty chances for us to struggle and die about is unacceptable

,

So the innocent youths died in the false hope that they were going for a transparent recruitment.

Corruption and the twin brother, ineptitude, are infectious. There is an extent to which an inept leadership can push the punishment of an erring member without hurting itself. Jonathan must tread softly because if every erring Minister -- and they are many -- must be asked to quit, the point is soon reached when the administration must feel impelled to quit because the fate of the administration is inextricably tied to that of each member.

Once mistakes are made, you must be prepared to make supporting mistakes in order to sustain the tradition of mistakes.

The President quickly moved into damage control mode by rolling out palliatives aimed at soothing the grief of the bereaved families. First, those who lost their loved

ones are entitled to three automatic slots, one of whom must be a woman. This increases the headache because the number of applicants is automatically increased from 520,000 to 520,038, expressed mathematically as follows: (520,000 -19)+(19 x 3). Add to this, the new headache of gender balancing.

In any case, only the living can work. The NIS allocation is a poor exchange for human lives. Parallels will soon be drawn.

For instance, what makes the victims of he NIS recruitment tragedy more deserving of compensation than the countless thousands of the brutality of the Boko Haram? What logic makes compensation right for one set of victims and wrong for another?

Second, families of wounded applicants are entitled to one slot each. In the coming weeks, we see people running around with bandaged hands and damaged heads as a mark of the injury sustained at the stadium.

We must add our voices to those who have commiserated with the bereaved families.

For how long shall we continue to bemoan our fate each time there is a mishap? Let President Goodluck Jonathan look inwards. A situation where government functionaries share the slots among themselves and release the empty chances for us to struggle and die about is unacceptable. Most importantly, this cash for job mode of recruitment is the greatest strain on the administration. It must be eradicated!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27 , 2014

Our gullibility knows no bounds

BY EBELE ORAKPO

I

•Adenike’s relatives taking refuge in a makeshift shed after rain reduced their house to rubbles.

Inset: Madam Adikat.

Lamentations as rainstorm sacks nine Lagos communities •LASEMA urges residents to insure property ADAM Rufai Adikat has lived in Imowo-nla area of Ikorodu for about eight decades, while her neighbour, 35 years old Mrs Oseni Adenike, moved into the community with her two children three years ago after completing her mini-flat.

Due to old age, Madam Adikat has since retired from her trading business unlike Adikat who is still actively engaged in petty trading, optimistic that fortune would soon smile on her.

However, Saturday March 8, 2014 will remain a sad day in the lives of these women and several other members of the community who were displaced when rainstorm ravaged Imowo-nla community as well as eight neighbouring communities, including Agura, Sole, OkeEletu, Jajo, Mowo-Kekere and Ewu-Elepe, all in Ikorodu Central Local Government.

This came few months after some of the communities were sacked by some land grabbers who took laws into their hands in the communities, maiming many and sending others to their early graves.

According to residents, the rainstorm which started at about 8.30pm lasted for about ten minutes and blew away the roofs of most of the buildings in the area, while others caved in under the torrential assault.

Electricity poles were not spared as several of them fell.

At the end of it all, no fewer than 200 residents were rendered homeless, three casualties were recorded, while several others sustained injuries, including children.

Adenike who was earlier discharged from the hospital after an C M Y K

auto crash, was confronted by another disaster as her mini-flat caved in on her and her two children while they were preparing for bed. They were however rescued by sympathisers and taken to a nearby hospital where they were said to be responding to treatment. When Vanguard Metro visited last Tuesday, Madam Adikat’s children were making plans to relocate their aged mother. The centenarian, however, vehemently refused the offer, arguing that a change of location will have an adverse effect on her

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M

BY BOSE ADELAJA

anyintolu who first visited the local government chairman, Sherif Amipole, who expressed appreciation to him for his prompt response.

Amipole also lamented the loss of lives through the tragedy and urged the team to come to the aid of residents. Osanyintolu told the chairman he had earlier sent his officials to commence an enumeration of the displaced victims to know the extent of the tragedy.

The LASEMA boss who arrived Imowo-nla around 2pm was conducted round the community by the community leaders. Osanyintolu

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About ten electricity poles fell due to the rainstorm, while many buildings were affected. We lost three residents to the incident while many were injured

health. Segun Alabi and his younger sister were seated under a shed when VM visited their community although both were confident that the incident will not dampen their hope.

Chairman of the Community Development Committee CDC, Mr Azeez Sikiru, told VM that: ‘’About ten electricity poles fell due to the rainstorm, while many buildings were affected. We lost three residents to the incident while many were injured’’. During VM’s visit to the communities, some of those affected were trying to renovate their buildings, while those whose buildings were completely damaged were seen hanging around.

Also last Tuesday, a team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, visited the victims to commiserate with them. The team was led by the General Manager Femi Oke-Os-

urged residents to insure their property so as to save themselves from undue pain in the event of disaster. ’’A stitch in time saves nine. The state government is passionate about its people and we don’t want any loss of lives and property; that is why we are advising people to help themselves; doing so will lessen the burden on the government,’’ he said.

According to him, safety of lives and property is a joint responsibility of both people and government. ‘’This is a task between residents and government; I am sure the government is ready to help the people and the people should show a sense of responsibility by helping the government,’’ he reiterated. ‘’The government is ready to cushion the effect but victims should be patient with us and allow us to sort things out.

Your situation will be critically analysed to know where to render assistance,’’

T was a beautiful Saturday morning in the CMSbound vehicle; a man was vigorously trying to market a book on dreams and interpretation. “Buy this book and deliver yourself from the clutches of Satan. Stop running from pillar to post when you have a nightmare. You can interpret your dreams by yourself and say the relevant prayers to cancel bad dreams. It is very dangerous not to be able to do so. If you see yourself flying in a dream or being chased by masquerades, it means you have witchcraft spirit; if you swim, it means you have marine spirit, if you eat in the dream, it’s really dangerous because that is how some people come down with dangerous sicknesses like cancer, HIV, diabetes, etc.”

“Hmmm, na waoh! Oga, I don’t believe that for a second. You can sell your book but stop deceiving people,” Nick said, clearly incensed by what the book seller was saying. “In this modern age?” asked John, irritated. “Ah, Oga, don’t say so. These things happen oo,” replied Ade. “Really? Has it happened to you or someone you know?” asked Nick. Replied Ade: “No. But I have heard stories of people that it has happened to.”

“Old wives’ tales! That’s why we are where we are today. People have dreams for various reasons. If you go to bed hungry, chances are that you will see yourself eating in the dream and you call that demon possession? Come on!” remonstrated Nick.

“Some dreams are as a result of malaria or typhoid fever. When you see yourself in a dream with President Obama as your steward when in real life, you can hardly afford one meal a day, then it’s time to treat malaria or typhoid,” said Abel jocularly. “We manufacture demons in Nigeria; demons that God doesn’t know about. Every evil is attributed to Satan even when it was created by our stupidity,” said Joy.

False prophets “It’s this stupidity that will continue to put people in bondage. We listen to false prophets whose stock-intrade is to misrepresent God and put people in bondage. Sometimes I wonder if the Christianity we practise here is the same Christianity being practised in other parts of the world. We make it more difficult than God intended,” said John.

Narrated Mercy: “A pastor told of how he preached a message in which he tried to dismantle these falsehoods and set people free, a lady asked him to pray for her because she ate in her dream. He told her he too eats in his dream. The woman was shocked. He then explained to her that the Bible said it is what comes out of a man that defiles him and not what goes into him (Mark 7:20). So don’t be deceived by these witch doctors pretending to be men of God. A widow said she needed deliverance because a man comes to sleep with her in her dreams. The pastor asked if she was truly born again and she said yes. He told her that Jesus cannot watch the Devil taking advantage of his bride.

So study the Bible for yourself and pray to God from the depths of your heart. Stop being deceived.”

“O God! I don enter one chance; which kin bad luck people be dis?” exclaimed the book seller, frustrated.

“Na you be the one chance. How can you be feeding us trash? No wonder some cancer/diabetes patients will rather go to false prophets who further deceive them that their problem is caused by their mother of enemies, rather than go to a doctor,” said Ade. Said Nick: “Ignorance is a big disease. The story was told of a professor who was on a canoe ride with some locals. Feeling very important, he asked the locals if they knew biology, physiology, criminology, and all the ‘logies’ and they replied in the negative. The prof told them that they were like the living dead, that their lives had no meaning. Before he finished speaking, the canoe hit a hard object and began to capsize. One of the men asked the frightened prof.: “Do you know swimminology?” He said no and the guy said: “You are a dead dead not a living dead! You are really finished!”

The whole bus erupted in laughter.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 21

Nigeria industrial sector under-funded —UNIDO

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

D

From left, Olufunmilayo Akande,Chief Financial Officer, Siemens Limited with Niyi Yusuf Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria and Bola Adeeko,Head Corporate Service Division ,The Nigeria Stock Exchange at the 2014 Economic Nigeria Summit held in Lagos. Photo:Akeem Salau

espite frantic effort by the federal government to revamp the nation’s industrial sector, the United Nation Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO yesterday ascribed the country’s slow industrialisation to underfunding of the sector.

UNIDO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that helps countries, particularly developing ones, in industrialisation.

The agency’s country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Patrick Kormawa said this at a prebriefing of UNIDO DirectorGeneral, Mr Li Yong’s maiden visit to Nigeria in Abuja Kormawa said that Nigeria’s

Efficient taxation can boost Nigeria’s education finance by N2.08trn — UNESCO

By YINKA KOLAWOLE

T

HE United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) has declared that Nigeria could raise $13 billion (N2.08 trillion) more in 2015 to fund education if it increased its Tax-to-GDP ratio from its current 25.3 percent to 27.1 percent, and allocates 5.6 percent of its GDP to the educational sector.

A report by the Education For All Global Monitoring Report (EFA GMR) at UNESCO noted that the benefits of the nation’s economic growth have not yet been fairly distributed. The report stated that Nigeria currently allocates 1.5 percent of its GDP to education, below UNESCO’s EFA GMR’s recommended 6 percent.

“Nigeria’s economy, for example, grew by at least 5 percent per year since 2003 but its net enrolment ratio has fallen from 61 percent in 1999 to 58 percent in 2010. Its tax/ GDP ratio is 25.3 percent. If it modestly increased its Tax/GDP ratio to 27.1 percent and allocated 5.6 percent of its GDP to education, it would raise over $13 billion more for education, and more than triple its spending per primary school aged child from $87 to $330,” the report stated.

UNESCO revealed that improving tax systems in 67

countries and devoting a fifth of government budgets to education could raise an additional $153 billion (N244.8 trilion) for the sector in 2015. “This would fill over half of the finance gap for achieving quality universal basic and lower secondary education.

“Across the 67 countries analysed, these reforms would more than double the average spending per primary school age child, providing enough money to dramatically increase

the quality of education for millions of children around the world. Currently only seven of the 67 countries generate 20 percent of GDP in taxes and allocate 20 percent of their budgets to education, as recommended by the United Nations to achieve global development goals,” the stated.

Manos Antoninis, Acting Director of the EFA GMR, said: “Ambitions for education up until 2015 and beyond require funding, but funds will not

come out of thin air. Recent declines in aid to education require national governments to make up the shortfall. One way to do this is through more efficient tax collection.”

The paper warns that tax revenue is growing far too slowly as a share of GDP in poorer countries. At present rates, only 4 of the 48 countries currently raising less than 20 percent of GDP in tax would reach the 20 percent threshold by 2015.

over-dependence on export of raw materials would not enhance development, adding that dependence on export of finished product was a major key to economic development.

He said that Nigeria had over the years focused on export of raw materials, especially oil, without focusing on non-oil sector such as industry and agriculture.

“Nigeria did not address fundamental constraints to competitiveness; as a result of this, businesses crumbled and products were rejected,” he said.

Industrial policy Kormawa also blamed Nigerian government for lack of detailed industrial policy plan with little or no clear integrate investment and trade policies.

“No country in the entire world can thrive by depending on exportation of raw materials rather than exporting finish products. The more a country specialises in the production of raw materials which, of course Africa has found itself in, the poorer it becomes. The Europeans and Americans have developed through valueadded activities not by exporting oil or agricultural commodities but by making and doing things”.

He pledged the commitment of UNIDO to offering necessary support such as all inclusive polices that would enhance diversification of the nation’s economy by boosting trade and investment through public- private initiatives.

Nigeria targets 500,000 tonnes of cocoa in next 10 years

T

he Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS) on Tuesday said that Nigeria planned to increase cocoa production to 500,000 tonnes in the next 10 years. A First Chief Control Officer of the service, Mr Israel Ikwejulor, made this known in Lagos.

Ikwejulor said that this could be achieved as the Federal Government had begun distribution of hybrid cocoa seeds developed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. He observed that the hybrid cocoa seed would take about two to three years to mature as against five years maturity span of older seeds.

“The Federal Government is investing heavily on cocoa production and regeneration of cocoa plantations by way of giving farmers hybrid cocoa seeds.

“We presently produce about 250,000 tonnes of cocoa, but government is

working at doubling that amount to 500,000 per season tonnes in another 10 years. The cocoa seeds we used to have will take five years to mature, but the hybrid seeds will take between two to three years,” Ikwejulor said.

The control officer also noted that the land was available and weather was favourable in the country. Ikwejulor said all these coupled with government’s support for farmers would make 500,000 tonnes target to be achieved. According to him, Nigeria is not a cocoa consuming country, something he said, is a hindrance to processing cocoa into cakes, liquor and powder. “Nigeria is not a cocoa consuming nation. This is why the Federal Government exports cocoa beans and cocoa beans exporters have government’s support through the export processing grant.

175.65

+0.44

2,930.00

-27.00

16.80

-0.03

107.20

+0.75

99.90

+0.44

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

154.74 255.1663 212.9687 174.5319 1.5098 0.3057 238.1654 24.9729 41.2507 28.5288 239.0733

155.24 155.74 255.9908 256.8153 213.6568 214.345 175.0959 175.6598 1.5147 1.5196 0.3157 0.3257 238.9349 239.7045 25.054 25.1352 41.394 41.5273 28.6209 28.7131 239.8458 240.6183

CBN Exchange rate as at 26/03/2014

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Onosanya seeks balance between exchange rates and economic growth According to him, “We seem as a nation to be obsessed with pricing and defending our exchange rates that we don’t seem to be able to strike a balance between the impact of doing that and the impact of growing the real sector as well. Whether we like it or not, because we want to defend the exchange rates and keep it at a level that will make our commodity safe, we then continue to make policies that tighten money.”

To illustrate this, Onosanya explained that, “Nigeria has hundreds of millions of naira in the central bank as cash reserve requirements both from private sector and public sector that is enough to manage the flow of the exchange rates. However, the implication of that is that the more we sterilize money in the central bank the less money will be available for the growth of the real sector. And there is expectation that there will be further tightening, maybe by

raising the cash reserve requirements which is good for managing interest ROUP Managing Director, First rates and possibly good for inflation Bank of Nigeria plc, Mr. Bisi but what will be the reaction of the Onosanya has called on the nation’s banks. apex bank to strive for a balance between “The simple factor of demand and exchange rates management, interest supply means that when there is scarrates management and economic city of funds, the little that is available growth. is overpriced. So we need to decide as He made the call at the just concluded a nation what we want. Is it the psyNigeria Summit organised by Econochological feeling of having a stable mist magazine in Lagos. exchange rate or we want to drive the Speaking as a member of panel discusreal sector? All that money could be sion on exploring the partnership beused to drive the real sector even at 5 tween Nigeria and the world powers, per cent interest rates. The issue is not Onosanya said Nigeria seemed to be about the percentage of the interest obsessed with defending the interest rates but how do we use that money in rates at the expense of economic growth. the central bank to drive the real proHe also decried the dearth of infraductive sector.” structure in the country and said NigeWhile admitting that there is need ria must break such barriers to make for intervention as there is no governbusiness profitable and add value to the ment that will allow its currency to go economy. on a free fall without intervention, he called for a balance at such interventions.

“The intervention needs to strike a balance between exchange rate management, interest rates management and growth of the economy,” he said.

Decrying the dearth of infrastructure in the country which he said is slowing economic growth; he said Nigeria will continue to be an import dependent nation until it addresses its critical infrastructure challenges.

“If you look at the balance of trade between Nigeria and most of these countries, China, US, we virtually import everything except crude oil. Is it because From left: Prof. Ronnie Lessem; Founder, Trans4m Centre for Integral Development, Dr. we don’t have NigeriBasheer Oshodi, Group Head, Non Interest Banking, Sterling Bank plc & Author, Prof. Alexander ans who are strong Schieffer, Co-Founder, Trans4m Centre for Integral Development & Book Reviewer, & Abubakar enough to do these Suleiman, Chief Financial Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, at the launch of ‘An Integral Approach to things? No, it’s beDevelopment Economics,’ in Lagos. cause infrastructure is non-existent and if they do, they are not a d e q u a t e .

“Every business in Nigeria is a local government of its own because it provides its power, roads and secuNIGERIA Interbank Settle efits of convenience; safety that the e-payment platforms rity, and by the time ment System, NIBSS and and receipt of instant value to are highly convenient, safe you add the cost of banks in the country have enable people make payments and efficient, and with im- these things, it’s actucommenced an awareness for their transactions using proved infrastructure, trans- ally more profitable to campaign to encourage use of any of their devises such as action values can be received import those products ATM cards, mobile phones, instantly. The improved effi- than to produce them e-payment.

Head, Corporate Communi- Laptops, desktops, notebooks, ciency of the e-payment plat- locally. Until we deal cations NIBSS, Lilian Phido, I-Pads, etc. forms enhances greater pen- with these issues and “Nigerians should embrace etration and accessibility to fi- create a platform that said, “Banks in conjunction with NIBSS have commenced the e-payment platforms due nancial services by the make production and value added services a communication awareness to their safety, reliability and people. campaign to enlighten Nige- efficiency. This is also coupled “The on-going campaign on cheaper and more profrians on the benefits of these with the attendant security is- Radio and Press will be itable in Nigeria, we e-payment platforms, encour- sues with making payments complemented by the use of will continue to depend age usage and adoption of through cash transactions.

Consumer engagement activi- on other countries for ”These e-payment platforms ties (road shows, one on one the consumption of the these payment options. ”The e-payment platforms – have become globally accept- contact marketing), Digital things that we need and ordinarily should Point of Sale (POS) and Instant able means for financial trans- and Online Advertising.” have produced.” actions.

It has been proved Payment platforms have benBY JONAH NWOKPOKU

G

NIBSS, banks commence awareness campaign on e-payment

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NDIC clinches Best Participant Award at Kaduna Trade Fair

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IGERIA Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has emerged the winner of the “Best Public Enlightenment Participant” award at the just concluded 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair. Organisers of the fair, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) conferred the award on NDIC following their visit to the Corporation’s stand on the NDIC Special Day and their assessment of its public enlightenment activities at the fair.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim who was represented at the NDIC Special Day by the Director of Administration, Mrs Christiana E. Afabor said the Corporation had adopted multi-faceted initiatives in its efforts toward enhancing public awareness on the Corporation’s mandate and activities.

Alh. Umaru pointed out that the Corporation had been participating in major international trade fairs in the country since 2007 as part of its public awareness drive. They include Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Niger Delta and Yenagoa International Trade Fairs. He said the thrust of the Corporation’s public awareness initiatives was to win public trust, appreciation and confidence through better understanding of its NDIC’s core mandate and activities.

According to him, the drive toward achieving this aspiration was put on a higher pedestal in 2013 with a re-branding project embarked upon by the Corporation. The NDIC boss described the re-branding as a re-engineering initiative geared toward reviewing the Corporation’s processes, procedures and systems with a view to enhancing the effective discharge of its mandate.

Ecobank rewards winners in card promo

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COBANK has rewarded winners which emerged from its Card 4 Prizes promo first monthly draws held in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

The 15 lucky winners which emerged from a transparent electronic draw witnessed by officials from National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC); Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and others, went home with different prizes including smart phones; LCD TVs; air conditioners; home theatres and power generating sets.

Winners from Port Harcourt centre include Nwite Okoroafor ( generator); Ejiroghene Josephine (home theatre); Ojo Omorovbie (air conditioner); Nweke Sunday Theophilus (LED TV 32”) and Okiti Igho (Samsung Galaxy).

At the Abuja centre, the winners were- Ogunsola Adewale Waidi (generator); Sarki Abdullahi Move (home theatre); Agharite Dorah Derume (air conditioner); Isan Gali Musa ( Samsung LED TV 32”); Ada Okwu Dike (Samsung Galaxy Mega Mobile Phone).

Some of the winners from Lagos draw include; Sani Musa Mairiga (Samsung Galaxy Mega Mobile Phone); Iwara Obeten (LED TV 32”) and Agboola Sunday (air conditioner), among others.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27 , 2014 — 23

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Rice, fish policy: We will withdraw our services if …

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DG/CEO, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi receiving a plaque from the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade when the later paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos.

cies of the government.

“Some of the policies are not stable, they make the law today, and tomorrow

they change the law. So, most of the investors are scared of coming into the country, they are running

away.” He said on the increase in tariff on imported vehicles to 70 percent is not in the best interest of the

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HE Senate Commit tee on Marine Transport has expressed concern over the increased number of abandoned project at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom State .

In an interview with Vanguard at the Academy, the committee chairman, Hajia Zainab Kure, lamented the cost of the abandoned projects to the economy, saying that “the Rector of the Academy has been directed to summon the contractors and resolve whatever the

common man. He noted that it is the common man that will ultimately bear the brunt of the policy.

Onshore security solution to piracy — Expert

BY GODFREY BIVBERE & OLAITAN AYOOLA

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HE Secretary of Insti tute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Alex Peters, has said that strict onshore security is the solution to the issue of piracy and sea robbery in the nation’s water-

ways.

In a chat with Vanguard in Lagos, the Marine Engineer said government must put in place measures to ensure that security on-shore is watertight, as this will serve as deterrent for those involved in the criminal act of piracy and sea robbery.

Peters, who is also the

Managing Director of Accepters Nigeria Limited, faulted the present government effort at curbing the problem of off-shore, noting that the militarisation of shipping business is not the right action. He called on the government to focus more on the use of intelligence to curb the problem of pi-

Senate Committee tackles contractors over abandoned projects in MAN Oron

BY GODWIN ORITSE

NPA launches ICT helpdesk for efficiency

BY GODWIN ORITSE

I

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

HE Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has threatened to ground port operations nationwide by withdrawing its members from work should the federal government continue with its policies that are adversely affecting the maritime industry.

Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos at the presentation of the Maritime Man of the Year 2014, President General, MWUN, Tony Nted, explained that government policy on rice and fish import has greatly reduced cargo throughput at the ports to 60 percent.

Nted, who got the award from the management of Maritime Media Limited, said that they have been complaining about the policy using the media and that they have written to the presidency on the issue, but that they have not gotten any positive response.

According to him, “The best thing to do is for the government to look into some of these policies. We as a union, what we are doing now is that we are crying out using the media and we have written a letter to the presidency. If nothing is done and we are pushed to the wall, the next thing we will do is to withdraw our service at the ports. “If you get to the port today, you will find out that the throughput has dropped to 60 percent.

Rice is no longer coming; fish is no longer coming because of these bad poli-

BRIEFS

problem is.

Kure noted that the projects were still in the same state when the committee visited two years ago adding that if the intention of the contractors was to come back for a review of the contracts then they(contractors) have something else coming.

The former first lady of Niger State also noted that the contractors are deliberately abandoning the projects with a view to ask for an upward review of the contract sum.

She stated that the committee will not accept

the fact that contractor will bid for jobs and collect mobilisations, do the work half way and then abandon the projects.

The committee chairman said “We will not take a situation whereby a contractor would be said to have collected some money and then abandon the project and nobody will hear from the contractor and after a while he resurfaces.

There should be sanctions for such contractors.

“If you do not complete your project within the stipulated time, you cannot

come and say you are trying to look for upward review, we cannot take it because it is a deliberate way of abandoning it.

“We are certainly going to sit down and look at those particular projects that were abandoned like the male hostel .”

She disclosed that there was misunderstanding between the consultant and the contractor but that the issue has been resolved. He added that the academy’s Rector has been given two weeks to order the contractor back to site.

racy.

According to the marine expert, “A lot of the things they steal from the ship like the business of crude oil theft; they have to land them somewhere. So if they have base ashore, they must also return there. They cannot steal and do anything with what they have stolen at sea, they must land it ashore.

If there is security, very strict security ashore, then piracy will be reduced.”

On the use of intelligence, the marine engineer scored government low and charged them to be more proactive.

In his words, “Again in the business of intelligence, you don’t have to employ somebody who is wearing conspicuous uniform and carrying a long riffle before you know you have security around.

There are lots of work being carried out by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, for instance at sea in our coastal waters, a lot of intelligence can come from NIMASA operatives when they are actually working.

N an effort to rebrand its process to meet with international best practice, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)has launched an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) centre with a view to make its operations more efficient. Manager Director of the NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi while test-running the equipment disclosed to the media that the new innovation is to solve internal problems faced by the agency.

Abdullahi noted that the innovation will soon extend to other maritime stakeholders to bring about efficiency in port operations. The NPA boss said that the objective of the ICT centre is to improve overall efficiency of port operations, blocking of revenue leakages and to provide comfort for members of the shipping community.

NIMASA, Navy Partner to fight piracy

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HE Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi has said that the agency will continue to partner with Nigerian Navy in the fight against piracy in the nation’s waterways.

Akpobolokemi, who played host to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade, in Lagos, noted that the importance of the Navy to the development of the nation’s maritime sector can not be overemphasized.

He reiterated the commitment of the NIMASA to fight piracy, develop human capacity, ensure safety of vessels, removal of wrecks and prevent and mitigate the effects of pollution, all geared towards the growth and development of the maritime sector.

He also noted that, as the maritime regulatory agency, NIMASA owed the international community the obligation to assure the safety of their vessels, crew and cargo in order to foster shipping trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 25

*From left: Guest of honour, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Chairman, BOT, Awokoya Foundation, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye,Chairman of the occasion, Chief Arthur Mbanefo,Guest Lecturer, Prof. Peter Okebukola and Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr. Omolaraeni Awokoya-Adadevoh during the 19th annual lecture, award of honours and postgraduate scholarship by Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Science, technology, panacea for nation's under-development — Prof. Okebukola FORMER Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Peter Okebukola, has lamented the misplaced goals in science education in Nigeria, heaping the blame at the doorsteps of the government, teachers and students.

He queried the quality of science education delivered by teachers to over 42 million children in public and private basic education schools, to over 15 million in secondary schools and about 2.3 million higher education students. In the professor’s assertion, the over 62 million Nigerian children in school could transform this country into a developed country if adequate attention is given to science and technology.

Okebukola, while delivering

NFLV stakeholders slam HODs over admission racketeering Pg. 26

a lecture on Delivery of Science Education in Nigeria: Putting the Shoe on the Right Foot' at the 19th annual lecture of Stephen Awokoya Foundation for Science Education held at the Muson Centre, Lagos said: “We can recalibrate, get our priorities right and set a course that will ensure that Nigeria derives the great benefit from science and technology.”

The professor described how science education was in the past, where it is now, and the way forward. He pointed out five factors responsible for the decline in the teaching and learning of science in schools. They include the subject, the learner as a barrier, the learning environment, culture as a barrier and the science teacher as a barrier.

On science subjects as a barrier, he said: “It is a commonly held view among students that

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Novel dual active antifungal & biocide extract ... dehairs leather efficiently Pg. 30

science is difficult to learn. This point of view is reflected when students are to make choices.

Few students elect to study science subjects when compared with the arts. It is also a widely received view that it is easier for a science graduate later to pick up expertise in a non-science subject than vice versa.”

Secondly, he said, “The learner can also be a barrier to science education. Readiness, motivation, cognitive preference orientation and general attitude to work are some attributes of the learner that pose barriers to meaningful learning of science.”

He said that many Nigerian children at the primary and secondary levels are not cognitively ready for the type of science that teachers present. Okebukola who scored the motivation level of many Nigerian students for the study of science low, dis-

Meet UNILAG undergraduate who developed Wazobia Bible application Pg. 28

closed that this low level of motivation could be seen to be a barrier to meaningful science education. “Ask many science teachers and they will tell you how lazy their students are. Cases of refusal to do assignments and come to class are plenty,” he added.

The learning environment, he noted, could act as a barrier to science education. According to

,

BY DAYO ADESULU & TARE YOUDEOWEI

and performance of students, especially girls in science.

The last hindrance as identified by Professor Okebukola is the science teachers. He reiterated that the science teacher constitutes, in a number of ways, a barrier to the meaningful science education, adding that the hindrance is not deliberate since the teacher is employed to facilitate learning. According to him, these

Readiness, motivation, cognitive preference orientation and general attitude to work are some attributes of the learner that pose barriers to meaningful learning of science

him, the science laboratories are far from being equipped for meaningful science teaching and learning, adding that even the classrooms are poorly equipped.

“Over-populated classrooms are common place. The shoddy classroom settings - roof, and scanty furniture in many cases, are far from enabling in promoting meaningful learning,” he said.

On culture as a barrier, he said: “Culture barriers as identified in our studies are superstitions and taboos, authoritarianism, and societal expectations of affluence.

These factors, he maintained, have emerged over the years to impede the access, participation

,

hindrances are manifested in the poor preparation of science teachers, low level of motivation and high level of stress in the work environment.

To reduce and eventually eliminate the barriers facing science education, Okebukola proffered remedies which are benchmarked with practices in Germany, Israel, Japan, USA, Finland, South Korea and China countries acclaimed as the best in science and technology globally. Stating that it should not be left entirely to the government, he asserted that parents, students, teachers and the me-

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Science, Technology, panacea for national devt

NFLV Stakeholders slam HODs over admission racketeering STORIES BY DAYO ADESULU

A

CTING DirectorGeneral and Chief Executive of the Nigeria French Language Village, Dr Matthew Alawode has lamented the low patronage of the language school

by Nigerian students. He blamed blame some heads of departments who connive with some students to enroll them in neighbouring countries. He disclosed this at the meeting of Heads of Departments of French Language in Nigerian Universities held at French Village, Badagry, Lagos.

He said that some of the heads boycott the French Village’s Language Immersion Programme (LIP) completely while some are in the habit of patronizing the French Village partially by taking majority of their students across the border, leaving the village with only a few students.

French language programme This, he noted, will not augur well for the institution’s French language programme and by extension, the future of our students. He maintained that what students receive in institutions across the border cannot be compared with Nigeria’s NUC minimum academic standard.

He provided a statistical representation of university students’ enrollment from 2003 to date.

In 2003, 793 students were enrolled, in 2004 it was 745.

However, in 2005, the enrollment

*Mr. Ndubuisi Yarima, Divisional Sales Manager, Promasidor, (middle) with a cross section of participating students in the 2014 Cowbell NASSMAC first stage exam at Rumfa College, Kano. rose to 853 and continued in 2006 to 1226. But in 2007, the number dropped to 975 and continued in that downward trend till 2014.

Thus in 2008, it recorded 671; 2009 - 580; 2010-620, 2011-566; 2012-490; 2013-329 and 2014-150 in the first semester. He charged the stakeholders to develop strategies for tackling the problem through joint participation and involvement of the village and the committee of heads of department of French Language.

It would be recalled that in 2010, the committee of heads of department in conjunction with the village, jointly reviewed the LIP curriculum for university undergraduates. He said: “The aim of this review was to enable the village produce material for Nigerian university French departments, who will turn out graduates who are sufficiently equipped with essential skills in

oral and written expression in French. The village implemented to the letter the decisions reached at that meeting. It is a bit disturbing to realise that having jointly taken a decision and having jointly toiled so much to build the village up to its present status, some heads of department prefer to take their students to other institutions across the border.”

While admitting that the NFLV experienced some palpable challenges at some point in its recent history, the meeting, however, noted that the NFLV still possesses the necessary capacity to effectively carry out the Language Immersion Programme for Nigerian universities, and the NFLV academic calendar is flexible enough to accommodate all Nigerian universities irrespective of the arrival date of their students.

In spite of their laudable efforts, there is stagnation in the carrier

progression of academic staff.

Having deliberated on the foregoing, the meeting reaffirmed that the NFLV is and remains the only NUC approved centre for the French Language Immersion Programme for Nigerian Universities.

The meeting therefore resolved that all Nigerian universities should send their students to NFLV for their Language Immersion Programme, the NFLV should step up and sustain the current capacity of service delivery, the excursion component of the Language Immersion Programme should be expanded, the Federal Government of Nigeria should continue to support the NFLV to effectively discharge its statutory obligation to Nigerian universities.

UTME: Chrisgate gives guidelines for success

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RESIDENT, Chrisgate International, Mr Christopher Alabi, has warned the 2014 Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates not to rely much on their brilliance while tackling the questions, saying that smartness and timeliness in answering questions within the limited time count.

He disclosed this at the 10th Success summit that attracted over 2,000 youths held in Lagos. "Passing UTME is not all about how brilliant you are, but how smart you are to answer those questions within the limited time,"Alabi said.

Emphasizing on the need for Jamb candidates to embrace computer-based test, Mr Joe Olarewaju, one of the resource persons said that computerbased test exams will help to checkmate examination mal-

practice. He explained that since the UTME questions are different from each other, malpractice would be difficult.

Olarewaju, therefore urged them to visit the JAMB website to familiarize themselves with past questions and timeliness in answering questions within the given time.

Giving reasons why students should acquaint themselves with the computer and embrace the CBT, Olarewaju said it will facilitate release of their results on time. According to him, "Since computer has reduced the world into a global village, everyone needs to be computer literate as JAMB must not remain stagnant in the global trend.

His words: " The CTB has advantage over the paper- pencil test. If students can use their phones to browse and perform other functions, they can also

*From left:President, Chrisgate International, Christopher Alabi, Associate Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance, Lagos State University, Dr Kehinde James and the Managing Director, Drug Consult Pharmacy, Charles Oyeniyi at the 10th edition of Chrisgate Motivational Network Success Summit and book launch in Lagos.

successfully do the computer based test exams. CTB is able to give you correct result without error. It is a way of making students to be ICT compliance.

JAMB has already set a plat-

form for practice in order to familiarize yourself to UTME. For you to pass your CTB, speed and accuracy are needed."

continues from page 25 dia have key roles to play. The curriculum, policy and research were not left out.

On basic science curriculum in Nigeria, Okebukola said “though well intentioned, it is spawned too much around traditional science concepts rather than on process skills. Process skills enable learners gain practical understanding of how a scientist works.

Observing, experimenting, manipulating variables and predicting are some of the 16 major process skills needed.” He advised that “having the shoe on the right foot will mean increasing the proportion of allotment to process skills development in the curriculum relative to the load of content in theoretical topics.”

For parents, the advice was to have children revise school work as opposed to playing around, as opportunity to learn science at home is a major variable in students’ performance. His words: “Parents should provide opportunities for their children and wards to revise their science lessons and encourage them to carry out projects that are science and technology-related. Children should be encouraged to spend more time with neighbouring technical workmen in radio, TV, GSM and computer repair workshops and visit nearby industries.” On television viewing, he advised that parents should steer children to channels that can kindle and sustain their interest in science such as Discovery, Animal Planet and Learn.

Reportage of science and technology More reportage of science and technology in the media and interspersing of musical shows with interesting stories of science and technology, was Okebukola’s suggestion to the media. He proffered that teachers should be trained to make 180-degree switch from chalkboard science to hands-on science, that is practicals, investigations, problem-solving and experimentation. He said: “Science jokes can be said, humor can be infused, analogies, drama and metaphors can be used to teach science to keep students interested.”

Professor Okebukola mentioned that science teachers need in-service training. They could also employ the use of charts, virtual libraries and laboratories, and even invite guest teachers to teach subjects they have relatively lower familiarity with.

Okebukola stated that policies should be implemented to help the improvement of science education. To this end, he stated that all science teachers should be re-certified every five years.

Modern methods of research should be carried out in order to update the body of science available to teachers and students.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 27

Meet UNILAG undergraduate who developed Wazobia Bible application

BY DAYO ADESULU

T

ELL us about yourself.

My name is Kayode Sowole.

I am from Sodeke town in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I am currently a 400-level Computer Science student of University of Lagos.

I am a highly motivated individual who always enjoys a good challenge. My interest in computing since my childhood has been a major factor in helping me to develop my programming skills that have led to my high level of success in mobile app development. I love developing web and mobile applications.

My leisure activities include writing, travelling and listening to music.

When did you realise you wanted to become an App developer?

I made the decision to become a mobile application developer in my first year in

University of Lagos in 2010 after an online video training on app development on YouTube.

So what steps did you take?

I started by downloading and installing the Java IDE, which the YouTube training had recommended. I also got the Netbeans IDE on my laptop.

Then, I searched Google for related e-books and downloaded them on my laptop for references. From that moment, I started building Java and Android apps. I found my kicks in getting online to research and learning new stuff about app development.

What was the first app you developed?

The first app I developed is called the Picpuzzle, a picture puzzle game that requires the player to rearrange the items in a picture in the proper order. I had fun putting that one together.

Where did you get inspiration

*Kayode Sowole

for the app you created?

The Holy Spirit was the author of my inspiration. The thinking behind the app was that when God communicates with you in your native language, it seems as if God is from your town for Him to have been able to talk to you. It allows for a closer and deeper transaction with the Almighty that is very native and heartfelt.

When you read the Yoruba Bible, it seems as if God is a Yoruba man, which is true because we are all copies of God’s image. Language is very powerful. If you want a people to lose their sense of identity, all you need to do is to take their language away from them. As such, providing the word of God to people in a language that they can understand is so powerful and has a very good feeling. The Wazobia Bible app, affords you the opportunity to EXERCISE 4 read God’s word in Instruction Choose the British English word/spelling in each of Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, the following sentences: Yoruba and all 1. The Company’s (checks/cheques) always bounce; so watch English translations out! offline. It’s all about 2. What colour/color is your skin? creating value and 3. Travelers travellers) to foreign countries have to obtain visa. opportunities for 4. Why are you (quarrelling/quarreling) with your friend? people to access 5. There is little (paraffin/kerosene) in the lantern.

God’s word.

6. I go to work on (Monday through Friday/Monday to Friday).

What were the 7. Put the waste paper in a (trash can/ dustbin). high points of your 8. I am going on (holiday/vacation) in September. preparation?

9. He (signalled/signaled) that it was time to leave.

The incorporation 10. Where can I get good (programs/programmes) for my of the Bible into Bible computer? programming 11. It looks (like/as if) your dad is back. languages such as 12. Please (stay/stay at) home.

THML (Theological Mark-up Language) CORRECTION and OSIS (Open 1. The Company’s (cheques) always bounce; so watch out!

S c r i p t u r e 2. What colour is your skin?

Information 3. Travellers to foreign countries have to obtain visa.

Standard) was the 4. Why are you quarrelling with your friend? most significant part 5. There is little paraffin in the lantern. of my preparation.

6. I go to work on Monday to Friday.

The Theological 7. Put the waste paper in a dustbin.

Markup Language is 8. I am going on holiday in September. a new markup 9. He signalled that it was time to leave. language that is 10. Where can I get good programmes for my computer? being used to mark up texts for the 11. It looks as if your dad is back.

Christian Classics 12. Please stay at home.

Frequently confused words

Ethereal Library and other projects.

This XML application can be thought of as HTML with additions for electronic books and rich digital libraries, with special support for theological needs such as scripture references and Strongs numberings. Also the Open Scripture Information Standard (OSIS) is an XML application (or schema), that defines tags for marking up Bibles, theological commentaries, and other related literature. These are useful languages I had to code with to develop the app.

Did you know that you were going to win?

I was shocked when I received the news of my win. Someone had called me to tell me I won because I didn’t attend the presentation.

,

Kayode Sowole, a 400-level Computer Science student of University of Lagos who won the ‘Best Student App’ for developing the Wazobia Bible application which allows people to read the bible in Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and all English translations offline. In this interview with Vanguard Learning, he speaks on his inspiration for application development. Excerpts

Christian books. I also made a collection of 384 bible verses which will be highlighted when reading the Bible. At the end of this stage, Wazobia Bible app was hundred per cent ready for use.

How have mobile users embraced the app and what kind of numbers have you churned out?

Wazobia Bible app has been downloaded beyond my expectation. The app has had over 2,800 downloads on MTN App Store.

Have you been able to monetize the application?

No. It’s a free app for now.

How do you intend to deal with the competition within the mobile industry?

I intend to introduce other features like reading the Bible out in audio and in the selected language such as Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and Pidgin.

How would you assess current level of local mobile applications development?

I think local mobile applications development is increasing rapidly and a few years from now, the local mobile applications development community would have doubled.

MTN has launched the MTN NextApps store for various platforms, how will this impact

,

Wazobia Bible app has been downloaded beyond my expectation. The app has had over 2800 downloads on MTN App Store

How do you feel about winning?

This is so comforting and assuring. I feel so exhilarated.

I’m so happy my hard work on the app has really paid off. This is a reward for the value I have tried to create by opening up the word of God to reach more people in a language they can understand and appreciate.

How do you plan to maximise the platform your victory has brought?

I intend to use social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter so as to reach out to a lot of people.

Development of the app Also the 6 month- promotion of the app promised by MTN would help popularise the app.

Could you take us through the start-up process and its growth trajectory?

I started the project by compiling the Holy Bible in Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and all English translations in plain text format. Next, I built the GUI (Graphical User Interface) in Eclipse which made the project about fifty percent ready. After that, I developed the connection between the Bible files and the core of the app. At this stage, the project was seventy five percent completed.

To complete the development of the app, I introduced the reading of other documents such as Bible in one year, Every day in the word and other

the development of mobile applications and related content for mobile uses?

MTN NextApps store has definitely expanded the reach of apps to various platforms which will definitely improve mobile applications development speedily because it will encourage developers to port their apps to several platforms.

Would you say Nigeria has the local capacity to effectively support the growth and development of mobile content and applications?

Not at the moment. We have a lot of talented students in Nigeria but most cannot even afford a laptop. Even those who have laptops have to use N100 from their pocket money to get 10MB of data to browse. Only a few can afford to fuel their generators because there’s no light. As students, we need laptops, data and electricity to effectively support the growth and development of mobile content and applications.

What advice would you have for the government or corporate bodies in a bid to strengthen the local mobile application industry?

The government needs to make electricity stable to strengthen the local mobile application industry. Corporate bodies need to divert the millions they give to music stars for adverts to buy laptops for secondary school students who just finished their WAEC and are awaiting results.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27 , 2014

Amosun assures OSCOTECH of govt support

BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

T

HE Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has assured the students and management of the Ogun State College of Health Technology (OSCOTECH), Ilese-Ijebu of government’s support in its quest to blaze the trail in the training of middle-level manpower in the health care sector in Nigeria. The governor stated this last Thursday during the first convocation ceremony of the College.

According to Senator Amosun, the role of the college has become central to the state’s agenda on healthcare. The governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka and his education counterpart, Mr. Segun Odubela, reiterated the commitment of his government to the provision of holistic healthcare services in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Soyinka said, “OSCOTECH has become central to Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s initiative on health. We need to work on the health pipeline to ensure that it gushes out the right contents

to ensure the three Ps of healthcare is taken care of. The future looks bright for the College”.

Speaking earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr. Tunji Dawodu listed some of the achievements of the College under his watch to include, among several other things, the accreditation of all courses except one and the execution of several projects to uplift the status of the 38-year old school which growth had been stunted. He then appealed to

the government to increase the subvention of the school so as to free more funds for the direlyneeded infrastructural development; and the tarring of the campus roads to elevate the environment.

Three prominent Fellows which included the Ogun State governor were invested at the occasion. Others were Sir Kessington Adebutu and Dr Hassan of Eye Foundation.

Several dignitaries graced the event.

*Ogun State Commisioner for Education, Barrister Segun Odubela (right) congratulating Hon. Ladi Adebutu who stood in for his father, Chief Kessington Adebutu during his investiture as a fellow of the Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State on Thursday. Middle is the Provost of the College, Dr. Tunji Dawodu.

Spelling Bee produces One Day Governor

By TARE YOUDEOWEI

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HE 14th edition of Lagos State Ministry of Education Spelling Bee Competition has held, with Master Edun Olabanji of Army Children Senior Secondary School, Onigbongbo in first position.

The competition, which was initiated in 2001 by New Era Foundation under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had competitors from the six educational districts of the state.

This comprised of 57 state public schools in 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas. Thus, 57 pupils competed to be the 14th One Day Governor of Lagos State.

In her address, Commissioner of Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, explained that the competition which was adopted by the ministry in 2006, is tailored towards helping pupils develop their spelling, vocabulary, English language usage, confidence and reading habits, that would lead to better academic performance, with a view of preparing them for the future.

Six rounds of words were thrown at the pupils by the bee master, Mr Ojitiku Moronfolu, to be spelt correctly. Incorrect spelling eliminated 54 pupils

leaving three at the final stage.

Spelling the word Cockaleekie correctly, 15 year old Master Edun Olabanji became Lagos State’s One Day Governor with a cheque of N250,000. 15-yearold Miss Azeez Blessing of Keme Balogun Senior College, Ibeshe, grabbed the second price of N150,000 by spelling the word Fettuccine, while Master Macaulay Elijah of Ojota Senior Secondary, Kosofe, came third with a cheque of N100,000.

The winners thanked Lagos State Government and the

Ministry of Education for the opportunity which has made them more confident and better students, as preparation for the spelling bee required discipline and hard work.

Representative of Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of the state, Mrs Azeezat Tijani, wife of the Commissioner of Mineral Resources, expressed profound joy at the extent of intelligence displayed by the pupils as they spelt words that captivated the audience.

Promasidor holds first stage Cowbell maths exam

By AMAKA ABAYOMI

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HE first stage examination of Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) was held in 200 centres in 34 states across the country and the Federal Capital Territory.

The examination which held recently in all the states of the Federation except Yobe and Bornu states was supervised by officials of state ministries of education with several students participating.

Students, teachers and head teachers are to check the examination results on www.promasidor-ng.com from Wednesday, May 21, 2014.

The best three students in each category at the state level will receive first prize cash award of N25,000, second prize N20,000 and third prize N15,000 in addition to branded materials such as school bags, T-shirts, pens, notebooks and certificates of recognition while their Mathematics teachers will receive cash award of N15,000 each.

Universities convocation addresses series (2)

I

HAVE structured the lecture into 12 parts. I begin with a brief introduction to the political economy of mineral resources, followed by a description of the critical importance of minerals in modern civilisation. I then bring Nigeria’s own huge minerals endowments in focus in order to underline the several missed opportunities to apply the critical resources for self-reliant industrialisation and in uplifting the standard of living of the Nigerian people. The three sections that follow deal with the external and internal factors of minerals-related underdevelopment.

The next section presents a catalogue of misery, poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria, a mineral-rich economy. Against that background, I then unfold, in the last section, a strategic agenda for Nigeria’s economic emancipation and self-reliant development.

II. A Brief Introduction to the Political Economy of Mineral Resources Since the industrial revolution in the metropolitan countries, and especially since the Second World War, the enormous growth of the economies of the advanced countries and the resulting growth in the demand for minerals has caused the rapid exhaustion of their mineral reserves and left them with only low-grade or difficultto-extract deposits. As the raw materials of the industrialised countries become more and more costly to develop, they have increasingly resorted to controlling the minerals of foreign countries, especially those of the Third world, in the periphery of the worldsystem.

What is new today is that, from the point of view of metropolitan capital, the “importance” of the periphery, as supplier of agricultural raw materials, has been superseded by its “importance” as supplier of industrial raw materials. In the context of the entity known as the world capitalist system, which is composed of the center and the periphery, the result of this shaping of the periphery to specialise as supplier of vital raw materials to the industries of the center is known as “monoculture”.

Third World countries were originally structured, i.e., underdeveloped, to serve as natural resource suppliers when they were forcefully incorporated, through colonisation, into the world capitalist economy. In other words, an important precondition for establishing this colonial arrangement was the underdevelopment of productive forces in the colonised areas.

Domestic prroductive forces Domestic productive forces having been underdeveloped, the colonised areas became virtual plantations or resource enclaves, economic activity became concentrated on the rapacious exploitation of natural resources for export to metropolitan countries, and the resource enclaves thereby became entirely dependent on the economic and political vagaries in the metropolitan countries, the major consumers of their natural resources. Through neocolonialism, most of the Third World is still in this situation even today.

III. The Critical Importance of Minerals in Modern Civilisation Technically, minerals are naturally occurring crystalline solids of inorganic origin, having a more or less fixed chemical composition.

While there are said to be about 2,000 known minerals, only about 100 of them are considered of economic importance. Modern man’s interest in them arises primarily because of their non-renewability and scarcity. They are also referred to as “raw materials” because they contribute the raw, i.e., natural, inputs of modern industrialism.

Minerals have always played an important role in man’s life.

History documents that mineral resources can, indeed, facilitate economic development and the eradication of misery and poverty, which abound on this planet. The development of our civilisation is closely related to our abilities to use minerals and transform them into materials for our needs. That is why we have come to associate the different stages of our civilisation with the discovery of different mineral materials: the Stone Age; Copper Age; Bronze Age; Iron Age; and, even now, the Atomic or Nuclear Age. Continues next week.

IV. Overview of Nigeria’s Minerals Endowments Before the so-called oil boom era in the Nigerian economy, tin mining was the major source of revenue and foreign exchange for the country; and Nigeria was, for a long time, among the top six producers of both tin and columbite in the world. But mostly because of our subsequent over-concentration on oil, the importance of tin and other solid minerals has declined in the Nigerian economy.

To be continued

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 —29

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Novel dual active antifungal & biocide extract •dehairs leather efficiently

By EBELE ORAKPO

THE Federal Government's dream of making Nigeria world's hub for leather processing is being realised as a wholly indigenous startup company, Berekotry Detergent Ltd. based in Iseyin, Oyo State, has discovered, through its cellulose fusion technology, a dual active antifungal and biocide extract with fast efficiency in leather dehairing, allegedly the fastest in the world now.

Speaking with Vanguard Learning, the Chief Executive Officer/Head of Research & Development of the company, Engr. Taslim Owonikoko, said the product is "a fast dehairing agent in leather processing with an incubation period of just 30 minutes, an ample improvement on the over seven days current practice in the leather processing industry globally."

De-hairing: De-hairing as the name implies, is removal of hair from skins as one of the important operations in leather processing. Usually, this process involves the use of chemicals applied in huge amounts.

Unfortunately, these chemicals often cause a lot of environmental pollution hence the

*A piece of leather treated with dehairing agent

*Taslim Owonikoko need for an alternative.

Search for alternatives: They found the alternative in enzymes which apart from doing the job within a shorter period, is more eco-friendly.

"When the nod came from the Nigerian Patent Office on a novel process route for the synthesis of antifungal and antimicrobial agent from cellulose to valuable industrial products in 2008, it was like a starter’s euphoria on the part of the Berekotry Ltd’s Research & Development leadership. The patent granted in 2008 has been reinforced by the latest award of a second patent by the Nigerian Patent office in March, 2014," said an elated Owonikoko.

Antimicrobial agent: "We have clean prototypes

*Aspergillus niger-infected onion

and patented route for the production of new antifungal agent from cellulose via nonpyrolysis liquefaction. The extract was phytochemically screened and found to be inhibitors for three fungi species (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus species) plus one bacteria species Bacillus cereus.

Aspergillus niger, a common food contaminant, causes a disease called black mold on certain fruits and vegetables such as grapes, onions and peanuts while Aspergillus fla-

Union Bank adopts St. Mary’s School

By MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

*Aspergillus flavus-infected tomatoes

vus is a pathogenic fungus best known for its colonisation of cereal grains and legumes.

He expressed his appreciation and readiness to partner more with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP),who collaborated with his company to acquire the crucial patent captioned: Antifungal agent from ligno-cellulose and ligninfree cellulose-based agro biomass materials via

MOUN petitions Jonathan for loss of lives

BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

U

NION Bank Nigeria has celebrated Financial Literacy (FL) Day with St. Mary’s Private School, Broad Street, Lagos. The visit which formed part of the wider activities lined up by Union Bank in commemoration of the 2014 Global Money Week, formally kicked-off the adoption of St. Mary’s School by the Bank in furtherance of its commitment towards Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy in Nigeria.

The Global Money Week is a global celebration from Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17, 2014. The week-long celebration seeks to inculcate sound financial understanding including fiscal planning and management skills in children and young adults by engaging them on financial education including saving, creating livelihoods, gaining employment, and entrepreneurship.

By such adoption, Union Bank will undertake a year-long programme of Financial Literacy support to the school.

During the visit to St.Mary’s, Thursday, March 13, 2014, a day

*Aspergillus flavus-infected maize

T

*Mr. Emeka Emuwa, Group Managing Director, Union Bank Plc, teahcing the pupils of St. Mary's Private School, Broad Street, Lagos during the Financial Literacy Week. designated Financial Literacy Day by the Bankers’ Committee as part of awareness initiatives in Nigeria, EmekaEmuwa, Group Managing Director of Union Bank and Chairman of the Financial Literacy SubCommittee of the Bankers’ Committee, taught 100 St. Mary’s students from a special Financial Literacy Curriculum developed by Junior Achievement Nigeria, a nonprofit organisation which focuses on educating children about their economic environment. The lesson included Fun Facts about

Money, illustrations on the old Trade by Barter system, Work and Income, Spending Money and Saving.

EmekaEmuwa at the event said, “We, at Union Bank see opportunities such as this, where we are part of the process of educating and equipping them for the future, as a privilege.”

Adding, he said, “We believe that a proper Financial Education will empower our young ones to make sound financial decisions in the future.”

alkali fusion and oxidation of acid liquefied biomass cellulose materials after a three-year global search and due dilligence.

He said some researchers at the National Institute of Leather Research, Zaria, conducted phytochemical screening of the synthesised extract with excellent results, noting that this achievement came at a time when bio-based materials are being applied for sustainability.

"There is a market of US$6 billion worldwide for the dehairing agent which Owonikoko believes will benefit Nigeria immensely.

Although a relatively small company, Berekotry is doing Nigeria proud especially as the raw materials are basically agro biomass, things ordinarily seen as waste, thus adding steam to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina's constant call for Nigeria to enhance its agricultural value chain.

Said Owonikoko: "The local raw materials we are using are from agricultural waste; we are talking of those things we burn down on the farms after harvest – corn cobs, groundnut shells, rice husks etc.

Fortunately, these things are well distributed all over Nigeria."

The company also has patents in HSE Oil & Gas, lubricants, biochemicals, semiconductors, biocides, biosurfactants, inks & coatings, composites, etc.

HE Movement of U n e m p l o y e d Nigerians(MOUN), has petitioned the president on the avoidable wastage of Nigerian youths and the issue of chronic unemployment steering the nation in the face.

The petition and an open letter was yesterday delivered to the Administrative officer, Mr Raji Sulaman on behalf of the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Council after the group had a peaceful walk for the youths whose lives were lost at different centres of last week’s Immigration test.

Part of the content of the letter read thus; “ we are completely outraged at the unavoidable wastage of the lives of scores of unemployed Nigerian youths over the last weekend.The president’s capitalist government are preying on the misery of helpless Nigerian youths especially graduates who

suffer years without gainful employment.

Already in this crisis, the fundamentally unjust nature of capitalism is revealed in all its ugliness, subsequent reports have confirmed that the urge to make profit through the application process was equally reponsible for the crisis and the unavoidable death.

“To make matters worse all of the 4,556 vacancies had one way or the other being filled through the spurious lists like Mr president list, down along the specking order of other senior ranking political officers lists and the cash and carry list of paying N150,000 or above depending on who was contracting the applicant to the source of the list.

So in reality, Nigerians were merely being taken on a ride, for behind the curtains the vacancies had been filled through the process of knowing someone at the presidency or at the ministry of internal affairs or at the immigrations, meaning that the last weekend exercise was merely aimed at fulfilling all the needed bureaucracy’ necessity.

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

CIAPS to generate 100 jobs via career development, youth employment plans

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

How not to run out of pocket money

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

S

tudents behave differently towards the end of the semester. Chicken and chips are quickly replaced by garri and groundnut; instead of taking their babes out on dates, guys become scarce or look forward to home cooked meals; even the brainees are hesitant to buy handouts, and things seem to get missing from the hostel more frequently than usual. The dryness of pockets towards the end of the semester can be avoided. Here’s how: Calm down Get money wise at the beginning of the semester, not towards the end. Don’t be in a rush to buy everything buyable or spend above your means. If it’s available for sale now, it will definitely be available for sale later. It could be pretty exciting to have your pocket money fresh in your account, but take a moment to think deeply and calm down before making any financial decisions.

Budget If you’re truly a student, a pen and paper won’t be too difficult to find.

Make use of them for your own good.

Draw up a budget for the semester or month. Be sure to put in the larger financial commitments first, and make sure all grounds are covered. Be realistic about your income and

expenditure, and don’t budget on money you don’t have.

Save Ever heard the phrase: “Don’t spend it all in one place”? Well, here’s another that should get your attention: “Don’t spend it all at once.” Learn to put your money in savings. No matter how little you save at a time, save something.

Get to work You’re most likely on facebook, so it won’t hurt to know that Mark Zuckerberg was about your age when he dropped out of school and became a billionaire. Well, there’s no need to drop out, but if you can, and if the rules of your school permit, start a business that won’t interfere with your academics.

Be content So what if everyone around you can afford to be extravagant? Don’t envy others. Cut your cloth according to your size and be content with what you have. Avoid borrowing, begging or buying things on credit as much as possible.

Give Don’t be stingy. If you give to those who are in need, you’ll be covered on your own rainy day. Give generously, but wisely.

Wine & Yellow Houses shine at Shalom School sports competition

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t was celebration galore for victorious athletes and officials of yellow and wine houses at the annual inter-house sport meet of Shalom Schools, Baruwa, Ipaja with Yellow House topping the overall medals table in the primary category ahead of green, wine and blue houses respectively.

In some of the events decided on the final, Faith Christian of Yellow House came first in the 200 meters girls’ final. Favour Eboigbe won gold in the girls 100 meters girls final while Blue House emerged winner in the 4 by 100 meters girls relay.

Other winners include John Fatuase who won the boys 25 meters race, Iyanu Adekunle, gold medalist in the

boys 75 meters final and Ige Emmanuel who defeated Akindeji Adebayo to win the boys 50 meters final.

In the college category, known as Cedar College, Wine House emerged the overall winner ahead of Yellow, Green and Blue houses.

Describing sports as an essential ingredent in child development, the chairman, Governing Council, Mr. Richard Adebayo, said the annual inter-house sports has helped improve the physical and mental health of the students.

He solicited for more co-operations between the management and parents so as to help improve the performance of the students.

LAGOS-based Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, CIAPS, has last week unveiled its plan to help graduates get jobs in their chosen fields.

The Centre Director, Prof. Anthony Kila, in a statement issued in Lagos last week whilst launching the new CIAPS fasttrack programmes for graduates, explained that the plan is based on CIAPS’ OBE Programmes.

The CIAPS OBE Programmes according to Prof. Kila “are outcomebased educational programmes built on research and the inputs we get from dynamic organisations about their recruitment needs as well as their employment and development strategies”.

A major aim of the programme is to address the employability of many graduates and young people. Rather than focusing on just theory and academic curriculum, CIAPS is working with businesses and various organisations and employers to establish what kind of graduates these organisations and employers need, what skills and knowledge these graduates should possess.

This way, graduates will be training for a real job and career rather than

*Prof. Anthony Kila just for a certificate.

The programmes will also help young people and graduates familiarise themselves with the working environment as a fundamental part of their study at CIAPS will be their workexperience, work-placements and other various kind of internships.

Many of the companies working with CIAPS on these programmes are eager to employ but cannot find the right people, many of the graduates they find are just not ready for the work environment. CIAPS’ plan through its fast track programmes is to bridge this gap by providing very practical training for graduates and helping them reach employers.

WORLD POETRY DAY: Rivers rewards winners, set to promote teachers

T

he Rivers State Government has rewarded winners of the World Poetry Day, even as it also reiterated commitment to promote teachers in the state. The Commissioner for Education Rivers State Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated this in Port Harcourt during an event to mark the 2014 World Poetry Day Celebration at the Port Harcourt Primar y.

The Commissioner said the State is very much interested in delivery qualitative education. The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Education, Barr Minabelem Michael West stated that the State has started reaping the benefits of its investment in education. The Commissioner also charged the teachers to brace up to the challenge of raising the future leaders in the state, tasking them to be up and doing while discharging their duties.

Lawrence-Nemi said that the State is very much committed in turning out educated citizens so as to raise up people who are ready to drive the economy of the State and the nation in a positive light.

The Commissioner also during the event received the Rivers Debate Team that participated in

the Centenary Debate Competition in Abuja. The Centenary debate was in commemoration of the Amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 by Lord Fredrick Lugard. The Debate Team took the third position during the competition in Abuja. The Commissioner while receiving the third place trophy commended the students for making the state proud. She said that The State Government has transformed the public schools by providing good infrastructures that promotes learning in the State. The Commissioner stated that the invested in the education sector has made students in public schools to be confident enough to stand their peers in the private schools across the country.

The Commissioner also during the programme describes Poetry as a tool that is used to promote dialogue among cultures and understanding between peoples. She said that the study of poetry will enhance writing, reading and learning in the state. ‘’The dissemination of poetry helps to promote dialogue among cultures and understanding between peoples. The purpose of today’s celebration is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and also to give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements’’, she said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 31

Our curriculum has not exposed students to think – VC The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Isaac Asuzu, spoke in an interview with some journalists on the issues confronting the new university established by the Federal Government few years ago.

Excerpts:

T

HE university system in Nigeria is in dire need of a new approach, a new vision, and a new assurance of its essence in national development. What step is FUOYE taking to respond to this demand?

Thank you. First, I will start with staffing. You cannot do better than the quality of staff you have on ground. Since I came, I have tried to recruit capable people that are qualified to work, particularly lecturers. Lecturers are people who train the students and the quality of lecturers determines the quality of students you have. Secondly, as you have noted, we have discovered a gap between our graduates and the requirements of industries.

Economic development This gap, we have found, is because of our curriculum. Our curriculum has not exposed students to the ability to think because when you think, then you can be innovative. We have incorporated entrepreneurial studies to the curriculum so that every student will have an opportunity to learn one skill or two so that they can contribute, upon graduation, to national economic development, either through self-employment or by contributing their quota as employees. These are some of the efforts we are making in this school to ensure that we contribute to national development.

Your administration is laying much emphasis on capacity building. Do you have grants or other form of assistance to support and sustain your efforts?

Yes, recently we were fortunate to receive ¦ 140 million from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, for staff development. Since we got that money, we have formed a committee of eminent professors to study, screen and select applicants from our school who would benefit from the fund. Now we are preparing to send a number of our staff abroad for further studies. We do not know the number yet, we are still computing.

What are the criteria for selecting beneficiaries?

The first thing we look at is qualification. People with first class honours will first be

considered. Then those with second class, upper division will be considered. Second, we look at the university to which they have applied for further studies.

Such university must possess high level academic discipline.

Beside these, such staff must have spent at least two years in this university. Graduate assistants are not eligible to benefit from the grant because they are not lecturers yet.

Nigerians are agitating for upward review of funding for higher education to match the country’s ambition to be among the global academic giants.

What is your take on it?

Before I came into administration, I used to be a researcher and teacher. I have travelled to different parts of the world and seen how academics is handled. Education takes a lot of money; it is capital intensive.

It is not commercial business. It is a place where you train manpower. It is from the universities that the nation gets its workforce.

Something that I realized is that in the developed world, the government does not fund education alone. The private sector and the companies come into it.

Entrepreneurial university The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, for example, is an entrepreneurial university. It provides a lot of funding for education. When I was there in 1990/91 for my post-doctoral work as a Commonwealth Fellow, companies funded most of the facilities we had in the Chemistry research laboratories. Each time the companies had a project, they would come to us to produce certain drugs for them. We would tell them what we needed, which they would supply, so that we would be able to produce the drugs for them. After that, the equipment remained in the lab.

Most of the facilities we had then, we got that way. It is not that government must supply all we have to work with, but the problem we have in Nigeria is that there is a gap between the industries and the universities.

Our so-called industries do not support the universities in this country. What they spend their time doing is to import readymade things, rather than encourage research to produce these things by ourselves, and the only way they can do that is to liaise with the universities. I came from University of Nigeria,

Professor Isaac Asuzu...education takes a lot of money Nsukka, UNN. If you go to their Agricultural Engineering Department, you will see machines; machines that extract the bitter properties from bitter leaf, melon shelling machines, etc and the companies are not coming for the mass production of these machines. The researcher produces for mass sales. Government cannot massproduce. There is this gap between the industries and universities. Government cannot do everything and in fact, I can say that it is trying.

Why is it difficult for tertiary institutions to access intervention funds as alleged by the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who said recently that the two intervention agencies for education have over N80b that had not been accessed, given the myriads of challenges confronting the educational sector in the country?

It is true there are some funds that have not been accessed.

Nevertheless, one of the problems that hinder access is the conditions that government has put up. One such condition is that you must exhaust what you have before you are given another tranche, even if you have done the project to up to 80%.

By the original agreement, these buildings here should have been handed over to us by February.

Right now, they have over shot the time-frame for completion.

Therefore, if these buildings are not completed, government will

not release further funds to us.

That is one of the bottlenecks. We have been trying to persuade the government to reconsider and release more money when the project has reached about 75%.

You see, the contractors take their time. A project that was billed for completion in few months might take one year; some of the contractors handling some of our projects are nowhere to be found.

,

By DOTUN IBIWOYE

However, I know that once the place is organised, the system will run on its own whether the leader is there is not. We have tried to set up appraisal systems so that people who are wrongly placed are placed in their rightful positions. I am teaching people to obtain permission when travelling, forming committees, and ensuring discipline in the system.

The way we are now, we are about to achieve that stability and then we can take off from there.

Very soon, we will begin to do appraisal; those who are supposed to be regularized will be regularized. The second challenge is finance. This is because without money, we can not do anything. We need money to provide the facilities.

There is the question of space or accommodation. This is a big challenge because many of our staff do not have offices and many people share one room.

Thank God for the phase II project blocks. We look forward to moving over there as soon as they are completed, so that this place can be used for other things. We have tried to rent some buildings or convert some into hostels; some at Oye-Ekiti and some at Ikole campus.

Fortunately also, the Federal Government through TETFUND is building two new hostels for us. Each of them will take about 250 students. The contractors have started work and hopefully, by the time the hostels are ready, they will have all modern facilities such as swimming pools, washing machines etc. We also encourage people to collaborate with us on Build, Operate, and Transfer, BOT, basis.

Another challenge is that we do not have enough lecturers to teach our students. Sometime last year, we advertised and a number of people applied and we

Education takes a lot of money; it is capital intensive. It is not commercial business. It is a place where you train man-power

These circumstances that are beyond our control add up to elongate the delivery period. You can go there and see things for yourself. That’s why I opened the connecting road so that people can see for themselves. The projects are about 70% completed.

The ICT building is now at the stage of painting while the Faculty of Science building is at roofing stage. The Administration Block and the Library are where we are experiencing challenges with the contractors but all will be assuredly delivered this year.

What have been your major constraints since you came to FUOYE? The first big challenge that I had was organising this place. What I saw was that the place was not well organised. People were doing what they wanted; travelling at will and nobody knew what the other was doing.

,

interviewed and appointed over 100 lecturers and we are still employing because there are still some gaps in the areas where people did not show up then. We also tried to poach good hands from several institutions to make sure we have adequate number of lecturers. I think we have a full complement of other staff we need now.

The multiplicity of culture is believed by many to be a major challenge facing Nigeria as a nation. FUOYE can be viewed in this regard as a microcosm of the larger society. How are you dealing with this challenge?

I do not agree with you that multiplicity of culture is a problem. Rather it is an advantage because when different cultures come together, they learn from one another. That makes Nigeria tick today.

32 —

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34 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27 , 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—35

My greatest joy is seeing my ex-students do well — Proprietress

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

S pupils, parents, staff and management of Radiance Nursery and Primary School, Festac, Lagos, last Friday, trooped out to celebrate its 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service/Awards of Recognition in grand style, the Proprietress, Mrs. Ethel Menkiti, revealed that her greatest joy in life as a teacher for

over 52 years is to see her ex-students doing well in their various fields of endeavour.

She said the fear of God, discipline, high moral standards, unity, love, harmony and egalitarianism among staff, have been the core values that have kept the school radiating brighter over the last 25 years of its existence.

At the event, where the pupils

performed choreography, cultural dance, war dance among others, awards were given to the Proprietor, Bishop Fredrick Menkiti; the Proprietress, Mrs. Ethel Menkiti; Radiance Consultant, Mrs. O. Adelakun, as pillars of the school. Mr. Peter Anaman, Mr. Oscar Okorie and Mrs. Comfort Ichie, who have served the school between 15 and 25 years were awarded as

pioneer teachers with air conditioners, gas cookers, television sets and home theatre sets for their meritorious service to the school.

Menkiti whose joy knew no bound said: “I am very happy and I give glory to God Almighty, because without him, you can do nothing. God has given me long life, wisdom, understanding and good health, so all thanks must

go to him. Infact, I feel on top of the world. At 25 years, Radiance has been making waves all over the world. My ex-students are all over America, Europe, Asia and even Africa winning scholarships. Today, you have seen it and even tomorrow, you will still see it. Infact, I am fully satisfied because my mission is almost completed.

36— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Diaspora Nigerians and deportation of citizens

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N

IGERIANS in the Diaspora are among the lowest-wage job receivers and in many situations excluded from host countries social benefits, which according to a Nigerian envoy, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, is a slap on Nigeria’s integrity. The envoy told Vanguard Consular

Advisory that a large number of Nigerians in several countries abroad are being denied of many social benefits from countries they have migrated to, based on the common belief that most African immigrants, particularly Nigerians are fraudsters.

The denial of these social benefits from many African immigrants our source said is basically a way through which

the countries intend to discourage Africans from entering desired countries of choice.

“The underlining Nigerian immigrants problem here is the attitude of the ordinary officials for a flimsy excuse of European citizens to African being in possession of fake immigrants, particularly documentation and incorrect Nigerians. sponsorship, and they were Just a while ago more than subsequently deported.

100 Nigerians were refused How on earth would one entry into one of the European describe this kind of deep countries by immigration rooted discrimination and rejection?”

He also emphasized that the Europeans have a xenophobic attitude toward Africans, leaving one with the unanswered question on why African Heads of Missions are reluctant in resolving the many unfriendly face-offs between Africans immigrants and Europeans, since the issue has become the major factor and or cause to several

are working in their countries, noting that it is not enough for African immigrants government authorities to continue giving note of warning to their citizens concerning the mal-treatment and stigmatisations they receive on a daily basis.

His words, “European countries should not take Africans for a ride and or capitalise on Africa’s sense of respect and friendliness towards foreigners for granted.

Europeans should not take the friendly business environment Africans accorded them, for a display of stupidity, and I warn that in due course, the leaders of these African countries would be taking appropriate actions if any of its citizens is deported on fragile e x c u s e s . ” He further stated that retaliating actions that may take over many of the untold

We have many of them resident in Africa, especially Nigeria, and as guests, it is important for these host countries to show us some measure of respect levels of diplomatic crisis between countries.

“However, the issue of diplomatic crisis between countries have been in the news for a long time and it is important that all African Heads of Missions resort to finding a final solution to the problem, which has denied many Africans, Nigerians in particular from enjoying their investments in various countries of abode abroad and some social benefits for humanity sake,” the envoy, who once served as Nigeria’s envoy to one of the African countries, added.

Another source who simply identified himself as James stressed the need to urgently address European c o u n t r i e s ’ xenophobic attacks on foreigners who

hardship and suppression Africans are subjected to on a daily basis in various countries of abode abroad, would create a lot of diplomatic controversies with the responsible European countries.

“Nigerians should not be treated as if they are still slaves, after all, Europeans are not better off. We have many of them resident in Africa, especially Nigeria, and as guests, it is important for these host countries to show us some measure of respect. Trying threatening or defaming us would only bring disagreements which may transit into violence,” he added.

In view of the aforementioned, Nigerians in several European countries, still feel threatened and have requested to have unbiased platform for heartfelt exchanges of opinion with their host countries. In other words, European countries that are responsible for promoting racism, defamatory or abusive treatment toward African immigrants, particularly Nigerians should desist from such act to avoid unwarranted diplomatic war.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27 , 2014 — 37

38— VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

National Conference can’t give us people’s constitution unless…

Oditah Professor Fidelis Oditah is a Senior Advocate of Ni geria (SAN). Before he relocated to Nigeria, he prac ticed law in UK, where he was called to the bar (Lincoln’s Inn) and subsequently became a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 2003. He was a tutor in Law at Merton College, Oxford and Travers Smith Braithwaite and a lecturer in Corporate Finance Law in the University of Oxford. Prof Oditah has also served as a consultant to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) from 1995 to 1999. He is an authority on insolvency law. In this interview, he spoke extensively on the National Conference and corruption in the judiciary.

Excerpt:

S

OME lawyers have ar gued that the nation’s problem is the Presidential system of government that it operates, what is your view on this?

The American Presidential system works, apparently, well enough. There is no reason in principle why our own Presidential system should not work. So I am not sure that the problem is necessarily whether it is a Presidential system or a Parliamentary system. I think the whole problem is the character of leadership. The winner takes all mentality and the abuse of office, including corruption. These are the many problems associated with governance. Which is why people think it is a do or die affair.

If people do not perceive political leadership and political office as given umpire access to pot of gold, to ill gotten gains, to true demonstration of affluence, I do not believe that people will do what they presently do to seek and acquire political power. And so, to say the problem is the Presidential system is a little superfi-

cial.

Several Conferences were held during the struggle for independence and Nigerians were involved in the discussion of the affairs of the state, do you see this ongoing National Conference as one that will address a lot of national issues?

In principle, I believe dialogue is a good thing. It is good to talk.

Against that background, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this National Conference. It is provides a forum for us to identify

,

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

•Prof. Fidelis

objective, whatever those objectives may be.

I have no doubt personally that a number of our national problem will be identified and debated. But it is one thing to debate or identify the problem; it is

To the extent that we have a procedure for making constitution and amending constitution, it will still come back to states via their own state assembly

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and articulate issues which are perplexing us, which are plaguing us as a nation. To that extent, we must all support it, irrespective of our own private reservations about the wisdom and utility of the exercise. Having inaugurated the exercise, it is our civic duty as Nigerians to support it and to ensure that it works smoothly. It is our civic duty to ensure that it succeeds in its

The Oscar Pistorius Trial

another thing to implement it.

Very often, we are a nation of several talk shops. We like to talk a lot and to waste the meager resources that we have. We are very poor in implementing. And we have already been told that whatever resolutions or recommendations that emerge from the National Conference be left for the next administration to implement.

But that is not a reason for engaging it because otherwise we will all become very cynical, very comical and somewhat despondent and say nothing good can come out of it. We must give it the benefit of doubt and assume that something good might come out of it. And the possibility, however small, is sufficient to embark on it. It is better than doing nothing. Of course, we have to look at the cost of doing so and to align the benefit with the cost. If they were doing it from their own private pocket, many of us will carry out a cost benefit analysis. We must ensure that the cost does not exist the utility of the exercise.

Some activists have said that the outcome of the conference should be subjected to a referendum and not to ratification by the National Assembly, what is your position on this?

Adesina advocates Appeal, Supreme Courts for states P/40

P/40

If we are starting with a blank slate, it will canvass a lot of options. But we are not starting with a blank slate. Unless the National Conference recommends abolition of the National Assembly; but if it does not, I do not see why the National Assembly cannot be the proper instrument for implementing the findings of the conference; unless we want to abrogate the structures completely.

But by itself, a referendum, to some extent is question begging because referenda are usually suitable for eliciting the vote of people in relation to key issue.

For example, you may two, three or five issues that you want to put to referenda. I do not know how many resolutions or recommendations that are going to emerge.

Continues on page 39

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

National Conference can’t give us people’s constitution unless… Oditah Assuming the National Conference was to come up with a new constitution, I would have thought that it was unnecessary to submit such a new constitution to the people. The National Conference is capable of giving us a new constitution. But since we did not participate in the selection of any of the candidates, why should we think that they represent us? Why should we think that they will give us a constitution which binds us?

I think that it is in that context that there may be said to be merits in subjecting whatever outcome to referendum because for reason of political expediency they have not allowed the National Conference to be representative. The reality remains that it is the government that has populated the National Conference.

Constitutional difficulty If you take the state nominees for example, it is the governors who have nominated people to represent the state. But the governors are not the law making organs of their state. So there is a basic constitutional difficulty in saying what they recommend can be.

Having said all that, if you regard the conference as a talking shop, provided this is what we want to do, you could submit that to the National Assembly and say this is what the government delegates who came for this conference have recommended.

You who have been elected under a representative democracy, you can then look at it and tell us what you think. To the extent that we have a procedure for making constitution and amending constitution, it will still come back to states via their own state assembly.

But I think that on the whole, that may be a whole enlightening approach than just subjecting it to referendum. I can see that if you are voting on one or two or three issues, like should we have

•Prof. Fidelis a Presidential or Parliamentary system, should we have an independent judiciary- you can subject that type of isolated question to a referendum but you cannot subject a whole document to referendum. L

Consents of the people Like a document with 500 sections, how do the people who have a right to vote, who enjoy universal suffrage, understand the complexities of the framework of constitutional document to enable them vote meaningfully.

The most effective way to receive mandate and consents of the people is through the various elected representatives, provided that the electoral system itself is credible. And if it is not, we will be begging the question whether these are truly representative of the people. Where the mandate or consent of the people is vitiated at the very basic level of election, then it is impossible to regard the so called representatives as representatives. And because they lack mandate, it

becomes just a vicious circle. It becomes also entirely circular.

If I say that I want to see how the consent of the people is manifested and I say I am doing so through elected representatives who were not elected, who have imposed their self through electoral rigging and other form of electoral malpractices, then it is not wrong to consider them as the people who will represent us.

So we have to get the basic structure right.

As preparation for the 2015 general election are underway, do you think the National Conference is coming at the right time?

Well, it is close to the elections.

It would have been better if we had it two years before the elections so that there is time to debate the findings before one begins talk about its implementation. And so to that extent you have to wonder whether the timing is auspicious, whether this is the best time to do it. But I always believe that there is no particular good about time to doing something, it depends on the wheel and the enthusiasm of the people. If you have a set of

recommendations, we are told that the conference will not take more than three months, assuming that is true and it will finish in June.

They could debate their findings for another three months, which will take us to September. If there was political will, there is no doubt that between September and December, you could make whatever changes you want.

Why do we pay the National Assembly? Why can’t they translate what the National Conference has recommended into legislation or into a constitution in few months? And so, there is no time that is optimal in that sense. And our own experience as human beings tells us that even when you have a lot of time, you might still be late. And when you have little time, you might hurry up and achieve it.

But, of course, the political reality is that people want to be reelected into office and they are more interested in coming to enjoy power, than translating the

people lose their cases, they attribute it to corruption. In an adversarial system, there must always be a winner and a loser; in England, in America, everywhere.

Sometimes you get to the Supreme Court of the United States and find out that the justices have voted according to their political colouration; whether they are republican, whether they are democrats or whether they are independent.

So to that extent, one must appreciate that judges are human beings. They have their own biases, they have their own loves, and they have their own dislikes.

And these vices and prejudices, unconsciously or subconsciously influence decision making. It is not in every case that you lose your case that the judge is corrupt.

And one needs to understand that a judge may also be incompetent, apart from being bias. Why on earth do we assume that because somebody is a judge, he or she may not be incompetent?

Also, some of these judges are not necessarily the best lawyers we have in Nigeria.

We must also acknowledge the

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Continues from page 38

— 39

When the only value you have is money and the public is uncritical and unquestionable about the source of money, the chase for money becomes almost inevitable

findings of the National Conference to any type of binding, articles of governance or constitution, including legislation.

In that sense, they are not likely to have time. It is not that the time is insufficient but because they have a more pressing need for themselves, at the expense of society.

Recently, the National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mariam AlomaMukhtar, sacked two justices, making it four that have been sacked so far, how would you then describe the fight against injustice and corruption in the nation’s judiciary?

I think one must start kindly acknowledging that judges do a very difficult job. Often time when

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prevalence of corruption in the judiciary system. I often say that judges are part of the society, our society is very corrupt. Our society has abandon and surrenders all values.

Source of money The only value that is important is money. And when the only value you have is money and the public is uncritical and unquestionable about the source of money, the chase for money becomes almost inevitable. And people become consumed by the desire to acquire money which they do not need and will not enhance their lives in any way.

Judges are part of that problem.

A number of judges unfortunately are corrupt.

It is our duty as a society to ensure that we reduce the incidence of judicial corruption to the minimum. If I cannot change the system through the rules, then you are encouraging anarchy, violence and break down of law and order. Law and order is not the monopoly of the judges, they cannot do as they like. And everyone must perform their role to the best of their ability without fear or favour. But a lot of the cases should also go to the lawyers who offer bribes to judges. And so when I hear that people never lose their case, I laugh. Who is a lawyer that never loses a case? If you never lose a case, then there must be something wrong with your practice. Such a person must be doing something profoundly and unethical.

40 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

By AWA KALU, SAN

M

ANY lawyers and non lawyers alike are presently glued to their TVs on a daily basis, watching the celebrity trial of Oscar Pistorius unfold. Of course, Oscar Pistorius is a sports Icon, an Olympian better known as the Blade runner. He is a double amputee known all over the world for the extraordinary efforts he has made to live in comfort with an uncomfortable disability. Elsewhere, and this includes Nigeria, Oscar Pistorius would be walking the streets living on sympathy-begging for alms-or in more organized places, depending on social security.

In Oscar Pistorius’ case, he is a global superstar who was able to build a healthy and loving relationship with a model and TV star. As an athlete living with disability, Oscar raced and competed against persons who had no physical challenges.

Physical challenges He won the heart of a lady but unfortunately, the story changed on valentine’s day last year when Oscar pulled his pistol and shot dead the deceased, Reva Steenkamp and is presently on trial for pre-meditated murder. It is difficult to classify the trial as entertainment but there is no doubt that its public appeal is enormous particularly, having regard to the many lessons it offers.

When a public figure is put on trial for an alleged offence, it puts a mirror on the society in which the trial takes place. An innocent bystander is offered a distant view of the moral values of the system, the ability of the society to eliminate criminality is examined and even the political will to place heroes and the high and mighty on trial is weighted.

At the end of the day, evenhandedness in criminal justice administration is seen as a triumph for law and order and serves as a manifestation of the supremacy of law as opposed to impunity.

We had to remind ourselves that one major lesson from what we have seen so far from Oscar Pistorius’ trial is that the justice delivery system in South Africa is sophisticated and designed to work in a transparent way.

Of course, it cannot be error free and seeing that it is a trial in the full glare of Television Cameras, there may in the end be a miscarriage of justice. Trial by press has many opponents but is in several places viewed as a victory in the quest for an open society.

For those who have not had the opportunity to watch or to follow the trial, the story line is simple.

The accused person, Oscar Pistorius, as has already been said, is standing trial on a charge of murder. He is also being tried for discharging firearms in a public place and unlawful

possession of ammunition. What strikes one as superb for the rule of law is the fact that the offence of murder with which the accused is charged was committed early last year, his trial commenced and is going on from day to day, the Judge has been present each day as well as the prosecuting and defence counsel. Speed in the administration of justice is in the end for the ultimate good of society and the aphorism ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is still a maxim.

All the witnesses have appeared as and when requiredon Shenanigans, no contrived reasons for an adjournment no power failure, no equipment failure and no suborned witness, at least so far. The prosecution has alleged through its witnesses that the accused shot his girlfriend with intent to kill her and nothing less.

On the other hand, the accused admits that he shot the deceased in the mistaken belief that she was an intruder. The prosecution as of date has called witnesses who heard screams from the accused person’s residence in the early hours of 14th February, 2013, the date the offence was allegedly committed.

Criminal justice delivery Those witnesses have been categorized as ‘ear witnesses’, several forensic experts have been fielded and both their evidence-in-chief and crossexamination have underpinned one’s earlier observation that the criminal justice delivery system in South Africa is undoubtedly sophisticated and what one finds most heartwarming is that almost all of them are serving Policemen.

The blood spatter analyst, the ballistics experts, the photographers and indeed the telephone and communication experts have demonstrated that criminals should no longer have any hiding place. For example, Oscar Pistorius was tested on

The Oscar Pistorius Trial firearms (Gun) protocol before he purchased his gun. He was fit and demonstrated a commendable understanding of when and when not to use a gun. The relevant question is whether in our dear country, a firearms dealer, licensed or unlicensed, would have honestly administered a questionnaire on gun protocol on an illustrious customer such as Oscar Pistorius.

Integrity of the evaluation Far more interesting is whether the dealer would have kept the record of that test and then be willing or able to testify about it in open court. In our environment, would we be in a position to rule out the possibility

that the integrity of the evaluation report has not been interfered with for the purpose of favouring one party or the other in the trial?

Still on the ballistics part of the trial, the Television audience’s response to the skill and dexterity exhibited by a Captain Chris Mangena who testified for the prosecution was outstanding. My recollection is that Captain Mangena is at the moment the only black witness who has so far testified in this trial. However, in the African context, the Judge as well as one of the Assessors and the Interpreter are all black persons and in a multicultural society such as South Africa, there is a lot to be said about trust and fairness in their criminal justice administration system. If you reverse the position in our country, you will find eyebrows

raised when the Judge and a celebrity accused are from different ethnic groups. Eye brows are also raised when they are from the same ethnic group. Above all, what we find instructive in Captain Mangena’s performance is that ability does not depend on the colour of your skin but may be honed by capacity building, hardwork and dedication.

Captain Mangena was not at the crime scene when the offence was committed nor was he called when the scene was still fresh.

Nevertheless, he so capably reconstructed the crime scene in such a way as to give anyone interested in the matter a commendable impression of how the crime was committed.

His reconstruction does not lead to fanciful possibilities but leads to probabilities which may point to what probably would have been the last moments of the deceased. His testimony creates the distinct impression that the deceased ran into the toilet out of fear and was standing behind the toilet door, and so was hit by shots from the accused person’s gun fired through the door.

Interesting trial The trial is interesting in that notwithstanding the fact that there are no eyewitnesses, the prosecution is doing its best to adduce circumstantial and character evidence that tend to show that the prosecution is not entirely wrong in its belief that the offence was committed with a guilty mind. However, from a professional piont of view, it does not appear that at this moment, the evidence so far led points to the guilt of the accused with the accuracy of mathematics. This view is only tentative in that the trial is on-going. In the next installment, an attempt will be made to point out the similarities between the proceedings in Oscar’s trial and what would have been, had he been arraigned in a Nigerian Court.

Adesina advocates Appeal, Supreme Courts for states

By Dayo Benson

A

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Adesina, has advocated establishment of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court for states to ease congestion of cases at higher courts across the country, saying this is one of his expectation at the ongoing National Conference.

In a chat with newsmen in Lagos, Adesina also noted that the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, recruitment exercise that led to the death of nineteen applicants was capable of endangering a revolution in the country.

According to him, “there are forty-six high courts in Lagos State alone and appeal from these courts will go to the Court of Appeal, and eventually to the Supreme Court. It is this kind of situation that creates congestion at cases. That is why I am advocating that states should have their Courts of Appeal and Supreme

Court. This is one of my expectations at the ongoing National Conference. The Confab is a needful exercise. But if the talk does not produce a new Nigeria, then it has failed.”

The former General Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, (Adesina) added that interlocutory appeals should end at the Court of Appeal and the number of justices at the apex court should be increased from its current twenty-one.

Adesina posited that the over centralization of power at the center should also be addressed at the Confab to bring about a progressive Nigeria, adding “the issue of devolution should be addressed and fiscal federalism should also be looked at.”

He noted that the nation is running a hybrid and confused federalism and if devolution of power is added, it would improve on the electoral process. He said the emolument of public officers should

be slashed.

Speaking on the NIS recruitment tragedy, Adesina maintained that the recruitment exercise was a big tragedy that was avoidable, adding that “what happened at the recruitment exercise and considering the level of unemployed graduates, the country is sitting on a keg of gun powder that can explode anytime.”

In his words: “The country should resolve that such recruitment does not happen again because such situation can lead to a revolution. There is much impunity in this part of the world, where people use and misuse power. The NIS interview should have been decentralized and conducted at local government levels or online.”

Commenting on the 2015 general election, he said: “This country needs a new constitution. The best way out of a possible crisis in 2015 is for the electoral process to be transparent, free and fair”.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

— 41

Why we will enforce Delta Ground Rent Law — Nwugo TO drive the novel policy of Delta Beyond Oil with remarkable success,the Delta State Government is enlarging its revenue mobilization coast for improved financial base. Among the latest of these internal revenue generation initiatives is the compulsory Ground Rent being activated by the State’s Revenue Board. Frank Nwugo, Chairman, State Task Force on Ground Rent spoke recently with journalists on the import and desirability of this new tax regime during its launching.

Excerpt by EGUFE YAFUGBORHI.

W

HAT is the import of this Ground Rent?

I am Barrister Frank Nwugo, Chairman, Taskforce on Ground Rent. This issue affects all land owners in Delta State. The 1978 Land Use Act confers ownership of all lands on the Governors of the states. This implies every land in Delta is under the ownership of the State Governor. Therefore, whoever buys land, be it private or government is on lease. We can then say the person is a tenant to the Governor. Now, if you are a tenant, the only power that makes you sustain your tenancy is continuous payment of your rent in the tenancy

*Frank Nwugo Aboh, Isiokolo and other towns in Delta State. The purpose of this categorization is premised on the fact that land value differs between urban and rural locations. For those in Category A, a square meter is Fifty naira (N50) per annum and it further depends on the purpose of the land, whether for residential, commercial, or agriculture. If residential, it is fifty naira. For commercial purpose, it is Hundred Naira (N100), while land for agric purpose attracts lowest twenty naira (N20) per square meter because of the importance government attaches to agriculture to encourage everybody

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Every year you are expected to pay a particular amount to the State Government for right to possess that land within 99 years as conferred on you by the C of O agreement.When you don’t pay, the Landlord has the right to revoke the tenancy agreement and take possession of his land.

Under the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, one of the conditions for continuous retention or ownership of land is the payment of Ground Rent.

Every year you are expected to pay a particular amount to the State Government for right to possess that land within 99 years as conferred on you by the C of O.

Purposes of classification

To continue to own land for the period, you are expected to be paying Ground Rent annually.

For purpose of this ground rent payment, the 1999 Constitution empowers the State Government (via State House of Assembly) under Sections 4(6) and 44(2) to make laws concerning tax. Based on this, the Delta State House of Assembly in 2009 enacted the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated Law of 2009.

Section 30 (7) of that Law divided land in Delta State intofour.

We have category A, Land in Asaba, Warri and Effurun.

Category B is Ibusa, OgwashiUku, Ughelli, Sapele, Agbor and Abraka. Category C all Local Government Headquarters except Isiokolo and Aboh. Category D covers

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participating in farming.

We were inaugurated recently and today we have launched out. The Statewas divided into six zones comprising Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele and Agbor. We are starting from Asaba Zone. We have Government lands and Private lands. Government land is divided into 5 zones. We are now in Zone A. The Zone commences from Government House through Ilah Road, SSS Road to the end of Head of Service Road. That is Zone A of Phase I of government land.

The essence of Ground Rent (a part of tax) is guaranteed by the

constitution which is very clear about payment of tax by all citizens of this country that are adult. Section 24 sub section F of the constitution made it so.

With the launching, you are simply sensitising the target Ground Rent payers. When are you embarking on real enforcement?

Under this platform, the law is the issue. There are two laws regulating this apart from the constitution. One is the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act of 2011 and the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated Law 2009. By the Act which is a National Assembly creation, Ground Rent is due on the first day of January each year. And

by Section 94 of the Personal Income Act, you are given 90 days to comply. For payment, you are required go to the office and tender your land particulars for assessment. You can’t assess yourself because these are regulated issues. If your facts are correct you now pay. If after ninety days the agency does not hear from you, they issue a demand notice. Next is to raise an assessment based on information available. If after thirty days of serving the demand notice, you do not pay, you will be given another seven days reminder to ensure you pay. If you fail to pay, you will be prosecuted or your land will be revoked or your premises sealed as required by the law.

By acceptance of a C of O, all conditions and terms stipulated in the C of O are binding on

the applicant.

Remember, one of the conditions for issuance is the payment of Ground Rent annually. If you fail to pay the ground rent when you ought, Government is at liberty to take necessary measures to recover their land or force you to pay the annual rent and the penalties for non-compliance because the law makes provisions for penalties and even interest at the current CBN rate.

Giving the enlightenment and the fact that this Ground Rent is novel in this state, when exactly is it going to take effect?

Actually, the moment the law takes effect, the implication takes effect. What I mean is that the content of the law in all issues in the law are assumed to have taken effect.

Provisions of the law So legally the effective day for this ground rent in Delta State is 1st July, 2009 or date of the C of O of the land owners, whichever comes first. But the Governor, being the Chief Executive, relying on the provisions of the law can say let it take effect from 2010, 2011, 2012. But as far as this law is concerned, the effective date is 1st July, 2009.

But we are looking at a

situation where majority land holders were have not been informed of this law before now as nobody has enforced it in the state. What is the fate of affected Deltans who have nevergone to declare ground rent since that effective 2009?

We are committed to do that which is required. There are however fundamental questions to clarify. That the law took effect 2009 does not mean all lands in Delta were purchased 2009 or before. Some might have acquired this year or last year. We started operation in earnest July, 2013.

We are starting January 2014 after our inauguration because we had to do a lot of things such as informing and educating the public. If you listen to your radio, the Pointer and other local newspapers, they have been talking about it since July last year. That is part of creating awareness for the people. We believe from last year till now, the enlightenment has gone wide. We have now entered into full implementation of the provision of the law.

The question of when the law takes effect is a function of when you bought that land. Some acquired lands before 2009, but we can’t subject them to payment beyond 2009. Because it is an annual rent we are supposed to be giving annual assessment, we are just giving 2014 assessment.

SCUML: NBA to know fate May 16

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment till May 16, 2014 in a suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), challenging the legality of the directive by Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) that lawyers report to it certain transactions relating to their clients.

The defendants are the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The 1st Defendant was represented by Mr. M. B. Wali, while the 2nd Defendant was represented by Charles UwensuyiEdosomwan, SAN. However, the Plaintiffs were represented

by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Mr. Babajide Ogundipe and 12 other lawyers.

In an Originating Summons dated March 15, 2013 and taken out on behalf of the Registered Trustees of the NBA by Olanipekun, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), Messrs Babajide Ogundipe, Emeka

Nwadioke and Davison Oturu, the NBA asked the court to declare that the provisions of section 5 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, MLA, insofar as they purport to apply to legal practitioners, are invalid, null and void.

Olanipekun argued that by virtue of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct, legal practitioners have an obligation not to permit any entity outside the Bar or Judiciary to control the practice of law, adding that this is what Section 5 of the

MLA 2011 seeks to accomplish.

According to him, Section 5 (1) of the MLA 2011 enacts that “A Designated Non-Financial Institution whose business involves the one of cash transaction shall (b) prior to any transaction involving a sum exceeding US$1,000 or its equivalent, identify the customer by requiring him to fill a standard data form and present his international passport, driving license, national identity card or such other document bearing his photograph as may be prescribed by the Ministry.”

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Ekiti 2014: Why Fayemi is not building stomach infrastructure — Daramola CONGRESSMAN Bimbo Daramola, a member of the House of Representatives, is the Director-General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation. In this interview he gives reasons the people of Ekiti State would choose Dr. Fayemi to become the first governor of the state to win reelection in the state.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

W

HAT are the issues in your estimation that will shape this election?

The very first thing will be substance. That will be very material to the thrust of the campaign. We are going to have a campaign that will be issue driven, agenda setting.

My candidate, the campaign organization and by extension the people are not just angling for second term for the sake of second term. We are doing this out of the strong conviction driven by the tangible template that Dr. Kayode Fayemi has made in the past three and half years. That will be material and would shape the campaign and conduct of the election.

Why is the governor insisting on second term in office?

There is no insistence on second term. We are saying if you have a mechanic who has

I am not aware that my governor is expressing fears. In any case, there is fear of the unknown. As human beings we wake up, step out of our homes, committing our lives into the hand of God. There is always the fear of the shadowy.

But the truth of the matter is that we have to confront our fears because we will soon find out that they do not exist. We have seen it before. Don’t forget that we are Ekiti people that we do not brook cheating, we do not brook injustice.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi was not in office when Ekiti people stood by him head to head, toeto toe and did not blink. We were not in government yet pursued the mandate and by the grace of God, it was eventually delivered into our hands.

In concrete terms what are the fears?

The fear will not be too farfetched. We have seen the

,

We are doing this out of the strong conviction driven by the tangible template that Dr. Kayode Fayemi has made in the past three and a half years

been fixing your car over the ages and has been doing it well, it is likely that you will trust him much more when challenges arise.

My candidate has tried in the last three and half years to justify the mandate the people gave him way back in 2007. My candidate, my party are products of adversity. Thank God today my candidate has turned our adversity to prosperity. What he has done justifies the fact that people remain resolute behind and beside him, during the period of adversity and travail.

I am sure today, all of those things will come into reckoning. I don’t think the people will suffer selective amnesia. It is the officials that suffer amnesia not the people.

If the people suffer amnesia nobody will give credit to Chief Obafemi Awolowo today for his free education programme.

Why is the governor expressing fears that the election will be rigged?

,

seeming incompetence and lack of capacity of some of the institutions in the conduct of elections in the country. We have seen them time and time again apologizing to Nigerians for the failures in Anambra, for the failures in Delta.

It will be in the interest of President Goodluck Jonathan and his party to ensure that they play fair and ensure that the will of the people prevail in the election.

What do you think caused the intense jostling of aspirants to be governor of Ekiti State?

It is a sad spectacle and I am too sure this is one of the eternal legacies of Governor Fayemi’s administration. By the grace of God before the end of the second term of the governor, all Dick, Tom and Harry will find aspiration to be governor of Ekiti State.

Stomach infrastructure Dr Fayemi would have sufficiently raised the standards such that anybody that aspires to lead Ekiti State will first of all benchmark himself. Some of the things they have said about Governor Fayemi is that he is not the kind of governor who goes to eat roasted plantain in the street place, market place or doing seeming things that are populist. He is not building stomach infrastructure.

Can you equate in terms of character a governor who goes to the streets to buy roasted plantain and ground nuts from the woman on the streets, that may not be bad…but can you compare that to a governor who ensures that 25,000 senior

•Daramola: Fayemi has touched lives citizens get a monthly stipend of N5,000 and put them on subsistence care of their health and immediate needs?

People are better off with him than a governor given to emotional sentiments and goes to the street to say how much is your bole and pays N5,000 for it and that is where it ends.

You don’t wish to just be a leader, you must earn it. There must be integral qualities that you possess.

This is a governor that provided 30,000 Laptops for students and another 18,000 Laptops for their teachers and trained them as well. This is because he knows that there is no profession that does not have ICT components in it. The world is not waiting on Ekiti and we cannot afford to play catch up anymore. Governance all over the world cannot be rated differently because the ultimate destination is to ensure

that the quality of life of the people gets better. That is the essence of governance any short of that is defeatist. The governor has imbibed that and manifested that sufficiently enough that people are saying we have entrusted our mandate into your hands for three and half years and it’s turned out this well.

For instance Ikogosi Spring that is now talked about today laid prostrate for 21 years in a roll of successive governments.

It never caught their attention.

It took the attention of Dr. Kayode Fayemi to reverse the trend and created jobs for people. Ikogosi that laid prostrate for 21 years played host to Nigeria Media Merit Award. In December 20,000 people went to the place. If everyone of them spent N200 that will develop the economy of Ikogosi.

Edo: I am committed to PDP revival — Bobby Ikazoboh OSHOKE Ikazoboh a.k.a Bobby is a scion of the famous Ikazoboh family in Weppa-Wanno, Etsako East Local Government of Edo State. His father, Late Air Commodore Anthony Ikazoboh, served as Minister for Youth and Sports and later Transport under the Babangida regime. Bobby recently embarked on a sabbatical leave from his successful Lagos-based Technology firm and threw his cap into the murky waters of politics. In this interview, the former Edo State Commissioner for Transport bares his mind on varying topical issues including his political interests and his readiness to wear the larger than life shoes of his late father. Excerpts:

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

O

N Etsako agitation to occupy Edo North Senatorial district seat in the National Assembly All informed and well meaning sons and daughters of Edo North senatorial district

recognise the need for harmony, equity and fairness among the three recognised zones or federal constituencies - Akoko-Edos, Owans and Etsakos. They also realise that if left to the electoral process, it is very likely that resulting from its overwhelming

superiority in electoral numbers, the Etsakos could conspire among themselves to hold onto the seat till the end of time. A sensible unwritten compromise has been in force since 1999. The compromise which is based on rotation and founded in our collective

wisdom is now being threatened by the ugliness of personal ambitions. I know that my Afenmai people are blessed with sufficient wisdom to know the right thing and to do the right thing. I personally don’t believe that any true Afenmai Continues on page 43

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—43

Imo 2015: I'm best for Imo — Iheanacho •Says APGA gives him a better platform FORMER Interior Minister, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho (rtd), recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In this interview, Iheanacho, who is aspiring to be the governor of Imo state in the 2015 election, explains why he defected to APGA among other issues.Excerpts:

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

W

HY do you want to contest next year ’s gubernatorial election in Imo State?

Well, we are always looking for opportunities to better the lives of the people and being the governor of the state will create a unique opportunity for anybody who is involved in the race. Every society in Nigeria, in every state wants to get the full benefits of the dividends of democracy.

rather suspect that there has been deficit in terms of the result that has been achieved in terms of infrastructural development and a lot more could have been achieved if there was effective use of the resources that were made available to the state.

They said there had been success recorded in the past, but I believe that a lot more could have been done and so we do not want to be in a situation in the future where through non-participation in

,

I think APGA gives me a better platform to pursue my aspiration to become a governor

They want to be able to achieve greater prosperity for their people, they want the youths of the state to be able to find work, they want the women, children and everybody in the state to benefit optimally from the dividends of democracy.

So I am in the race because I believe that I can do much better with the resources that are available. Since 1999, since the transition from military to civil democracy, I

Platform to serve

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the political process people who are not adequately experienced, people who do not have adequate exposure, people who do not have the necessary capacity to better manage the economy of the state happen to find themselves in office.

So your plan for the models of development is one of the factors that made you decamp from PDP to APGA? Well, in Nigerian we have

aspiration to become a governor.

Are you working together with Chief Martin Agbaso regarding your governorship ambition, given that he is the APGA leader in Imo state?

Chief Martin Agbaso has his job to do and I also have mine to do. I have just joined the party and I didn’t join to vie for the leadership of the partyAPGA. I don’t think I recall where there is a leader in the constitution and why I should be contesting with those that were in the party before me.

•Iheanacho: I have what it takes to make Imo better different political parties, but how different are these political parties in terms of ideologies?

The PDP is big party so it has a very long structure in terms of when instructions are passed down the line.

The APGA is not really as big as the PDP. The difference for me is that within a party like the APGA, when policies and

decisions are made, it gets quickly to the grassroots.

Am also attracted by the philosophy of APGA which has the Igbo flavour in terms of the origins. Even though its manifesto accords to a great extent, the aspiration of a better life for our people. I think APGA gives me a better platform to pursue my

I don’t have any issue with Chief Martin Agbaso. I have joined the party which will give me a platform to serve the people.

What makes you think you are well suited for the job?

When I was very young I had an uncle and he was a bit of an academic and he read a lot and had lots of books.

And I always used to visit his house and borrow his books that I would read. I was very young at that time.

I can’t quite remember what age that I was but I had started reading. They were not only the books I borrowed but I discovered that a man is as he thinks. So basically whatever you become in future is what you think you are going to be.

So if you have it in mind that you are going to be a successful person, it shapes the way your life goes and eventually you will be a successful person.

Edo: I am committed to PDP revival — Bobby Ikazoboh Continues from page 42 son that believes in harmony, equity and fairness will take seriously the selfish political ambitions of our sons and brothers from Akoko-Edo and Owan. It is unquestionably the turn of Etsako.

On why he went underground after his tenure in office as commissioner under Gov. Lucky Igbinedion administration I have been an entrepreneur since 1999 ever since I learnt how to work in partnership with God Almighty. My absence was as a result of my entrepreneurial pursuits which have also helped me strengthen my faith and ability to envision and pursue the vision with unrelenting fervour.

Afenmai will undoubtedly benefit from this. Right now, I have big dreams for Afenmai.

On what kind of man, his

•Ikazaboh: New brand late father was and what he missed so much about him There are three things that stand out the most for me about my late father. His love of God and his faith in God were very encouraging. Second was his detribalised nature. He was at

home in Kano as he was in Agenebode. He enjoyed Lagos as much as he did Makurdi or Uyo or Maiduguri. Third, he was a very simple and humble man.

This is a trait I so much admired in him and have wasted no time in borrowing from him. What are the trappings of life after all if not vanity upon vanity? When I think about my father and wish he was still around, I think of three things as well. First, he would have been a formidable selfless leader for the Afenmai people. Second, he never got to see his grandchildren, so I wish he was around to enjoy them. Third, his wife misses him so much, he was everything to her and it has been tough. Her faith in God is what has kept her going strong.

On why he disengaged from

the business world to concentrate on community service and politics My immediate focus will be on community service and subsequently on politics. For now, I am not ruling in or ruling out any political ambitions. I am still in dialogue with my people on this.

New brand of politics With politics, what is more urgent is to see how I can influence politics and politicians into a new brand of politics. New Politics. Politics that is centred around a development agenda for our people. As a member of the Peoples Democratic PDP, I am committed to the PDP revival in Edo State, this means that I will also be expending my energy and resources in the

cause of our great party.

On the objective of his NGO, Edo North Governance Council?

The ENGC was borne out of a realisation that our democracy stops at elections. Once we have elected our people to positions of representation, stewardship and authority, the electorate seems to go to sleep.

There isn’t any framework for the electorate to police their elected officers to ensure that they do their bidding.

The Governance Council borrows the concept of performance management from the private sector to institute a framework for goal setting, monitoring and reporting. Among other things, the Governance Council will serve as a platform to connect the wishes of the electorate to the actions and activities of their elected officers in a structured manner.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

JTF sets two tankers ablaze in Delta

2015: Group wants youth involvement in election process

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—TWO patrol tankers allegedly used for crude oil theft have been burnt by men of the Joint Task Force, JTF in Awirhe, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The tankers were impounded by the military personnel on the Ozoro/Kwale Road, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state. Though no arrest was made, a short locally made gun, a live cartridge and vehicle documents were recovered during a search on the tankers.

Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Col Victor Ibeh, who addressed newsmen shortly before the vehicles were set ablaze, said “We acted on a tip-off. The trucks were used for pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering activities while the perpetrators tampered with oil pipelines.”

Saying that the perpetrators took to their heels on sighting the troops, Ibeh said “during interrogation and proper investigation one Mr. Andrew Osag-

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—A group, Youth For Ebele Jonathan, YEJ2015, yesterday urged eligible youths in the country to be involved in the electioneering processes ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

National Coordinator of the group, Robert Okpara, who spoke in Benin City, Edo State, when he led other national executive members to officially inaugurate the Edo State, local government and ward executives, called for the return President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office, and lauded the President for being gender sensitive.

He added that the organisation had also accorded Nigerian women 50 per cent right of participation as executive members from the ward to the national level of the group.

‘Why I prevented diversion of persons with disabilities' N10m’

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—CHAIRMAN of the Delta State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Isaac Obruche, has that he will ensure that no benefit accruing to the association was diverted into private pockets, no matter the level of blackmail against him.

Obruche in a statement in Asaba, yesterday, said that there was presently a running battle between the association and a group of some persons with disabilities from Isoko

land, who refused to join the association as the duly recognised body immediately they got wind of N10 million empowerment benefit from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. “They have been going about castigating me because I refused to bow to their whims and caprices to allow them share money. DESOPADEC’s stand on the release of budgetary fund is mainly for execution of physical infrastructure and visible empowerments that will touch the lives of people in DESOPADEC mandate areas.”

…Rejects N7m bribe ie, who claimed to be the Manager of a company in Benin City, Edo State tried to compromise my men to release the trucks and the investigating officer played along with him and he agreed to offer N7million for the release of the vehicles.

“And in the course of this also, N3m cash was offered by him and a post dated cheque of N1.5m. However, he also promised to bring the balance

of the money to secure the release of the trucks. I think along the line, he got clue that he was in trouble and up till date, nobody has sighted him.

“Having made no arrest and this principal suspect, who we are trying to nab, has also escaped. In the course of doing our job, it is in line with JTF mandate that these two tankers were set ablaze without wasting any further time. And

How Jonathan stopped NNPC from buying new aircraft

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

G

OVERNMENT officials have cited President Goodluck Jonathan’s reluctance to approve the purchase of a new jet for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC for the continued hiring of a private jet for the corporation’s senior officers, including the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The president’s reluctance is despite problems associated with the NNPC’s two private jets. One of them, a Hawker 4000, which crash landed in Warri, Delta State, sources said was to be balkanised for spare parts to service another Hawker 4000 in the presidential fleet on account of lack of spare parts following the stoppage of spare parts production by the manufacturer’s of the planes.

The other aircraft it was claimed, was abandoned after it lost altitude twice forcing the corporation officers to abandon the two aircraft.

The explanations by government sources followed recent controversies arising from the hiring of a Challenger aircraft by the corporation for the use of the minister and senior officials of NNPC. Mrs. Allison-Madueke has been at the centre of the criticism

and controversy fanned by the country’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress and is now the subject of investigation by the House of Representatives.

Sources, however, cited President Jonathan’s unwillingness to approve the purchase of a new private plane for the NNPC

for the unfolding controversy, despite their claims of that the two planes in the corporation’s fleet were unserviceable.

One of the planes it was learnt crash landed in 2012 at the Osubi Airport in Warri and the plane is believed not to have valid warranty for its operations after the crash.

PTDF flags off welding training programme for 505 youths

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—EXECUTIVE Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Dr Oluwole Oluleye, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, flagged off module B welding training and certification programme for 505 trainees drawn from different parts of the country.

Oluleye said the youths had completed a training programme under the PTDF sponsorship in Fillet welding, adding that the essence of the training programme was to provide the needed manpower to meet the Nigerian content requirement for the oil and gas sector.

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

doing that, our headquarters were informed, while we continue the search to ensure that pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkery and theft were eradicated within the unit area of our responsibility.

“Again, during this investigation, we were able to get the passport photographs of the drivers, who operated the vehicles from Mr. Osagie. We are not relenting in our efforts as we will continue to search for them to ensure that they face the wrath of the law.”

He noted that the PTDF will work with its technical partner, the Nigerian Institute of Welding to provide globally acceptable training in welding and fabrication for youths, adding that PTDF will complement the vocational training with entrepreneurship, as same was to ensure that trainees were raised to also become employers of labour.

Earlier, President Nigerian Institute of Welding, Mr Solomon Edebiri, said that the training programme, the trainees would become structural welders. He appealed to PTDF to train the youths to become Tube welders, noting that this will help provide more opportunities for Nigerians in the oil and gas sector.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (nwamad@yahoo.com)

On NIS applicants' deaths

These unemployed people should not be paying fees for the application.

N6bn just get into the pocket of some government officials. I wish the youths of this country will protest greatly against this exploitation. Mr Austin OnuigboEngineer

It is very unfortunate that such a mammoth number is chasing a job vacancy of 4,500 in our dear country called the “Giant of Africa”. It's indeed sad. May the soul of the victims rest in peace.

Mr Alex Eguaseki - Officer

It shows that we have millions of youths that are looking for work, mostly graduates and I ask myself, why do we have many graduates looking for jobs when they are the ones that are supposed to be creating the jobs? Mr Muktar Muhammad- Graduate

Its quite unfortunate and this shows the level to which our country Nigeria has descended. However, unemployed youths should also use their head when things are not moving fine.

I think it is a national tragedy. Mr Abel Onuh - Businessman

This is a clear indication that all is not well in Nigeria. From terror in the North, incessant fuel queues, epileptic power supply. Nigerians are really suffering.

May the souls of those that died in that recruitment exercise rest in peace. Ms. Chinasa Ukogu - Vocalist

Results of bad leadership manifest in different ways.

Massive youth unemployment, bad roads, an oil producing country that can't refine, poor health facilities and the worst of all unnecessary death of youths, children and elders. Mr. Nonso Azudiefe - Student

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 45

Edo investor to employ 15,000 through farming

Group tells Anioma governorship proponents to stop misleading Deltans

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—NATIONAL chairman of Urhobo Nationalists Movement, UNM, in Delta State, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, yesterday, urged a governorship aspirant, in the state, Chief Peter Okocha and other Anioma for governor promoters to stop misinforming Deltans that 2015 governorship had been zoned to the North senatorial district.

Reacting to a statement

by Chief Okocha that a supposed gentleman agreement favoured the North, he said: “There was no rotational agreement or gentleman understanding between the North, Central and South.

“Any Deltan is free to vie for the gubernatorial position if he wishes.

Peter Okocha and his Aniomas exponents should stop deceiving Deltans in the name of zoning or gentleman understanding.”

Private jet: IYC defends Diezani, says probe targeted at Jonathan

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, Ijaw Youths Congress, has risen in defence of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on the alleged squandering of N10 billion on the charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use.

The group alleged that the probe set up by the House of Representatives was targeted at President Goodluck Jonathan.

President of the group, Udengs Eradiri, in a statement, said the probe instituted by the House in respect of the allegation was a misguided venture shrouded by politics.

MOU SIGNING: From left: Mr. Lanre Opanobi, Director, National Planning Commission, Abuja; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Government; Mr. Chris Ebare, Commissioner for Water Resources, Edo State and Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanging between Edo State Government and the European Union Niger Delta Support Programme on Water Supply and Sanitation, at Government House, Benin City, yesterday.

Fresh oil spill reported in Bayelsa community

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—A FRESH oil spill has been reported at Ikarama community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The crude oil spills which are spewing from three ruptured spots at an oil facility owned

by Nigerian Agip Oil Company is believed to have been caused by suspected oil thieves.

Two of the spots, it was learnt, have been discharging crude into the environment since March 21, while the third is discharging gas.

A field report by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, said the spills occurred on two different pipelines within the oil field operated by Agip in the area.

The report, by Mr. Alagoa Morris, Head of Field Operations in ERA/FoEN’s Bayelsa office, noted that the oil thieves had excavated the earth to expose the pipelines which they abandoned after their illicit act.

According to ERA/FoEN, the spills were reported to it by members of the community and it dispatched its field monitors to the spills location.

He said: ”The spills were discovered on March 21, by Mr. Washington Odoyibo from Ikarama community while he was going to assist a friend on a fishing expedition. He promptly called the Yenagoa office of ERA/FoEN to complain of the predicament that had befallen his people and ERA/ FoEN mobilised to site and returned with these findings,” the report said.

ERA/FoEN expressed concern over the negative impact of the ongoing pollution of the

environment by both crude oil and gas leaks and urged the management of Agip to urgently clamp the leak.

It recommended a prompt clean up and remediation of the spill impacted site and urged the oil firm to take steps to secure its facility from vandals.

At press time, members of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, led by the Chairman, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), on a two-day visit to the state to inspect impacted sites, were expected to visit the troubled community.

Ikarama community has been described as one community that has witnessed more oil crude spills than any other oil producing community in the Niger Delta region by environmental groups.

Gbaramatu: Group raises alarm over detainees’ transfer

T

HE Nigerians Project for Goodluck Jonathan, NPGJ, has raised concern that six Gbaramatu detainees, Chief Mosco Johnny, Bullet Otuaro, Alex Governor, Imole Johnny, Messio German and Tony Ikpesan, have been unilaterally transferred out of Okere Prison, Warri, to Agbor and Ogwashi-Uku prisons, against the orders of the court.

Spokesman of the group, Mr. Musa Yakubu, in Abuja, said the six detainees were trans-

ferred on March 17, from Okere Prison to Agbor and Ogwashi-Uku on alleged instruction of a top prison official.

Yakubu noted that its national coordinator, Michael Johnny and Christmas Ikare were left in Okere Prison and wondered why the detainees were being treated like convicted criminals even though the allegation of threat to the life of Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, levelled

against them had not been proved.

“We suspect ulterior motive behind the sudden transfer of the detainees. However, as law abiding citizens, we encourage the police and judiciary in Delta State to perform their duties, but they must ensure that they do so within the ambit of existing laws and also respect the fundamental human rights of the detainees,” he said.

ENIN—A PRIVATE investor, Festrut Conglomerate, is set to establish a farm, covering 100 hectares of land in Uzebba, Edo State, that will provide about 15,000 employment opportunities for people of the state.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Festus Asikhia, disclosed this when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at Government House in Benin City.

Asikhia said: “I have to go to my community, where I can easily have access to land and I have acquired about 100 hectares of land for the takeoff of the project.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole welcomed Asikhia and his delegation to the state, saying the state government was willing to provide a conducive environment and partner serious investors, who wish to invest in the state.

Ex-militant leader lauds Dombraye’s appointment as SSA Security

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of the Delta State Phase II of the Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Muturu, has congratulated former member representing Bomadi constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Reginald Dombraye, on his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Security Matters.

Muturu, in a statement yesterday, thanked Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for appointing Dombraye to the position, noting that the former legislator was equipped with the requisite experience to serve in that capacity.

He said that Dombraye impacted positively on the lives of his constituents when he represented Bomadi constituency in the state House of Assembly.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

National Confab list: Ndigbo youths flay elders on exclusion

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

HANAEZE YOUTH Council, OYC, has condemned exclusion of Igbo youths from the list of delegates to the National Conference, blaming it on unwillingness of spent Igbo elders to allow young elements play leadership role in the region.

Rising from its National Executive Council meeting in Awka, Anambra State, the group said delegates, as they were currently constituted, lacked space for young dynamic minds that drive the jet-age, describing the entire process as anti-Igbo youths and, therefore, anti-posterity.

While wondering if Igbo leaders that excluded the youths from the list were well guided, the group noted that amendment could be made as the Presidency had been effecting changes since the list came out.

Dana Air moves to meet AU’s 2015 deadline on safety audit

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

D

ANA AIR has commenced an implementation training initiative as part of the preliminary process to prepare for IATA Operational Safety Audit, IOSA, the highest level of safety in global aviation.

The exercise is in conformity with Africa Union’s Abuja Declaration which, last year, mandated all African airlines to achieve IOSA status by 2015.

Dana Air is one of ten African cariers benefiting from the IOSA implementation training initiative, which is 100 per cent funded by International Airline Training Fund, IATF. IAFT is a non-profit foundation which purpose is to bridge the training gaps for airlines in regions of the world where it is most needed, with a particular focus on improving safety.

The first stage of the implementation training is a gap analysis workshop, the first of three ses-

sions over the next year, that will give Dana Air a greater understanding of its shortcomings in relation to the IOSA Standards and Recommended Practices, ISARPs, and to provide guidance and tools to establish action plans towards ISARPs’ implementation.

Speaking on the development, Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mr. Yvan Drewinsky, said Dana Air was resolute in adhering to globally recognised safety standards, adding that commencement of the preliminary training for the IOSA process confirmed the premium the airline placed on safety.

“The IOSA Implementation Training Initiative is coming at an auspicious time when Dana Airline is looking at reinforcing services as well as seeking the possibility of forming alliances with global airlines, as it aims to operate in line with the highest global standards,” Drewinsky said.

On his part, IATF Manager, Oscar Haro, said IATA was

pleased to confirm Dana Airlines as one of the 10 African airlines for the IOSA implementation

CNPP applauds Obiano’s initiative on agriculture

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — ANAMBRA State chapter of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, has applauded Governor Willie Obiano’s plans to improve agriculture in the state.

Rising from a meeting in Awka, CNPP noted that if the policy was properly implemented, Anambra would soon become the food basket of Nigeria.

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — ABIA State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil De-

U

AGM: From left, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, Registrar/CEO of CIPM, President/ Chairman of the Council (CIPM); Mr. Victor Famuyibo, addressing the members, and Vice President of CIPM, Mr. Anthony Arabome, during the 45th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of CIPM, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

fence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested three suspected operators of illegal refineries in the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Victor Ogbonna, who disclosed this in Umuahia, yesterday, also said it arrested three notorious fraudsters operating in the state.

The illegal refinery operators, according to him, were arrested at Amavo Nkwo-Ogu in Osisioma Local Government Area on March 21.

The suspects are Ugochukwu Ubani, 32; Nchetachi Ubani, 22, and John Kalu, 20.

Items recovered from them include drums filled with substances suspected to be adulterated diesel, gas cylinders, welding equipment and one Mercedes Benz 190E class model car.

He also gave the names of the suspected fraudsters as Sunday Maduabuchi, 33; Christian David Ogbu, 30, and Chinemere Uche Alozie, 25.

84,000 retirees now receive monthly pensions — PENCOM

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

N

ATIONAL PENSION Commission, PenCom, yesterday, in Lagos, said 84,097 retirees now receive their monthly pensions by programmed withdrawal through

their various Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, as at the end of last month.

Acting Director General of the Commission, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, at a forum for existing retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, in the Lagos area, also

said as at today, there were 8,479 retirees receiving their monthly pensions through annuity.

She explained that as part of its mandate of regulating pension administration in Nigeria, the commission sought to establish uniform set of rules,

Imo Assembly refutes plot to impeach speaker

O

Mr. Kazim

The communiqué at the end of the meeting said: “It is a thing of joy that Anambra State is no longer in the news for wrong reasons.

“We are also delighted that the new governor has started on a strong note by initiating agricultural vocational institutions across the zones and local government areas of the state, a programme if properly pursued will bring back Ndi Anambra to the days of glory.”

Abia NSCDC arrests illegal refinery operators, others

Union Bank celebrates loyal senior citizen customers NION BANK of Nigeria Plc recently rolled out drums to celebrate its customers who are senior citizens and have remained loyal and steadfast with the bank.

Specially, the bank showed gratitude to all customers nationwide and used the global Senior Citizens Week to celebrate customers who are either 60 years of age or have maintained 40 years of banking relationship with it.

Among the people honoured was Mr. M. Ola Kazim, the Chairman and Managing Director of MutMoksons Nigeria Limited, who had been with the Ebute-Metta branch of the Bank since 1966.

training in readiness to meet the challenges of Abuja Declaration of the AU.

WERRI — IMO State House Assembly, yesterday, denied hatching any plot to impeach the Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Uwajumogu Chairman, House Committee on Information, Dr. Acho Ihim, told newsmen, in Owerri, that the claims were “false, malicious and

unfounded.”

According to him, the Speaker had not contravened any law to warrant his impeachment.

Ihim accused some politicians and a section of the media of spreading the rumour to witchhunt and tarnish the image of the House.

“It should be noted that the impeachment speculations only exist in the wildest and skewed imaginations if their sponsors.

“The Speaker, being one of the custodians of our country’s laws has not in any form contravened any law to warrant his impeachment,” he said.

regulations and standards for the administration and payments of retirement benefits to retirees.

She said: “In pursuant to this obligation, the Commission prepared and released the regulation on the administration of retirement and terminal benefits which served as the basis for RSA holders to commence retirement under the CPS in July 2007.

“It is noteworthy that contributors had continued to retire seamlessly such that as at the end of February, 2014, 84,097 retirees are receiving their monthly pensions by programmed withdrawal through their various PFAs.

Vanguard , THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 - 47

LECTURE: From right: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, the guest lecturer, River State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel Olawoyin, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Adekunle Bashiru, at the 2nd Osun State University Distinguished Guest Lecture, at the University Auditorium Main Campus, in Osogbo, yesterday.

SUMMIT: From left: GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Bernard Otti, and GMD, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, at the dinner for delegates to Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit in Abuja.

From left: Group CEO, First Bank of Nigeria, Bisi Onasanya, Board member, Etisalat Nigeria, Alhaji Bello Garba, and Acting CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willshere, at the Etisalat sponsored Nigeria Economic Summit 2014, in Lagos.

DINNER: Mr. Nsima Ekere, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State (right) and Chief Soni Udom, State Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, during a private dinner Ekere held for the President and National Council Members of NIESV in Uyo.

FLAG OFF: From left: Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, and Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, at the MTN Foundation Y'ello Doctor official flagoff ceremony in Abeokuta, yesterday.

MEETING: Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, Mohammed Bello Ibrahim (left), Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Professor Godwin Onu, and others, at the 127th regular meeting of Council Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, at Oko, Anambra State.

Cross section of newly appointed justiceS of Court of Appeal, during their inauguration, at the Supreme Court, Abuja.

From left: SuperSport presenter, Charles Anazodo, Ms. Oyetunji Temilade, Actuarial Consultant, Alexander Forbes Consulting Actuaries Nigeria Ltd, and Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the draws of DStv Samba 2014 promo tagged Let�s go to Brazil on SuperSport Monday Night Football,in Lagos.

WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY: From left: Mrs. Grace Adesina, Nursing Sister, Unilever Clinic, Mr. Workmore Chimweta, Regional Category Manager for Africa, Marie-Anne Aymerick, Senior Vice President, Oral Care, Oiza Gyang, Category Manager, Oral Care, all of Unilever and Ngozi Ibe Charity of Central Primary School, Ikeja, during the Unilever Nigeria Plc Close-Up workshop for primary school pupils around GRA Ikeja, to mark Close-Up World Oral Health Day in Lagos yesterday.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Lamido signs N114.7bn Appropriation Bill

Nasarawa Assembly calls for Attorney-Gen's sack for scaling fence L

AFIA— THE Nasarawa State House Assembly has called on Governor Umaru Al-Makura to

immediately relieve the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Innocent Lagi, of his

appointment over misconduct.

The House reached a resolution to call for the sack

D

U T S E — GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, yesterday, signed the state’s 2014 Appropriation Bill of N114.7 billion into law.

Signing the bill at the Government House, Dutse, Lamido commended the state House of Assembly for passing the budget, stating that the legislature had been cooperative, which had resulted in the development of the state.

He said: “I must thank the legislators for their commitment in the passage of the estimate as it was presented on January 7, 2014.

“The people of the state also deserve commendation for their support and cooperation with my government in the last seven years.”

The governor said that the state had been recording 85 per cent budget implementation since he assumed office in 2007, and pledged to ensure same in 2014.

He said that the evidence of his complete implementation of annual budgets was visible in the projects his administration had been executing.

6 arrested over sale of fake glue

S

IX people have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly selling fake Alteco 110 Super Glue in the market.

Two cartons of the fake products were recovered from the suspects during a raid carried out by officials of Alteco and the police at the Agege Main Market.

Police sources said the suspects, however, claimed that the fake products were purchased from the Lagos Island area.

of the Attorney-General yesterday after it deliberated on the issue of misconduct raised by the Majority Leader, Godiya Akwashi, PDP- Nasarawa Eggon West.

‘Of fence’

SUMMIT: From left— Executive Director, Finance, Yemi Owolabi; Executive Director, Client Coverage, Remi Oni; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bola Adesola; Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Diana Layfield and Head, Consumer Banking, West Africa, Carol Oyedeji, all of Standard Chartered Bank, at the Nigeria Summit 2014.

Cashless policy 'll create first class economy— CBN

BY DEMOLA AKNYEMI

I

LORIN—THE acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs Sarah Alade, has said that its cashless policy will turn the country's economy into a first class one and that it was not intended to eliminate the use of physical cash for payment, but to reduce cash transactions in the system.

Alade spoke yesterday in Ilorin during CBN’s sensitisation programme

on the cashless policy.

She said that the sensitisation programme was necessary for people to understand the policy, adding that “ we are also enlarging the financial contact points to include areas such as post offices, motor parks and corner shops.’’

The CBN boss also explained that the policy involved an individual with more than N500,000 to transact business in a day, adding that people in rural

SCR: 268 physically-challenged get artificial legs, hands

G

OMBE— NO fewer than 268 people living with disabilities in Gombe benefited from Indomie Noodles Company free artificial legs and hands in the state.

The Chairman, Gombe State Joint Association of People Living with Disabilities, Alhaji Ali Goro, made the disclosure in an interview in Gombe, yesterday.

Goro said the gesture was sponsored by Indomie Noodles Company in Kano, adding that the state government assisted the association with

transportation and stipend for feeding.

He said initially 288 members of the association went to Kano from Gombe, but 20 did not pass the screening, while 268 were successful.

Goro said another batch would benefit from the gesture very soon.

He said: “Word alone cannot express our sincere gratitude because to fix an artificial hand alone can cost you N250,000, while the leg can also be about N180,000.

“Indomie has touched our hearts and the gesture is worthy of emulation.”

areas and other Nigerians who had less transactions to make should not be worried as they were not affected.

Represented by the Principal Manager, Shared Services, Abuja, Mr. Ogunfolami Akinloye, Alade further said that Kwara and 30 remaining states in the country would go cashless from July 1, as six states, including Abuja, had commenced the programme since 2012.

She called for cooperation and support of all Nigerians on the programme, adding that the policy would help to reposition the country into a first class economy.

Also speaking, the CBN Controller, Ilorin, Mr. Monday Olotewo, said his office was more interested in how the programme would be accepted in the state, pointing out that efforts would be made to ensure that everybody understood what the cashless policy was all about.

He said: “Apart from this sensitisation programme, there is going to be road shows to markets, motor parks and all parts of the state. We will ensure that everybody in all the nooks and crannies of the state gets to know how to make use of this policy; how they can stop carrying cash about.”

Akwashiki, who brought the issue under matters of urgent public interest, said Lagi came to the complex during plenary and scaled the fence to gain entrance into the Assembly.

He said that the commissioner took the decision having been stopped by the security at the gate.

The Majority Leader wondered why the AttorneyGeneral could engage in the scaling of a fence.

He said that by such act “Lagi is not fit to occupy the office of Attorney-General.”

The Assembly, therefore, resolved that Lagi should be sacked with immediate effect from Al-Makura’s cabinet.

The resolution read by the Deputy Speaker, Elisha Agwadu, also directed that the police should investigate and prosecute the AttorneyGeneral over his mission to the Assembly.

This, the House said, became necessary to serve as a deterrent to others.

Serving court order

The Chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission, NASIEC, appeared before the Assembly, Tuesday, to answer questions over the conduct of the local government election held on Saturday.

However, a mild drama ensued when the state Attorney-General attempted to serve the Assembly with a court order restraining it from interfering with the activities of the commission.

The order, he said, was issued by the state Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko.

Lagi was prevented by the police at the entrance to the complex and he resorted to scaling the fence to gain access.

The Assembly quickly ordered for his arrest for scaling the fence and he was whisked away by the police.

Umar Ismaila, the Police Public Relations Officer, told newsmen that the AttorneyGeneral was only invited by the Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Idris, following complaints from the legislators.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 49

50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

V anguard anguard,, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 — 51

Flight MH370: 122 new objects spotted, Malaysia minister A

Hishammuddin Hussein

FURTHER 122 objects potentially from the missing Malaysian plane have been identified by satellite, the country’s acting transport minister has said.

The images, taken on 23 March, showed objects up to 23m (75ft) in length, Hishammuddin Hussein said.

All aircraft taking part in Wednesday’s search have

now left the area without identifying debris from the plane.

Flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared on 8 March with 239 people on board.

Jon Donnison reports from Fremantle Port in Perth, where much of the search operation is based The objects were found in satellite images from a

400 sq km area around 2,557km (1588 miles) from Perth in Western Australia, Mr Hishammuddin said.

He said that it was not possible to tell whether the potential objects were from the missing aircraft, but called them “another new lead that will help direct the search operation”.

The images were sup-

plied by French-based Airbus Defence and Space and were given to the Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency on 25 March, Mr Hishammuddin said.

The images were passed on to the Australian Rescue and Co-ordination Centre in Perth on Tuesday, he added.

NEWS ON BRIEFS

EU, US consider ‘deeper sanctions’ against Russia

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HE United Sates of America and European Union are discussing “deeper sanctions” against Russia if there are “further incursions into Ukraine”.

US President Barack Obama said “energy is obviously a central focus of our efforts”, acknowledging it “will have some impact on the global economy”.

He was speaking after talks in Brussels with EU leaders Jose Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy.

At a news conference, the three men spoke of the special relationship between the transatlantic partners.Mr Obama said: “The world is safer and more just when Europe and America stand as one”. Mr Van Rompuy, European Council president, called it a “crucial” relationship.

AU troops to treat CAR’s antibalaka militia as “enemy”

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FRICAN Union (AU) peacekeepers in the Cen tral African Republic will treat the anti-balaka Christian militia group as enemy combatants from now, their commander has said.

Gen Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko said the decision had been taken because troops had come under attack from anti-balaka fighters. Twenty-one peacekeepers have reportedly been killed in CAR.The country has been hit by civil conflict since March 2013.

The anti-balaka have been accused of attacking the Muslim minority and resisting efforts by the 6,000strong AU force, known by its acronym Misca, to disarm them.

Egypt’s Sisi ‘resigns as defence minister’

E

GYPT’S defence minister and armed forces chief has resigned, the website of the staterun Al-Ahram newspaper has reported.

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who led the military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Morsi last July, tendered his resignation yesterday. Sisi is expected to run for president in upcoming elections.

German ‘bishop of bling’ resigns over spending scandal

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OPE Francis has formally accepted the res ignation of a senior German Church leader suspended over his alleged lavish spending. The Vatican made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday.

Bishop of Limburg Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst has been accused of spending more than 31m euros (£26m) on renovating his official residence.The cleric, dubbed the “bishop of bling” by the media, offered to resign when the scandal broke last October.

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Remittances: PenCom goes after defaulting employers •As recovery agents rake in N335.84m, N31.04m penalty

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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ATIONAL Pension Commission, PenCom, has now concluded plans to prosecute private sector employers for breaching the Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2004 especially in relation to remittance of deducted pension contributions into the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. Pension & You gathered that by the end of 2013, it was uncovered that 335 private sector employers failed to remit about N13.33 billion to the Retirement Saving Accounts, RSAs, of contributors (workers), besides interest accruing on the amount.

However, the Recovery Agents, RAs, engaged by PenCom have so far recovered about N335.84

million as well as N31.04 milion paid by affected defaulting employers as penalty.

It would be recalled that as part of the initiatives to recover un-remitted pension contributions from private sector employers along with interest penalty, 173 interested accounting and legal firms were engaged as Recovery Agents, RAs, for the exercise by PenCom. Based on the review of the returns forwarded by the RAs to the Commission, it was established that 15,427 employers failed to remit pension contributions to their employees’ RSAs for various periods between January 2010 and December 2011.

Subsequently, the defaulting employers were distributed among the RAs to recover the out-

standing contributions.

According to the update on Pension Industry by PenCom, “As at the end of September 2013, RAs established outstanding pension contributions and interest penalties, which amounted to N13.33 billion against 335 private sector employers. Approval was granted by PenCom for the RAs to serve demand notices to the affected employers, which resulted in the recovery of N335.84 million and an interest penalty of N31.04 million as at end of September 2013.

In furtherance of its compliance efforts, the Commission intends to commence the issuance of notice of intention to prosecute the employers that failed to remit the outstanding pension contributions and interest penalty.”

According to information, “as at 30 September, 2013, the total registration stood at 5.83 million with the public (comprising federal and state government employees) and the private sectors accounting for 2.95 million (50.55%) and 2.88 million (49.45%) respectively.”

Remittance of FGN Employees into RSAs: According to the update, “the total pension contributions so far released by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, OAGF, amounted to N805.52 billion out of which the sum of N767.65 billion had been remitted to Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, covering the pension contributions paid into 914,050 RSAs (including retirees and deceased) of employees of Treasury Funded FGN ministries, departments and agencies,

MDAs, from inception to August, 2013. The disbursements were done by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, after due verification of contributors’ documentary evidences by PenCom.” Determination, redemption of accrued rights of FGN retirees: “The Federal Government had transferred the total sum of N406.21 billion into the Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund Account, RBBRFA, kept and managed by the CBN between June 2004 and September 2013.

In addition, PenCom had advised the CBN to release the sum of N402.39 billion into 76,782 RSAs of retirees/deceased employees of the FGN. “The CPS continues to ensure that retirees receive their benefits as and when due. Thus, apart from collecting pension benefits through Programmed Withdrawals and Life Annuities as provided by the PRA 2004, retirees also made lump sum withdrawals from their RSAs at retirement. In addition, in the case of death in active service, the Next of Kin or the beneficiary of the deceased RSA holder is entitled to group life insurance benefit, which is three times the total annual emolument of the deceased employee.

Transfer of NSITF contributions to members’ RSAs On the transfer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, members’ RSAs, the update said “by the end of September, 2013, PenCom had reviewed and approved the transfer of N8.11 billion out of the N64.61 billion assets of the NSITF for 107,695 contributors.

In addition, approval had been granted to Trustfund Pensions Plc to transfer the sum of N1.27 billion into the RSAs of 17,483 members who contributed to the former National Provident Fund, NPF/NSITF Pension Scheme. Furthermore, total pension payments of N5.53 billion had been paid in respect of 6,426 pensioners of NSITF as at September, 2013.”

Pension fund assets: The total value of pension assets under the CPS stood at N3.73 trillion as at September, 2013 with an average monthly contribution of N20 billion and 30% annual growth rate, according to the update.

“This pool of pension funds is a potential platform for attaining the transformation agenda of Government in the provision of infrastructure, energy, employment generation and the development of the real sector.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—53

BITS Bits

and nominated Comrade Paschal Myleri Bafyau , then Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Railwaymen and Ibrahim Halilu, then president of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees to represent Nigerian workers.

More recently, workers representation President Obasanjo's conference included, Adams Oshiomhole, Sylvester Ejiofoh, Abdulkadir Salam and others. Only Adams Oshiomhole was a member of NAC. .

In both instances, especially, the political bureau, the NLC had a position paper which was discussed and endorsed by the organs of the NLC. This time around, the list made up of 10 NAC members and two CWC members had already been sent to the Presidency before a CWC meeting was called to merely endorse. CWC members protested. The CWC is made up of all Presidents and General Secretaries of all affiliate unions that make up the NLC.

Career trade unionists demand own union

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••ASUP strike: NLC condemns Education Minister

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HE Nigeria Labour Con gress ( NLC) wants the federal government to take urgent steps to put to the lingering strike the nation’s polytechnics and colleges of education.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic have been on strike since October 2014 while their counterparts who are members of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union ( COEASU) have been on strike since December 2013.

In a statement signed by NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar, the NLC said “The recent breakdown of talks between the Minister of Education and the leadership of ASUP over the full implementation of the 2009 Agreement it signed with the Federal Government, is at best irresponsible on the part of the Minister who took a hardline positions and refused to move any inch in the negotiations to allow for mutual consensus”.

Labour's delegation

NLC President, Abdulwahed Omar, leading NLC to the confab

Furore over workers delegates to Confab All is not well within the Nigeria Labour Congress over the list of delegates to the national conference. Affiliate unions of the NLC took the leadership to task on the manner the list of delegates was drawn up without input from the unions that make up the Congress. In this edition of Labour Vanguard, the list is analysed and the comments of other stakeholders are part of this report.

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

T

HE National Conference has been inaugurated and organized la bour is represented but the furore over who should represent organized labour is on. Are workers properly represented ?

This is an issue that remains controversial.

The Nigeria Labour Congress ; the oldest labour centre is being represented by the following :NLC president, Abdulwaheed Ibrahim Omar, Ag. General Secretary, Chris Uyot, Kiri Mohammed Shaibu, deputy president, Joe Ajaero, deputy president and Promise Adewusi, deputy president.Others are, Vice President, Issa Aremu, Vice President, Lucy Offiong, national treasurer, Ayuba Wabba , head of research, Dr. Peter Ozo- Eson and Head of Administration, Emma Ugboaja.

All 10 are members of the National Administrative Council.

The other two are, Michael Olukoya, president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers; the union that produced Abdulwaheed Omar and Ibrahim Khaleel , national president of the National Union of Local Government Employees. The NLC list has only one woman , Lucy Offiong who is the chairperson of the NLC Women Commission.

TUC - List - The Trade Union Congress ( TUC) is made up of TUC president, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, Secretary – General, Barrister Musa Lawal, Mrs. Dinatu Asibi Assani of the Association of Senior Civil Servants, , Mrs. Olasanye Oyinkan, deputy president, Association of Banks, Insurance and Allied Institutions ( ASSBIFI) and chairperson of the TUC Women Commission and Sunday Olusoji

Asked for his comments on labour’s delegation to the national conference , Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, former general secretary of NUPENG said, “ When I saw it, with 12 persons, NLC should have spread it even to veterans. You can’t just carry the whole of Congress to the conference. The president, is there, the Ag. General Secretary is there, vice and deputy presidents are there. This is something that an assistant general secretary could have been sent to present NLC’s position”.

Chief Kokori who also had the singular opportunity of representing the organised labour at the e Constitution Review Committee ( CRC) of the Babangida regime said of the NLC list, “ To me it was very embarrassing”.

He continued, “ For them to monopolise the list at the NAC level, I felt it was selfcentered. The unions own the NLC, not members of the National Administrative Council. They should have spread it out”.

Chief Kokori told Labour Vanguard, “ I felt it was a bit selfish. I was embarrassed.

I thought, it was not proper for them to shut the Congress. No, you can’t shut the Con-

Salako, president of ASSBIFI, Olakunle Olaitan , immediate past president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants.

Others are, Peter Esele, immediate past president of the TUC, Augustine Etafo, president of the Construction Employees Senior Staff Association, Hassan Salihu Anka , staff of the secretariat who until about two years ago worked with the Agriculture and Allied Workers Union ( AAWUN) an affiliate of the NLC , Bede Opara, president of Senior Staff of Electricity Workers, Maryam Jumai Bello and Aliyu Musa, chairperson of the TUC in For them to monopolise the list at the Federal Capital Territory. the NAC level, I felt it was selfComparison - Whereas, centered. The unions own the the TUC has three womNLC, not members of the National en as delegates, NLC which began to integrate Administrative Council women into mainstream unionism as far as 1986 has only one wom- gress, it isn’t right”.

Another source close to the Congress an who is there simply because the chaircritical of NLC’s list of delegates wonperson of the NLC Womens’ Commission. dered “ Did they know that money was to *In the NLC list, no delegate is from any 36 state councils and the federal cap- be given? Are they there to make money to secure delegates to vote for them at the ital territory, Abuja. *Whereas TUC demonstrated that it has next election”. Vanguard has no indepenproduced officers who have contributed to dent confirmation of this allegation.

He disclosed to Vanguard, “ Already the organization by nominating Esele and Olaitan as delegates. NLC’s delegation we hear that a union that was paying is made up only of current officers. Does N3million monthly to the NLC is now payit mean that the NLC has no past? Hasn’t ing N10million, and the president of that the NLC former officers who can adequate- union is a NAC member representing NLC ly represent labour? More importantly, at the conference”.

The source said he was worried because, the manner in which the delegates got nomdelegates to NLC conference are usually inated is a deviation from the NLC’S democractic procedure. In 1985-86 when determined by the dues paid by the union NLC was to send delegates to the Politi- and almost all those at the conference have cal Bureau, the Central Working Com- their eyes on elected posts and appointments mittee of the NLC met at the secretariat in the secretariat.

,

T is a well known fact that trade unions are generally not the best employers. Therefore, for years, employees of trade unions have agitated for their own union but have been suppressed by labour bureaucrats. The issue of whether union workers should have a trade union in featured prominently in 1996 when the then minister of labour described career unionists as non-card carry member because they do not pay union dues.

Last year a union which identified itself as National Association of Professional Trade Unionists and Office Employees wrote to the minister of Labour and Productivity stating reasons why the union needs to be registered.

In a letter to the minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, the general secretary of the organisation, Prince Kola Oyedokun stated among other reasons that " Employment relations in the unions or associations now rests squarely on the basis of survival of the fittest as job security is not guaranteed as the forum for social dialogue and negotiation is scarcely available to professional staff to protest and negotiate". Besides, he said, trade union employees " need freedom of choice, freedom of association and the right to organise and bargain collectively without any hindrance hence our collective resolve to register the National Association of Professional Trade Unionists and Office Employees".

,

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Why children should brush twice daily

By GABRIEL OLAWALE

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HIS is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth, this is the way we brush our teeth, early in the morning.”

Readers who are familiar with this chorus will recall how as children, they relished the daily activity of brushing their teeth.

Brushing the teeth in the morning and at other times of the day is often considered fun. However, it is not just important to brush your teeth, but the frequency and efficiency of brushing the teeth is what counts. Experts say toothache is one of the most common dental complaints and often the top reason many people visit a dentist. To prevent this malady, they recommend brushing of the teeth as a daily ritual. For best results, everyone should brush their teeth in the morning and at night.

Health data reveals that 90 percent of the world’s population will suffer one oral disease or the other in their lifetime, ranging from caries, periodontal diseases and tooth decay to oral cancer. Toothache is the number one reason for absenteeism from schools in many countries. Although the burden of oral diseases is decreasing in developed countries, gum complications are becoming more common, especially in older people.

As part of its commitment to improve oral hygeine in Nigeria, Unilever, in conjunction with Nigeria Dental Association and FDI World Dental Federation, commenced an oral health

campaign tagged “Brush Day & Night School Programme”, targeted at school children in Lagos.

Over the next three years, Unilever, makers of Close-Up Toothpaste is targetting 10 million Nigerian children to be taught the proper way of brushing their teeth. The activity, earmarked for this year’s World Oral Health Day with the theme, “Celebrating Healthy Smiles”, involved pupils from five schools in Lagos State who were engaged in the oral hygiene campaign. The company’s Senior Vice President for Oral Care , Marie-Anne Aymerich noted that it is important to teach children to properly brush their teeth in an up-down, up-down manner, so as to ensure no debris is left in the mouth.

“We are here to teach the pupils

how to brush for two reasons. One, to ensure they inculcate the habit of brushing twice a day at a tender age so that they can grow up with it. Two, we want to bring back the habit of proper brushing of teeth among children.” Fluoride-based toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel to resist acids that can lead to cavities.

Regional Brand Director, Close-up Africa, Mr. Kosala Hewamadduma said the awareness drive is also targeted at parents to teach their children the proper way to brush their teeth and to inculcate the habit of brushing twice a day. Participants included pupils from Central Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, GRA Nursery and Primary School, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, among others.

•Free health screening and volunatry blood donation organised by Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committtee recently.

Corps members hold free health checks for Police tomorrow

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•Children should be taught to adopt the habit of regular brushing of teeth in the morning and night to prevent oral and dental problems.

EDICAL doctors of the Nigeria Youth Service Corp, NYSC, are organising an HIV/AIDS and Health Awareness programme tomorrow, Friday March 28, 2014, for members of the Nigeria Police, as part of their Community Development Service, CDS, The event includes a HIV/AIDS Awareness seminar and Free Medical Check-Up specifically for Police staff members at the Ifo Police Station, Ogun state on Friday.

Coordinator of the event Dr Anuri Emeh said it is a voluntary community development service designed to improve the welfare and welbeing of the rank and file of the Police in the bid to enable them carry out their essential duties. He enjoined all policemen at the designated police station to take advantage of the free session of health checks.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

don’t know if my wife and I are meant to be together. She does not respond to me when I touch her and I cannot satisfy her. Sex with my previous girlfriends was okay back in the day before I finally got married, so the problem is not me. I think that I made a mistake marrying her. Now I ejaculate too early when we manage to have sex and she doesn’t care. If we don’t have sex for five years, she wouldn’t notice - Elijah Elijah if both of you once had a genuinely satisfying sexual relationship, then there is hope. There are all sorts of possible causes here. If there are other problems in your marriage, it can definitely affect your sex life.

That is number one. In this case, to solve the sexual problem, you need to first sort out the other issues in your marriage. The second possibility is that her libido levels have dropped. Sometimes in life, libido levels drop unexpectedly and when they do, sexual interest almost disappears. But a healthy libido can be revived through the use of aphrodisiacs like Max Desire and Spanish Fly Mints. Some of these supplements are best taken daily to prepare her for whatever advances you may make during the day. The other possibility is that you married a lesbian. It happens.

If that is not the case, then helping her relax through massage will be a good start. By nature, women find it hard to relax because they obsess over small things, all of which can prevent them from being sexual when they need to. So a good massage with the Kamasutra Pleasure Garden Massage Oil can help relax her and put her in the mood for what may come after. If she is responding, nipple and clitoral massage can closely follow the general body massage. For this, you will need the Nipplicious Nipple Arousal Gel, one of our new novelties, or the 69 Nipple and Clit Arousal gel. They are both edible for oral adventures.

And for you, I think the whole situation is making you anxious which has brought about premature ejaculation,

especially since you didn’t have that problem with past lovers. In any case, a premature ejaculation gel can help you. Use the Noches Latinas Duramas Prolonging Spray or the LS Male Desensitizing Spray. Both products are new and perfect for controlling premature ejaculation – Uche Hello Zee, I have good news. I came home last week and my wife told me that she is pregnant! After six years of trying, we are finally pregnant. I don’t know if you remember but I spoke with you in October 2013, after which I started taking the Fertil Aid supplement you suggested. It must be working because I have not tried anything else and we are pregnant. I am speechless. Thank you – Hassan That is wonderful news Hassan. Infertility can be hard to overcome because the causes are many but sometimes, these supplements can help and I am glad Fertil Aid worked for you. Big congratulations. The next move is to take your wife to the hospital and register for antenatal care. Good luck – Uche I am 59 and my erections are no longer what they used to be. Sometimes I get it and at other times, nothing – Engr Bulus This is normal at your age but you can get help. Use Stiff 4 Hours or Exploding Thunder supplement and you will be back to normal performance – Uche I have been using the Potent Penis Enlargement Pump for over a year now and I am 8 inches long when erect.

Can I stop now? – Justin Yes you can stop now. That is a huge result already – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard anguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 PISCES; Success is within your reach but you must do away with mental arrogance and take good and practical advice from the professionals. Work harder.

ARIES; Your being enterprising will go a long way to further enhance your prospects and if financial advancement is your priority you will fare better. Be more loving.

TAURUS; Prepare to take the lead and exhibit your special talent. Advice from younger people may look good but not practical enough thus if you must take advice today take it from matured personality who may appear authoritative.

GEMINI; Element of luck will work in your favour, however that is not to say you can not back your reasonable plans with practical action. Keep your secrets.

CANCER; You will have your ways; much will depend on how ambitious you are, the bigger your aspiration the better. Take your tried and trusted friends seriously.

THURSD AY, MARCH 27, 2014—55 THURSDA

By Richard Eromosele

Y

OU are a very unique individual.

Everything about you is distinct and special. Let us start from your hair.

Your hair is very peculiar to you alone. No one else has your kind of hair. The creator of the universe gave you such

Is Anyone Better...? hairs so that the purpose for which He created you could be realised.

What about your big eyes and your seemingly wide nose? In case you do not know. I want to let you know that those

TERROR MUDA

big eyes of yours and nose are meant to serve some purpose perhaps to see far and perceive easily.

Everything about you is peculiar to you alone.

in “Never say goodbye”

Therefore, you are original. You are a king of some sorts. Every king reigns over his kingdom.

And the king’s subjects are subject to him. You only need to give proper direction. And they will serve your purpose. No one else is better than you.

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO; Here is an ambitious day for many of you and with moderation things will go according to your plans. Financial success is actually close to you than you think.

VIRGO; Make sure your plans for both immediate and far future are legal friendly. This is day of success you will need to savour with your partners/spouse.

LIBRA; Even if you think your health is ok you better make sure you confirm your fitness from your doctor before giving in to strenuous activities. Success at work indicated for those of you who are truly healthy. Be practical please.

SCORPIO; It will not be a bad idea trying to consolidate on progress made recently. And the more co-operative you are today the better it will be for you..

SAGITTARIUS; You will be in good position to take good advantage within your working arena.. Don’t wait till tomorrow before you make important future plans.

CAPRICORN; Tomorrow may bring more challenges than anticipated that is why you will need to prosecute your plans now. Lovers are fairly favoured.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; Those of you who are moderate and practical with their financial plans are in for a good day. Live up to expectation within your family circle.

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,

Early death for me?

Dear Joshua, I am not having any terminal disease but some times am afraid of life. Bluntly ‘am I meant for early death? What are my weak points health-wise? Please tell me about my career line.

Philips, Delta

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Philips, You are not meant for sudden death but that should not be a license for reckless life style .Although Cancer is said to be one of weak Star signs, with potent and positive aspects the Sun and Mercury got from planets in Virgo and more powerful Scorpio yours is a strong constitution meant for good health. .

Certainly you must have gone through rough times when you were younger, once you are out of it your health path is clearer. And nothing is pointing to early death.

Naturally Cancer born people must be more careful about their tummy (stomach related ailments) and you are not an exception. Other thing you will need to watch carefully include the circulatory system (because of Aquarius influence). Your sense of taste is distinctive and capable of making you a little bit stout as a result of little enlargement of liver because of your sugar intake, which you can control perfectly. As a tropical man fever can come and go, but nothing fatalistic here please.. If you notice toothache symptom do not ignore it.

But yours is a sound and good health, astrologically.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why?

Because Aquarius is equally political.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

56 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Akinrinade, Anyaoku for Awo’s book presentation

F

* A scene from the play when it was performed at the Royal Courts London

Ajai-Lycett, Sotimirin explore theatrical notion of belonging I

T is going to be a big treat as Live Theatre on Sun day, an avant-garde theatre project committed to the projection and presentation of spectacular stage plays on topical issues is set to treat theatre lovers in and around Lagos with the maiden edition of her Easter special tagged Belong.

The stage drama which will feature some of the best actors and actresses in the country, is written by Bola Agbaje, UK based Nigerian playwright and winner of the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award, directed

by Tosan Ugbeye and produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba.

Belong which is described as the ideal Easter treat for theatre lovers will be showcased for three days; April 18-20, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island by 2pm, 5pm and 7pm respectively. I the drama, Agbaje confronts Nigerian politics as well as racial identity.

Racial identity It is a provocative, lively piece that will enliven the minds of its audience.

In the play which was first performed in Royal Park Theartre, London in 2012, the playwright draws on her Nigerian heritage in a satire about identity, politics, love, loyalty and the need to come home and contribute to the development of the country. It is a powerful agent to provoke

social change, raise public awareness about some of the burdens the society has placed on its citizens.

Audiences will surely be treated to the diverse antics of a rich dramatic presentation featuring some of Nigeria’s finest thespians and celebrities including Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Bimbo Akintola, Tunji Sotimirin, Toyin Oshinnaike, OC Ukeje, Dolapo Oni,Opeyemi Dada and Emeka Nwachukwu.

The drama starts out in the London with Kayode (Toyin Oshinnaike) and Rita (Dolapo Oni).

,

By JAPHET ALAKAM

What is exciting is that playwright offers viewers multiple perspectives on the theme of belonging. Kayode’s wife Rita, despite her Nigerian grandparents, sees herself as unequivocally British. Her friend Fola, on the other hand, views Nigeria as a land of opportunity and scathingly says of Britain that “only white people belong in this country”.

Meanwhile, Kayode is torn between his British life and his belief that only in Nigeria can he make a difference by opposing local political corruption.

The 75 minute-long piece

The 75 minute long piece tells of the challenges of being a diasporian, deals with love, and explores the gained and and missed opportunities

Belong’s hero, Kayode, is an Anglicised Nigerian and aspiring Westminster MP who has apparently caused a ruckus in an election by his condescension towards the black community and vilification of his black opponent. Leaving his boutique-owning wife behind, he escapes the row by going home to his wealthy Nigerian mother only to find himself embroiled in domestic politics.

His mother has taken under her wing a young idealist who is also the protege of a corrupt chief who virtually runs the local community; when Kayode offends the chief and grasps the extent of his power, he decides to make a stand by returning to his Nigerian roots.

,

tells of the challenges of being a diasporian, deals with love, and explores the theme of gained and missed opportunities. Furthermore, it questions the notions of identity as many people go through life questioning where they truly Belong.

Belong is supported by EbonyLife TV, MTN, Mansard Insurance, Myne Whitman Writes, Romancemeetslife, 96.9 Cool FM, 95.1 Wazobia FM, 99.3 Nigeria Info, Y!Naija, Timeless Magazine, Bella Naija, 99.9 Beat FM, 97.3 Classic FM, Maestro Media, City People Magazine, Entertainment Express, Maestro Media, OnoBello.com, eStar TV, RealstarTV on Startimes, etc.

ORMER Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), will lead eminent Nigerians to Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos on April 17 for the public presentation of a book, ‘The Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency’ written by Dr. Wale Adebanwi.

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (UK and New York, USA,) the book is a definitive text on the political movement and parties led by the sage and premier of the Western Region.

Joining Akinrinade, at the presentation is National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the chief presenter; Chief Awolowo’s ‘Jewel of Inestimable Value’, Mama HID Awolowo as the mother of the day and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade as the father of the day.

‘The Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency’ investigates the dynamics and challenges of ethnicity and elite politics in Nigeria.

The host governors are Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos. The special guests of honour include Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, Segun Mimiko of Ondo, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano.

The guests of honour are Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, and others The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Lagos, are the joint hosts of the presentation ceremony which commences at 11am prompt. * Late Obafemi Awolowo

NANTAP celebrates Int'l Theatre day

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Prac titioners (NANTAP) which is the umbrella body of practising artistes in Nigeria will join the rest of the world today, as they celebrates the International Theatre Day. Formed in 1990 out of a merger between NANTA (National Association of Nigerian Theatre Artists) and ANTAP (Association of Nigeria Theatre Artiste Practitioners), the body have been in the vanguard of bringing together all practicing theatre artists under the umbrella.

NANTAP, since inception has been in the fore front of the campaign to government to put culture at the core of government’s developmental agenda for the attainment of Nigeria’s developmental set objectives and growth and presently it has numerous chapters across the nation .

NANTAP is also a member of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and as the world celebrates the International Theatre Day on March 27th every year, NANTAP joins the rest of the world to celebrate it in Nigeria. The International Theatre Day is a day set aside by UNESCO and the ITI worldwide to call attention to the plight of artistes all over the world.

NANTAP has achieved many firsts and enjoys recognition of government as amplified by its active representation in government activities. On the international front, NANTAP is a member of the Federation of International Actors (FIA) and has participated actively in all FIA activities in and around the world. NANTAP and Nigeria currently plays a leading role in the affairs of AFROFIA (the African arm of FIA).

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—57

Battle Scars... projecting life of the near-dead in lens

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

A

RT enthusiasts were, weekend, in Lagos, treated to the opening of a most emotive photography exhibition which brought to the fore, the urgent need to put in more efforts to fight the scourge of breast cancer.

The three-day unique breast cancer awareness photo exhibition which opened last weekend, at the Goethe Institut, Lagos, was organsied by one of Nigeria’s most talented contemporary photographers and creative director of Camara Studios, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko with some of her colleagues, Yemi Disu, owner of Four23 photography and Damilola Kuku, creative director of Supzie XPression Studio, to create more awareness of the disease and raise funds for the victims.

Themed, “Battle Scars,” the photography exhibition by the

help reduce the menace of breast cancer in our society. We are happy to have you here,” Ajao pleaded with the viewers.

While many breast cancer victims were not lucky to tell their stories, some of the images on display at the hall are narratives that capture the excruciating struggles by people who have fought and eventually conquered breast Cancer which left scars on their f o r m .

The initiator of the exhibition, Yetunde Babaeko, stressed that the exhibition is aimed at bringing the masses closer to the subject so as to inspire people to help curb breast cancer and above all, to raise funds.

“Some were asking me what I stand to achieve in this exhibition, nobody wants to see pictures of treated breast cancer survivors including me and the

,

The exhibition is aimed at bringing the masses closer to the subject, to inspire everyone to help in curbing breast cancer

X-Perspective which runs till March 29, 2014, according to Goethe-Institut’s programme Assistant, Aderinsola Ajao, who officially opened the exhibition, is a charity event designed to create more awareness for breast cancer, early diagnosis and treatment.

“Kindly support this project to

,

breast cancer survivors and nobody wants to buy the pictures. Proceeds from these artworks are going to be used for the treatment of breast cancer patients and their drugs,” she explained.

Babaeko also explained that, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO) stand-

* One of the images displayed at the exhibition ards, one radiotherapy machine per million people, but Nigeria with over 160 million people have only two radiotherapy machines working. Of course! People may say government supposed to provide the machines but there should be a way out by supporting the treatment of breast cancer.

“Photography has been an experience, that is why we are doing this to give life a meaning to people with breast cancer. You can purchase an item like a post card from this exhibition from 500 naira. Proceeds

from the sale of images and postcards are solely for the treatment of patients on the Sebeccly Cancer Care Foundation’s waiting list.”

One of the images shows a middle aged survivor sitting in her apartment while brooding over her predicament. Another photo presents a beautiful woman stylishly wearing a hat but looking dejected due to her situation. She covers her face with her scarf, while hanging on hope for survival. All images on display are different but tell same story- “battle for survival, and having

Poetry, stories mark women's day celebration W

omen from different parts of the country gathered at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos, at the weekend, to mark the 2014 International Women’s Day with readings from poetry collections, short stories and exciting excerpts from various female authors.

Designed to celebrate literary works by female writers, the Woman Rising Initiative which is in its fourth edition, is powered by The Life House, as part of activities celebrating the International Women’s Day through various aspects of the arts.

The event was sponsored by one of the fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company in Nigeria, Etisalat as part of its commitment to supporting fiction and oth-

er forms of literary works in Africa.

After series of interesting readings from the participating female authors, Flash Fiction expert, Molara Wood, entertained the audience with a most outstanding presentation from some of her stories,

,

By PRISC SAM-DURU

erness; offering a unique quality of life for our children and ourselves. As such, I am grateful to our main sponsors, Etisalat Nigeria, for their continued support in our drive to seek strategic and sustainable support of arts and culture in

The arts have the power to heal, delight, create joy and togetherness, offering a unique quality of life for our children and ourselves

which included “Fear Hill and Indigo” Co-founder and curator for The Life House, Ugoma Adegoke, thanked Etisalat Nigeria for its support of arts and culture through the Woman Rising Initiative.

According to her, “the arts have the power to heal, delight, create joy and togeth-

,

Nigeria.”

The Head of High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi, said that Etisalat was proud to sponsor the Woman Rising initiative; a 21st century cause celebrating the literary prowess in women.

Her words, “Etisalat Prize for Literature was designed to

recognize and reward début writers of fiction in Africa, with the objective of discovering new creative talents and promoting the growing publishing industry on the continent. Sequel to the recently concluded Etisalat Prize for Literature, people asked how the Prize for Literature had three shortlisted female finalists. I believe it is a testament to the literary ability of the African woman. The year 2013 was an interesting year for women in literature; and the emergence of three female finalists for the Etisalat prize for Literature further depicts the depth in creativity. Etisalat believes firmly in how art and culture foretell creative ideas and as such, is proud to be an active sponsor for the literary arts through the Woman Rising Initiative.”

conquered, they have their different stories of the battle, of hope, survival, stigmatization and acceptance.”

One of the survivors of breast cancer and also, a beneficiary of the Sebeccly Cancer Care, said she got to know about the centre when she needed over N10 million to continue with her care. “My father is late and my mother is a struggling widow managing in the village.

Breastfeedeing last child My fiancée who had two shops and a plot of land in Lagos sold everything he had to save me but to no avail. It was when I was at the end of the road, when all my hope of survival was lost that I heard about Sebeccly. It is not just the money they assist you with that makes Sebeccly wonderful, it is the care, the encouragement, the education, the love,” she said amidst tears.

She detected her lump early enough while breast feeding her last child, and got it removed immediately but was advised to have a mastectomy to avoid any further problem by her doctor. This survivor lives happily with her family in Lagos where she teaches Geography in a Government Secondary School.

Dr Fakolade Adeola of Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre who was on ground to educate participants at the exhibition, explained that while all breast lumps are not malignant, early detection of a lump in one’s breast does not always mean a death sentence.

58—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

B U J A — NORTHERN and Southern delegates at the ongoing National Conference were sharply divided yesterday over the propriety of retaining the three-quarter benchmark stipulated for approving decisions at the conference.

Northern delegates want a retention of the t h r e e - q u a r t e r benchmark stipulated by the conference secretariat but the southern delegates want it amended to two-third.

Minutes after the conference resumed yesterday, the house adjourned at 10:50 a.m. for five hours and resumed at 4:00 p.m. during which 50 delegates dubbed the ’50 Wise Men’ or the Consensus Group to resolve the issue.

After five hours when the conference resumed from break and with signs that the 50 Wise Men had not broken the deadlock, the conference was adjourned to next Monday to allow for further discussion on the issue.

The 50 wise men drawn from the six geopolitical zones during the break held a closeddoor meeting with the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi.

Vanguard gathered that southern leaders who met Tuesday night agreed that anything short of two-third will not be acceptable, even as the Northern delegates who met with their governors affirmed it must be consensus or three-quarter to conclude on any issue.

A source told Vanguard yesterday that the north was apprehensive that adjusting the benchmark to two-third could be to their disadvantage.

Food crisis hits confab

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

T

ALES of food shortages for the delegates at the national confab continued to be an issue, yesterday.

Monday, the actual first day of plenary recorded the worst day. Food was in drastic short supply.

Members of the conference complained and murmured among themselves. Luckily, their

murmuring reached the ears of the secretariat that at the resumption of plenary after the lunch hours, the secretary of the conference, Dr. Valarie Azinge formally addressed the issue.

“Honorable delegates, it has come to our notice that most of you did not get food to eat. We are very sorry about that. We promise that it will not repeat itself tomorrow.”

Tuesday, the second day,

was supposed to witness adequate food supply but to the chagrin of some delegates, the food still didn’t go round again.

A delegate who felt bad over the issue couldn’t hold it back to herself alone.

She told Vanguard that “the food didn’t get to me again.”

But Wednesday proved a bit better for the conference as food was said to have gone round for the

delegates.

Some members however attributed it to the departure of many members who opted to have their lunch outside the conference venue.

Their departure was necessitated by the early lunch break which the conference observed due to a special session held by the chairmen and some nominees to brainstorm on the voting pattern.

Delegates reaching for the microphone at conference. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Sultan tackles Presidency over alleged marginalisation of Muslims protest the alleged Muslims in the composition want to believe that it is

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—THE National President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday led members of the council to the presidential villa to

,

North, South split over voting benchmark

marginalisation of Muslims in the composition of the ongoing National Conference.

Secretary General of the NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede who spoke with State House correspondents after the meeting with the president said they were reassured that there was no deliberate move to marginalize Nigerian

What we came to discuss with the President is to consult with Mr. President and we are happy we consulted with him

,

of the delegates.

“What we came to discuss with the President is to consult with Mr. President and we are happy we consulted with him, and he has given us reasons to reassure the Muslims that Muslims in Nigeria are not deliberately marginalised and he has asked us to convey the feelings of the government, the genuineness of the government, the fairness of the government to the entire populace.

“The president told us that if there are issues that are not as they ought to be, they were not definitely deliberate and we want to believe that Mr. President told us his mind but we also

proper to protest, it is also proper to assume that a leader will always be just even if there are mistakes thereafter.

“We just felt that we must convey the feelings of the Muslims in Nigeria to Mr. President and he has given us his words to re-assure the Muslims community that he is a genuine and committed Christian who will not be unjust to others,” he said.

Other members of the delegation included the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Garbai, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former head of civil service of the federation, Yayale Ahmed among others.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014—59

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

BUJA—THERE was a mild drama yesterday at the venue of the on- going National Conference, when the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha told his fellow delegates that he was prepared to secede from the present Nigeria if the country disintegrates.

Noting that whereas many people in the country would have no where to run to in the event of disintegration, he said that himself and his

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

BUJA— THE leadership of the National Conference yesterday rolled out a 49-member truce committee to harmonize positions on the heated issue of discarding the four quarter benchmark prescribed to reach decisions at the confab.

The Deputy Chairman of the conference, Prof, Bolaji Akinyemi released the names of the members of the truce committee who cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Once he called out the names early yesterday, the conference adjourned at about 10.50 a.m. and resumed at 4.00 p.m. yesterday.

The names were General Ike Nwachukwu; Chief

I'll have a home in Cameroon if... —LAMIDO ADAMAWA people in Adamawa Kingdom would have no such problem as they would simply cross the border to join their kith and kin in the Republic of Cameroun The Lamido Adamawa who is one of the thirteen persons representing the National Council of Traditional Rulers

of Nigeria also said he was ready to lead his people on a walk-out from the conference.

The monarch spoke after he was recognised by the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi to speak on a debate on the proposal to call for memoranda from members of the public to help the conference succeed.

He stressed that conduct of delegates on Tuesday was not impressive as they were not addressing the issues as highlighted by President Goodluck Jonathan during his inaugural speech as had been expected.

The Lamido Adamawa who neither spoke for nor against the issue he was asked to comment on, simply said, “Mr. Chairman, I want to sound a note of warning”.

“I have been sitting here for three days now watching and listening. We should not take cue from the so-called civilized people of western countries because they are always after their own interest and they can use anything including coercion to protect that interest.

“Listening to the debates and behavior of some of the delegates here, it beats my imagination why a gathering of people like us will behave the way we are behaving”.

When other delegates could no longer take what

the royal father was saying as he was said to be far away from the issue, some delegates started calling on Justice Kutigi to intervene and stop the emir, with shouts of “Point of Order, No, No’ but Kutigi’s attempt to call him to order failed as the royal father insisted on concluding his address.

Shunning the entreaties from fellow delegates, Mustapha continued:“The President delivered an address and laid down what we are supposed to discuss and what not to discuss.

“But many people here, some of them elder statesmen, who claim to be strong loyalists of the president unfortunately, these people are in the forefront to contradict what the president has said.

“In the long run, if we are not careful, this conference will flop. God forbid. If it flops, the resultant effect will not be imaginable. If anything happens and the country disintegrates, God forbid, many of us who are shouting their heads off may not have anywhere to go.

“My people and the people of Adamawa have got somewhere to go. I am the Lamido Adamawa and my kingdom extends to Cameroun. The larger part of my kingdom is in Cameroun.

Part of that kingdom is today called Adamawa State in

Kutigi Rolls out ‘49’ Wise men as Truce Committee members Mike Ahamba; Chief Olu Falae; Dr Kunle Olajide; Chief Peter Odili, Chief Edwin K. Clark; Prof Jubril Aminu; Prof Ibrahim Gambari; Prof Jerry Gana; Alhaji Adamu Waziri; Alhaji Tanko Yakassai; Senator Ibrahim Ida; General A. B Mamman; Chief A. K Horsfall; Chief Josephine Anenih; Comrade Isa Aremu; Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, and Hajia Bola Shagaya.

Others were Dr. Olisa Agbakoba; Vincent Okobe; Amb. Lawrence Ekpuku; Senator Femi Okurounmu, Dr. Joe Nguogwu, Hon Mohammed Umaru Kumaila, Prof Anwalu Yadudu, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, Obong Victor

Attah, Senator Kairat Abdulrazak Gwadabe, Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba, and Adamu Aliero.

Also on the list were Atedo Peterside, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Prof Isah Mohammed, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Dr. Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Ahhaji Sule Yahaya Hamman, Dr. Abubakar Sarki Mohammed; Chief OlusolaAkomode, Justice Lawal Gummi, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Mr. Fola Adeola, Senator Mimi Bariya Amange, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Mr. Benjamin Elue, Gen Alani Akinrinade and Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

Justice Kutigi, confab chair.

Call for public memo splits delegates

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

M

EMBERS were yesterday divided on the need to call for memoranda from the public.

Contributing to the discussion, elder statesman, Dr. Kunle Olajide urged the House to call for memoranda from the public but was opposed by Dr. Bello Mohammed who said that doing so would be time wasting.

Dr. Mohammed suggested that the conference should go back to the memoranda submitted to the Senator Femi Okurunmu advisory committee which recommended the National Conference.

Dr. Mohammed’s views won the support of Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Anenih who said “ we should be mindful of the time frame that we have.

We have spent one week going to two and haven’t started. Calling for memoranda will eat into our time.”

I don’t think it is necessary. We come from various interest groups and zones. We sit here from Monday till Thursday. We can use the weekend to go back to our people and ask what they want. If not, we should not ask for memo at this time. We should go to task at hand.”

Alhaji Mohammad Maigari (Sokoto state) who also threw his weight behind the need to call for memoranda from the public said: “I will like to believe that it is important and significant to allow the general public to make input into what we are doing.

“It is important we become more democratic and listen to the people who sent us.

Let the secretariat invite the public to send it memoranda and we can

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2014 — 61

IAAF President Diack bows out after 39 years’ service T HE Senegalese sporting icon Lamine Diack, who served cumulatively for 39 years at the top level of athletics from Africa to the world level, would mandatorily bow out next year.

Diack, the current President of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), announced his 2015 exit date at the International Sports Press (AIPSAfrica) Congress, held in Dakar, Senegal.

From right AIPS Africa President Mitchell Obi receiving the book “100years of Athletic Excellence” From IAAF PRESIDENT LAMINE DIACK(middle) with AIPS President Gianni Merlo displaying a plaque in Dakar during a luncheon in honor of AIPS AFRICA Congress Delegates by IAAF.

Diack, who was born on June 7, 1933, would have turn 82 by time of his exit, having attained the 81years mandatory retirement age.

Mitchell Obi, President of AIPS-Africa, remarked that the fact that he had chosen the AIPS Congress in Dakar to announce his final exit from the sport, underscores the genuine love, respect and affection he has for African sports journalists.

Mamadou Koume, the President of Senegal Sports Journalists Association re-echoed Diack’s love for sports journalists.

“He (Diack) holds sports journalists in such high esteem that when I requested him, through his assistant to be our guest at this AIPS Con-

gress, he did not waste time in relaying his acceptance.

“Here, we are not only enjoying his presence, but enjoying a luncheon given by him to continental sports journalists,” Koume said.

Diack was educated at the College Van Vollenhover, Dakar, before proceeding to study Law and Economics at the University of Dakar.

He later studied at National School of Taxes, Paris.

He worked in various capacities, including as Inspector of Taxes (19611969); Commissioner General of Sports (19691970), as well as Secretary of State for Youth and Sports from 1970 to 1973.

Diack was also Secretary of State for Human Promotion (1973-1974); National Conservator of Land Ownership of Senegal (1974-1978).

He was Mayor of Dakar

from 1978 to 1980, as well as Deputy of the National Assembly of Senegal, from 1978 to 1993.

Diack was also first Vice-President of the National Assembly of Senegal from 1988 to 1993.

He served as Chairman of the Administration Board of the National Water Company of Senegal between 1995 and 2001.

In the field of sports, Diack during his youthful days participated in many sports including basketball, football, table tennis, volleyball and athletics; where his work shone and resonated around the continent and the world at large.

He was Dakar’s champion and winner of the Paris-Dakar Football Juniors Cup between 1950 and 1952.

Diack was the French West African Long Jump champion and record holder, between 1957 and 1960, and the French

Long Jump champion in 1958 (7.63 m) and French University Long Jump champion in 1959, with a jump of 7.72 m.

But it was in the administration of sports that the icon no doubt made the most outstanding contributions.

He served as Executive Committee Member of the defunct Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA), from 1973 to 1987; IAAF Vice-President, from 1979 to 1999.

He became the IAAF President since November 1999, and the President of the Senegal NOC from 1985 to 2002; President of the African Athletics Confederation between 1973 and 2003.

According to Diack, while responding to commendation by Italian Gianni Merlo, President of AIPS, it is time to leave after I have served cumulatively for 39 years at the top level of athletics from Africa to the world level.

62— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

How Osaze can be managed, by Stephen Keshi Q&A Keshi Continues from BP

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playing for Nigeria. “If he’s stubborn, that doesn’t mean he can’t play for the national

side. He’s stubborn because of the way he was talked to or the way he was approached,” Keshi told Aljazera.

Excerpts:

Al Jazeera: Brazil 2014 is on the horizon.

Nigerians are excited.

You’ve set the bar high by winning the African Cup of Nations. What are your expectations for the summer?

Stephen Keshi: I just hope that my players are in good health. That’s key for us. Before the Mexico game [friendly], I lost Bright Dike and I would’ve loved to have him there. Now he’s out of the World Cup. After that, I’m just going to take it match by match.

AJ: Every player has glowing things to say about you. How does that make you feel as coach?

SK: I wasn’t aware of that since we’ve never been that close that we talk about such things.

I’m very transparent with them. My oldest son is 31 so most of them could be my kid’s age. I have to be honest with them. I tell them the way I go about life beyond football because after they leave the sport, they need to know there’s another life, a very complex one, ahead.

AJ: What has been the key for you because they’ve had clashes with Nigerian and foreign coaches in the past?

SK: I have an open communication line. I talk like they ’re all adults. You must listen to them, you must respect them. They appreciate that.

When I wanted to bring in John Obi Mikel, I left him out. I told him he had problems with Nigerians, he had the big-player mentality. He called me and said he’d like to come back to the national team but I refused and hung up.

He called back again

and asked me to hear him out. I told him I was trying to build a team and these players were respectful, they gave their hearts out. They wanted to play for Nigeria and ensure the team does well. You won’t do that for us, we don’t need you, I told him that.

His agent called and I refused to talk to him. So Mikel called back again and I said let’s talk. At that point, almost 80% of Nigerians didn’t want to see him in the national squad. And I told him that. But I also took the risk and he agreed to the conditions. Ever since then, he’s been a great professional with great attitude in training. He’s a different Mikel and I told him to enjoy his game and have fun.

AJ: How did that work?

SK: We’re open. There is no superstar in this team. Everybody works for one another. You have 170 million people in Nigeria and if you leave, there will be somebody else to take your place. Everybody thinks anyone playing abroad is ready and is a great player but that’s not true.

AJ: Last time we spoke, before the World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, you were sure about 80% of your team composition. Is that still the case?

SK: It’s still a good number but that doesn’t mean that if I see one of two available players, I won’t bring them in. If they’re better than the ones I have, I will include them.

AJ: There’s a story out there that you were critical of Ikechukwu Uche?

SK: I don’t want to go there again. I’ve talked extensively about that

•Osaze and I don’t have any bad feelings with him. My aim is the national team.

I’m responsible for that.

Nigerians have entrusted me with this job. I have to do what I have to do. I want to move ahead and talk about players here not the ones not in the camp.

AJ: Peter Odemwingie, does he fit into your system?

SK: Why not?

AJ: So you’re saying there’s a chance Odemwingie might be a part of your 30-man squad?

SK: He’s a Nigerian, isn’t he? And he’s doing well.

AJ: But Peter, allegedly, is a very stubborn player. He has allegedly had problems with every coach he’s played for.

SK: We’re all stubborn.

It’s just how we manage the player. I just need to be able to manage the player and that’s it.

Odemwingie is a great player and a great person. If he’s stubborn, that doesn’t mean he can’t play for the national side. He’s stubborn because of the way he was talked to or the way he was approached.

AJ: So I’m hearing that

•Keshi Odemwingie will be a part of your 30-man squad?

SK: I didn’t tell you that.

AJ: Joseph Yobo?

SK: Maybe. He’s playing in one of the biggest

leagues in the world.

AJ: But you have a great centre-back pairing in Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo?

SK: I know that.

AJ: You’re lighting fire underneath your players

because you’re telling your starters that they’re not guaranteed a place.

SK: There are no guaranteed shirts for anyone.

You have to work hard to play for me.

2014 Federation Cup kicks off April 5

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HIS year ’s Federation Cup competition will kick off with the State preliminaries on Saturday, 5th April, according to a release from NFF’s Head of Federation Cup, Miss Ruth David.

The State finals are scheduled for Sunday, 4th May across the federation, while the play-off matches will be played over the days of 14th and 15th May. The Draw for the National finals will hold in Abuja on 29th May. Miss David also warned that deadline for submission of 2014 Federation Cup licenses remains Monday, 31st March.

“Late submission of licenses is allowed from 1st April - 11th April, 2014 and will attract a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand

Naira Only) by the defaulting club(s),” she explained.

According to the timetable for this year ’s competition, the Round of 64 matches will hold across 32 centres between 2nd and 3rd July, with the Round of 32 matches taking place a week later and the

•Maigari

Round of 16 games to be played between 16th 17th July.

The quarter finals are slated for 23rd July, with the semi finals to follow on 30th July while the Grand Finale of this year ’s Federation Cup competition has been scheduled for Sunday, 3rd August.

Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2014 — 63

Fans abuse Ferguson over Moyes M

ANCHESTER United supporters vented their anger at the former manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the shambolic 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford. In the first signs of open revolt at David Moyes, fans furiously questioned Ferguson’s decision to appoint the Scot as his replacement.

With Moyes also receiving verbal abuse from supporters and stewards being asked to guard “The Chosen One” banner that hangs at the stadium’s Stretford End after the 167th Manchester derby, the ire shown towards Ferguson, who is a club director, will cause serious questions at boardroom level.

Moyes has consistently spoken of how the support has stood by him throughout his overseeing of a dismal title

defence. This defeat guarantees United will end with their poorest ever points tally in the Premier League era, with their previous lowest being 75.

City took only 43 seconds to take the lead through Edin Dzeko,

ELECHI Iheana cho and Isaac Success have been named in a 35-man provisional squad expected to reconvene on Sunday ahead of a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier.

Iheanacho is on the books of Manchester City, while Success has just recently teamed up with Granada CF in Spain.

Several other overseas-based players including Musa Muh a m m e d (Besiktas,Turkey), Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City, England), Chidera Eze (FC Porto, Portugal), Musa Yahaya (Celta Vigo, Spain) and Sunday Alampasu, who is undergoing trials in Belgium, are also picked.

The squad is made up

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HE United States Embassy and the South Africa High Commission have teamed up with heavyweight wrestler, Osita Offor, also known as De Ultimate Commander, in a championship aimed at sustaining the legend of the late African statesman, Nelson Mandela.

Tagged the ‘Nelson Mandela Commonwealth Nations and America Unifying Championship,’ the event, which will hold in four countries, Nigeria,

of the bulk of the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cupwinning squad.

v v v v v v v v

South Africa, the United States, Canada and Britain, will draw wrestlers from across the world.

According to the organisers, the event will begin in the South African cities of Johannesburg and Durban on July 18 and 20 respectively, hold in Lagos (July 25), Abia (July 27) and two cities in Britain on August 1 and 3, 2014.

On August 9 and 16, the championship will hold in the United States’ cities of Dallas and North Carolina on August 9 and 16, while the Canada leg on August 23 will round off the programme.

The competition, a collaboration involving the British Wrestling Federation (BWF), Universal Promotional Wrestling Feder-

Blind students hold interhouse sports competition

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

S

TUDENTS of the Vocational Training Centre for the blind, Oshodi, are warming up for their 19th interhouse sports competition set to hold today at Yaba College of Technology.

At a Press briefing held recently to herald the occasion, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society for the Blind, Mrs. Abiola Agbaje spoke on the essence of sports to the visually impaired.: “In addition to our academic curriculum”, she said, “we belive firmly that a healthy body stimulates

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The 72-year-old was the driving force in Moyes being appointed as his successor at the end of last season, with the former Everton manager being summoned to Ferguson’s house to be offered his job.

South Africa, US pick Ultimate Commander for Mandela show

Iheanacho, Success lead new Flying Eagles

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who also scored again in the 56th minute, before Yaya Touré sealed United’s humiliation with a third for City at the end.

That provoked fans to target Ferguson as he sat in the directors’ box at the final whistle.

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a healthy mind. Physical sctivity stimulates development and social interaction by boosting confidence levels.

It enhances body awareness and greatly enhances self image through the emotional support of other athletes.

Sports therefore becomes even more important to a blind or visually impaired person because it opens an avenue to do something more than the restricted mobility that loss of sight has caused.

It keeps them active, develops their interest in physical wellbeing and encourages team spirit.”

Agbaje also commented on the feats of Nigeria’s para-olympians during the 2012, and called on the Government and other well meaning individuals to view the upcoming competition as an opportunity to harness the sporting prowess of the disabled.

ation (UPWF), the Ultimate Wrestling and Charity Organisation (TUWCO) and Satellite television broadcaster, SuperSport (World of Champions), has as members of the local organizing committee such notable Nigerians as former inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro and a former Minister of Sports, Alex Akinyele, as well as Bishop Piet Mako of South Africa.

•Ultimate Commander

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Maradona wants to work with Guardiola

Keshi confesses

Osaze is a great player C

OACH, Stephen Keshi has praised Super Eagles and Stoke City forward, Osaze Odemwingie as a great player and professional whose character is not out of place.

In a down-to-earth interview with cable network, Aljazera, Keshi said that he cannot disqualify him from Continues on Page 62

•Osaze

•Keshi

PUZZLE

D

IEGO Maradona would like to watch how Pep Guardiola trains his Bayern Munich team and said the freshly-crowned Bundesliga champions would be unbeatable if they had Lionel Messi as well.

“I would like to work for a week with Guardiola to watch him in training. I would be very happy to visit Bayern Munich,” the former Argentina star player and coach, Maradona, told Wednesday’s edition of German weekly Sport Bild.

The 53-year-old said that the Bundesliga has reached the same level as the Spanish Liga and believes that Guardiola

“sensed this development early and is now utilising it at Bayern.”

Munich won the treble last season and on Tuesday clinched the 2014 league title in record time with seven games to spare. Maradona singled out Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm, saying that he “makes the difference.”

Maradona, whose national team coaching career ended after a 4-0 quarterfinal defeat against Germany at the 2010 World Cup, said the Bayern team will be “perfect” once Polish striker Robert Lewandowski arrives in the summer from Borussia Dortmund.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

•Maradona

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Throw (5) 7 Cab (4) 8 Uncertain (6) 9 Clearing (5) 11 Expire (3) 13 Jewel (3) 15 Whirlpool (4) 16 Silent (3) 18 Rod (4) 19 Cautious (7) 20 Singer (4) 22 Excuse (4) 23 Foolish (7) 25 Loan (4) 27 Decay (3) 28 Stir (4) 30 Label (3) 31 Bow (3) 33 Pry (5) 36 Middle (6) 37 Elderly (4) 38 Irrigate (5)

DOWN 1 Sound (5) 2 Hog (3) 3 Beverage (3) 4 Colour (3) 5 Serpent (3) 6 Verdant (5) 10 Stubborn (4) 11 Non-payment (7) 12 Revising (7) 13 Warship (7) 14 Threatened (7) 16 Chief (5) 17 Deserve (5) 18 Trophy (3) 21 Unusual (3) 24 Ripped (4) 26 Relaxed (5) 29 Elector (5) 32 Pig-pen (3) 33 Stitch (3) 34 Abroad (3) 35 Equality (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Part 4, Cur 6, Step 9, Lea 10, Condense 11, Oath 14, Top 16, Meant 19, Demeaned 21, Beret 23, Deminish 24, Terse 27, Lap 31, Just 33, Redolent 34, Die 35, Tend 36, God 37, Pipe.

DOWN: 2, Amon 3, Tidy 4, Condoned 5, Rued 6, Slope 7, Tea 8, Eaten 12, Admit 13, Smear 14, Tab 15, Peril 17, Acrid 18, Tight 20, Demanded 22, Tip 25, Elude 26, Sited 28, Brag 29, Clap 30, Snap 32, Sin.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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