PDP expels Amaechi's 14 commissioners

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61955

Gunmen kill 32 in Benue, Borno 8

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

ASUU rejects FG's offer, says strike continues 14

Why Jonathan sacked Youths 9 minister

PDP expels Amaechi's 14 commissioners •SSG, Chief of Staff, two others also expelled •It's Nollywood drama, subjudice — Ake, Okocha

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH, ADEMOLA AKINYEMI, JIMITOTA ONOYUME & EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT — THE crisis in the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party, PDP, deepened, yesterday, as factional leadership of the party in the state led

by Felix Obuah expelled 14 commissioners and four other top functionaries of the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led administration.

The other faction led by Chief Godspower Ake, as

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COLUMNISTS:

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Mr & Mrs

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL—Performers take part in the parade on the second day of the Notting Hill Carnival in

West London,yesterday. AFP PHOTOS

FG borrows $1.6bn for power transmission facilities8

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POCKET CARTOON

WORKSHOP—From left: Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale; Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman; Director, Micro Economic Analysis, Mr Tunde Lawal and Representative of Director-General, Budget Office, Mr Okonofua Lucky, at a sensitisation workshop on Nigeria's GDP rebasing exercise in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

PDP expels Amaechi's 14 commissioners, four others Continues from Page 1

well as Governor Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Mr Tony Okocha, however, dismissed their expulsion as a Nollywood drama that is of no con-

sequence.

Chairman of Rivers PDP, Felix Obuah who announced the suspension of Governor Amaechi’s loyalists, yesterday, at the party ’s secretariat in Port

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Harcourt, said the action was based on the State Working Committee’s (SWC) appraisal of the report and recommendations submitted to party executives by its Performance Evaluation Committee and its Disciplinary Committee.

The SWC declared the expulsion of the 18 key functionaries of the Amaechi government about two hours after receiving and deliberating on the Performance Evaluation Committee’s report presented earlier by its chairman, Osinakachukwu Ideozu, who had hinted that the report contained general recommendations and those specific to individuals, particularly party members loyal to Governor Amaechi who had shunned summons by the committee.

List of expelled members The expelled members as listed by Obuah, include Worgu Boms, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Ibim Semenitari (Information), Okey Amadi (Energy), Emmanuel Chinda (Agric), Victor Giardom (Works), Samuel Eyiba

(Local Government Affairs), Patricia Simon Hart (Water Resources), Ezemonye EzekielAmadi (Lands & Survey), Charles Okaye (Chieftaincy Affairs), Joeba West (Women Affairs), Gogo Levi Jacks (Budget and Economic), Fred Igwe (Sports), Nabbs Imegwu (Culture and Tourism) and Marshall Uwom (Housing).

The four other government functionaries also expelled were George Feyi, Secretary to the State Government; Tony Okocha (Chief of Staff); Dr. Claribe CookeyGams, boss of the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority and former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Sam Jaja.

Obuah said: “These people failed to honour the invitation of the committee and they did not also excuse themselves for being absent or communicated what made it impossible for them to appear in person. You are aware that the committee sent invitations to various persons and respected leaders of the party came and presented their score cards.

“We also found in the report that some persons who could not come in person informed the house of their circumstances and others submitted written reports on their stewardship to the committee. But the persons we have just mentioned acted in contempt, insubordination and disrespect for the party in not honouring the invitation of the Performance Evaluation Committee.

“Sequel to the recommendations of the committee and that submitted by the Disciplinary Committee, they are therefore expelled from the party. Let us also make it clear that this is not the end of this exercise.

“We are still studying the report. Some affected persons whose cases the state cannot decide upon would have their recommendations forwarded to the national body for appropriate action while the leadership at the local government and ward levels would also be properly briefed to take action which we shall continue to communicate to the people.

He reiterated that the “essence of the evaluation was not to witch-

hunt anyone but to know how far and how well party members in positions of trust have met the aspirations of the party, our people and the entire Rivers State.”

Obuah owes Amaechi apology— Ake Reacting swiftly to the development, deposed state chairman of the PDP, Chief Godspower Ake stated: “The poor reception and attendance at the Felix Obuah Evaluation/Performance Committee by members of the PDP in Rivers State no doubt, is clear indication and proof that the committee had totally failed on take-off and an open rejection of Obuah and his co-travellers by the real owners of the PDP in Rivers State.”

Ake’s statement signed by his spokesman, George UkwuomaNwogba further said that “the wicked motive to suspend all PDP members loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi makes nonsense of the whole exercise. Besides, it is total waste of time and alien to the party constitution. It has neither history nor precedent in the PDP from the days of its founding fathers, most of whom are still alive.”

It further said that, “Obuah owes Governor Chibuike Amaechi a well-deserved apologies publicly, instead of making unguarded utterances in the media capable of undermining the party.”

It's Nollywood drama — Okocha Also reacting to the expulsion, Amaechi's Chief of Staff, Mr Tony

Okocha dismissed as a child’s play, his expulsion and that of 17 other aides of Governor Amaechi by the Felix Obuah-led faction of the PDP in the state.

Okocha who dismissed the action of the party as another Nollywood drama script said there were two factions of the party in the state. He said since both factions of the party were in court, the purported expulsion of principal members of the party and top aides of the governor carried out by the Obuah faction amounted to an act of subjudice.

He said the Obuah faction lacked the powers to expel members of the other faction of the party.

“The PDP doesn’t have such powers to expel me or any member of the state executive council.

The matter involving Felix Obuah executive is in court, so it is subjudice. We challenge them to publish the names of the eight commissioners who they said wrote to them (PDP) why they could not attend the invitation of the so-called Performance Evaluation Committee and which yardstick.

What they are planning is to use fake delegates to the sub-convention of the PDP that is coming up this weekend. The thing to ask is why is PDP fighting PDP? A house divided against itself cannot stand. The whole thing looks like people who are ignorant. As I said, the matter is in court and we are not perturbed. Who are those they said they wrote a letter inviting them to appear before a committee? Let them also show us the letter they claim to have sent out. We all know that the PDP in the state has two factions, the original one led by Chief Godspower Ake and the other by Felix Obuah”.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Farmer docked over murder of 15-yr-old nomad

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BADAN — A 35-year-old farmer, Salisu Kwame, was yesterday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate's court at Iyaganku for allegedly killing a 15-year-old nomad.

The prosecutor, Police Inspector Adewale Amos, said that the defendant was arraigned on a one- count charge of murder.

He said Kwame committed the act on July 12 at Alaga area of Ibadan.

Amos said the defendant inflicted machete cuts on one Haruna Atiku for allegedly allowing his cows to graze on his farmland.

He said the victim was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, but died from complications of the injury.

The plea of the defendant was, however, not taken.

Chief Magistrate Fatima Badrudeen ordered the defendant to be remanded in Agodi Prison.

Court remands 2 for alleged robbery

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BEOKUTA — AN Abeokuta Chief Magistrate's court, yesterday, remanded two men in prison for allegedly robbing two persons of their Toyota Sienna buses valued at N4 million.

The police prosecutor, ASP Paul Etusi, alleged that the accused persons, Sunday Innocent, 29 and Sunday Philip 30, committed the offence on January 25 and April 10 at Orimenimu town, near Abeokuta.

He said the suspects robbed one Celestine Oduga and Rose Ajayi of their buses with number plate LAGOS KSF 291 AW and LAGOS KTU 678 BE respectively.

Etusi, who alleged that the accused persons were very dangerous and notorious, said they were armed with two locally made revolver pistols at the time of the robbery.

He said: “The two are very dangerous and notorious for harassing road users and robbing them of their vehicles.

The accused, whose pleas were not taken by the court, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery.

The magistrate, Mr Anthony Araba, ordered that they be remanded in Oba prison while the court awaited the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice. He adjourned the case to September 29.

DSS quizzes mother of stowaway teenager

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY — OFFI CIALS of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Edo State, yesterday, quizzed the mother of the 15-year-old Daniel Oikhena, who emerged from the wheel compartment of an Arik Air flight from Benin Airport to Lagos, last Saturday.

Mrs Evelyn Oikhena, who confirmed her invitation to newsmen, said she was shocked when her sister-inlaw in Germany called her to say that she read the incident on the internet.

She said she was shocked that her son could embark on such a life-threatening journey to where he had never been before.

Speaking in Benin City, yesterday, Mrs Oikhena said her son was at home with his elder sister, Tonia, his two younger brothers and his grand mother while the mother was away to visit her elder sister who had put to bed.

She said: “So I was shocked when I came back Saturday morning, and they told me that Daniel has disappeared and when I asked my daughter she said she had a quarrel with him because the boy was watching movies late into the night.

“I had even gone to report the matter at Evbuotubu police station before my sisterin-law from Germany called me to say that the story of my son was in the internet.

“One of Daniel's younger brothers said he saw him remove his school books from his bag. So I asked my neighbhours whether any of

Daniel Oikhena them saw him and they told me that around 5 to 6 am, they heard sounds that somebody was opening the gate but never thought it was my son. He doesn’t go out. What

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ENAGOA — FIVE workers attached to a dredging firm, BEKS KIMSE Nig. Ltd, have been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the creek of Opuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The kidnappers, it was learnt, are demanding N30 million ransom before their captives would be released.

The dredging firm, sources told Vanguard, is handling the shore protection and reclamation work at the riverside Opuama town.

The project, it was learnt, is being sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to save the erosion trou-

I know is that he is always watching movies in the house but he doesn’t have friends.

“I went to Oba Market police station, they referred me to Evbuotubu police station. When

I got there, they said they would declare him missing after 24 hours and that I should come back the next day. I went to inform my pastor and other members, my friends and other relations.”

Oil spillage: Occupants of sealed buildings call for independent probe zSay they reported spillage to police

By EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — ARRESTED occu pants of the buildings raided, weekend, by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, where oil wells were allegedly discovered, have called for an independent body to investigate the corps claims, stating that they told the police of the oil spillage before their arrest.

Gunmen kidnap 5 dredging workers in Bayelsa creek

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Mrs Evelyn Oikhena, mother of the stowaway teenager

bled community.

Though information about the alleged kidnap of the workers was sketchy, a community source told Vanguard that they were seized in the early hours of Friday.

It was learnt that the abducted workers identified as Inoku Godwin, Sam Ede, Jackson Ibani, among others, are from Bayelsa and Rivers states.

They (gunmen) were said to have sporadically shot into the air to scare away the natives from coming to the aid of the workers.

An indigene of the area said: “The workers were seized by the gunmen who stormed the dredger in a speedboat and disappeared with their victims whose whereabouts are unknown."

Among the eight arrested suspected, were a pregnant woman, a 60-year-old man, his wife and three children.

Officials of the corps, weekend, stormed17 and 30 Animatu Ilo Street in Ejigbo area of Lagos, where product suspected to be petrol was reportedly discovered in wells.

Consequently, the buildings were sealed and the occupants whisked away, over allegation that they dug oil wells in their compound.

Spillage reported at police station But sources close to one of the arrested landlords identified as Adebanji Ogunba, said he (Ogunba) had earlier reported the findings to policemen at the Ejigbo division.

Describing Ogunba’s arrest and detention as inhuman, sources said: "The well was dug in 2002. But Ogunba woke up on August 10, 2013, only to discover that the compound was emitting petrol.

His fears was confirmed when he fetched water from the well only to discover that it was mixed with petrol.

"He went to Ejigbo police station to report the case.

Some policemen from the station came and even locked the well themselves to avoid disaster. He tried explaining to

the Civil Defence personnel but they would not listen. To verify his claim, won’t it be proper for them to go to Ejigbo division?”

Sources further disclosed that the oil spillage was not peculiar to Ogunba’s well, disclosing that some wells in the area were also affected.

Police confirm report Contacted to ascertain Ogunba’s claim, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that Ogunba lodged a complaint at Ejigbo division.

According to Braide, “the matter was reported on August 10, where Adebanjo Ogunba, complained of oil spillage. He said they discovered oil inside the well, that it was not only him but other neighbours when they went to fetch water. He raised alarm, claiming he does not have water to use.

"So, the DPO, CSP Inoma Abbey, took action by inviting the Depot Manager, NNPC depot, Sattelite Town, who came to meet the DPO and affected persons. The depot manager said he was going to send engineers from the concerned department to inspect the wells before they would know what to do. So the matter is still under investigation at our end.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—7

Catholic priest dies from own gun

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN – THE Parish Priest of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, Sobe, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Father Peter Ayala, was, Sunday morning, found dead in his apartment, few hours before he was due to conduct the 7a.m mass.

Vanguard gathered that the cleric was said to be cleaning his double-barreled gun inside his apartment within the church premises, when the gun reportedly went off and killed him.

It was gathered that the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday before the Priest dressed up for the mass even as worshippers were said to be gathering for the service.

The incident, it was learnt, threw the church into confusion as mass servers and church elders made frantic efforts to know what went wrong with congregation waiting for the mass to begin but found the priest lying death in his apartment.

The Elders were said have later reported the incident to the Bishop of the Auchi Diocese, Dr Gabriel Duniya, who it was gathered conducted a quick investigation with security agents and confirmed that the priest died when the rifle he was cleaning went off.

Meanwhile, Sobe was still in mourning, yesterday, as the wor-

shippers, irrespective of their denominations, on hearing the tragic news gathered near the church premises, discussing the incident

in hush tones.

Contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations, DSP Moses Eguavoen said the incident was

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BY ONOZURE DANIA

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Flood caused by overflowing Gubi dam in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Nigerian drug dealer escapes from Malaysian prison, flees to Thailand

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NIGERIAN drug dealer, Osuji Kelly Prince, who escaped from a detention facility in Malaysia on August 12, may have fled to Thailand, media reports from Malaysia said, yesterday The 25-year-old Prince was as-

sisted by a 52-year-old corporal to escape from Jinjang Detention Centre, where he was held for drugs possession.

Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department chief, Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said he obtained

Teenager sentenced to 30 days in prison for theft BUJA — AN Abuja Magis trates’ court, yesterday, sentenced a teenager, Abdullahi Abba,18, to 30 days in prison for criminal conspiracy and theft.

The magistrate, Mr Zubairu Mohammed, who passed the sentence after Abba pleaded guilty to the offences, however,

unfortunate, adding that the state command was yet to get the full details of what transpired before the Priest’s death.

3 arraigned for alleged theft of diesel worth N2,500

gave him an option of paying N3,000 fine.

Mohammed said: “The court finds you guilty as charged. By your admission, you did commit the crime. You are hereby sentenced to 30 days in prison with an option to pay a fine of N3,000.”

Abba, who resides at Third

Gate, Works and Housing Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja, stood trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and theft.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, told the court that Abba conspired with two others, now at large, to steal a generator set on August 21.

the information through their intelligence network.

“He had it planned all along and we are working with Thai police to trace him and have him deported to Malaysia,” he said.

Prince was arrested by Malaysian authorities on August 1 with 9 kilogrammes of methamphetamine (called syabu in Malaysia). The drugs were believed to be worth about N439 million (RM9 million).

The 52-year-old corporal, who had pending disciplinary issues related to his work prior to the case, has been charged in court for aiding Prince’s escape.

It would be reminded that according to Malaysian laws, drug trafficking/dealing is punished by the death penalty. The latest example is the Nigerian student, Ugonna Philip Nwankwo, who was sentenced to death by the Malaysian Shah Alam High Court on July 25, 2013.

AGOS — A 57-year-old se curity guard, Christopher Agbo, and two others were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing diesel worth N2,500, property of Servetex Company.

The other suspects are Daniel Ologunaga 45, a truck driver and Wole Arowolo, 38, cart mechanic.

It was gathered that the truck driver alongside the mechanic, went to meet the security man to release the truck to them for repairs, which they took to Magboro.

It was learnt that when they got there, they drained the diesel in the truck and filled the tank with hydraulic, which damaged the engine of the truck.

The defendants who were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and malicious damage.

The prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, said the defendants committed the alleged crime on March 20, 2013, at about 10:30pm at 52, Morrison Crescent in Alausa area of Lagos.

He said the suspects conspired together to steal diesel from the tank of a Mack truck with number plate XV 35 AKD, worth N2,500, belonging to Servetex Company.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under sections 409, 348 and 285 of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate OshodiMakanju granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case to September 29, 2013, for mention.

Carpenter jailed one month for stealing

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Transition Committee Chairman of Musawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Tanimu Kira (with microphone), handing over a bag of cement to a beneficiary during distribution of 400 bags of cement to those whose houses were affected by rainstorms in the area in Katsina State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

A R A R A B A (NASARAWA) — An Abuja senior magistrate's court, yesterday, sentenced Kelvin Justin of One Man Village in Nasarawa State to one month in prison for stealing.

The presiding magistrate, Miss Mimi Katsina-Alu, sentenced the accused after he pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing two phones and a Honda Hennessy car key.

She, however, gave him an option ofN5,000 fine, and cau-

tioned him to be of good behaviour.

Pleading guilty to the offence, Justin begged the court to have mercy on him.

“I have a younger sister I cater for and who will suffer if I am imprisoned. I pray the court to be lenient with me,” he said.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Francis Tanko, told the court that Funke Adeniran of 44, Anthony Enahoro Street in Utako reported the matter at the Wuse Police Station on March 19.

8—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

and Area Commanders of the affected areas. But I must say that upon my resumption of office as the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, some of the nagging challenges I met on ground were from the Ukum axis.

“Since then, I’ve taken decisive steps to check the crisis until this latest incident.

“I can also assure Benue people that we are not resting, but I must urge the people of the state to be vigilant and not take anything for granted.”

In Borno

POWER MEETING: From left— Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power; Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, and Amb. Godknows Igali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, address newsmen after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at Aso Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Gunmen kill 32 in Benue, Borno communities

BY PETER DURU & NDAHI MARAMA

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O fewer than 32 persons were killed by gunmen in separate incidents in Benue and Borno communities last Sunday. The bloody attack in Benue State occurred in Agbena and Agbaaga villages in Ukum Local Government area of the state, which left about 18 persons dead.

The Borno State incident claimed 14 lives with nine others sustaining various degrees of injury when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Bama community in Bama Local Government Area of the state, Sunday morning.

Vanguard gathered from a source in the areas that the invaders numbering over 20, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the Agbena and Agbaaga communities in Benue State at 8p.m. Sunday night without resistance.

Eyewitness' account

The source said: “They invaded the villages in several cars and started shooting anything in sight without resistance from the villagers.

“They also went as far as setting several houses ablaze, while the villagers fled for safety and at the end of the operation that lasted close to four hours, over 17 houses and huts were completely razed.

“At the moment, the affected villages have been deserted

while women and children are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages.

Alleged leader

“We feel strongly that the invaders were led by one notorious robber popularly known as

Gana, who in the past had led several attacks on communities along that axis of the state.

“In this instance, the gang did not take away any loot from their victims and the affected communities. All they did was to kill and set houses ablaze.”

Reacting to the incident, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adams Audu, said

the Police was yet to get the full details of the incident.

Police boss reacts

He said: “We must desist from speculating on the nature of the crisis and the number of deaths until the full details are ready and I will make them available to you.

“I just held a meeting with the Divisional Police Officer

In the Borno attack, Chairman of the council, Alhaji Baba Gulumba said, yesterday, in Maiduguri: “The Boko Haram terrorists launched an attack in the early hours of Sunday in Bama, leaving 14 people dead and nine others sustaining injuries.

“I attended the funeral of 13 of the victims in Bama this morning, but I could not attend the other one because he was buried in Maiduguri.

“He died from his wounds after being admitted at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH. “Bama Local Government will pay all the hospital bills of the surviving eight victims, who are admitted at the UMTH and are currently responding to treatment.

“All the dead and injured are members of the youths volunteer, called Civilian JTF.” Owing to lack of telecommunication services in Borno State, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jubrin, and the military Task Force spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, could not be reached for confirmation.

FG borrows $1.6bn to expand power transmission facilities— Nebo

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—MINISTER of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, yesterday, said the investments recorded in the telecommunication sector since the introduction of the mobile telephone services in the country would be dwarfed by investment in the power sector, once the ongoing reforms in the sector took firm footing.

He spoke to newsmen after a meeting of the Presidential Action Committee on Power, adding that so far, government had accessed loans from various international lending agencies to fund the expansion of transmission infrastructure to the tune of $1.6 billion.

He said: “We have substantial amount of funding coming in form of loans from the World Bank, African Development Bank, Euro Bond Issue and Chinese Exim Bank and NDPHC had already designated $1.6

million for the expansion of transmission facilities.

“Government is adequately prepared. Everybody is excited at what has just happened; that we had such a significant compliance of all the preferred bidders, who bought the GENCOS and the DISCOS as most of them have paid up.

Cause to celebrate

“Most people thought it was never going to happen. Today, it is a reality and Nigeria is going from a public sectordominated power sector to a private-sector driven one.

“We believe that this is very good for the country. We are celebrating that the entire nation is agog with it.

“The international community is amazed that this miracle could happen in Nigeria and we are so happy that everybody sees that it was a fragile situation because no county

in Africa has taken the quantum leap to do the entire generation and distribution company utilities like that in one fell swoop.

“Nigeria has done it and I think the government of President Goodluck Jonathan should be commended for the courage, the boldness and the dexterity of purpose to ensure that this is happening.

NITEL example

“Remember what happened with NITEL, when telecommunications was essentially run by government.

“It was the epitome of ineptitude with regard to delivery of communication to our people. But today what do we have? We have a situation where Nigeria has over 120 million registered GSM lines.

“In those days, you needed to bribe people to get a line and whenever you had a problem. It took weeks to fix. To-

day, it is no longer so. The same thing is going to happen in the power sector.

‘The revolution'

“The difference is that we envisage that the power sector would dwarf the telecommunication sector in what we are going to see happen.

“It is going to re-energise the entire economy. The whole manufacturing and industrial sector will begin to boom. In addition, small and medium scale enterprises will begin to spring up all over the place.

“So there is a lot to celebrate and with these things in the hands of the private sector, they are going to deliver power.

“The only way to make their money is to ensure that power is delivered to the people.

“Once the people are getting power, the more their profit, the more incentive they have to ensure that whatever needs to be beefed up is beefed up.”

Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013— 9

President sacks Youth Devt Minister zSuspected of anti-Jonathan activities

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & CALEB AYANSINA

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, sacked the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkadir, from his cabinet.

A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, did not give reasons for the sudden termination of Abdulkadir ’s appointment.

The statement, signed by Mr. Sam Nwaobasi, Special Assistant on Media to the SGF, directed him to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in his office with immediate effect.

It said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has relieved Inuwa Abdulkadir of his appointment as Minister of Youth Development with effect from August 26.

“The former Minister is to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

“Mr. President expresses appreciation to the former Minister for the time he put in the services of the nation and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”

Likely reason Vanguard learnt from reliable

government sources that the sack of the minister, while on an official assignment in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, took him and his staff unawares.

It was learnt that the relationship between Jonathan and the sacked minister went sour shortly after the controversial election of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, which produced one Yakubu Shendam, against the wish of majority of the members.

After the election in May, many groups, sympathetic to President Jonathan’s reelection in 2015, reported Abdulkadir to the President, accusing him of imposing a candidate of his choice on them.

In spite of the protest by pro-Jonathan groups, the minister was said to have stood his grounds that Shendam remains the new leader of NYCN. In defiance of the protest, Abdulkadir on May 28 formally received Shendam and some members of the council in his office as the newly-elected executives of the council.

Benue meeting

Consequently, other aggrieved youth groups met in

Benue and called for his removal for allegedly causing crisis rocking the council.

It was alleged that the minister’s role in the council’s crisis strongly indicated that Abdulkadir had been an ‘infiltrator’ in President Jonathan’s cabinet.

The youths said: “With this action, the Minister has shown the entire world that he lacks the integrity to still continue as the Youth Minister in a government that preaches adherence to the rule of law and prides itself as government of transformation.

“The action of the minister was an aberration and a deliberate attempt to incite the entire Nigerian youths against the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, having considered the challenging security situation in Nigeria.

“We have refused to be provoked and to go on the street as civilised youths of this great nation.

“We humbly appeal that President Goodluck Jonathan should, with immediate effect, relieve the minister of his position since he has been disconnected from the president’s Transformation Agenda in the management and administration of youth development activities in Nigeria.”

National Assembly’s angle

Apart from falling out of favour with the youths, the sacked minister is reported to have lost touch with members of the National Assembly Committee on Youth Development shortly after being appointed into the cabinet.

Vanguard investigation also revealed that the minister did not enjoy a smooth working relationship with the member of the National Assembly.

He frequently clashed with members over the implementation of projects earmarked for the ministry.

For instance, the Senate Committee Chairman on Women Affairs, Social and Youth Development, Senator Helen Esuene, alongside other members of her committee, discovered some discrepancies between figures got from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and those submitted to it by the ministry in connection with the funds released to the ministry for the 2012 budget.

The committee noted with displeasure that the figures said to have been released and spent by the ministry was not commensurate with the level of work on the grounds and asked the ministry to justify it.

Esuene said: “If out of 42 youth centres budgeted for, we have at least 10 to 15 of them completed, it would have been a better result to present. But none has been completed and so the youths are not being trained.”

DELTA CENTRAL: Chief Andrew Oru, Delta Central senatorial seat aspirant (6th from left) in a group photograph with Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ward Chairmen of Ughelli North Local Government Area during a consultation visit in Ughelli. PHOTO: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Suntai sends fitness letter to Taraba Assembly

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North, SAM EYOBOKA, & JOHN MKOM

J

ALINGO—BARELY a day after returning to a tumultuous welcome in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, Governor Danbaba Suntai has transmitted a letter of fitness and intention to resume work to the state House of Assembly.

Vanguard learnt that although the transmission of the letter was not deliberated upon yesterday, it has been handed over to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Haruna Tsokwa, who is expected to present it to the plenary this week.

Sources said it was in connection with the content of the letter that the Acting Governor, Garba Umar, met for several hours with the Speaker and the state Police Commissioner, Jubrin Adeneji, in his office yesterday.

It was learnt that the three men, who had been holding sway while Suntai was away for prolonged treatment, met to discuss the modalities for a seamless handing over to Suntai.

Although Tsokwa refused to discuss the letter, a member of Suntai’s cabinet confirmed that the letter had been sent to the House of Assembly.

The member, who pleaded anonymity, said the letter was to inform the members that the governor was back and ready to resume in his office.

The cabinet member did not, however, say when the governor would resume work.

PDP endorses Nwoye for Anambra guber, to sanction Uba

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, HENRY UMORU & CHARLES KUMOLU

P

EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, endorsed former students’ union leader, Mr. Tony Nwoye, as its candidate for the November 16 Anambra State gubernatorial

election, even as it threatened to sanction Senator Andy Uba, who emerged from a parallel primaries that was neither recognised nor attended by PDP officials.

Receiving the report of the Governor Ibrahim Shemaled five-man Anambra Gubernatorial Electoral Committee, PDP National Chair-

man, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said the world must be told that the party had accepted the election of Nwoye.

He said Nwoye would be presented as the PDP candidate for the election.

Also, yesterday, former banker, Chief Willie Obianor, emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Al-

liance, APGA, at the governorship primaries conducted in Awka, Anambra State capital.

Obiano, who scored 817 votes, beat a handful of other candidates, including three members of the House of Representatives to emerge as the APGA candidate.

Mrs. Uche Ekwunife of the House of Representatives, who polled 150 votes, was second.

Meanwhile, PDP said, yesterday, that what Senator Uba and others who aligned with him did amounted to gross indiscipline, which would not escape sanction.

Tukur said that members of the party interested in any position must present themselves before the owners of PDP and the National Working Committee.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

NNPC confirms oil spill in Lagos

N

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, confirmed the oil spillage at Ejigbo area of Lagos State which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, saying two samples of the leakage had been taken for laboratory test to ascertain the true nature of the spill.

The spillage was discovered in a well belonging to one Mr. Adedanji O g u n b a .

According to the company’s Depot Manager in Ejigbo, Dr. Balogun Tola, who visited to the site on Aminatu Ilo street Ejigbo, the corporation had taken adequate measures to detect the exact spot of the leakage.

He lamented that the civil defence organisation locked up the affected premises, making it impossible for the NNPC to take further samples.

The Depot Manager explained that the landlord of the affected premises came to his office with a team of policemen from Ejigbo Police Station to report the incident.

He said the landlord reported that there were traces of the oil spillage in his well.

Mr. Ogunba, said he first noticed the spillage on Saturday and immediately notified the Police.

Tola said officials of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on Saturday stormed the affected street of the spillage and arrested a pregnant woman not sparing his household who knew nothing about the incident.

He noted that the arrested persons are said to be mainly occupants of the building where the fuel leak was detected.

However, it is being alleged that the landlord may have dug his borehole to the level of NNPC’s pipelines which run through a section of the Ejigbo community.

NNPC has a major depot at Ejigbo, which serves the South-West zone of the country, including Lagos.

At press time, there was a combined team of regular and mobile policemen, officials of Pipeline Security Patrol (PSC), and NNPC officials at the scene of the spill.

VISIT: From left: Mrs. Bunmi Obagun, Secretary, Lekki Residents Association; Wole Abu, General Manager, Marketing Segments, Airtel Nigeria; Wole Akala, Chairman, Lekki Residents Association; Abdul-Hakeem Olasewere, Vice-President, Network Operations, Airtel Nigeria; Mrs. Titilayo Ojulari, Administrator, Lagos State Motherless Babies Home, Lekki and Gerry Otiji, Vice-Chairman, Lekki Residents Association, during a visit by Airtel employees to the Lekki Orphanage.

VOP: Amaechi, Northern govs unaware of party

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

B

ARELY 24 hours after seven Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors were linked with moves to float a new party to be known as Voice of the People, VOP, many of the governors have denied knowledge of such a move.

Most of the governors, who were contacted by Vanguard, yesterday, expressed shock over the linkage of their names with the new association, insisting that it was the handiwork of detractors, aimed at distracting them.

While Amaechi, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr Tony Okocha, described the reported formation of VOP as mere speculation, four of his colleagues, said the purported formation of VOP was the figment of their detractors’ imagination.

Contacted on the development, the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, said the reported formation of VOP was news to him, as he read about it on the pages of newspapers.

“The so-called formation of a new party by seven PDP governors, including Nyako, is news to us,” Nyako’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmed Sajoh, told Vanguard.

He said Nyako was not even aware of the floating of VOP, as he would have spoken about it at a stakeholders’ forum he had with a cross section of the people of the state on Sunday in Yola.

“Those who are linking Governor Nyako with the VOP are doing that deliberately to cause confusion and distraction from the real issues that should help

the PDP out of self-inflicted problems.

Reacting to the development, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, said he was not going to leave the PDP for any other party, having laboured over the years to make it a strong party.

Wamakko, who reacted through his Special Adviser on Media, Abubakar Dangusa, said it was uncharitable for his enemies to continue to cook up stories in the media just to blackmail him and cause unnecessary distraction in the polity.

The Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Dandali Ndayebo, described the purported quitting of PDP for another party as baseless and a calculated attempt by his tra-

ducers to further heat up the polity.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfata Ahmed, denied knowledge of the formation of VOP, saying that as a loyal and committed member of the PDP he could not have veered off the radar to float another party.

Also denying leaving the PDP for any other party, the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Musa Kwankwaso, said that it was unthinkable for him to leave the party he had worked tirelessly for many years, for an association.

In the same vein, his Jigawa counterpart, who is being rumoured of nursing a presidential ambition, said he was still in the PDP and that he was not involved in the formation of any new party.

Lamido made his position known through his Director of

Press, Mr. Kyari Umar.

Meantime, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denied knowledge of any application by the governors for the registration of VOP.

VOP hasn’t approached INEC for registration —Jega

The Commission said, yesterday, that it was not aware of any new party called Voice of the People, VOP, being floated by seven governors. The commission said the parties concerned were yet to contact INEC. Speaking to Vanguard in Abuja, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, said there was no information whatsoever on VOP in INEC records at the moment.

NIMASA, NAF sign MoU on maritime security

BY GODWIN ORITSE

N

IGERIAN Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has entered into an agreement with the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, with a view to providing effective aerial surveillance and monitoring of the nation’s coastal waters.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, NIMASA’s Director- General, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, said the strategic partnership would not only promote maritime security and safety, it would also enhance revenue generation for economic de-

velopment.

He pleaded with the management of the NAF not to allow any form of bureaucracy to hamper the MoU so that the purpose of the partnership would not be defeated.

The Director-General pointed out that the partnership would, when fully operational, either reduce the issue of piracy or eliminate the menace from the nation’s waters.

He said: “When there are dangers in the waters we need the search and rescue support of the Nigerian Air Force because they have what it takes to do the job. So, it is necessary we partner with them.”

Responding, Chief of Air

Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, said the NAF had the capacity to go deep into the sea, noting that there were agencies and institutions that were legally empowered for such responsibilities.

He assured that the NAF would support NIMASA in ensuring that the nation’s waters were free from criminals.

According to him, “What we should do is to ensure that Nigeria benefits maximally from every action we take regarding this MoU. Our planes and surveillance equipment are packed with intelligence. We will join you in this war against piracy in our waters.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—11

Fayemi, Bamidele’s supporters in fresh bloody clash

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI—SUPPORTERS of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele and those loyal to the governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, engaged each other in a bloody clash at Iyin Ekiti, in IrepodunIfelodun Local Government area of the state The two groups had, last week Friday, engaged each other in a bloody clash during the burial of the mother of an All Progressives Alliance, APC, stalwart, Mr. Oladipo Akinwumi, a development that led to some of them sustaining various degrees of injuries and had Bamidele's operations office, located in Ado and the APC office at Iyin Ekiti, vandalized.

However, the Director-General, Campaign Organization of Opeyemi Bamidele, Mr. Ropo Ige and Mr. Deji Adesokan, a Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and the Chairman of Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Major Tajudeen Awe, are playing a blame game over the crisis that broke out in the community.

Opeyemi’s supporters had accused those of Fayemi of inviting the state co-ordinator of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe, to cause mayhem in the community, but Adesokan and Awe denied inviting the OPC leader.

Vanguard gathered that trouble started, yesterday, when Opeyemi's supporters were protesting the arrest of two of their members by the police who came to effect the arrest of people responsible for last

week’s upheaval in the town.

They were said to have engaged the police in a scuffle, a development that left three people injured.

Opeyemi, in a reaction, has called on the police and the state governor, Dr. Fayemi, to probe the incident.

In a statement by his special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ahmed Salami, Bamidele ac-

cused some of the governor's aides of engineering the crisis.

The police image maker in the state, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said his men had arrested no fewer than seven people in connection with the clash in the town.

Blame Fayemi, police —Adeyeye Meantime, Afenifere chief-

VISIT: From left: Mr. Gbenga Adefaye,Editor-in -Chief/General Manager Publications, Vanguard Media Limited; Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor Vanguard Newspapers and Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi Isama, author of Tragegy of Victory, during a visit by the author to Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

11 herdsmen killed in Oyo

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—NO fewer than eleven herdsmen have been killed in the last six weeks in some parts of Oke Ogun area

of Oyo State.

The towns where the killings allegedly took place, according to the Fulani ethnic community in the state, are Otu, Ikomu, Igbo-Ora, Iwere-Ile, Iganna,

N31m WAEC fee stolen in Ogun, govt panel alleges

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA—A PANEL of enquiry set up by the Ogun State Government to probe the alleged mismanagement of N200 million paid by the government for West African Examinations Council, WAEC, fees, has submitted its report indicting some government officials of stealing N31 million.

tain and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has said that Governor Kayode Fayemi and the police should be blamed for the spate of political violence being witnessed in the state.

Adeyeye, who called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to save Ekiti people.

The panel, while presenting its report, yesterday, said that some officials of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, reportedly added a total of 3,571 external candidates to the legitimate list of students that sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, in the last three years in Ogun State.

The administrative panel of

enquiry was set up by the Head of Service to look into alleged case of illicit and fraudulent diversion of government funds with a view to unravelling the fraud and recommend appropriate sanctions to prevent future occurrences.

Chairman of the panel, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Opebiyi, who presented the report to the Head of Service, yesterday, said apart from the money allegedly diverted, various sums of money were discovered to have been held illegally by certain officers of the Ministry.

Opebiyi, who is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, explained that the panel had recommended appropriate sanctions against culpable officers and suggestions on ways of preventing future occurrences.

Ilaju and Ado-Awaye.

In a petition by the leaders of Jamu Nati Fulbe Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Salihu Kadiri and Mallam Muhammed Salihu Kisi, National Chairman and General Secretary ,respectively, the herdsmen called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to do something urgently to prevent further loss of lives in the areas.

They gave the names of some of those allegedly killed as Sanni Musa, Saidu Abdulahi, Ibraheem Haruna, Umar Babuga, Saliu Rebo and Muhammad Usman.

They said: “Natives, particularly farmers and youths, kill our people at any slight provocation. The common excuses for such brutal killings are that our cattle are fond of destroying their farmlands or disturbing free flow of vehicular traffic on some major roads.

“In the last few weeks, these persons have invaded many Fulani clans and settlements to commit their crime of serial murder with impunity. This has resulted in the cold-blood murder of at least eleven of our brothers whose families have been left in eternal grief.”

Ogun commissions community electrification 13yrs after

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

B E O K U TA — OGUN State Government says it has commissioned a 4.5km Ere community rural electrification project in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area of the state, abandoned 13 years ago.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo, who represented governor Ibikunle Amosun at the commissioning, said the contract, which was awarded in 2001, suffered a setback due to inadequate financial backing.

According to Oladipo, the situation was salvaged through the intervention of Hon. Rotimi Rahman, Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, who completed the project and provided a 500KVA transformer to enhance the power distribution to the community.

Don't make Bode George S-West zonal leader, PDP chieftain

warns

A

N ex-officio member of the Caretaker Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-West, Mr. Olalekan Abubakar, has warned the national leadership of the party against making the former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Chief Olabode George, the leader of the party in the zone.

Abubakar said: “There is no way the PDP can win the South-West with Chief Olabode George as the leader of the party in the zone. If they allow George to lead us, it will be tantamount to burying the party in the zone, for obvious reasons”, adding that George lacks the leadership qualities needed to wrest power from the All Progressive Congress, APC.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

MEETING: President Goodluck Jonathan (5th left), the leader of delegation, his Royal Majesty, Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edoziem (middle), Vice President Namadi Sambo (5th right), and others, during a meeting of the President with Anioma traditional rulers and elders, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House

Delta allocates 6,025ha for cassava production zDelta, cassava basket of Nigeria — Adesina

G

O V E R N O R EMMANUEL Uduaghan of Delta State has allocated 25 hectares of land for the establishment of a processing plant for cassava at Abraka.

He also allocated additional 6,000 hectares for the development of commercial cassava farms to supply the plant.

Already, the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the two locations have been issued to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture by Delta State government.

Reacting to the development, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said Delta State remained the only state to have provided land for the plant, with additional land for commercial cultivation.

According to Adesina, 18 large-scale cassava processing plants each with 72,000 metric tonnes processing capacity are to be established in various parts of the country under the programme aimed at having Nigeria make an inroad in the global cassava market.

Adesina commended Uduaghan for his concerted efforts at revolutionising agriculture in Delta State, noting that by promptly allocating land for the cassava project, the governor has laid the foundation for the state to

Garden of Life’s Revival

T

HE GARDEN of Life Assembly will hold its three days fasting and prayer revivaL, with the theme: ‘End of the Tunnel,’ from 28th29 th August 2013, by 4p.m. and Friday 30th,10p.m.

The power night vigil will hold at the church premises: 7, All Saints Lane, off Okere/ Ugborikoko, Effurun, Delta State.

emerge as the cassava basket for the country.

“I was pleasantly delighted when I arrived to receive the news that the Governor of Delta State has already allocated 25 hectares of land for the establishment of the plant and an additional 6,000 hectares for the development of commercial cassava farms to supply the plant. “I have the C of Os for theses with me right here”, Adesina stated,

thanking Uduaghan for “showing patriotism and supporting your cassava farmers,” he said.

Adesina, who spoke at the 9th All Nigerian Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Asaba, said Delta’s prompt intervention in cassava programme would fast-track Nigeria’s quest to reduce the N127 billion import bill on wheat flour through the incorporation of 20 per

cent high quality cassava flour into the production of composite flour with wheat to produce bread.

To complete the value chain for the production of cassava bread, Adesina said President Goodluck Jonathan has established a N10 billion cassava bread fund.

According to him, the fund will support nationwide training of 5,000 master bakers, expand the production of cas-

Disloyalty, not corruption is Nigeria’s problem — General Alabi-Isama

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

F

ORMER Military Governor of defunct Mid-Western Region, BridagierGeneral Godwin Alabi-Isama, has attributed the myriad of socio-economic and political problems plaguing Nigeria to disloyalty and not corruption as many believe.

According to him, the massive and debilitating graft prevailing in the country is an off-shoot of citizens’ disloyalty to the nation.

Alabi-Isama, author of the book: “The Tragedy of Victory: On the Spot Account of the Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre,” and former Chief of Staff of the 3 Marine Commando Division of the Nigerian Army that took the instrument of surrender from Biafra after the civil war, spoke, yesterday, during a visit to the corporate headquarters of Vanguard Newspapers.

He told a team of Vanguard editors that contrary to comments that Igbo lost the war, it was Biafra or the former Eastern Region, which includes today’s South-East geo-political zone, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states that lost the war.

He also said that with the avalanche of experienced officers that Biafra had, the defunct republic had no business losing the war, if the leaders did the needful in terms of tactical diligence, planning and operations.

At worst, he averred that the war would have ended in a stalemate as witnessed in Korea with the United Nations, perhaps, intervening that Biafra should be allowed to exist.

Regretting the first coup of 1966, which he argued, was not an Igbo coup as widely believed in many quarters, he said that, that military incursion into governance ‘finished this country’ because it was needless and its poor execution including killing of leaders in other parts of the country except the East, led to the avoidable bloodshed and civil war that followed.

sava and support flour processors to produce more cassava flour at lower cost.

He said the fund would also enable corporate bakers to expand as well as intensify social marketing of cassava bread.

The minister said Nigeria has secured contracts to supply 3.2 million metric tones of cassava chips to China and arrangement are underway for the Africa Export-Import Bank to provide a loan facility of $40 million to cassava chip exporters. Nigeria expects to earn over $800 million from meeting the supply contracts to China.

Vanguar TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—13

Ozekhome: Community embarks on dry fast, as traditional rulers appeal for release

BY EMMA AMAIZE & SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY — A visit to Iviukwe in Weppawanno kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, yesterday, ancestral home of abducted human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, showed a community in mourning as both Muslims and Christians embarked on dry fast over the incident.

This came on a day Human Rights Defenders Organisation of Nigeria, HURDON, urged the police not to give up in its efforts to track down the kidnappers of the human rights lawyer and his driver who were abducted last Friday.

The abduction of the Asebigwe (the one that every one listens to)

of Weppawanno Kingdom and the Akpakpavighidighi of Edo State came as a rude shock to members of the community.

When Vanguard visited the community, yesterday, it was observed that people stayed at home, hoping and praying to hear of his release.

Chief Ozekhome was abducted by suspected kidnappers last Friday while on his way to the village, after they killed four police officers who came to his rescue him and his driver.

Vanguard observed fear on the faces of the elders and relations of the human rights lawyer as they refused to speak to the press, fearing that their comments might provoke his captors.

Elder brother of the kidnapped Senior Advocate of Nigeria, High Chief Pius Ozekhome, was with elders when Vanguard visited

Chief Ozekhome but he declined comments on the issue.

But Vanguard observed the pains the family is passing through from his countenance.

Vanguard was informed that the Christians in the community had

embarked on a seven-day dry fast, while the Muslims also commenced theirs, praying that God should touch his captors to set him free.

The paramount traditional ruler of Weppawanno Kingdom, Dr. George Oshiaapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Weppawanno Kingdom, who looked troubled, revealed to Vanguard that the people of his kingdom were devastated by the development.

He appealed to the captors to consider the fact that Chief Ozekhome was a lawyer who had been working for the downtrodden in the country.

He said: “We are appealing that they release him for us unhurt . He is a person that has contributed to the growth of our community and has helped our sons and daughters in various capacities.

“We pray that God should touch their hearts by listening to our plea because he is one man we all love so much because of his concern for the poor and his dedication to the service of humanity.

“It is difficult to say much now but we are only appealing to them to release our son.”

Narrating how the community received the news at the family house of two- time former chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Stanley Odidi, the paramount ruler said: “We received the news when the police told the wife that they had found one of his telephones in his car as they scrolled the contacts and found the wife’s number.

“So they now called the wife to confirm that it was his car and that was how they broke the news to us in the village.

The wife was in Lagos.

“Our brother is a grassroots person, he give assistance to the poor, market women, youths periodically, in fact, many of our people are saying they should come and carry them and leave Ozekhome. We have embarked on dry fasting in the community and our Muslim brothers are also doing their own. “ You can see that every where is unsually calm in this community because of the incident, that will tell you that we don’t play with Chief Ozekhome. I have never seen any community that is praying as much as we are doing right now.”

NDDC to commission hostel, lecture halls in DELSU

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT — NIGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is set to commission a 176-room modern hostel at the Delta State University, Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Chris Atako, who inspected the facility, weekend, said it would be commissioned next month.

Other structures built by the NDDC that would also be commissioned include two lecture halls, a business education centre and staff offices.

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

A

BUJA—ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, rejected. the N130 billion the Federal Government disbursed into the university system, as part of efforts to persuade striking lecturers to call off the strike which began on July 2.

In a letter written to Head of National Economic E m p o w e r m e n t Development Strategy, NEEDs Assessment, and Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan, by President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge. The union insisted that based on the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement and the January 2012 Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, signed by both parties, what was due for 2012 and 2013 was N500 billion, not N100 billion.

The letter read: “We observe that the Committee is so far mentioning only N100 billion. If the implementation is to be related to the funding requirements in the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement and the Jan 2012 MoU, what is due for 2012 and 2013 is N500 billion not N100 billion. Only the provision of this sum will meet the immediate needs of the universities.

“Our Union is very apprehensive of the manner in which the sources of the initial N100 billion to be used for the stimulation of the process are shrouded in secrecy. We believe that monies that already belong to the university system should not be blocked and recycled.

“This will not only be counterproductive but will brew even deeper crises in the system. ASUU will not accept this.

“We are also concerned that a clear procedure or process for assessing the funds by the universities is yet to be defined. This concern is even more germane, given the statement of the Chairman of the Committee (during the last meeting on Monday, August 19, 2013) that the committee is taking some documents to the Due Process Office.

“We hasten to add that while due process must be followed, it is the sole responsibility of benefitting universities to respect all the provisions of the Procurement Act. The meaning of your Committee going to the Due Process Office is that it is the one that will be responsible for awarding contracts.

ASUU rejects FG offers; says strike must continue “We want to make it clear that this will never be acceptable to our union. We believe that monies meant to fund projects in universities should be sent to the universities, just as it is the practice with TETFund.”

The union condemned allocation of construction of 2,500 bed space hostel for N1billion, instead of 3,000 bed space for N1.2 billion.

“We are worried that

instead of allocating N1.2 billion each to construct 3,000 bed space hostels to the 10 Category 1 universities, N1.0 billion for 2,500 bed space hostel to the 16 Category 2 universities, N500 million to construct 1,250 bed space hostels in the 12 Category 3 universities and N250 million each to construct 625 bed space hostels in the 13 Category 4 universities, the

secretariat has changed that to constructing 1,400 bed space hostels in 25 universities at the cost of N2 billion each. We see no rationale in this.

“Expending N50 billion to construct 35,000 bed space hostels across 25 universities will be ridiculously scandalous since the same amount can be used to construct 125,000 bed space hostels across 51 universities. The standard cost of building a

bed space ranges from N200,000.00 to a maximum of N400,000.00.

“This is even more worrisome, given the tangential suggestions made by the chairman that only monies for refurbishment will be sent to universities, while the rest will be handled centrally,” the union said.

The union also condemned the exclusion of 22 universities from the allocation for refurbishment

of laboratories and libraries and three universities from the allocation for refurbishment of lecture theatres and lecture rooms.

According to ASUU, 24 universities are denied allocation for construction of libraries and laboratories, while two are denied allocation for construction of new lecture theatres and lecture rooms.

26 universities are denied allocation for construction of hostel.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 15

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

MAN decries multiple taxation

I

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

LORIN—FORMER Minis ter of Industries and President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Kola Jamodu has called on the Federal and state governments, to urgently address the issue of multiple taxation and provide infrastructure that will support the manufacturing sector with a view to returning the country to full industrialisation.

Dr Jamodu spoke yesterday in Ilorin, during a familiarization visit by MAN leaders to industries in Kwara state.

The industries they visited included KAM Industries, United Foam, RAJRAB Pharmaceutical company and Forgo Battery industries.

He noted that it was only through industrialisation that the unemployment problems in the country could be solved, saying “if we mean very well for the country on the need to generate employment such can only be done if the manufacturing industries are assisted and revived through infrastructural development .”

Speaking, Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, said the state would provide incentives that would encourage manufacturing industry to flourish.

C M Y K

NLC blames health workers’ strike on Chukwu

BY VICTORAHIUMA-YOUNG, CHIOMAOBINNA& MODINAT AMUSAT & KOSISO UDEMBA

L

AGOS—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, blamed the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, for the industrial unrest that have crippled federal medical institutions, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to call him to order before doing incalculable harm to the health sector.

This came as health care services worsened in the hospitals with Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, imploring the striking workers and the Federal Government to embrace dialogue to resolve their differences.

NLC in a statement by its President, Abdulwaheed Omar, berated the Minister for allegedly not only dishonouring a ruling by National Industrial Court, NIC, but repudiating an earlier agreement with the unions that both parties would be bound by the outcome of the court ruling.

The statement reads in part: “Congress is dismayed that the Minister did not only violate, dishonour and abandon a ruling by a competent court as the NIC, but repudiated an earlier agreement with the unions that both parties will be bound by the outcome of the court ruling, and was at the forefront of taking the case to court through the Minister of Labour. One of the hallmarks of any democracy is respect for the rule of law. Violation of this

time-honoured value constitutes not only a breach of trust, but an invitation to anarchy.

“It is all the more worrying when this violation is done by a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who ought not only to hold out himself as the Chief Physician of the country, but a key ambassador of the Jonathan administration. We will recall that the dispute between the Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU, became an issue for litigation in the first place because of observance in the breach of agreements reached between the minister and the unions.

“The minister is advised to stop playing politics with the health of Nigerian people, especially poor working people that do not have the wherewithal or access to slush funds to patronise private hospitals and go for routine foreign check-ups. Rather than embark on a campaign of calumny against the unions and a laborious appeal process with dire health and industrial consequences to the country, Congress advises the minister to immediately toe the path of honour by recognising the court judgment and implementing the demands

of the unions.

Meanwhile, while the striking workers have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met, NMA urged both parties to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve their differences.

The pitiable sight of few patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, when Vanguard visited at about 10:00am left much to be desired.

The situation was not different in all the Federal Government owned health facilities in Lagos.

S-South youths threaten to occupy Senate over Malabu OPL 245

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ORT HARCOURT— SOUTH-SOUTH Youth Leaders Forum, has threatened to mobilise youths from the region to occupy the National Assembly over Malabu oil and gas OPL 245 issues.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the body, Mr. Odiedenum Amachree said they were very unhappy with what they dubbed calculated attempt by some sections in the country to shut out the Niger Delta region from the oil economy in the country.

The statement wondered why the nation’s Senate ignored is-

sues around OPL 246, 323, 321 and others not in the control of a Niger Deltan.

The statement reads in part: “We wonder why Malabu alone has been in the news, or is it that the Ijaw man is a born slave? Persons who do not know the number of creeks in the Niger Delta own more oil blocks than those who suffer the pollution and degradation.

“Meanwhile, there are hundreds of oil blocks in dispute all over the courts in Nigeria, whose owners are also known by the Senate, and some of them are even Senators, for example , OPL

323 & 321, how come they are not being investigated.

“May we also state here that the person of Chief Dan Etete, has suffered more than enough victimisation and persecution both at home and abroad on this same issue and we can no longer tolerate such broad day light marginalisation any further. We are very confident that all these drama of a probe can only happen when a “minority” Ijaw man is involved, but can never and will never happen if the said OPL 245 was owned by a Northern or Westerner or even Lebanese.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—17

Chronic pain can be treated.

P

AIN is the leading clinical complaint all over the world. In the USA, it has become the 5th vital sign in addition to blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate.

In Nigeria, like many African countries, there are shortcomings in the management of pain, especially chronic pain.

Nigeria

N

What is "Pain"?

What causes Chronic Pain?

In most cases, we suffer pain because of •gwear and tear•h (degeneration), especially of moving parts. The spine in the neck and lower back are very susceptible as they are constantly in motion. The lower spine also bears the weight of the trunk.

Chronic pain may originate from bones (arthritis), muscles (fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome) tendons (tendinitis), and nerves themselves (neuralgias).

Some foods can trigger chronic pain (yes!), as can some medications.

All these causes can occur together in some cancers.

Chronic pain may also be psychogenic or psychosomatic.

The Role Specialists

of

Pain

To be a Pain Specialisth in the USA, doctors complete residencies in their various specialties, and then undergo an extra one year Pain Fellowship Training,.

A similar programme has now been introduced in the UK. Most pain doctors are anesthesiologists.

They focus on function and quality of life and develop a care plan that helps the patient return to everyday activities quickly.

From the patient’s history and examination, pain doctors use tools like X-rays, MRI and CT Scans to evaluate pain complaints, and then

Chronic pain treatment in Nigeria determine a course of treatment which may include medications, injections and nerve blocks, physiotherapy and other therapies (occupational, behavioural).

Pain specialists coordinate care between all the disciplines.

For example, in the UK and USA, approximately 80 percent of the population will suffer at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime, while 20 percent would have back pain at any time. It is a major cause of work absenteeism in the USA and UK. The same probably applies to Nigeria.

Chronic low back pain is treated with physiotherapy, medications, and various

,

There is a standard WHO definition of pain but, between doctor and patient, Pain is whatever hurts!

It can be acute or chronic.

Acute pain is sudden, lasts less than three months, causes anxiety and often ends with tissue healing. Examples include the pain of fractures, burns, cuts, dental work, childbirth or postoperative pain. Poor treatment of acute pain may lead to chronic pain.

Chronic pain has lingered longer than six months, is persistent, interferes with a person’s ability to work and/ or play. It may be severe, disturbing sleep and causing depression; or it may be mild and just....irritating.

Chronic pain has greater physical and emotional effects. Physically there can be muscle tension, lack of appetite and energy, and loss of mobility. Emotionally, there may be depression, anxiety, withdrawal, guilt and anger.

Pain should not limit the contributions that Nigerians can make to their community, nor should it restrict their enjoyment of the country’s lifestyle

types of spinal injections.

More intensive treatment may require radio-frequency ablation, intrathecal pumps or dorsal column stimulation.

Pain Control Improves Lives

,

Unfortunately, many people feel pain is an unavoidable part of life or ageing.

This is not so.

Today, advances in pain management offer patients and physicians choices to help control pain.

igeria has a large proportion of people over the age of 35 years, an age when degenerative changes usually start to manifest.

Pain management services helps sufferers through conditions like herniated discs, myalgia, spondylosis, radiculopathy, diabetic neuropathy, spinal stenosis, chronic headaches, cancer pain...and many more.

Pain should not limit the contributions that Nigerians can make to their community, nor should it restrict their enjoyment of the country ’s lifestyle.

The shortage of pain doctors across the world, with about 5000 serving a population of over 300 million in the USA, and a similar low ratio in the UK, has prompted investment by governments, corporations and individuals.

Their goal is to ensure that, not just the current able and active workforce, but the older and retired, all have access to Pain Management Services.

It is time for Nigeria to do the same.

Dr Femi Ogunyemi MBBS(Ibadan) FRCA FWACS Fellow in Pain Medicine.

Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management www.lagospainclinic.com Live Pain Free

Dr emi Ogun CA FW ACS Dr.. Oluf Olufemi Ogunyyemi MBBS (Ibadan) FR FRC FWA zFellow in Pain Medicine zDiplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management

D

R. OGUNYEMI graduated from the University College Hospital in Ibadan in 1983 and four years later, transferred to the UK for further training in Anaesthesia.

His first experience of chronic pain management was in 1991 when he was asked by the Pain Consultant to assist in the Pain Clinic at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup, South London. He was so intrigued by the ability to relieve pain that he selected Pain Management in later rotations at Kings College, Whittington and the University College Hospitals, London.

In 1994, he was successful in the examinations of the Royal College of Anaesthesia, earned the Fellowship of the College (FRCA)and completed specialist anaesthesia training in 1996.

He thenproceeded to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, USA to undergo formal training in Pain Management.

He completed the programme in 1997, earned the qualification of Fellow in Pain Medicine and returned to the UK as a Consultant at Newham General Hospital in

East London. He was one of seven Consultants then, featured in the British media, that broke the 50 year ceiling of Consultant remuneration in the NHS. During this period, he was appointed by the Royal College of Anaesthesia to serve as College Tutor responsible for training and education of residents at Newham General Hospital.

He is believed to be the first Nigerian, if not the first African trained anaesthetist, to serve the College in this capacity.

Looking for a greater role in the rapidly developing field of Pain Medicine, Dr .Ogunyemi returned to his old institution

Dr. Femi Ogunyemi

in Atlanta where he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in Anesthesia and Pain Management.

He returned briefly to the UK as a Consultant at Kettering General Hospital in Northamptonshire with the possibility of managing Pain Services at the hospital.

When this did not materialise,Dr. Ogunyemi returned once again to the USA, as Founder and Director of the Acute Pain Service of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where he also published a popular “Handbook for the Acute Pain Service”.

After two years he relocated to Georgia from Texas and spent many years as Medical Director of Pain Management in two major private hospitals in Georgia.

He also managed two private clinics of his own in the Atlanta area.

He passed the D i p l o m a t e examinations of the American Academy of Pain Management in

2004 and was awarded the Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons in 2005.

In 2010, with an increasing desire to return to training and teaching Doctors, he was appointed an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, the home of the Masters Golf Tournament.At this premier State institution, now called Georgia Regents University, he provided anesthesia and perioperative medical services and directed Pain Management services for the State prison inmates.

By this time, Dr. Ogunyemi was already making plans to return home to offer his services and expertise to Nigerians. He completed the move in July 2013 with the establishment of the first Specialist Pain Clinic in Nigeria – Lagos Pain Clinic.

He is the President of the Safe Surgery Foundation, a registered NGO devoted to making surgery safe in every hopital in Nigeria. Dr. Ogunyemi maintains current, medical unrestricted licences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 THE formal opening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Saturday marked a major economic leap for the country. The contributions that the airport would make to the economic development of the South East zone and surrounding States are too important to be consigned to a political decision.

Politics, the type that many advocate can change the country, made Enugu possible.

From President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who initiated the re-construction of the airport to President Goodluck Jonathan who promised quick completion of the project during his campaign, the fact is that the airport is important for the eastern flank of Nigeria.

The international airport in Enugu, named after a former Governor of Eastern Region, a former Vice President of the World Council of Churches, who lived an exemplary life of quietude, away from the ostentatious cravings of politicians, is a strong economic platform and users have embraced it.

Businesses that depend so much on travels to Asia would benefit from one of the moves that would decongest Lagos. Those who thought that the decision to fly

Akanu Ibiam Int ernational Air por International Airpor portt internationally from Enugu was uneconomical would be stunned to know that the inaugural flight sold out.

There are more stunning statistics. Enough passengers have lined up to fly from Enugu; flights are fully booked into October.

Ethiopian Airlines, the only one on the route at the moment, has scheduled to fly four times a week from Enugu in response to demand. Other airlines are indicating interests in Enugu.

The bulk of travellers to Asia, connecting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopian’s hub, are business people from Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha. Before international flights from Enugu, they had to travel to Lagos to make international connections. Nearby States

like Benue, some parts of Kogi, and Delta would have Enugu as alternative to Abuja and Lagos.

Akanu Ibiam International Airport is an important strategic handle in the decongestion of Lagos, whose airport needs expansion, but can barely halt for the work to be done. In commending President Jonathan for the inauguration of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, he should also be asked to do more.

More legacy projects like the airport in Enugu are required to fasten the development of the country. The facilities required may vary from one part of the country to the other. The point remains, however, if projects as important as the Enugu airport are located in different parts of the country, they would spread access to major developments.

People are waiting to see if Akanu Ibiam International Airport would meet the expectations that informed its construction.

A further point needs to be made that peace and security are important for the realisation of projects like Enugu international airport.

IF YOU SAY EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE, TRY IGNORANCE!

BY OKEY NDIRIBE Continued from yesterday's Viewpoints pg

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ORSE still, what explanation does he have for engaging in the use of malapropism like' invoke' in the place of 'evoke'?

Now to address Femi's claim that Igbos are not only strangers in Lagos but have made little or no contribution to the economic development of the state.

In the first place, there are historical accounts which indicate that Igbos have been present in Lagos since the 16th century.

The Aros- a sub group among the Igboswere said to have settled in Oyingbo in those early days. The Binis who colonized Lagos and the Aros had a long historical association. Ancient Igbo history indicates that the Aros occupied a prominent place in the ancient Bini Empire which extended to Lagos and present day Benin Republic.

Secondly, it is an incontrovertible fact that Igbos are heavily involved in the contemporary commercial life of Lagos State. For instance, it is indisputable that Igbo traders are not only well represented in all the major markets in the Lagos metropolis, they are clearly dominant in several of them. Even though ours is a society that lacks records, there is abundant evidence to convince all the Femis of this world if they want the truth on this matter.

For instance, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson reportedly said not too long ago that the Computer Village Market in Ikeja-Lagos, which is heavily dominated

OPINION Fani-Kayode's naked dance (2)

by Igbo traders generates about N2 billion dollars (N300 billion) for the Nigerian economy annually.

Other markets where Igbo traders dominate overwhelmingly include ASPAMDA Market-which was built on the site of the old International Trade Fair; Alaba International Electronics Market and Ladipo Motor Spare Parts Market.

Igbo traders constitute not less than 50 percent in Balogun, Mandilas, Idumota and other markets within Lagos Island.

Other markets with heavy presence of Igbo traders in Lagos include those located in Oshodi, Yaba, Ajegunle and Agboju.

Although, I cannot give an accurate estimate of what these markets collectively generate in the economy of Lagos State, there is no doubt that they generate more than triple what is generated by the Computer Village Market, that is N900 billion annually.

How can Femi dismiss those who presently generate a conservative amount of N900 billion annually in the economy of Lagos as inconsequential? In terms of physical development of Lagos, Igbos have also contributed massively.

Media reports indicate that most of Ikeja, Ojo, Anthony, Maryland and Okota were essentially swampy and bushy until Igbos moved in. For instance, Ekene Dili Chukwu Motors was one of the first companies to move into Allen Avenue in the early 1980s .

The late Igwe J.O. Obi, was by the late 1970s, reported to be the first to move into

Ire Akari Estate in Isolo, when the whole area was a complete bush.

He was also said to have moved his company, Interland Transport, into the Amuwo Adofin Industrial Estate first and brought telephone lines there when it was a vast area of sandy-muddy soil. Presently, a well-developed industrial estate sits in that area. Igbos in fact developed Isolo and Okota areas; they single handedly developed the whole of Olodi-Apapa, Coker and Ojo areas.

Indeed, the history of the economic development of Lagos, nay that of the entire country, cannot be complete without a prominent mention of the role of the Igbos.

In case Femi doesn't know, the likes of the Late Sir Louis Ojukwu contributed immensely to the development of Lagos. He was the founding president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange which still has its headquarters in Lagos.

It is also worthy of note that during Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Nigeria in the year 1956, Sir Louis Ojukwu made his Rolls Royce car available for the Queen’s carriage as the Nigerian government could not afford a Rolls Royce at that time.

Despite their massive contribution to the economy of Lagos State, Igbos have never at anytime laid claim to ownership of Lagos land. The phrase "no man's land" which Femi accused Igbos of using to refer to Lagos may have been a fall-out of the fact that Lagos was Nigeria's federal capital until 1991. It is within this context that I believe

former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu used this phrase.

Just like Abuja of today, a large chunk of Lagos land belongs to the Federal Government up till now. Indeed, it was the status of Lagos as a federal capital for many years that attracted large numbers of Igbos to settle there. Natives of Lagos just like those of Abuja today, lost a lot of their land during this period. It might interest Femi to know that many Nigerians refer to today's FCT with that same phrase.

Femi exhibited his Igbophobia in the manner he twisted the nation's history as it relates to the crisis that led to the civil war.

His narration of that dark era of our nation's history reflects his belief that the Igbos were to blame for what befell them.

However, the truth of the matter is that the January 15, 1966 coup d'état was a spill over of the political crisis which erupted in the Western Region. Indeed, Femi's father Chief Remi Fani Kayode played a major role in that crisis as Deputy Premier of Western Region under Sir Ladoke Akintola.

If the Igbos who were in majority in the National Council for Nigerian Citizens, NCNC, were so bad as Femi painted them in his write-ups, why did his father, the late Remi Fani- Kayode defect from the Action Group to the NCNC in 1959 and remained there until the collapse of the First Republic? Why did his father rebel against Awolowo and went ahead to serve as Deputy Premier of Western Region under the muchdemonized Akintola?

Concluded.

Mr. Ndiribe, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,AUGUST 27, 2013— 19

, J

“

UST as the most stable form of the state is an empire so the most sustainable system of rulership for a people that have been enslaved or colonised is a republic and their most legitimate form of government is a democracy. Why? An empire is that state form that survives efforts to conquer it; that defeats revolutionarists; and prevents secessions, that is, the fragmentation of its rulership; and that assimilates its opponents and rivals. That is why there are very few empires and why the few lasts for long time before their fragmentation sets in.

Enslavement results from conquest; a kingdom conquered like Judah was conquered by the Babylonians are carried off and reduced to slaves in the land of their captivity. The enslavers reduces all its conquered into subjects. The pre-enslavement class differences

amongst the enslaved are destroyed- enslaved kings are made the political equals of their former subjects and slaves.

Enslavement makes all slaves equal before their masters. Ditto a sovereign monarchical people conquered and colonised are transformed into a class of subjects.

Therefore against the backdrop of enslavement and colonisation, the emancipated and decolonised transit from their subjecthood as equals in emancipation and decolonization. This is the logic of the political change from slaves to sovereigns, from colonised to sovereigns. Enslavement and colonisation destroy all antecedent class differences. PresidentBarack Obama confirms the reality of these propositions with reference to the Founding Fathers of the American Republic in this passage in his Second Inaugural Address.

“The patriots of 1776 did not

,

fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave us a republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed”.

T

hough patriots may seek to institute a new class order opposed to that of the republic, the new order cannot count on traditions of legitimacy emanating from their colonial subjecthood.

Thus, it is that African post colonial orders that are not republican and democratic have established their new post colonial order on contrived grounds of authority and are characterised by conflicts over their legitimacy.

It is from this political historical perspective that we have urged

What manner of screening?

BY PASCAL OKE

I

N 1979, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, then the flag bearer of the Nigerian Peoples Party, NPP, failed the screening exercise of the then electoral umpire, FEDECO, for allegedly not paying his taxes as at when due, a requirement by the 1979 Constitution of the country. It was widely believed that the fallout was master-minded by Zik's political adversaries and rivals in the other parties. The reason was simple: To cause him embarrassment and put a wedge, albeit temporary, to his ambition and soaring popularity. It took a team of lawyers who hurriedly put up a brilliant representation on behalf of both the famed Zik and his party for FEDECO to reinstate him to contest the election which eventually ushered in the Second Republic.

Reminiscent of the Nnamdi Azikiwe saga of 1979, the media has been awash in the past few days with report of the three-man panel set up by the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to screen its 13 gubernatorial aspirants in Anambra State preparatory to the governorship election in the state scheduled for November 16.

Six aspirants allegedly failed the party’s screening exercise. Among them are Chinedu Idigo, Henry Obaze, Chike Obidigbo, Tony Nnacheta, Emmanuel Nweke and Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

Reasons adduced for their disqualification range from non-presentation of evidence of availability of campaign fund, tax clearance certificate to issues as miniscule as voter’s card.

Of all these aspirants, Soludo’s disqualification was greeted with both surprise and outrage by observers of political developments in that state.

Specifically, it was said to be in the spirit of

zoning being championed by Governor Peter Obi, even though another source attributed it to an alleged EFCC investigation pending on him. This makes the motive more suspicious. Otherwise, since when has pending investigation on someone become a criteria for judging and screening election candidates. Not even at the level of INEC should Nigerians be hearing such an incongruous reason.

Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria as amended give insight into either what qualifies or disqualifies an individual from contesting a governorship election in a state in the country. None of the reasons given by APGA fall into any of the provisions of the Constitution.

It is also clear in the Constitution as in other statutes of the country, that pending investigation on someone does not amount to sentence. That being the case, APGA must have misfired by inadvertently “convicting” Soludo, even without being tried by a court of law. It is a sad story, an untidy and reprehensible development.

There is no other way to explain the party’s floppy action. Can a political party go outside the provisions of the Constitution to impose a disqualification as critical as this on its aspirants.

Must everything dirty be brought into politics? This development and the incongruous reasons given by APGA goes to affirm the rumour that the party’s leadership is doing the bidding of someone else, probably the “the Oga at the top”. This is because there is a glaring difference between rain flood and the water that was ordinarily poured out on the ground.

One Igbo adage says that a bird dancing by the road side obviously has evil spirits beating drums for it. It is both unnecessary and irrelevant to ascribe the traducement

,

Will President Jonathan address the challenge of legitimacy in Africa?

The dominance of the military in a republic implies the collapse and or underdevelopment of Republican institutions

upon President Jonathan to change the terms of discourse of the Nigerian Reform Agenda Incumbency is not enough: it is necessary but not sufficient to drive the Reform Discourse. For visibility, viability and relevance the C-In-C must change the terms of discourse of the Nigerian Reform Agenda.

-He cannot be led by the Justice Uwais Committee- they can only make recommendations; -He cannot be led by Prof.

Atahiru Jega- He is a facilitator in the Reform process; -The President must think strategically: “Strategy is merely the word we give to the thought that goes into determining how we will prevail.

However, strategies can be formulated that maximise the chance of delivering “good! New principles are required to change our path onto this ‘good’ path”.

Ketan J. Patel. The Master Strategist: Power, Purpose and Principle.

Time is an obvious constraint.

Exclusive attention to Administration will render the Head of State and Head of Party invisible. There is need for the CIn-C to strategically preside over the affairs of the Nigerian state and to do this the President must effect a change of the framework of the current political discourse in order to effect a change in how the President is perceived both nationally and internationally. The theme that can change the framework of the present Transformation Agenda simply stated is: “Now Is The Moment To Lay the Foundations of Nigerian Republ1can Democracy.

An aide-memoire to jump start this change is the Presidential Address of Professor J. M Amoda

Beyond the reasons given by the APGA screening panel, one could discern an apparent intrigue contrived in some quarters outside Anambra to play Soludo out of the governorship race

,

of Soludo’s governorship interest to Umeh and his colleagues in APGA as this will amount to vain glorification. Afterall, they are merely dancing to the tune of the music being supplied by evil spirits from the bush.

Beyond the reasons given by the APGA screening panel, one could discern an apparent intrigue contrived in some quarters outside Anambra to play Soludo out of the governorship race so that others will have a field day.

W

hen Soludo dumped PDP for APGA some weeks ago, many saw the move not only as being audacious, but also as the most ideal and auspicious thing to do. There was excitement within and outside the party. He was seen as having come to lift the party out of relegation and extinction. The general belief that holds sway in Anambra, even till date, is that APGA might be singing its last political song if it fails to clinch the Anambra guber election in November.

Among the general masses and the elites in the state, therefore, Soludo is seen as the candidate to beat, and a good brand if APGA is serious about retaining Anambra Government House after Obi. Besides, he was considered as a foremost achiever who

at the 15rh Annual Conference of the Nigerian Political Science Association held at the University of Ibadan from June 25 to July 1st 1988 titled: General Danjuma and the Nigerian Republic.

General T. Y Danjuma’s observation that there is yet to be a government in Nigeria that the people can defend is the thesis addressed in that Presidential Address. We propose that President Jonathan Goodluck make as his Agenda for the present and the future the laying of the foundation on which can be instituted The Government That Can Be Defended By The People of Nigeria- A Democratic Republican Government.

The following quote from the 1988 address serves an Executive Summary of the 7½ Page Address.

“If we are to truthfully confront the history of our existence as an independent national society, we cannot escape the implications of the fact that under the present conjunction of forces and interests that a planning of alternate futures for Nigeria must begin with an acknowledgement of the place of the Nigerian Military in our political process. This is all the more important because we have presented ourselves to the world and its comity of nations as a Republic. The preponderance of the Military in our politics therefore brings to the fore its relationship to the Republic. We often forget that the opposite of the Military in any Republic is not the Civilians or Politicians; that Military Rule in a Republic is not the opposite of Civilian Rule by politicians. The dominance of the Military in a Republic implies the collapse and or underdevelopment of Republican institutions.

Continues next week

would certainly consolidate on the gains of the previous administrations in the state.

But in politics, one plus one is not usually two. Soludo has maintained a soaring popularity in the state ever since he stepped into politics in 2009, a development which has always been seen as a threat by his rivals, even beyond the shores of Anambra.

For this class of people, they would not stand the idea of a Soludo that is best in academics, best in national and international reach and now also best in politics.

Theodore Orji was in detention when he contested and won the Abia guber seat in 2007. Iyiola Omisore maneuvered his way out of detention to be sworn in as a senator, having won the election earlier from prison custody. EFCC made Chimaroke Nnamani to forfeit his Rainbow Net Telecom and radio station to the government and still found himself in the Senate. Even other notable politicians in Anambra in particular, and across the country generally, who have been arraigned by the EFCC, and whose cases are pending in different law courts have not only been enjoying their freedom, but are also into one political activity or the other, including engaging in election contests With these examples, it is not difficult to locate the indirect ban, so to speak, imposed on Soludo by APGA between antagonists of his towering stature and sibling rivalries from within and outside the state.

One thing is certain: whether he fails to contest his disqualification or refuses to run, it is not yet uhuru for all those who appear to be beneficiaries of the unfortunate fallout. The implications are diverse.

Beyond reason, the issue of Anambra North zone agenda being championed by the incumbent governor looks and sounds childish. Is it guaranteed that the north will win after Soludo's exit? *Mr. Oke, a medical practitioneer, wrote from Lagos.

20— Vanguard ,

C M Y K

TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 27 , 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 21

FG invests N3bn to improve railway service

BY GODFREY BIVBERE & JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

HE Federal Government has invested additional N3 billion on Nigeria Railway by acquiring two telescopic railway cranes and four new locomotives to enhance service delivery in the sector.

The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Coprporation, NRC Engr.

Adeseyi Sijuade disclosed this in Lagos while addressing news men at an event to flagoff container transportation from Lagos to Kaduna and Kano.

According to him, the telescopic cranes cost N1 billion each while the four new locomotives cost N250 million each.

He said the corporation will from 23 rd of August, 2013 commence the haulage of bulk salt and sugar belonging to Dangote Nigeria Plc, to Kaduna and Kano, heralding a re-launch of the intercity container freight operations seventeen years after it grounded such operations.

Speaking further, Sijuade said it is another milestone in the corporation’s rehabilitation efforts and the government’s ports decongestion drive.

He said, “This day will go down in the annals of history of the corporation as a day we recommenced NRC’s active participation in the lifting of container cargos from the

ports to hinterland and in enhancing in the ports decongestion drive.”

He added that, “It also becomes a milestone in our record of achievements regarding addition of four locomotives to be known as Class 23 Locomotives into our fleet of locomotives. We are also

better equipped to deal with emergencies, with the two new tons railway cranes.”

He explained that the acquisition of the new facilities is part of the federal government’s continued and sustained drive at transforming the nation’s socio-economic development

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Mr. Segun Aina, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN; Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN; Otunba (Mrs )Debola Osibogun, First President, CIBN and Dr. Uche Olowu, National Treasurer, CIBN, during the fellowship award to mark the 50th anniversary of CIBN, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Former NIM boss laments resource mismanagement, bad leadership

BY HANNAH ISIBOR

113.00

-0.20

2,426.00

+6.00

16.44

+0.16

109.92

-0.23

104.65 -0.46 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.76 240.7447 206.682 167.2358 1.5876 0.2953 234.2687 25.2784 41.2649 27.7104 235.9007

155.26 241.5225 207.3497 167.7761 1.5927 0.3053 235.0256 25.3605 41.3983 27.8 236.0573

through a strong and formidable rail transport system.

“We are today demonstrating our ability in expanding our horizon and service level with the flag-off of this train-load of 20 container wagons from Apapa Wharf to Kaduna/Kano for the Inland Container Nigeria Limited, ICNL.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transport, represented by the Chairman, Board of Directors, NRC Alhaji Kau Baraje while commending the corporation for the feat said the rehabilitation of the 1126km western rail line has made it possible for more improvements to be recorded in the sector adding that it shall be sustained to make for a vibrant railway system.

“The successful completion of the western rail line has made it possible for the corporation to be introducing, one after another, freight and passenger train services. You will recall that the third weekly Lagos to Kano intercity passenger train service was introduced barely a month ago to scale up a number of services already being offered.

We are pleased with the responses of customers and passengers who use them,” he said.

Baraje who disclosed that the corporation would deliver additional 200 wagons for the freight services by December this year, added that with the addition of the new facilities into the corporation’s asset base, “Nigerians will reap a bountiful dividends of democracy through a vibrant railway system.”

SELLING 155.76 242.3003 208.0175 169.4148 168.3164 0.3153 235.7825 25.4427 41.5316 27.8895 236.8175

CBN Exchange rate as at 26/08/2013

F

ORMER President of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, Mr. Lugard Aimiuwu, has expressed disappointment over the mismanagement of the country’s resources, which it said is as a result of bad leadership in the country.

Speaking at the 2013 edition of NIM Award, Fellows and Spouses’ Day luncheon, in Lagos, Aimiuwu, who is also former President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, also stated that the current attitude by certain Nigerians to only criticise the poorly performing political leaders does not make them good followers and or outstanding prospective leaders.

He said, “Globally, effort to transform a country from underdevelopment requires collective struggles, commitment and creativity of all stakeholders — the leaders, the followers. Every one of us must make our contributions to the development

of the country. Nigeria is too precious to be allowed to rot away. A little bit of discipline can make a lot of improvement and a lot of discipline can change it all" He further stated that at different stages in history, Nigeria has suffered the excruciating pain and degradation of slavery, the territorial subjugation and humiliation of colonization, and the incessant post colonial betrayal by their own leaders.

He said, “In a country devoid of natural disasters, the leadership experience had become the main disaster, representing the ultimate nightmare.

“Traumatized, pauperized, and dehumanized rapaciously by her own people, Nigerians have become suspicious, cynical, and skeptical about everything from the leadership, including the occasional truth.”

He said the ongoing Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is achieving significant improvement but needed to consider

certain key factors as its focus.

According to him, the health of the education sector of any nation is used as a window to evaluate it seriousness and future prospects, adding that the current eight per cent budgetary allocation for Nigeria's bleeding sector, is a far outcry.

He said the government should strive to implement the 28 per cent budgetary allocation for Education by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), which Nigeria is a member.

"Which serious-minded people in a competitive world where leadership comes from merit-driven performance would have a Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission system which gives only 45 per cent to merit, 35 per cent catchments, 20 disadvantaged areas? This no doubt sends strong disturbing signal that Nigeria can get by somehow by doing 'it's own thing. Unfortunately, attention has shiftily repressively from Education to Certification.”

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

More tips for successful cooperative investment

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

I

n this edition, we conclude on the tips for establishing a successful cooperative society. Meanwhile, you are invited to share your opinion or thoughts on this subject by writing to vanguardinvestorsforum@gmail.com.

Set the rules: This is one of the first things you must do when you establish your cooperative. You must set the rules, procedure that will govern the affairs of your group. Thus, they are called bye-laws of the cooperative.

The rules must include: Regularity of contributions, what to use money for, procedure and condition for lending, or doing business with third parties, tenure, duties, powers of cooperative executives etc. These are necessary to ensure fairness, equity and harmony among members.

They also reduce to barest minimum, opportunity for abuse of rights and privileges, and they facilitate accountability.

You must have records: Records are important for accountability, history, and they serve as indicators of the direction of the business.

Now, this can be very challenging, especially for cooperatives in the informal sector. The truth is that

ever ybody, whether literate or illiterate can keep records. Lack of records gives opportunity for embezzlement and misappropriation.

There is no point joining a cooperative that won’t keep records Be registered: The law that guides cooperatives required that they must be registered with the state as a business. So, to operate a cooperative group without registration with the government is illegal. But beyond this, it makes your group a legal entity that can sue and be sued. So, your cooperative can sue anybody that defrauds it, and members can also sue the group if they are aggrieved. Registered cooperatives are mandated to submit returns to the government, and this makes it mandatory for the leaders to be accountable. The benefits are so numerous. So, ensure your cooperative is registered with the government. In Nigeria, applications for the registration of a cooperative society must be submitted to the federal or state director of

cooperatives. Such application must be accompanied by the Bye-Laws of the applicant cooperative society. It is important to note that the director of co-operatives has the authority to refuse to register a cooperative society where such an applicant society’s Bye-Laws, for example, do not comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act (as amended), CAP. N98, or the Lagos State Co-operative Societies Law, CAP. C15, where the application is made in Lagos State.

However, a cooperative society that is refused registration, for any reason, has the right

to appeal against such a decision, within sixty (60) days, to the minister or commissioner charged with supervising cooperative matters at the state or federal tier of government.

I

nvestigate before you invest: To minimise or eliminate the risk of losing money, it is important that cooperatives investigate any investment or business opportunity before making the decision to invest or engage in the business. This is very important, because there is usually more to every business or investment opportunity than meets the eye. Secondly, economic

situation and government policies change rapidly, such that what was profitable last year may not be profitable this year.

Engage experts or professionals: Finally, your cooperative must form the habit of engaging experts or professionals in all its business and investment dealings.

Yes! It means additional cost, but that is necessary if you don’t want to lose your entire savings. One of such experts you will always need is a legal expert or lawyer. In all your business transactions, especially with third parties, always involve a lawyer. Why? Every business decision you take has the risk of failing and resulting to dispute. You need a lawyer to help you draft agreement and contracts or documents that will cover as much as possible all the risk and protect your interest in the business transaction. Also, remember that you are all busy in your individual businesses or career, hence you don’t have time, to read carefully all documents relating to a business transaction. But engage a lawyer to assist you to do this.

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top ten performing stocks last week were Jos International Breweries Plc, JIB, Vono Products Plc, Thomas Wyatt Nig. Plc, Ikeja Hotels Plc, John Holt Plc and Academy Press.

Others are Nigeria Aviation handling Company, NAHCo, Flour Mills Nig. Plc, Paints and Coating Manufacturers Plc and Aiico Insurance Plc. One thing peculiar about the first five companies that featured on the top ten performing stocks last week is that they all have Below Listing Standard, BLS, tagged against their names by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showing that they are lacking in one way or the other in meeting the NSE’s post-listing rules requirement.

J

IB, which has for the second consecutive week led the top gainers, was indicted by the NSE for non-rendition of its 2010, 2011 and 2012 audited financial statements. The

company, however, is restructuring to regularise its post-listing status on the NSE, having recently settled the N700 million debts to one of the local banks by the Plateau State government. It is therefore, undergoing revitalisation exercise by the new board put together in 2010 to reshape the company.

Available financial statement of the company for the year ended 31st December, 2009, showed 61.07 percent decline in revenue from N524 million to N204 million. It recorded loss before tax of N431million and loss after tax of N432 million, while working capital was in negative position of N1.3 billion as at the time. The stock price rose by 57.75 percent or N0.67 from N1.16 to N1.83.

T

he second top gainer, Vono Products, is also listed among stocks performing below listing rules for its failure to render its six months financial statement for March, 2013.

Vitafoam Plc had in 2010 acquired 21.44 percent equity stake in the

company through purchase of 64.32 million ordinary shares out of the 300 million total outstanding shares of Vono Nigeria. The acquisition was a long-term strategic investment meant to secure the future of the ailing company. The nine months financial statement for the period ended September, 2012, showed that revenue stood at N525.88 million, while it recorded loss after tax of N4.80 million within the period. The stock price rose by 30.65 percent or N0.19 from N0.62 to N0.81 per share.

T

he third top gainer, Thomas Wyatt, is yet to submit the first quarter results for June, 2013. Listed in paper/forest products sector, Thomas Wyatt is involved in printing and related support activities. The Company has more than sixty years experience in paper and paper conversion business and the delivery of high quality printing and stationeries supplies to numerous customers all over Nigeria. The stock price rose by 20.90 percent or N0.14 to N0.81 from N0.67 it started the week at. Ikeja Hotel’s share price rose by 8.86

percent or N0.07 from N0.79 at the beginning of the week to N0.86. The company has not submitted the 2012 full year audited financial account, including 2013 first quarter results for the period ended 31st March. To-date, Ikeja Hotel is the least priced stock out of three companies quoted in hotel/lodging sector.

John Holts Plc, which is yet to also submit the six month financial statement and was also, fined N1.7 million last year for late filing of 2011 financial statement, advanced by 8.62 percent or N0.10 from N1.16 to N1.26.

The Audited 2012 results showed declining trends with revenues dropping by 53 percent to N2.7billion from N5.9 billion in 2011. Loss before tax was N1.8 billion. However, the company declared exceptional item of N2.4 billion helping it to post a profit after tax of N635 million.

Academy Press advanced by 8.52 percent or N0.15 to N1.26; NAHCO recorded 7.67 or N0.48 capital appreciation from N1.76 to N1.91; Flourmills, 7.67 percent or N0.48 from N78.56 to N83.90; PCMN, 6.47 percent or N0.11 from N1.70 to N1.81, while Aiico Insurance gained 6.38 percent or N0.06 from N0.94 to N1.00.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 23

INVESTORS SPEAK

NSE explains current position of Investors Protection Fund

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & PETER EGWUATU

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE has explained that its newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of Investors Protection Fund (IPF) is considering the modalities for the implementation of the Fund.

The exchange in reaction to earlier report, which wrongly blamed the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC of delay in the implementation of the Fund said that the modalities for the implementation of the Fund has not yet been communicated to the commission as the Board of IPF is still considering modalities for the implementation of the Fund regarding compensation to investors who suffered loss in the stock market.

It will be recalled that recently, a group of investors lodged complaint to the NSE, demanding for their money trapped in one of the stockbroking firms suspended by the Exchange. The Exchange, however, told them that their complaints would have to wait until SEC approves the modalities for the implementation of the IPF. The group, which identified itself as Retirees from Delta Steel Company Ltd, Warri Delta State, stated in their complaint to Investors Forum, “ We all gave our share certificates to our stockbroker, Securities Solution Ltd (Member of The Nigerian Stock

•Oscar Onyema, NSE CEO

•Arunma Oteh, DG, SEC

Exchange), which they verified to our CSCS Account in 2008 and sometimes in Jan., 2012. We mandated them to sell some of our shares and pay the proceed to our banks accounts; we waited for payment and they never paid during and we got to know later that they have been suspended by The Nigeria Stock Exchange for misconduct and wrong practices in February 2012 after much pressure to get our money from them. “ We wrote NSE with attention to Mr. Adebisi Onipede, Head, Stockbroker/

Dealer Regulation forwarded to the NSE Head Office in Marina, Lagos.

In the said letter, we informed them about what happened and how our money is yet to be paid after selling our shares by Securities Solution Limited, after which NSE replied and told us in a letter that they are still working on it and they did promised us they are going to do something about it. But till date, they are yet to resolve the matter and the information we heard was that NSE Lagos frozed the account of the stockbroking firm

concerned and till date, nothing meaningful has been put together by NSE to pay us since the money is in their custody and they are aware the money is in their account till date.”

In its response, NSE stated “We acknowledge receipt of your email with respect to the above subject matter. Unfortunately, your complaint has remained unresolved because Securities Solution Limited (SSL) is currently on suspension and has been in an inactive capacity since April 2012.

The firm is currently before the Disciplinary Committee of the Council of The Exchange for their consideration. In the interim, please be informed that the Board of Trustees of the Investors Protection Fund (IPF) of the Exchange has recently been constituted and is currently considering the modalities for the operation of the Fund regarding compensation to investors, who suffered losses in the capital market.

Be assured that your complaint will be promptly resolved when the Board concludes on these modalities. The Exchange appreciates your concerns and patience in our bid to get a resolution to your complaint. Please be assured that we take all complaints from the investing public seriously and will do all within our capacity to ensure that your complaint is resolved.”

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS

I

s BGL Nubian Fund still existing?

I invested in the BGL Nubian fund about four years ago, and I was told I’ll get monthly reports, but I’ve not heard from them since. Does it still exist? (M. Skempe) Investors Forum The Fund is still in operation. For update on your investment contact, BGL Asset Management Limited.

The contact is Plot 1061, Abagbon Close, Off Ologun Agbaje Street, P.O. Box 74122, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: 234 (1) 764 6785. Email: crm@bglgroupng.com No dividend from AP and First Bank I bought AP and First Bank shares as others did so many years ago. I also bought right issues, but for so many years now, I have not received any dividend and when it comes, it is very little despite purchasing them with big money. Please help tell them not to destroy the Nigerian capital market by paying meaningful dividends and promptly. (Professor Akpotor A. Ughelli) Investor Forum Companies are not compelled to declare dividend and it is also in the interest of the shareholders that a

significant portion of the profit is ploughed back into the business to enhance future profitability. Also, the fact that you borrowed the money used for the investment is a personal issue. Investment is a risk, and investors should accept the consequences of whatever investment decisions they take. Note that AP has changed name to Forte Oil. No dividend from Ecobank I bought shares from Ecobank, Effurun branch, Delta state in 2008 and till date I have received only $1 in 2009: What will I do? (Obiezue Peter) Investors Forum Please contact the registrar of the bank, namely ESL Registrars Ltd. It is located at 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. You may also call an official of the bank on 08023877699 No dividend from Oceanic Bank I bought shares from Oceanic Bank and was given certificate, but I have not heard anything about the shares again. (Ijeoma, Port Harcourt) Investors Forum Oceanic Bank has been acquired by

Ecobank, and you are now a shareholder of Ecobank. For update on your shareholding, contact the registrar of the bank, namely ESL Registrars Ltd. It is located at 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. You may also call an official of the bank on 08023877699 No dividend from First Bank I bought shares from First Bank Nigeria Plc in Edo State since 2007, but I have not been given dividend since 2009. Please help me find out why it is so. (Kesene O Felix) Investors Forum Please contact First Registrars Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 08033018295, 08191410456 Discrepancy in Finbank, FCMB share exchange I bought 3000 units of FinBank in January 2008 for N28, 500. I did not get share certificate until 2012 when I got a certificate carrying the name of FCMB, but for nine units of shares instead of the 3000 units I bought. Please what should I do?

Meanwhile, I have not received any dividend since I bought the shares.

(GODWIN AKOH.O)

Investors Forum FCMB acquired Finbank and the shareholders of Finbank got one share of FCMB for 48 shares of Finbank they had. If you had 3000 units of Finbank, then you should now have 62.5 shares of FCMB. However, to clarify the actual status of your shareholding, contact the registrar of FCMB, namely City Securities Limited at Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

Tel: 234-1-2641298, 234-1-7924462.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

PIB: FG, oil majors disagreements deepen

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

H

OPES for a harmonized stance on the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, between the Federal Government and the oil majors under the auspices of the Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, dim further.

Both parties maintained their positions at the just concluded conference organized by the National Association of Energy Correspondents.

The PIB Lead Team and Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Abiye Membere, who was represented by Mr. Victor Briggs, maintained that the PIB if passed into law will be beneficial to all stakeholders.

He listed some of the benefits of the bill to include: •Creating a robust economic environment to attract investments •Growth of revenue beyond the short term •Create strong and independent regulators to develop and enforce open, fair and transparent rules in the oil and gas sector •Liberalize and regulate the downstream and midstream sub sectors of the oil and gas industry •Create a commerciallyoriented national oil company that will compete effectively with its peers •Foster progress on government transformation agenda especially in the areas of growth, employment creation, power and industrial development.

•Sustain the gains of Nigerian content development and in-country capacity and capability.

Membere said the PIB represents the largest overhaul of the government petroleum revenue system in the last four decades, as it is meant to simplify the collection of revenues and cream off windfall profits in case of high oil prices.

OPTC disagree However, the Chairman of OPTS and Managing Director, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Mr. Mark Ward, said that if the PIB is passed as it is currently, oil and gas production will decline from 63 percent to about 25 percent.

He said that this will translate to about $185 billion loss in revenues for all stakeholders, as new projects will be stalled.

He argued that the PIB will create one of the world’s harshest production sharing contract, PSC regime, as Nigerian governmentstake (royalties, taxes and NOC profit oil) at 96 percent, is the highest in the world.

He cited other oil producing countries where government take is lower, such as Trinidad and Tobago (58 percent), Angola (62 percent), Nigeria, prePIB (70 percent), Equatorial Guinea (75 percent), Egypt (79 percent), Malaysia (85 percent), and Indonesia (89 percent).

According to Ward, “The cumulative effect of this is a combination of higher royalties and taxes with reduced incentives such that: no new deepwater investments are economically viable and they will not go forward, 90% of new JV gas production will not happen, 30% of new JV oil production will not materialize.

“As part of our analysis of the PIB, we also compared the proposed fiscal terms with 20 other countries.

What we see across the board is that when a country has relatively high royalties, they

balance it with relatively lower taxes or higher taxes with lower royalties with incentives in both cases providing some balance. “However, the PIB doesn’t have this balance and the result is that Nigeria would have one of the harshest fiscal regimes in the world. This will make it very difficult for Nigeria to attract the required foreign capital to offset decline let alone grow production. And this comes at

a time when the global energy landscape is drastically changing.”

Ward cautioned that Nigeria must get it right now especially with the advent of the shale gale and the discovery of oil in other African countries.

“As you know, new technologies are unlocking shale oil and gas in the US with Russia and China expected to follow. Closer to

Nigeria, there have recently been significant gas discoveries in East Africa and West Africa is opening new areas with attractive terms up and down the region. On the market side, recent refinery upgrades are reducing the need for light crudes like Nigeria’s Bonny crude putting pressure on crude sales. All these advances are creating direct competition for investments dollars with Nigeria … That is why now, more than ever, it is important that we get PIB right to keep Nigeria competitive for investments,” he said.

As regards gas, the OPTS chairman also expressed the organization’s concerns over non-fiscal issues which he said would further create uncertainty for the industry and impede investments.

CONFAB: From left: Engr. M. D. Bako, General Manager, Fronties Exploration Service, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Tony Chukwueke, Director, Transcorp Energy Limited, chairman of the occasion; Engr. Ernest Nwapa, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Company (NCDMB) and Engr. Oladele Amuda, Managing Director, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, during the August 2013 National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) conference, on PIB: Harmonisation and Implementation for Economy Growth, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Power: FG approves take-over by investors

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA: THE Federal Government has given the nod for the preferred bidders to take full possession of the 15 Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN successor companies, following substantial compliance recorded in payments by the investors at the expiration of the deadline last Wednesday.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said in Abuja that the Federal Government recorded substantial compliance in payments by the preferred bidders for the sale of the PHCN companies under a globally acclaimed power privatization programme.

By the close of transaction by 5pm on Wednesday, all the bidders had paid up,

except for the Enugu Distribution Company, while the preferred bidder for Sapele Power Station had made substantial part-payment.

He said the completion payment now entitles the preferred bidders to take full possession of the 15 PHCN unbundled entities, which include 10 Distribution companies (DISCOs) and five Generation companies (GENCOs. Nebo, upon confirmation that the investors had met the August 21, 2013 deadline, described the exercise as a great milestone in the Power Sector Reform Roadmap, which should give hope to Nigerians, and inspire confidence in government’s power reform, and President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

The Minister said he would soon

formally declare the Transition Electricity Market, to enable the investors commence business in earnest and further drive the process.

Nebo also reassured Nigerians and investors of government’s resolve to pursue the transformation agenda to the end, and monitor the emerging transition market, in order to protect the interest of both the citizenry and the investors.

He said the stability of the national grid was being enhanced to ensure effective transmission of any quantity of power being generated in the new dispensation.

According to him, “Efforts are also on to provide more electricity off-grid, especially for the rural areas, while also sustaining subsidy for low income electricity consumers in the nation’s tariff structure.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—25

‘Indigenous co ys coys account for 10% crude production’

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE Federal Government has said that indigenous companies’ contribution to the oil and gas sector has recorded significant improvement, and currently accounted for about 10 per cent of the countries crude production.

The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, had last March stated that indigenous oil companies accounted for only six per cent of Nigeria’s total crude production, while foreign oil companies accounted for 94 per cent.

According to the DPR, of the total of 388 oil blocks in the country, Nigerians owned 90 blocks while foreigners owned 83 blocks.

Speaking at the Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents, NAEC 2013 Annual Conference in Lagos, Mr. Abiye Mebere, Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, Team Lead, said that of the about 2.2 million barrel per day crude output, the local firms are producing about 220,000 barrels daily.

According to Membere, who was represented by Mr. Victor Briggs, Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum development Company, NPDC, the increase in local companies’ output is as a result of their access to acreages, following ongoing reforms in the Petroleum sector.

He further stated that the passage of the Nigerian Content D e v e l o p m e n t Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has impacted positively on the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and has helped grow indigenous participation in the sector.

He said, “Stakeholder efforts in the mould of Federal, State and Local Governments, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, International Oil Companies, IOCs, host communities among others, have also given support to the far

reaching reforms in the oil and gas sector of which the passage of the NCDMB Act in 2010, is a success story.

“Local participation has grown from less than 10 per cent to over 30 per cent in upstream operations with other spin off effects.”

He further stated that the interests of indigenous oil companies will be promoted in the PIB, as it will ensure that unutilised blocks are either worked or sold to indigenous players.

According to him, in some cases, in an average block size of about 1,000 kilometers, less than 20 per cent were explored. “In this case, the PIB provided for idle blocks to be worked within a certain time frame. This will, in a way, increase i n d i g e n o u s participation, as it will provide local firms with access to acreages.”

He expressed optimism that the passage and successful implementation of PIB will help sustain the gains of Nigerian content development, promoting local manufacturing, entrepreneurial development and incountry capacity and capability.

He further stated that the PIB is expected to help create a robust economic environment to attract investments; assure revenue growth beyond the short term; create strong and independent regulators to develop, and enforce open, fair and transparent rules in the oil and gas sector.

Membere maintained that the PIB will, “Liberalise and deregulate the midstream and downstream sub-sectors of the oil and gas industry; create a commercially oriented National Oil Company that will compete effectively with its peers and foster progress on g o v e r n m e n t transformation agenda especially in the areas of growth, employment creation, power and i n d u s t r i a l development.”

Oil & People •FELIX AYANRUOH felix.ayanruohlaw@gmail.com

BYFELIXAYANRUOH “Although adequate containment measures were put in place to combat the Bonga oil spill, it however posed a serious environmental threat to the offshore environments,” said Peter Idabor, Director General of Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), during a legislative hearing on the Bonga oil spill.

“The people could not fish after a long period after the spill,” he later told the BBC’s Focus on Africa program. “So that’s why we are looking at the damages.

If the people said they will not pay, so be it. But we want to make it very clear that it’s wrong for them to say they cannot pay. Are they denying that they spilled 40,000 barrels of crude oil into the waters?”

Environmental degradation including oil spill and gas flaring has accompanied the entire history of oil and gas exploitation and development in the Niger Delta. It is noteworthy that Nigeria has been referred to by many as the “Oil Pollution Capital of the World,” little or no effective solution has emanated from our laws and regulations.

Forget international support and the compendium of current environmental laws and regulation on the books for a moment. The issue being raised by environmentalists, academics as well as energy and environmental attorneys, and stakeholders in the industry is, if the proposed PIB will address the tragic environmental devastation in the Niger Delta? That is, if the bill will ensure the following: • A d e q u a t e requirements for prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharges.

•Plans and established procedures, methods, and e q u i p m e n t

PIB, a serious environmental protection proposal?

requirements.

•Gas flaring prevention.

•Compliance with internationally recognized standards of “good oil field practice.”

The draft PIB reflects the most exhaustive review of the legal and regulative framework for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria since the inception of commercial operations, and could provide a crucial opportunity to ensure that the socio - economic impacts of the oil industry are adequately addressed.

The PIB dealt extensively on environmental protection issues ranging from “Environmental Quality Management”, gas

victims and compensatory damages.

Furthermore, section 200 of the bill made provision for the establishment of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which must include the operator ’s environmental policy, objectives and targets and contain a commitment to comply with relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and standards. The EMP establishes a baseline information program concerning affected areas to determine protection and remedial measures and environmental management objectives.

Also, to investigate, assess and evaluate the impact of the proposed

gas flaring penalty and establishes procedures, methods, and equipment requirements in this regard. The Minister who is the chief regulatory officer of the industry is mandated to set a date when all natural gas flaring will stop, unless granted a permit to continue to do so.

On the issues of remediation of environmental damages the bill put to rest the problem of financial contribution by a lease of license holder of an affected area. Section 203 provides for the establishment of an Environmental Remediation Fund as a condition precedent to the approval of Environmental

flaring, financial contributions for remediation and abandonment, decommissioning and disposal, pipeline safety, health, and the environment in general terms. For example Section 198, subsection (1) states that in the course of upstream operations, no person shall injure or destroy a tree which is of commercial value, or the object of veneration to the people resident in the area of the lease or license. If they do so (2), they are required to pay fair compensation to those directly affected.

Unlike previous legislations, the PIB is more specific as to acts,

exploration and production activities on the environment and persons who might be directly affected by the upstream petroleum operations.

While gas flaring has been illegal in Nigeria since 1984, the problem of curtailment and remediation remains a problem due to g o v e r n m e n t a l exemptions of oil companies, and inconsequential fines for flaring. The PIB which is much more specific as to gas flaring, in an attempt to address the mirage of problems associated with gas flaring, provides for a prohibition of gas flaring. The bill also mandates an ongoing

Management Plan of a lessee or licensee by the Inspectorate – the regulatory agency in charge of the sector. The fund will be established by the Inspectorate with guidelines as to rehabilitation or management of negative environmental impacts with respect to the license or lease. Also, the bill requires the Inspectorate to determine the amount of financial contribution, relating it to the size of the operations and the level of environmental risk, that level of risk being determined by the Inspectorate.

To be continued. felix.ayanruohlaw@gmail.com

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Egbin Power spends N71.88bn on repairs

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

T

HE Egbin Power Plant, Lagos, said it has spent about N71.88 billion since 2007, to bring back some broken down units into full operation.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the company, Mr. Mike Uzoigwe, also told journalists last week that the plant is expected to deliver the total installed capacity of 1,320 Mega Watts, MW in about 90 days.

He said that the chunk of the money was spent on unit steam turbine, ST-6, with installed capacity of 220MW, which was used for the repair on damaged broiler, dry storage, emergency repairs of generator rotor and BFP motor rotors, total replacement of damaged re-heater outlet coils, and comprehensive inspection of re-heater inlet coils.

The money was also used for the supply of new AVR cubicle for thyristor excitation system and repair of low pressure turbine rotor journals. Part of the money was also spent on supply of cannibalized items and recommended parts, manpower service for complete restoration and distributed

control system inspection and restoration.

According to Uzoigwe, “Though privatization and takeover of this plant may soon happen, we have a philosophy of continuation with all what we are supposed to be doing here until the day the new investors take over. Otherwise, this plant will be operating

only 2 units by now and the nation would have been in a deeper darkness.

“It is hoped that by the end of this year, power situation or available capacity in this country will generally improve considering the completion of ST06 which will make all units in Egbin (220MW x 6) available, operating and delivering

our total installed capacity of 1320MW.” Uzoigwe also said that the black starting system will soon be available in the Egbin plant, following approval by the Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, for the company to source for the part, in order to cushion the effects of system collapse in the plant.

From left: Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Chairman, Organizing Committee/Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions Ltd; Mrs. Kehinde Shonowo, Deputy Director, Investment and Sector Development, Federal Ministry of Power and Engr. Ebenezer Babatunde Adeloju, Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Power during the press briefing on the forth coming 4th Nigeria International Power Expo and Conference, in Lagos.

AFC, Nigerian banks fund N34bn Ughelli plant acquisition

BY MICHAEL EBOH & EDIRI EJOH

A

FRICA Finance Corporation and three Nigerian banks — United Bank for Africa Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank — yesterday, stated that they committed a total of US$ 215 million (N34.4 billion) in form of a debt financing facility, for the acquisition of Ughelli Power Plc. Ughelli Power Plc is a gas fired thermal power plant with installed capacity of approximately 972 mega watts. It was acquired by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Transcorp, in the first round of the Federal Government’s privatisation of power generation assets formerly owned by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. The AFC, in a statement made available to Vanguard, disclosed that the Ughelli power plant currently generates approximately eight per cent of the total electricity within the Nigerian national grid.

The AFC said its aggregate financing commitment for the acquisition is about US$55 million (N8.8 billion) while the UBA, FCMB and Fidelity banks provided the balance.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Andrew Alli, President/Chief Executive Officer, AFC, said, “AFC’s long term vision is to help address Africa’s infrastructure deficit and ensure sustainable economic growth for the continent. Growth of the

Nigerian economy cannot be fully realised without an efficient and functioning power sector.

“Power is one of AFC’s high priority sectors for investment, and arguably Africa’s most significant need. To this end AFC stands as both an advocate and support of privatisation of the power sector in Nigeria, and has partnered with the US Government through USAID in the US$7 billion United States’ Presidential “Power Africa Initiative” to accelerate investment in Africa’s power sector over the next five years and increase access to clean, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy.

“AFC’s investment in Ughelli power will contribute towards reducing Nigeria’s chronic power deficit, foster economic growth and create employment.

“AFC was created to address the infrastructure investment deficit and is privileged to be providing an African private sector investment solution, to drive economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.”

Transcorp is the lead sponsor in the Transcorp Ughelli Power consortium, which will be purchasing 100 per cent of the shares in Ughelli Power.

Continuing further, Alli said the AFC fills a critical void in providing project structuring expertise and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs, and is increasingly being seen as the benchmark institution for private sector investment in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications.

Acquisition will boost economic devt — Elumelu

Also, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp, emphasised that the participation of Transcorp, in the power sector reform initiative of the federal government is to improve the living standards of all Nigerians as well as impact positively on the economy.

He disclosed that plans are underway by its subsidiary, Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited, TUPL, to increase the power generating capacity of the plant from 300MW to over 1070MW in the next five years.

He said, “This is a laudable and remarkable achievement, but it is only just the beginning. We can now embark fully on our strategy to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s power sector, whilst creating long term economic and social value for our stakeholders and the greater community. We fully expect our engagement on this worldclass project to improve the living standards of all Nigerians as well as impact positively on our country’s GDP.” Also commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Obinna Ufudo, President/Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp said, “Transcorp’s ability to achieve set goals and objectives propels us to target even larger investments in our selected business sectors with the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.

BRIEF FG approves re-constitution of TCN management, Board

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA: In his determination to reposition the power sector for effective service delivery, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the constitution of a new management for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN. The team, made up of mainly Nigerians according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power, Ms Kande Daniel, in Abuja, is to work with the Manitoba Management staff on alternate basis.

The appointees include, Dr. Abubakar Tambuwal Atiku, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Sunny Iroche, Director, Finance and Accounts; Mrs. Halima Aliyu, Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services; Mr. T.O Utah, Director, Transmission Service Provider; and Mr. M.M. Gumel , Director System Operations.

Others are Mrs. Veronica Osuhor, Director Market Operations; Mr. Allen Biakpara, Director I n f o r m a t i o n / Communication Technology; Ms. Fatima Lawan, General Manager, Legal Services/Company Secretary; and Mr. Segun Olagunju, General Manager, Public Affairs.

President Jonathan also approved the reconstitution of the Supervisory Board of the TCN. The Chairman of the 17-member Board is Mr. Haman Tukur, while the Vice Chairman is Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa.

Other members are Mr. Garba Sanusi, Rep. of Ministry of Power; Prof.

Peter Akpor, Rep of Attorney General of the Federation; Mrs. L. Shuaibu, Rep of Hon. Minister of Finance; Mr. Okwudili Ikejiani, Rep of Hon. Minister of Petroleum.

Also on the board are Mr. Mike Uzoigwe, Rep. of Gencos; Mr. O.C. Akamnonu, Rep. of Discos; Dr. Sam Egwu; Mr. Jonathan I. Adole; Prof.

Aako Ugbage; Dr. Ferguson Tobins, Rep. Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, MAN; Managing Director, TCN; ED, Systems Operation, TCN; and two representatives of state governors

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28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

BRIEF Polish investors express interest in Nigeria’s coal

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA: Federal Government’s Coal-toPower initiative recently got a major boost as some Polish investors have indicated interest to commit huge resources into investing in the sector.

This was unveiled in Abuja, when the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Przemyslaw Niesiolowski, paid a visit to the Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo.

Niesiolowski said that Poland is desirous of working with Nigerians in the production of energy, adding that his visit is a follow-up on the discussions during the state visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to Nigeria in April.

The envoy recalled that many Polish Businessmen HAD showed interest in Nigeria’s coal to power and other renewable, adding that his visit has confirmed Poland’s assessment of the magnitude of energy need in Nigeria, and the commitment of the Nigerian Government to set things right.

He assured that with the things on ground, Polish investors will come and invest, adding that Poland is desirous of working with Nigerians in the production of energy, to enhance the energy mix.

Responding, the Minister assured genuine Polish investors of space in the nation’s fledging coal to power initiative, noting that Nigeria needed serious companies to come and take position.

Nebo reminded the envoy that the issue of coal to power was at the front burner of a recent mining summit, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the abundant coal resources which Nigeria is endowed, must be fully utilized, and has informed the deep commitment of Mr. President, because with the clean coal technology available now, little or no emission is expected from coal to power.

He said the Nigerian Government is ready to concession large acreage of coal deposits for genuine Polish companies with guarantee yields for between 25 to 30 years as it would provide coal for the power plant to be built.

Nigeria currency.

NCDMB Fund hits $200m BYKUNLE KALEJAYE and EDIRI EJOH

T

HE Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCMDB, said it currently has over US$200 million in its Fund, to promote the execution of projects in the oil and gas sector in areas such as fabrication, manufacturing, and training of local talents.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, who disclosed this also, hinted that over N2 billion had been invested in the construction of fabrication yards across the country, noting that it had a zero account when it commenced operations three years ago.

“I will rather say that there have been more opportunities in the industry since the creation of the board.

Although as at the time we started, we operated from a zero account but today $200 million fund with us,” he said.

Within three years of enforcing the local content initiative in the oil and gas sector, he explained that it has achieved 90 per cent content in local engineering, 50 per cent in fabrication, and seven per cent in manufacturing.

Nwapa disclosed this while speaking on the theme: “Three years of Nigeria Content: Achievements and Challenges,” at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Energy Correspondent, NAEC, in Lagos last week.

He stressed that over the

past three years, the Board had made huge progress in achieving the objectives of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, in relation to marine vessels ownership, local fabrication, job creation and manufacturing.

According to him, “As part of our plans to moving the

industry forward we will launch two tanker vessels that will carry Nigerian crude oil.

This will be the first in the country.”

He reiterated that the Nigeria content initiative is aimed at bringing back lost jobs to the country, saying, “Nigeria for decade has been

buying and importing things that we need in the sector.

This has resulted to the loss of opportunity to create jobs for Nigerians.

“America realised the importance of bringing jobs back to America and for Americans. Nigeria should not be left out; we should strive to do the same.

“The Nigeria content aims to do just that which is to bring back lost jobs into the country.

But in an attempt to be a robust oil producing country, Nigeria must have the facilities, operators own and manage assets in the industry.

“In addition, the Board is involved in direct training to develop local skills which is a model of training Nigerians and sending them abroad.

This has been done in collaboration with PETROFAC and OGTAN,” he said.

Nwapa argued that the NCDMB is becoming a robust entity owing to the growth of more indigenous players in the industry, and haven seen the success of the local content initiative in the petroleum industry, the National Assembly is currently deliberating on laws in spreading the Nigeria content law to all sectors of the economy.

“We can make Nigeria a great oil producing nation, but in doing so, we need the support of the press. The Nigeria content law does not deprive anybody to work in the industry, but encourages everybody to work,” Nwapa said.

Oando reduces debts by N53bn BYKUNLE KALEJAYE

O

ANDO Plc has announced a reduction in its overall debt in the last 12 months from N289 billion to N236 billion, representing a decrease of 18 per cent or N53 billion.

The company said the debt reduction has also impacted on the company’s net interest expense, and was achieved through active restructuring activities it embarked upon over the last one year.

Oando said in a statement that in line with its corporate strategy for balance sheet optimisation and the financing of growth initiatives in the upstream sector, it hoped to raise about N54.6 billion through a Rights issue of 4.5 million ordinary shares to existing shareholders of 50 Kobo at N12 per share between December 2012 and February 2013.

It said that the proceeds from the Rights issue were earmarked for part-payment of a N60 billion syndicated loan used to fund the acquisition of some upstream assets and swamp drilling rigs, part-financing of the acquisition of upstream and midstream assets by Oando’s Upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources, OER, and investment in working capital to support the increased level of business.

The statement read in part: “A total of N62 billion total subscriptions were realized from the Rights Issue, indicating an over subscription of N8 billion or 14 percent, due to high investor demand.

“As a result, the successful outcome of the Rights Issue has positioned Oando to further refine its three-pronged strategy to reduce debt, improve diversification in upstream, and focus on higher margins.”

The company also said it planned to increase growth margin value for shareholders in the Upstream through a focused portfolio growth in production, cash margins, and improved returns on capital deployed.

The ongoing acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ entire Nigerian assets for $1.79 billion will transform OER from a small size oil company with 4,500 bbls/day production and nine million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMboe”) to a midsize oil producer with close to 50,000bbls/day production.

Once completed, the purchase will substantially increase its crude oil market share, and strengthen white products market position by leveraging new import infrastructure.

In the first half, H1 2012, OER successfully conducted five drilling campaigns in Nigeria in three oil fields: Abo Field (OML 125), Ebendo Field (OML 56) and Qua Iboe Field (OML 13).

Posts N4.3bn PAT in H1 2013 Meanwhile, the company has declared N4.3 billion as its profit-after-tax for the first half of 2013.

The sum however represents a decrease compared to its 2012 posting, which it attributed to a reduction in downstream importation due to substantial unpaid outstanding subsidy obligations by the Federal Government.

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By Theodore Opara

I

n every detail, the Toyota Yaris is a smart next-generation compact saloon that define a new standard of practical and stylish driving. Toyota hardly talk about the Yaris, yet, the car is everywhere on the Nigerian road. The superbly balanced compact car is like every other Toyota in terms of performance, comfort and safety.

Viewed from any angle, Yaris embodies the simplicity and refinement that are hallmark of Toyota craftsmanship. It is powered by a 1.3 litre gasoline engine that offers exceptional fuel economy and low-and midrange torque for practical driving performance. This engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet, making the Yaris the preferred choice in its category.

Couple with this is the intelligent four-speed Super Electronically Controlled Transaxle (ECT) transmission.

Yaris’ MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension assure excellent running stability and ride comfort while the high-rigidity body panels reduce flex and ensure handling stability.

Toyota Yaris redefines compact car segment Toyota Yaris boasts one of the most elegant cabins in its class, with generous space and comfort. It is a reflection of Toyota’s craftsmanship as leg room abounds i n

the car. The centre armrest on the 60:40 split foldable rear seat is equipped with cupholder for enhanced

passenger convenience. Also, the wide console box with lid provides additional storage

and convenience, while greater cabin comfort is assured by a more efficient

Prosco unveils ultra modern car care centre in PH •Partners Suzuki, Alliance, Toyota

P

rosco Investment Limited has opened a car care centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State with the aim of taking car care services to the next level in the garden city.

The N100 million car care centre, which also serves as showroom for Suzuki, Nissan, Renault and Toyota brands was unveiled and dedicated

by Apostle G.D. Numbere, the International Director, Greater Evangelism World Crusade at the weekend.

Speaking at the opening, the Managing Director, Prosco

Investment Limited, Pastor Mike Ogiasa explained that the centre will take care of servicing and maintenance of all brands of cars available in the country.

He disclosed that the company had invested much in tools and manpower aimed at delivering professional and efficient service to its customers..

He observed that for so long, most car owners have been searching for the right garages in Port Harcourt to fix their cherished vehicles without solution but promise

that Prosco Car Care Centre will deliver the right service at affordable price and in good time too. On why he is extending his services to all brands, the managing director said that modern day automobile technology is almost the same, and having acquired the right tools and manpower including expertraits, he sees no reason why the company should not handle all brands in the garage.

“If I don’t handle all brands in this centre, I will be wasting resources. The

Engr. Mike Ogiasa, Managing Director, Prosco Investment Ltd flanked by Mauren Ogbonna, Managing Director, Suzuki Motors, and John Aigbefoh, Deputy Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki Motors during the unveiling of Prosco ultra modern car care centre, in Port Harcourt.

equipment we have can do all cars . When you have the scanner for all, why not handle all brands and render services to the people,” he said. Continuing, he said, “I have the right equipment to work without hurting the cars.

“So there is no reason why I shouldn’t render the services to people who desire it. I have the manpower, and expatriates for that matter who are ready to give their best for the customers.”

The managing director further stated that he is in the business to offer excellent service to vehicle owners the way it has never been done in the country before as demonstrated by the kind of equipment he is using to do his work.

For instance, the centre boasts of several car lifts, diagnostic machines, tyre alignment machines, spray booth, headlamp setting machines and car wash machine known as water wizard.

The water wizard machine for car wash which he demonstrated at the unveiling is the first of its kind in the country. It can wash over fifty cars in one day. “It is a touchfree automatic machine by Colman company USA which cost his company about $350,000 to install.

and easy-to-operate air conditioning system.

Though a compact sedan, the Yaris has luggage space comparable with that of cars in mid-size segments. The trunk can accommodate large suitcases and golf bags with ease. Extra-long items can be accommodated by taking advantage of the 60:40 split foldable rear seatback.

The Yaris panel unites form and function in a harmony of dynamic simplicity. The centre cluster puts controls within easy reach and features a high-quality silvertone finish of understated opulence.

The unique large Yaris metres have a high quality frosted-glass-like face and molded indicator marks and are positioned in the centre cluster to help the driver keep eyes on the road.

Toyota engineered the Yaris to the highest safety standard.

A wealth of active and passive safety features enhance peace of mind and driving pleasure.

Yaris features include antilock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution for braking stability, saddled-shaped rear-seat headrest, highmount stop lamps for excellent visibility to vehicles approaching from the rear.

Also occupant safety is guaranteed by SRS airbags, newly developed impact body, seatbelts with pretensioners, Whiplash Injury Lessening seat design to reduce injury in rear-end collision, and every-absorbent structure of the upper cabin and door trim provides supplemental protection.

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

By Theodore Opara

VW Centre recharges with new Polo, Jetta, Passat CC

T

he Volkswagen Centre has unveiled three new exciting VW variants in fulfillment of its pledge, earlier in the year, to rekindle the profile of the Volkswagen brand in Nigeria.

The trio of Polo, Jetta and Passat CC are VW’s newest sensation in the fervently competitive ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ segments of the global passenger car market.

Unveiling the cars at a press meet in Lagos, Mr. Manish Daryanani, head of sales and marketing, The Volkswagen Centre Lagos, told journalists that Volkswagen is the original and top selling marquee of the VW Group and the biggest German automaker and second largest automaker in the world. While also pointing out that VW’s Golf, Beetle and Passat models rank among world’s top 10 lists of best selling cars of all time, Mr. Daryanani said Volkswagen is yet unrivaled among automakers that spend the highest fund on R&D (Research and Marketing).

This initiative according to him prompted the reevaluation of the trio of Passat CC, Jetta and Polo to meet the growing demand for excellent, elegant, comfortable and functional cars with value for money.

Mr. Daryanani explained that this Polo is manufactured in India and is currently in its 5th generation with bigger dimensions than the previous MK2 or MK3 cars.

“While it is no longer a mini hatchback as it used to but a sedan version, the Polo now has a much more versatile interior with excellent fuel economy,” VW sales and marketing helmsman affirmed.

He however described the Polo as a unique blend of style, economy and practicality that lifts above many other superminis on the market “Thanks to its classy interior

•Mercedes-Benz E-Class

and excellent build quality which makes it feels more like a bigger car. It’s very comfortable to drive,” he said.

The Polo is offered in 1.6litre automatic transmission (A/T) with 77kw and 105bhp with all safety and security options including dual airbags, Bluetooth, USB ,Aux-in with CD layer, multifunctional steering etc.

Mr. Daryanani also said the car will be available in the local market at an introductory price of NGN2, 990, 000 with excellent value for money proposition to interested buyers.

The Volkswagen Jetta on the other hand is the saloon version of the Golf or a manageable alternative to the larger

dimensions of the Passat but built using the same platform as the previous generation Golf and same high standards as the rest of the VW range.

Customers will delight in VW Jetta’s generous 3-year/36,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance program, he said.

From whichever angle you look at it, the Jetta, without doubt, looks more like a Passat, but underneath, its pure Golf which means tried and tested components and parts, Mr. Daryanani noted.

He also said “As with the rest of the VW range, the Jetta is well constructed from high-quality materials but we will offer only one engine variant – the 85kw, 105bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine with automatic transmission.”

This variant according to him has excellent grip, feels secure and has responsive handling with nice and

•VW Jetta

•VW Polo sharp steering.”

Meanwhile, the heat insulating tinted glass from the B pillar backwards reduces sunlight by up to 65%, helping to ensure a pleasant temperature in the passenger compartment and also providing additional privacy.

•Passat CC

Mercedes-Benz adds another showroom in Lekki

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ercedes-Benz has taken its products and services to the door steps of its Lekki customers as Sunny Motors, a Mercedes Benz dealership opens a new showroom in Lekki Phase One. According to the Managing Director of Weststar Associates, authorised

general distributors of Mercedes Benz in Nigeria, Mr. Mirko Plath, the opening of the new showroom marks an exciting time for the company and its dealership, Sunny Motors in Nigeria.

“This is an exciting time for Weststar Associates Ltd, and definitely more so for Sunny Motors, one of the popular Mercedes-Benz dealerships

of Weststar”, he said.

The Mercedes-Benz is one of the most admired brands, especially passenger cars in Nigeria and indeed around the world. Customers and lovers of the outstanding brand who reside in Lekki and Ajah now have the convenience of another showroom in the axis.”

“Since the opening of the Showroom, customers, potential customers, and curious visitors haven’t stopped trooping in to check out the beautiful array of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

The remarkable new E-Class which is still thrilling the world with its arrival is certainly a star attraction. Sales and business are already in full swing, says the Mercedez Benz boss. Commending the management of Sunny Motors, Mr. Plath said.

“This is definitely another proud achievement for Sunny Motors who have their head office located in Surulere. The Company had first begun with Daimler in Stuttgart, Germany before finally aligning with

Weststar in Nigeria.

Recalling the journey which began quite a while back, the Managing Director of Sunny Motors Ltd, Mr. Sunny Omoregie Asemota stated “Mercedes-Benz is undeniably a good choice of investment as it’s one of the best brands of cars worldwide.

You only need to take a look at the new E-Class. It has won the hearts of customers all over the world. The MercedesBenz prices are reasonable; and even with the after-sales, you get premium service. I have no regrets for choosing the Mercedes-Benz path.”

On his decision to open another show room, he said “There was need to further expand the business and get the Mercedes-Benz cars closer to the customers and potential customers all around Lagos. There is quite a market for it in the Lekki-Ajah area.”

The new showroom is very attractive as well as spacious.

It is definitely more than adequate to accommodate and fully display the MercedesBenz passenger cars.

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40— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Temporary licence

A typical fake licence

Controversy around driver’s licence rages in Lagos

M

OST Lagos drivers seem to have reached their wits-end concerning their driver’s licences. It’s like there is conspiracy among the Police, officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIOs, to declare every driver’s licence they examine as fake.

Recently, the Chief Vehicle Officer, of the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, in Lagos,. Gboyega Toriola, an engineer, declared that over 90 percent of drivers in the state have fake driver ’s license.

He expressed worry that most of the licences were got through back door without electronic capture and other security features.

Issuance of UDLS According to Toriola, the issuance of new Unified Drivers’ Licencing Scheme, UDLS, is in full operation with all logistics required in place.

The scheme is a tripartite arrangement among the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA, the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS and FRSC. According to a government source, who assured that the scheme is full-proof, the licence should cost about N6,000 for new applicants .

The MVAA, which is the first contact point in the new

scheme, is in charge of processing the information of the applicants, the VIS conducts proficiency tests on the applicants and only those who are cleared and certified fit to drive after the test are referred to the FRSC for physical photo capture and bio- metrics.

The driver’s licence, which is printed by the FRSC is then issued to the applicants by the MVAA at the various designated drivers’ licence centres in the state.

According to the state gov-

ernment, any other process aside from the one above is not genuine as the direct physical capture of bio- data has made the process and issuance of driver ’s license through proxies a thing of the

,

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

past.

The issuing centres are: Ojodu, FRSC yard; Ikeja, Old Lagos State Secretariat; Ikorodu, Ojo and Lagos Island According to Transportation ministry’s statistics, in the last

one-year, a total of 45, 644 applicants are on the queue having registered with the ministry for the new drivers’ license.

A total of 1.114,429 vehicles were duly registered in Lagos

A total of 45, 644 applicants are on the queue having registered with the ministry for the new drivers’ licence

,

Residents Residents express express concern concern

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

R

esidents of Ojo Local Government have expressed concern over the completion date for the ongoing construction of Ariyo (Mile 10)-Ira-Muwo Bridge, demanding the intervention of the State governor, Babatunde Fashola, to resolve the issues hampering the project.

This came six months after the state government re-awarded the project to Lopek Engineering and Construction Ltd at an estimated cost of N1.288, 000, 000.

The state government had revoked the contract for the construction of the Bridge due to the slow pace of work and inability of the contractorMessrs Moreno Marinas Lagoon Plc, to meet its contractual obligation.

They argued that with the issue that has clouded the project, there isn’t any indication that the project

would be delivered on by the contractor.

Residents of the mostly affected communities in Ira, Muwo, Tedi, Ariyo and Abule-Oshun, urged the government to look into the demands of the over 50 workers over their unpaid seven months arrears by the previous contractor handling the project.

When completed, the bridge will serve as an alternative route for motorists when the ongoing expansion works on the ever busy Lagos-Badagry express road reach Abule-Oshun axis.

Chairman of the Muwo Community Development Association, MCDA, Mr. Isiaka Mutairu said that a portion of the bridge that was shoddily done by the previous contractor was one of the issues yet to be resolved.

Mutairu explained; “After the state government re-awarded the contract to Lopek, the workers protested at

the site, demanding that if their salaries were not paid, they would disallow the completion of the project.”

According to him; “The community intervened and we sent emissaries to Moreno, to explain the new development and seek their own side of the story. But we were amazed when they said that since the state government had revoked the contract, it isn’t their responsibility to pay the wages of the workers who were employed for the construction, rather the state government has to pay the salaries.”

Another resident of the Community, Prince Chukwu Jahmel lamented that the issue has shattered their hope of having another access road to the LagosBadagry expressway.

The acting Baale of Muwo Community, Chief Yekini Bakare, the closest community to a portion of the bridge, said “For over four years

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

between year 2007 and 2011.

The process flow of the new Unified Drivers’ License, UDL *Download Driver’s Licence application form the net via www.nigeriadriverslicence.org *Visit Motor vehicle Administration Agency Office at any driver’s licence station who will assist with downloading of application form and generate payment ID *Payment to be made at Lagos State Government designated banks *Proceed to vehicle Inspection Service Office, VIS, for oral, written and vision test. *Fresh application to visit Vehicle Inspection Service Office for written test lecture and driving test. *Get referred to Motor Vehicle Administration Officer for endorsement and scheduling for biometrics if successful; *Renewal applicants to visit Vehicle Administration Officer who will conduct written test before referral to Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and scheduling for biometrics. *Proceed for biometrics and physical capture at the FRSC office. *Collection of license by applicants from Motor Vehicle Administration Agency Office after 60 days of receipt of temporary Drivers’ License.

Lagos, a megacity with uncontrollable car dealers

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

O

ne of the salient characteristics that distinguishes Lagos from the other mega cities of the world is that it is a place where vehicles are sold at every nook and crannies.

Being the commercial hub of the country, several resident of Lagos have taken up jobs as car dealers without a particular market or showroom and this can be noticed by any visitor.

The ubiquitous cars available for sale can be seen at every 20 square metres in metropolis. Even the Government residential areas are not exempted.

This unregulated trade has a lot of shortcomings for a mega city without a inter-modal/multi-modal transportation system because it is causes impediments to navigation.

No matter how the government create or rejuvenate alternative roads, hundreds of thousands of cars will occupy a large portion of the limited land mass in the the coastal state.

The state government was compelled to embark on forceful evacuation of abandoned vehicles on roads in the state inspite of repeated entreaties to owners of such vehicles including the 4-litre Keg Dealers to remove them.

Over 4,300 abandoned vehicles were evacuated in the first phase of the exercise as it was evident that abandoned and disused vehicles pose very grave security, health and safety risks to the people of the state.

Who is responsible for the regulation of this trade?

There is an inter-ministerial body resonsible for the regulation of the trade. However, it is coordinated by Transport Ministry.

The state ministry of transport recently appealed to the Motor and

A typical car sales depot

Spare Parts Dealers to work together with the state government for a safer Auto and spare parts dealership environment in the state.

The appeal was made by the state ministry for Transportation at a stakeholders forum for Auto and auto spare parts dealers by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Seyi Coker.

He stated that individual roadside sellers who are yet to register should sell their vehicles through registered members as non-compliance with the provision of the state law on registration and regulation of the activities of motor vehicle and spare parts dealers may result to use of forceful compliance He affirmed that being a registered spare parts and auto dealers does not permit the display of vehicle on roads setbacks and other unauthorized places like sidewalks, eateries, fuel stations, bus-stops and mechanic workshops.

“Display on such premises constitutes an infringement of the

over over delayed delayed Ojo Ojo bridge bridge now, vehicle owners in the community have been unable to make use of the road (Ira) to link the Lagos-Badagry express way.

Whenever its rains, the road becomes impassable.”

Govt reacts Responding to the issue of unpaid wages, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said: “They have been advised to deal with their employer, Moreno and not disturb the new contractor.

“We have contacted Moreno to treat their workers issues. However, these workers will not be allowed to disturb the progress of work. We are talking to them to see this resolved.”

Explaining why the contract was revoked, the commissioner said “the state government discovered that Moreno failed to meet the contractual agreement. And the road

— 41

project has now been re-awarded to another contractor (Lopek) after the state government got rid of Moreno Construction Company.

So work has commenced technically on the road project again.”

Also on the complaint over the level of work, he said; “The residents don’t understand the scope of work on that project. It is logical to prevent demobilization before commencing phase 2 of the project.

That is the correct approach to the project.”

Uncompleted bridge in Ojo LG

State Environmental/Town Planning Laws as vehicles so displayed will be regarded as abandoned vehicle and would be towed away by enforcement teams’’, he said.

According to the World Bank, the metropolitan area of Lagos has a population estimated at between 15 and 18 million people, projected to grow to more than 25 million by 2025 and was the only mega-city without a formal public transport system prior to the launch of Bus Rapid Transport, BRT. The World Bank further stated that Lagos population would place it as the third largest agglomeration in the world, after only Tokyo and Mumbai.

The inadequacy of the road network (low lane length in relation to population, limited number of multilane arterial roads, and generally poor maintenance condition), and the relatively high level of car ownership (encouraged by subsidized petrol prices and unrestricted imports of second hand cars) exacerbate the

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

What to say when he’s angry and blaming you

Behind closed doors (4) H

I, WE have all experienced it at some point. That rush of adrenalin when we are engaged in something exciting or dangerous. Some people live by it and sometimes allow it to take over their sense of judgement, staking everything they stand for.

How far will you go for a quick rump in the sack? How much will you stake for a few minutes of pleasure? Do you really know when to call it off when things begin to get out of hand? It is assumed that most people would cheat on their partners at some point or another, it is those who allow themselves to get caught that do not know how to play the game.

Our opening story featured the secret affair of a young, married lady with the husband of her older friend and benefactor. The cat was let out of the bag when the older woman mistakenly took her husband’s mobilephone out for the day. So, while the treacherous young friend thought she was chatting with her friend’s husband, the messages where actually being received by her friend seated next to her.

Our second story featured Adeola, who dated her friend’s rich cousin and befriended his wife just to remove suspicion. Today, Philomena, (28), narrates how she began dating her direct boss at the office. Why did they end relationship? Find out below as she shares her story. Don’t forget that you can also be a part of this column by sending us your contribution if you or someone you know of, have been through a similar experience. Feel free also to send in any story of your choice so long as it is based on a true life experience. Happy reading! lationship with. Since I did not want to marry him, there was absolutely no reason for me to continue the hide and seek game we were doing.

I knew in my mind that I would have nothing to gain from the relationship at the end of it all. And when it ended after a year, I felt more humiliated than ever.

He didn’t even give any reason for calling off the relationship and neither did he really apologise when he tried to make a come back

,

Philomena’s story: Their coming to my place was not a secret, as often, their mother would send them to me and that meant that she was aware of their movements.

On a couple of occasions, she’d had cause to send them over for the weekend at my place whenever she was traveling out of town and could not find anyone to stay with the children.

She loved partying and had many friends, so, she is never at home most weekends. I soon discovered that the two were one of a kind. If she had lovers too, it would not come as a surprise.

However, tongues soon began wagging at the office about the relationship and we were forced to start being a little discreet about our movements.

We stopped leaving the premises together as we used to. Sometimes, I would go with someone else or walk to the bus stop and wait for him to pick me there. That way, it would not really look like we were leaving together but like he was giving me a ride.

It was then that I started thinking about the futility of what we were doing together. I began feeling terribly guilty and ashamed of myself for engaging in something as deceitful as that. I was not only betraying the trust of his wife, now my friend and their two boys who had also become so fond of me, but was also doing myself harm.

For, the more I followed him around, the more I blocked my chances of meeting someone I could have a meaningful re-

Ever since, we have been very formal with each other. His wife called me several times to ask what went wrong between me and her husband and even tried her best to settle it. Both of us refused to budge.

And since she does not know the real cause of the problem, there was no way she could settle it.

Sometimes, the children would tell me on the telephone how much they miss me and want to come and visit me but that their daddy said I am not around most of the time. So, I will just promise them that I will come and play with them when ever it was convenient for me. Of course, that is not possible.

Eventually, he agreed with me that the relationship was dead and that for the sake of those who were not aware and must not even discover, such as his wife, we must remain friends.

Now, I have a cordial relationship with the wife.

She brings the kids over sometimes and I also attend their birthdays. Other than that, we are just friends and colleagues at the office.

Sam, (32), Personnel Manager, reveals his secret affair with a young lady who was way out of his league at the time. In what way, you may ask? Find out as he tells his story.

Its not something I am very proud of. I just found myself doing it and because of the

He probably thought I was there for him for the asking, like a piece of clothing in his wardrobe and to be discarded when it was dirty or not needed

again a few weeks later. I only noticed that he was deliberately avoiding me.

Twice, he left the office before our normal closing hour and told me he was going somewhere. Just like that.

I took it very badly. So badly that I even started thinking I might have to resign if things did not return to normal between us. But after discussing with my friends, I had a change of heart and renewed strength. I decided to relate with him strictly on official matters too.

I ignored him and started following another male colleague and then, suddenly he started cracking some silly jokes with me and demanding my attention. He probably thought I was there for him for the asking. Like a piece of clothing in his wardrobe. And to be discarded when it was dirty or not needed.

BY ONOZURE DANIA

,

benefits I was deriving from it, I couldn’t control or caution myself. I was unemployed at the time and had just returned from my posting for the Youth Service year. The girl involved was still single at the time though she had a steady relationship that we all knew would end in marriage. She was already working in the Federal Civil Service, a job she secured right after leaving Secondary School.

She liked me a lot and never hid it as she would seek my attention at any opportunity.

At first, I used to tease our friends about my desire to date her, just to test the waters. But when their responses were always in the negative, I had to stop. Their excuse was that she was in a good and steady relationship and that she would never agree to my proposal. I did not have a job, money or even a room of my own.

I was sharing a room with two other cousins, and no contribution

A

RE you feeling yourself being extra sensitive with men in general or a particular man you are involved with? And yet with other men you feel relaxed, easy going, confident and happy in your own self?

As a woman, you are supposed to be sensitive, you are supposed to feel things deeply and take things to heart. You are supposed to care about love and about a man you love or even just like.

The problem of all women happens when they don’t know how to express their sensitivity, and so we come off as either cold and uncaring or clingy and needy.

It’s so easy for us to pretend that everything is all right and be a doormat and it’s just as easy to start blaming him and calling him a jerk and telling him everything he’s doing is wrong.

Remember that feeling of being “off-balance” when a man you felt attracted to is around but not acting the way you thought he would act? Insecurity really has a way of showing up when the stakes seem the most high. And it doesn’t have to be that way.

Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could be as much “yourself” with any man as you are with your girlfriends? Or with a man you don’t have feelings for?

Making him fall for the real you, is a sort of a “view” of your life that can help you stay “in-balance” no matter what’s going on around you. It’s so easy to get extra sensitive when your picture of things gets “small.”

It can make you feel like you have to balance two extremes either being “weak” or a “bitch.”

to the rent. I depended on my cousins for everything I needed at the time.

She lived in their family house, three houses away from mine and had a room to herself. I could visit her anytime I wished to. Her boyfriend, a bit older than us used to come visiting late in the evening, so we had about three to four hours to ourselves as she usually returned from the office by 3.30pm.

Initially, she used to invite me to eat dinner with her.

Soon, I started asking her for

And you have seen out there in the world how easy it is to get “labeled” as a “doormat” or a “bitch”. Ladies tend to be totally confused with the idea that men like “bitches.”

Men don’t really like “bitches,” they like women who are real so let’s see how you can find a way to weave these two extremes into your life so that you can embrace both your “ weakness” and your “bitchiness” and still find a sense of peace, calm, strength and emotional softness somewhere in the middle.

What to say when you want more from him,Let’s say you want something from your man like more attention or affection or time, but he’s being distant and preoccupied. Let’s say you’re feeling irritated and angry, and frightened that something’s going wrong in the relationship.

First do this, make quick, everlasting and final peace with yourself, that whatever you do or say, you will be okay with you, forgive yourself, and learn from the experience.

This sets you up to succeed and will help you with the fear.

Steps to speaking from your heart and connecting with his, the act of writing how you feel and what you want to say down will make it crystal clear to you, on how you think and how you normally, instinctively express yourself and you will instantly see exactly why that isn’t working for you.

The right words will become your guide for any situation in which you are just not sure what to say to a man.

The truth is that what you may think of as your “weakness” is actually the most charming parts of you.

These are the parts that will be most appealing to a man, and will be the crucial link to your deep emotional bond with him. And the parts of you that are angry and “bitchy” can fuel your courage to learn to speak to a man in a direct and very emotional way that he can actually hear!

money, not large sums though, just enough to feed me for a day or two before I would be able to sort myself out again.

Dear readers; comments, opinions and views on this issue are very much welcome.

Please send contributions to: The Human Angle, Vanguard Media Limited, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos.

Email Address: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com hoping to read from you soon.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—43

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA: Whatever anybody says or does, you will have both your say and way. Venus and Jupiter may tempt some of you to embrace illicit (or secret) romance within your base of operation.

SCORPIO: Venus and Jupiter at positive angles may tempt you to join some of your friends who are already onboard of merry making train. Watch your health.

SAGITTARIUS: Minor financial success you record today can lead to something bigger and good in the near future; as good luck will smile at many and induce love of luxury, merry, making and romantic association. Genuine lovers will need to be on guard against deceit from new admirers.

CAPRICORN: Both financial success and emotional satisfaction are closed to you than before. Those of you travelling because of maters-of-the-heart are in for an exciting romantic day Those ambitious career-wise will succeed after few struggles.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

W

HEN the bibli cal widow was asked the above question, she answered: I have nothing. Many of us are moving around today with the same mindset of possessing nothing.

But is it really true

What do you have? that we have nothing? Let us do an audit of what the Almighty God has endowed us with. Let us start from the brain.

We have a very sound brain that could be used to think up all

sorts of possibilities for us. Look at our hands, they are the best hands any success hungry person will ever long for.

Have you personally and critically examined your strong

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

legs, they are the envy of a great runner. Check out your eyes and nose, they are meant to spot opportunities. And you say you have nothing?

God has given us everything we need to succeed, so go on and succeed.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS: Many members of your opposite sex will go out of their ways to attract your romantic interest. This is the wrong time to engage on unnecessary argument.

Been your lucky day you are expected to take good advantage today.

PISCES: If you priority is love, much of it would come your way as desired. But here is a better day for more ambitious in the business world. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you over money.

ARIES: Those of you with secret admirers within your working area will have the needed opportunities to make the needed moves. Resist the temptation to deceive others.

TAURUS: Although matters-of-the-heart may give you cause to smile broadly, if care is not taken, you would cause friction that can’t help you r case at work. This is the wrong time for unnecessary scheming within your working arena.

GEMINI: Those of your who are red-blooded for romance may have an exciting and satisfying day. Happenings within your social circles must be taken more seriously.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic”

By Andy Akman

CANCER: Confrontation may come your way in the circle but the heavens are working favourably for you. Some doses of romance is not too much for you on a day like this.

LEO: Provided you don’t allow your innate ability to be as diplomatic as necessary desert you, things work favourably for you to the betterment of your finances.

VIRGO: Many of you will be in sentimental mood and exhibit strong romantic desire openly. But then, if care is not taken, you may be carried away to the detriment of your finances. Serious minded lovers are in for happy day.

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

What’s my horoscope?

Dear Joshua,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

I want you to give me my comprehensive horoscope, especially what my special gift is.

Which day of the week was I born? Where were my natal planets and their meanings? Who am I? Adeola, Ogun.

Dear Adeola,| There is no space for comprehensive horoscope but what you’ll have here -under is answer to your questions/ You were born on a Thursday and your special gift is LEADERSHIP quality.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Day Of Birth: Thursday Sun Sign: Virgo: Sun in 20th Degree of Virgo Moon Sign: PISCES: Moon on 10th Degree of Pisces Mercury in 16th Degree of Libra Venues in 5th Degree of Scorpio Mars in 13th Degree of Cancer Jupiter in 6th Degree of Pisces Saturn in 5th Degree of Aquarius Uranus in 2nd Degree of Virgo Neptune in 11th Degree of Scorpio Pluto in 10th Degree of Virgo North Node in 6th Degree of Leo South Node in 6th Degree of Aquarius Quality and Element Cardinal and air star signs hosted two planets each fixed and earth three each, no planet in fire while mutable and water star signs hosted five planets each. Push-full influence = 20% Non- push-full element = 80% Final dispositor = Lucky Jupiter General Analysis.Just 20 per cent of push-full influence in your chart can deceptively present you to others as a soft (or even timid) person but practical Virgo that hosted nothing less than three heavenly bodies.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Boundary dispute: Edo community agree to abide by Oba's judgment

Youths want Urhobo as FUPRE's VC

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY FESTUS AHON

U

B

G H E L L I — URHOBO youths, yesterday, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on the Governing Council of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, FUPRE, Delta State, to appoint an Urhobo person as Vice Chancellor of the institution.

The youths, operating under the aegis of Coalition of Urhobo Youth Organisation, CUYO, also applauded the recent meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU. Spokesman of the group, Mr. Stephen Ohwokirerhuo, noted in Ughelli, Delta State, that the President-General of UPU, Gen. Patrick Aziza (rtd), mobilised Urhobo nation to give massive support to the President in 2011 general election.

He said: “We use this medium to call on Mr. President to prevail on the Governing Council of FUPRE, under the chairmanship of Senator Barigha Amange, to appoint an indigene of Urhobo nation as Vice Chancellor of the university.”

ENIN—THE People of Amagba in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, weekend, debunked claims of fresh communal crisis between them and those of Ugbor, say-

ing the boundary dispute between their community and Ugbor neighbours had since been settled by the Oba of Benin.

In a statement by counsel to the community, Osayomwabor, the community urged its peo-

ple to disregard the purported announcement credited to the Odionwere of Ugbor village, which tended to create the impression that a new boundary between both communities had been created.

The statement read: “The

Kerosene dealer threatens council boss with N500m suit

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—A kerosene dealer in Benin City, Edo State, Mr. Uchenna Nwodo, has threatened to institute a N500 million suit against the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Osaro Obazee, for alleged illegal arrest and detention over his noncompliance with a demand notice from the council to pay the N240,000 annual fees.

This came as officials of the council, yesterday, arrested and detained more dealers, following their non-compliance with the demand notice from the council on the same issue.

Counsel to the Mr. Nwodo, Afolabi Olayiwola, who gave this indication in a pre-action notice to the council chairman in Benin last weekend, said the N500 million being demanded from the council chairman was for the payment of compensation for the un-

lawful arrest and illegal detention.

He also demanded the withdrawal of the said demand notice or publish a retraction of the unlawful demand notice in a national newspaper.

He said that petroleum tax or revenue was in the exclusive legislative list, which only the Federal Government had power to

legislate on and not the state or local governments.

Afolabi , therefore, called on Mr. Obazee to withdraw the demand notice within 30 days of the receipt of the pre-action notice.

Several attempts made to reach the council chairman failed as he was said not to be on seat.

Construction firm averts distruption of Ajaokuta rail line

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—JULIUS Berger Nigeria Plc has forestalled plans by Egiegi and other communities in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State to disrupt the ongoing railway line construction works in the area.

The company is currently constructing Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri

railway line.

It was gathered that the communities, which were angered by the damage, destruction and disturbance to their economic livelihood by the company, had alerted the Resident Engineer, Federal Ministry of Transport, Agbor, Engineer Adeniran, about their action, scheduled to commence August 26, but the com-

DESOPADEC failed us, says Itsekiri group

I

TSEKIRI, under the aegis of Save Itsekiri Group, SIG, have alleged that Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has failed them.

The group said that although the Itsekiri nation received the

highest allocation among the oilproducing areas, based on oil production quota, it was the least developed.

In a statement by Mr. Johnson Madendo, Chairman, and Mr. Omagbemi Anuwe, Secretary, entitled DESOPADEC has failed

Itsekiri, the group said: “Outside the first Itsekiri Oil Producing Area Commissioner, Engr.

Toritsemotse, subsequent people given the responsibility to develop the Itsekiri nation have failed us woefully.

“Subsequent commissioners

have busied themselves in either bogus or white elephant projects.

“They are clearing non-existent creeks, building police station or renovating Warri Club, which has no bearing on the development of oil-producing areas.”

pany immediately swung into action.

A source said a meeting was conveyed to iron out the lingering problems as the communities, represented by Chief Jonathan Ejighobu, complained that the company damaged their timber, fishing materials and disturbed their fishing activities.

The company’s representative, Dr. David Ogane, appealed to the communities not to disrupt the ongoing construction activities, assuring that their comments and demands would be passed to the management for a review.

The communities gave the company up to August 31 to hold a proper dialogue and meet their demands or they would stop further works on the railway project.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Oba of Benin has, in his fatherly disposition, constituted a palace panel of Chiefs, headed by Chief K. O. Obaseki, the Oronba of Benin Kingdom, to consider the boundary dispute of which the report and recommendations of the panel were accepted by the Oba of Benin in Council with the accepted boundary as the kolanut and Ikhinwin trees identified by the two communities.

“The Odionwere of Ugbor is advised to desist from anything or act capable of causing disaffection between the two peace-loving communities of Amagba and Ugbor.

“Amagba community will remain law-abiding as we will not take laws into our hands, while we hold on to the first palace judgment of 2011.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On ASUU strike

A

RE we saying 87 billion is out of government’s reach? They should do the right thing and stop pleading with ASUU. We can’t just waste our time for two months at home without the willinglysigned agreement being implemented!— Miss Hajarah Bala, Student.

T

HE government has not shown suf ficient commitment.

92 billion, as claimed by the Finance Minister, is not too much for the government. If it was a political largesse for politicians, it would have done so swiftly. But education?

Mbanu!— Mr. Thomas Ushie, Journalist.

T

HE real wahala is that when it comes to money matters, the government doesn’t hear the voice of the other party. We had this same problem during the fuel subsidy removal protest last year. When will the voice of the people begin to count?— Miss Okoye Precious, Student.

A

very shameless government.

When it comes to allocating huge sums of money to worthless allowances and projects, the Federal Government approves without considering the financial fate of the nation. Not so for education.— Mr. Henry Patrick, Businessman.

N

IGERIA is a funny country anytime. Why are they making us to believe that lecturers are the problem?

What does Chukwumerije mean by sacrifice? Are senators allergic to this same sacrifice he is suggesting?— Mr. Matthew Tor, Businessman.

C

AN someone tell the Federal Government that ASUU just want them to honour an agreement? It makes no sense, even to students, if the agreement is not honoured. It does not matter how long it takes, but something must come out of the strike.— Mrs Chinwe Ekwe, Graduate.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—45

Delta Commissioner condemns child marriage

DESOPADEC commissioner hosts Isoko women

T

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

D

ELTA State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs. Betty Efekodha, has faulted girl-child marriage.

Efekodha who spoke during the 39th National Annual General Meeting/Investiture of the Girls’ Brigade Nigeria, in Asaba, called on women, especially mothers, to reject any attempt to legalize child marriage.

She implored members of the Girls’ Brigade Nigeria to uphold the core values of the organisation by putting God first in all things in life.

President of the Girls’ Brigade, Nigeria, Mrs. Chidi Ugeh, said the organisation was geared towards bringing up the girl-child from five -21 years spiritually, physically, vocationally and morally to become useful citizens of the society.

Noting that the organization had been preaching against social ills like drug abuse, armed robbery, prostitution, child trafficking, among other vices that thrive among the girls.

'Impunity, Nigeria's biggest problem'

From left: Manager, Event and Sponsorship, MTN, Okundola Bamgboye; Mr. Aranyinbo Johnson and his son, Aranyinbo Joshua, with an usher moving from the gazebo into the Educational Tour Bus, last weekend, at The Palms, Lekki.

CRUDE OIL THEFT

Navy hands over 11 Nigerians, one cameroonian to EFCC

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE Central Naval Command, weekend, handed over 11 Nigerians and a Cameroonian to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, over alleged involvement in the theft of 10,000 litres of illegally refined diesel off the Atlantic fringe of Egweama in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State.

The Cameroonian, according to

A

C M Y K

Delta code named Operation Pulo Shield.

Presenting the suspects to the representative of the EFCC, Mr.Ogbu Chinedu Michael, Commodore Enemor said contrary to the claim by the suspects that the petroleum product on the vessel was for running machine, the laboratory sample showed that the product was illegally refined Automative Gas Oil, AGO.

....As group alleges conspiracy by oil coys, security agents, vandals to steal crude

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE group, Stop Impunity Nigeria, said yesterday impunity remained the country’s biggest problem.

Launching a documentary on impunity in Lagos, the group noted that impunity had become cover for most of the other ills plaguing the country and rendered intervention by governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders ineffectual.

The documentary highlighted manifestation of impunity in various sectors of the society and its debilitating effect on Nigeria’s social, political and economic development.

In his welcome remarks, the campaign coordinator, Prof.

Bolaji Owasanoye, described impunity as a malady more widespread and dangerous than corruption or any of the modern vices that daily occupied media space and headlines.

the Command Operation Officer, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, was identified as the Captain of the impounded vessel used by the suspects to convey the alleged stolen petroleum product.

The seized vessel, identified as MV Sea Giant, allegedly had no ship log, NPA bunkering permit and certificate of registration with the Joint Task Force in the Niger

BY EMMA AMAIZE

O

BIARUKU—NDOKWA Youth Vanguard, NYV, in Delta State, has alleged that oil companies, security agents and oil thieves, collude to vandalize pipelines and steal crude oil in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

NYV president and coordinator of oil pipeline surveillance in the area, Comrade Ozegbe Adoh, said in a statement signed by the publicity secretary, Mr. Joseph Odanike, that the group was shocked to discover on August 12 that security agents in army uniform were providing protection for oil thieves vandalizing a pipeline.

He said: “It has come to my notice that the constant oil spillages in Ndokwa land are as a result of the companies’ representatives and some security agency to steal our oil, the oil bunkers are encouraged by the Pakistan Oil company.

“The activities of the bunkers have destroyed a large portion of our aquatic life. This is serving as a

warning to the state and Federal Governments that if they fail to call this company to order, we will take our own action to address this neglect.

“On August 12, 2013, the federal surveillance team in Ndokwa West traced some suspected oil bunkerers to the PPL oil company pipeline, and discovered that the heavy presence of some men in army

uniform, they all laid ambush awaiting those that will challenge them.

“But the team (NYV) does not have materials to challenge them so they came back and put up a call to the company representative of which there was no positive response. The vandalized PPL pipeline is close to Ase Creek, by the Umusadege land area".

HE commissioner representing Isoko ethnic nationality on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Arch. Joseph Ogeh, has rendered his account of stewardship to women of Atebo in Iyede kingdom, Oghara-Iyede, Isoko North local government area of Delta State.

He also appreciated them for their support for the state government.

Speaking on the occasion, Ogeh said: “It was not only the time of election that political leaders should see good being perpetrated in their constituency, particularly by the women.

“I believes that, before and after elections, women should be appreciated. That is why I have decided to thank the women for the job done during the 2011 general election.

“As part of the human capital development agenda of Governor Emmanul Uduaghan, the women cannot be left out as they are the mothers of the nation.”

According to him, the choice of the first batch of the beneficiaries of the women empowerment scheme should be nominated by the women so some women will not be short changed.

In their response, the women leader from Ekiugbo, Mrs. Oyomoriemu Eke, thanked the commissioner for finding the women worthy of appreciation.

According to her, this is the first time in the history of Iyede that government functionary will say thank you to the women, and more importantly, brief them on the activities of government.

Mrs. Eke used the opportunity to call on other government functionaries to emulate Ogeh’s golden steps.

MTN introduces 'education tour bus' for youths

M

TN is poised to bring Nigerian youth the latest development and advancement in information technology. The initiative, which is tagged ‘MTN Education Tour Bus’, deploys various modern visual gadgets, built into a large, stateof-the-art bus, to educate participants about the latest apps for mobile devices, give information on famous inventors, answer basic operational questions, attend to

customers’ challenges and put them through a delightful karaoke session.

Interestingly, Nigerians, particularly, the youths, in every region of the country will have the opportunity to participate in the first-ever consumer-centric initiative.

The cities that will be covered by the state-of-the-art educational tour bus, in the next four months, are Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, Enugu,

Ebonyi, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ife, Ado-Ekiti, Calabar, Owerri and Akwa Ibom.

The MTN tour bus will be at the City Mall this week. This will be another opportunity for youths, across Lagos, to get a taste of MTN’s latest range of products, including mobile apps, data and voice services. Apart from these, participants will have the chance to experience the first-ever stateof-the-art educational tour bus in Nigeria.

46—Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Group slams politicians over nation’s woes

BY NKIRUKA NNO-

ROM AGOS—A group, Organisation for Truthful Rebirth, OTR, has lambasted the political class for lacking the character to get the nation out of its economic and political quagmire.

According to the group, only the enthronement of superior character remains the antidote for Nigeria’s problems.

Speaking at the inauguration of the organisation in Lagos, the convener, Mr Eben Akinyemi, said Nigeria needed a new breed of civil servants, businessmen and politicians that would be wholly committed to creating enduring values and legacies in the country.

He said: “When the private sector is fixed, then, we are certain that one day; even the public sector would be fixed.

“To fix Nigeria is no longer a task we can leave to the dictates of the government. Nigeria is projected to be the third most populous country in the world after China and India by the year 2100.”

L

Senate: Youths drum support for Elechi

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI— YOUTHS in Ebonyi State, weekend, began campaign for the senatorial ambition of Governor Martin Elechi in the 2015 general election, with a plea to all relevant stakeholders in the state to ensure its realisation.

The youths, who took their campaigns to nine churches, including St. Theresa Catholic Church Eche-Alike, Sacred Heart Parish Alike-Ikwo, St. Stephens Presbyterian Church, NdieguEchara, Ebenezer Anglican Church NnoyoAlike, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Ndufu-Echara Ikwo, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Ikwo, St. Patrick Catholic Church, AbinaIkwo and Holy Cross Parish, Okpuitimo-Ikwo, made a donation of both cash and food items amounting to more than N2 million to the churches in Ikwo local government area.

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Robbers invade churches in Imo O

WERRI—CHURCHES in Imo State are facing hard times, following the new wave of armed robbery incidents in the state.

It was learned that about three churches have so far been robbed by the criminals in the last two weeks, as some of the churches attacked in Mbano local government area of the state include St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Osu, St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Umuezeala-ama, and the Cathedral Church of Christ (Diocese of Okigwe North), Ezihe.

The churches were said to have lost valuables, personal effects and offerings, which a victim and parish priest of St. Paul’s, Osu, Monsignor Eugene Onuoha, described as a horrendous experience.

The robbers came to his parish house around 3.30 am on Monday, August 19, 2013.

He said the robbers, who stormed the parish house at about 3:30am on Monday, August 19, 2013, told him to relax and that they did not come to harm or kill anyone in the parish house, but to ‘find something to eat’.

Thereafter, the priest said they ransacked the place and made away with all the money in his possession including Sunday Mass offering, Pontifical collection, phones, laptop computers, etc.

His curate, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Nnebedum, said he was not spared as he was dispossed of money, electronic gadgets and other valuables.

Strangely, the priest disclosed that before the marauders made to

leave around 4.15am after their business, they requested him to pray for and bless them, a request he said he granted, describing the experience as shocking.

A week before the incident, it was also learnt that the robbers had visited St. Paul’s Umuezeala-ama, where the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Chukwuma was quoted by The Sage(Okigwe Catholic Newspaper) as saying that the robbers numbering about eight came with a Hummer bus.

The non-hostile robbers, according to the priest, were fully armed with pump action rifles, pistols, and big iron cutter with which they broke the doors to the rectory, and dispossed him and his curate, Rev. Fr. Celestine Okezie of laptop and desktop computers, microwave machine, undisclosed amount of money including Sunday Mass collection and other valuables.

At the Cathedral Church of Christ, the details of the incident

were sketchy.

While some worshippers said that the bandits robbed the bishop of the diocese, others said it was the priest in charge of the church that was robbed.

Meanwhile, the robbers went on to rob Rega Hotel located beside the Cathedral.

Efforts made to contact the state PPRO, DSP Joy Elemoko for comments did not yield any result as she did not pick her phone as at press time.

VISIT: From left: Managing Director, Virtual Xchange Group, Mr. Kaycee Kennedy; Manager, Offshore Elecric and Instrumentation, Samsung Heavy Industries, Mr. Jungmook Kim; General Manager, Samsung Heavy Industries, Mr. Frank Ejizu and Chairman/Managing Director, Bradama International Skill Work Ltd, Chief Bibopere Ajuba, during the Samsung team’s visit to Bradama factory in Agadagba Obon, Ese-Odo Lacal Government Area, Ondo State.

Anambra 2014: Ex-Minister withdraws from APGA primaries A

BY ENYIM ENYIM

WKA—FORMER Minister of State for Water Transport and governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Prince John Emeka, yesterday, withdrew from Anambra governorship race on grounds of alleged imposition of a candidate on the people by Governor Peter Obi. His withdrawal came just as another aspirant and member representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia in the House of Representatives, Uche Ekwunife, complained bitterly to the governor that she didn’t see the list of delegates for the primaries, in spite of her request and complaints.

Addressing reporters on the issue, Prince Emeka said he decided to join the race because the party and Governor Obi zoned the slot to Anambra North senatorial zone and asked the people to bring out their best but regretted that after the people of the area had decided on him, the governor made a uturn to impose a particular as-

pirant from the zone on the people as the party’s candidate.

He said: “I invited you the media this morning to officially tell Anambrarians, Nigerians particularly Anambra North that I am officially withdrawing from the race to seek to be the candidate of APGA for the November 16, 2013 governor-

ship election.

“This decision I am making right now is as a result of what I witnessed in the past 72 hours, starting from where APGA held its primaries to select three-man delegates that will come out today to cast their votes for the person they want to fly their flag.

“I want to say that what is

happening on ground has turned out to be an imposition or an attempt to impose someone. As am talking to you right now, I’ve not seen any delegates list to enable me to know who to campaign to, those that won the election, while the governor is going from hotel to hotel talking to delegates to support a particular aspirant.”

Cleric makes case for vocational training

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

L

AGOS—RESIDENT Canon, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja, Lagos, Rev. Abraham Ademuyiwa, has advised the Federal Government to embark on a nationwide vocational skill training for young people across the country to stem the tide of youth unemployment.

Rev. Ademuyiwa gave this charge in Lagos during the graduation ceremony of about 2,000 persons from a four-week skill acquisition training or-

ganised by the Lagos State Ministry for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation in Ikeja and Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government areas.

He lamented the rise in youth unemployment in the country, noting that formal qualification was insufficient for survival in contemporary Nigeria.

The cleric urged the federal authorities to emulate Lagos State Government since it had the capacity for a wider reach.

He also urged the Federal Government to provide entrepreneurship-friendly environment to boost infractural development.

Odumuyiwa said: “With such nationwide training and an entrepreneurship-friendly environment, Nigeria will be blessed because both unemployment and the risk of insecurity would be reduced, because many young people would then have a means of livelihood.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—47

WORKSHOP: From left, Mr. Aliyu Lawal, Director, Trade Information, representing ED/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC; Dr. Paul Orhii, DG, NAFDAC; Mrs. Omowunmi Osibo, former Project Coordinator, Standards and Trade Development Facility, STDF, and Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, Project Coodinator, STDF, during NAFDAC's two-day Training Workshop for Traders, Exporters and Standards Enforcement Officer, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

VISIT: From left, Mr. Joseph Babatunde, GM, Operations, Bank of Industry; Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, Ogun State Commissionoer for Commerce and Industry; Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Minister for Trade and Investment; Engr. Kola Balogun, Chairman, Memmcol Nigeria Ltd, and Mr. Lucas Scaraffotti, MD, Memmcol, during the Minister's visit to the company, at Mowe, Ogun State. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

MEETING: Chief Obolade Osinowu, chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Campaign for Credible Leadership, NCCL (middle); Chief Anthony Onoharigho, National President (right) and another leader of the group, during their maiden meeting, in Abuja.

AGM: From left, Segun Balogun, MD; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman, and Mary Agha, company secretary, all of Wapic Insurance Plc, at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the company, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

OUT- REACH: Nursing mothers with their children line up for medical treatment, during the Free Medical out- reach for Children, at Eti -Osa East Local Council Development Area, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

CAMP: From left, Market Development Manager, Intel West Africa, Olasimbo Olatoregun; Camper, Aisha Baita; PR/Marketing Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona; Camper, Mosunmola Ademola, and Managing Director, Women's Technology and Empowerment Centre,WTEC, Oreoluwa Somolu, during the Intelsponsored technology camp for girls, in Nigeria. Photo: Akeem Salau

BODE OLAJUMOKE HOSTS REAL ADMIRAL SEGUN EGBEDINA IN LAGOS

From left, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, National President of Fiditi Grammar School Old Students Association, FIGSOSA; AVM, M. R. Morgan, and Real Admiral Segun Egbedina, Guest of Honour and his wife, during a reception for Real Admiral Egbedina, organised by Dr. Olajumoke, at his Park View Estate residence, Ikoyi, Lagos. Photos: Joe Akintola (Photo Editor)

From left,Princess Remi Olajumoke and Engr. Tayo Williams.

From Left, Mrs. Olaide Abass, Mrs. P.F. Awotunde, Principal, Fiditi Grammar School, and Bayo Oladele, member, FIGSOSA.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Dredging association to empower youths

Nasarawa Govt partners MDGs Office to execute 156 projects

BY SEGUN SABI

L

AGOS—THE Dredging and Sand Dealers Association of Nigeria, DSDAN, plans to train 20 deckhands and 12 dredge masters before the end of year.

Chairman of DSDAN, Mr Edmund Chilaka, said this in Lagos, ahead of the 7th Nigerian Dredging Summit and Exhibition, scheduled for Badagry next month.

He said another batch of 20 high school students from across the country would be sponsored to attend the dredging summit to attract young Nigerians to take up employment opportunities and skills in the dredging subsector which serves the oil and gas industry.

Other highlights of the dredging summit include seminars to be delivered by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lagos Channel Management (LCM) and Nigerian Westminster Dredging and Marine (Boskalis).

Peace Corp lauds affiliation to UN Global Impact

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

A U C H I — BAUCHI State Command of the Nigeria Peace Corp, has said the organization’s affiliation to the United Nations' Global Impact, will greatly assist the country in addressing problems associated with insecurity.

State Commandant of the Corp, Mr. Patriot Maxwel, who stated this in an interview with Vanguard, in Bauchi, said, “I think there should be different ways to resolving a problem, particularly that of insecurity.

We should seek other avenues to address the problem of insecurity and one of the ways is to partner with countries who are experienced in this area."

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VISIT—Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State(L), with the Representative of U.S Ambassador, Amb. Martin Brennan, who paid him a courtesy visit in Jos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

BOKO HARAM MASSACRE:

4,000 persons displaced in Borno village — NEMA

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI—LAST week reported massacre of 44 persons in Dumba village of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, displaced of over 4000 persons, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said yesterday.

This came as two babies were delivered in the camp.

It would be recalled that suspected Boko Haram members terrorizing some states in the North, stormed Dumba Village located few kilometers away from Baga town and slaughtered 44 persons while many surviving residents fled the area for safety.

NEMA in a release by its North-East zonal information officer, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said over 4,000 internally displaced persons, IDPS, were registered in Baga town by NEMA. He said those displaced were mostly fishermen and farmers from Dumba village which was attacked by unknown gunmen on August 20, 2013.

Ibrahim said the zonal coordinator of the agency; Alhaji Muhammed Kanar, led a team of officers to register the IDPS in a camp located at the Central Primary School in Baga town.

According to him, the displaced persons were provided with mattresses, blankets, mos-

quito nets, buckets, cups, plates, wax prints, guinea brocade, bathing soap, sanitary pads, and detergents.

He also disclosed that they were provided with food items like rice, maize, guinea corn, millet, vegetable oil, palm oil, indomie, salt, sugar and milk.

It was gathered that the NEMA team were led to the camp by security agents from the Joint Task Force, JTF, and assisted at the camp by Red Cross and other stakeholders.

The Chairman of Baga Lo-

cal Government Area, Lawal Alhaji kole, who was at the camp to receive the NEMA officials, extended his appreciation to the Federal Government for providing succour to the people at the time of their need.

Speaking on behalf of the displaced persons, Ali Kufayi, expressed appreciation to NEMA under the leadership of Alhaji Muhammed Sani Sidi, for its prompt response and for providing relief materials to the community that was attacked and looted by insurgents.

AFIA—NASARAWA State Government, yesterday, awarded contracts for execution of 156 projects in four local government areas of the state.

Dr Salisu Mohammed, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Umaru Al-Makura on MDGs, made this known at a meeting with the successful contractors in Lafia.

Mohammed said that the contracts were being executed in conjunction with the MDGs department and listed the benefitting local government areas as Nasarawa, Kokona, Nasarawa Eggon and Awe local governments.

The 156 projects which were under the community Condition Grant Scheme (CGS MDG 2012 intervention programme), included construction and renovation of 47 schools and 16 primary healthcare clinics.

According to him, the sum of N609m will be spent on the construction of 17 boreholes, supply of furniture and fencing.

Mohammed told the contractors that all the projects would be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure compliance with specifications.

“Let me say again that, government will not hesitate to revoke the contract of anyone who fails to take to our corrections and abide by our terms of agreement.

“The revocation will be immediate and if you have collected our money and refuse to deliver, such contractor will see the other side of government."

Kano Govt revokes 85 certificates of occupancy K ANO—THE Kano State Government, yesterday announced that it revoked certificates of occupation of 85 plots of land allocated to individuals in Kano metropolis.

The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, said this when he briefed newsmen in Kano.

Yahaya said the state government took the action fol-

lowing the refusal of owners of the plots to develop them after the expiration of government’s deadline.

He said the state government also revoked the certificates because the plots became hideouts for criminals in the metropolis.

The commissioner said that owners of the plots were given three-month notice four times to develop the plots but refused to do so.

“The government gave the

affected persons three-month notice four times to develop them, hence, the decision to revoke the ownership,” he said.

Yahaya said that 38 of the affected plots were located at Groundnut stores area, 36 at Farm Centre, while the remaining 11 plots were located at the Trade Fair area.

The commissioner said the state government had discovered over 300 plots that needed re-grant and called on the affected individuals to get re-grant or forfeit them.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 49

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VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 —53

Ulasi: Last woman standing I

T was just fifteen years ago that one woman dazzled the Anambra political establishment to its foundations.

Mrs. Joy Emodi, the young, beautiful and articulate lawyer who had won recognition on account of her political prowess was set to upturn the apple cart in the 1998 governorship election having become the most formidable candidate on ground.

It was in a bid to scuttle her chances that one of her ingenious political rivals raised the issue that making Mrs. Emodi governor would be sacrilegious as it would mean her breaking kola nuts that are served during routine meetings with traditional rulers and other elders of the state.

Mrs. Emodi was sharp in responding to her traducers as her campaign sent out the word that if elected she would specially delegate a male commissioner to do the duty

successful stint in the Senate and is presently Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters.

After Senator Emodi, the female gender has seen Mrs. Uche Ekwunife also make a

A

PGA state chairman Mr. Mike Kwentor has denied claims of a possible alliance between the party and the PDP on the basis of an alleged understanding with the Ubas.

Speaking following yesterday ’s emergence of Chief Willie Obianor as the party ’s gubernatorial flag bearer, he said the emergence of the candidate was also a testimony to the desire by many party chieftains for an Anambra North person to succeed the incumbent.

His words: "I know that the people peddling the rumor are those weak parties that do not have stake in the state.

The parties have not been in Anambra in the last eight years so they know nothing about the state.”

He further said: “When the campaign starts the issue will

hope is in Mrs. Blessing Ulasi, the Nnewi born barrister just returned from the United Kingdom.

I remain PDP candidate -— Nwoye

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

C

•Emodi: Led the way for women of breaking kola nuts!

The election was, however, not to be as the death of Gen. Sanni Abacha derailed the election plans. Mrs. Emodi, however, went on to a

OMRADE Tony Nwoye who emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in the primaries conducted by the party last Saturday has dismissed claims to the ticket

by Senator Andy Uba. Nwoye in an interview yesterday dismissed Uba’s claim as fraudulent. Senator Uba emerged in a rival congress of the Chief Chris Uba led faction of the party which was, however, boycotted by the national secretariat of the party and by most of the

No deal with PDP — APGA

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

run, but yesterday, Mrs. Ekwunife who had not gotten to the point of being challenged with the kola nut controversy lost out in the APGA primaries.

The only remaining female

revolve round those contesting but I am saying that APGA scorecard in the last eight years will stand us out. We had no agreement whatsoever with the PDP on

who will emerge. Anambra people are tired of the Ubas and do not want to hear anything about them. So how can we have agreement with the PDP because of them.”

•Nwoye: We are winning aspirants.

Describing the processes in the factional congress as irregular and in conflict with the party ’s regulations, he said: “He knows he is an impostor.

There were no parallel primaries. You don’t call that

Ex-CJ pleads for Anambra North gov

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

F

ORMER chief judge of

Obi’s aide tasks Igbos on support for APGA

BY VINCENT UJUMADU SENIOR special assistant, SSA, to Governor Peter Obi on inter party affairs, Chief Ben Obi has urged Ndigbo to see the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, as their property which they should be using to negotiate for their rights in the country.

Addressing reporters in Awka, Obi said the North and the West have PDP and APC respectively as their platform, adding that Igbos would be

shooting themselves on the foot if they allowed APGA to die.

He said that Governor Obi’s performance was enough credentials for the party to make inroads in other South East and South South states, warning that if Ndigbo failed to use APGA platform to advance their cause, they

APGA: And the last is the first The last aspirant to enter the APGA governorship contest, Chief Willy Obianor was yesterday evening declared the winner of the contest.

Uche Ekwunife 150 votes John Emeka 1 vote Emeka Nwogbo 22 votes John Nwosu 18 votes Wily Obiano 817 votes Paul Odenigbo 49 votes

•Obi: His man on course!

primaries because it was a fraud. How can someone claim to have emerged (there) and who where the delegates that elected him or he went and sat down with his brother to write results?”

He added: “Where did he get the ballot papers from?

The National Executive Council of the party is equal to the task. What is at stake is not party chairmanship. INEC has no power to conduct the election. It can only observe and the Electoral Act is clear on that.”

In addition, Nwoye said “they did not participate in the primaries. They only bought forms and absconded.”

would be making a very grave political mistake.

He said: “It is unfortunate that our people have refused to understand what is going on in the Nigerian politics.

In the country today, if a tribe does not have a solid base, there is no way its people can make it. The North has its base and the West has its base and it is only Igbo land that is up for grabs which is dangerous.

“It is more worrisome when Igbos are used to fight their fellow Igbos and it is high time the people realized that belonging to APGA and voting for APGA governor would give them a better identity.”

Obi warned that the spirit of the late APGA Dim leader, C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu Ojukwu, would continue to haunt Igbo that are used to fight fellow Igbos, reminding them that the forthcoming governorship election will be a test case.

Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd) has urged the various political parties contesting for the governor of the state in November to select their candidates from Anambra North.

Obidigwe, who is the president of Omambala Union made a passionate plea to politicians from Anambra South and Central senatorial districts to allow Anambra North produce the next governor in the interest of equity and fairness.

He promised that a governor from Anambra North would develop the entire Anambra State and create a conducive environment for people from all parts of the state to participate in government.

The former CJ also condemned attempts by some politicians from Anambra North to lobby for the position of deputy governor, advising his people not to accept it even if it is offered on a platter of gold.

He also said that it would not be fair to Anambra North for anybody from the area to accept to serve as a coordinator for candidates from other senatorial zones.

54—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Ewherido’s

enemy will not replace him

in Senate-Akamukale, APC national auditor S

IR Olisaemeka Akamukale is the immediate past Acting National Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP. In this interview, Akamukale now National Auditor of the APC spoke on the seeming crisis in DPP, the rift between late Senator Ewherido and Chief Great Ogboru, the merger and other issues of interest. Excerpts:

BY FESTUS AHON

submitted the certificate of the party; the other parties have met the requirement; there is ACN; there is CPC. So we will be contesting the election under APC. Therefore, the issue of my other brothers who want to contest under DPP I sympathize with them because; "he who buys a property in dispute buys nothing’. The case of the ownership of DPP is still in dispute; so under what circumstances; under what platform will they be contesting?

This group of people who didn’t even mourn the dead; Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, the man they are now hustling to replace, was the man they suspended, a man they expelled from their party; was a man they never recognized when he was alive. People' while the man was still in the mortuary, started collecting nomination form!

Even the pagans mourn the dead. Pius’ enemies will not replace him; even the Urhobos will not allow it. We know those that will not replace Pius; not those who were not part of him.

Pius by the time he was dying, was a full fledged member of the APC; he never hid it.

Therefore Pius must be represented by an APC candidate.

T

•Akamukale: Pius must be represented by an APC candidate deliver his family. He was totally rejected by his own people. In Kano that has the highest population in this country, he had less than 7,000 votes.

Today, I am the National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress, APC. I am the only person from Delta State that is in the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of APC, therefore, I have the authority to speak on behalf of APC. I want to tell you that contrary to insinuations by some persons who are ignorant, APC shall be presenting a candidate for the Delta Central bye-election.

We are only waiting for INEC to come up with its guideline.

APC is not a new party that is registered; it is a merger, therefore that issue of 90 days

,

HERE is this rumour that DPP never had a convention or a meeting where it was resolved that the party should join the merger. What is your reaction to this?

The likes of Chief Great Ogboru, General Jeremiah Useni, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) have one thing in common; they are coupists.

These people decided to go contrary to the decision of the party and they decided to hold their own convention. But unfortunately for them, they were stopped from holding the convention; therefore the only valid special convention that was held by the DPP is that which I held.

And my very good brother and friend, late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido was there; the convention met all the criteria set by our constitution and INEC; it was even observed by INEC. Along the line, the issue of the authentic chairman of the party came up and it is now an issue before a Federal High Court in Abuja. How did we arrive at this problem? When Jeremiah Useni resigned in 2011 to contest the Senate election in Plateau South Senatorial District; I was his deputy national chairman; I don’t deny that.

Since he resigned to go for the Senate, the relevant section of the party constitution says in the absence of the national chairman, the deputy national chairman takes over. Jeremiah Useni handed over to me and I took over the reins of the party.

In my capacity then as acting national chairman, I handed over the party flag to Chief Great Ogboru and all the candidates of the party in 2011.

I acted thus until these people brought one Magashi, who is not even a NEC member.

Magashi contested the governorship election under the platform of the party in 2007 in Kano State and had 6,732 votes; he does not even have a councillor.

Magashi is politically insignificant and he is just political lollipop; he can’t even

What will you say is actually responsible for this sudden crack in DPP? In 2015, Great Ogboru wants to be governor at all costs.

Great was with us in the NEC meeting of the then DPP and in the NEC meeting, I don’t want

And I want to tell you that contrary to insinuations by some persons who are ignorant, APC shall be presenting a candidate for the Delta Central byeelection, we are only waiting for INEC to come up with its guideline

is neither here nor there. It is very simple; ‘I formerly known as Dr John now wishes to be known as Dr Paul’. It does not mean that those certificates you had as Dr John are now invalid.

Even if DPP as a party did not meet the requirement because we have not formally

,

to call other people; I want to concern myself with Delta.

I was in the NEC meeting; late Senator Pius Ewherido was in the meeting; Honourable Austin Ogbaburhon was in the NEC meeting; Honourable Julius Okpoko was in the meeting;

Chief Tony Ezeagu was in the meeting; Chief Frank Kokori was in the meeting; I think we were about seven or eight from Delta State that were in that meeting.

And in that meeting, it was agreed that DPP should merge with APC; the only person who had a different voice was General Useni that he wanted to go to PDP but at the end, the majority carried the day.

We were now asked to draft a letter to APC and to ask APC for admission. We drafted this letter; had a committee of 12 people; Great opposed Senator Ewherido being a member of the committee; I overruled him.

That was where our problem started. The letter of the committee that was submitted to Dr Lami; the secretary of the merger committee then, was handed over to Lami by Great Ogboru and Ned Nwoko from Delta North.

So the bottom line is that Great Ogboru thinks he is the only person that is qualified in the whole of Delta State to be governor. His fight with Senator Pius Ewherido is that he thinks that Pius wanted to be Governor while he is the de facto professional governorship candidate.

Do you regret leaving DPP? Somebody leaves Ajegunle and suddenly he finds himself in Buckingham Palace and you are asking the person if he regrets? DPP was a sinking Ship. I told them; I have the soul of DPP, they can go with their carcass.

DPP was a sinking Ship; our members were leaving us. DPP was only alive in Delta State.

We had our presence only in Delta State; it is only in Plateau that we had one member in Federal House.

My dear brother, what we thought; what we analyzed with Chief Frank Kokori, he is a living man; go and ask him. We sat and said let us take the people of Delta to mainstream politics.

At the end of this year, there will only be two parties; it is either you are in APC or PDP. We said we are tired of this district party; do you know I am the National Auditor of the main opposition party in this country; it is better than National Chairman of DPP. DPP is sunk; dead and buried.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 27, 2013—55 TUESDA

• The Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mrs . Hauwa Keri, Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, Mrs. Maureen Ebigbeyi and Director Port Inspection Directorate, Mr Macdonald Garba, during a press conference on teh Agency’s recent seizure of fake drugs and arrest of importers in Lagos last week. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye.

TB antibiotics reduces HIV deaths — Research

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

R

ESPITE came on the way of People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, PLWH, as scientists in a largest international research effort to combat tuberculosis found that preventive antibiotic therapy for people with HIV lowers their chances of developing Tuberculosis, (TB) or dying.

Specifically, the scientists in the study found in men and

women already infected with HIV that are taking isoniazid reduced deaths and new cases of active TB disease by 31 percent, while new cases of TB alone decline by 13 percent.

The findings of the research team from Johns Hopkins and Brazilian experts published in the journal, Lancet Infectious Diseases online, stem from what is believed to be the largest expansion of a clinic-based, community health programme designed to curb the spread of

TB, and the first evidence that such a community-wide effort can be highly effective at preventing people who are co-infected from developing active TB disease.

According to senior study investigator and Johns Hopkins Infectious Disease Specialists Richard Chaisson, the results firmly support broad use of preventive isoniazid therapy for millions of people infected with HIV in countries heavily burdened by TB.

Chaisson says TB disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide among those with HIV&AIDS and is epidemic in developing countries with the highest HIV-infection rates.

Isoniazid treatment, is already recommended by the World Health Organisation, WHO, to prevent TB in people with HIV disease. The policy, however, has not been widely

Lagos PSN predics chaos if NHB is passed without amendment

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

HE Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Lagos State branch, has predicted chaos if the Federal government goes ahead to pass the proposed controversial National Health Bill, NHB, in its present state.

Noting that the Nigerian healthcare sector deserves a Health Act that must be packaged to be time tested, the PSN is calling for immediate amendment of controversial sections in the Bill to provide what they described as a template that will protect the interest of all stakeholders in healthcare and ultimately serve public interest in similar spirit.

Areas the PSN is calling for amendment include Section 9 (2) (a), section 6 (2), (f), (g), (h)and section 13.

It also wants Sections 48 to 50 of the Bill deleted.

Speaking in Lagos, the State Chairman of PSN, Akintunde Cornelius Obembe who affirmed that the NHB was

• Pharmacist Akintunde Obembe. a genuine attempt to develop a health system and a requisite source of information mechanisms, frowned at the contentious provisions in the 2008 Bill that had generated arguments, having passed through second reading in the Parliament, and had restrained the president from giving an assent.

Obembe maintained that there was danger allowing the Bill as it is to be passed into law, warning that if the grey areas were not addressed now, posterity may pay dearly for it, and then, it would be too late to correct when the blunders are eventually admitted.

“We are clamouring for a NHB that is all in inclusive, that would encourage teamwork and which cannot discriminate among the practitioners because everyone’s role is distinct in patient management. We cannot allow it to be passed under this present structure, if not, there will be chaotic problems both in the administrative process and harmony among professional bodies” “We wish to draw the attention of the government to recent recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Harmony in the health sector, which identified vesting of headship of Federal Health Institutions and the health sector in a particular profession as one of the drawbacks in the health planning, which also places the sector in permanent state of entropy.

“There is therefore no alternative to creating

Continues on page 56

adopted and its broad impact on the HIV-infected community never shown until the Johns Hopkins and Brazilian team’s latest study.

All of the 12,816 study participants were eligible for screening for TB infection or active TB disease. Some 1,186 tested positive for TB infection, but did not have symptoms of TB and could start taking 300 milligrams of isoniazid daily for six months.

All received routine follow-up care for as little as a few weeks to as long as four years after initially seeking treatment.

Some 838 deaths occurred during the study, which took four years to complete, and 475 developed TB. Symptoms of active TB disease, indicating the disease has progressed from latent infection, include persistent cough, chest pain, chills, fever, muscle weakness and fatigue.

“Our study results show that routine testing for TB and preventive isoniazid therapy works well at the community level in people with HIV disease in curbing the spread of TB and lowering the number who die,” Chaisson noted.

“People with HIV disease living in all countries with rampant TB should be asking their physicians if they are good candidates for preventive isoniazid therapy.”

NPMCN trains 4000 medical specialists

S

INCE it was established four decades ago, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMNC, has produced 4000 specialists in various fields of medicine.

On this premise, a renowned Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, Prof. Adobe Adeniyi says experts medial services are now available in Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres in different parts of the country.

Speaking as guest lecturer last week at the 8th Annual Scientific Conference and All Fellows Congress of the College at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife , Adeniyi disclosed that the College has so far produced 524 specialists in its Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 457 in the Faculty of Internal Medicine and 434 in the Faculty of Surgery among others.

“By training our specialists lo-

Continues on Page 56

56—Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 27, 2013 TUESDA

Disasters:

NPMCN

Nurses call for Federal Emergency plan

Continues from page 55 cally, we have saved our nation billions in foreign exchange and produced experts and scholars that man our hospitals and serve with distinction within the health care institutions.

“Experts service has become available in fairly good measure to the Teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centers. Indeed, a significant majority 85-90 percent of the specialist component of doctors in Nigeria today are products of our College.”

Adeniyi, a pioneering Fellow of the College, further disclosed that the NPMCN had continued to have “profoundly positive” effect on all aspects of health care services and delivery in Nigeria, especially the hospital sector.

“We have also played major roles in research, elucidating disease patterns in the country, breaking myths about rarity of some conditions that were believed to be nonexistent but are just as commonly found in Nigeria.

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

A

S Nigeria and other countries of the world battle the growing incidences of disasters, health professionals under the auspices of the West African College of Nursing, WACN, have called for a Federal Emergency Plan that will be adopted at State and Local Government levels with a view to tackling the re-ccurring gap between events and efforts to save lives.

Presenting this position during a 2-week certificate course on Disaster Nursing entitled: “Emergency Preparedness for Nurses” in Lagos, Director, Nursing Services, Lagos State, Ministry of Health, Lagos, Mrs. Jokotade Adebusola Agunbiade, said a Federal emergency plan would specify steps to be taken in certain identified emergencies.

“There is need to organise morbid meeting of aftermath of events, embrace universal safety precautions that

guarantee proper physical, protection of members of the rescue team as well their equipment in such a way as to prevent access by unauthorised individuals as well as the need for internet resources and media to provide facts sheet on steps that could assist victims,” Agunbiade observed She maintained that the health sector has a principal role to play in emergency prepared-

ness without notification. “Although a lot has been done regarding emergency preparedness and disaster management, yet, when there are emergencies and disasters, there will always be a gap between the events and the actual realisation of efforts towards saving lives.

The Course Coordinator, and Principal, School of Post Basic Studies, National Orthopedic Hospital

lgbobi, Lagos, explained that two week course was organized to equip Nurses with adequate knowledge, skill and attitude necessary in the management of victims of disasters.

Coordinator WACN, Ogun State, Mrs. Ashabi Olowu said the essence of the training was to ensure all Nigerian nurses are fully prepared to receive emergencies as it is a sudden occurrence.

NHB: Lagos PSN Continues from page 55

• L-R: Medical Director National Orthopedic Hospital Lagos, Dr Olurotimi Odunubi; Director Nursing Services LSMOH, Mrs .Olubunmi Raheem;Chairman NANNM, Mrs. Olatunde Olushola at the Certificate Course On Disaster Nursing held at National Orthopaedic Hospital,Lagos last week.

a level playing ground for the most competent health personnel to emerge as the head of the Agencies in section9(2)(a)’” Obembe said.

Arguing that the Government had not been able to address the issue due to politics, he said the Bill can create more confusion.

He blamed the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions on dissatisfaction with government’s policy of making doctors to be in charge whether experienced or not “ and this justifying our position as far as the proposed NHB is concerned. We are appealing to relevant organs of government t ensure peace in this very important sector.

“This group has been clamouring for changes that will revolutionalise it for optimal performance by all the professionals that make up the healthcare team. The idea of pampering one of the members of the team without any regards to others will continue to engender disharmony and that will not bring progress to the sector,” he added.

Obembe who also spoke on the society’s forthcoming Pharmacy Week tagged: “Safe Pharmaceutical Care as a Tool in National Health Development” reassured Nigerians that the Week would address various lapses in Nigeria’s health sector.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013—57

Housing ministry rakes in N1.3bn from ground rents, Cs of O

BY HENRY UMORU

T

FG reviews national building code to check . incessant building collapse Pepple

...charges states on domestication

BY CALEB AYANSINA

T

HE Federal Government has validated the revised National Building Code to deal with the perennial problems in the human settlements sector.

In 2006, Nigeria came up with the National Building Code to regulate the conduct and operations of professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry.

The guideline, passed by the National Assembly NASS, was to be reviewed after three years.

Vanguard Homes & Property gathered that the code to be presented to the Federal Executive Council, FEC for approval, needs to be domesticated by all the 36 states of the federation for effective enforcement.

In the review, the headship of the building code enforcement division is now limited to registered architects, builders, structural, mechanical or electrical engineers, unlike in the old code, when it was open to all the registered professionals.

Also, the government, after the horrible flood experienced in some parts of the country, provided some specifications and guidelines to ensure safety of residents.

Some facilities like foam plastic insulation, garage (private), gas cabinet, gas room that were not specified in the old code are well spelt out in the review to be chiefly considered by the inspection team, who are now empowered to determine if any material or its chemical components are hazardous, thereby preventing its usage.

Temporary structure which was pegged at 60 days is now being extended to 180 days.

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop on the Revised National Building Code in Abuja last week, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amal Pepple, said the code provides sanctions for any unethical behaviour in the sector.

She noted that the government would take the enforcement of the code seriously, charging the states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to ensure its domestication.

Her words: “I am optimistic that after this validation exercise, the adoption of the revised national building code and its dissemination to the public, as well as its effective implementation by all relevant stakeholders, our nation will be greatly assisted in dealing with some of the perennial problems in the human settlements sector".

“These include intermittent, but deadly fire hazards, rising occurrences of building collapse, rampant use of substandard materials in building construction, new wave of flooding, endemic and improper housing maintenance as well as unhealthy construction practices which impact negatively on eco-balance and ecofriendliness.

“By serving as a model mechanism for regulating the activities in the building and construction industry through the provision of guidelines and sanctions, the revised code will also be of tremendous assistance

in stemming professional negligence, sharp practices and other forms of unethical behavior in the sector," she said.

“The state governments must lead the drive to institutionalise it through adaptation, legislation and enforcement.

It is in this regard that I fervently hope that the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA will ensure that the national building code is adapted and adopted by the executive arm of government, as a regulatory tool in their spheres of influence, and enacted by their respective legislatures, as part of their jurisdictional code after it has undergone the formal process of approval by the highest level of government”.

The Chairman, National Building Code Advisory Committee, Arc. Jimoh Faworaja said the consequences of an ineffective and non-operational national building code in social and economic terms are so monumental for any sane society to ignore.

“The review has therefore addressed lapses noticed in the first edition with structural re-alignment and in-depth additional inputs to adequately take care of our peculiar national challenges as they relate to the built environment”, Faworaja noted.

He therefore called for a collective effort to ensure the implementation of this document as a way of arresting the national embarrassment occasioned by the increasing cases of the built environment failures and the near dominance and takeover of the industry by quacks.

HE Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development raked in a total sum of N1.3 billion in the year 2012 from ground rent changes and the issuing of certificates of occupancy, Cs of O. This was disclosed by the Minister, Ms. Amal Pepple when she presented the scorecard of her ministry to members of the National Working Committee, NWC of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The Minister explained that 62.7 percent of the total N41.9 billion budgeted for the Ministry in the 2013 budget estimates has been released to the ministry.

Giving a breakdown of the ministry’s achievements, Ms Pepple said it delivered 8,069 houses at affordable prices to the teeming public in 2012.

The ministry also built 256 housing units under its prototype housing scheme in the same year.

The Minister regretted that frequent changes in the nomenclature of the ministry by previous administrations had adversely affected its operations.

The ministry, she said is currently constructing six federal secretariats in different parts of the country at a total cost of N15, 284 billion. The he move is to provide a befitting work environment for the country’s workforce. The secretariats are located at Awka, Yenegoa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Oshogbo in Osun state.

The minister disclosed that the ministry signed a total of 1,101 certificates of occupancy in 2012 while over 800 have been signed this year. She said that the ministry is working with the Presidential Committee on Land Reforms and other stakeholders to address issues of land administration.

According to her, the ministry currently has a total of 626 housing unites under its Public Private Partnership arrangement and 850 housing units through the Federal Housing Authority, FHA.

58— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

U.N inspectors reach victims of Syria’s gas attack U

.N. chemical weapons experts interviewed and took blood samples on Monday from victims of last week’s apparent poison gas attack in a rebelheld suburb of Syria’s capital, after the inspectors themselves survived sniper fire that hit their convoy.

Military chiefs from the United States and its European and Middle Eastern allies met in Jordan for what could be a council of war - should they decide to punish Syria for the worst reported chemical weapons attack in 25 years.

Washington says President Barack Obama is considering options to respond to what the United States believes was the mass gassing of civilians by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces on August 21.

Many hundreds of people died in Damascus suburbs in what appears to have been the worst chemical weapons attack since Saddam Hussein gassed thousands of Kurds to death in 1988.

U.N. investigators crossed the frontline from the center of the capital, which remains under As-

sad’s control, to inspect the Mouadamiya suburb, one of at least four neighbor-

hoods hit by the poison gas last Wednesday before dawn.

ORE than 50 wom en marched through downtown Vancouver on Sunday, baring their breasts in the name of gender equality.

The march was part of

a national campaign organized by GoTopless, a women’s organization fighting for equal topless rights.

Organizers said similar marches were happening in 45 cities

snipers”. The team continued on after turning back for a replacement car.

World’s press protests destruction of Guardian hard drives

T

U.N. chemical weapons experts visit a hospital where wounded people affected by an apparent gas attack are being treated, in the southwestern Damascus suburb of Mouadamiya, yesterday.

Women go topless in Vancouver to demand equality

M

The United Nations said one vehicle in its convoy was crippled by gunshots fired by “unidentified

around the world.

“Being topless in B.C. is legal. We have the right to be topless and this is wonderful,” GoTopless spokeswoman Denise Belisle said to a photo-snapping crowd

that followed the marchers to Vancouver’s Robson Square.

“What we need is respect. We need respect from society, we need respect from all of you.”

HE World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WANIFRA) and the World Editors Forum have sent a protested to Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom against the actions of government officials that led to the destruction of computer hard drives belonging to the Guardian newspaper last month.

In a letter to Mr Cameron, WAN-IFRA, the global organization of the world’s press, called on the United Kingdom to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and “respect the rights of journalists to pro-

tect their sources and to create the conditions necessary to ensure the press can continue its crucial role in maintaining free and fair societies, without government interference or intimidation”.

WAN-IFRA expressed its dismay at the government’s decision to pursue the threat of legal action should the Guardian not hand over or destroy computer hard drives, in a bid to prevent the publication of reports based on the leaked files supplied by National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 59

Welfare of athletes 'll be C our priority — Elegbeleye T

HE Director Gen eral of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye has disclosed that the Commission has mapped out strategies to woo Nigerian athletes wherever they are in the United States of America, Europe and other parts to come and participate in the development of sports in the country.

Elegbeleye who was in London on August 17th, 2013 for the Africa’s Diasporans through sport seminar where he gave an inspiring lecture on Nigerians sports and the enabling environment put in place by the National Sports Commission for Nigerian athletes in Diaspora to come back home and help in the growth of

sports in Nigeria said the trip will soon start yielding positive dividends. ”Recently the National Sports Commission decided to change the trend as regards the way we package our sports programmes and has introduced a welfare package that will be attractive to our athletes wherever they are anywhere in the world and at home too. ”We are sincerely working very hard to ensure that we have a solid structure on ground and make our system workable and also make our athletes happier which I believe will start yielding positive results as from next year ’s Commonwealth Games but our main target is the 2016 Olympics in

Brazil”, the DG of the NSC disclosed in Abuja.

According to him it is better these athletes enjoy such funds because without them there won’t be the National Sports Commission in the first place. He also added that the beneficiaries would be in three categories namely A, B and C as category A will be treated first.

OACH of Niger ia’s senior male basketball team at the 2013 Afrobasket holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Ayo Bakare has told his players not to underrate the Central Africa Republic but step up their game in Tuesday ’s second round must win match to keep their ambition of lifting the trophy alive.

He gave them Monday as rest day but the Team Doctor, Suleiman Ohida and Physiotherapist, Ekundayo Ogunkunle worked on the players who con-

2013 Afrobasket: Don’t underrate CAR, Bakare charges team FROM PATRICK OMORODION, Abidjan

fessed that the Cameroon match-up stretched them to the limit as they gave Alfarouk Aminu thumbs up for his sterling performance in the crucial game.

Coach Bakare congratulated the players for making a statement to other teams in the competition by beating a highly rated Cameroo-

nian team, adding that “ you played yourself into the easier part to the semi final as you will now avoid Angola and Cote d’Ivoire.”

“I am personally proud of you for putting up a star performance and winning a day off for yourselves. You can savour this moment for now but ensure that you raise your game because any team that loses now goes home,” he told them at the locker room.

Lagos Int’l T/Tennis Classics: Qudus blames new bat for loss new bat was a bit

BY JACOB AJOM

T

•Elegbeleye

HE first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics couldn’t have started in a better fashion than what was on table yesterday as the juniors exhibited skills and talents that bellied their innocence.

Ten-year old Suimer Qudus caught the eyes of spectators as he thrilled in his match with Nurudeen Hassan.

Qudus took the first set at 11- 4. He uses the left hand but his dexterity and accuracy made

Nurudeen looked ordinary. In a sudden twist in fortune, his slightly bigger opponent upturned the scores with deft strikes and wide volleys. It was a match Nurudeen dug deep to deservedly take at 11-3.

The third and decisive set was a ding-dong affair At 10-7, Qudus was in a pole position to take the set but an unbroken point haul by Nurudeen saw the latter take the match at 4-11, 11-3, 12-10.

Qudus blamed his defeat partly, on the new bat he played with. “The

Eaglets Continues from BP be at the Al Ain Stadium in Dubai and they will fancy their chances of progressing to the second round of the tournament.

They emerged runners-up at the CAN U-17 tournament held in Morocco in April. Ivory Coast won the tournament.

Eaglets opening match of the tournament is against defending champions Mexico on October 19 at the Al Ain Stadium. It promises to be an enthralling match as the Mexicans are also the CONCAF champions while the Eaglets are on the bounce after failing to qualify for the last two editions of the U-17 World Cup. The Baby Elephants have been drawn to face 2011 runners-up Uruguay and European qualifying tournament runners-up Italy in Group B, along with New Zealand.

Africa’s other representatives, Morocco and Tunisia, were drawn in Groups C and D respectively.

Morocco have Croatia, Panama and Uzbekistan to contend with for a place in the last 16 while the Tunisians must navigate past Russia, Venezuela and Japan if they are to scale the first round hurdle.

In other draws, UAE will meet Brazil, Honduras and Slovakia, with the opening match October 17 seeing the hosts battle Honduras at Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The presence of Nigeria and Brazil, who are the most successful nations in tournament history in this edition has made the tournament a spectacular one for fans.

Both sides are seeking to lay the foundations for their fourth triumph at this level

slippery. If they allowed me use my old bat I would have won the match afterall, I have beaten him twice before.”

Fenerbahce Continues from BP

leg tie at the Emirates today. But his national team captain, Joseph Yobo was left out of the 19-man squad.

Yobo who was a 90 minute feature in the first leg 3-0 loss missed the domestic home fixture against Eski?ehirspor that ended 1-0 in favor of Fenerbahce on Saturday.

Reasons for his exclusion were yet to be made public by the club but feelers have it that the 33-year old defender may have picked up a slight knock during the first leg encounter.

Keshi Continues from BP defending his country.

“I was just standing up for my country when someone tries to make insinuations that it is not a safe place,” the Afcon winning captain and coach for Nigeria told supersport.com.

“I have nothing against Sainfiet, he was in Nigeria recently and we shook hands and had a few things we discussed. I just was very unhappy that a man who last year was prepared to work for Nigeria with a four year contract can all of a sudden start to describe the place as ‘unsafe’ so am not having that."

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 — 61

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013— 63

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 , 2013

FIFA U-17 World Cup:

Eaglets draw Mexico, Sweden •Brazil to play UAE

Keshi: I’m no racist A

MIDST growing criticisms over a statement credited to him on Malawi national team coach Tom Saintfiet, Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi has said he is not a racist.

Keshi did not take lightly to the request by Saintfiet that FIFA should move the September 7 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Malawi away from Calabar sighting inse-

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

H R E E -T I M E champions, Golden Eaglets have been handed a tough and tricky draw for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates from October 17 to November 8.

The Eaglets, winners in 1985, 1993 and 2005, and unarguably Nigeria’s most decorated team in FIFA tournaments, were paired alongside Mexico, Sweden and Iraq, at a colourful ceremony held last night at the Al-Saqr conference suite at Fairmont Bab El Bahr Hotel.

Eaglets matches will Continues on Page 59

FACE TO FACE: Keshi (l) and Tom Saintfiet

curity as the reason.

Keshi angrily attacked Saintfiet and called him a white dude, who should go back to Belgium, a statement labeled as racist by the Malawi coach.

The statement has been widely reported by the international press but Keshi is saying he has been misrepresented. He said no hurt was intended as he was only Continues on Page 59

Fenerbahce name Emenike, drop Yobo for Arsenal

T

TOUGH: Golden Eaglets player pushes hard against a congolese opponent during a World Cup qualifier in Calabar.

URKISH side Fen erbahce have named Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Emenike for their crucial UEFA Champions League play-off second Continues on Page 59

•Emenike

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Movable (6) 5 Rescue (4) 8 Overall (5) 9 Nothing (3) 10 Pen (4) 11 Ritual (4) 12 Symbol (5) 13 Tinted (6) 16 Split (4) 18 Manger (4) 20 Marsh (3) 22 Ocean (3) 23 Strike (3) 24 Wither (4) 25 Incline (4) 28 Leash (6) 30 Startle (5) 32 Cap (4) 33 Story (4) 34 Cook (3) 35 Performed (5) 36 Haze (4) 37 Phlegmatic (6)

DOWN 1 Small (6) 2 Poised (8) 3 Cupboard (6) 4 Significant (9) 5 Squeal (7) 6 Related (4) 7 Always (4) 8 Drunkard (3) 14 Twisted (9) 15 Healthy (3) 17 Charge (3) 19 Lawful (8) 20 Obese (3) 21 Ignore (7) 26 Abandon (6) 27 Worn (6) 29 Bogus (4) 30 Unfortunately (4) 31 Frenzied (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Adder 9, Repose 10, Docile 11, Steel 12, Seek 15, Just 17, Stretch 20, Sty 21, Humid 23, Rick 25,Twig 26, Hitch 28, Sat 30, Hearten 31, Plea 35, Fare 36, Bough 38, Impair 39, Hatred 40, Testy.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Gross 2, Upper 3, Ass 4, Detach 5, Eden 6, Rod 7, Minus 8, Jetty 13, Eternal 14, Ketch 16, Stagger 18, Hunch 19, Wit 22, Dwarf 24, Kin 27, Height 28, Split 29, Tempo 31, Tarry 32, Needy 34, Core 36, Bit 37, Hay.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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