FG sacks NNPC GMD, board

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61653

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

ALLEGED SEC FRAUD How we killed My defence, by Oteh DIG Ningi •Says Project 50 was a with 4 govt —Suspects •P.8 partnership agencies, 10 others •P.6

From the frontline

•P.17

JAMB bars 262 institutions from admitting students •For non-compliance with admission guidelines •P.13

FG sacks NNPC GMD, board •Names Andrew Yakubu new GMD, •Victor Briggs, MD, NPDC National Security Adviser, Alhaji Sambo Dasuki departing after a closed-door consultation with Vice President Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

BY BEN AGANDE & KUNLE KALEJAYE

BOKO HARAM CLASSIFICATION:

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Nigerians face stringent travel measures •Why we disagree with US on classification •Boko Haram’s links with Al-Qaeda in North Africa worrisome —US General

•Saudis welcoming fewer Nigerian pilgrims

•P.5

HE gale of change unleashed by President Goodluck Jonathan last week to rev up his administration which saw the removal of his erstwhile National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, hit top gear, yesterday, sweeping theNigerian National Petroleum Corporation. In one fell swoop he retired the entire management team led by Mr Austen Oniwon.

Mr. Andrew Yakubu, was appointed as the new Group Managing Director.

A statement from the Presidency said the appoint-

ments is to further strengthen the ongoing Continues on page 5

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

AWARDS: From left— Mr. Bolaji Okusaga, Managing Director, The Quadrant Company; Miss Dolapo Adeyemi, Executive Secretary, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN; Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Group; Mr. Chido Nwakanma, Vice President, PRCAN, and Mr. Muyiwa Akintunde, Assistant General Secretary, PRCAN, during the association’s congratulatory visit to The Quadrant Company for winning the Sabre Awards African Consultancy of the Year 2012 in Brussels, Spain.

FG tasks construction sub-sector on employment, standard

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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BUJA—MINISTER of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has appealed to stakeholders in the construction industry to partner with government in addressing the problem of unemployment in the country.

The minister made the appeal in Abuja at the opening of the 56th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the Federation of Construction Industry, FOCI. Represented by Mrs Ijeoma Unogu, Director of Research and Statistics in the ministry, the minister said that by virtue of its kind of operations, the construction industry had a strategic role to play in helping to address the menace of unemployment in the country.

He said that areas such as electrical and civil engineering, building and equipment handling/servicing, facility and plant

management, and other forms of labour in the construction sector were some of the areas of employment for Nigerians.

He said: “It is the agenda of this government to encourage all investors to partake in activities that would give our youths employment. I know that this may not be their preoccupation, but we want to encourage more of our people in some of their activities.

“There is nothing that our youths cannot do as far construction is concerned. So my appeal is for them to do more in terms of employment,” Onolememen, however, charged FOCI to look into the issue of standard of work and quality of equipment used by construction companies to ensure that government would get value for money spent of infrastructure projects.

He said government would not condone cases of sharp practices by contractors, who compromise safety for selfish gains.

SARS nabs suspected robbery kingpin

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AGOS—SPECIAL Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, yesterday, said it had arrested a suspected armed robbery kingpin who specialised in car snatching in Lagos.

The head of the squad, SP Abba Kyari, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the 36year-old suspect was arrested at Ota, Ogun State.

Kyari said the suspect, who was linked with over 10 recent robbery cases in Lagos, has been on the squad’s wanted list since

2010.

According to him, the suspect specialised in recruiting young men into armed robbery and car snatching. On interrogation, some suspected armed robbers were said to have confessed that they were working for him.

Kyari said that items recovered from the suspect included a yellow painted commercial mini-bus (Damfo), a double-barreled pistol, four live cartridges and five expended cartridges.

ORDINATION: From left—Rt. Revd. Babatunde Adeyemi, Bishop of Badagry Diocese; Revd and Mrs Ebenezer Daramola; Rt. Revd. Peter Adebiyi, Bishop of Lagos West, and Revd. & Mrs Oluwawemimo Adebiyi, at the 2012 Trinity Ordination Service, held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

SFU quizzes FAAN ex-boss over alleged diversion of funds

BY EVELYN USMAN AGOS—OPERATIVES at Special Fraud Unit, Milverton, Ikoyi Lagos, have invited the immediate past Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, for questioning, over alleged diversion of public funds and awards of contracts without following due process while in office.

Sources at SFU hinted that Aisuebeogun was invited for questioning over alleged award of contract for the renovation of toilets at Murtala Muhammed International Airport for N397 million, without approval from the board.

The sources said: “He was also alleged to have diverted about 840 000 US Dollars meant for training of 140 members of staff of FAAN to some accounts in the United States of America and United Kingdom.

“Also, he was alleged to have approved a phone training for FANN staff in South Africa and ensured that 840 000 US dollars was paid to a South African account.

But the training did not hold as a result of the bilateral disagreement between Nigeria and South Africa at that time.

But the former FAAN boss allegedly diverted the money meant for the training into two foreign accounts.

“Aside that, we are also investigating his alleged involvement in the col-

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lection of a total sum of 6,000 US Dollars, each on all the 140 participants billed to attend the training but failed to remit the money into the agency’s account when the training did not hold.”

Continuing, sources stated that “he was also

alleged to have bought Toyota Camry advertised for N5.9 million at N10.2 million and allegedly refurbished three generators in Abuja Airport at the rate of N228 million, while an engineering firm had submitted a quotation of N50 million each for new generators

with the same capacity.”

The unit’s spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Nsitume, could not be reached on phone for comments.

But the unit’s boss, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunsaki, confirmed the arrest, saying investigation into the allegations were still ongoing.

ACN advocates constitution of National Security Advisory Board

BY HENRY UMORU YO—AS part of moves to address the current security challenge in the country, opposition party, Action Congress of Nigeria, can, has called for the constitution of a National Security Advisory Board.

ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, in a message to the Senators, yesterday, at the on-going retreat in Uyo, noted that the Boko Haram insurgency “is a blight on the nation that must be resolved quickly before the danger it brings becomes irreparable.”

He added: “We cannot continue to do things in the same old ways because it is these unfair ways that have brought us to this awful juncture.”

According to him, the constitution of the National Security Advisory Board would go a long way in solving the problems of local crimes within every community nationwide, which by and large graduate to na-

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tional crimes and, sometimes, of international proportions.

On constitution review Akande noted that to secure a harmony of happy and developed future, “the constitution must be re-negotiated and laws must be re-enacted to arrest the trend of the country sliding back to pre-Lugard era.

He said: “This would be with a view to creating a Federal Nigerian constitutional government that will be more people-centred in their security and infrastructural development management.

“If we search deeply, Nigeria today seems to be facing a precarious security situation due to lack of equity and justice.

“The ill-effects of years of electoral manipulation, social injustice and mass poverty converge into and form a cauldron of unrest.

Poverty, wedded to injustice, has caused this sorry state.

“To resolve this matter, we must not only seek security-related solutions, but also tackle economic poverty and social injustice.”

Akande, however, charged the Senators to “stand and assert your constitutional role and fulfill your duties to the people. You must seek to enact creative but prudent legislation that overcomes the twin challenges of poverty and injustice.”

On welfare Urging the government to improve the quality of life and general welfare of millions of Nigerians, ACN chairman said the government must “embark on a workable decentralisation of authority such as creation of some form of neighbourhood or state police.

“The internal security of each state is the responsibility of the state authorities only to be complemented and subvented by the Federal government.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

FG sacks NNPC GMD, board Continues from Page 1 reforms and transformation of the nation’s petroleum sector, and to achieve greater transparency and accountability in government.

The statement stated: “The incumbent Group Managing Director, Engr.

Austen Oniwon, and Mr. Michael Arokodare, outgoing Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts); Mr. Philip Chukwu, outgoing Group Executive Director (Refineries & Petrochemicals), and Engr.

Billy Agha, outgoing Group Executive Director (Engineering & Technology) are to proceed on retirement.

“The re-composition of the executive management team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is as follows: 1. Engr. Andrew Yakubu - Group Managing Director 2.

Mr. Bernard O.N. Otti - Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) 3. Engr. Abiye Membere Group Executive Director (Exploration and Production) 4. Dr. Peter S. Nmadu Group Executive Director (Corporate Services) 5. Engr. Anthony Ogbuigwe - Group Executive Director (Refineries & Petrochemicals)

6.

Dr. Attahir B. Yusuf Group Executive Director (Commercial & Investments) 7. Dr. David Ige Group Executive Director (Gas & Power) The incoming Group Managing Director, Engr.

Andrew Yakubu, graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined

of Engr. Victor Briggs as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC. Until his appointment as Group Managing Director in May 2010, Austin Oniwon, was the Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemicals (GED, R&P). Oniwon was born on April 1, 1951, in Okene, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria.

Boko Haram: Nigerians face stringent travel measures

By HUGO ODIOGOR & BEN AGANDE

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HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday, gave reasons why it disagreed with the United States on the classification of Boko Haram as a terrorist group. The government said it opposed the classification because of the wider implication and exposure to stringent meaures that such actions will impose on ordinary Nigerians.

Activities of the radical Islamic sect have become worrisome to the United States and other countries that are uncomfortable with Boko Haram which the State Department declared three of its members terrorists last week but was shy in classifying the entire group as terrorist group as stipulated in Sector 219 of

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” — Unknown In this world where values have virtually been thrown to the winds, we need to go back to the ancient landmark and show our children how it has been, so that they can know what it really should be. Forty two years later I can never forget what my mother taught me.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

"Learn how to carry a friendship greatly, whether or not it is returned. Why should one regret if the receiver is not equally generous? It never troubles the sun that some of its rays fall wide and vain into ungrateful space and only a small part on the reflecting planet. ” —Ralph Waldo Emerson.

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the NNPC in 1980. Positions he has held in the corporation include Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company and Group Executive Director (Exploration and Production).

Engr. Yakubu is an indigene of Kaduna State and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

President Jonathan also approved the appointment

HERE comes a time when you learn to look at people as they really are and not as you want them to be. You learn that just as people learn and grow, so it is with love and relationships and that not everyone can always love you the way you would want them to. But you can love yourself beautifully and give yourself permission to bring love and laughter into your life.Your beautiful energy will attract persons with similar attitudes as you become more aware, you will transform most positively.

This beautiful quote from Dorothy Day sums it all.

"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all.”

the US National Immigration Act An External Affairs Ministry source said what we have succeeded in doing is to get the Americans to isolate activities of the radical Islamic sect and its members as actions being carried out by non state actors like Hamas and Hezbolla, Salafis movements or Al-Qaeda, AlShabaab in the Horn of Africa. The source said: "We have made it clear that the sectarian group is not funded by the government or being used by government and its agencies to promote a foreign policy agenda.

This is an important fact because the US went to the extent of branding Nigeria as a country “with interest” in January 2010 following the Abdulmutallab episode, but Nigeria was eventually removed from the list of countries with interest in terrorism."

Foreign Affairs Ministry source told Vanguard that “the classification affects members of Boko Haram sect would of course, affect innocent Nigerians and the issue of who is innocent is purely subjective so we as citizens of Nigeria will have to pay the prize. Some political leaders especially those in public offices, including members of National and State Assemblies, State governors, received financial support from radical Arab leaders including late Libyan Leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi, with a promise that they would Islamise Nigeria when they get to power.

These leaders have failed to deliver on their promise, hence some of them are direct targets of Boko Haram. They have not been bold enough to tackle the sect which has become the jihadist army and the militant wing of their faith working to accomplish the goal of turning Nigeria into an Islamic country”.

US worries about Boko Haram

The United States is worried about the link between Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda in Magreb AQIM and the Al-Shabaab Islamic sect operating in East Africa from where the group gets its training and logistic support. Al-Qaeda in Maghreb stretches from the North African nations of Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, to Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Cameroon and northern Nigeria. The Commander of the United States Africa Command, Gen. Carter Ham, who painted a grim picture of the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect said its attempt to coordinate efforts with the North African al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb by sharing explosives and funds was ‘most worrisome’.

Somalia's Al-Shabab most dangerous group In a speech delivered by the Commander to the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Senior Leaders Seminar on Monday which was reported on the Command’s website, Gen. Ham noted that three of Africa’s largest militant Islamist groups, the Boko Haram in Nigeria, the AlShabab in Somalia and the North African Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are trying to co-ordinate their efforts. According to the U.S. top military commander, although Somalia’s al-Shabab was the “most dangerous” group, what was most worrying was that the most radical elements among them were coordinating and synchronizing their efforts.

Dipolmatic sources told Vanguard that classification of Boko Haram as a terrorist group is only a matter of semantics because “America will not want to play the good guy to individuals or groups that propagate religious hate and possess the capacity

and mindset to cause harm to their own people but more importantly to Americans on American soil.”

According to a source, “any act of terrorism on American soil in this election year, will be a nightmare for the Obama administration”. There are growing concerns that activities of Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb now poses greater threat to the United States, than in Asia where the use of drone strikes has incapacitated the leadership of Al-Qaeda in the Arabia Peninsula and in the Asia countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Vanguard learnt that Nigerians who have visited countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, Niger, Yemen, and Chad where Al-Qaeda and its affiliates are known to operate are marked out for special security scrutiny in the United States.

Similar action will be employed by Nigeria which has authorised the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to monitor and gather intelligence on the activities of such persons while in those countries with substantial interest in promoting radical and extremist religious world views and employ the use of violence and acts of violence on civilians and non combat institutions to make political statements”.

Intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia: Vanguard was reliably informed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not entertain large number of pilgrims from Nigeria “because of the high cost and logistics of hosting faithful from countries where radical Islamic doctrine has become prevalent and may in fact threaten the internal security of the Holy Land.”

Security laxity: Security sources said we have over the years made reports that “since the early 1990s,

Muslim faithful have travelled to countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Iran, Syria, for technical trainings, and received funds for education including Koranic studies from the so called madras’, which are known for religious indoctrinations. The content and the curriculum of the education that was being offered to our citizens were not scrutinised”.

All these were done under different forms of bilateral technical cooperation agreements. “Some of the recipients of these programmes were given funds to execute all kinds of projects which the Federal Government at that time did not bother to scrutinise because the leadership of the country has been concentrated in the northern part”. Said source: “The result is that so many graduates of these programmes are being indoctrinated and exposed to ideologies of hate and to kill other people who have opposing religious and cultural world view”.

Boko Haram links with Al-Qaeda worrisome -US General Meantime, the Commander of the United States Africa Command, Gen. Carter Ham has painted a grim picture of the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect saying that its attempt to coordinate efforts with the North African al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb by sharing explosives and funds was ‘most worrisome’.

In a speech delivered by the Commander to the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Senior Leaders Seminar on Monday which was reported on the Command’s website, Gen. Ham noted that three of Africa’s largest militant Islamist groups, the Boko Haram in Nigeria, the AlShabab in Somalia and the North African Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are trying to co-ordinate their efforts.

6—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left); Commissioner In-charge Of Ogun State, Mrs. Seyi Aderiokun Olusanya (left); new Chairman of National Population Commission, Chief Festus Odimegwu (2nd right) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim after the swearing in of the commission's commissioners, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House.

ALLEGED SEC FRAUD:

My defence, by Oteh Project 50 was a partnership with 4 govt agencies, 10 others N185m pledged by partners N105.6m administered by partners directly N14m bill submitted to CBN which it turned down

BY OMOH GABRIEL & PETER EGWUATU

AGOS — THE sus pended Director General of The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunmah Oteh, yesterday, denied opening several accounts for Project 50 in which she is being investigated.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, she said: “I thank your media for your desire to hear from me without publishing report that is not authentic. I will not comment now about an ongoing investigation.

However, my track record of the highest levels of integrity and probity speaks for itself.

"Everything I do complies with rules, regulations and laws. I can assure you that I have never been and will never be associated with anything that is improper. It would be stupid to fight corruption and do anything that is improper. I have observed from some media reports that there is deliberate, albeit, unsuccessful attempt to tarnish my reputation and integrity and sabotage efforts to sanitise the Nigerian capital market.

"It is a pity that some people continue to work against investors and our country, Nigeria. Their

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efforts aimed at preventing investors from enjoying the fruit of their investments and preventing our nation from realising its potential as a great country will not succeed.

I am sure that well-meaning Nigerians will not let this happen as most people believe that this is a negative campaign because I have been courageous enough to stand up for what is good for Nigeria."

Project 50 was a partnership with 4 govt agencies, 10 others Vanguard investigation has shown that Project 50 was funded by the SEC, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other stakeholders. These included FirstBank of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, African Finance Corporation, Access Bank Plc, Visafone Communications Limited, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Chapel Hill Denham, AMCON, FBN Capital and Zenith Bank Plc. There were also partners who offered ‘in kind’ support including probono speakers, consultancy and demo equipment. They include FirstBank of Nigeria,

CBN, African Finance Corporation, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Chapel Hill Denham, AMCON,

N185m pledged by partners According to Vanguard findings, an estimate of N189,706,000.00 was presented during the inaugural meeting of Project 50 team on September 2011.

This estimate was intended to guide the work streams in scripting the final plan for the event and to guide the scale of the envisioned programmes.

Following the expression of various forms of commitment, a total of N185 million was pledged by the partners. Of this amount, N105, 578,556.06 was administered by the partners directly to vendor/supplier accounts while N29,454,268.00 was administered on initiatives that are unrelated to Project 50. The CBN pledged N50 million which has not been remitted to the commission.

According to a working document of SEC, outstanding bills on Project 50 totalling N14,751,000.00 was submitted to the CBN for payment while the balance of N35,249,000.00 was to be

applied to two future road shows scheduled for June 25 & 26 and July 23, 2012 in the United Kingdom and the United States respectively.

According to SEC sources, “following the constitution of the work streams for the Project 50, each committee was assigned specific aspects of the project. Some of the tasks had cost implications and involved use of supplier and/or vendors.

Costs associated with the tasks of each work stream were collated by the team leader who forwarded same to the Director General’s office.

C'ttee yet to submit probe report Meanwhile, a source in SEC, yesterday, said it was yet to get the report on Project 50 from the committee investigating the suspended Director General, Ms. Oteh, even as the CBN, Federal Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade and Investment affirmed their collaboration in hosting the project.

The CBN further confided in Vanguard that it did not pay money into third party account as demanded by the commission, saying: “We refused

to pay into the third party account and demanded for the commission’s account.”

According to a source close to the commission who does not want his name mentioned, “Project 50 was done outside the SEC’s normal operation.

It was directly under the Director General as no record was kept to verify claims.

Meanwhile, another source within the commission told Vanguard that a letter was written to partners of Project 50 to solicit their support in which they obliged and made financial commitment as they deem fit.

“This is a partnership project that funds provided by donors cannot be paid into the commission’s account. The CBN, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Finance and SEC are involved.

Therefore, such money cannot be paid into the commission’s account and the Director General could not use the commission’s account because other parties were involved.

Besides, the people involved made direct payment to activities they sponsored,” he noted.

However, Visafone, a donor to Project 50, confided in Vanguard that a letter was sent to them from the commission seeking their support and also directed them to make payment on their behalf.

Though, the company could not confirm how much payment was made.

Financial assistance SEC management had in a bid to secure funding, approached a sister arm of government for financial assistance. One of such memos read: “SEC Nigeria is seeking partnership with related arms of government to implement its year-long series of programmes to commemorate 50 years of capital market regulation in Nigeria. The commemorative programmes will commence with an exclusive investment forum scheduled for October 31, 2011 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

"Given the absolute necessity of such an investor forum at this time, we recommend that His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) features as Special Guest of Honour during the event while the keynote speaker would be a reputable investor and player in the international market place such as George Soros. We expect to have in attendance the

majority of the country’s business leaders, top government functionaries, renowned global investors and prominent journalists.

"We aim to leverage this milestone event to position Nigeria in its pride of place amongst the most preferred investment destinations in the world. The event will showcase the economic transformation programme being implemented in Nigeria, draw attention to government’s interventions for engendering market integrity and posturing for a truly robust and well regulated market.

"It is our prayer that the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment will partner with us in the yearlong series of activities and support in securing discussants and panellists of high calibre who will enrich discussions during the investor forum and subsequent programmes.”

SEC's contribution approved by tenders board Vanguard further learnt that SEC's contribution to the project was approved by a tenders board of the commission.

At the meeting of the tender’s board, Vanguard learnt, it was told that “given that the project partners had undertaken to provide support for other aspects of the project, the commission’s financial commitment to the flagship event was to the extent that it would provide the venue, accommodation for speakers and awardees and refreshment.

"Fortunately, the previous committee had already made reservations at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. Above and beyond the normal practices for selection of event venue, the Tenders Board met to consider the request and cost implication of using the Hilton as the venue for the event. The decision to have the Tenders Board approve the SEC’s contribution towards the event was to ensure the highest level of scrutiny and governance. The DG and ECLE were both in attendance at the Tenders Board meeting.

"The sum of N42,509,460.00 was approved and subsequently transferred to the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

However, the actual amount spent was N40,106,270.53. The outstanding portion of the deposit with the Hilton has since been refunded to the SEC.” C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—7

Herbalist jailed 7 years for defrauding NDDC ex-chairman

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA— A 34-yearold herbalist, Matthew Sonoma a.k.a “Dr Perebokowe Ogah” has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labour, by a Federal High Court in Abuja sequel to his alleged complicity in Advance Fee Fraud otherwise known as 419.

The herbalist was specifically accused of duping a former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Ambassador Sam Edem, to the tune of N715 milion.

Trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole convicted the Warri-based herbalist on the strength of a 15-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Inspector General of Police.

The court said it was satisfied that the accused person contravened section 7(2) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Edem had, in his petition to the Police, alleged that he paid the money into the account the accused person

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opened with the Ugheli branch of Oceanic Bank.

He claimed that the money was a loan he gave the herbalist to execute a business deal.

The petitioner, however, lamented that Sonama reneged to refund the money and instead allegedly threatened his life while the money was kept away from the original bank account.

It would be recalled that the police had also arraigned the former NDDC chairman before an Abuja High Court in Wuse on allegation that he unlawfully spent about N800 million belonging to the commission on the convicted sorcerer.

Though Edem denied the allegation in court, police, however, insisted that during investigations into the petition, it uncovered that the NNDC ex-boss spent the said sum to secure the services of the accused person with a view to getting protection and favourable contracts from Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

Police further told the court

that the spiritualist confessed that he was paid to help him (Edem) make some sacrifices to be able to retain his position as the commission’s chairman.

However, the NDDC boss refuted the allegation, maintaining that the accused person threatened him into releasing the money, adding that he never paid the spiritualist directly.

Edem told the court that he paid the money through his Personal Assistant, an SSS officer attached to him, one Mr. Denis, now at large, upon his advice.

PDP, ACN in war of words over Jonathan’s asset declaration

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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AGOS — THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition Action

SUICIDE ATTACKS ON CHURCHES/MOSQUES:

Force Hqtrs issues security advice on prevention

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA — FOLLOW ING incessant terror attacks on churches and other places of worship in the country, the Police Headquarters in Abuja has issued what it called ‘Security tips for improving safety in places of worship’ with advice that churches and mosques implement the tip to checkmate such terror bombings and suicide attacks.

A statement signed by CSP Frank Mba, Police spokesman said: “Because of the sensitive nature of religion, an attack on a church or mosque can easily provoke hatred, suspicion and reprisals among the various religious groups. This can easily lead to a breakdown of law and order. Such state of lawlessness (even if temporary) fits squarely into the desire of terrorist organisations.

“In view of the above, conscious efforts must be made to reduce the risks of terrorist attacks on our churches and mosques and limit the damage usually associated with such attacks. Officials of our churches and

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mosques, particularly those in high risk areas must be encouraged to work closely with the Police and other security agencies in formulating pro-active measures that could help in preventing and managing incidences of attack on our places of worship.

Some recommended security tips Some of our recommended security tips are that: “Officials of churches and mosques are advised to carry out risk assessment and vulnerability surveys.

This will enable them determine the level of risk they are exposed to. Factors to be considered in carrying out such assessments include: location of the church/mosque, analysis of its neighbourhood demography, size and architectural design of the church/ mosque, population of the members, and nature of access roads to the place, etc.

“Churches and mosques should establish standard security and safety committee. Members should be volunteers with impeccable background and a passion

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State briefing newsmen on the proposed repairs of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

for safety and security.

Proper vetting and background checks must be carried out on all prospective members to avoid infiltration by enemies.

“The committee members should work closely with the local Police authority and other relevant security agencies in formulating appropriate security measures”. ”The churches/mosques may consider the options of organising constant trainings, workshops and seminars for committee members. ”Ushers in churches should be encouraged to perform additional security duties. Ushers should be given extra trainings and briefings on security. Competency and individual pedigree, rather than mere looks should be the yardstick for appointing ushers. ”Churches and mosques may consider erecting barriers to keep human and vehicular traffic away from designated areas. One of the most effective ways of preventing suicide bombing is to isolate the suicide bomber to himself and prevent him from reaching his targeted audience."

Congress of Nigeria, ACN, yesterday, joined issues on the propriety of President Goodluck Jonathan making a public declaration of his assets.

While the PDP disowned claims of its manifesto urging its elected political office holders to entrench transparency through public declaration of their assets, the ACN upbraided the president for lowering the threshold of accountability by his determination to hide his assets from the public.

The two leading political parties spoke in separate reactions to the fallouts of the presidential media chat of last Sunday during which Jonathan declared that he would not be forced to make a public declaration of his assets.

The PDP’s reaction articulated by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, also rebuffed reports that its manifesto requires its elected public officials to help the war against graft by making a public show of their assets.

“The reference to the PDP manifesto is baseless, as provisions compelling elected officials to publicly declare their assets are nonexistent in our approved manifesto or in any of the official documents of the party. For the avoidance of doubt, the said document which formed the basis of the report is not an official document of the PDP and cannot, therefore, be used to mischievously tarnish the well earned reputation of the President of Nigeria,” Chief Metuh said last night.

Noting that the President has satisfied the constitutional requirements on him to declare his assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau, the party said: “Publishing the declaration of assets is not a requirement of law or the constitution. Any decision to make public such a declaration is at the discretion of the individual concerned and should, therefore, not be used as a reason to distract the government from performing more critical constitutional duties.”

Jonathan lacks of commitment to anti-graft fight —ACN The ACN in its response to the media chat, however, flayed the president for supposedly lowering the threshold of the war against corruption, saying that the President’s determination to hide his assets was against moral scruples.

The response articulated by the ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “If that programme had been designed to showcase the President’s ability to grapple with key national issues, it only succeeded in achieving the exact opposite, and the programme’s architects must now seriously have a rethink on whether they want to continue to feature their principal on that platform.”

“The President, by refusing to publicly declare his assets, and by doing so with a choice of words that portray arrogance and non-

chalance (I don’t give a damn about that), has given the green light to his cabinet members and other government officials to downplay the fight against corruption and to eschew transparency.

“Yes, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not mandate public officials to make their assets declaration public.

But in a country hobbled by corruption and lack of transparency in governance, public declaration of assets is more an issue of morality and leadership than constitutionality or legality.

“Since leadership is key to achieving success in this epic battle, President Jonathan, by thumbing his nose at his own administration’s much-stated commitment to transparency and anti-corruption, has simply decreed an Open Sesame for corruption and opaqueness in government.”

The party said equally disturbing is the President’s statement that because Boko Haram is faceless, the government cannot engage in talks aimed at ending the daily dosage of maiming and killing being given to innocent Nigerians by the sect. ‘’Mr. President, if this remains the stand of your administration almost three years into the Boko Haram insurgency, then Nigerians are in serious trouble. This stand is as dangerous as it is ill-informed. Such negotiations are done through back-channels, through intermediaries, Mr. President. Waiting for the leaders of Boko Haram to come to the table to negotiate with the government is like waiting for Godot," it said.

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8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Senate to romove salar y, wages from exclusive list

BY HENRY UMORU YO—AHEAD of the review of the 1999 constitution, the Senate said yesterday that there were plans to remove salary and wages from the exclusive list to concurrent legislative list.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting projects by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President David Mark said that the move will ensure that states have the freedom to negotiate for their own wages and salaries and attract good workers.

Mark who inspected the projects with other senators, hailed the governor for his performance, just as he stressed that the development in Akwa Ibom State will engender healthy rivalry between the governors to take up the challenges of development in their states, even as he regretted that the government at the centre has no control over what the governors do in terms of how they run their governments and even local governments.

He said: “The next constitutional amendment will take a critical look at issues like wages and salary and remove it from exclusive legislative list and bring it to the concurrent list. So that if a state can attract good workers then they will go there and fix their salaries and wages.

Everybody may not be getting the same amount of money but any money you get, if you have the courage to invest that money properly you will get result.

“All the states do not have the same terrain; there are some states where the cost of road construction is only one fifth of what you expend here. If you utilise that one fifth in your own state, people will see it.

“People don’t need to go to the pages of newspapers and advertise what they have done and what they have failed to do because the people will advertise it for them. I think the governors discuss various challenges and difficulties they face within the governors forum they should also be able to tell themselves the truth in the forum there”.

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From left, Mr. Terry Tamminen, Strategic Adviser to R-20; Ms Michele Sabban, President II de France and Assembly of European Regions, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, Nigeria, Ms Reta Jo Lewis, Special Representative, US State Department and Mr. Christopher Neta, State of Para, Brazil, during the R-20 panel of Governors organised by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable development, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How we killed DIG Ningi —Suspect

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD ANO—SALIHU Goni, a family associate to assassinated Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police, Sale Abubakar Ningi, has owned up to masterminding the plot that led to Ningi’s murder in Kano three weeks ago.

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Close relationship with late DIG Goni, alias Kaka, told a team of crack detectives, during interrogation, that he shared close relationship with the late former police boss, stressing that the closeness put him at a vantage position to hatch and successfully execute the plot.

Goni, 34, who was picked up by the police at Hotoro Haye in Kano metropolis, also confessed that he monitored Ningi’s movement and alerted one Gana Bukar, also in police net, to lay ambush with one other person now at large.

My benefactor He said: “The late DIG had been my benefactor.

He had helped me with money and food items during Salah celebrations and other festivities. I had been a constant visitor to his house and dined with the family several times.”

Ningi was assassinated along with a friend and his driver while returning from his factory at Dakata Sauna Kawaji

Industrial layout, on the outskirts of the metropolis on June 5, by unknown gunmen on motorcycle.

Mor e suspects n a b b e d The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris revealed that further investigations had led to the arrest of several other

suspects in connection with the murder of the late senior police officer.

He also said that one Muhammed Tahir, 22, was arrested at Dandishe Kurna Asabe quarters, adding that three cans of Improvised Explosives Devices, IEDs, were recovered from his tailoring shop.

Bayero University Customs and Staff of Department of State attack He noted that the suspect also confessed during interrogation to have conspired with several others to launch attack at the Bayero Univerity Kano, BUK, worship centre April 29, adding that the he also confessed killing a Chief Supreintendent of

Security, DSS, in Kano penultimate week.

The Police commissioner said, “ we have widened our dragnet and robust investigation is ongoing and we will do our best to get to the root of the heinous crime in the state.’’

Fresh explosions rock Kano, Damaturu

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD, WITH AGENCY REPORT. ANO—A SERIES of explosions were reported in Goron Dutse, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State and Sabon Fegi area of Damaturu, capital of Yobe State last night .

The blasts were followed by sporadic gunshots, witnesses said.

Sources said unknown gunmen attacked Dala Police Station close to Sheik Isyaku Rabiu’s residence in Kano.

Some reports indicated that the gunfight spread to Sharada quarters in Kano. Police sources stated that militants were being chased on a highway linking Dala and Sharada area.

Gunmen attacked the station during the evening rush hour as witnesses confirmed explosion amid sporadic shooting forcing residents passers-by to scamper for safety The shooting was still on by 7:pm. Some

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residents were reportedly scared stiff and remained in their homes. Some of them said: “It appeared we were trapped in a war here, with volley of bullets and intermitent explosions being the order of the day.”

Security officials in the city did not pick their calls even as feelers from the area suggested heavy

presence of Military Joint Task Force, JTF, operatives who had cordoned off the troubled s p o t .

Kano State police spokesperson, Mohammed Dutse, confirmed there was a “problem” in the area.

He said efforts was being made to reach the Divisioal Police Officer to

verify the position on the g r o u n d .

In Damaturu, the Sabon Fegi area, just metres away from the Government House, was under bomb and gun attacks from 6:pm despite a curfew imposed on the city, following a similar siege last week.

Amb Olusola for burial July 20

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU & VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

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AGOS—FORMER Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and producer of Village Headmaster, the late Ambassador Segun Olusola, who died last Thursday will be buried in his home town Iperu Remo, Ogun State on July 20.

Late Olusola’s son, Jimmy, who disclosed this yesterday said final details of the burial will be released soon.

Olusola, who described

his father ’s death as a mixture of sadness and joy said his late father was an inspiration to many people.

He said: “We underestimated the number of lives he touched in his outreach. His humility and simplicity will never be forgotten, he greatly inspired a whole generation of Nigerians and if a man who was as simple as my father was could receive ovation as loud as this then it means that those of us who are coming up must be louder than him. So, we

have got a tough benchmark for us to follow and if we have to surpass that, we must work harder.

“I had a fantastic relationship with my father, he was a great teacher and because of his kind of person he started teaching me from day one and that was 50 years ago and as a teacher there were times I rebelled and he stood his grounds to make sure I understood what he wanted to impact to me”.

“Our relationship made me humble that I imbibed

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—9

Titilayo: Arowolo slumps in court Police witness says accused struggled with banker-wife

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & MICHAEL OLADAPO

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KEJA—INSPECTOR Benson Ajie, a police witness in the on-going trial of Mr. Akolade Arowolo, accused of killing his banker-wife, Titilayo Arowolo, yesterday, disclosed to an Ikeja High Court that he indeed, struggled with his wife while armed with a knife, which led to the injury he sustained.

However, the continuation of the evidence of the witnesses ended suddenly when the accused person slumped in court, before he was resuscitated outside the court room.

Akolade was noted to have slumped by his counsel, Mr. Olanrewaju Ajanaku, while he was to show him a document inside the dock.

This led to Justice Lateefa Okunnu to stand down the case, but he (accused) was never brought back to the court. After about an hour, he was helped to the waiting prison bus which took him out of the court premises.

Earlier, the police prosecution witness, who was led in evidence by the state Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, told the court that while investigating the circumstances leading to the murder of

the Titilayo, the accused told him that he and Titilayo struggled with a knife and this was responsible for the wounds he had at the time.

Ajie also told the court that Akolade informed him that he jumped from the balcony of their house down to the floor on the day of the incident and this was responsible for why he was limping.

The 31-year-old Akolade was accused of stabbing Titilayo, his wife to death at their residence at 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo, Lagos, exactly a year ago.

The police officer further stated that on examination, Akolade had some deep open wounds on his palm and navel area, which informed his decision to take him to two hospitals, the police clinic at Panti and Falomo Police Hospital for treatment.

Thousands of Nigerians continue to storm the Ajibulu-Moniya Gallery, Surulere, Lagos, residence of the late cultural icon and former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chief Segun Olusola, on condolence visit to the family. Pix: Diran Oshe.

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KEJA—MANAGING Director of Intercontinental Capital Markets Limited, ICML, a subsidiary of defunct Intercontinental Bank (now Access

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Segun Sofowote, signing the condolence register.

From left, Mr. Tony Awe, Mr. Gbolahan Gbadamosi, Mr. Emmanuel Oshinyemi, Vice-Chairman, Senior Citizen Cre Foundation; Mr. Jimi Olusola, son of the deceased and Mr. Jide Taiwo, CEO, Gbadebo Olamerun, Co-ordinator.

Bank), Mr. Thomas Ayodele, yesterday, concluded his testimony before an Ikeja High Court employing technicality bordering on company names of which firm was involved in the transaction.

According to him, instead of Tropic Finance

Fashola: Why we suspended allocation of houses

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—GOVER NOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, explained reasons why his administration has delayed the allocation of the state housing scheme to allotees.

Speaking with newsmen after inspecting some of the on-going housing projects in the metropolis, he said the state would soon flag off the Lagos Homes Ownership Mortgage Schemes,HOMS, to effectively address insufficient housing stock in the state.

Fashola said the existing social housing schemes are located in strategic parts of the state to make it possible for the inhabitants of the homes

to have access to the infrastructure and amenities being provided by the government.

Fashola said: “This is one of the housing components. We have gone to three sites. The Ilupeju sites where we have 10 blocks of building, where each blocks has 12 apartments. Essentially that will house 120 households. ''The one in Mushinhas five blocks. The one in Ikeja GRA has about 76 apartments for 76 households. There are so many others in other parts of the state.

The governor, who assured of steady supply of the housing units on a regular basis, added that “Flagging off is not as important as ensuring that the houses are ready. If

Visitation

BY EBUN SESSOU KEJA—SPEAKER, La gos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has canvassed for the participation of youths and children in democratic development process.

Ikuforiji stated this, yesterday, when the One-day Governor of Lagos State, Miss Lilian Ogbuefi, paid a visit to his office.

He said the involvement of youths and children would guarantee virile democratic development in the country, adding that it was a good encouragement for youths in an attempt to entrench democracy.

Ogbuefi, a student of Model College, Kankon, Badagry, visited the assembly with her entourage which included the Deputy Governor, who doubles as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, a-day Speaker, Commissioner for Education and Secretary to the Government, among others.

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Witness employs technicality in N2.5bn deal with Akingbola

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & MICHAEL OLADAPO

Briefly

CONDOLENCE VISIT TO AMB. OLUSOLA'S FAMILY...

you flag-off the schemes and there are no homes.

It is not right we keep advertising and advertising.

You know we will not do that. We are more committed to deliver the houses and once we start it will be sustainable.”

Ltd. owned by Dr. Erastus Akingbola, the transaction was carried out with Tropic Security Ltd. also owned by Akingbola.

Led in evidence by Akingbola’s defence counsel, Mr. Deji Sasegbon,SAN, Ayodele, a defence witness, pointed out that the N2.5 billion which formed part of the contention before the court was a business transactions between his company, ICML and Tropic Security Ltd. also owned by Akingbola.

Akingbola was accused by EFCC of alleged stealing of N47.1 billion belonging to Intercontinental Bank alongside an associate, Mr. Bayo Dada.

The witness, who was led in evidence before Justice Habeeb Abiru of an Ikeja High Court, said neither Akingbola nor his company, Tropic Finance benefited or was involved in the business transactions between his company,ICML, and its customers.

The defence witness, who also clarified that contrary to the picture painted that the credit line given to his company by the then Intercontinental Bank was meant for Tropical Finance, disclosed that the N2.5 billion was a facility given to another company, Tropical Security, owned by Akingbola which made a repayment with interest at 18 per cent rate.

Court faults EFCC over Akingbola's property

BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the way it has been handling the management of assets and property of former managing director of defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Dr. Erastus Akingbola, that

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were attached by the court in December 2009.

Akingbola sued EFCC’s Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, over moves by the anti-graft agency to continue to deny him access to some of his property.

Trial judge, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, in a ruling on whether or not EFCC had power to appoint a manager for the property, held that though

the property had been forfeited to the Federal Government in the interim, the commission cannot unilaterally appoint someone to manage them.

“Once tied to any specific trial of the applicant, an interim order of forfeiture, the EFCC Acts says they remain in the custody of the commission by virtue of Section 26(3) of the act,” the court said.

Sealed off

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government, yesterday, sealed no fewer than 20 residential houses and a restaurant for insanitary discharge of sewage into public drains.

The Co-ordinator, Mr. Olalekan Shodehinde, who led the team from the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, said some of the houses and restaurant sealed were at Duro Oyedoyin Street, Ijesatedo and a restaurant at Victoria Island.

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UNILAG

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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AGOS—AS contro versy continues to trail the renaming of University of Lagos, UNILAG, the Federal Government has been urged to rename Aso Rock, Abuja, after the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Chief M. K. O. Abiola.

Members of Ika Chapter of UNILAG Alumni Association, gave the advice at their meeting at Umunede in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Its President, Mr. Ogorchukwu Onyekpe and Simon Azubuike said the association was against the renaming of their almamater after the late Chief Abiola.

10— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Ogun Police uncover ritualists' shrine, arrest 2

Briefly WHO THE CAP FITS...

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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Cleric charges Jonathan over insecurity

BY DAYO JOHNSON KURE—THE Bishop of Akure Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Michael Ipinmoye, yesterday, declared that the sack of security chiefs was not enough to solve the problem of security in the country.

The clergyman challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to take more decisive action to stem the situation before it gets out of hand.

Rev. Ipinmoye spoke in Akure, at a briefing on the third session of the 10th synod of the diocese slated for St. David’s Anglican Church, Akure, from July 5 to 8 and with the theme “The faithfulness of God.” He argued that the sacking of the Minister of Defence, Mr. Haliru Bello and the National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi, might not bring re-

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B E O K U TA — TWENTY–FOUR hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos restrained Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, from going ahead with the conduct of the local government election slated for July 21, the electoral body has announced its decision to recognise exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

The electoral body, therefore, declared that it was not duty-bound to respect the Federal High Court ruling which ordered it to stay action on it, saying that there has never been any categorical court order which prohibits the commission as a statutory body from conducting the election.

At a briefing, yesterday, in Abeokuta, the commission’s spokesperson, Mutiu Agboke, it (commission) had contacted the national body of the party and has been directed to recognise a faction led by the caretaker chairman of the party, Ireti Oliyide.

It will be recalled that a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday restrained

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BY DAUD OLATUNJI BEOKUTA—OGUN State Command of the Nigeria Police said, yesterday, that it had uncovered a shrine belonging to ritualists and fraudsters in Iganke, a border town between Ogun and Lagos states.

The shrine, which is located in a forest on the expressway of the border town, was filled with charms and other scary elements.

At a briefing at the scene, state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikemefunna Okoye, said two people had been arrested over the incident.

Okoye said his men had been on the lookout for shrines and others places where evils were being perpetrated in the state.

He said the arrest of two members of the group in abetting led to the discovery of the shrine.

He said: ‘’One of them tried to dupe someone of money, but through intelligence gathering, we got to hear about it. We immediately swung into action and were able to arrest two of the members of the syndicate who brought us to the shrine where they do all sought of things such rituals and frauds.

“Our investigation department is working on it and will soon complete it.”

OGSIEC disregards court ruling over LG poll

From left, Miss Kelechi Ejimogu, Publicity Secretary, LOC; Mr. Moses Ebahov, Project Director; Senator Bukar Ibrahim, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Land and urban Development; and Mr. Alfred Ejigo, CEO, Nigerian Unity Football Tournament, Grassroots Cup 2012, during the investiture of Senator Ibrahim as Patron of the organisation, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

From left: Immediate past President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr.Michael Itegboye; first president of the institute, Dr. Gamaliel Onosode; new president and chairman of the Council of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Muritala Olushekun and former Director of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Peter Odozi, at the investiture and farewell luncheon of the institute, in Lagos.

PDP kicks as workers endorse Mimiko for 2nd term

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—WORKERS in Ondo State, yesterday, endorsed the second term ambition of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, saying his policies were workersfriendly and had put smiles on their faces.

The endorsement was given at a mega rally the workers organised in support of the governor in Akure.

At the event which was attended by national leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Unions Congress, TUC, the state chairman of NLC, Mr. Bosede Daramola, said they publicly adopted the governor because of the feat he had achieved in the last three and half years.

Daramola said Mimiko remained the best governor in the history of service delivery to workers of the state.

But, in a swift reaction to the workers' endorsement, the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, accused the leaders of the

unions of “shedding the cloak of their impartiality and insulation from party politics and have declared their latent membership of a party.

Its Publicity Secretary, Wale Ozogoro, accused the governor of arm twisting “the people of the state to do his bidding at all cost, “adding that civil servants should not be allowed to serve as Presiding Officers or Returning Officers during the coming election.

Workers eulogise Mimiko But the chairman of NLC in the state declared that: “In Ondo State, we have been enjoying a government that fits into the postulation of democracy by Abraham Lincoln under the able leadership of our visionary, dynamic, pragmatic, articulate, hardworking, workersfriendly-governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Daramola said: “It is in view of this that our teem-

ing workers and other good people of Ondo State assembled here today to identify with the good work of our comrade-governor and endorse him without any reservation for a second term in office as the governor of our sunshine state.

The NLC chairperson highlighted 22 reasons why the workers adopted Mimiko, which include the payment of N22,000 as minimum wage for workers, release of N1.4 billion to pay benefits of retired primary school teachers and local government workers.

National President of NLC, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, who was represented by his deputy, Kiri Mohammed, said the union was supporting the second term ambition of the governor for recording three successes within three and half years.

Omar listed them as approval of 22 per cent minimum wage, payment of the wage and that after implementation the governor did not sack workers in the state.

TUC President, Mr.Peter Esele, who was represented by the union's Secretary General, Chief John Kolawole, described Mimiko as worker- friendly and a ”man of agreement and a trust- worthy governor.”

Mimiko pledges Mimiko, in his address, said the move by the workers was a vindication of the efforts of his administration in the last three and half years.

He said: “We have in the last three years tried to add value to the lives of our people and this endorsement is a pointer to the fact that we have not failed you. As I used to say, I will continue to work for you.

“This show of solidarity is a challenge for us to continue to do more. We shall do more for the elite, for the market women, for the primary school pupils and students; we shall continue to surpass your expectations in terms of service delivery.”

the electoral body from taking further action in respect of the election in the state pending the hearing of a contempt proceeding against some chieftains of PDP. Reacting to the media report that OGSIEC had been restrained from conducting the election, Agboke, who said that contempt proceeding was as good as criminal proceeding, maintained that OGSIEC was a statutory commission which could not be sued in the matter for which the purported court ruling premised, stressing that it was not bound to obey such ruling.

Electrocution: PHCN staff flee over youths' threat

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—FOLLOW ING the electrocution of seven traders, including a pregnant mother, through a live cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, at Apata market, workers of the company have fled their office in the area to avoid being attacked by angry youths who thought the tragedy could have been averted if the officials had heeded their earlier appeals.

It was gathered that some customers who went to the office, yesterday, apparently to pay their bills, went back home unattended to as none of the workers was around.

It was the quick response of policemen that prevented the youths and some Okada riders, who had assembled nearby, from attacking the officials on the day of the incident.

Vanguard learnt that the offices were firmly locked yesterday, a day after.

This came as security was beefed up at the office of the company due to a rumour that youths in the area were planning to attack PHCN staff.

Meanwhile, some residents in the area had called on the company to pay compensation to the families of the victims.

One of the residents who identified himself as Alhaji Alamu told newsmen that the company should not only pay compensation to the families of the victims but also repair the snapped cable.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—11

Policemen, soldiers deployed to Abavo I remain Abavo monarch—HRM Uche Irenuma

BY EMMAAMAIZE

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GBOR—ANTI-RIOT policemen and soldiers have been deployed to Abavo community, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State to maintain peace and order, following a clash between two factions over the administration of the town.

However, the Abavo monarch, HRM Uche Irenuma, told Vanguard, yesterday, that he remained the king of Abavo and was not dethroned at any time, as claimed by some persons. He explained that the minor disagreementin the town was sponsored by some persons, who failed to get contracts from an oil company, operating in the area.

Vanguard gathered that the joint security team was deployed to the community, Monday evening, to ward off further disturbances after a skirmish, June 23, which left one person injured. Security agents were sighted at strategic locations in the town,

yesterday.

It was learnt that police authorities in the state, yesterday, invited the monarch and representatives of the other faction to Asaba, over the matter. At the end of the meeting, the state Police

Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, advised the monarch to call a peace meeting and resolve the problem with his people.

HRM Irenuma told Vanguard after the meeting, “The issue of traditional ruler of Abavo

is not in contest, what is at stake is that some people said they were not comfortable that since Pan Ocean Oil Company came to our community, millions of naira were allegedly paid and they were not considered."

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SABA—SPEAKER of House of Representatives, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, has urged the legislature not to be intimidated in performing its constitutional functions, including its oversight role, “because they are mandatory and not discretionary.”

He lamented that the legislature in Nigeria was least understood among the three arms of government.

Tambuwal, who was in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, as a special guest of honour at the anniversary lecture organised by the Delta State House of Assembly, cautioned against falling into any form of booby trap, because according to him, lawmakers, were most exposed to public scrutiny.

He said: “Of all the arms of government, the legislature with the highest quantum of direct representation and highly sensitive functions touching on the very fabric of the system, must live above board. Probity, transparency and accountability should

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ENIN CITY— Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), has lamented the collapsed state of industries in the state and pledged that he would revamp them, including the abandoned state Agbede/Warrakke Farms located in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

Airhiavbere made the promise, yesterday, during a rally held in Agbede, where thousands of party faithful came out en masse to support PDP in the scheduled July 14 election.

He said his decision to revive the industry was part of efforts to provide employments for the state's

teeming youths, who roam the streets daily as well as enhance the agriculture sector of the state.

Airhiavbere said the need to restore the agriculture sector could not be overemphasised, adding that the state was known for its large scale agriculture produce in the past.

He said that unemployment was the major cause of the alarming rate of criminality in the state.

He said: “Edo State is practically without industry; those established years ago had been allowed to rot away by successive administrations of the state.

The state has no means of employing its teeming youths."

Amnesty: Ex-militant leader denies alleged stipend diversion ANNIVERSARY LECTURE: From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives and Mr. Victor Ochei, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly at the public lecture marking the 1st anniversary celebration of the 5th Assembly of Delta State in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini

Oversight functions: Tambuwal warns lawmakers on booby traps

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

Airhiavbere pledges to revive Agbede-Warrakke Farms

be your watchword at all times and in all situations.

“I charge you all to remain focused and never lose sight of the complementary nature of

the roles of the three arms of government in order to facilitate the running of government free from avoidable friction. Make no mistake, however, that the

functions, duties and powers conferred on you by the Constitution must be performed because they are mandatory and not discretionary.”

Military pensioners decry non-payment of 53% increment

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— N A T I O N A L Association of Military Pensioners, yesterday, lamented alleged nonimplementation of the 53 per cent increment for retired military officers announced in 2010 by the Federal Government.

In a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Benin City, Edo State by the Acting National Secretary, Mr Patrick Okpaiyo, the association lamented that the Federal Government had allowed retired officers, who fought for the unity of the nation languish in penury.

It noted that the refusal by the Federal Government to effect the 53 per cent pay increase and arrears for all military pensioners with

effect from July 1, 2010, as earlier promised had created bad blood, which according to them, was not in the interest of the country.

“The Federal Government should know that those pensioners are not in their youthful age as none of them is below 60 years. We, the retired veterans no matter the situation in this country

deserve better treatment and respect than the one accorded to us today. It is sad that the Federal Government had remained insensitive to our plight and watch our people die in abject poverty,” it said.

The association urged its members to remain law abiding while they anticipate government’s positive reaction.

Come closer to God, cleric dedicationofSt.Michael’s urges Christians official Catholic Church, Okpanam in SELE-UKE—THE Catholic Bishop of IsseleUku Diocese, Rt.Rev. Michael Elue,hasadmonishedChristians to always come closer to God in all their dealings, saying that the churchwhichisaplaceofworship must at all times be kept holy.

Bishop Elue gave the charge during a homily marking the

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Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

HecommendedCatholicfaithful inOkpanamcommunityandtheir Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Okwuagwu also paid tribute to the founding members of Catholicism in the community.

He urged all to continue in the provision of God’s work.

BY FESTUS AHON

G H E L L I — COMMANDER of the defunct Ogidi camp, ex-militants camp in the Niger Delta, ‘General’ Eddy Otobrise, yesterday, denied allegations of diverting his followers’ stipends, describing the report as wicked and unfounded.

Otobrise, who spoke to Vanguard in Ughelli, Delta State, said those behind the report were not his boys and were not part of the struggle.

He said: “The monthly stipends being paid to us from the Amnesty Office

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gets to all my boys.” He urged the Amnesty office and the general public to “disregard the allegations contained in the said report.”

Insisting that his boys had no cause to complain of being short-changed, Otobrise commended the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Programme, Mr Kingsley Kuku. He said: “We have confidence in Kuku and his team. They are doing wonderfully well.”

Also speaking, a member of the camp, ‘Capt’ Blessing Onisuru described the allegation as shocking.

Human rights activist, Babatunde Omatseye is dead

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APELE—HUMAN rights activist and ‘Commander’ of former Niger Delta Revolution Force For Peace, Comrade Babatunde Omatseye a.k.a. Erebeni, is dead, aged 59.

He died at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, after a protracted illness.

A native of Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Comrade Omatseye attended Children Home School, Ibadan, from 1959 to 1965; St. Malachy ’s College, Sapele, from 1960 to 1970, before proceeding to Philadelphia Institute of Technology, USA, where he bagged a degree in Business Administration in 1980.

Comrade Omatseye returned to Nigeria in 1981 and joined his father ’s business empire, K.B. Organisation.The burial according to the family will take placebetween July 6 and 7.

Late Babatunde Omatseye

12—Vanguard, WEDNEDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

‘Insecurity bane of tourism devt in Africa’

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE

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Cross-section of participants at the Nigerian Armed Forces Senior Officers Entrepreneurship and Management Training in Port Harcourt, Yesterday.

Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

A L A B A R — INSECURITY has been identified as one of the major challenges facing the growth of tourism in Africa, as African tourism ministers’ conference opens in Calabar, Cross River State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 53rd United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation: Commission for Africa conference, CAF, Chairman and Burkina Faso’s Tourism Minister, Mr Baba Hama, said the task before the body was how to mitigate the impact of security on tourism in the continent.

He said: “If we look at the political and security situation in the continent today, our efforts should be on how to mitigate their impact on tourism growth.”

Hama, said tourism can

Don't ratify Green Tree Agreement, Cross River warns NASS A L A B A R — FOLLOWING the recent protest in Calabar

by Bakassi aborigenes over their plight, Cross River State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a motion urging the National Assembly not to ratify the Green-Tree Agreement that ceded Bakassi to Republic of Cameroon.

This is in order not to foreclose the right of the people to appeal the

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International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment.

In a resolution, adopted by the 25-member House following motion on matter of urgent public interest moved by member representing Boki II, Mr Jacob Enya and seconded

by Saviour Nyong of Bakassi constituency.

The House called on the National Assembly to conduct a public hearing to determine the issues surrounding the ceding of

Bakassi.

It asked the Federal Government to find a lasting political solution to all issues regarding the disputed area.

It also urged the Federal Government to immediately design and implement a realistic compensation welfare package for the displaced people of the area.

According to them, Cross River State and Bakassi Local Government Area should be compensated for the loss of the ceded area.

The House called on Cross River State Government to on behalf of the people of Bakassi, appeal against the ICJ judgment in line with the provision of the United Nations conventions article 63, which provides for appeal to any matter 10 years after judgment.

The House maintained that a proactive measure should be adopted by the state government to arrest any case that may arise sequel to the ceding process.

PDP, LP, NCP shun Edo guber debate

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— AHEAD the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, shunned a debate organised in Benin City by Nigeria Elections Debate Group, NEDG, for deputy governorship candidates of political parties participating in the election.

Meanwhile, the second leg of the debate will bring the governorship candidates together today, while the final leg of the debate will hold on July 5.

State chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, when contacted on the absence of the PDP deputy gubernatorial candidate at the debate, said the invitation for the debate came late.

He, nevertheless, promised that the party would sustain the “debate on issues from

stage to stage across the three senatorial districts.”

The debate, moderated by Nancy Iloh, was organised to afford the parties the opportunity to sell their programmes and policies to enable the voters in the state make informed choice in the governorship election next month.

Two other parties, Labour Party and National Conscience Party also stayed away from the debate.

Four parties presented their deputy governorship candidates. They were Dr Pius Odubu of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; Mr Felix Konomoore of All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; Dr. Paul Oyarenua of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and Elder Isaac Ogona of Social Democratic Mega Party, SDMP. The candidates answered questions from a three-man

panel, consisting of senior journalists selected by NEDG. ACN deputy governorship candidate, Dr Odubu told the audience, the programme of the state government, while other candidates in the debate stressed the need for more employment

opportunities to be provided for the youths and also revive the industries in the state.

The ANPP deputy governorship candidate Mr Konomoore, lamented the state of industries and assured that an ANPP government will revive both the industrial and agricultural sectors.

NANS faults PTI's students' hostage report faulted the reports,

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A R R I — N AT I O N A L Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, yesterday, denied reports that students of Petroleum Training Institute PTI, Effurun on June 21,held some Police officers and officials of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR, hostage.

Reacting to the reports, NANS Zone B coordinator, Chinonso Obasi, in a statement,

insisting that Nigerian students in PTI did not take hostage any Police or DBIR officer as alleged.

It noted that considering the security situation in the country and series of kidnappings that had taken place in the Institute lately, security personnel, students and staff were always on alert against any reccurrence that could pose threat to life and property in the Institute.

be developed in Africa, if attention was paid to inter Africa tourism by ensuring free movement of people in Africa. “We must ensure sustainable tourism promotion in the region by stimulating travel demand.”

Also at the summit with the theme, “Responsible Tourism: Opportunities for Women and Youth,” Secretary General of UNWTO, Dr. Taleb Rifai,

said one of the plans of the agency to encourage free movement of people in the world was to tackle the issue of visa facilitation.

He said: “UNWTO has been working with several industry bodies and governments to advance visa facilitation, an area in which depite the great strides made, there is still much room for progress.”

Asemota now NIFOR executive director

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— P R E S I DENT Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Dr Omorefe Asemota as Executive Director of National Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who conveyed the President’s decision in a letter, Vanguard, obtained a copy, said the appointment which will run for a single term of five years, takes effect from July 2.

The President charged the Executive Director of NIFOR, to work assiduously to reposition and refocus the Institute with a view to meet the challenges of achieving the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, ATA of the Federal Government.

He urged Asemota to submit within 90 days of assumption of office, “your plan for strategically repositioning NIFOR to drive the palm oil transformation agenda under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of Mr President.”

Manager gets confidence boost

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URUTU—A Niger Delta rights group, Niger Delta Democrats,NDD, has passed a vote of confidence on Senator James Manager for his purposeful and result-oriented representation at the National Assembly, urging him to vie for higher political office in 2015.

The vote of confidence on Senator Manager was at a meeting of the group at Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The group noted that

Senator Manager had played vital roles in influencing meaningful projects to the entire Delta South Senatorial District from relevant interventionist agencies to develop the area.

President of the group, Mr Gbaboyo Wurus, noted that the federal lawmaker plays politics of inclusion rather than exclusion, hence everybody was carried along in the scheme of things which had enhanced the positive development of the area.

LP flags off Edo guber campaign

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE ENIN—LABOUR Party,LP, in Edo State, yesterday, in Benin flagged off its campaign for July 14, governorship election, insisting that it was the party to beat in the election.

State chairman of the party, Elder Sam Omede, while publicly presenting Mr. Andrew Igwemoh and Mr Austin Odigie as its governorship candidate and running mate in the election, said: “LP is the party to beat in the July 14 election. We cannot continue to sit on the fence;

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it is time to stand up as a party and stand up for what we believe in.”

He advised Edo youths to shun thuggery and ballot box snatching, noting that the party had resolved to resist their sponsors, who were only out to destroy other people’s children while protecting theirs.

Addressing party faithful, who came from the 18 local governments of the state, the governorship candidate Igwemoh, said that a vote for LP on July 14, was a vote for good schools, markets and healthcare centres.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—13

Enugu NDLEA arrests 130 drug suspects in one year

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Nation al Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Enugu State Command yesterday said it arrested 130 drug trafficking suspects, including 120 males and 20 females during the last one year.

The command during the period seized 866.567 kg of substances suspect to be Indian Hemp and 33.3 grams of substances suspected to be cocaine.

The Enugu State commander of the agency, Anthony Ohanyere, disclosed this during the celebration of the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The occasion which was

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THANK YOU VISIT—From left: Oba of Benin, Omo N 'Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa II; Mr. and Mrs. Omoigui Okauru, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, (2nd left), during a thank-you visit to the Oba of Benin. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

JAMB bars 262 institutions from admitting students Over non-compliance with admission guidelines

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA—JOINT Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, yesterday said it had barred 262 institutions of higher learning from admitting students next year’s over noncompliance with admission guidelines.

JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde who spoke at the third combined policy committee meeting on admission to degrees for 2012/2013, however, said 14 of the institutions affected had complied with the laid down guidelines.

According to Ojerinde, the meeting would consider first choice of most preferred institutions of candidates and noted that the affected universities were sanctioned because they refused to abide by the board’s admission laid down guidelines, saying that in JAMB, it was no longer business as usual.

14 institutions have complied with guidelines According to him, “from our exercise of verifying admission compliance for 2011/2012, about 262 institutions were penciled for delisting from next year’s admission. However, about 14 have so far complied with the laid down guidelines and regulations. We are going ahead as direct-

ed by the government to delist the institutions with effect from 2013 admission” The registrar charged participants in the meeting to “follow the guidelines which stipulate a 70:30 technology/non-technology ratio for National Diploma programmes and 60:40 Science/Arts ratio for the universities and colleges of education.”

FG committed to giving Nigerians equal opportunity in education Ojerinde urged them to adhere strictly to the Federal Government guidelines on 45% merit, 35% catchment and 20% educationally less developed, saying “all stakeholders are to adhere strictly to these guidelines as the Federal

Government is desirous of giving Nigerians equal opportunity to mix and educate in every part of the country.”

He also told them that the board expected every university to include in the admission print-out, the criteria used in admitting the candidates and that all admissions must come to an end by the end of October 2012.

Obi, 7 others sued over non-conduct of LG poll in Anambra

BY VINCENT UJUMADU WKA—A member of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State, Chief Emeka Onuorah, yesterday dragged Governor Peter Obi and seven others to court over the non-conduct of the controversial local government election in the state bringing to two court cases against the governor over same issue.

Others joined in the suit were the State House of Assembly, Speaker of the House, Accountant-General of the state, state Attorney General, chairman of the state/LG joint allocation committee and state Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC. It will be recalled that a

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similar case filed by a human rights lawyer and an APGA member, Mr. Jezie Ekejiuba, is pending in an Awka High Court presided over by Justice Hope Ozor.

Onuorah, a former president of the Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, said he was among those that paid to contest the election for the chairman of Njikoka local government area, but the election was still to hold after many years.

In the suit, Onuorah is praying the court presided over by Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu at Ogidi in Idemili North local government area to decide whether it was proper for the state House of Assembly to enact anoth-

er law that empowered the governor to be appointing caretaker committees for the 21 local government areas of the state, when there is a provision in the Nigerian constitution for the democratization of the third-tier of government.

When the suit came up yesterday, only the ANSIEC was represented by a counsel, Mr. Christian Agali, who also filed an 11-paragraph counter affidavit.

Counsel to the plaintiff, M r. Nelson Uzoegb, wondered why other parties in the matter failed to appear in court even after they were properly served.

The matter was adjourned to October 4, 2012.

hosted in collaboration with the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike Enugu, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, was attended by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, representatives of heads of other security and federal agencies, youth organisations, road transport workers, post primary school pupils and selected opinion leaders.

According to him, the command had also prosecuted and convicted 26 persons with varying degrees of jail terms to serve as deterrent to others in addition to successful counseling of 60 drug addicts.

Ohanyere disclosed that the approach of the NDLEA in the drug war was twofold, drug supply reduction and drug demand reduct i o n .

Musdapher, Anyim, others to attend Late Justice Aniagolu memorial

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—CHIEF Jus tice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani and Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Petroleum are among the dignitaries to grace the one year memorial of the late Supreme Court Judge, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, who passed on June 28 last y e a r .

Already dignitaries, rela-

tives and friends across Nigeria are gathering in Enugu to mark the event which will be chaired by former Senate President, Ken N n a m a n i .

A statement by the Aniagolu family in Enugu said there would be a special dinner speech titled “Leadership, Good Governance and the Imperative of Justice” which will be delivered by Ajumogobia.

A memorial lecture titled “Democracy, The Rule of Law and National Development” will be delivered by Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Back-to-school: S-East education commissioners hold meeting NUGU—EDUCA TION commissioners in the South East zone of the country will meet to consolidate on the Back-toSchool programme for the boy-child inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonatha n .

The meeting is in line with the directive of the Federal Government for the immediate establishment of schools to bridge the boychild education gap in the z o n e .

The Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Dr Simon Ortuanya, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Niger-

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ia, NAN, yesterday.

Ortuanya said the position of stakeholders would be articulated and a roadmap designed for the prog r a m m e .

He explained that the states in the zone would educate the people on the setback suffered by the zone as a result of the reduction in rate of school enrolment of the boy-child.

The commissioner quoted Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State as saying that the starting point for an improved boy-child education system in the zone was the re-introduction of boarding s c h o o l .

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Innocson Group donates bus to ABS

ASUTH medical students relocate to permanent campus

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—THE Nnewibased vehicle assembly plant, Innoson Group, has donated a bus valued at N2.5 million to the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, to enhance its operations.

The head of administration of Innoson Group, Mr. Stephen Gbulie, who represented the company’s chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, at the handover of the vehicle at Nnewi, said his company decided to make the donation because ABS had been doing well in educating and entertaining the people of the state and beyond.

He called on other establishments to come to the aid of the station, pointing out that government could not do everything.

Managing Director of ABS, Mr. Oseloka Offor, described the donation as a wonderful gesture and that it came at a time the company was desperately in need of vehicles for conveying the staff to and from places of assignment.

AGREEMENT—From left: Mr Bayo Sanni, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, FCMB; Mr Segun Odusanya, DMD, FCMB; Mr Kenny Aliu Corporate Communication; standing behind, Ms Monique Dolfing Vogele MD, MCF during the signing of agreement between FCMB and Medical Credit Fund in Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Cashless policy takes centre stage at NCS forum

T INDUCTION—From left: President, Institute of Corporate Marketing and Management of Nigeria, Prof. J. E. Etinagbedia, Chief J.M. Aderemi, and Mr. O. A. Oduwole, Guest Lecturer at the induction of new members of the institute in Lagos.

Ebonyi govt bans religious programmes on EBBC As religious bodies appeal to Elechi

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALKI—EBONYI State government has banned the broadcast of religious programmes/activities on the state-owned media, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation, EBBC. Members of some religious bodies who spoke with Vanguard claimed that when they went to EBBC to book for airing of their programmes they were told that the state government was no longer interested in the broadcast of religious a c t i v i t i e s .

A pastor in one of the new generation churches in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “I went to book for our usual slot on EBBC and was told that the government was complaining about the rate at which religious programmes featured on television and radio stations. I spoke with one of their heads in the station who

WKA—AFTER seven years of waiting, the first set of medical students to be trained at the newly completed Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, ASUTH, Awka, yesterday relocated from the Uli campus of the university to their new site in the state capital.

Authorities of the hospital and the university received the 13 pioneer medical students who have scaled through the second Bachelor of Medicine, MB, examination at a ceremony at the hospital. They are

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the lucky ones among the 86 students that were admitted to read medicine in the university seven years ago and their induction commenced an additional three-year academic work that would see them through their third, fourth and fifth MB examinations to qualify as medical doctors.

The induction of the students was sequel to the recent accreditation of the teaching hospital by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, and the National Universities Commission, NUC, for the training of medical doctors and resident doctors.

pleaded anonymity to know why our programmes was no longer aired, I was told that the state government said the station was not built for religious programmes but for broadcast of government activities which are intended to showcase the achievements of the present administration of Governor Martin E l e c h i . ” “What most churches have done is to run to Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, to book for slots. We want to appeal to Governor Elechi to rescind his decision. I want to say that the lives of most people in the state are being affected positively by these religious programmes. It has over the years led to reduction in crime, cultism and extra-jud i c i a l killing in the state” But Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe, said the government did not ban

religious programmes on EBBC, but only suspended them on both radio and

television for a review and auditing of programmes carried out by the EBBC.

S-EAST PDP hails govs over infrastructure

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU— THE leader ship of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the South East zone, yesterday, praised the governors of the zone for perceived great works done to provide infrastructure and enhance the wellbeing of people of their states.

In a statement by the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Ali Odefa, the party commended governors Martin Elechi, Ebonyi State, Theodore Orji, Abia and Sullivan Chime, Enugu, for bringing the dividends of democracy to the

people of South-East.

The commendation came after the zonal working committee of the party rounded off the first phase of their visit to all the PDP controlled states in the zone.

The visit afforded the party executive to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of projects already completed by the governors in their respective states as part of the party executive’s oversight functions.

According to Odefa, the PDP governors in the southeast had indeed brought home development and hope to Ndigbo.

HE Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, will hold its 24th National conference next month in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with the theme, “Towards a Cashless Nigeria: Tools and Strategies." It is expected to address benefits, opportunities and challenges of cashless society, especially as they relate to technology.

According to the President of NCS, Demola Aladekomo, the annual conference for IT professionals and stakeholders in

Nigeria, will attract practitioners, decision makers, policy makers and professionals from Nigeria and all over the world with the aim ofl addressing the networking needs of the Information Technology sector.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in its efforts to drastically reduce money laundering, terrorist financing and other economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, he said had pegged daily cash withdrawals by individual and corporate respectively.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—15

FG Subsidy probe: Senate c'ttee summons considers Okonjo-Iweala, NNPC boss, Folawiyo, others legislation BY HENRY UMORU that the committee had sector due to the Dana nated from a resolution who had raised an alarm earlier postponed a air crash in Iju-Ishaga, in November last year on government’s extraon birth BUJA—FOR the scheduled meeting of Lagos on June 3. based on a motion by budgetary spending on second time, Senate stakeholders in the oil A The Senate probe ema- Senator Bukola Saraki, fuel subsidy in 2011. control is summoning Mrs.

BY BEN AGANDE BUJA—A legislation that would check indiscriminate procreation may be in the offing as President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, gave indication that government was considering the option of checking population explosion.

The President, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed Chairman and Commissioners of the National Population Commission at the Presidential Villa, however, admitted that though regulating the country ’s population through legislation is a very contentious matter, government cannot afford to remain aloof while the country’s population grew unchecked.

It would be recalled that the only time there was an attempt by government to control birth in the country was during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida when it was decreed that the maximum birth per woman is four children.

The policy, however, was largely unsuccessful because of widespread opposition against it from different spectrum of the society.

However, reiterating his commitment to the new policy, President Jonathan noted that Nigeria would not be the first country to make laws controlling population and religious belief should not be a tool to frustrate good policy.

He said: “For us to plan properly, we must manage our population. But it is extremely sensitive; we are extremely religious.”

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister; and the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to appear before it.

In a memo signed by the Senator Magnus Abeled Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Appropriation and Finance, yesterday, also invited Mr. Reginald Stanley, Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA; Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, and at least three former PPPRA Executive Secretaries— Dr. Olusola Oluleye, Mr. Abiodun Inikunle and Engr. Goddy Egbuji.

To also appear before the committee on July 2 and 3, as part of the ongoing probe into management of fuel subsidy regime, are the Chief Executive Officers of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah; Oando Nigeria Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu and Folawiyo Energy. Included on the list of invitees are Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association, DAPPMA. However, Senate is presently on a week-long retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to a member of the panel, next week’s appearance of, and interactions with, government officials and private sector operators would be the last public meeting after which the committee is expected to collate and submit its report to the Senate.

It would be recalled

CAMPAIGN: Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State at the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Council/Ondo workers rally to seek re-election, held at Democracy Park, Akure, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola.

52 political parties drag INEC to court over de-registration

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—FIFTY-two political parties in the country have dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The parties and InterParty Advisory Council, IPAC, a name in which all the plaintiffs were jointly registered, are asking the court to determine, among other things: “Whether INEC can deregister a party which has fulfilled and satisfied all requirements of registration simply because it fails to win a seat in the presidential, governorship, national

or state House of Assembly without considering other elections like the local government chairmanship and councilors elections; “Whether it will not amount to abuse of fundamental Human Right of the citizenry as enshrined in our constitution for INEC to proscribe a political party by way of deregistration on the ground that the party does not meet the requirements of Section 78(7) (ii) of Electoral Act 2011 as amended.”

Also joined as defendants in the suit was the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and the National Assembly.

In an originating summons filed through their counsel, Mr. Kan Osieke, the political parties sought

“a declaration that Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, is unconstitutional and in effect null and void; “A declaration that Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, is a calculated attempt to suffocate life from young enterprising and growing political parties and an attempt to stop them from participation in Nigerian politic; “A declaration that the said Section (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, be expunged as same offends Section 40 of the 2011 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which is a light to other laws, acts, rules and regulations;

“A declaration that the plaintiffs have the right to belong to any political party of their choice, work hard for them to grow, after being duly registered according to law.”

In a 14-paragraphed affidavit that was deposed in support of the suit by the National Chairman of the African Liberation Party, ALP, Chief Emmanuel Osita Okereke, he averred that the parties had, ab initio, satisfied all the requisite conditions stipulated in the constitution and was accordingly registered by INEC at various dates.

Meanwhile, presiding judge, Justice Donatus Okorowo, has fixed October 25 to commence hearing on the suit.

NDIC, NJI hold seminar for judges IGERIA Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, NJI, will hold a one-day sensitisation seminar for judges and other key stakeholders.

The seminar, with the theme The Challenges to Deposit Insurance Law and Practice in Nigeria, which holds today, at the NJI main auditorium,

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Abuja, will be declared open by the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

Eminent jurists and legal luminaries from the bar and the bench, the banking sector and the academia have been invited to the seminar as chairmen, discussants and paper presenters on legal and technical issues on bank liquidation.

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16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Confusion in Kwara over rumours of Saraki's death

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI LORIN—THE ancient city of Ilorin was thrown into confusion from Monday night till yesterday, when rumours filtered in from the United States of America, USA, that the former Senate Leader and strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, who has been there for some time for close medi-

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YELLOW CARE: From right— Mr. Modupe Kadiri, General Manager, Financial Operations; Ms. Amina Oyagbola, Human Resources Executive, and Mr. Charles Molapisi, Chief Information Officer, all of MTN Nigeria, at the closing ceremony of MTN 21 days of Yellow Care, held at the MTN Head Office in Lagos, last week.

NDLEA advocates longer jail terms for traffickers

BY UMAR YUSUF & SUZAN EDEH AUCHI State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Parah Bawa has advocated long jail terms for drug pushers to serve as deterrent to others.

Bawa said this at the commemoration of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse, in Bauchi, yesterday, adding that his Command arrested 112 drug suspects and seized 341.2kgs of drugs between January and June this year.

He spoke as Adamawa State Command of NDLEA stated that it seized about 341.945 kilogrammes of hard drugs and psychotropic substances from January to June, this year.

The agency equally arrested 78 suspected drug peddlers within the period, the Commander of the Agency, Alhaji Hassan Zungeru said in Yola.

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cal attention, had passed on.

However, by afternoon yesterday, all known associates of the septuagenarian, who is Waziri of Ilorin, vehemently denied that he was dead, insisting that Oloye, as he is fondly called, was hale and hearty.

Residents were seen in groups across Ilorin, the state capital, discussing the development in hushed tones.

10 dead as Benue, Ebonyi communities clash

BY PETER DURU AKURDI—NO fewer than 10 persons were feared dead, yesterday, in renewed fighting between the neighbouring communities of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State and Ngwo in Ebonyi State.

There has been a perennial land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Fight started in the early hours of yesterday with the Ngwo community allegedly deploying mercenaries into Agila and threatening to match into Agila main town.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness, at the Benue State end of the boarder that the renewed fighting has forced inhabitants of Ai-Nedu clan in Agila to flee to Apa Agila for safety.

According to the eyewitness, farmers of Ai-Nedu community had gone to carry out their routine

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farming activities, yesterday morning, when they ran into an ambush of over 100 men, who matched through Ogilolo community dressed in military camouflage and armed with sophisticated weapons.

He said: “The farmers fled on sighting the men but they caught up with one Oche Adayi, a father of four, and beheaded him. They moved in, shooting sporadically and killing any living thing within the area.

“Right now we can not ascertain the number of the dead because many people are still missing, while some are believed to be trapped in their farms.”

When contacted on phone, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Mr. Bernard Ochepa, said: “The attack was just overwhelming; it is sad that despite efforts by the state government to ensure that this crisis

was brought to an end, the people we gave land to habit have now resorted to killing my people. It is sad indeed.”

The development led to cancellation of all official engagements of Benue State government. At press time, Benue State Security Council, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, had convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter.

State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ejike Alaribe, who said the Police had recorded one death in the fighting, added that the Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Christopher Katso, personally directed the Area Commander in Charge of Otukpo to move to the troubled areas to ensure that peace was restored in the communities immediately.

He added that Benue State Police Command was also working in con-

cert with its counterpart in Ebonyi State to ensure that calm returned to the areas.

He said: “We have drafted more men to the area, and I can assure you that calm has returned.”

Kogi to experience 12-day blackout

BY BOLUWA OBAHAPO OKOJA—THE people of Kogi State may be in for blackout as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, has hinted that there would be massive load shedding as the Geregu Power Station would be temporary shut down for about 12 days.

Lokoja Business Manager, PHCN, Mr. Ameen Shakur, said this, yesterday, in Lokoja, the state capital, adding that this was to enable PHCN work on the 333KVA power line that runs through Geregu to the

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PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

A statement, yesterday, by Saraki’s Personal Assistant, Lateef Okandeji, claimed that his boss spoke with leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the forthcoming state House of Assembly re-run election in Oloje and Alanamu wards of Ilorin North-West Constituency.

He said Saraki called on the electorate in the wards to turn out en mass and vote for the candidate of PDP, Alhaji Abdulfatai Babakini in the Saturday election.

The statement said: “In a telephone interaction with leaders of the party in the affected wards, Saraki noted that PDP remains the only party in the state that has shown consistency in service delivery and entrenchment of quality leadership.

“The Waziri of Ilorin also spoke with eminent personalities of the Ilorin Emirate on Tuesday (yesterday).”

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said within the next 12 days, when the line from Geregu would be grounded, the state would be fed from the Okene line, which he said would not be sufficient, hence the need for load shedding.

Shakur said when completed, the work would greatly improve power supply to Lokoja and environs. He called for patience on the part of residents.

He also appealed to customers to always use quality materials for the wiring of their houses.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (nwamad@yahoo.com)

What's your take on reprisal attacks in the North?

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HRISTIANS and Muslims are one.

The problem is not religion but politics. The government needs to understand that bombs are not manufactured with five naira; there are people in government who are sponsoring this unrest.—Mr. Shewu Abdulgafar, Computer Engineer.

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HE matter should be in the hands of the security agencies, though they have not really done well in protecting lives and property of Christians. Dialogue, negotiation and representation are what may address the issue properly.— Chief Morah Ekwunor, Legal Consultant.

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HE government betrayed the citizens by failing to play its part in the social contract, in the area of protection of lives and property. Since the government failed in protecting the people, the people went for self-defence. —Mr. Donald Iyashere, Lawyer.

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T is quite unfortunate that we have found ourselves in this state. It seems security agencies and the government, that should control security both locally and internationally, are totally incapable of addressing the situation. It is such a pity—Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).

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E are faced with a situation in this country where all hands have to be on deck. Only the government may not be able to tackle the issue. With collective effort, there could be a way out. Vengeance is of the Lord and not of man.—Mr. John Uwabunkeonye, Teacher.

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E cannot really say it is right.

But why does it have to be churches?

This issue of gunmen killing Christians, who go to church to worship their God, is beyond human comprehension. The North is turning to something else.—Ms. Abimbola Omolabi, Student.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012— 17 “Even when a bird is up in the sky, its mind is always on the ground.”

A Ugandan Proverb AM writing this on the sixth day of the near-total lockdown of Kaduna State where I live. Since two bombs went off in two churches in my hometown, Zaria, and another in Kaduna, my fellow citizens have been back to familiar trenches or behind closed doors counting losses and licking wounds. We have been let out a total of ten hours in these six days, and we have been told we will be allowed out for another four hours on Sunday so that church services can hold. But we are also leaving in fear over the possibility that churches will be bombed again, and some members of the Christian community will embark on another reprisal mission against Muslims, and then Muslims will embark on their own counter- reprisals.

Behind closed doors, and even as rampaging mobs fought and killed each other, we heard that President Jonathan had jetted out to Brazil; that the US government has imposed its own sanctions on three leaders of Boko Haram insurgency; that the Legislature has summoned the President on security; and on return, Jonathan promptly fired the Minister of Defence and the NSA. All cold comfort to people like us on the frontline, who are living every Nigerian's worst nightmare, which is that this insurgency will succeed in pitching citizens in a war against each other. Right now families here have no food, no water, no power, no money, and no peace. The people who planted those bombs in Zaria and Kaduna could not have chosen a weaker link in the Nigerian chain. Does our leadership have an answer to this spiral into apocalyps?

will value the diplomatic posturing of a few foreign leaders over the hard opinions of his fellow citizens. In plain terms, President Jonathan was not elected by President Obama, Jacob Zuma or the President of Gabon. Their views on his performance therefore should not be a yardstick for his selfassessment. If Nigerians are not applauding the President the way foreign leaders do, he needs to ask why. He may find answers in the absence of any serious evidence that his administration is moving Nigeria into new areas of achievement and consolidation. He may find answers in the obvious lack of evidence that he is breaking away from a past

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found an old commentary I had written on President Jonathan's leadership I thought I could share with you. It was written way back in September, 2011. Happy reading, and pray for us: At a Church Service held on Sunday, 25th of September to commemorate Nigeria’s 51st Independence Anniversary, President Goodluck gave a generous insight into his own assessment of his performance, the challenges he faces, and the nature of the forces he has to deal with. As befitted the surrounding and the event, the President chose historical and biblical characters and events to draw parallels with his own situation, and defined his own personal style of leadership using symbols and parables which should register deep into the psyche of Nigerians still struggling with how to define their President.

President Jonathan noted that Nigeria is being praised by some world leaders while at home his fellow politicians are casting doubts over his ability to lead, and his capacity to govern. He insisted that he is the product of prayers and will survive and transform Nigeria on the strength of prayers; but he will not behave like a lion, or an army general, or a Pharaoh to achieve his goal of transforming Nigeria.

Coming back immediately from a UN General Assembly where, among other activities, President Jonathan assured the world that manifest instances of terrorism in Nigeria will not intimidate him, the President’s comments at the National Christian Worship Centre provide a useful glimpse into the mind of a leader who is facing quite possibly

the most difficult beginning of any administration in the history of our nation. For a man who has generally chosen to allow others to speak for him, the President’s comments at the special church service appear to have come from the heart. This is why the comments are important, and should be accorded the detailed attention they deserve, because they hold a clue into how Jonathan will steer the ship of State.

The most important aspect of the rather long and detailed lamentations of President Jonathan at the church service is that he holds a few politicians responsible for what he sees as a negative posture and hostile attitude to his administration. If President Jonathan expects sympathy from Nigerians for the opposition’s stand on the record of his administration to date, he is not likely to get much. It is the business of the opposition to punch holes in the claims of those who take decisions and make policies; and it is the cross which leaders have to bear. Invoking God’s wrath against his detractors will not help President Jonathan much,

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Jonathan's leadership

From the frontline

Nigerians do want him, as Commander-InChief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to use army generals to protect the security and dignity of Nigerians and the Nigerian nation. This is why the Constitution places all security apparatus under his command; and this is the reason why Nigerians will hold him responsible for any deficits in their security, as they presently do

because opposition politicians will also claim that they are doing God’s work.

Then there is the fact that the President’s balance sheet so far does make him vulnerable to attacks from politicians and sundry opposition.

Naming them as terrible goliaths whose foreheads are exposed will not win him the tiniest of relief from a whole army of critics who had hoped that he would have by now shown a strength and resolve to make a difference in the life of Nigerians.

Mixed feelings on philosophy

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President Goodluck Jonathan Mr. President will have mixed feelings over his philosophy of governance. The parallel with Biblical leaders is good for the pulpit, but hardly relevant in today’s context, when elected leaders have to operate within the limitation imposed by the constitution. President Jonathan cannot be a Nebuchadnezzar or a Pharaoh, even if he wants to be

resident Jonathan told the congregation that part of his problem is that some people want him to be a lion or an army general, or behave like them; and he would not do that. He said he will not behave like the kings of Syria, Egypt, the Pharaoh or King of Babylon, powerful people whose deeds and follies have been mentioned in the Bible. He said he will continue to rely on prayers, so that God will continue to use him to transform Nigeria. Nigerians who watched or heard about the intended posture of

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one. Those leaders had no constitutional limits to their powers.

Nigerians expect their President to be a firm and fair leader, to operate within the law, and to be ready to meet challenges with courage and vision.

They do not expect him to operate like an army general, even though army generals themselves have to operate within the laws of the land and the principles of their profession. But Nigerians do want him, as Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to use army generals to protect the security and dignity of Nigerians and the Nigerian nation.

This is why the Constitution places all security apparatus under his command; and this is the reason why Nigerians will hold him responsible for any deficits in their security, as they presently do.

A more worrying insight into the mind of Mr. President is one which suggests that foreigners commend him while Nigerians castigate him. The President had told the congregation that the US and South African Presidents had commended Nigeria at the margins of the UN, but Nigerians at home are not commending him. It is worrying that a Nigerian President

characterised by rampant corruption and gross incompetence. He may find answers in the spreading of violence and insecurity which makes every citizen, high and low, from Sokoto to Bayelsa to scamper for safety at the slightest hint or rumour of an impending bomb attack. He may find answers in the alarming assault on the integrity of vital institutions such as the judiciary; or in the questionable capacity of the electoral process to produce genuine leaders; or in the daily killings in many parts of the country and the apparent failure of security agencies to put a stop to them.

A lion and a fox

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resident Jonathan does not need to be a Pharaoh or a lion or a General, to be a good and effective leader. Since the analogy with leaders and lions interests him, he could read an ancient Greek philosopher called Machiavelli who advised leaders to be both lions and foxes. He said a leader has to be a lion in order to survive, because unlike a fox, a lion is defenceless against traps. A leader should also be a fox who can avoid traps, but is defenceless against lions.

For President Jonathan, the lesson has to be that he needs to be both firm and wise. He will always have political detractors, so lamenting their assaults on him will be little comfort to Nigerians. He will have to work hard to achieve real results in improving security for citizens, plugging corruption and waste, and reversing the appearance of his administration being run by a clique with a very narrow agenda in an ocean of incompetence. He will be wise to listen to criticisms, and work on them to turn them into commendations. Not all Nigerians who complain over the style of leadership of President Jonathan, or his record in office are necessarily his enemies. Most Nigerians just want him to lead with some decisiveness, with fairness and some vision. This is not too much to ask from a President who staked so much to achieve the position.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY JUNE 27, 2012 THE Dana Air crash threw up ample evidences of the internal problems of domestic airlines. Air Nigeria whose pilots and engineers were on strike for weeks, alleging poor pay and inadequate attention to industry imperatives was added to the suspension list.

There may be more.

Only a proper audit of airlines can reveal their operational status, anything else at this stage is mere speculation. The authorities have to be careful in this season of allegations.

Anyone who has an issue with an airline knows he will get a listening ear now.

However, airlines have more matters to handle. Some are accused of evading taxes, including failing to make returns of the taxes their passengers pay on ticket purchases. The tax authorities are handling that aspect.

All these show how lax the regulatory authorities have been. Audit of airlines should be done at regular intervals and improved to capture new developments in the industry. It is unfortunate that it is only after a crash that the authorities take their work serious. Once the beam is off them, they relax until the next crash.

Auditing Nigerian airlines Did the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, need the Dana Air disaster to pay attention to the state of the airlines? The NCAA under its suspended Director General, Dr. Harold Demuren, was strict, especially after the series of air crashes in 2005 and 2006.

Its adherence to enforcement of the rules helped Nigeria to obtain the Category One certification from the US Federal Aviation Authority in 2010.

Demuren, in his second term in office, seemed to have become complacent. Why would the many complaints about airlines be ignored until tragedy struck? Does NCAA have

the capacity to supervise the operations of airlines? Can it enforce safety standards that can avoid future tragedies?

Was NCAA unaware of the misuse of the aviation intervention fund that was to help airlines improve their operations? Would the scandal around the fund have been known without the recent crash? NCAA‘s decision to conduct critical checks on the airlines after the Dana Air crash is an admission of the deficiencies in operations of domestic airlines as well as NCAA’s. The issues with the airlines preceded the Dana Air crash. The authorities ignored them. What else are they ignoring?

The Federal Government must initiate policy-based assistance to airlines instead of giving cash to them. A domestic hangar, for instance, will reduce the high costs of maintenance abroad. Additional costs from exorbitant parking charges and aviation fuel are other areas that deserve government intervention.

A well-organised aviation industry is one of the main indices of rating a country’s viability as an investor’s destination. There must be zero tolerance to laxity.

OPINION

BY BEN ETAGHENE

HE pity haunting the Goodluck Jonathan administration is the inability of the man to initiate policy without any public outcry. The President has consistently not been fortunate in earning popular appeal with his policies. He could have gotten this on a platter of gold if he had succeeded in fulfilling his campaign promise of bringing significant improvement in the power sector. But no sooner he came in than he detoured to the single six-year term like the legendary man with the load of an elephant using a foot to dig for cricket. With that adventure, he mired himself in a most needles controversy, while Boko Haram tormented the nation.

Then another mindless detour – the oil subsidy removal without which the economy would collapse, we were told.

This is even as the nation is yet to recover from the increase of 60kobo per litre to N1.41 (then N97kobo)many years after. His predecessor, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua met it at 70kobo but reduced it to 65kobo. That was simple psychology to buy the people’s love. The economy was able to absorb it. President Jonathan’s fixation with “economy collapse and over valued naira” has pushed him to the higher ground, thereby distracting him from enacting any peopleoriented policy to endear him to the populace.

Now we have people like Chief E. K. Clark fighting for a second term when the man projects himself as someone not even so firmly in control of a first term. He was prodded into the presidency which explains why his performance remains uncoordinated and lacks depth. Nigerians can recall when he was nominated as the late Yar’Adua’s running mate in 2007, he had initially expressed a preference to continue as governor of Bayelsa State to complete his projects. We cannot conclude that he had not had enough time to weigh the consequences of being Nigeria's leader. National leadership

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Other ways of immortalising our heroes is a life-time contemplation and ambition.

But for a man coming from a working class background to demonstrate a critical lack of grassroots touch is unfortunate though not impossible. To illustrate this again is his recent decision to rename the University of Lagos as M. K. O Abiola University. It is now a matter of conjecture. Many conclude the President thrives in controversy, but I say he’s no master of diplomacy. The government has so many instruments to use to do underground study about pending policy matters before formal pronouncement. Therefore, any policy announced aimed at surprise is archaic.

In the ongoing battle of wits, the Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, came with a defence that “what the President did was to listen to the outpouring of appeals of persuasions

by Nigerians that Abiola deserved to be immortalized”. In the same vein, he added that “any nation that does not honour those who clearly stand out and make sacrifice as role models for others to follow cannot appeal to the best in its own tradition for citizens to follow”. That is a fact of life.

Every nation or generation has it. There is Queen Amina in Jos, Obafemi Awolowo in the West, Zik of Africa in the East, King Jaja of Opobo and Mukoro Mowoe in the Niger Delta, etc. The criteria remain larger than life. For M. K. O Abiola, a man who demonstrated so much patriotism, gave idealistic love for his nation and a philanthropist extra-ordinary, we owe him lasting honour.

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hose who say June 12 should be our Democracy Day and Abiola an icon and catalyst of democracy in Nigeria are merely responding to media propaganda that is not based

on any realistic study. Abiola was ultra-patriotic and helped to build bridges in this country. He was an ideal Nigerian hero. This piece is skeptical about the analysis of Abiola as a politician per se but about Unilag and the name change.

There is an element of sacrosantity in the names universities bear. We have Nigeria’s premier university, Great Ife. There exists a robust allegiance which students and the alumni always nurse towards their school or alma mater by reason of its name. There is Havard, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford universities; there is the University of Timbuktu, the oldest in Africa whose names have remained the same for years.

There are over 3,000 universities in the United States of America, USA, with only a couple of them named after individuals. Such are private institutions. It is only in Nigeria that public universities founded on public sentiment and funded by the tax payers monies are named after individuals.

In all probabilities, such a tradition undermines sensibilities of the people. This practice should be stopped. There are so many other ways to honour our heroes. There are other public places crying to have tag of a hero. In Lagos, the popular Western Avenue could be changed to MKO Abiola or simply MKO Avenue or Drive. Such an honour was extended to his late wife, Kudirat. The National Stadium in Lagos, the National Hospital, Abuja; the National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos, etc, are places waiting to be named after our heroes. States in the federation could be encouraged to appreciate the man’s contributions to Nigerian growth and development.

Another aspect worthy of comment is President Jonathan’s often response: “There’s no going back”. This kind of response to events is, in fact, not peculiar to this president. It is an adjunction from the military intervention in government. *Mr. Etaghene is the Editorial Director of the Bulletin.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—19

, comprehensive resolution of Nigeria’s security issues may not be possible until we have, as a country, resolved the question of nationhood. For as long as every society is made up of human beings, to that extent could it be expected that there would be issues of a criminal kind, whether deliberate or otherwise. But issues of criminality and curbing the criminal tendencies of people are seriously compounded in a country where criminals enjoy the protection of certain sections of the society or where they know that they can always count on primordial considerations to escape societal sanction. Nigeria is today faced with a lot of security challenges and not a few of these challenges are tied to the question of our inability to think and act as a nation. Although Nigerians loosely speak of the country and its people as a nation but it is clear that the people or, better yet, the peoples lack a common outlook to life that is important to the forging of a common sense of societal vision important to the making of a nation. There is yet

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no sense of a national outlook to how society could address many of the challenges facing it. Most times when Nigerians comment on matters of a national kind, they tend to do so from a less nationalistic, say clannish standpoint that many call tribalism. For this reason, the idea of showing respect and concern for one’s ethnic background is demonised and those who do so are made to feel that they have committed some unpardonable crime. Yet deep down, this is unavoidable for many Nigerians.

In a multi-ethnic society like ours, people should be free to identify with their individual ethnic groups without disregard for other groups.

Pride in one’s immediate family is the basis of pride in one’s ethnic community and ultimately pride in one’s nation and the human race. To be proudly Igbo or Kanuri is not and should not be mutually exclusive to being proudly Nigerian. One is the basis of the other and where people have a sense of justice, of what is right and proper, there should be no fear of these two emotions conflicting. It

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may, in my view, be very difficult for someone who feels no pride in being or is, in fact, ashamed to be called Ijaw or Yoruba to be proud of being called a Nigerian. But one should not be so proudly Efik that to think and act like a Nigerian becomes impossible. The failure to do this is at the root of the many crises facing Nigeria today. It is the reason why matters of security remain intractable and may take long to resolve. I will cite three instances of this to demonstrate my point.

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n the last two years since the resurgence in the activities of the terrorist group that destroys property, maims and kills Nigerians and has no clear agenda beyond its avowed hatred of socalled Western education, increased its spate of terrorist activities in different parts of Northern Nigeria, there have been questions raised on how best their activities could be ended. Various options, from appeasement, open confrontation to dialogue have been proposed by Nigerians. But the killer group has not given room for testing the efficacy of any of

The ‘illegal refineries'

BY CLEMENT OFUANI ANY years ago, our primary-six teacher caused a paroxysm of laughter in class when he taught us the history of the slave trade. What actually caused the laughter was that the teacher told us that in exchange for human beings, the European traders offered our forebears mirrors. In our young minds, we felt that our fore fathers were the original “mumus”.

What a terrible bargain they made, we said to ourselves.

As a young boy also, I was in the house of one of my relations whose wife traded in ogogoro, when one of her customers who liked to show off his knowledge of the English language came in and asked to be served illicit gin. At that time, I thought that the English name for ogogoro was ‘illicit gin’, until the day my uncle gave me a lesson on how our colonial rulers used branding to destroy our local industry and culture and traditions. He explained to me that the local alcoholic brew that we callogogoro wascompeting for market with the more expensive dry gin imported from Britain, and the colonial masters did not like it. To deal a lethal blow to the competition, they declared it illegal or illicit, which forced its production and consumption underground.

Incidentally, I was in the village recently and someone still referred to ogogoro as illicit gin, 52 years after Nigeria’s independence. I am now inclined to think that marketing departments in our universities have something to learn from this about branding and how it affects development. Indeed, even our Sociology and Anthropology Departments also have fertile research fields in this area. Take our native languages for example, they were

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branded as ‘vernacular’ and forbidden in our schools and only English language was permitted to be spoken and taught. Today, many in my generation carried that ‘vernacular” branding of our native tongues into their adult lives. Consequently, most of us ended up failing to teach our children our local languages with the result that many of the native languages now run the risk of going into extinction.

Based on the foregoing, each time I am confronted with screaming newspaper headlines and photos of JTF destroying what they describe as ‘illegal crude oil refineries’ in the Niger Delta, my thoughts go back to the story of illicit gin and vernacular branding of our native tongues.

I have continued to wonder what really makes these refineries illegal.I am reminded that the earliest crude oil refineries were not designed or built like the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Plant. Indeed, before World War II, most petroleum refineries in the United States consisted simply of crude oil distillation unitswhich were referred to as atmospheric crude oil distillation units. It was much later that vacuum distillation units as well as thermal cracking units such as viscosity breakers, for lowering the viscosity of the oil, were added to the refineries. In its most elementary form, the refining of crude oil is simply the heating up of crude oil to very high temperatures until the molecular components begin to separate into different products. In fact, the first product of the refining process of crude oil was kerosene which was needed for illumination and had earlier been obtained from coal.

As technology transformed with the introduction of internal combustion engines and its use in automobiles, airplanes and various complex machineries, higher octane

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Issues of insecurity: How complicit are the security agencies?

Most of the security people who compromise their position like this do so for ‘tribal’ or religious reasons that prove we are not yet a nation

these options fully. Well, it could be argued by some that government has in certain cases taken on the terrorists bent on fomenting both ethnic and religious war in the countrygovernment has taken them on in some cases but mostly in the ordinary manner of responding to security challenges. Most of these face-offs have been reactive. The one instance during which government actively went after the terrorists led to the killing of the leader of the group in controversial circumstances. The terrorists have tried to justify their mindless slaughter of Nigerians thereafter as a way to avenge the death of their leader who, no doubt, had been behind the murder of many Nigerians that have become mere statistics in the annals of extra-legal killings in the country. The latest activities of the terrorists, targeted as usual at churches, have led to the shutdown of major towns and cities in the North.

But the question of how to curtail or end the activities of the terrorists has remained intractable. This is precisely because the security agencies or agents entrusted with the duty of fighting the terrorists as with other crimes have been compromised by people who don’t share the sentiments that criminals need to be sanctioned or that the terrorists particularly have descended beneath the norms of decency in the prosecution of their non-agenda. But for the complicity of the security network in abetting criminals, the larger-than-life image of the terrorist group is a mere myth. It has no basis in reality.

I provide three instances of how the security network has been compromised such that they have now been left floundering.

Allegations that some security agents are on the pay roll of the

There is high rate of unemployment, especially among the youths as a result of low industrial capacity; one is at a loss whether the destruction of indigenous refineries branded ‘illegal’ is a smart response to the evolving technology

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grades of gasoline or fuel were required and these are obtained from a process of catalytic reforming, which involves removing hydrogen from hydrocarbons to produce compounds with higher octane ratings. It seems to me therefore, that thinking of crude oil refineries only as units like the Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries misses the point of its function and technological evolution, and by branding our indigenous efforts as ‘illegal refineries’ we run the risk of losing the opportunity to develop our own indigenous oil and gas technology.

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have often wondered if the reason the refineries JTF destroyed in the Niger Delta are branded as illegal is that they are not registered and licensed or because their products are sub-standard. I am not aware that anyone has so far explained to Nigerians whether theproducts of the ‘illegal refineries’ in the Niger Delta are sub-standard. In the absence of such an explanation, it becomes necessary to pause for a second and reexamine the full implication of this branding of our indigenous industry as ‘illegal’.

terrorists given their role during reported attacks have increased over these many months. Many times, eye witnesses talk of people, not just in the uniform of soldiers or police personnel, participating in the killings. They finger among their attackers security people called in to protect them.

Sometimes, these security people take side with the attackers or provide escape leeway for them.

Incidents like these have been reported from places as far apart as Jos, Abuja and Damaturu among others. In Jos, a very senior soldier, a military commander, was said to have sabotaged efforts to repel the terrorists during one such attack on a community.

The case of Kabiru Sokoto, the suspected mastermind of some of the most heinous of these attacks, easily comes to mind. This was the man allowed to escape from custody by the security people attached to him on a routine mission to search his house. This episode led to the sacking of Zakari Biu the police man recalled from semi retirement following his suspected involvement in some crimes of the Abacha era. The final case I’ll mention is that of the police men alleged to have ‘smuggled’ Farouk Lawan, the House of Reps member from Shanono and former chair, ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy panel, out of detention to freshen up in his home ( I don’t see why the police cannot provide basic conveniences for someone in their custody).

Lawan currently rides the crest of a bribe-for-favour scandal rocking the House. Security people that would take a man in a high profile case like this out of detention would do anything. Most of the security people who compromise their position like this do so for ‘tribal’ or religious reasons that prove we are not yet a nation.

Nigeria today is grappling with low capacity in domestic refining of crude oil leading to massive dependence on importation of refined products,huge subsidy costs and constant pressure on the exchange rate of the Naira. In addition, there is high rate of unemployment, especially among the youths as a result of low industrial capacity. With this condition of the economy, one is at a loss whether the destruction of indigenous refineries branded ‘illegal’ is a smart response to the evolving technology. If government were to set regulations and standards and scrupulously enforce them to govern the operations of the refineries, including licensing, access to crude, environmental standards and product standards, would the energies of these indigenous entrepreneurs not be better managed and channeled to address the low refining capacity of the nation, create jobs for jobless youths and reduce pressure on our external reserves?Would it not, in fact, represent the beginning of our technological breakthrough in the oil and gas sector?

As I mull over another newspaper report of yet another destruction of ‘illegal refineries’ in the Niger Delta by the JTF, I try to visualize the reaction of a primary six class perhaps, one hundred years from now, as they are taught that at a time when the present generation of Nigerians were importing refined petroleum products, some smart youths figured out the refining process using indigenous technology and the response of the authority was to brand them ‘illegal’ and destroy them, so that we can continue to import refined petroleum products and the youths remain jobless. I can imagine the class erupting in guffaws at how stupid we, their fore bears were; the same way my own class, years ago laughed at our fore fathers who exchanged slaves for mirrors. Unfortunately, the folly of this generation is unpardonable given that we had the opportunity of learning everything the White man knows unlike our fore bears. *Mr. Ofuani, a political analyst,

wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

20—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, ,2012

Debate of the masses

Nigeria being raped by her caretakers (2)

BY EBELE ORAKPO part is that they get all these billions to steal, yet cannot pay N18,000 minimum wage. What is N18,000 to a single person in today's Nigeria, not to talk of a family person? These are the kinds of things they see and decide to carry guns, knowing that hard work does not pay in Nigeria," noted Dan, rather sadly.

"But on a more serious note, who are we going to trust in this nation?

Farouk Lawan has been the arrowhead of the Integrity Group and I thought he was incorruptible and smart enough to know that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones," noted Jide, to which Dorcas replied: "It's either he is super corrupt or he was charmed, African magic, you know."

"Oh really? Charmed into asking for bribe to cover evil? No way!" said Charles.

"Otedola said his hands are clean and I ask, if his hands were clean, why did he accept to offer bribe? So many questions begging for answers," said Nike.

"They said he was told to play along just to nail Lawan. The bottom line is that they want to discredit the entire report, period!" stated Okey.

"In fact, they have killed Nigeria," lamented Abel.

"No! They cannot kill Nigeria. They have been stealing and stealing and yet, the country has refused to die," said Dorcas. "Yes, but it is neither dead nor alive," responded Mustapha.

"Reminds me of the story of a couple who went for their town's meeting. At a point, they asked all the widows to stand up probably to give them some form of assistance. The woman stood up with others and the man stood up, took her hand and tried to pull her down and she shouted: "Please, leave me alone. Do you call this thing you are living life?

I am not better than these widows."

CONTACT: mykeboh@yahoo.co.uk

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*Scavengers busy sorting through heaps of refuse at Olusosun landfill

Olusosun: Intriguing ways of seeking wealth in refuse heaps

By BOSE ADELAJA

OW often do you buy edible items on the road side, especially around some popular markets like Agege, Ketu, Ojota, Mushin and Iyana-Ipaja, all in Lagos State? If you have been doing this on a regular basis, chances are that you have been spending good money on expired or substandard products from some dump sites in the State, especially from the Olusosun landfill in Oregun.

Situated at Kudiratat Abiola Way, the dump site occupies about 42 hectares of land. It used to be on the outskirts of the State, but due to the rapid urban development, the site is presently surrounded by residential, commercial, religious and industrial buildings.

It was supposed to be a dump site where wastes from individual and corporate sources are burnt.

However, this is presently not the case as the items supposedly dumped there for burning now increasingly find their way back into the market, no thanks to some traders who connive with some unscrupulous workers of some companies to turn the site to their personal ‘gold mine’ to the detriment of public health.

A first time visitor to the

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area will not fail to notice the many commercial shanties where individuals in this line of trade conduct their business.

Those involved are of different ages, including the elderly and the very young.

Apart from that, Olusosun landfill is a place where hoodlums, social miscreants and scrap scavengers have turned into an enclave of illegal activities. At the site, one can easily notice a fleet of LAWMA vehicles that carry wastes but investigations by Vanguard Metro, VM, revealed that as soon as these vehicles arrive, the traders swoop on them to bid with the conveyers who are majorly

,

I sell the expired ones at give-away prices; some of the products don’t expire but the companies have their reasons for discarding them

,

insiders or intermediaries to the companies.

With the help of these fraudulent waste disposing officials, the traders have formed an illicit

business cartel which operates without the companies’ consent and purchase the ‘products’ at give-away prices and later resell to unsuspecting Lagosians. The items include alkaline batteries, seasonings, confectioneries, beverages and frozen foods from notable eateries.

In some cases, the intermediaries are paid to dump the items in the traders’ coffers for onward transfer to various markets. At the site, the traders pretend to be scavengers, looking unkempt during the ‘business hours’ but come out in their latest attire as soon as the day’s business is over.

Some of the traders did not want their names in print but they told VM that the place has turned their lives around. “I was introduced to scrap business by a friend. Initially, I did not see any sense in coming here but gradually I got used to the system, and today the business has paved way for me. If you see me on duty, you will think I am insane due to my way of dressing. But as they say, shit money no dey smell now.

The business has changed my life for the better,’’ said a scavenger.

A trader who simply gave her name as Moriamo said she usually dis-

plays her wares at Agege and sell at reasonable prices. Asked the reaction of her customers, she said: “My sister, I don’t stay in one place O; Agege is big enough for me, all I do is to move round the garages.

Sell expired items at give-away prices As soon as I come back from Olusosun, I sort out the products grade by grade to determine the prices. I sell the expired ones at give-away prices; some of the products don’t expire but the companies have their reasons for discarding them and customers will gladly buy at cheaper prices from us. In most cases, we usually arrange with the workers of the companies and the rest is history,’’ she said.

A scrap seller, Alhaja Sekinotu Aderibigbe said she usually make arrangement with her ‘clients’ to drop some items in her house. “I have a large compound where workers of various companies dump their unwanted products. After sorting the products, I ask my drivers to dump the rest at any dump site.

The drivers of such vehicles will pretend they are going to the dump site but divert to my house at Abule-Egba,’’ she informed.

HIS is why almost all contracts are either abandoned, halfdone or done with the cheapest possible materials. This matter goes to the very soul of our country and is far bigger than Otedola and Lawan," said Tim. "I still believe it was a set up and he fell flat.

Remember he was part of the Integrity Group in the House of Representatives that fought tooth and nail for the removal of Mrs. Patricia Etteh. I think it's pay back time," said Okey.

"Honestly, I watched the video and saw how the guy was stuffing dollar bills into his clothes and cap, it would have been a comic relief if not for the enormity of the offence and its attendant consequences," Tim noted.

"That's why I keep saying they should stop setting up all these useless committees and probe panels. The offenders know how to get out of trouble," stated Mustapha.

"It all boils down to poverty," said Jide.

Said Mercy: "I beg to disagree. Are these people poor? It is greed and wickedness, pure and simple! For every naira stolen from our coffers, thousands of Nigerian youths are denied employment, housing, good roads, potable water, education etc. And these greedy people forget that with all their wealth, they are not safe in this kind of society where a few are super rich, not through hard work but thievery, while majority are wallowing in abject poverty."

"Exactly!" agreed Tim. These same people they are depriving will rise up against them. If only the Boko Haram guys will fight the right people, all the looting will stop and the craze for public offices will die a natural death.

They will think twice before stealing."

"The most annoying

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 21

Fresh industrial unrest looms at Promasidor over pay, others …As company resumes three weeks after shut down

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG OURS after workers of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk and other consumables, resumed work following a three-week lock-out by the management of the company, indication of an imminent industrial unrest has emerged over management plan not to pay the workers for the period of the lock-out among other punitive measures.

Other punitive measures announced by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Keith Richards included the stoppage of advances, housing and other loans and staff sampling products.

Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, had waded into the lingering dispute between the management of the company and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, NUFBTE, over the sack of close to 800 workers of “sustainabiliti”, an outsourcing company, who were members of the Promasidor ’s unit of NUFBTE. NECA reached an agreement with parties involved in dispute which prompted the management opening the company’s premises for workers to resume work on Friday.

It will be recalled that the management of the company had on Monday June 4, 2012, locked out the workers as a preemptive measure following threat by workers to begin strike over the sack of the suntainabiliti which NUFBTE accused

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Stakeholders seek tax waiver for Fadama beneficiaries TAKEHOLDERS in the implementation of Fadama 111 Project in Cross River have called on the state government to give tax waiver to Fadama User Groups. In interviews with newsmen in Akamkpa and Yala Local Government Areas, the beneficiaries said that subjecting them to tax payment in addition to counterpart contributions were great burdens on them.

Mr Augustine Idu, Fadama 111 Facilitator for Yala, said that each member of FUG was required to pay N2,500 as tax to the state government aside from 30 per cent counterpart contribution by the groups. According to him, such bills will be a big burden for the local farmers and if they begin to default in the payment, it can constitute a setback to the success of the programme in the state. “It is very difficult for them to meet with these payments because these are poor farmers that are just trying to set up businesses,” he said. He said that failure to pay tax was hampering the disbursement of funds to some groups whose projects proposals had been approved.

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the management of Promasidor of acting without recourse to procedural agreement.

But before the workers could settle down the MD released a memo which was interpreted by the workers to be a repudiation of agreement reached under the auspices of NECA and are threatening fire and brimstone.

The workers, investigation revealed had wanted to shut down immediately the Managing Director position was made public Friday afternoon, but union leaders were said to have persuaded the workers to wait till the end of the month to see the MD would

implement what they termed draconian policy before they would react.

Mr. Richards in a memo go the workers dated June 22,2012 volume 5, issues 13, and titled “MD’s Communication: Back to work”, read in part, “With immediate effect, all salary advances, housing and other loans and staff sampling are suspended. As we desperately need to build stock to sell there will be no staff product issue at the end of this month.

We will be undertaking a comprehensive review of our operations to establish our total manpower requirements in the face of

current economic conditions. As yet, I cannot guarantee the outcome of this review. Much still depend on our productivity and our ability to sell in this very difficult market.”

However, the workers have completely rejected the MD’s position and argued that if the company had suffered any loss during the past three weeks, the MD should be held responsible because he locked them o u t .

They warned that should the MD carry out any of what he had started by the end of the month, he would face the consequences.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State flanked by Permanent Secretary, Water Resources, Ambassador Godknows Igali (right) and the SSA MDGs to the President, Dr. Precious Gbeneol during the National Economic Council meeting at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Oil slips as investors doubt EU growth talk RENT crude slipped briefly falling below 90 dollars with concerns about faltering global growth and Europe’s intractable debt crisis hitting investor confidence. The concerns over a further slowdown in the euro zone economy, which could lead to lower oil demand, overshadowed supply disruptions in the U.S. Gulf due to a storm and in strike-hit Norway.

Brent crude dropped by 82 cents to 90.16 dollars a barrel, having briefly touched as low as 89.86 dollars. Both contracts turned negative around the time of the European market open.“ Another round of European sovereign debt issues ... and bearish fundamentals have already started to weigh on oil prices,” Morgan Stanley said in a research note. If OPEC production continues at today’s levels,

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stocks would build above normal through the third quarter and supply would outstrip demand in 2012.”

European shares and the euro also fell. Investors were skeptical that a June 28 to June 29 European Union summit would make any substantial progress towards tackling the euro zone debt crisis, now in its third year and buffeting Spain, the region’s fourth largest economy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed on Friday with leaders of France, Italy and Spain on a 130 billion euros (156 billion dollars) package to revive growth. But Merkel said on Monday she was concerned that there would be too much focus on shared liability for debts at a forthcoming EU summit, and underlined again her opposition to this.

157.15

+1.25

2,103.00

+1.00

19.83

+0.08

90.19 78.37

-0.79 -1.39

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

0.281 26.1448 194.415 241.6905 41.3023 234.6115 161.8093 154.9 235.3924 1.9285 24.3338

0.291 26.2292 195.0426 242.4707 41.4356 235.3688 162.3316 155.4 236.1522 1.9348 24.4128

0.301 26.3136 195.6701 243.2508 41.5689 236.1261 162.8539 155.9 236.912 1.941 24.4918

CBN Exchange rate as at 26/06/2012

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

CBN seeks enforcement of dividend payment, seven days after AGM

By MICHAEL EBOH

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is considering issuing a directive to quoted companies to ensure that dividends declared are remitted to registrars for onward payment for shareholders within seven days after their annual general meeting.

The CBN is also seeking to ensure that banks credit the account of investors not later than one day from the receipt of funds from registrars

The CBN, in its exposure draft on Guidelines for Securities Settlement in Nigeria, released yesterday, said, “Quoted companies shall make funds available to the registrar not later than seven working days after the Annual General Meeting where the dividend was declared.”

It is also seeking to promote the electronic dividend policy of the capital market authorities, as it is considering ensuring that registrars pay dividend to investors

electronically on due date and also advise the investors through any credit advice.

It, however, exempted investors from any charges, saying, “There shall be no charges to investors on e-payment of dividend/interest.”

It stated that registrars shall obtain account details of investors for the purpose of electronic payment of dividend and interest.

The CBN stated further, “Banks shall credit the account of investors not later than T+1 (one-day after

transaction) from the date of receipt of mandate and funds from the registrars. “ Where the banks can not apply funds into some investors account, the funds and a schedule containing the list of the affected investors shall be returned to the Registrar on or before T+2 with reasons for the reject.

“The Registrar shall contact the affected investors within two working days to correct or supply the required information and copy SEC.

“Upon receipt of the required information, the registrar shall resend the funds and the payment details to the banks within two working days.”

Also, the CBN said customer should be given options of receiving their proceeds from sale of their securities directly into their bank account or deposit into their stock broking account or cheque payments.

It added, however, that payments shall reach the beneficiary’s account not later than the next working day after settlement.

“The Investor shall have options for making payment to his broker through the use of payment instruments in Nigeria such as cheque, cards and other payment modes excluding cash,” the CBN stated.

Continuing, the CBN stated, “The Registrar shall have the following responsibilities: Select the DMB or service provider for electronic payments; Provide the basic infrastructure

requirements for electronic payments; Define and adhere to appropriate operational processes for initiating electronic payments; Obtain correct details of investors and validate them.

“An Investor has the following responsibilities: Maintain an account with a DMB; Confirm and provide proper details of the account to the Registrar and Stockbrokers; Alert the Registrar or Stockbroker if payment is not effected after being advised.

“Banks have the following responsibilities: To process electronic payments instructions in accordance with the terms defined by the payments system; To provide correct account numbers and bank sort codes to beneficiaries; To provide timely information on customer enquiries.

“The Payment Service Providers have responsibility for the payment initiation platform and the electronic reporting system used by the Registrars and Stockbrokers.

Skye Bank sponsors 10 visa promo winners to Olympics

By WILLIAM JIMOH From left: Emeka Madubuike -President Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) Ibrahim Bolaji Bello Acting.DG, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Murtala Ariyo Olusekun -President Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) at a meeting with capital market operators with the SEC boss in Lagos

Operators urge SEC to enforce corporate governance codes OME capital market operators on Monday urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure that stakeholders were adhering strictly to corporate governance codes.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the erosion of investor confidence in the capital market was due to poor enforcement of corporate governance codes.

According to them, SEC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) need to collaborate on policy formulation to

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avoid mismatch of policies and further crash of the market.

Mr. Wale Onigbode, the Chief Executive of Calyx Securities Ltd., said that the crisis in the management and board of SEC had worsened investor confidence in the market in spite of the strong fundamentals.

Onigbode said that movement of funds from the capital market to the money market instruments had worsened the liquidity crisis in the market.

He said that consistency in market regulation was key to

wooing investors back to the market.

Malam GarbaKurfi, the Managing Director of APT Securities and Funds Ltd., said that the pivotal role of the capital market made it imperative for the Federal Government to pay more attention to the market.

He said that the market needed strong liquidity to ensure stability and check the increasing short-term sales among investors.

Mr David Adonri, the Chief Executive Officer of L ambeth Tr ust & Investment Ltd., said that investors would

shift from fixed income securities to equities as soon as interest and inflation rates dropped to single digit rates.

“It is the responsibility of the fiscal and monetary authorities to create the policy environment that would prevent crowding out of the equities market,” he said.

Adonri said that the gain recorded last week in spite of the liquidity squeeze was due to investors’ sentiment on the return of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as President of the Nigerian stock Exchange.

EN winners have emerged in the Skye Bank Plc’s Visa London Olympics Games promotion which began three months ago.

The lucky winners are to enjoy an all-expense paid trip to the London Olympics where they will watch some athletic and other sporting events.

The ten lucky winners who emerged through electronic raffle draws conducted in Lagos yesterday are amongst the bank’s Visa account holders in Nigeria, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea where it has subsidiaries.

The criteria for participation in the raffle draw included opening a new account with a minimum balance of $2000 during the promo period, spending up to $5,000 by existing customers as well as opening a Visa account with a minimum

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opening balance of $1,000.

The names of the winners as Berete Amadou from Guinea, Aladesuyi Nicholas (OAU Ife), Ogunyemi Olanrewaju (Opebi), Aboderin Daramola (Opebi) and Darma Muttagiya Rabe (Garki).

Others are Salisu Umar Fago, Bamiduro Olumide, Oludare Olapade and Akon EsuNte. Speaking at the draw, the bank’s Executive Director, South South, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, said the promotion was a way of rewarding the bank’s customers for their loyalty as well as increasing its Visa cardholder base.

Ekong said part of the bank’s business strategy was to grow its cardholder base by a significant number and further encourage its customers to embrace electronic payment solutions by using their cards home and abroad.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 23

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

DIARY Select ICT events West & Central Africa Com. Holds 19 20 June at Le Meridien President, Senegal.

Next Generation Core Networks Summit. Holds 19 - 20 June in Berlin, Germany.

Telecom World Congress 2012 Conference. Holds 19 – 21 June at Amsterdam Marriott Hotel,The Netherlands.

Future of Digital TV. Holds 26th - 28th June 2012, in Prague, Czech Republic.

VAS Africa. Holds 34 July, 2012 at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Preview New inventions shaping life and living

PRESENTATION: From left, Sajo Mohammed, Director, Enforcement & Compliance; Peter Igho, Director General; Rekiya Ibrahim Atta, Assistant Director, Media/Public Affairs and Henry Uwadiae, Assistant Director, Regulations & Monitoring at their presentation of Hayundai iX35 SUVs to winners in the MTN Goodwill Automania promo, in Lagos. Photo: Emeka Aginam.

We are working to bring integrity to lottery business.

All over the world lottery has empowered people and Nigeria cannot be an exception

Lottery commission reads riot act to GSM firms, others on promos Declares zero tolerance for fraudulent promos

Self making bed

The Ohea self-making bed features special bedclothes, such as sheets, pillowcases, and a duvet designed with lateral cords and Velcro to allow them to be arranged and held in place. Robot arms on either side of the bed position the duvet, while the pillows are lifted and arranged by internal cords. The bed will active automatically after being unoccupied for 3 seconds, with the bed-making time taking only 50 seconds.

According to the developers, benefits of the OHEA bed include more time with family, relief from lower back pain, and the peace of mind of a presentable bed

I N S I D E

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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T the presenta tion of seven iX35 sport utility vehicle (SUV) to winners of the MTN Goodwill Automania, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has warned that it was enforcing zero tolerance on all sales promotions undertaken by GSM operators and other companies in the country, saying there is no hiding place for fraud in the promos.

Director-General of NLRC, Mr. Peter Igho, who stated this in Lagos last week during the event said that operators must begin to know that in whatever they do,

Let's give a chance to SIM card registration

there has to be integrity and transparency.

“I am glad that MTN has towed that line. As you are well aware it didn’t start here. It started with a draw and my staff was there with the media because that is where fraud can happen.

During the draw you all saw how transparent it was. “ “The next step was to ensure that those who won got their prizes and that is why we are here today. Everyone will get what they won. We are working to bring integrity to lottery business.

All over the world lottery has empowered people and Nigeria cannot be an exception. That is why the media must join us

The apps that make Samsung Galaxy S 111 distinctive

in fighting all those illegal and insincere operators who promise big things and don’t fulfill them.

He further said that the Commission must drive illegal lottery operators out of Nigeria because lottery must grow Nigeria “Lottery must have its full potential as it has done all over the world.

We’ll not allow any bad eggs to spoil it for us.

We’ve closed down some organisations that exhibit insincerity. When we ask them to come and comply and refuse we close them down.” he said.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Director, Regulation and Monitoring at NLRC, Mr. Henry Uwa-

diae earlier while responding to allegations of perceived fraud in the ongoing promos carried out by telecoms operators amid allegations by a student body that mobile operators are ripping Nigerians off.

It would be recalled that NANS had alleged that there were fraudulent activities in the ongoing promos bring advertised by Etisalat and MTN, and called for probe from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

Describing the allegations as untrue and mischievous, Uwadiae said

Flame worm and national software strategy (2)

apart from issuing permit for promo activities in the country, the commission monitors all promo activities and also demand for the names of winners from the telecoms operators to ensure that all winners get their prizes.

According to NLRC Director, the Etisalat and MTN promos that are currently running, were duly regularized and approved by the lottery commission and the commission had been following every step in the activities of the promos, to ensure that the operators comply with promo regulations and present actual prizes won in promos to winners, without Continues on Page 30

Facebook facial recognition acquisition raises privacy issues

24 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 HE buzz in town is who is the first big boy to grab the newly released Samsung Galaxy S 111 particularly in Lagos Nigeria. The new phone is the follow up to the very popular Galaxy II, which was critical to Samsung overtaking Nokia to become the world’s best-selling mobile phone maker.Samsung introduced the latest flagship Smartphone into the Nigerian market, at the weekend.

However, it could be so unfortunate if majority of the geeks who would rush to acquire this phone would do so just for status symbol and not for the rich apps which make the new device so distinctive. Apparently hoping to consolidate on the success it achieved with Galaxy S II Samsung enhanced most of the popular features in this latest device.

Galaxy S III comes with a 4.8 inch (12.2cm) screen, an increase on the 4.3 inch screen of its predecessor, and much bigger than the 3.5in display on the iPhone 4S. This makes it one of the largest screens on smartphones ever.

The phone has a mix of intelligent camera app features and face recognition technology that ensures that the phone never goes dim or lock so long as the owner is

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Let's give a chance to SIM card registration

BY BONNIE ONUKWUBE

GUEST COLUMNIST

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HE advantage of SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration has been severally canvassed in many quarters. Whenever SIM card registration is mentioned, my mind goes to the idea about how this will help Nigeria track different types of criminals who seize the opportunity of undocumented use of SIM card in Nigeria to their advantage.

In a country where security is a major concern, SIM card registration becomes important but how do you tackle this without any known records in the country that could be relied upon to crosscheck or verify data, even when criminals are caught? As the idea of mobile money transfer and cashless society creeps into our environment, it cannot be imagined how this can become possible without reliable records. Talks by various agencies about biometric data capture in the scheme of their activities have not provided the nation with a reliable database for multiple use, especially that of accurate citizen data.

This is why it would appear that SIM Card registration currently being handled by the telecom regulator, NCC, may hold the key to unlocking the huge benefits that Nigeria is seeking to tap from accurate citizen data. After reading the recent submissions of the NCC by its chief executive, Dr. Eugene Juwah, at the recent probe of the exercise, one would not but conclude that Nigeria is on the right course. Going by the testimony of the NCC boss at the House of Representatives where he openly staked his integrity and challenged anyone who can prove any misuse of the allocated amount, one would want Nigerians to give the telecom regulator the chance to complete this project

and save the nation the shame and embarrassment of years of unreliable citizen data base.

It is very rare for public officers in Nigeria to stand in front of legislators and stake their reputation on a project. Those familiar with the history of the private sector arm of the nation’s telecom sector would recall the contributions of Juwah as an active foundational actor in those days when the private sector was building capacity and structure both of which precipitated in what is today referred to as ‘telecom revolution’. It is on this note that we should collectively give the commission the chance to complete the SIM card registration process.

Good money is involved and it must be spent judic i o u s l y.

Public institutions here have a reputation of frittering away our collective patrimony. Some critics of the SIM card registration argue that the process is taking too long. While it is evident that SIM card registration would assist in fighting crimes in the country, it is debatable whether it is the only solution to fighting crime. If SIM registration is the only solution, then there would be no crime in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, among others. SIM card registration has taken place in South Africa but the country is still in the throes of crime. Against this background, one would subscribe to the immediate completion of this project to assist security agencies in fighting crime in Nigeria, because at least, it will help to reduce it.

If it will take the NCC another six or more months to give Nigeria a credible citizen database through the SIM card registration process, so be it.

Onukwube, a company executive, writes from Lagos.

If it will take the NCC another six or more months to give Nigeria a credible citizen database through the SIM card registration process, so be it

,

The apps that make Samsung Galaxy S 111 distinctive looking at it. Just to ensure that this app does not fail, a 1.9 megapixel camera was incorporated into the front of the device to track user’s eyes.

The second camera app on the back of the device packs more power at 8 megapixel resolution, making carrying a separate digital camera or camcorder just superfluous.

There is also this new app on this latest Smartphone which makes it even more convenient for phone users to share.

Tagged S-Beam, the app makes it possible for owners of Galaxy S 111 to transfer files, documents, videos and other content from one phone to the other just by placing them side by side.

There is also the Allshare Cast app which lets users see the content of their device in other places.

Another application tagged Allshare allows the owner of a Galaxy S III to play and see the

Voice, to improve on the voice control features on earlier models. The facility can be used to command the phone to play songs, adjust the volume, send text messages or emails and take photographs, among many other features.

No wonder, Head, Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics, Mr Donald Etim,, said, while introducing the new device at the weekend, that the Samsung Galaxy S III is designed to recontent of his device on a larger screen, such as a television screen wirelessly.

The phone also uses what is described as a “natural language user interface” dubbed S

spond intuitively and naturally to human use and interaction, adding that “once again, we are putting the next big thing in the hands of consumers”.

— By Prince Osuagwu

Import duty should relieve local makers of IT products, says CT minister

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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O to ensure that Ni gerian companies and Nigerians participate more meaningfully in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, Information Communication Technology, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson has said that the import duty regime should favour locally manufactured ICT products to encourage local manufacturing which would stimulate employment opportunities and bring about input of local raw materials.

The Minister who spoke on Monday in PortHarcourt at a local content summit with the theme, Ope-rationalizing a development agenda for local content' told the gathering that today in the ICT industry, a number of locally manufactured goods have a finishing cost that is higher than the same imported goods because the duties on components and imported raw materials are higher than duty on finished products.

The local content agenda, according to her was

not only about promoting Nigerian owned companies or Nigerian enterpreneurs but about ensuring that any company that has chosen to do business in Nigeria and for Nigerians (or export) has the commensurate levels of support, incentives to be successful.

At the event organized by the House of Representatives committee on local content, the Minister disclosed that this scenario clearly makes local-

ly manufactured products of the same or even higher quality quite cost uncompetitive.

While ensuring that the import duty regime creates a more competitive environment for local manufacturers to promote patronage of local devices , she said that Nigeria must where necessary mandate the production of goods that can be competitively produced or assembled in Nigeria

“This is incongruous and must be addressed as soon as possible.

According to her, statistics from NOTAP, informed that already in 2012 over N59bn transferred out in purchase and maintenance of software. She said that only 30% of the computers bought by Nigerians in the formal market were locally assembled and none in the gray market were locally assembled.

VISIT: :Michael Dell, Founder/CEO, Dell Inc. and Austin Okere, Founder/ CEO, CWG during Michael’s visit to Nigeria.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 25

26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Migration to chip, PIN card tech reduces fear of fraud in cashless society — UMEANO

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

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S CBN’s cashless society initiative continues to generate fears over poor authentication status and porous security system, the CBN, through its Head of Shared Services, Mr Chidi Umeano, in this interview, said that majority of such fears were taken care of when Nigeria made the giant stride in migrating all its card schemes from magstripe card technology to Chip and Pin based technology.

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N the wake of CBN’s decision to implement cashless society system, a lot of concerns have been expressed over poor awareness and authentication status. Do you think we can go ahead, notwithstanding?

Well, people have said that to me and it is understandable because we are trying to change culture and there is always the usual resistance to change. We are also not unmindful that in terms of infrastructure, we have not achieved100 percent.

But the question is, do we just wait and do nothing?

Do we wait until we finish solving the problem of infrastructure?. In terms of awareness on this policy, it is still a continuous exercise. Don’t also forget that we are using Cashlite Lagos as a test case.

Because we know that if we succeed in Lagos, we will succeed in any part of this country. So most of the things we have done is actually concentrated in Lagos. Most of the TV and IGHT now, Face book’s facial-recognition software can sense who is in your pictures and make tagging suggestions, but what if the social network could further learn behaviors and preferences by reading the Gap sweatshirt you are wearing and seeing that Coca-Cola can in your hand?

Following Facebook’s recent acquisition of facial-recognition software company Face.com for an undisclosed amount of money last week, some users, according to Mashable site have expressed concern that the expansion of this type of technology on the social network could encroach on their privacy rights.

Meanwhile, Facebook has not said what it’s future plans are for Face.com or its technology and would not comment for this story.

Facebook has been using the Israeli startup’s software for about a year and a half, accessing the billions of pictures sitting on its servers to learn the

media advertisements have always be in Lagos.

I think we have actually done a lot in terms of awareness creation. First of all, we started with what we called Stakeholder Engagement Sessions, SES. This is where we meet recognized associations, professional bodies, religious bodies and we actually talk with them, discuss and present to them what we want to do, just to come up with certain positions and decisions. We have also engaged in grassroot sensitization where we have the Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, EEPAN. as consultants. They engage market women and all that sort of people, they do demos of the system to them to drive the point home. We also have a consultant that is involved in mass media campaign, where we have to put a lot of slot on TV, radio etc.

I’m sure we will continue to do this so that the policy can pick up fast. It has to do with people understanding and as time goes on, it will continue to catch on.

Another area that seems to be attracting serious public concern is that of POS and other infrastructure deployment.

People feel that those going to implement this policy are not doing anything to train users, merchants on the usage.

Again, considering the vulnerability of the cashless system, it seems to be a genuine fear that fraudsters can take advantage of the system. Is CBN doing anything to

•Umeano address that?

Let me point out that the deployment of POS is not an initiative from central bank. It is actually an industry initiative. We work with bankers committee, made up of CBN, banks and other financial institutions. However, in terms of deployment of any of these infrastructure and make them run successfully, every hand is on the deck. As we speak today, POS that was barely 2, 000 to 3,000 at the beginning of this year, is now over 100,000 deployed.

You can say that a lot of them have not started operating but the good thing is that they are out there.

We also have a policy to ensure that they work well. We have what is called the Payment Terminal Service Providers,

PTSPs. These are carefully chosen licensed companies that deliver, deploy and maintain and train merchants for the use of the point of sales terminals. We understand that the merchants may not know how to use them or educate users, so what we did was to assign people who go round on daily basis to educate the merchants and ensure that the infrastructure are working well.

In terms of security, everybody is worried and it is a genuine worry. Hackers, miscreants and all that can infiltrate the system, but Nigeria has done what is very marvelous with the migration of all card schemes in this country from magstripe card technology to Chip and pin cards.

By that singular act,

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frauds have been able to reduce by over 90 percent.

We also have the fraud forum which focus is to track fraud in the industry. Today things have been put in place in the banking sector that ensures that if one fraud happens in one banks, it sends signals to other banks to avoid repetition.

These are initiatives being put in place to ensure that the issue of security is tackled. Even from the banks, in terms of managing customer expectations, every bank now has a help desk, in keeping to the cashless initiative.

Also, Central bank has gone further to put in place a new need department with a Director, just to handle customer problems including advocacy, education and all that. It is called consumer protection department. This is just to let you know that we are taking the issue of security very seriously because it is very critical to us.

Now, EPPAN, one of your consultants is holding the EPAYMENT FOR GOVERNMENT SUMMIT in Abuja July 10, which you are in support of, what do you think this forum will achieve?

Well, it is a further enlightenment campaign, particularly to the government. You have reminded me here at the beginning of the interview that people are worried that we have not created enough awareness on this cashless thing. So anything that can help us reach more people and express ourselves on the motives and make more people become aware, we will

support. At every fora, we have tried to sell our ideas and interact with stakeholders. So it is not surprising that CBN is part of all this forum. It is something that is very interesting to us. We use every opportunity we have to explain to people what the policy is all about. What EPPAN is trying to doget the MDAs to start migrating their thinking, actions towards cashless system because it is very critical. We think that with the experience of EPPAN over the years in this business, we will achieve the target of the forum Do you think the few days summit is enough?

It may not be enough, we just started. We will keep building on it. If we do this one successfully, then we can begin to arrange others. It is something that has just started, I’m sure that people need to understand what it is about and our position on the policy.

Judging from the Lagos cashlite pilot system, how can you rate peoples’ acceptance to this cashless thing?

Oh! Of course, it is fast becoming the in-thing.

Everyone is talking about cashless now. Every day, I get a lot of positive reports and we are happy, You know, cashless economy is a whole gamut of process, from mobile payment to movement of money from one POS to another. There are a lot of products that are very good that we have. What people should do is to ask their banks exactly what is the best products and service they may need.

Glo takes virtual Top-up online

BY EMMA ELEBEKE ETERMINED to cre ate a seamless transaction for its teaming subscribers across the globe, Nigeria ’s national telecom operator, Globacom, has introduced its international top up cards in over 400,000 outlets in the UK , United States and Canada via online.

This will make it possible for all Glo subscribers to recharge instantly when roaming abroad or receive instant airtime from friends and family overseas.

With this development, the Nigerian in diaspora can now get instant access to Glo International Mobile Top Up cards through Glo’s expansive retail distribution network in these countries.

According to the company, Top-ups can be bought at POS terminals, retail stores and online through the TransferTo website

D Facebook facial recognition acquisition raises privacy issues faces of you and your friends.

The acquisition which is rumored to cost $60 million won’t even close for a few weeks. But because Facebook’s rapid user growth has slowed due to so many people joining the site in recent years, it needs to boost engagement in other ways.

“Whether the acquisition is to increase the use of facial-recognition software on the site or is just a financial move that makes more sense, it’s unclear at this point,” Chester Wisniewski, a senior security adviser for

security firm Sophos, told Mashable, adding that, “But it certainly raises security concerns for many who feel uncomfortable knowing that Facebook is analyzing their images.

“It’s also possible that this could open up doors for advertisers to target users in new ways based on what they are doing in pictures,” Wisniewski said. ” In the meantime, some users might exercise more caution with how they upload pictures.

“It’s hard to keep track of all of the privacy settings on Facebook and

people want to feel secure when posting personal information, so users may find themselves sharing less on the site,” Wisniewski said. “The recent news that LinkedIn passwords were compromised helped people realize that just because it’s a big company doesn’t mean that data is safe.”

There isn’t a privacy setting to prevent Facebook from collecting facial-recognition data from right now, but you can opt out of the site auto-suggesting whether or not you may be in pictures.

which instantly transfers credit directly to the phones of the specified beneficiary or subscriber.

Speaking about the development, Globacom’s Executive Director, Adewale Sangowawa said that the enhanced access to Glo’s top-up cards will further help improve the connection between Nigerians in the Diaspora and their loved ones at home to whom they can send international airtime top–ups by visiting any of the thousands of partner retail outlets across Europe and North America.

“We are also particularly excited that Glo subscribers who are roaming abroad can now easily pick up topup cards and recharge their phones, thereby staying connected to business associates, family and friends both at home and abroad.

All they need to do is to buy the cards at the nearest retail store or recharge online."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 27

C M Y K

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Ozil warns Germany M esut Ozil has warned his Germany teammates against complacency and urged them to focus on

overcoming Italy for the first time at a major tournament.

The 23-year-old maintains that his focus is not on a rematch of the Euro 2008 final,

which saw die Mannschaft lose 1-0 to Spain, and insists that beating Italy should be the only thought in his mind.

Germany have failed to beat the Azzuri in seven previous tournament meetings, and the Real Madrid star feels the result is not a formality, despite Joachim Low’s side going into the match clear favourites.

“It would be wrong for me to say Germany against Spain would be a ‘dream final’,” Ozil told reporters. “There are four teams in the semi-finals and we need to make the next step, which also applies to Spain.

“We’re fully concentrated on Italy and Italy only, and only then will we see who we play against. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter

whether it’s Spain or Portugal, does it?

“Italy are very strong, they are technically superbly organised. If we play to our full potential then we’ll come up winners.”

Germany enjoyed two extra days of rest than the Italians, but Ozil was quick to put a stop to any suggestions that Prandelli’s side won’t be fully prepared.

“The Italians will have enough of a break,” he added.

“They are the surprise package of the tournament. Even against the reigning world champions, Spain, they had a fantastic game in the group stages.

“They ’re absolutely there where they rightly belong.”

Balotelli in bust-up with De Rossi

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squabble between Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi during Italy’s Euro 2012 win over England was about to get out of hand before Antonio Cassano interfered and split up the two arguing players, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The heated argument between the duo was sparked in the first half when De Rossi lashed out at Balotelli after the latter misplaced a cross, with the Manchester City star reacting angrily to the midfielder’s comments.

The discussion then continued in the dressing room at half-time, and Cassano’s interference was eventually needed to prevent

the situation from getting out of hand.

Tension between De Rossi and Balotelli had supposedly surfaced following the prematch press conference, when the R o m a midfielder referred to his colleague as ‘Little Mario’, much to the annoyance of the forward.

Italy resume m a t c h action o n Thursday when they take on Germany in Warsaw in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Xavi expects f Portugal tie

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AVI HERNANDEZ claims Spai Cristiano Ronaldo if they are major final at the expense of Po Euro 2012 semi-final in Donetsk.

Portugal, eliminated from the 201

winners Spain, will face their Ib neighbours in the Donbass Arena defeating the Czech Republic in the 2012 quarter-finals.

Chiellini trains with Azzurri

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iorgio Chiellini could be fit for Italy ’s Euro 2012 semi-final showdown with Germany after returning to training.

The experienced defender was sidelined for the quarter-final shootout victory over England on Sunday night after picking up a thigh

injury against the Republic of Ireland during the group stages.

However, Chiellini has been making good progress and joined the rest of Cesare Prandelli’s squad for a training session the following morning, sparking hopes that the Juventus centre-back could be reinstated for the crunch encounter against the Germans in Warsaw on Thursday night.

The 27-year-old’s return will

provide a welcome boost for Prandelli, who is already without defender Christian Maggio through suspension, while midfielder Daniel De Rossi and right-back Ignazio Abate are both considered doubtful with injury.

Chiellini is one of the Azzurri’s most capped players at the tournament and started all three of their Group B games against Spain, Croatia and Ireland, where he was forced off in the second half with a thigh strain.

Real Madrid forward Ronaldo scored the winning goal in Warsaw after dominating the tie, having also carried the Portuguese to victory in their final group game against Holland.

But despite Ronaldo’s stellar performances so far this tournament, Spain midfielder Xavi insists that the Portuguese are not solely reliant on the f o r m e r Manchester United player.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 29

I will knock out Spain—Ronaldo C

fiery

in must overcome more than to reach a third successive ortugal in tomorrow night’s

10 World Cup by eventual erian after Euro

RISTIANO RONALDO has vowed to lead Portugal to victory over Spain and to their second Euro final in eight years.

The Real Madrid superstar also taunted the reigning champions after Spain complained Portugal have had two more days rest ahead of today’s semi-final.

Ron snapped: “Three days’ rest is more than enough.

“The Spaniards claimed having two fewer days is a disadvantage but, as a professional, I believe it’s not an important fact.”

The former Manchester United ace believes underdogs Portugal will dump the European Championship favourites out of the tournament.

He said: “I don’t feel pressure playing against Spain. These games are part of my life.

“I have spent 10 years playing these type of games for club and country and I have to be accustomed to it. “ I feel responsibility, yes. But pressure, no. It’s beautiful for Portugal to be able to reach another final, it will be difficult but we are only one step away.

“We have done great work to get here not only in the finals but also in the qualifiers.”

Ronaldo netted both of Portugal’s goals i n their 2-1 group stage win over Holland and then grabbed the quarterfinal winner against the Czech Republic on Thursday with a diving header.

Alonso in defiant mood for Portugal X abi Alonso insists Spain “ won’t change our style” for what the

Man dies watching every Euro game

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Chinese football fan died after going 11 nights without sleep as he tried to watch every single kick of the ball of Euro 2012.

Jiang Xiaoshan, said to be supporting England and France in the tournament, died of exhaustion on Tuesday morning.

Because of the time difference, he reportedly stayed up each night with friends and then went to work the following day.

Tragic: A Chinese football fan

died after the Ireland v Italy match after going 11 nights without sleep as he tried to watch every single kick of the ball of Euro 2012 Following the Ireland versus Italy match, Sina.com said he went back to his Changsha home at 5am on Tuesday, had a shower, fell asleep and never woke up.

Friends said the news of his death came as a shock, as he lived a ‘relatively healthy life’, and had played football for his university team just a couple of years before.

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need Bastian,” Loew told reporters on Tuesday.

“He is an emotional leader for us. He has matured unbelievably in the last three years or so. I think it is important for our team when Bastian Schweinsteiger is there.”

The holding midfielder, who started all three group games and the quarter-final, has said he would not object to sitting on the bench after criticising his own performance so far.

Germany have won their last 15 competitive games and are chasing their first trophy since

Maradona backs Germany for glory

UEFA opens racism cases against Spain, Schweinsteiger v Pirlo Russia Loew backs ward to shine

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EFA said today that it had opened d i s c i p l i n a r y proceedings against Spain and Russia for racist behaviour and chanting by their fans during Euro 2012.

The first case against the Spanish Football Federation concerns La Roja’s opening Group C game against Italy on June 10, after which it was claimed that a section of Spanish supporters racially abused striker Mario Balotelli The second case against the Russian Football Union relates to the country’s first Group A game against the Czech Republic on June 8, following which it was claimed that defender Theodor Gebre Selassie was taunted with racial slurs.

iego Maradona believes Germany can finally triumph over Italy when the two sides meet on Thursday in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Italy have had the upper hand in recent encounters against the Germans, most memorably beating them on their own patch in Dortmund at the 2006 World Cup. Despite this, Maradona believes Germany’s new generation of young goalscoring midfielders will allow them to beat their old rivals and is of the opinion that they are favourites to win the tournament.

“Germany’s young superstars (Mesut) Oezil, (Sami) Khedira and (Thomas) Mueller have matured over these years and it shows,” Maradona wrote in The Times of India.

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ermany midfielder B a s t i a n Schweinsteiger can expect to start in their Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy on Thursday after receiving a glowing endorsement from coach Joachim Loew despite nursing a nagging ankle injury.

Schweinsteiger, who was sidelined for a couple of days before returning to training on Monday, has yet to peak in this tournament after being hampered by the injury picked up earlier in the year and has struggled with his movement and speed.

“Obviously he can do things better than against Greece (in the 4-2 quarter-final win) but we

midfielder describes as an “intense” semi-final meeting with neighbours Portugal in Donetsk today “The four sides who have reached the semis are excellent,” said Alonso.

“They’ve performed well to get this far and the games have been really entertaining which is good for the tournament.

The best thing is that each of the remaining teams wants to win the ball, dominate possession and to use it to attack. We all deserve to have come this far.”

All but one of Alonso’s 15 international goals have come since Vicente del Bosque took the reins in 2008, something partially explained by his partnership with FC Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets in the centre of midfield. “Busi has my back; he allows me to venture forward significantly more than I’m entitled to do with my club,” the 30-year-old explained.

That three of Paulo Bento’s key men – Ronaldo, Pepe and Fábio Coentrão – share a club changing room with Alonso at Real Madrid CF also entitles him to run the rule over his team’s next opponents, Portugal, who Spain eliminated from the FIFA World Cup two years ago. Although Alonso says there “have not been great changes” in the two squads since South Africa, he fully expects a game “as intense as Italy v England”.

Alonso, however, is adamant that Spain will not alter their style for Portugal, not even to account for the threat of Ronaldo.

1996.

“Bastian has the stamina needed. Maybe he was lacking a bit of mobility against Greece but it is extremely important for us when Bastian is on the pitch.”

“He is as confident as we need him to be,” said Loew.

30—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

CISCO sees internet as shopping tool

BY EMMA ELEBEKE new research con ducted into crosschannel shopping demands by the Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group, CIBSG, has revealed how new technology solutions and approach to win customers and capture their wallet looking at how consumers prefer to shop when it comes to online shopping.

The findings of the study was unveiled at a tele- press conference by the Director, Retail/Consumer Packaged Goods Practice, CIBSG, Ms Lisa Fretwell, with journalist in the Middle-East and Africa focused on some of the on-line shopping trends and practices emerging worldwide as the on-line shopping trend takes on even in

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A cross section of students of Corona Secondary School, Agbara listening to lectures during its Health Safety and Environmental Day entitled “Green Economy” at the weekend.

developing countries.

Fretwell said for retailer to succeed in this challenging market, he must address three critical new challenges that have emerged as a result of trends such as the need to ‘catch’ consumers as they search for products, prices, and shopping ideas; ‘keep’ shoppers connected to your brand as they use various devices (PCs, smartphones, tablets, in-store screens) to bounce between different channels like store, online; and entice customers with experiences that could motivate them to buy and buy more.

“As the internet becomes an integral part of our daily lives throughout the globe, consumers are increasingly choosing to opt for the internet as a shop-

Lottery commission reads riot act to GSM firms, others Continues from Page 23 short-changing Nigerians.

Speaking on the MTN promo, where 100 Hyundai brand new Jeeps will be won in 100 days, Uwadiae said the commission had to physically visit the Hyundai warehouse in Lekki, Lagos to see the cars for itself and collected the

MTN Foundation commissions HIV/AIDS centre

BY EMMA ELEBEKE S part of efforts to stem HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, MTN Foundation last week commissioned a Youth Friendly Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye.

The centre according to MTN, will increase access to HIV counselling and testing within the university community which will go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease.

Director, MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, said that the centre will make it possible for youths and adults to check their HIV status and be counseled in a friendly and conducive environment,” said Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. John Idoko, who was present at the commissioning, applauded the Foundation for its kind gesture. “It is very thoughtful of MTN Foundation to provide such a centre as this to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. With the help of care educators, the prevalence of the disease can be reduced and managed properly.”

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engine and chassis numbers of the cars in order to ensure that winners get exactly what was advertised by MTN. “We are on top of the game just to ensure transparency and accountability and we are in a better position to detect fraud if there is any. We owe Nigerians a duty to ensure that all

HE scope and magni tude of these challenges, opportunities and risks calls for ‘The eKnowledge Initiative’ (eKI) are deeply challenging. The ultimate goal is to establish a “Knowledge Commission” (KC) immediately ensuring a proactive drive for ‘IT for all’ by 2015. Recognising Information and Communications Technology to be the new frontier of knowledge, and also a critical enabling tool for assimilating, processing and producing valuable and wealth-based output for all other spheres of knowledge, the National Assembly should establish a “Knowledge Commission” (KC) as a strategic imperative to accelerate ereasoning and the development of IT capacities and accrued benefits to the nation.

‘The e-Knowledge Initiative’: The aim of this national IT emergency campaign is to empower all Nigerians by delivering nationwide (statewide and LGA-wide) computer skill literacy and in particular to special IT projects and diffuse the application and use of computers and IT in the civil service and education sector in particular and the nation in general.

When the Knowledge Commission is established by enactment of an Act in the Senate, the con-

promos are transparent and free from fraud. We monitor promos, draws, and prize presentations to ensure that things are done in their proper ways,” Uwadiae said, while calling on Nigerians to believe in promo games, as the commission was out to sanitise the industry.

Uwadiae who ex-

plained that since the monitoring of promos by the lottery commission, there had been no traces of fraud, frowned at the allegations by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which claimed there were perceived fraud in telecoms promo.

“I want to believe that the students were either

misinformed or that they were acting in ignorance because we have been monitoring all telecoms promos in the country and our interest is in protecting consumers and ensuring that winners get the actual winning prizes as advertised by the telecoms operators,” Uwadiae said, while addressing journalists.

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Flame worm and national software strategy (2) cept of ‘Operation National e-Knowledge’ shall be developed into a comprehensive strategy within the next three months.

IT State of Emergency White Paper: Meanwhile, and as a matter of utmost urgency, the Sen-

fected computer network at any time, Gostev said.

So far, the spread of the Flame malware has been relatively small — less than 400 infections have been reported, about half of them coming from Iran, according to Kaspersky

Today it is the Middle East that is being smoked out of the eSuper Highway. Tomorrow, it maybe the turn of Africa/Nigeria to smell the pepper…… ate should declare the national ICT environment and Nigeria’s e-readiness status, a state of emergency – desirous of special resource and budgetary intervention to spur the top-priority initiatives which require immediate implementation.

Back to Flame. The malware can also hide inside seemingly harmless programmes and can create “backdoors” that enable hackers to re-enter the in-

Lab. Researchers say there does not appear to be any pattern to the organizations targeted. The malware infected computers belonging to government agencies, private companies, educational institutions and specific individuals. Many victims appear to have been targeted for their personal activities, rather than where they worked, according to researchers at the security firm,

Symantec.

The malware sends the stolen data to “command and control” servers being controlled by hackers in perhaps dozens of countries, researchers say. It can run on Microsoft Winds XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 systems, the security firm McAfee says.

According to Iran’s Computer Emergency Response Team, antivirus software cannot detect the Flame malware on a victim’s computer. The agency said it had created a tool to detect the malware and is sending out another tool to remove it from infected computers.

Experts say Flame is similar to Stuxnet and Duqu — two well-known malicious computer programs — because all three were based in the Middle East and targeted specific software vulnerabilities. Stuxnet is a complex computer worm that damaged Iran’s nu-

ping tool to gain competitive prices. Everything is becoming available to purchase at our finger tips and be delivered to our doorsteps with just click of a bottom with sites like Amazon, EBay and lastminute.com now competing with leading retail outlets. All of the most popular and well known retailers now have an online presence,” said Fretwell.

She explained that the multiplicity of internet usage, personal technology adoption and e-commerce growth have produced a new consumer behavior that is today referred to as ‘cross-channel shopping.

“In this environment, consumers hop from one channel to another throughout the shopping journey looking for the best deal. For retailers, cross-channel shopping demands a new approach to win customers and capture wallet share. Today, we will learn more about the “Catch ‘Em and Keep ‘Em” concept and get insights into how retailers can revitalize their stores in this new cross-channel world,” she added.

She said the retail industry exemplifies the maxim, ‘change is constant.’ clear centrifuges in 2009 and 2010 by causing them to spin out of control. Experts deem it to be the most sophisticated cyberweapon ever created. The creators of Stuxnet remain unknown, though many have speculated it was designed by Israel and the United States. Duqu, which is believed to have been written by the same authors, was designed to spy on users in Middle Eastern countries by logging their keystrokes and stealing their computer files. It was intended to lay the groundwork for a cyberattack against an industrial control system, according to Symantec.

Today it is the Middle East that is being smoked out of the e-Super Highway. Tomorrow — which may be trillions of nanoseconds away — it maybe the turn of Africa/Nigeria to smell the pepper……no Hell! But there is still hope. And our only hope this century is the innovation and mastery of world-class software creativity at all levels. And indeed, there are strong indications that Nigeria will get it right this century.

CONCLUDED. Chris Uwaje is the CEO of Connect Technologies and President of Institute of Software practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON).

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—31

Harris Broadcasting up for sale

BY PAUL MCLANE

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O Harris has put its broadcast communications operation up for sale. Look for lots of speculation about who will take that business

on, as well as questions about what the sale says about the industry.

Who will step up to buy?

What price will Harris get? We’ll see. But certainly, given the deep roots of Harris in the

broadcast community, this marks the end of a chapter in broadcast technology.

While I can’t say I saw the decision to sell coming at this time, I was not really taken aback. Any-

INVESTITURE: From left: Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs, NCC; Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, former EVC of NCC; Mr. Reuben Muoka, Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC during the investiture of Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu (former President of ATCON) as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, took place at the University of Lagos, last weekend.

one in broadcast tech who has been paying attention knows that the big parent company had many priorities and that broadcast seemed to take a lower profile than in the past. Harris sold off its distributor business (the old Allied part of the company) five years ago, and in 2011 it realigned its structure so that broadcast became part of something called integrated Network Solutions.

From my perspective, reading Harris quarterly financial reports and talking to industry insiders, the company hungering as all public companies do for consistent growth and investor returns — has been challenged by the relatively mature yet volatile commercial broadcast manufacturing sector, particularly when compared to the government businesses on which Harris relies. Nor is Harris alone in this challenge

among transmitter companies; but the company’s size tends to pull the spotlight toward itself.

So the development is understandable. Nevertheless, the news hit a lot of industry folks with a jolt today.

Harris entered the TV transmitter market in 1969. It would later acquire Allied Broadcast Equipment Corp., Intraplex and Pacific Research & Engineering (PR&E) an iconic name in consoles. Later acquisitions included TVT, part of Midwest Communications Corp., it is, Louth Automation, Hirschmann Multimedia Communications Network, Question d’Image, Encoda Systems, Leitch Technology Corps, Aastra Digital Video, Optimal Solutions Inc. and Zandar Technologies.

My experience that companies tend not to exit industries they feel are strong and growing,

so the question also arises whether the broadcast transmission and studio market in general is still worth investing in.

I believe the answer is yes, given the sweeping changes and opportunities that continue to affect all media. But I’m also aware of challenges facing some other transmitter and studio manufacturers, and I know that the answer about the health of the industry would vary for any given company and in any given circumstance.

Perhaps we are coming into a period of greater volatility among familiar broadcast brands. That’s speculation on my part.

What is not speculation is that, more than ever, well-run, solid suppliers are vital to the successful growth of broadcasting companies.

In their search for a buyer I wish Harris and its employees well, as I do all companies that support our industry with investment in infrastructure and employment. I hope that the company finds a buyer that is not only strong and savvy but committed to our historically rich, ever-evolving broadcast technology marketplace.

Paul McLane is US Editor-in-Chief of Radio World.

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA & RITA OBODOECHINA NTIL 2004, Nigeria had operated particularly in the public sector, a Defined Benefit (DB) pension scheme, which was largely unfunded and non-contributory. The system was also referred to as a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) scheme since retirees were to be supported not by their previous contributions but by annual budgetary provisions. Because it was largely unfunded, the DB system led to massive accumulation of pension debt, estimated at over one trillion naira. In response to the telling effects of this system on the lives of our senior citizens and their families, the Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo took measures aimed at reversing the situation by developing a sustainable system with the capacity to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a stable, predictable and adequate source of retirement income for each participant.

With the coming into force in July 2004 of the Pension Reform Act 2004, a new pension scheme was established to replace the previous DB scheme.

The new scheme, known as the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which, as the name suggests is contributory in nature, is mandatory for every employee in the Federal Public Service (including employees of the Federal Capital Territory) and employees in all Private Sector organisations. Employers are expected to deduct 7.5% of the employee’s total emolument and also provide a counterpart funding of 7.5% to be remitted into a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) which the employee is expected to open with any Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) of his choice. This makes up a minimum of 15% to be paid into the employee’s RSA. However both the employer and the employee may opt to fund the RSA above the mandatory minimum of 15%. Employers may also opt to bear more than half of the mandatory minimum of 15%. Private Sector organisations with less than 5 employees are however not mandated to adopt the scheme but may elect to do so. This system has a number of features which has made it an increasingly vital component of the pension systems of many countries not only in the Organisation of Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) countries but also amongst the developing countries particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Old Scheme Vs New Scheme nder the old scheme no contributions were made, and projections were required to be made of the pension entitlements of each employee by the employer, with such projections being determined by the employee’s years of service and earnings. Thus, the pension

BRIEF

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HE NSW Government will open up the workers’ compensation market to new insurers and reduce benefits earlier under legislation passed through the State Parliament last week.

The dramatic changes to the state’s WorkCover regulations will re-open the market to specialised insurers who target particular groups of employers.

A WorkCover “independent review officer ” will be appointed to deal with complaints about insurers and to review their decisions on work capacity.

The NSW Government has amended the Workers’ Compensation Act after accepting most of the recommendations of a joint parliamentary select committee earlier this month.

But to get the legislation through Parliament last week it had to abandon a plan to stop covering claims for all journeys to and from work.

The Government says the reforms will address WorkCover’s $4 billion deficit while improving care for the most disabled workers.

WorkCover lawyers and opposition parties have condemned the changes, and unionists protested outside Parliament last week when the amendment bill was being debated.

Benefits will start reducing at week 13, rather than week 26, under the amendments. Payments after 130 weeks will only be made to people who are totally incapacitated or who are partially incapacitated and have returned to work for at least 15 hours a week. Previously there was no time limit.

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From right: Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, Commercial Director, Honeywell Superfine Foods Limited; Miss Lilian Ogbuefi, One-Day Governor of Lagos State; Mr Sola Abati, Marketing Manager, HSFL and Mr. Bolaji Fakayode, Finance Controller during a courtesy visit of the One-day Governor to Honeywell Superfine Foods Limited, in Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Towards a World-Class Pension Scheme in Nigeria obligations were effectively the debt obligation of the employer, which assumes the risk of insufficient funds to satisfy the contractual obligations to retired employees. In contrast, under the CPS, the employer is responsible only for making specific contributions on behalf of employees. However, the employer does not guarantee any certain amount upon retirement as he is no longer indebted to the employee. Payments to employees upon retirement will depend on age, gender, RSA value and final salary.

The new scheme allows for the maintenance of a RSA by each employee, which gives the workers responsibility over their retirement savings. Pensioners are no longer at the mercy of employer, and are assured of regular payment of retirement benefits. It is also argued that personal accounts would provide all workers a higher rate of return than can be paid under the DB plan. The new scheme also affords employees an opportunity to pass wealth to survivors in the event of death. In addition, RSAs maintained by millions of workers generate a huge pool of long-term funds, which are available for investment. Owing to economies of scale, the cost of investing such funds tends to be relatively lower than if an individual employee were to undertake the investment on his or her own account. Finally, having a pension scheme that pays out benefits in the form of a life annuity/programmed withdrawal affords workers protection against longevity risk, by pooling mortality risk across others.

For both the employer and the

employee, the new scheme encourages labour market flexibility. The worker is free to move with his account as he/ she moves to another place of employment and/or residence.

To the extent that the CPS aids mobility of labour, it is an important tool enabling employees and employers to adapt to changing circumstances, espe-

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NSW to cut WorkCover benefits

The new scheme allows for the maintenance of a RSA by each employee, which gives the workers responsibility over their retirement savings.

Pensioners are no longer at the mercy of employer, and are assured of regular payment of retirement benefits

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cially in a global environment where change is a constant aspect of social and economic life.

Government & the new scheme As a major stakeholder, the government is expected to benefit in a number of ways from the new CPS. The Scheme has stemmed further growth of pension obligations and provided a platform for addressing the existing liability. It has also imposed fiscal discipline in the budgetary process because pension obligations are more accurately determined. Apart from the new scheme’s potential to promote national savings and by implication,

economic growth, funded pension schemes have the capacity to promote capital market development as well as general economic reforms. A key area in which the government would benefit from the CPS is through the scheme’s ability to support the overall macroeconomic policies of reform. he last two decades have witnessed a growing support for the idea that enterprises are better run by private individuals and the role of government should be limited to providing a conducive regulatory and institutional framework that would enable the private sector to thrive. Many countries around the world have adopted privatization as an avenue for reform and have often employed a CPS to support the process. A CPS tends to facilitate such reforms better than a DB scheme. Contributory Pension Schemes have the potential to generate positive economic externalities, including the promotion of deeper, more competitive, and more liquid financial markets.

Challenges Pension contribution evasion poses a major challenge to the success of the CPS since it influences the adequacy of benefit payments to participants.

There are a number of ways in which employers may evade contributions: they might fail to register themselves and some or all of their employees; they might portray their workers as contractors, family members or belonging to other categories that could be considered as non-workers; they might fail to contribute, or decide to embark on late remittance of contribution.

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Market reforms under scrutiny EDERATED Investors president and CEO J. Christopher Donahue Wednesday accused regulators of demonizing the $2.6-trillion money market fund industry, saying additional rules being considered by the federal government would kill a critical element of financial markets.

Mr. Donahue made the comments at an industry conference at the Westin Convention Center hotel. He is scheduled to testify this morning at a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing on money market reforms.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is considering proposals that would allow the value of money market shares to float instead of remaining steady at $1 per share. The agency also is considering putting curbs on redemptions to prevent a run on money market funds and imposing tougher capital requirements.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012–33

Tricontinental Group, NACC convene summit to boost Transport sector STORIES BY RINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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N strengthening the bi-lateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the United States, Tricontinental Group in partnership with the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) have agreed to convene a Business investment summit boost the Nigerian transportation sector.

The summit which will involve the Nigerian Embassy in Washington and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry hold between August 21 – 22, 2012 in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The Summit which also has the theme: ‘Nigerian Transportation Systems’ will highlight the key sectors and sub sectors in the transportation industry, viz: Aviation, Automobile and Public Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n , Agricultural and Heavy Duty Vehicles, Marines, Military Transportation, Pipelines, Rail, Roads, Transportation Security and other Miscellaneous Transportation will form the carnel of discussion during the plenary sessions.

Chief Olabintan Famutimi, Chairman, Tricontinental Group, while stating the objectives of the Summit said that it’s basically to help businesses in Nigeria and by extension help the country as well. “ We all know that the country cannot grow without foreign investments, and despite

the fact that we have many comparative advantages, it is still a herculean task convincing investors to come into the country, not because they don’t want to come, but because of the negative information being disseminated about Nigeria, so the Summit presents an opportunity to showcase the limitless potentials that exist in doing business in Nigeria from people who have done businesses here and got a good return on their investments”. He stated.

Also, part of the objectives of the Summit is to help the government in its transformation agenda by highlighting transportation as a major area because there is no aspect of transportation one looks at in Nigeria that is not crying for help.

Speakers expected at the Summit include state governors, top g o v e r n m e n t functionaries, government agencies, captains of industry and specialists in the transportation sector.

Euro Global introduces Czar Ice into Nigerian market …rewards dealers URO Global Foods and Distilleries Limited said it has expanded its product line with the introduction of Czar Ice drink into the Nigerian market.

The new product, a spirit mixed drink blended with lemon flavour is packaged in a 330ml bottle.

Speaking, Mr. Felix Aighobahi, Director Sales, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited said, “Czar Ice is a drink for adults who appreciate quality and love to express their individuality and passion. We are confident that the product’s superior quality will not only make it an instant hit with discerning Nigerians but will also cause them to redefine their quality expectations.”

Continuing, Aighobahi

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said, “We are putting in more distribution arrangements to ensure that Czar Ice is available in major markets, clubs and bars across the country. The product represents the best of our distilled products and we will support it with the right marketing activities to make it very popular.”

Packaged in the company ’s factory in Ota, Ogun State, Czar Ice is triple-filtered and distilled to create a uniquely flavoured drink.

The Czar Ice unveiling was done at the 2012 Euro Global Dealers’ Awards event in Lagos where distributors were rewarded for their excellent contributions to the company sales. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilayo of Funmilayo Stores, in Badagry, Lagos State.

P&G’s Pampers fetes consumers ROCTER & Gamble, makers of Pampers premium care diapers hosted winners of the Pampers Premium Care 5 star memorable moments contest to a one day spa treatment in Lagos.

In an interview, Mr. Cletus Onyebuaha, Brand Manager, Baby & Oral Care, Procter & Gamble, appreciated the mothers for their unflinching support for the brand, and most especially, for giving the best diaper care to their babies.

According to him, “Pampers Premium Care was introduced as a result of fresh insights by dermatologists that babies’ skin requires extra

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special protection in the diaper area because their skin is subject to very specific demands, compared to the skin of older children or adults. This is due to exposure from external irritants.” While outlining the features of the diaper, Onyebuaha re-iterated that its fivestar features make it a perfect diaper for skin that feels everything so intensely.

Onyebuaha stressed the company’s commitment to assisting mothers’ help their babies have high quality skin protection, adding that, by selecting a good quality diaper that offers high quality skin

protection, mothers can nurture a most vital asset essential to babies’ experiences of the world around them and important to their unique and special bond.

On why the company decided to honour mothers, Miss Ngozi Coker, Brand Public Relations Manager, Procter & Gamble, said, “at P&G we recognise the fact that mothers are the key primary care givers in the home. By honouring mothers across Nigeria as we have done with Pampers Premium Care Memorable Moments, we are keeping with our purpose which is to touch and improve the lives of our consumers.”

34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Unity Bank holds national promo draw

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH NITY Bank Plc has an nounced plans to hold its first National draw on Saturday, on the ongoing ‘AIM, SAVE & WIN’ promotion.

The draw, which will hold on the 30th of June 2012 in Abuja, is targeted at costumers from various regions across the country, with a lucky winner going home with the star prize of a brand new car as well as consolation prizes such as Generators, Mobile phones, School Bags, Bicycles and Refrigerator for other winners.

Head communications, Unity Bank, Mr. Ndu Eke said that the promo is aimed at rewarding customers whose patronage has supported the growth of the bank over the years and to instill saving culture in every Nigerian.

Ndu said, “It is the only way we can secure our future. What one can achieve with money well saved cannot be overemphasized. We would like to use this opportunity to assure all our customers that this promotion has come to stay and we will ensure that transparency is the order of the day as long as the promo last.

“To ensure integrity and transparency during the national draw, we have invited representatives of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) as well as Lottery Board to witness the proceeding during the draw and also to participate in the operation of the draw” he disclosed.

It would be recalled that over 160 winners emerged in the Bank’s first zonal draws of the promo which was held in five zones across the country on Saturday May 26, 2012, where lucky winners from each zone went home with star prize of motorcycles (popularly called Okada) as well as other consolation prizes such as 32” Plasma TV, Generating Set, Refrigerator, Bicycles and Mobile Phones.

For a customer to qualify for the promo draws, existing account holders only need to maintain a minimum balance of N5, 000.00, N75, 000.00 or N150, 000.00 as the case may be in each saving category to stand a chance of winning any one of the star prize. No documentation is required.

New customers, however, will require opening a Unity Bank Saving Account and starting maintaining the minimum balance in each category.

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From left: Group Head, E-Channels, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Chuks Iku; Executive Director, South South, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong; and Executive Director, Commercial Banking/Public Sector, Mr. Gbenga Ademulegun, at the Skye Visa London Olympics promotion’s raffle draw, in Lagos.

Sterling Bank sacks 400 workers TERLING Bank Plc has sacked 400 workers in a systematic mass retrenchment aimed at reducing overhead cost.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, investigation showed that 97 per cent of the retrenched workers were former staff of Equatorial Trust Bank Ltd. acquired by Sterling.

A source close to the bank said that the mass sack, which started about three weeks ago would also affect another 150 workers because of the consolidation of the two banks.

He said that workers were thrown into the nation’s saturated labour market with only three months’ salary as severance package.

An Executive Management staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the retrenchment was their best option toward sustainable growth and return to profitability.

He said that the workers were only victims of the economy, adding that they had to relieve them of their jobs to grow the bank.

NAN recalls that Mr Yemi Adeola, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank had at a recent annual general meeting, said that the business combination with former ETB had improved its scale and size.

Adeola said that the combination allowed the bank to leverage on the unique strengths of both banks to consolidate on overall market position.

According to him, 2012 would be another challenging operating year following current difficult global and local macro economic conditions.

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“We see clear opportunities for reducing the bank’s costto-income ratio and increase revenues as the improved economic of scale arising from the business combination with ETB kick in,’’ Adeola said.

Meanwhile, Sterling Bank before the business combination grew its gross earnings by 49 per cent to N45.2 billion in 2011 compared with N30.4 billion in 2010.

The operating income in the

period under review increased by 32 per cent to N27 billion from N20.4 billion in 2010.

Profit after tax increased by 11 per cent to N4.6 billion as against N4.2 billion in 2010

ICAN tasks new members on integrity

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH HE Institute of Char tered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called on its new members to uphold the virtues of integrity in t he discharge of their duties.

President of the Institute, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi made the call while giving his admission address during the 34 th Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) induction ceremony in Lagos, saying, “let me emphasise that you must make the motto of the institute which is “Accuracy and Integrity ” your guiding principle.”

Owolabi added “as Accounting Technicians, you must strive to perform your duties in accordance with acceptable technical standards irrespective of the sector of the economy in which you are employed. The Accounting Technician is trained to function effectively in both the public and private sectors of the economy. “ You must not tamper with your employer ’s money, temporarily borrow them or use the cash entrusted to your care to settle claims due to you from employers no matter how legitimate.

“Only by observing these

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norms will you be able to contribute to the sustenance of the leadership role of chartered accountants in corporate governance both in the public and the private sectors of our nation.

“The competency you exhibit will convince the public and the organization you serve, that you are truly a professional in your own right. Accordingly, you must continuously strive to add value to your employer.”

He said that disciplinary procedures are now in place for both the old and new members of the AAT. To this end, he said, “Let me at this juncture inform you and all the other older members of the Association present here today that the council of our Institute has constituted the AAT Investigation committee and its disciplinary Tribunal to investigate and try allegations against AAT members. The Tribunal passes judgment on the matters, and where members are found guilty, applies relevant sanctions.

“It therefore pays you to continue to toe the path of honour by observing religiously all the rules contained in the Association’s code of ethics, constitution

and by-laws.

On professional challenge, he said, “ you should also know that with the rapid changes in the business environment and the trend towards the globalization of the profession, the need for you to constantly update your skills cannot be overemphasized.

“It is my hope that you will continuously strive to update your skills through onthe-job and off-the-job training programmes.”

In his keynote address, titled, ‘International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS),’ a member of the Institute, Mr. Emmanuel Adeniji advised the inductees to key into the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as compliance companies no w s e e k f o r graduates with IFRS certificates.

Ade said “IFRS is the convergence of principles based on standards and interpretations that are expected to bring about uniformity in proportion and auditing of companies, this is expected to have significant impact on the firm’s financial position and financial performances.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—35

BY OGBONNA AMADI Entertainment Editor amadi_o@yahoo.com

Fela’s residence to turn museum

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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ollowing the death of the Afro Beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and the abandonment of the house

where he lived till death, the one-storey building is about to be turned into a mu-

seum.

The building located at 18 Gbemisola Stereet, Ikeja, is the same place where the late Afro Beat maestro was buried.

The museum will be named Kalakuta Museum, billed for opening in October this year during the annual Felabration.

Although the museum is yet to be completed however, upon completion, it is expected to have an exhibition area, 5-room boutique hotel, a souvenir shop, a bar and stage and a roof-top restaurant among other facilities.

According to our findings, the house is being turned into a museum to preserve Fela’s history, promote tourism, acquire, display and preserve artifacts, documents and records of the man referenced as well as those of his contemporaries of African ancestry.

Unveiling Awele Chukwuedo

Jim Iyke’s case of fraud thrown out OLLYWOOD top gun, Jim Iyke can now breathe easy knowing he doesn’t have to be back in court again. Case of fraud which has been hanging over him for some time now has been thrown out of court for lack of evidence.

The $100,000 scam case involving him has been thrown out by the court clearing Jim Iyke of any liability. The case which was instituted by one Habiba

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Abubakar was quashed for lack of evidence.

Commenting about the dismissal, Jim said: “Yes it is over. It’s just a business venture and someone in the partnership wanted more because they ’re connected and I won’t back down and they said I fraud them. The judge struck it out and ended the case this week for lack of evidence. We have long resolved out of court.”

Martin Lawrence’s Beverly Hills mansion for rent for N30m per month H

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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EW gospel singers are launched on regular basis, but few have the unique fresh sound, magnetic personality and anointing like Awele Chukwuedo.

This young talent is creating quite a buzz in gospel music industry. Her much awaited album which was released recently is a combination of creativity and brain.

The album, capturing her personal thoughts and emotions is already brewing excitement.

Awele admits she is anxious to see how the album will be received, but confident listeners will surely connect with her lyrics. Her music boasts of a unique infusion of pidgin, local dialect and soul with resounding messages and lessons that motivate and inspire the brokenhearted.

A graduate of Delta State University and University of Ibadan, the rising singer said it gives her joy when she uses her music to impact on the people. Awele sees her music career as a calling. Though she started out as a scriptwriter before she ventured into singing for God, the rising

•Jim Iyke

•Awele singer told E-Daily that her dream is to continue to grow and reach her ultimate goal of being an international gospel singer who will bring comfort and thrills to the hearts, souls and minds of not only Nigerians, but the world at large.

“There was a day I heard a voice saying, ‘I have chosen and approved you’. I didn’t understand the meaning initially, so I ignored the message. But later, the Biblical saying, ‘Many are called but few are chosen’ came to mind and I realised that of the numerous vessels, there are the

chosen ones. I looked up the word, ‘chosen’ in the dictionary and I got the word ‘announced’. I further crosschecked the word ‘announced’ and I got the word ‘approved’. The word was like proof that I had been chosen to sing; and for everything we do in life to be effective, God has to approve it,” Awele enthused. Describing herself as “a good dramatist”, Awele disclosed that she abandoned her scriptwriting trade as soon as she realised that God does not want her to be part of the movie industry.

OLLYWOOD bad boy, M a r t i n Lawrence, who hit the big times for his sterling role in the 80s high school movie “House P a r t y ” alongside the then hot duo Kid n Play has put up his Beverly Hills mansion for rent for about N30m per month.

Reports say the actor saw this as a necessary step after filing for divorce from his wife of two years, Shamicka Gibbs. Martin and Shamicka were together for more than 15 years before tying the knots on July 2010 The joint statement issued by the couple reads: “Out of love and respect for one another we will continue to

•Martin Lawrence remain friends and raise our two beautiful daughters together.”

The 47-year-old comedian was once married to Patricia Southall, with whom he has a daughter.

The house located in Beverly Park community in Beverly Hills boasts 7 bedrooms, 9.5 baths, a wine room, home gym and a state-of-the-art movie theater.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

JUNE 27, 2012

How private guard planned robbery of

By EVELYN USMAN & IFEANYI OKOLIE EREMIAH Angbeye, a pri vate guard with an auto-shop located in Ajah area of Lagos State is presently telling police detectives attached to the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja all he knows about the disappearance of five exotic cars from his company. He is, however, not alone in this deal: eight others allegedly associated with the robbery are equally cooling their heels in police custody while the stolen cars have been recovered at different locations in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with Crime Alert, the 29 year-old Jerry as he is popularly called by friends revealed how he nursed the criminal idea for a year before he finally hatched it after succeeding in co-opting one of his colleagues, two of his siblings and five others.

He admitted, like other arrested suspects, that it was the handiwork of the devil, and blamed it also on his ambition to get rich quick. Hear him: “Yes, I did mastermind the robbery. There is no need to tell lies anymore because I have reached the point of no return. I have been working as a guard for the company for four years without anything to show for it.

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Logistics officer “Then, early last year, I started planning how to steal some of the cars, sell them and make good money. But I did not know how to go about it because it would need more than one person. The first person I sold the idea to was Ugochukwu Justine, a relative of the chairman of the company, who is the logistics officer of the company and he agreed. But our problem was how to get a ready buyer. At that point, I told two of my brothers; Augustine Angbeye and Saviour Angbeye, who promised to get me a buyer. Then one day, one IK Maduka called me on the phone to say that he had found someone in Akwa Ibom who was ready to buy the vehicles for N10million. So, I asked him to come with some drivers on May 19, 2012, which was a Saturday because I would be on night duty.

“At about 5.00 am, Maduka came with the drivers and I opened the gate for them, collected the car keys from where they were kept and gave it to them.

They thereafter, drove five cars comprising two brand new Toyota jeeps; one unit Corrolla 1.8 XLI; one unit Toyota Camry GL and one unit Toyota Camry LE out of the premises.”

Asked if he was the only guard

•The suspects

•Says it took him one whole year to conceive the idea •Police recover five stolen exotic cars on duty, he answered in the affirmative, but disclosed that a policeman was also attached to the company. But while the operation was going on, the policeman ac-

cording to him, was sleeping inside the office allocated to him.

Asked if he drugged the policeman to facilitate the movement of the cars out of the premises, he

shook his head in disagreement.

Management of the company as gathered, got wind of the missing cars on Monday and subsequently alerted the Area ‘J’ Com-

mander, Mr Felix Vwamhi, who reportedly transferred the case to the Special Anti robbery Squad, Ikeja for further investigation.

Meanwhile, back at the auto-

Reign of terror in Delta Community •Group operates in military camouflage

By EMMA AMAIZE

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INCE May 7, 2012, when a terror gang whose members were, more often than not, garbed in military uniforms unleashed a reign of terror on the people of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State, murdering two persons in cold blood and injuring a housewife, peace has taken an inconvenient flight from the once burstling riverside community.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Jonah Obrite told Crime Alert few days ago that “As I speak to you, we are living in fear, the terrorists have threatened to come back and attack the community. People don’t sleep well in the daytime, not to talk of night; there is fear everywhere, we used to enjoy peace, but not any more”.

His apprehension was shared by the Ogbovwudu of Ewu kingdom, High Chief Jonathan Edojakwa, JP, who asserted: “The gang has desecrated Okuama community with blood, we don’t even go to farm any more, our agricultural crops are dying, we travel with fear, as the leader of the terror gang is everywhere with his soldiers to harm us. Our minds are not settled and our people don’t go to market at the neighbouring Okwagbe freely again for fear of being arrested or kidnapped by the gang”.

Another member of the community, Mr. Joseph Okugbaye said: “We have never seen this kind of thing before. We had no quarrel with our neighbour before soldiers were sent to kill our people. We are calling on Delta State government and the Federal Government to come to our rescue”.

Sources said the terror gang is allegedly led by an indigene of Okuama (names withheld), living like an outlaw in the creek. The gang leader was purported to have raped a widow, refused to pay community development levy and molested those sent to collect levy from him.

Company of a private army He was said to be carrying out his activities in the company of a private army.

It was learnt that even after his notoriety was reported to the police at Area Commander’s Office, Ughelli, he defiantly continued with his fear-provoking activities.

But, how could one man cause an entire community such apprehension with the law unable to tame him?

Genesis: Okuama community chairman, Mr. Obrite told Crime Guard that the unnamed gang leader was reprimanded, February, by the community after he buried his wife, a non indigene from Oviri town in Okuama’s land “in violation of our

•Edojakwa J.P tradition.” He was ordered to relocate from his “haven”, an isolated fishing settlement in the creek to live with his kinsmen in the community, but he took umbrage.

He said: “Okuama and Oviri communities have an age long land dispute and if we allowed him to bury his wife, who is from Oviri in our land without saying anything, the people of Oviri will claim that it is their land later because their daughter was buried there.” To enforce the decision on the gang leader to relocate from his isolated home in the creek, the community, which reported the violation of its customs (burial of his wife in Okuama land) to his father, sent some able bodied men to evacuate his property.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 37

auto-shop where he worked Tr e fessional statement led to the arrest of other suspected members of the gang.

Asked what he was doing in Ibadan, Jerry replied: “After the vehicles were moved out of the premises, with Maduka promising to pay me N10million, I waited for three days for the money but did not see him. I then decided to go and hide in Ibadan, hoping he would bring the money there.

•Recovered stolen vehicles

shop, one of the suspects and relative of the company’s chairman, Justine, was still reporting to duty while the alleged mastermind, Jerry bolted away, with the hope to start living his dream. However, that was never to be as Jerry

was reportedly the first person to be arrested.

Jerry, according to spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ngozi Braid, was arrested in Ibadan and his con-

•Mrs. Mary Oghenevware Joshua Incensed by the action of his kinsmen, the terrorist, leading his band, invaded the community. Their first port of call was the community’s town hall, where they attempted to kidnap some of the youth leaders. The youth leader of the town, Mr. Emarehor Joshua, was taken away when his wife, Mrs. Mary Oghenevware Joshua, got wind and dashed out but she was shot in the process. Residents of the community who spoke to Crime Alert said the gang came with soldiers. Two indigenes, Mr. Ojiyovwi Meshack and Mrs. Miriam Resident, were shot dead in the fracas that ensued that day.

Gang used military to attack: In a petition, dated May 24, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, by its counsel, Oghenejabor Ikimi Esq, the community said that while police were handling the matter “the suspects on May 7, 2012, went to the Joint Task Force, JTF, stationed at

My share was supposed to be N3million while others were to share the balance of N7 Million.

But while I was still expecting the money in my hiding place in Ibadan, some men came asking for me. I thought it was Maduka

Okwagbe Inland, wherein the said force again invaded Okuama community this time with two speed boats of armed personnel. They shot sporadically in the said community for about two hours and in the process, one Mrs. Mary Oghenvware Joshua was injured, while Mr. Ojiyovwi Meshack and Mrs. Miriam Resident died. Their bodies lie cold at the mortuary of the General Hospital, OtuJeremi till date”.

Residents relive day of horror: Okuama youth leader, Mr. Joshua, told Crime Alert that he was in the town hall with other youth leaders to mobilize the people for environmental sanitation when the gang, which came with soldiers, started dragging him and his spokesman to the waterside, an incident that attracted other members of the community. It was learnt that as villagers gathered at the town hall to challenge the squad, the invaders moved to the residence of the community chairman, Mr. Obrike and tried to forcefully take him away. They met a stout opposition which actually resulted in the gunfire that killed Meshack and Mrs. Resident.

Mr. Daniel Resident, elder brother to late Mrs. Resident said: “She was shot by the soldiers that came to arrest the community chairman around 6.00 am on May 7. People trooped out when they arrested the chairman, but he told them that he would not follow them unless they take him first to the town hall for the community to know those that arrested him and where they were taking him to.”

Peace efforts bungled: Mr. Obrite said efforts to resolve the matter were bungled when the gang leader, supported by his father, insisted that the community should

! y r e ach that sent them, only to discover that they were policemen.”

The next suspect to be arrested was Justine who was still manning his duty post at the auto shop. His arrest as gathered, threw everyone off balance. Crime Alert reliably gathered that it took operatives of SARs led by the Commander SP Abba Kyari and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of ‘J’ command,

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reportedly recovered with one of the suspects, Patrick who claimed its ownership. When asked to show proof of ownership, he reportedly brought out some vehicle particulars which were, however, discovered to be fake.

The Sales Operation Manager of Kunech company, Mr Isreal Udo Iruagbuchi, could not hide his joy at the recovery of the cars which he said are worth twice the amount the suspects intended to sell them. He, therefore, applauded the effort of the Police, saying: “the police surprised me because this is a total overhaul because we never knew we will be able to find the cars. We thank God and the entire Nigeria Police Force for prompt arrest and recovery of the cars.”

The suspects according to DSP

But while I was still expecting the money in my hiding place in Ibadan, some men came asking for me. I thought it was Maduka that sent them, only to discover that they were policemen

Felix Vwamhi more than a week to burst the syndicate, thereby recovering the stolen vehicles in Akwa Ibom State.

One of the vehicles as gathered was involved in a road accident in Benin, Edo State, while the suspects were fleeing with it.

Another one, a Toyota Camry was

pay him N600, 000 as damages for coming to his safe haven to pack his property in a bid to compel him to relocate to Okuama, as his activities in the habitat was creating friction between Okuama and Oviri communities. The community, however, refused to pay the damages he demanded and also expressed anger that its emissaries, Mr. Money Boku, Aghogho Ishani and Luke Oseveta were arrested by the police at the behest of supposed terrorist. He said the community reported the criminal activities of the gang leader to the police at Area Command, Ughelli, but no sooner was he arrested did his father use his influence to release him on bail.

Unpredictable situation He said: “We decided to transfer the matter to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in Benin City, but by that time, they were to appoint AIG for Zone 5 and the Commissioner of Police, Asaba ruled that the matter be handled by the State Command. Since then, the situation has remained unpredictable for us”.

Alleged ‘military’ connection: Counsel to the community, Oghenejabor Ikimi, explained that his clients informed him that the chief suspect and his gang brought soldiers from a military outpost at Okwagbe, near Ughelli, to invade the community, adding, “They just briefed me, I was not the one handling their case before now. We have sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, we will forward our petition to military authorities too”.

,

Braid, would be charged to court.

She also informed that one of the suspects, Ugochukwu, was receiving treatment in the hospital following discovery at the time of arrest that he had chronic ulcer.

“He is presently responding to treatment and will soon be discharged,” she said.

A community leader said whilst the gang leader and one of his brothers who is actually his cousin wore military camouflage on that day, military men believed to have come from an outpost at Okwagbe joined them in the attack.

Reminded that it was very unlikely that serving soldiers would go for an operation with civilians, armed and clad in military outfit like them, the source maintained that he saw the gang leader and others in military dress, and it was the army commander who came with them that provided unofficial cover for the criminal invasion. The community chairman, Mr. Obrike, said that after the Joint Task Force, JTF, got to know that some persons were killed in the community during the May 7 invasion, the commander at the said outpost sent some persons to the community to wash off their hands and that of the task force.

Obrike said the military officer requested for a meeting with him (chairman) and other Okuama leaders at Okwagbe through the representatives he sent including one Chief Kaku, the chairman of Okwagbe waterside and another, identified as Abacha. His words: “We told them to go back and tell the soldiers that sent them to Okuama to come by themselves the following day and the information we got later was that they said they would not be able to come because of the implication to their job; we later heard that the leader of the task force at Okwagbe was hurriedly transferred. We have not officially complained to the JTF because we are afraid, we don’t know who is who, but we have just resolved that our lawyer is going to write them officially.”

38— VANGUARD,

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

I want to be in a relationship again

In love with my married teacher Dear Bunmi, I am 18 and attend private tuition towards my school leaving examinations. My teacher is almost 40, and apart from me, two other students attend classes in his house thrice a week. He lives with his wife and three children. We talk after class after the two others have left and he assures me of his love. He says he no longer loves his wife. I don’t blame him because she looks a bit frumpy.

It breaks my heart that I can’t be with him as often as I like. I love him so much and I know he loves me because he waited six months before we

had sex. He wanted to be sure that I really loved him and to show that he wasn’t with me just for sex.

We’ve begun to argue a lot because we both want what we can’t have. He says he can’t leave his wife yet because his kids are so young and it wouldn’t be fair. I don’t know what to do any more.

Zainab, by e-mail.

Dear Zainab, Never threaten the happiness of a family by having sex with an unfaithful husband.

This heartless man has very cynically used you. He’s carefully lit a fire of love and passion within a young woman, which he hopes she will find very hard to put out. He

hasn’t the slightest intention of leaving his wife and children for you— a young impressionable teenager. He has schemed to make you available for sex on demand and then repeatedly use you.

This predator knew full well the torment you would suffer as his secret sexual toy and is happy for your pain and confusion to continue as long as he can get into your pants.

If that hurts, then protect your pride and your reputation by telling this unpleasant man that enough is enough and that he’s to leave you alone.

Better still, change your lesson teacher. Although he will no longer be able to have his cake and eat it, be rest assured he’ll shed no tears after you’ve left.

It’s no fun being a virgin Dear Bunmi, I’m 29 and single and I have no luck with men. I recently

met someone who came on relief duty to the head office of the company I work with

Instead of giving you tips on getting a man, let me encourage you to enjoy life

I’m happier when my husband is away Dear Bunmi, Last year, my husband left for their home town to visit his aged mum. At least, that was what he told me, not knowing he was holed up in his lover’s flat for the whole period!

It broke my heart when I discovered this as we’d been married for 19 years and have four lovely children.

Since this incident, he’s had lots more affairs and whenever he’s found out, he is always apologetic.

Things have got to a stage that I’m much happier when he’s not around. I still care for him in my own way and there are the children to consider.

I’m quite comfortable and can provide a good home for us all without him.

Joyce, by e-mail.

Dear Joyce, It’s obvious that you’ve come to terms with being without the company of your husband, and you’re enjoying the stability of being alone. If this is true, think carefully before you make a decision about your future with your husband.

After so much unfaithfulness, you need some guarantee before you run the risk of being hurt again. The fact is he’s broken the contract he made with you over and over again, so it’s up to you now what happens next.

Whatever you decide, think of yourself and the happiness of the children first.

and there was an instant attraction. We saw each other every day and became very close.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard we tried to make love, we were unable to. It doesn’t matter how many times I try, I can’t do it. This is so frustrating for me and the men I meet.

This man has now gone back to his old office without saying goodbye, which has made me feel depressed. I feel put off men for now because I don’t want to disappoint them.

What can I do to solve this problem?

Tiwa, by e-mail.

Dear Tiwa, Sex should be a pleasure— never an ordeal. Instead of plunging into a sexual relationship with a man, first get to know him as a friend. This will allow your trust in him to grow. As your relationship deepens and you both feel ready to have sex for the first time, confide in him that you’re a virgin and that until now sex has not been possible. Simply admitting your frustration to a man, and sensing his acceptance and his desire to please you, will help you to relax.

You have found this a problem because your muscles have tensed to block an intrusion. When you sense that a man will be patient and not reject you, love-making will seem easier and less threatening. The joy of sex will soon be yours.

Dear Bunmi, I’ve just split up with my boyfriend of two years and this got me really upset, especially since all of my friends are paired up.

So, I need some tips on how to find a man fast. I don’t want to be the only one out of my group of friends that looks like a loser!

Moirat, by e-mail.

Dear Moirat, You won’t be the only person in the world who finds herself without a partner,

albeit temporarily. And guess what? Some of them are not panicking and thinking it’s the end of the world.

Some are using the opportunity to become independent, to enjoy being in charge of their lives, and going out to meet more interesting friends.

So, instead of giving you tips on getting a man, let me encourage you to enjoy life.

The happier you can be with yourself, the happier you’ll be when you’re finally in a relationship.

This predator knew full well the torment you would suffer as his secret sexual toy and is happy for your pain and confusion to continue as long as he can get into your pants

He’s cheating with his ex Dear Bunmi, I am a single mother of a sixyear-old I had when I was with her dad for four years.

I recently found out that he was unfaithful to me with the woman he cheated on to be with me and may be the father of her child.

Since I confronted him, he’s become really cagey.

When he visits our daughter there’s a bad atmosphere, as if I accused him wrongly. I know that my daughter needs to have a relationship with her dad, but not if it’s going to be so unpleasant.

Also, he doesn’t pay anything to help with her upbringing. I honestly don’t know what to do for the best.

Bella, by e-mail.

Dear Bella, Of course, you know what to do. You recognise that you must put your small daughter’s needs before yours. But

the resentment you now feel towards her dad is encouraging you to exact revenge by obstructing their relationship. And that would be unforgivable.

Allowing your daughter to spend time with her father is more important than your temporary desire to punish him. You need to find a clearcut way to express your hurt that doesn’t affect your child.

If you still love him and want him to know, by all means tell him. But get your feelings off your chest once and for all and let your anger go. If you need to ask him to help pay for his daughter’s upkeep, let him know.

But you need to make it clear that under no circumstances will you presume to limit his relationship with his child. Both of you need to sit down and sort out your differences once and for all.

Share your problems and release your burden.

Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard,

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Happenings within your working arena’ll give genuine cause to smile and with efforts on your part you’re in for a rewarding day. Take advantage of your sex-appeal to enhance your love life. Experiment with ideas creatively.

SCORPIO ; Creativity may take front in what’s happening within your base of operation and the best for you is to join them. Lovers are fairly favoured.

SAGITTARIUS ; Tomorrow is your great day. Yet your being creative today can earn you un-expected good result at the end of the day. Be family minded now.

CAPRICORN ; Needed solution to challenges along your career/business lines will come through your being creative. Prepare to take good advice on your finances.

AQUARIUS; If you take unusual ideas coming to your mind today more seriously, thins’ll work favourably for you. The more financially ambitious you’re the better.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 —39

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

S laziness a sin?

If you are still doubting this, let me illustrate: Supposing you have a child and you spent all your resources on him. You trained him from primary

I

The sin of laziness school to the university level and at the end he got his first degree. Thereafter, you send him back to read for his master and PHD (Doctor of Philosophy)

TERROR MUDA

degrees.

At the end of it all, you asked him to come and work in your firm. Alternatively, you secured employment for him in the bank or

in “Never say goodbye”

in an oil company.

Yet, he refused to work whether in your firm or any other one. Now has this son of yours not sinned against you? This is how we are to God, our Creator...

By Kola Fayemi

PISCES; The Moon in your Star sign favours aggressive approach in a favourable way. Here is a day Artist among you can create master piece. Be stead-fast.

ARIES You’ll have much to gain if you’re more cooperative and embrace creative ideas of your close associates. And it’s good to be friendly, loving and caring.

TAURUS ; Aggressive approach is not what you need at work now, but creative approach. You’ve got nothing to lose if you take good advice from your friends.

GEMINI ; Whatever anybody says about your ambition and desire success will crown your efforts today. The more creative you are the better for your cause. And lovers can make it an exciting and happy day. Show your sex appeal and be loving.

CANCER; Your ideas are brilliant and if you blend them creatively the sky’ll be the limit. Let people within your home base know that you truly care for them.

LEO; It does not matter who initiates creative idea that lead to success what is important is you should not be left in the cold all alone. The more co-operative you are the better for you. Don’t ignore your magnetic se-appeal.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

VIRGO.; Good luck and happiness indicated for you today. But then, the scope of your success’ll depend on how co-operative and creative you are both with your loved one and at work. Prepare to take good advice especially from younger person(s).

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send your date and place of birth to the Astrological Counselling, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos

Basic characteristics of Capricorn Because they rarely day dream, Capricorn natives are set of practical people. This is because Capricorn is ruled by Saturn - the planet of career, sceptical and material things Although, the spirit of pessimism often times tempt the Capricorn born people, to succeed they will need to develop strong will that is indispensable to achievements of higher order because, series of challenges will come his/her way before he/she finally makes it to the top. Most natives of Capricorn are forced to shoulder many responsibilities early in life. Career building comes first in their priority lists which often leads to enviable career achievements that guarantee recognition. And another name for Capricorn is PATIENCE. Yet, he/ she can appear mean in the business circle. And tell you that seriousness and business are synonymous.

Above all, they are endowed with leadership capacity.

Capricorn ‘s quality is cardinal, element is the earth.

The cardinal aspect makes a natural leader with strong ability for hard work. Natives of cardinal signs crave for action and strongly desire prominence and often times make success of their love of action and desire for importance through relentless efforts.

The earthly connection with Capricorn further confirms innate ability for hard work and practicality . Saturn is the planet of hard task, delay, depression, frustration, frustration but reward after so much struggles. Being a difficult teacher, Saturn usually takes its natives through many different tasks, challenges and delay. All these are meant to teach them virtues of patience and hard work. However, Saturn usually brings its natives recognition and reward.

The cautious side of Saturn always manifest in all Capricorn born people thus, but it is necessary for them to watch that side of their characteristics as they often push their cautious side too far and most of the time it results to black mood.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

40—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Edo: PDP accuses ACN of plans to rig guber election

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE ENIN—BARELY 19 days to the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo State, the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has raised fresh alarm over alleged plot by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACNled government to rig the election by sewing uniforms for National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members currently serving in the state.

The party also alleged that the government had

B

paid $40,000 to a consultant with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to procure fake observers’ cards for its thugs to monitor the election without the security agents knowing their true identities.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Dan Orbih who spoke at a briefing yesterday, said his party had written three letters to INEC, opposing the current corps members serving in state being used as ad hoc staff for the election because they had been compromised.

Northern Govs console Dangiyari over aide's death

CONFAB—From left; Assistant Governor, District 9110, Rotary International, Rotn Ayodele Faoun; former Central Bank Governor, Rotn Joseph Sanusi; former Health Minister, Rotn Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; and wife of the former Central Bank Governor, Mrs. Aduke Sanusi during the 2012 district 9110 conference in Abeokuta.

NPA, NITEL expresss worry over damage of cables

BY GODWIN ORITSE HE Nigerian Ports Au thority, NPA, has expressed concern over the continuous damage to under-water cables belonging to the Nigerian Telecommunication Limited, NITEL, by shipping companies who anchor their vessels illegally outside the Lagos anchorage and other areas around the Nigerian coast.

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NPA Managing Director, Mr Omar Suleiman who raised this alarm in an interview with newsmen said the development has affected international connectivity in the country.

Also, commenting on the development, the NPA’s spokesman, Chief Michael Ajayi noted that most of the vessels ‘’involved in the destruction of NITEL’s cables are ships that are out there illegally.’’

Igbo group makes case for additional state in S-East WKA—AN Igbo sociopolitical group, Committee 21, has called on the constitutional amendment committee of the National Assembly to ensure that the Igbo get fair justice this time around.

In a statement by its president, Senator Annie Okonkwo, through his Media Adviser, Mr. Collins Ugwu, said: “With all sense of responsibility, the yardstick to show our convictions

A

as a nation committed to justice and fairness, will be actualised when the committee grants additional states to the South East region unconditionally.”

According to him, "as a Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I’m certain that the test of equity that Nigerians expect in this present amendment is best manifested by the amount of justice the Igbo nation of South East Nigeria get out of it.”

Kwara to export 6,000 tonnes of cassava to China LORIN—KWARA State government is to export the first batch of 6,000 tonnes of cassava chips to China within, the government has said.

The statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, stated in part, "the Kwara State’s emphasis on value chain management in agriculture has paid off as Ireti Farms, under the auspices of Shonga Farms Holdings, in partnership with Austravia of Aus-

I

tralia, is to commence the exportation of cassava chips to China, with the first batch of 6,000 tonnes in the next two weeks. Shonga Farms, in which Kwara has a 25 per cent stake, is also to coordinate the sourcing of additional cassava from outgrowers in the state.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sam Popilko said there is more than a million tonnes per day requirement of cassava in China ready to be explored.

ORTHERN States Governors Forum, NSGF, yesterday, expressed sadness over the death of Governor AbdulAzeez Yari Abubakar’s security aide, ASP Ado Yahaya, who died in an accident along Gummi-Sokoto road during an assignment.

In a condolence message to Governor Yari, the Nigeria Police Force, and the family of the deceased police officer, the Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the forum, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said Northern Governors were pained by the sudden death of the well groomed cop, who died in active service.

N

Induction HE Institute of Corpo rate Marketing and Management of Nigeria has inducted new members in Lagos. The President of the institute, Prof. J. Etinagbedia charged the new inductees to be good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.

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VISIT—Mr Nseobong Akpabio, Lagos Sector Commander, FRSC (left); and Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, CDCM, Operations, Abuja during a visit to the Lagos Sector Commander.

Ejigbo-Jakande road: Mixed reactions trail Bamigbetan's claim IXED reactions are trailing claims by the Chairman of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan on Facebook that the LCDA had commenced work on the Eijgbo-Jakande Estate Road which has now become a nightmare for commuters in the area.

In the last three weeks, commuters had spent an average of five hours trying to cross the less than two kilometres road linking Ijegun, Ikotun, Ejigbo and Jakande Estate with OkeAfa, through Isolo or CeleExpress.

An editor in one of the national newspapers who resides in Ikotun said he left his house with the aim of arriving his office by 2pm last Sunday and ended up getting there by 8pm because of traffic gridlock on Ejigbo road.

However, some respondents praised Bamigbetan for working hard to alleviate people’s problems while others blamed the

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Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN- led government in the state of paying lipservice to roads rehabilitation in the Ikotun-Egbe axis.

According to one of the respondents, there was no equitable distribution of social amenities in the state as some were treated better than others.

Bamigbetan had stated in the social network that, "I sincerely hope you have attempted this route in the last three weeks! The section between NNPC junction and Jakande Estate is being reconstructed! Please visit this weekend to see things yourself.

“And to further demonstrate that the ACN government is working in our axis.

I want to assure you that by the time the LCDA begins its first set of five roads, commuting across Ejigbo will become even better."

But apparently resigning himself to fate, one of the residents, Babalola Sunday said: “ God's time is the best.”

One Atinuke Ola in his comments asked Bamigbetan, "Chairman, before rain started nko? This our country is just wonderful with wonderful leaders; yet the citizens pay their taxes via Pay As You Earn, PAYE. Haa! What a country.”

Also, Aminat Odindinore Alli-Agboola said: “Oga, that is no excuse. Why wait for the rainy season?” Just as Kunle Odusola-Steven-

son lamented, saying "the irony is that over 70 percent of our people will still vote for those that tell them what they want to hear and do the opposite.”

Olatunde Badmus said: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Please note all comments and act accordingly. The pain we go through on that road is too much.

Traders ask Amaechi to build more markets

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ORT HARCOURT— TRADERS at the Rumuwoji market in Port Harcourt have called on Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers to build more markets for displaced traders.

The traders were reacting to government demolition of illegal structures, including road side shops, to meet its plan to create a better environment for business.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the building of more markets

would ameliorate the hardship the demolition would cause the shop owners.

Mr Gabriel Ojemba, a food stuff trader, said the provision of more markets would contribute immensely to the much desired better environment for business.

Ojemba decried the demolition of shops and urged the government to develop a road map that would favour the big and small scale businesses.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—41

Yes, I'm only eyeing the presidency — Sen Yerima

when I said why did you do this or why didn’t you do that.

What have you done at the federal level to alleviate the plight of families who lost people to lead poisoning scourge in your constituency- Anka and Baggega?

In the last four years it was dif-

SENATOR Ahmed Yerima would not be easily forgotten in the evolution of the country’s political culture. As the first elected civilian governor of Zamfara State, he in 1999, inspired the introduction of the Sharia legal system putting relations between the two dominant religions in the North on a knife-edge. Yerima who was elected on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, subsequently bequeathed political power to his former deputy, Mahmud Shinkafi in 2007, but no sooner, the two fell out.

In the decisive 2011 gubernatorial elections, Yerima saw to it that Shinkafi lost out to another of his faithful followers, Abdulaziz Yari.

In this interview, Yerima, presently the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate narrates his experiences dealing with Shinkafi, Yari and his remaining aspiration. Excerpts:

BY SAMINU IBRAHIM

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HERE are reports that you are planning to join the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, because Zamfara is the only state in the North West not controlled by the PDP. Well anybody who knows me will tell you that I have said I will never decamp to any party.

However, if my party reaches agreement with any other party for merger or alliance that is All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and not Yarima. To that end, if ANPP decides to merge with ACN, APGA CPC that will be party decision and would be binding on every member and state chapter of ANPP. But decamping, please count me out.

God in his infinite mercy has made a two term governor and now a Senator and the only thing I am eyeing now is the presidency if I am alive. And I believe that

S

O Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as Vice-President had a quarrel with his then boss, President Umaru Yar‘Adua? Well, so it now seems. Even though not your typical fight, but it was still a fight or a squabble on principles.

In his media chat last Sunday, Dr. Jonathan revealed the disagreement between him and Yar‘Adua on the public declaration of assets. That media chat by the way, was for me about the best media outing for the President. Expectations that the President would be agitated following widespread mutterings on his handling of the insecurity condition in the country and the presence of one of his foremost critics, Modibo Kawu on the panel, were largely misplaced.

Or is it that our President thrives best under crisis?

His articulation and response to the issues, even thouhgh not the best, was a great improvement from his past media engagements, even those that were pre-recorded. In the live chat, the President gave a fierce

God can make me president in the ANPP. If you look at countries like Ghana, Senegal and Niger you find that opposition parties with or without a single state can produce a national government and believe me, the same thing can happen in Nigeria.

Will you contest the presidential election in 2015?

You see, for now, our objective is to make sure we consolidate our gains in Zamfara state and whatever comes at national level. Today we are in 2012 and only God knows what will happen in 2013 and 2014 as far as political strategy is concerned in Nigeria, so for now my desire is to hold Zamfara State forever, it has always been ANPP in Zamfara State. My objective is to first consolidate the gains of our party to ensure we hold the party in the state such that even if ANPP will lose any other state in

Declining death toll

*Yerima: Eyes focussed Nigeria, it will not be Zamfara State.

What is your relationship with Governor Abdulaziz Yari?

My relationship with him is perfect. We have never had cause to argue. What many people don’t understand is that you cannot be a leader and at the same time be in governance. As far as

POLITICAL METABOLISM with

EMMANUEL AZIKEN

Accessing Jonathan’s assets rebuttal to some of the issues that have negatively affected his standing in the eyes of the right thinking members of the society.

His defence of his trip to Brazil despite the carnage in Kaduna and Yobe States convinced some who had until then questioned the rationale for the trip. He asserted forcefully that he could not in anyway give the advantage to the insurgents by allowing them to cripple the affairs of government. Almost convincing, but I wasn’t. Even if the administration does not want to give the impression that Boko

ficult for me to come to Zamfara State. The visit I took to the areas affected by lead poisoning, the then Governor, Mahmud Shinkafi wrote the Federal Government that I came to Zamfara State to cause trouble. Hence as at that time there was virtually nothing I could do other than meeting with the then minister of state for Health Sule Bello.

There was no way I could go to the site because anything that I did then was politically misinterpreted. But now thank God things have subsided actions are being taken.

Haram is stifling the affairs of government, the reality is that since penultimate Sunday, Kaduna has been on a practical shutdown. he media chat also revealed the deep differences between the incumbent and his predecessor on the public declaration of assets. President Yar‘Adua had few months after his inauguration in 2007 made public his assets. His unusual action in making public his assets, was received with public approval and was seen as a demonstration of the then President’s determination to live

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governance of the state is concerned, it is 100 percent Yari. The only area I can intervene is when I see problem coming or something that can benefit the entire people of Zamfara State then I will talk to him. But on the issue who becomes what in Zamfara State I have never put my word.

There has never been a time up to public scrutiny. Even though the actions of the then President in kowtowing to one or two corrupt former governors caused discomfort, the image of the former President as living above board was not seriously disputed. Not even the well known shenanigans of members of the Yar‘Adua kitchen cabinet could damage the President’s standing.

After President Yar‘adua publicly declared his assets the pressure from civil society and public opinion forced his deputy, Dr. Jonathan to do the same.

Given the delayed response of the then Vice-President, there was really little dispute as to the fact that the then Vice-President released his assets under compulsion as he disclosed last Sunday.

“I declared under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua because he did it, but it is not proper. You don’t need to publicly declare your assets and it is a matter of principle. It is not the President declaring assets that

You can see the death toll is declining and even there is great awareness now because there are so many NGO’S working to remedy the problem.

Some Nigerians are of the opinion that you hardly speak on the floor of the senate, could you tell us the reasons?

In a chamber comprising of 109 senators, if you raise your hand to talk and somebody says your opinion you don’t need to talk again. We are in the leadership don’t forget, but you see people talk for talking sake. As one of the leaders in the senate we hold meetings every morning and that is where we air our views and decide on issues. But most of the issues discussed in the two chambers in most cases are irrelevant, because how many motions and bills were passed and how many were assented to; you heard the Senate and Speaker of the House complain that the President did not assent to bills passed by the National Assembly. Hence why do you waste your time talking on issues that would not receive attention? will change the country. We should go after issues that will develop the country.”

His explanation that he made his assets public as VicePresident simply because Yar‘adua did so may have been the low side of the chat. It simply portrayed the President as not a man of principle. It is a big gaffe that the opposition should ordinarily have made capital of.

But pitiably, most of the major political parties cannot do so, maybe with the exception of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. It is not surprising given that the CPC’s leader, Muhammadu Buhari is famously known for his austere dispositions.

The major opposition parties apparently have kept mute on the President’s gaffe on the fact that they may not have been able to prevail on their own leaders to publicly declare their assets. After all, there is a parable that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

*Duke, former Governor of Cross River

*Igini: Cross River REC

PROSECUTING ELECTION OFFENDERS:

Too many rivers to cross

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

F

ORMER Governor Donald Duke was the one who gave the shocking revelation on how governors rig elections to a stunned audience of civil society activists at a gathering at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja in July 2010.

The former governor, however, fell short of also revealing how after rigging elections governors and their allies move on to protect their agents used in upturning the will of the electorate.

Now, a revealing report on the recent gubernatorial election in Duke’s one time fiefdom of Cross River has given a lead into how election riggers are protected and shockingly, by the judicial branch of government.

The Cross River electoral space inevitably became a point of focus ahead of the 2011 general election when the civil rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Mike Igini was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC. In no time after his appointment in late 2010 , the first test came with Mr. Igini’s rejection of the list of candidates submitted by the dominant Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2011 general elections. The list, Igini ruled, did not emanate through due process. It was as such not surprising that the party grandees in the state soon declared Igini a persona non grata who they alleged was

determined to derail the ways and manners of the party in the state.

Following that brush the party and the State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC also had other occasions to exchange words, before they reached an agreement on good behavior by either side.

If the PDP and other political parties had looked bad before in their conduct during elections, it was perhaps because the party cast a shadow over other institutions. Or maybe because other institutions dealing with elections and post election issues had not been seriously scrutinized.

Remarkable irony Besides, not until recently with the arrival of the Prof. Attahiru Jega leadership of the commission was a serious effort made to deal with electoral cheats. It is indeed a remarkable irony that whereas Nigerians continuously complain of election rigging that no deliberate effort had been made to prosecute election riggers.

However, if reports emerging from Cross River is anything to go by, then bringing election cheats to book would be no easy task. A report articulated by INEC in Cross River on efforts to bring four alleged offenders to book paints a picture of institutionalized corruption

aimed at defeating such a purpose. The report obtained by Vanguard names four officials of INEC in Cross River alleged to have compromised their duties during the February 25 gubernatorial election.

The quartet including three Corps Members in three units, in Etung Local Government Area were alleged to have compromised their duties to the extent of distorting the election results and process in their areas of jurisdiction.

Though the results from the affected registration areas were expunged, INEC in a bid to serve a lesson and in according to the Electoral Act had sought the prosecution of the quartet.

The suspects were charged under Sections 123 and 124 of the Electoral Act, 2010 before a Chief Magistrate Court in Effraya, in Etung Local Government Area.

INEC had secured the services of a private legal practitioner, Barrister Emmanuel Sani to prosecute the case on its behalf.

However, as the report of the Cross River INEC was to show, the prosecution of the alleged offenders was not something that other stakeholders in the state were supportive of.

According to the report: “On the 11th June 2012, the issue before the Court was whether, Barr. Sani, a private Legal Practitioner required the Fiat of the Attorney-General before he can prosecute electoral offences.

In his reply, Barr. Sani tendered the original of his letter of

engagement issued to him by the Commission. He rightly informed the Court that electoral offences are triable in either the Magistrate Court or High Court of a State in which the offence is committed.

Again, that the trial is at the instance of the Commission either through its Legal Officers or private Legal Officers appointed

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A bold attempt by INEC to prosecute election offenders in Cross River State is swallowed in a web of judicial intrigues in the state.

question the powers of the Commission to appoint private Legal Practitioners to prosecute electoral offences.

He added further that the only authority that could question the authority of Barr. Sani to appear, would be the Commission, where he was not duly appointed. With regards to the provisions of the CPA, Barr.

Amajaman stated that the CPA is not applicable in this case, because electoral offences are not offences covered by the Criminal Code. He concluded that Barr.

Sani should be allowed to go on with the matter.

“The Chief Magistrate enquired whether there were witnesses in Court and whether there where documentary evidence. To these questions, Barr. Sani replied in the affirmative, since the Electoral Officer for Etung L.G.A. and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) were in Court, including the accused persons and their confessional statements.

At a point during the course of the proceedings, the prosecuting Counsel applied that the Electoral Officer, Mrs Uduak Jackson should be permitted to sit down, having stood for a long time. The Magistrate replied in a very ridiculous manner that she should continue to stand, after all, it was a criminal matter, and that “she would soon enter the witness box”.

He did not grant the application for her to sit down.

Thereafter, the Chief Magistrate read his ruling on the arguments.

He asked “why did she have to bring the matter to court now and why did she not go to the tribunal” In the ruling, he

It is indeed a remarkable irony that whereas Nigerians continuously complain of election rigging that no deliberate effort had been made to prosecute election riggers

by it, pursuant to s. 150 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act. He stated further that electoral matters being sui generis are therefore excluded from the general practice regarding the prosecution of general offences.

Furthermore, he added that the Electoral Act, being an Act of the National Assembly and also being a specialised legislation must be complied with, more so, when the provisions respecting prosecution is not ambiguous.

“The Magistrate ignored the law as cited by Barr. Sani and rather requested to know the position of the law regarding the appearance of private Legal Practitioner in prosecuting a crime as contained in the Criminal Procedure Act. “The Chief Magistrate requested opinion from other Counsel in Court. Barr. Eneji Amajama in his submissions aligned himself with the position of Barr. Sani and added that the Electoral Act having stated s. 150 unequivocally, no authority can

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recognised that the Magistrate Court had jurisdiction to try the matter. He however struck out the charges and consequently discharged the accused person because, according to him: a.“There is no evidence before him that the Fiat of the AttorneyGeneral has been obtained” b. “There is no evidence that Barr. Sani accepted his appointment by the Commission to prosecute the offences as a private practitioner pursuant to paragraph 4 of the said letter of engagement” c.“There were no witnesses in Court” d.“There were no exhibits in Court, and; e.“The party agents were at large” The discharge of the accused persons in the face of all the evidence to the contrary as postulated by the Chief Magistrate have left heads in wonder on the prospects of bringing electoral cheats in the country to book.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—43

EDO 2012:

How to avert bloodshed, by Jega, Oshiomhole, Edebiri, others

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE IT was a special day on the road to the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo State. That was the day when contenders in the polls, who have been tackling one another savagely, met under one roof to deliberate with other critical stakeholders on modalities for ensuring a peaceful election.

The one day workshop on Monday, June 18, 2012 for Edo State political Parties and Stakeholders (2012 Gubernatorial Election), organized by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs lived up to its billings.

Besides the seven candidates and leaders of their various political parties in attendance, also present were Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, who sent a representative (Mrs. Regina Omo-Agege); former Chief of Defence Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), who chaired the event; Professor Sam Oyovbaire; Professor George Obiozor, Aremo Taiwo Allimi; Police Affairs Minister, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade and Minister of State, Works, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, who represented Arc Mike Onolememen, the Woks Minister.

Also present were Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Roland Owie, Mr Dan Nwanyanwu (LP Chairman), Professor ABC

*Participants at the workshop electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies including the police, army and civil defence are to ensure that die-hard riggers do not have their way. While the media is expected to perform its watchdog role diligently, the electorate will have to remain vigilant and ensure that their mandate was not stolen.

The presentations were laced with allegations and counterallegations of assassinations, attempted murder, threats to life and deep plots to rig the election among others. However, every person who spoke harped on the

,

It is therefore the INEC, Police, Army, the Presidency that need to be sensitized on the need to conduct free and fair elections. When you have sensitized us, you also have to sensitise Abuja

Nwosu, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Alex Hart (CPC national vice chairman), Sadiq Umar Abubakar (SDMP) and Pastor Ize Iyamu (ACN) among others.

Speaker after speaker at the event stressed the need to avert bloodshed by making sure that the polls were peaceful. How? All stakeholders have a role to play.

Politicians were advised to halt the use of inflammatory language in the campaigns and bury their do-or-die attitude and approach to the elections.

The ruling parties at the state (ACN) and federal (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) were also enjoined to desist from undue interference in the

,

need for violence-free polls.

Opening the workshop, Obi decried the escalating political acrimony and insecurity ahead of the elections and said there was need “to arrest the dangerous political atmosphere that has generated serious anxiety.”

He said the workshop was a forum for “stakeholders to evolve the machinery to sensitise our supporters on the need to adhere to rules and regulations guiding elections.”

In like manner, Ukiwe urged the electorate to brace up for credible election and disappoint those who want to unleash anarchy on the state.

Edo State Governor and the ACN Governorship Candidate,

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who re-jigged his campaign tours to attend the workshop, also stressed the need for “one man, one vote.” He warned those who rig elections with impunity and challenge the aggrieved to go to court, to have a re-think because Edo people would no longer tolerate ballot rigging and who would become their leader would be decided by the ballot box.

Welcoming the initiative, Oshiomhole said the people, who needed sensitization the most were the INEC, Federal Government and the security agencies.

Noting that competitors, in most contests were prone to adopting strategies to gain the upper hand, he said it is left for the referee or umpire to apply the rules strictly and ensure that justice is done. “It is therefore the INEC, Police, Army, the Presidency that need to be sensitized on the need to conduct free and fair elections.

When you have sensitized us, you also have to sensitise Abuja,” he averred.

INEC must be sensitized: Noting that INEC must be sensitized to watch corrupt officials, he stated that the commission had a huge duty to give effect to President Jonathan’s transformation agenda. He insisted that INEC had no reason to conduct an imperfect election any longer because “the learning curve is over.”

The PDP Candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, came early but could not wait for the workshop to begin. He left for a campaign tour of the local council of the state party chairman.

Participants did not allow Senator

Owie to speak on his behalf.

However, the other candidates, Solomon Edebiri of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); Chief Andrew Igwemoh, Labour Party (LP), Chief Roland Izevbuwa of the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), Chief Paul Orumuense of the National Conscience Party (NCP) and Chief Frank Ukonga of the Social Democratic Movement Party (SDMP) sat through the workshop. They concurred that if the rules were followed, the polls would be peaceful.

Free and fair polls Edebiri concurred that “if the parties agree to follow the rules, there will be free and fair polls.”

He however wondered how factors that militate against the observance of those guidelines like the use of excessive funds and thugs would be monitored.

He urged the INEC and the Presidency to use Edo as a case study for free and fair elections and appealed “to all institutions, especially the ruling party in the state and at the centre to create an environment where free and fair elections can be conducted.”

Igwemoh hinged manipulation of elections on selective application of rules adding that most of the views canvassed at the gathering were not new. “We have all seen all this before and nothing has changed. I believe that where everybody does his work, we will have a fair election. The rules are applied to some people and not all.”

Igwemoh had a soul mate in Orumuense, the NCP candidate,

who said that Edo had always been “a peaceful state until recent scaring events. We know how INEC and the security forces connive to rig elections. Let us do what we all should do, let the winner emerge through oneman-one vote. No one can do away with the wishes of the people this time.”

Ukonga was concerned more with the survival of the parties beyond the casting of votes.

Amidst wild applause he warned of “the collapse of the nation’s democracy in the nearest future if the government did not support the parties financially because winners of elections have access to funds while losers have nothing.”

Before the candidates spoke, Jega, who was represented by the commission’s Director of Inter Party Affairs, Mrs Omo Agege, reminded the candidates of previous attempts by the commission to address the issues in Edo election.

He stated that the workshop was “part of the overall process of confidence building and reaffirmation of our collective commitment to scale down the level of tension in the state so as to enable the conduct of credible elections.” Jega noted that “more than the laws, it is the personal commitment of political parties and candidates that can create the kind of peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections that we desire as a nation.”

After the talks, the stakeholders signed a communique to uphold free and fair polls among others in Edo State on July 14 and thereafter. It is to be seen if they would uphold their resolutions.

44— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Services Limited in 2009.

Specifically, the firm was given the mandate to manage the road under a design, build, operate and transfer arrangement with the federal government for 25 years.

Though it was reported that the contract was not signed until last May 2011.

Given that the agreement is yet to start have positive effect on the road, checks showed that the question on the lips of many Nigerians is; What manner of concession is going on in Nigeria?

For instance, two human rights activists, Messrs Olawale Fapounda and Richard Akinnola, recently asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to revoke the concession agreement between the Federal Government and Bicourtney over allegation of non performance and “incessant destruction of lives and property along the LagosIbadan expressway.”

Order of mandatory injunction

Murtala Muhammad Airport 2: Just celebrated five years of concessing.

CONCESSION: When marriage of convenience triggers off controversies

W

HEN President Olusegun Obasanjo, signed the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Act in November 2005, expectations were high that the intractable problem of infrastructural decay, would be a thing of the past.

Accordingly, the Act among other things, provided for the participation of private sector in financing the construction, development, operation or maintenance of infrastructure or development projects of the Federal Government through concession or contractual arrangements.

“Any contractor to whom concession has been granted under this act shall make payment to the federal government of such sums at such intervals, from the proceeds realised from the

implementation of the concession as may be provided in the concession-contract or agreement,’‘ part 1 section 4 of the Act observed.

Relatedly, Vangaurd Features,VF, findings showed that the ICRC Act covers virtually every sector which includes; power plants, highways, seaports, airports, canals, dams, water supply, telecoms, railways, land reclamation, inter sate transport systems, industrial estates or township development, housing.

Others are tourism development, waste management, ICT and database infrastructure, education, health, drainage, dredging, trade fair complexes, etc.

Also, it was gathered that concession could be achieved

through Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT)Build, Operate and Own (BOO) Build, Transfer and Operate (BTO),Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT), Design, Build, Finance, Transfer (DBFT) and Design, Build, Finance, Manage (DBFM).

What this implies is that from the period the policy became law, Public Private Partnership (PPP) became the order of the day in the management of physical infrastructure in the country.

While the development was expected to have transformed the sectors, that had been concessioned since 2005, VF can authoritatively reveal that reverse has been the case.

Specifically, there is hardly any infrastructure that had been concessioned since 2005, that had not gone through different forms of controversy.

Growing controversies Consider this: Lately, reports about controversies surrounding the concessioning of infrastructure such like the Lagos/Ibadan express Way,Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its concessionaire, MAEVIS

Limited, Lekki/Epe Express Way, The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, have continued to dominate public discourse, following fears that the drive for service efficiency would be at the receiving end because of crisis.

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FOLLOWING the agelong infrastructural decay in Nigeria, occasioned by leadership failure, efforts were made towards revamping the various national infrastructure across the country. This became a reality with the signing of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Act of 1995. But, since the nation embraced this Private Public Sector Partnership, most concession agreements have been marred by controversies at the expense of efficient service delivery. CHARLES KUMOLU writes

The plaintiffs, who listed Legal Resources Consortium as the third plaintiff, are asking for an order of mandatory injunction compelling the Federal Government to immediately repair and maintain the Lagos-Ibadan expressway “sequel to their obligations, legal and statutory duties so as to stem or curb the incessant traffic gridlock and destruction of lives and property on the expressway.”

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Minister of Works, his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, and Bicourtney

The current crisis being experienced with the concessioning of the Lagos/ Ibadan Express Way, has remained a source of concern to those, who had thought that concessioning would end the woes of travellers on this road

Though, investigations, indicated that some level of success had been recorded on some sectors that had been transferred to the private sector, the current crisis being experienced with the concessioning of the Lagos/ Ibadan Express Way, has remained a source of concern to those, who had thought that concessioning would end the woes of travellers on this road.

The road which was constructed in 1978, it would be recalled was concessioned to Bi-Courtney Highway

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Highway Services Limited.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to declare that “the failure and or refusal of the 5th Defendant (Bicourtney Ltd) in executing the contract four years after its award amounts to abandonment and ought to be struck down and revoked.”

Incessant accidents and loss of lives Also they urged the court to declare that “the incessant accidents and destruction of Continued on page 45

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 45

When marriage of convenience triggers off controversies Continues from page 44 lives and property are a direct consequence of the negligence and willful refusal of the 5th Defendant in executing the concession agreement four years after its award.”

In addition, they are praying the court to declare that the government has “abandoned, shirked, abdicated their legal and statutory obligations to repair and maintain the LagosIbadan expressway, thereby occasioning traffic gridlock and destruction of lives and property.”

In their suit, the plaintiffs want the court to determine whether the Bicourtney Limited as a concessionaire to whom the Federal Government had given approval in September 2009 for the rehabilitation of the LagosIbadan expressway has failed in executing the contract four years after the contract was awarded to it.

Also, they want the court to determine whether the Federal Government, having approved the concession of the rehabilitation of the LagosIbadan expressway to the company through the Executive Council of the Federation can revoke the contract awarded to the 5th defendant (Bicourtney) for non performance.

It averred that the concession agreement, having not

Lagos/Ibadan Expressway dogged by controversy action ultimately scared investors away from the country.

It was further gathered that the continuous controversies trailing most concessioning exercise in the country, might derail the gains envisaged in the ICRC act.

Speaking on the matter, President General of Association of Authorised Customs Agents,AACA, Chief Mike Akunaecheobi, observed that PPP is what is obtainable for service delivery all over the world at the moment, but warned that the basic principles of concessioning are being neglected in Nigeria.

“When you concession there are expectations that it would

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The policy is good, the truth is that the Federal government should stop playing politics with everything, the Lagos/Ibadan is being frustrated by politics

followed due process nor complied with the guidelines of the concession agreement, should be struck down and revoked by the court sequel to its inherent powers.

Besides, the recent face-off between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its concessionaire, MAEVIS Limited, was another matter that brought the manner of concession in Nigeria on the front burner again.

Barely five years into the 10year pact with the firm, FAAN, terminated the contract, adding that it was done to improve its services and revenue profile.

FAAN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Akin Olukunle, said in a statement that in terminating the agreement, the agency did not only heed the directive of the Aviation Ministry to do so but also the advice of the Senate which, after a public hearing in 2010 asked that the agreement be dispensed with.

While this move was applauded by aviation experts, investigations revealed the

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boost economic development, and it has been experienced worldwide, government no longer gets involve in the day to day running of social infrastructure like airports and seaports. If you want your economy to grow, open it up and allow people to participate it would create competition and efficiency. It is for this reasons that we concerned professionals visited President Obasanjo in 2006 to commend him for taking the bold move to open up the ports,’‘he stated.

Still making a case for concessioning, Akunecheobi observed that, “The time has come for us to put in place a sector specific policy that would guarantee the success of Public Private Partnership. It should be done with a sense of seriousness and focus. It is very sad to read every time that there is crisis about one concession or the order. The policy is good, the truth is that the Federal government should stop playing politics with everything, the Lagos/

Ibadan is being frustrated by politics. I am not making a case for Bicourtney, but we all know how unserious Nigerians are.”

While the ACCA Head’s position, seems to have answered the question of why concessioning, but a former Chairman of Nigeria Society of Enterprenures ,NSE, Mr. Debum Nwalibe, argued that if the Federal government has been responsive to its duties, there may not be need to involve private hands in the management of all national infrastructure.

Speaking specifically on what he described as “deliberate neglect of national infrastructures,”Nwalibe said, “Obasanjo did well for this country by bringing about a process that would address the past neglect of social infrastructure. It is good to inject competent hands into the management of these assets. but what I am saying here is that had the institutions of government been functioning appropriately, would there have been any need to invite private hands?”

In addition, he said, “former president Obasanjo have said at different fora that he left about 30 planes at the Nigerian Airways, when he handed over to Shagari in 1979. But during his second time as President, he met no functional aircraft in

The Lekki toll plaza, Lagos

1999, what does that say about neglect. If they had been properly maintained and handled, Obasanjo would not have considered the privatisation of Nigeria Airways as an urgent matter. So what we are saying is that controversies trailing PPI should not have come up, because there are instances where some facilities had been successfully concessioned.”

Infrastructure Regardless of this, it was discovered that there are also those, who do not accept concession as a roadmap to addressing infrastructure problems.

President General of Congress of Commerce and Industries, Mr. Pete Agbonivore belongs to this group.

To him, “all the noise is loud and deafening because of failure by those who were delegated with authorities.

Social infrastructure survived before the dawn of privatisation, so why can't it survive now. Why must government take its hands off the management of utilities.

Concession or whatever it is called breeds monopoly.”

Beyond these conflicting

voices, findings indicated that instances where concession was deviod of hitches in Nigeria.

This was contained in a 2011 newspaper(not Vanguard) report, which observed that “ there a few examples of successful PPP projects include the 12.15 megawatts IPP at the Akute/Adiyan Waterworks with Oando Plc, conceived to ensure constant, reliable, affordable power for Lagos. The project has enabled the water corporation to save about 40 percent cost which could have been expended on diesel to run power generating plants, and also boosted the volume of water supply to Lagosians.”

It further said, “The 9.7 megawatts Island IPP jointly executed with Island Power Limited (a part of Negris Group) is another example.

This Build, Own and Operate (BOO) project is designed to provide uninterrupted power supply for the judicial and health facilities, as well as 20 streets on the Lagos Island Central Business District.

There is also the BRT mass transit scheme which is generally acknowledged by Lagosians as a long way in easing the transportation difficulty of the residents in the ‘traffic infested’ commercial city.”

46 — Vanguard,

WEDNESDAY , JUNE 27, 2012

Zuma insists on of South Africa economic reform OUTH Africa’s presi dent Mr. Jacob Zuma said yesterday that the country’s economy is still largely under the control of whites who held power under apartheid, and called for a “dramatic shift” to redress the wealth imbalance.

Zuma, was speaking at the start of a major policy meeting of his ruling African National Congress, where he said the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality posed long-term risks for Africa’s richest country 18 years after the end of apartheid.

“The structure of the apartheid-era economy

S

has remained largely intact,” Zuma told several thousand ANC delegates.

“The ownership of the economy is still primarily in the hands of white males as it has always been,” he added. Such calls have been a staple of ANC strategy documents for years and Zuma’s policy speech comes months before he will seek re-election as leader of the faction-ridden movement in December. He has also been facing demands from the party’s youth wing to nationalize mines and seize white-owned farmland.

Without giving details, he called for a “dramatic

compromises” over economic ownership had been made to ensure a smooth political transition from white minority rule.

While draft proposals to be considered at the conference advocate a great-

Syria warns Turkey of retaliatory strike South Africa President Mr. Jacob Zuma shift and giant leap” in coming years to spread the country’s wealth more equitably, mentioning the distribution of mineral resources and land ownership as areas which need-

ed to be overhauled.

Zuma said this proposed “second transition” was necessary to complement the negotiated end of apartheid in 1994, when he said “certain

Nigeria, Ghana urge private sector role in health care IGERIA and Ghana have advocated for Public Private sector partnership, PPP, to advance healthcare in Africa and unleash its enormous potentials in

the sector. Nigeria’s minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu and his Ghanaian counterpart, Hon. Alban Bagbin expressed these views at the 7th West African Health Conference, WAH in Accra, Ghana.

former U.S. president is accusing the current president of sanctioning the “ widespread abuse of human rights” by authorizing drone strikes to kill suspected terrorists.

Jimmy Carter, America’s 39 th president, de-

nounced the Obama administration for “clearly violating” 10 of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, writing in a New York Times op-ed on Monday that the “United States is abandoning its

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

N

er role for state-owned enterprises, Zuma made clear however that the ANC’s strategy has been to seek to boost growth and create jobs through “a thriving mixed economy”.

Both ministers shared the view that PPP could be utilised in driving health services without leaving vulnerable groups unprotected in Africa.

Similarly, the ministers spoke on the need for private sector led busi-

nesses to take stakes in healthcare interventions across the West African sub-region. The essence, according to the ministers, is to ensure that high quality healthcare is accessed by the people at affordable costs.

URKEY branded its former ally Syria “a clear and imminent threat,” on Tuesday as its Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vented his fury over the downing of a Turkish fighter jet.

In his most outspoken criticism of the Damascus regime, Erdogan vowed to retaliate against the “heinous act” and promised a change of military attitude to any Syrian offic-

T

Britain renames Big Ben after Queen Elizabeth II RITAIN’s landmark Big Ben clock tower adjoining the Houses of Parliament will be renamed “Elizabeth Tower” to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne, a parliamentary official said on yesterday.

The announcement follows four days of celebrations earlier this month to

Carter accuses Obama of human rights abuse B A role as the global champion of human rights.”

“Instead of making the world safer, America’s violation of international human rights abets our enemies and alienates our friends,” Carter wrote.

While the total number of

attacks from unmanned aircraft, or drones, and the resulting casualties are murky, the New America Foundation estimates that in Pakistan alone 265 drone strikes have been executed since January 2009 .

er approaching the common border. “The rules of engagement of the Turkish Armed Forces have changed given this new development,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told parliament following the shooting down of F-4 Phantom jet Friday. The two pilots are still missing.

Any risk posed by Syria on the Turkish border will be “considered a threat and treated as a military target,” he said.

mark the 86-year-old queen’s Diamond Jubilee, only the second to be celebrated by a British monarch.”I think it is a fitting tribute to the Queen and the service she has given to our country in this jubilee year,” Prime Minister David Cameron’s spokesman quoted the prime minister as saying.

EGYPT: unveiling the challenges before Mohammed Morsi

BY HUGO ODIOGOR GYPT’S first elected civilian President Mohammed Morsi will be inaugurated on June 30, 2012 as the man to lead the most influential Arab nation in the post Hosni Mubarak era. But his tenure seems destined to a controversial start and possible armtwisting tactics from the ubiquitous military high command.

There is a brewing controversy on whether Morsi will be inaugurated at the Supreme Constitutional Court in the parliament, which the Egyptian military leaders dismantled days before the run-off elec-

E

tion that produced Morsi. The tradition is for the event to take place in the constitutional court.

Those pushing that the president takes the oath of office at the parliament building, want to assert the supremacy of peoples’ power and in the process, confront the military leaders, who are still edgy about the unfolding political reality that puts them out of the drivers seat.

The US trained engineer has to tread cautiously to avoid incurring the wrath of the military which is not new to toppling governments.

Morsi has resigned his membership of the Freedom and Justice Party and Muslim Brother-

•Mohammed Morsi hood, the platform that propelled him to power as required by the Egyptian constitution. This makes the president free from parochial allegiances and influences. In his first post election speech, Morsi has told Egyptians that he will run an all inclusive unity government which means that he will include Coptic Christians and women in his government, but the modality for selecting prospective candidates will prove challenging for him given the polarisation that the pro-

cess of social change that toppled Mubarak has unleashed on Egypt.

The level of social tolerance has become thin and stretched, given the way the Christians population was mislead out of the first and second round of voting but the Muslim brotherhood. The radical Islamic sect that emerged after the signing of the camp David Accord by Egypt produced the assassin that killed President Anwar Sadat during a military parade in Cairo, in 1981.

Mubarak did not have a jolly ride with the Muslim Brotherhood which tried over eight times to assassinate him.

The Muslim Brotherhood was behind recent

sectarian clashes between the Coptic Christians and the Muslim population, which preceded the Arab spring 16 months ago. The radical sect is bound to oppose the inclusion of Coptic Christians or a woman in the new cabinet. It will also be a thorny issue to include or exclude members of Egypt’s armed forces which have played dominant role in the country ’s politics since 1956.

Before agreeing to handover power, the military have stripped Morsi, much of the powers in the presidency. He has been stripped of his power as the commander in chief. The constitution gave the military the

power to declare war, veto the draft constitution and conduct legislative duties until a new parliament is elected.

The new president has insisted on authority over the economy, health, transport.

The military is in control of internal security and the power to declare war, especially against Israel.

If Morsi refuses to be sworn-in in the premises of the supreme constitutional court, his presidency could be in crisis.

The supreme constitutional court had earlier dissolved the parliament which 47% members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Continues on page 52

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—47

Maternal, child care is priority says Philips

By SOLA OGUNDIPE

A

• Breastmilk is best.

Why breastmilk is best — STUDY S breast milk so different from infant for mula? The ability to track which genes are operating in an infant's intestine has allowed scientists to compare the early development of breast-fed and formula-fed babies. They say the difference is very real.

For the first time, researchers can see that breast milk induces genetic pathways that are quite different from those in formula-fed infants. Although formula makers have tried to develop a product that's as much like breast milk as possible, hundreds of genes were expressed differently in the breast-fed and formula-fed groups.

Although both breast-fed and formulafed babies gain weight and seem to develop similarly, scientists have known for a long time that breast milk contains immune-protective components that make a breast-fed infant's risk lower for all kinds of illnesses.

The intestinal tract of the newborn undergoes marked changes in response to feeding. And the response to human milk exceeds that of formula, suggesting that the bioactive components in breast milk are important in this response.

What is not known is how breast milk

I

protects the infant and particularly how it regulates the development of the intestine. Understanding those differences should help formula makers develop a product that is more like the real thing, she said. The scientists hope to develop a signature gene or group of genes to use as a biomarker for breast-fed infants.

Many of the differences found b were in fundamental genes that regulate the development of the intestine and provide immune defense for the infant.

In the study, a new technique was used to examine intestinal gene expression in 22 healthy infants -- 12 breast-fed, 10 formula-fed.

S a demonstration of its commitment and strong focus on improving maternal and child care in Nigeria, and providing meaningful solutions based on local needs that will significantly expand access to care, Philips Healthcare Africa has launched a portfolio of affordable clinical solutions for safer births and mother/ child care in the Nigerian market including the ClearVue ultrasound range and the Intellivue patient monitors.

The company also announced appointment of a dedicated business development manager to be based in Nigeria to handle, support and drive ongoing collaborations with the local healthcare authorities.

Making the announcement at a strategic roundtable on mother and child care, in Lagos, during the stopover of its third consecutive Cairo to Cape Town road show 2012, Director and District Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa, Mr. Roelof Assies, said Philips is engaging with the Nigerian Government and local stakeholders to understand and support their needs around maternal and infant care.

“Philips has been dedicated to mother and child care for over 40 years. Sustainable and meaningful solutions are needed to tackle the alarming maternal mortality ratio of 630 per 100,000 live births, therefore Philips not only provides equipment but also provides training workshops for local care providers to create welltrained and skilled healthcare professionals.

In Lagos, Philips is hosting a tailor-made clinical training workshop on maternal and prenatal care for healthcare professionals, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

P&G partners NDA for improved oral health care it was a reflection of P&G’s commitment

By EBELE ONUORAH

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N a bid to reduce the rate of dentine sensitivity in people, Procter & Gamble, recently partnered with the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA to promote the essence of routine dental check up within the Nigerian populace.

In a statement, Brand Manager, Oral-B & Pampers for Procter & Gamble Nigeria, Mr. Cletus Onyebuoha said the company has a vision that is in line with P&G’s purpose of improving lives which has inspired P&G in providing dental professionals with helpful educational tools as well as provide Nigerians with different social classes, free access to routine dental check up and consultancy through the Oral B Mobile Dental Clinic.

Commenting on the partnership with the NDA, Head of External Relations, P&G Nigeria, Mrs. Temitope Iluyemi said

to the Oral Health of Nigerians as a means of helping to touch and improve their lives.

According to her, P&G invests billions of dollars in research and development annually in order to innovate to produce world class products that meet the needs and budgets of her consumers worldwide.

Over two days, Nigerian healthcare workers will be trained on how to accomplish safe childbirths and improve maternal and infant care. The clinical trainings are an essential part of reducing pregnancy-related mortality rates.

Dr Olumuyiwa Are, Chief Medical Director, Citizens Hospital states "Maternal health has become an important public priority in Nigeria, which makes the training of future healthcare professionals an essential part of reducing pregnancy-related mortality rates. We appreciate the investment in people, technology and resources that Philips is bringing to Nigeria and its healthcare industry.

WHARC presents special reproductive Journal HE African Journal of Reproduc tive Health, AJRH, Africa’s leading journal published by Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, WHARC, is presenting a special edition on adolescent reproductive health to the scientific and general public.

The presentation holds in Lagos tomorrow, June 28, 2012 at the Old Great Hall, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos, and on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja.

The Lagos event will be chaired by Professor Isaac Adewole, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, while the Abuja event will be chaired by Dr. Muhammad Pate, Minister of State for Health.

At the presentation, Professor John Idoko, Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS,NACA, will deliver the Keynote Address titled “Addressing Youth Vulnerability to HIV & AIDS in Nigeria”, while Professor Innocent Ujah, Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR and Professor Lai Erinosho of Health Reform Foundation, HERFON, will review the journal.

Special Guests of Honour at the events include Her Excellency, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Adhiambo Odaga, West Africa Representative, The Ford Foundation and Dr. Kole Shettima, Representative, Macarthur Foundation.

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• From left: Mr Cletus Onyebuoha, Brand Manager, Baby & Oral Care, P&G Nigeria, Dr. Olufemi Orebanjo, President, Nigeria Dental Association; Busola Opanubi, Technical External Relations Manager and Ngozi Coker, Brand PR Manager, all of P&G Nigeria, at the Oral-B sponsored Nigeria Dental Association, (NDA), 2012 conference held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos, last week.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

FG domesticates vaccine production

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

S part of the commit ment towards ensuring constant availability of routine vaccines in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the local production of vaccines with the take-off of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, a joint venture company between Federal government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc. The President is expected to actualise the goal of meeting and surpassing the nation’s local vaccine production capacity through the commissioning of a world-class vaccine plant at which production of Yellow Fever vaccine is expected to commence within 18 months.

Good Health Weekly gathered that this development is hinged on the take-off of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited - the joint venture company that was initially established in 2007 through a Joint Venture Agreement, JVA, between Federal government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc. In a chat, the MD/CEO, May & Baker Nigeria Pic, Pharm. Nnamdi Okafor said the JVA is a special purpose vehicle to bridge supply gaps for vaccines for routine immunisations in Nigeria such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin), HBV I,II,III (hepatitis B), DTP I,II,!II ( Diphtheria, tetanus and pertusis), OPV I,II,tII (Oral Polio Vaccine), measles and Yellow Fever.

Speaking about the joint venture, Okafor stated:

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“Our job is to revive that entity using our knowledge, expertise and resources to produce and distribute vaccines in Nigeria once again and consequently end the era of 100 per cent dependence on foreign vaccine producers to immunise our citizens against vaccine preventable diseases that ravage our society,” Okafor stressed.

Already, according to him, the required technical expertise has been acquired and the take-off of the company will be concluded with the appoint-

ment of new directors by the partners.

“Our major priority now is to commence local vaccines production as soon as possible. The Biovaccines business plan is being reviewed and will be presented to the Board as soon the latter is constituted. We plan to commence construction of a new vaccine plant at the new site in Ota, Ogun State with a view to starting production of Yellow Fever vaccines within 18 months.”

Among benefits of the plant are guaranteed availability of quality, safe and

affordable vaccine in the country, employment for hundreds of Nigerians and opportunity to turn a moribund federal cost centre into a profitable investment generating revenue.

According to Okafor: “By going into local vaccine production Nigeria will be putting the health security of her citizens in Nigerian hands. Immuniszation is a national health security issue. No country can afford to leave the health security of her citizens in the hands of foreign organisations.

“The venture would also save Nigeria substantial

savings in foreign exchange and logistics costs of vaccine importation.

Currently, the Federal Government spends over N6 billion to import vaccines every year, excluding what is imported by states and local governments.

Local vaccine production, Okafor pointed out, will ensure Nigeria's participation in an industry that is at the cutting edge of science by helping to transfer technology to Nigeria and build capacity for primary healthcare delivery.”

• From left: Medical Detailing Rep. GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Yinka Osho; Medical Director Clinical Research, GlaxoSmithKline UK, Dr. Stephen Mason (Phd); Expert Marketing Manager, GlaxoSmithKline, Kavita Sud and Brand Manager Sensodyne, Isaac Okanlawon, at the unveiling of the newly improved Sensodyne toothpaste, Lagos.

Experts link NCDs to poor oral healthcare

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

EDICAL experts have identified links between oral health care and Non Communicable Diseases even as they noted predominance of evidence association between oral infections (especially periodontal disease) and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary infections, and different forms of cancer.

At the 2012 Scientific conference of the Nigeria Dental Association, NDA, with the theme: "Non Communicable Diseases and the Dentist" and "Dentinal Hypersensitivity", the experts

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observed that periodontal diseases are associated with increased risks for the life-threatening chronic diseases.

In his lecture entitled: "Non-Communicable Diseases and Dental Health", the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Professor Akin Osibogun a recent review suggested a possible link between periodontal disease and certain cancers such as oral cancer and esophageal cancer.

The public health expert regretted that despite the significant burden on overall health, oral diseases are generally neglected, stressing that dentists have a unique

role to play in their prevention and control. .

He said for effective control of NCDs, attention must be paid to the social determinants of disease, many of which are outside the purview of the health sector, adding that oral disease can influence systemic disease and systemic disease can influence oral health.

In her own lecture, Prof.

Gbemisola Oke of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Ibadan,noted that good oral health enables an individual to speak, eat and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment.

According to her, three out of every five people worldwide are killed by

one of the four main NCDs - diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic lung disease.

“Unfortunately, all of these diseases can be linked to dental health in some way or another,” she avowed.

She further noted that tooth decay is of particular concern in poor communities because of its negative impact on childhood nutrition, growth and weight gain She said periodontal disease can also possibly lead to a release of oral bacteria into the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of blood clots, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, CHD and re-

searchers have found that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. She however, called for public policies that would help reduce the global NCD burden through appropriate actions in health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and advocating for research and finance.

Speaking the President of the Nigeria Dental Association, Dr. Femi Orebanjo explained that the conference was to bring the issue of non communicable disease to the front burner as it has become a universal issue to stem down the prevalence of the burden of NCDs on the world population.

MART opens medical spa in Lagos

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

HE Medical Art Center (MART) Ikeja Lagos has opened a Modern Mayr Medical Spa in Lagos. The spa which is the first of its kind in Africa is in collaboration with the Viva-MayrClinic in Austria. Modern Mayr medicine (established by an Austrian Physician Dr.Franz Xaver Mayr over 100 years ago) is a combination of different holistic health concepts whose objective is to successfully guide you to lasting health and enhanced performance over the long term.

In a stement, Ashiru told Good Health Weekly that emphasis is on cases with reproductive health problems (infertility failed IVF and advanced maternal age fertility), eexual dysfunction, menopause, general wellbeing and Stress recovery.

From the open house ceremony in Shonibare Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, at which the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, the Oba Deji Onagoruwa of Odogbolu and his Olori, Otunba Dr. (Mrs) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, were in attendance, Stossier and Ashiru proceeded to the Malaria Research Center at the Lagos State University College of Medicine and The Teaching Hospital to present lectures.

Ashiru made a presentation on recent advances in fertility treatment while Stossier spoke on the Modern Mayr medicine and infertility.

According to Ashiru, studies have shown that about 40-80 percent of all visits to the doctor are due to stress or stress related issues. To address these problems he travelled to the Viva-Mayr Center in Austria and got collaboration with the center to establish the Mart-Life Detox clinic which offers a holistic approach to health and well-being. Developed over 100 years ago by Dr. F.X. Mayr who developed the Mayr modern medicine approach used by VivaMayr to diagnose and treat his patients to good health through detoxification amongst others.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 49

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 51

MIDWEEK SERMON

with SAMEYOBOKA sameyoboka@yahoo.com

Hannah’s Cry:

Season of prayer for women A

BUJA was recharged with fresh anointing as women from far and near, recently, gathered at the Uzzitz Parks and Garden, Abuja to pray down God's power for women empowerment to regain every lost glory, as they anchored their faith on the God of Hannah at Revival Assembly, Abuja.

The women praised and worshipped God ceaselessly with a guest artiste, Susan West who penetrated the heavens with such adorable vocal arrows of praise and the women felt God’s touch in their lives. The pro-gramme titled; “Hannah’s Cry” was organised by Prophetess Nonnie Roberson, host speaker, to reposition women from every facet of life.

Speaking on the essense of the event, Prophetess Roberson said it was de-signed for women of all ages to come to-gether

under one umbrella irrespective of denominational differ-ences to seek the face of God in one accord and with a renewed sense of purpose to achieve great-ness against all odds because when women pray, God hears.

Hannah’s Cry, according to her, is a divine vision to restore lost hope among women and nations; which is why this first edition was unimag-inable how God visited women. She maintained that in this time of global insecurity and unstable governments with unsta-ble policies, it is imperat-ive for women to unite to pray for the restoration of security and peace in the nations.

"We are actually in the season of women and it’s time to bring forth new things," she said, believ-ing that since every human being came through a woman, the women must rise to pray for the youths of the world.

Prophetess Roberson also believes that when the woman's

Oyedepo graces Victorious Army confab Overseer Gof Victorious Army MinisENERAL

tr-ies, Rev. Joseph Agboli has called on Nigerians to join the war against terrorism in the country by making available necessary infor-mation for security age-nts, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Rev. Agboli said such in-formation will assist the government to curb the in-creasing rate of killing and destruction of property that has been causing un-rest in the northern part of the country.

The cleric said this while briefing newsmen on the church's forthcoming 17th annual convention known as Faith Celebration Ann-iversary tagged; “The God of Vengeance: the master-key that unlocks your destines”.

The event is scheduled for Friday through Sund-ay at the church audito-rium will feature Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Agboli, Bi-

shop David Oyedepo and other anointed men of God ministering. Rev. Agboli further urged Nigerians to put away their differences and pray earnestly for the total transformation of the country; adding that it is high time the giant of Africa is delivered and liberated from all forms of oppressions through the prayers of the masses.

Speaking on the 17th anniversary, the man of God hinted that the pro-gramme will focus on vengeance of God that is able to deliver mankind from the bondage of darkness, stressing that it is the vengeance of God that opens the door for total restoration, favours, deliverance from oppress-ors amongst others.

Apart from focusing on the spiritual lives of the people, he said, the programme will likewise meet both physical and financial growth of those that will be attending.

Cleric tasks FG on bombings THE Federal Government has been called upon to wake up and arrest the incessant bombing of innocent Nigerians in the northern part of the country, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Senior pastor of Covenant Life Christian Church, Pastor Oludare Omole, made the call during a briefing in Lagos, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps and prevent more bloodshed before it is too

late.

According to him, the Islamic sect could not be greater than the Federal Government, noting that government should not deceive the masses that it did not know those who are behind the attacks.

“Government should muster the political will to fight this crisis,” he said, warning that a religious war might start if urgent actions were not taken by the relevant authorities.

home is in order, every other thing around would respond and the entire nation would progress. “Because wom-en are tender hearted and God hearkens to their prayers, so “Hannah’s Cry” is all about women coming together to pray and birth a new beginning in all areas of their lives. The vision is beyond women believing God for the fruit of the womb; it’s a period where women pray through their life and family

A cross section of participants at the Hannah’s Cry programme at the Revival Assembly, Abuja recently. challenges etc.

“Our major expectation in this ministry is to see that thousands of lives will be restored. To every dry bo-ne that stood as a rep-roach before women and every place of weeping in their lives will become a place of victory," she not-ed, explaining

that "with many testimonies record-ed during the first edition of this programme, we have decided that it will hold bi-annually with the next edition billed for December this year be-cause of the interest of both local and internat-ional citizens”.

Danger and vanity of false riches (2)

By BENEDICT HART

EALTH acquired through corruption or any other evil means is cursed, and decent people who are godly-minded have no respect for those who thrive on bribery and corruption. Thus said the Lord: “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hat-cheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.”

“Though he heap up silv-er as the dust and prepa-re raiment as the clay... the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver...” (Jeremiah 17: 11; Job 27:13-23) Indeed, the Bible says: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that ma-keth haste to be rich shall not be innocent. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”

(Prov-erbs 28:20, 22; Psalm 49:7, 16-19).

It should be made clear that even if any one esca-pes man’s punishment or that of the Government, he cannot avert or escape God's judgment. God will certainly punish such ones.

(Prov. 11:21; Isaiah 3:11; I Peter 3:10-12; Eccl-esiastes 12:13-14).

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Massive stealing of public funds If those still engaging in the massive stealing of public funds, by way of corruption are undoing themselves as time would eventually make manifest. The Bible says: “For the congregation of hypocri-tes shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery, They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.” (Job 15:34-35; Psalm 26:1,9-10).

Several Internet sites ha-ve the story of the meet-ing in 1923, held at Edge-water Beach hotel in Chi-cago. Attending this meeting were nine of the

world’s most successful financiers. Those present were: the president of the largest independent steel company; the president of the largest utility company; the president of the largest gas company; the greatest wheat speculator; the president of the New York Stock Exchange; a member of the President’s cabinet; the greatest “bear” in Wall Street; head of the world’s greatest monopoly; president of the bank of International Settlements.

Certainly we must admit that here were gathered a group of the world’s most successful men. Now several years later we know how these men ended. “The presid-ent of the largest steel co-mpany, Charles Schwab, died a bankrupt and lived on borrowed money for five

,

By MOSES NOSIKE

live."

In Isaiah 55:7, there is the warning that the wick-ed should forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his evil thoughts; that he should return to God and He will have mercy upon him. And to every true Christian the apostle added this exhort-ation: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteous-ness, godliness, faith, lo-ve, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called and hast professed a good profess-ion before many witness-es.” (I Timothy 6:1112) Anyone who claims to be a Christian and still indulges in stealing of public funds, in ritual killing, kidnapping and other sins in order to acquire quick

Anyone who claims to be a Christian and still indulges in stealing of public funds, in ritual killing, kidnapping and other sins in order to acquire quick riches is not yet a Christian

years before his dea-th. The president of the greatest utility company, Samuel Insull, died a fugitive from justice and penniless in a foreign land. The president of the largest gas company, Howard Hopson, is now insane.

The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cutten, died abroad, insolvent. The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whit-ney, was recently released from Sing Sing Penitentiary. The member of the President’s cabinet, Albert Fall, died a suicide.

The head of the greatest monopoly, Iva Krueger, died a suicide. The greatest “bear” in Wall Street, Jesse Livermore, died a suicide. The president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, died a suicide. “All of the-se men learned well the art of making money but not one of them learned how to

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riches is not yet a Christian. St. Paul said: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things (including fraud, bribery and corruption) are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17).

We have travelled the road of greed and the quest for overnight wealth long enough. We have reaped nothing but pover-ty, internecine conflicts, militancy, terrorism, so-rrows, pains and disgrace everywhere we go. The earlier we stop this mad quest for unearned wealth and emphasize good name, truthfulness, hon-esty, contentment, moderate living, public welfare, respect for (deserving) elders, love for one ano-ther, etc. the happier we shall be. *Brother Hart is the publicity secretary of God’s Kingdom Society, Salem City, Warri.

52 — Vanguard,

WEDNESDAY , JUNE 27, 2012

Procedures for Turkish Research Visa EGYPT: unveiling the challenges

before Mohammed Morsi

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

THE Republic of Turkey has for years become an important regional economic power, as well as an attractive market for foreign investors. This has in no small measure led to trips by Nigerian business men and women.

Aside embarking on business trips, there are also individuals who visit Turkey with the aim of conducting both academic and nonacademic research.

It is always of great benefit to an applicant when prior to commencement of preparations to migrate to a country of choice, he gets himself fully equipped with all the requirements outlined by the immigration board of the desired country, through the Country’s consulate in his home country.

With this fact in mind we bring to you a few of the basic Turkish visas regulations for intending Nigeria applicants who wish to migrate to Turkey to carry out research work.

In view of this, applicants are advised to take cognizance of the fact that demand for a type of visa that does not commiserate with their purpose of travel is enough to disqualify applications and as such the Turkish embassy has rolled out basic requirements for Nigeria nationals who wish to migrate for purposes of conducting a survey or archeological research and other related research works.

When applicants follow the research visa regulations as stipulated by the embassy, they are sure to experience a stress-free visa processing without delay.

Visa for research applicants: In preparation, intending researchers are requested to send their completed application form to the Turkish embassy, and if research is to be carried out by a team, the leader of the team is expected to fill out the entire research application for other members, after every

Continued from page 46

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Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Rifat Koksal member of the team must have provided him with all the answers to questions indicated on the form.

If for instance it is a six member team work, the leader is left to do all the processing of the six, his own application inclusive. He is expected also to have all passport sized embassy specified photographs of the six, affixed at the top corner of the application form of each applicant.

These passport photographs, according to the embassy rules, should not be stapled, but glued on the upper right corner of the first page, and because the

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excercise are further expected to visit the consulate in person along with necessary documents which would enable them obtain their research visas prior to their trip.

Requirements: The most important item is a valid passport with an expiry date of more than three months to cover for the duration of stay throughout the period the research will last.

They are also expected to provide a letter which clearly shows names of the team leader, his travel date, research date and the title(s) of the research embarking on.

When applicants follow the research visa regulations as stipulated by the embassy, they are sure to experience a stressfree visa processing without delay

cost of mailing application is incurred by the applicant himself, the embassy requests that there should be an attached prepaid express mail envelope as an indication that the applicant has actually paid for transition of application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey for onward processing.

In due course, after review of all applications, it becomes the duty of the Turkish embassy in applicants home country to forward to the team leader the status and or result of all the applications via email, as they were informed by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants whose applications scale through the screening

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Those who did not apply from their home country, should endeavor to submit valid residence permit or any other relevant documentation as proof of legal stay in that country from which he or she is applying from.

On arrival: It is mandatory that as soon as the researchers enter Turkey, they are required to apply to the Alien’s Branch of the Local Police Department in the city where they are supposed to carry out the research, and this has to be done within thirty days upon their arrival. This is to enable them obtain a residence permit to allow them go about their duties without undue disturbance(s).

E-mail: consularadvisory@vanguardngr.com

e has been stripped of his power as the Commander in Chief. The constitution gave the military the power to declare war, veto the draft constitution and conduct legislative duties until a new parliament is elected.

The new president has insisted on authority over the economy, health, transport.

The military is in control of internal security and the power to declare war, especially against Israel.

The increasing brinkmanship between the two sides has led some observers to conclude that the military wants to hand power over to a puppet regime and reproduce the type of situation that we have in Algeria.

Behind the scenes, the top leadership of the country is has continued discussions with the US which has been giving substantial aid to Egypt’s military and to the country for its strategic role in maintainig stability in the Arab world. Egypt’s economy which relies on Oil and ourism has suffered decline following the unrest that rocked the country 16 months ago.

Asenior Research Fellow at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Associate Professor Fred Aja Agwu told Vanguard that the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood is not be good for Nigeria and the West African nation

Mohammed Morsi stepping into office on his first day as president should be cautious in the way it conducts its relationship with Egypt with the Muslim Brotherhood taking over power in the Arab nation. Said Agwu: Although the

David Agreement that established relationship between Egypt and Israel after the post 1973 Egypt-Israeli war.

But they have been ambivalent about it.

I am more concerned

We must be concerned about the Muslim Brotherhood within the context of the security implication of its victory for the sub-Sahara Africa Muslim Brotherhood seem to have shed some of extreme political views for which they were held down for many years, under the government of former president Hosni Mubarak, it still has radical religious and political views. I think they are getting a little more mature and careful. They have been saying that they would honour all existing agreements that Egypt has signed, particularly the Camp

Egyptians women celebrating

about the Muslim Brotherhood within the context of the security implication of its victory for the sub-Sahara Africa. Already we have a fundamentalist government in Algeria.

There are global concerns about the image of Egypt in the hands of fundamentalist government and the disposition of the leadership of Iran, and radical Islamic groups like Hamas, Hezbolla, Al-Qaeda in the Arabia Peninsula, the Maghreb and Horn of Africa is a source of concern to the West and to Nigeria.

Especially with the rising insurgency in the country and the growing influence of Al-Qaeda movement in the ECOWAS sub region.

Already what happened in Mali, with the declaration of the state of Azawad by the Tuareg rebels in Northern part of Mali provides inspiration to the radical islamic group in northern part of the country.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012—53

Re: ICPC investigates monetisation of exam marks

Farouk Lawan and $3million bribery scandal

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T is very unfortunate and disheartening to know, that there is hardly any one to trust with the responsibility of governance in this country. It’s a pity that Lawan Farouk is a direct reflection of corruption, which he claims to hate.

John 08038517280

OBJ’s comment on NASS OBJ said there are rogues and thieves in NASS. Yes, OBJ is right but he is the alleged father of corruption.

The great rebirth is about to begin as the truth pressed to the ground is rising again.

Ugonwanne 08064091428

Suspension and reinstatement of Justice Ayo Salami It’s appropriate to suspend a person to avert any hinderance during investigation. The NJC goofed and without any little restraint persuaded Mr. President

abnormally is dealt with, other obstacles bedeviling the education system would fizzle out. This is because, no wealthy would like to send his child to an institution which is devoid of the necessary facilities for improved

The syndrome of our political elites sending their children and wards abroad to study should be discarded with. This particular scenario has been the bane of the education industry, and once the abnormally is dealt with, other obstacles bedeviling the education system would fizzle out

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our political elites sending their children and wards abroad to study should be discarded with.

This particular scenario has been the bane of the education industry, and once the

Goodluck Jonathan to approve a temporary axe. The jungle justice in the Nigeria judiciary is that the highest bidder/ most influential gets justice. Nobody is afraid of the recalled President of the Court

learning. Primary and secondary schools are being neglected because the political bigwigs and the elites have no stake in them.

Once they condescend to allow their wards to study in

lack of electricity, poverty and unemployment vigorously if he wants us to give him our mandate for his presidential ambition come 2015. We can only support him to complete his transformation agenda if he improves his performance positively. Nigerians are aware that Mr. President has the right to seek for second mandate but his performance is not good enough.

Alhaji Usman Hassanu 07057789779

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want to react to the above caption on page 15 of the Vanguard Newspapers of Friday 1 st June 2012.

Examination malpractice which has become more or less institutionalized in our milieu can be completely eradicated in our system without the intervention of any anti-graft agency.

Involving ICPC in this matter at this time is not the best option. After all, since EFCC, ICPC and other antigraft agencies have being arresting and arraigning culprits for various crimes committed, crime is still on the increase.

Prevention they say is better than cure. My humble suggestion is that government, including other stakeholders in the education industry, should apply all available measures to prevent the nefarious act before it becomes part of our academic system. There are myriads of problems bedeviling the education industry in the country and over 90percent of them are man -made. It is

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only when we form a united front to agree to disagree on these problems that we would begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Our primary and secondary schools are not being adequately funded to meet the suitable standard they deserve. Government should do something about this.

Secondly, the syndrome of

,

Dear Sir,

It is very unfortunate and disheartening to know, that there is hardly any one to trust with the responsibility of governance in this country. It’s a pity that Lawan Farouk is a direct reflection of corruption, which he claims to hate

of Appeal, Hon. Justice Salami. Is his reinstatement a truce or valour? He should retire now. The same man could be appointed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. So, why not quit!

Otugo .B 08067557715

Tenure elongation President Jonathan should tackle insecurity, corruption,

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Still on tenure elongation It is high time our political leaders thought of a progressive way forward and learn from Yar Adua’s administration. President Jonathan should not allow selfish leaders to deceive him to run for another tenure because PDP will fail this time. This is because Nigerians are angry

the country, especially in public schools, there would be a turn around.

Above all, the caliber of persons that supervise and invigilate exams help in no small measure in increasing the rate of exam malpractices.

Their salaries are poor and the delay in paying the meager stipend creates the avenue for them to succumb

to the temptation of bribery, either in cash or kind.

I am not sure the government would look into this aspect of teachers’ salary now as it is already a herculean task for the state governors to pay theN18000 minimum wage.

Against this backdrop, government should involve social critics and or journalists in supervising all external exams in the country. I appeal to president Good luck Jonathan to give this option a trial. God helping us, things would change for the better.

Nkemakolam Gabriel Warri 08072257360

Problems of flying in Nigeria Dear Sir, HE saddening aspect of our society is that we cover up the danger looming before us and hope that, perhaps, it will disappear on its own. Why refurbished air crafts?

The problems with Dana Air are familiar even to the firsttime flier. Passengers board the air craft in preparation for take off, and then comes the message: There is a problem with the air craft; passengers

are to disembark, while the repair commences. Half an hour or longer thereafter comes the next message: Repair unsuccessful; passengers to wait while arrangement for another air craft is on.

Why not avoid the danger ahead instead of wading into it? The lives lost can never be recovered. They are now part of the archives of air transport tragedies of our country.

By Kieran Ekpenyong

and very disappointed with this administration. The spirit of corruption, incompetence and insecurity is high as well as lack of trust in our judicial system. Our legislature has allegedly been bought over.

Our resources are carted away by greedy wolves. President Jonathan should not be carried away.

Anonymous 08158086822

But the system we operate in this country honours and elevates the politicians who visit such home once a year with hordes of photojournalist but forget that someone takes care of these children for the remaining 364 days.

Anonymous 08077065314

T

National awards Although I am not sure of when the next national awards ceremony is scheduled to hold but I suggest that when next the organisers are planning one, they should also consider those kind -hearted Nigerians who spend their time, energy and resources on our children with disabilities and operators of orphanage homes because of a truth, these persons are really trying and I think they deserve national recognition.

Boko Haram and terrorism Nigerians should rise up, unite and fight terrorism to its logical conclusion. It is not a matter of Moslems or Christians. Terrorists are anti mankind and we should take note that using terrorism to fight President Jonathan politically can never take us to anywhere.

Please take these failed Arab states such as Iraq, Somalia, Algeria, Syria, Yemen etc to be your case study.

A.M.H 08081643296

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.The tortoise said it is to avoid problem with landlords that he moves about in his own house.

2. No matter the quarrel between the tongue and teeth, they still stay together in the mouth.

Prince Freedom Ajuju (08057402933), No. 9, Oghenebrorhie St., Akpodiete Layout, Ugheli, Delta Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Nadal passes Bellucci test L

Serena shows Venus how to win

•Serena Williams

...zooms into next round

S

ERENA Williams did much better than big sister Venus at Wimbledon, defeating Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-2, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round. Playing on the same

AST year ’s runner-up Rafael Nadal rebounded from a surprisingly slack start to win his first round match against fellow left-hander Thomaz Bellucci 7-6 6-2 6-4 at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

After two early breaks of serve Nadal briefly found himself 4-0 down in the opening set, but he soon regained his footing in the contest and resumed his usual domineering style of play, eroding Bellucci’s confidence with every imperious forehand on the way to a straight sets victory.

In the beginning it was Bellucci - left-handed, wearing a bandana, blessed with a

Court 2 where Venus lost in straight sets a day earlier, Williams took command by breaking her Czech opponent three times in the first set. The players then traded breaks twice in the second before

Williams broke again in the 10th game, converting her second match point when the 62nd-ranked Zahlavova Strycova sent a forehand long.

Williams was 46-0 in the first round of Grand Slam tournaments before losing her opening match at this year ’s French Open.

whip-like forehand - who was dominant against the player he shares a striking resemblance to, as he silenced the crowd on Centre Court with a fast start to open a sizeable lead over his opponent.

Nadal temporarily looked bewildered but he soon found his stroke and, as Bellucci’s forehand began to falter, he roared back to 4-4 as normal service looked to be resumed.

The first set nevertheless went to a tiebreak, but Bellucci picked a bad time to throw in some unforced errors as the Spaniard eased into the ascendancy.

•Nadal

Dress code dilemma for Clijsters W

IMBLEDON’s all-white dress code for players is an integral part of the fabric of the Championships, setting it apart from the other grand slams.

Fashions change. Shirts, shorts and skirts now look rather different to those worn by players even a generation back, but any bending of the all-white policy is frowned upon.

Most players will respect the rule and not try anything too daring. Many revel in it. The entourages join in.

Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, can frequently be seen in full tennis kit strolling the grounds. Try explaining the policy to an infant though.

That has been Kim Clijsters’ task, with daughter Jada now four years old

and with an inquisitive mind, wondering why ‘Mama’ has to leave the colours at home for this fortnight.

“She asked me, ‘Mama, do I also have to wear white?’,” Clijsters said after her first-round win over Jelena Jankovic yesterday.

“I was like, ‘Oh, that was a first’.

“Everybody in the house, we got our clothes and everybody was walking around in white at the house.

“She was like, ‘Mama, do I have to wear white, too?’. That was pretty funny.

She’s at an age, four now, where she understands when we’re all wearing white. “I explained the tradition of Wimbledon, that it’s mandatory to wear white. A few minutes later I explained for the Olympics [at Wimbledon] it’s not necessary.”

Fish wins after heart operation M

ARDY Fish has made a winning return to tennis in the opening round at Wimbledon - his first match following a procedure to address a frightening heart scare. The world number 12 beat Spain’s Ruben RamirezHidalgo 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 7-6 (7/1) and looked comfortable moving around the court. It was his first tournament appearance since April, when, as top seed, he fell at the first hurdle in Houston.

He had a procedure called cardiac catheter ablation in Los Angeles on May 23 to correct faulty wiring in his heart.

Fish said the arrhythmia had made it hard for him to sleep and his heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.

Fish is the top American left in the draw after world number 10 John Isner was knocked out on Monday. During his two-hour, 37-minute match on the Court 12 show court against Ramirez-Hidalgo, the world number 82, Fish sent down 24 aces and hit 61 winners.

He was at ease in the third set tie-break, sealing his victory with a crosscourt return of serve for his first win since Miami in March.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012 — 55

Arsenal sign Giroud RSENAL have signed France striker Olivier Giroud in a deal worth around £12million.

Giroud joins the Gunners from Ligue 1 champions Montpellier and has agreed a four-year contract from July 1.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud.

“He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic.

“We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.

“He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier ’s championship-winning side last season.

“We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt.”

Giroud made three sub appearances at Euro 2012, although in total he was only on the pitch for 32 minutes.

He scored 24 goals in 40 appearances for Montpellier last season as they won the title.

Giroud said: “I am de-

A

year, all the African nations have lined up their very best with the hope of keeping their athletes in shape for the London 2012 Olympics starting July 27.

Top on the list include Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare who is chasing a double in the women long jump and the 100m.

Also Obinna Metu will be out to prove that he is ready for the big time, having set the leading African time in the men 100m this season. Metu has never measured up at international events.

Other track and field giants include Amantle Montsho, South African Caster Semenya, the 2009 World 800m champion and 2011 silver medallist; the Beijing 2008 Olympic Long Jump silver medallist South African Godfrey Khotso Mokoena; Mer-

PAIN midfielder Cesc Fabregas knows the threat of Portugal must not be taken lightly in their Euro 2012 semi-final in Donetsk today.

The defending champions are favourites to retain the title, but Barcelona midfielder Fabregas does not believe they should underestimate Portugal.

Fabregas had plenty of chances to see Portugal’s star player Cristiano Ronaldo as he helped Real Madrid win La Liga last season and he is also wary of the talents of Manchester United winger Nani.

Fabregas told Marca: “I think they play a different system from Real Madrid, but one of Portugal’s strengths is having Ronaldo and Nani.

“If I were the coach of Portugal I would play on the counter. They can do much damage, but surely if we defend very well together we will have a good game.”

Despite the obvious talents of Ronaldo and

S

•Giroud lighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football.

“It’s a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it’s been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League.

“I was attracted by the philosophy of football

and Arsene Wenger ’s ‘touch’ at this club.

“I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here.

“I’m very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.”

Mr Biggs partners NOC for Olympics

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN R Biggs yesterday joined the band-

M

Athletics stars rumble in Port Novo Continues from B/Page

Fabregas wary of Portugal threat

cy Njoroge of Kenya the Commonwealth Games 3000m steeplechase silver medallist; Ivorian sprinter Murielle Ahouré as well as double-amputee runner, Oscar Pistorius.

Nigeria will face stiff challenge for the sprint medals from Cote’d Ivoire. Men 100m defending Champion, BenYoussef Méité and African women leader, Ahoure with her 11.00 seconds this season are a major obstacle for Nigerian sprinters “We are extremely happy to have the best of Africa in Porto Novo.

It is an Olympic year and every athlete is highly prepared. No doubt we expect some records to be broken here,” said Benin Republic Athletics Federation president, Mr. Theophile Montsho who is also vice president of the CAA.

wagon of companies that are partnering with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) towards a successful outing of Team Nigeria at the summer Games, starting July 27 in London.

Disclosing this at the secretariat of the NOC in Lagos, Divisional Managing Director of Mr Biggs, Derrick Van Houten affirmed the firm’s willingness to support the athletes in their quest for medals in London.

“Our strategic partnership with the NOC is defined by our support to the body in several ways. We identify the need to partner with and support the NOC in this strategic drive to build a Nigerian winning team for every Olympic event.

“This is driven by our commitment to be an integral part of Nigerians and Nigerian society in all ramifications. We intend to support the athletes all the way. We will cater for all pre-Olympic events holding in Nigeria.

“Nigerian athletes will also be allowed the pleasurable experience of our meals and restau-

•Fabregas Nani, Fabregas warned about ignoring the talents of Portugal’s other players such as Chelsea’s Raul Meireles, Porto’s Joao Moutinho and Genoa’s Miguel Veloso.

“You have players like Moutinho or Meireles

that hold the ball very well, and others of the quality of Veloso, so they may surprise you in many ways.”

Xabi Alonso revealed Spain did not have any special plans in place to deal with Ronaldo.

Imo YSFON’s Mock Champions league kicks off tomorrow LL is set for the 5th edition of the annual Imo Mock Champions league organized by the Imo state chapter of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

Imo YSFON boss, Ndubuisi Ekeocha in a release made available to the press disclosed that 12 teams will jostle for honor in the tournament which is billed to kick off at the Owerri Township stadium tomorrow.

Ekeocha who is also the South East zonal vice president of YSFON stated that the event is kicking off few days after the colorful draw held at Ranch hotel, Owerri early this week. He noted that this year ’s event promises to be a memorable one given the sponsorship support his organization is enjoying from Promasidor makers of Cowbell milk.

“The draw held at Ranch hotel was a wonderful outing thanks to

A •Ndanusa rants as we will be giving them free meal vouchers for their entertainment and that of their friends and families. The NOC are not left out of the fun as 50 NOC officials will also have the pleasure of experiencing our goodness, through our free meal vouchers. These are all in addition to our financial support towards the Nigeria Olympic Committee promotion”, added Van Houten.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the NOC Marketing Committee, Patrick Ukah, said that Mr Biggs is a partner in the supporter category and that they enjoy all rights and privileges of being an NOC partner.

the support of Promasidor. We are happy that a corporate body has thrown its weight behind us. It is a big boost as we strive to catch them young via our grassroots competitions,” Ekeocha.

On the competition proper, he stated that 12 teams drawn from different parts of Imo would jostle for the giant trophy beginning from June 28.

Forget Euro, think Wimbo Continues from B/Page

break Euro 2012 exit, she offered a brief moment of joy by flashing her green undies at the opening of the Championships.

And French Open winner Maria was rewarded for her service to the nation — she romped to victory over Australian Anastasia Rodionova.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Portugal Vs Spain — Pg 29

Ronaldo taunts Spain Maradona backs Germany for glory — P.29

•Maradona

•PAIN FOR SPAIN — Ronaldo

Euro, Athletics stars rumble Forget think Wimbo Euro S/final in Port Novo S Fixtures

BY BEN EFE OP African athletics stars are ready to rumble today as the 18th edition of the African

T

TODAY'S

Athletics Championship begins at the Stade d’Lamite in Porto Novo, Benin.

Being an Olympic Continues on Page 55

PUZZLES

Today: Spain v Portugal 7:45pm Tomorrow: Germany v Italy 7:45pm

YESTERDAY'S

EXY Maria Sharapo va gave deflated sports fans a little lift yesterday — as she hitched up her skirt at Wimbledon.

After England’s heart-

•Sharapova

Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

ANSWERS ACROSS 1 Renew (6) 5 Always (4) 8 Carried (5) 9 Tune (3) 10 Anon (4) 11 Side (4) 12 Wrath (5) 13 Revised (6) 16 Record (4) 18 Discharge (4) 20 Aye (3) 22 Suitable (3) 23 Delve (3) 24 Saucy (4) 25 Worry (4) 28 Audacious (6) 30 Pamphlet (5) 32 Group (4) 33 Impel (4) 34 Freshly (5) 36 Rushed (4) 37 Remained (6)

DOWN 1 Peruser (6) 2 Filter (8) 3 Gathered (6) 4 Joined (9) 5 Penetrated (7) 6 Swerve (4) 7 Incline (4) 8 Snake (3) 14 Hard (9) 15 Equipment (3) 17 Title (3) 19 Army (8) 20 Longing (3) 21 Began (7) 26 Began (7) 27 Tallied (6) 29 Ado (4) 30 Prong (4) 31 Attempt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Reach 9, Motion 10, Labour 11, Essay 12, Seen 15, Ruse 17, Enraged 20, Sad 21, Digit 23, Used 25, Grin 26, Dived 28, Red 30, Debased 33, Idea 35, Dare 36, Title 38, Action 39, Enlist 40, Weird.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Amuse 2, Steer 3, Roe 4, Ensued 5, Clap 6, Hay 7, Bonus 11, Breed 13, Endured 14, Named 16, Saunter 18, Dined 19, Big 22, Tread 24, Dim 27, Dealer 28, Rival 29, Deity 31, Rapid 32, Death 34, Tow 37, End.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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