Amaechi, 4 other PDP govs, nPDP join APC

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62023

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N150

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

HOW THEY STAND PDP GOVS SENATE REPS

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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FG overspends by N110bn as 3rd quarter revenue falls — CBN 35

Amaechi, 4 other PDP govs, nPDP join APC

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

•Kwankwaso, Nyako, Wamakko, Ahmed also defect •Fear of leadership change grips N-Assembly A •I can't leave the house I built — LAMIDO •I'm not moving, until... — BABANGIDA ALIYU •More stories, reactions on Pages 54 &55

BUJA—THE lin gering crisis of confidence between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership and seven of its estranged governors reached a climax, yesterday, with the agContinues on page 7

COLUMNISTS:

•P.17

•P.19

AKINTOLA OMIGBODUN •P.24

Mr & Mrs

nPDP MERGES WITH APC: From left, former nPDP Chairman Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, APC Leader Bola Tinubu, APC Leader Ogbonnaya Onu; Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and others shortly after merger of nPDP with APC in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. More pictures on Page 15.

Asari Dokubo arrested in Benin Republic

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2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 3

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

ENVOY—President Goodluck Jonathan (R) receiving Letter of Credence from the High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Dr Peingeonjabi Shipo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. With them is the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri.

Amaechi, 4 other govs, nPDP join APC The merger

communique

Continues from page 1 grieved governors formally defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC. But it was not all rosy for the G-7 governors as two of the governors — Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and his Jigawa counterpart, Sule Lamido— disagreed with the other five on timing of the defection.

While Lamido stayed away from the meeting, Aliyu only showed up at the venue, met briefly with his counterparts and hurried out of the Kano Governor’s Lodge, the venue of the meeting, before the communiqué announcing the merger of nPDP with APC, was read to the media.

In attendance at the meeting with the APC leaders, were the governors of Niger, Rivers, Kwara, Adamawa and a representative of the Jigawa Governor.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State

is said to have taken permission of the G-7 to travel outside the country and had assured them of his unflinching support to the group even though he was not physically present at the venue of the event.

The strategic meeting had in attendance, former Head of State and chieftain of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.); former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; nPDP chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje; former Osun State Governor and PDP Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki, and the former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Adamu Abdullahi.

Others present were former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, and former ANPP chairman and APC chieftain, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It wont happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life —Joel Osteen You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head up high, knowing that a higher force is in control with a great plan and purpose for your life. Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you’d hoped, but the way of a higher power is better and higher than our ways, even when everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide. He always accepts you. He always confirms your value.

God sees your too good moves! Osteen sums it beautifully: “You are His prized possession. No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God’s eyes always remains the same.” You will always be precious to your creator. He will never give up on you, so don’t give up on yourself.

The terse but historymaking communiqué, which was jointly signed by the Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and nPDP Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje read: “A meeting of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the new PDP met this morning at the residence of the Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the two parties agreed to merge in order to rescue our fledgling democracy and the nation,” the communiqué said.

Addressing journalists after the defection, the nPDP Chairman, Baraje, explained that the decision to merge with the APC meant that they had fused into the latter and agreed to work together in the overall interest of the nation.

“We are merging,” Baraje said, adding, all these are implications of merging. What we are telling you is that we have merged and we have agreed to merge."

The formal signing of the merger Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, will take place next Tuesday.

Baraje denied any split in the ranks of the G-7, insisting that the Niger State Governor, Aliyu Babangida and his Kwara counterpart, Ahmed Abdulfatah, who went out before the end of the meeting, took permission to travel and were duly permitted to leave.

The nPDP chairman said: “You have observed that some of our members took permission to go out of the meeting; they did not walk out. You have seen the governor of

Kwara, you have seen the governor of Niger; they all took permission to travel.

APC leader and former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Tinubu, who was beaming with broad smiles after witnessing the defection of the governors to his party, described the development as a good omen for Nigeria’s democracy.

Tinubu noted that the action of the governors was a right step towards rescuing Nigeria and strengthening democracy.

Tinubu said: “What happened today is good for our democracy and nation. We are on a rescue mission and it is good for our country; what we are doing is a must for the country. The step we are taking is very necessary and we are happy about that.

“We are happy with the development, we have commitment to rescue our country from drifting and we act as a group to promote the interest of this country. Patriotism is defined as not being about oneself or personal goal, but that of the society, the nation or corporate entity.

That is what we are putting forward,” the APC leader said.

But one of the governors explained to Vanguard that the decision by Governors Aliyu and Sule Lamido to ask for more time to join the APC in January 2014 was understandable.

The governor said that the decision by the duo to wait till January had brought about a sharp division among the other governors, who reasoned that there was no need to continue to wait in the drifting PDP when the APC was consolidating and preparing for its National Congress in January.

It was learnt that the Niger Governor had pleaded for time to be able to sort out his political interest with those of two former heads of states — Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

I can't leave house I built — Lamido

Lamido, meantime yesterday, said he would not leave the house he built, being one of the nine founding fathers of the PDP. However, it is believed in some quarters that Lamido also needed to get a soft-landing for his two sons, who had been arrested by the EFCC for alleged money laundering amounting to N10 billion. The governor is reported to have argued strongly that the group should heed Chief Obasanjo’s advice not to move into the APC until

early next year so as to get his own blessing and that of a former head of state from the North.

The two former leaders are said to have given the seven governors their tacit support to move over to the APC in January 2014 and pledged to stay in PDP and support their political aspiration in the new party.

In fact, the two former leaders were expected to issue a formal statement condemning the crisis in the PDP and urge the defecting governors to go ahead with their rescue mission for Nigeria.

It was, however, not clear as at yesterday, what the leaders’ reaction would be to the early migration of the governors to the APC without a clear signal from them.

But afraid that their decision might not go down well with Lamido, a high powered delegation led by the APC chairman left Abuja yesterday for Dutse to plead for the governor’s understanding and support to remain with them.

A governor said: “The sharp disagreement between the two governors and the other five was responsible for the extensive and inconclusive meeting of the G-7 throughout Monday night in Abuja and we decided to take a concrete decision today to put the issue behind us."

Vanguard learnt that the disagreement was also responsible for the change in the wording of the communiqué read to journalists at the end of the meeting. Initially, the communiqué said that ‘both parties had agreed to work together’ but the phrase was later changed to ‘merger ’ following pressure from five of the governors present.

It was also gathered that the last minute decision by President Jonathan not to meet with the aggrieved governors reportedly angered them and quickened their resolve not to hold any further peace meeting with the Presidency and the leadership of the PDP. A source said that while the governors were ready to meet with Jonathan

last Sunday, they were shocked to receive a communication from the President suggesting that he could not attend to them until sometime later in the week.

“We just felt that the President was not serious about meeting with us having given the impression that it was the governors, who requested in their letter to have a meeting with him.

“Again, we did not feel happy that he made us write and remind him of the need to meet after the October 7 meeting had been put off due to the fact that many of our members went on religious pilgrimage,” the source explained.

I've not moved — Aliyu

Meanwhile, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Danladi Ndayebo, on Channels Television yesterday, said: “Media reports purporting that Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu has moved to the All Progressives Congress is not true. It is false, it is unfounded.”

"We are aware that talks are ongoing with the president and until the talks are exhausted, Governor Babangida Aliyu remains a member of the PDP." "Let me also add that we are shocked at the announcement of the merger even before a final decision is taken on the matter.”

Following him, Governor Lamido, one of the original nine founders of the PDP also dissociated himself from the merger.

Governor Lamido speaking through the Director of Press, Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Kyari said: “We remain in PDP, Governor Lamido is going nowhere, he is not leaving a house that he built. He was among the first nine persons that conceived the PDP, that is the G9, which transformed to G18 and then to G34. So, he cannot leave the house that he founded and will make sure that justice is done in PDP.”

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Police corporal shoots Inspector in Benin

How I quit, returned to robbery in 2011 — GODOGODO Says he built 52 fish ponds and was making good money from them

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

B

ENIN — A POLICE corporal said to be attached to Oregbeni Police Station, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City has allegedly killed his colleague, an Inspector.

The suspect simply identified as Ozeigbe Omobunde was alleged to have committed the act at about 8 p.m, Monday night in the Edo State capital.

It was gathered that the inspector whose identity could not be ascertained at press time was killed on his way to work beside Guinness Nigeria Plc, Benin plant by the corporal who is now on the run.

The reason for the suspect’s action could also not be ascertained at press time.

Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Moses Eguavoen, when contacted said he was yet to be briefed even as he promised to call the Oregbeni Divisional Police Headquarters for confirmation.

••• as suspected hoodlums kill policeman in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA — UN EASY calm, Monday, pervades the riverine Okoroma settlement in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the reported killing of a policeman by some hoodlums.

Though there were conflicting account of the tragic incident, one version had it that the killing was triggered following the alleged death of a community youth caused by accidental discharge from the policeman's rifle.

Another account had it that some hoodlums took advantage of a fracas caused by disagreement over the burial rite of a prominent chief in the area.

The deceased policeman, it was learnt, was part of a15 man squad deployed in the area to maintain law and order following the rising tension among the community folks over the burial rite of the late chief described as a first traditional ruler.

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AGOS — ABIODUN Ogunjobi, otherwise known as Godogodo, the dreaded oneeyed robbery czar who terrorized Lagos and other SouthWest states, killing no less than 50 policemen while raiding several banks, businesses and homes, for over 14 years has revealed that he almost quit robbery in 2011.

Godogodo made this disclosure during an interview with Vanguard at the state Police Command headquarters, Ikeja, where he is currently being detained following his arrest by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, led by SP Abba Kyari, on August 1.

He told Vanguard that he had planned to quit robbery after building two houses and setting up 50 fishponds, valued at about N16 million, in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Godogodo added that he also travelled to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, to buy clothes whose sales would keep him busy when he is not on his fish farm.

But his dreams got dashed when an operative of SARS, who had been on his trail for long, got an intelligence report on his location and traced him to his mansion.

Relocation to Ibadan Vanguard gathered that the operative met a member of one land-owning family, locally known as omo-onile in the area and made him take an oath not to reveal his mission to anyone.

But the omo-onile informed Godogodo of the presence of a SARS operative in search of him and he quickly fled Ikorodu and relocated to Ibadan where he built two more mansions.

According to a source, “one of our operatives tracking Godogodo received an intelligence report on his location in Ikorodu and stormed the area as an undercover operative.

"He met a young man, an omoonile, in Ikorodu who showed him Godogodo’s house but he was not in. Only his wife was around.

"The operative paid the omoonile to keep watch on Godogodo’s house and report to him whenever he sets his eye on him, but news got to him (Godogodo) that a police undercover operative was in town

Godogodo with some of his arsenal looking for him. He fled without packing his property.”

I built 52 fish ponds But Godogodo, speaking to Vanguard said: “In 2008, after I finished building my house in Ikorodu and I setting up a good business for my wife, I went into fish farming. I built about 52 fish ponds and I was making good money from them.

"I usually sell each pond between N600,000 and N800,000 and it took me four months to grow fingerlings into a maturity for sale. The business was moving smoothly and I had over 15 people working for me at the pond.

I was still going for robberies "While the business was on, I was still going for robberies with members of my gang, but in 2011, I decided to quit. I gave all my rifles, they were nine in number, to my boy, Tosin, who resides at Ajah and I stopped going for robberies.

"I only asked them to bring my share of any loot they made from robberies carried out with my rifles. But in June of that year, I travelled to Dubai, where I bought some clothes I intended to sell in Nigeria.

When I returned, one omoonile whom I had assisted in the past (in fact, I gave the guy N200,000 when his wife put to bed through a

caesarean section) came to see me. I also gave him some of the clothes I brought from Dubai. He came to me and said a SARS operative had been in town, looking for me.

"The omo-onile explained that the operative dropped a live bullet into a cup of gin and made him swear an oath that he would not reveal his mission to anyone and he should also inform him upon my return.

"The moment I heard this, I knew there was trouble and my cover had been compromised, because nobody knew where I lived, including my gang members. I quickly moved out of the house and I went to Ajah to relax before I contacted my wife and asked her to leave the house without picking anything.

How I went back to my gang "We stayed in that hotel for quite some time and I was running out of cash because the guys running my fish ponds were no longer remitting money because they heard that the police were after me.

"At that point I was left with no option than to go back to my gang. After some few bank robberies in Osun and Ondo States, I made huge money which I used to buy the land at Ibadan before I started building on it. But after that,I became more vicious and I made sure that I took part in all major operations within the South-West.”

28 rifles so far recovered Meantime, Vanguard also gathered that the five AK-47 rifles and 40 fully-loaded magazines recovered from Godogodo, after his return from Ogun State, were found in Ayobo area by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

The recovery has brought the total number of rifles recovered from the notorious bandit to 28.

According to the source, three of the rifles were found in a Nissan Primera car parked in the premises of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Adeniji Adele.

Sources disclosed to Vanguard that the vehicle was parked at the Federal Special Anti-Robber Squad, Adeniji Adele for over three years and was not properly searched after it was transferred from Ifo Police Station in Ogun State, when they ransacked one of Godogodo’s mansions in Ogun State.

The two other AK-47 rifles and 15 loaded magazines were recovered from Ayobo area of Lagos where they were buried. However, the discovery of three AK47 rifles which belonged to three police officers attached to MOPOL 16 in Abekuta, Ogun State, who were killed by Godogodo and his gang members when they were ambushed, at the Federal Special Anti-Robber Squad, Adeniji Adele sent the unit into disarray.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—7

4 die, 8 injured in Anambra bullion van crash

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA — FOUR persons, including two policemen and a road-side vulcanizer died, yesterday, at New Auto Tyres Market, at Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, near the commercial city of Onitsha in a ghastly motor accident involving a convoy of bank bullion van and other commercial vehicles.

The incident which occurred at about 10 a.m., involving five vehicles at a time, including two articulated trucks, the bullion van, its Toyota Hilux escort, Mercedes Benz 911 truck and a Chevrolet bus, caused a gridlock along Enugu/Onitsha expressway.

According to the source, the bullion van and its escort Hilux van heading towards Awka, the state capital, from the Onitsha end, apparently conveying an unspecified amount of money to Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, branch were on high speed when one of the bullion van’s tyres blew out.

Eye witnesses told Vanguard that the bullion van swerved towards the right side of the expressway and the driver lost control and hit a moving Mercedes Benz 911 lorry with number plate Delta XA 928 ASB which led to the dismantling of the two front tyres and other components of the lorry as it fell into a drainage.

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

Scene of the accident (INSET): The escort van.

The escort vehicle, with number plate AAA 87 BZ, while trying to dodge the bullion van, hit the back of an articulated truck parked by the side of the drainage, killing two policemen on the spot while others were critically injured.

The Mercedes Benz 911 hit by the bullion van, in turn hit another parked truck which hit the Chevrolet bus before they all rolled into the drainage.

As the uncontrollable crowd was battling to recover the bodies of dead victims and at the same time rescuing the injured

ones, the source said, some policemen quickly brought in a towing van which recovered the damaged bullion van, leaving the Hilux van which was damaged beyond repairs with blood stain.

The corpses of the two policemen, that of the vulcanizer and one other suspected to be either a driver or conductor of one of the lorries, were moved to a nearby mortuary, while the injured were conveyed to

Man, 45, allegedly rapes 75-yr-old woman in Ekiti

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

Pastor’s wife jailed 2 yrs over N4m dud cheque

DO EKITI — A 45-year-old farmer, Lawrence Adedapo, is now in Police custody for allegedly forcibly having carnal knowledge of a 75year-old woman, Grace Asaolu, at Ogbese Camp, Ise-Ekiti in Ise-Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Adedapo was said to have invited the septuagenarian to his house on November 7 this year under the pretex that he brought some plantain from his farm for sale.

The accused was said to have taken advantage of the old woman's fragile nature, overpowering her before having carnal knowledge of her.

According to the victim, “Lawrence Adedapo is my neighbour. He invited me to come and collect plantain but instead he pushed me on his children’s bed and forcefully had carnal knowledge of me. I later rushed to the police station to report the matter.”

Upon interrogation, the suspect confirmed that he had carnal knowledge of the woman but denied forcing her, claiming that she was his mistress.

He said: “I knew her long time ago.

I knew her as a widow from Moba Local Government Area of the state.

We have known each other for the past 35 years and I have been dating her for long.

“The last time I had sex with her was in April during Easter before meeting her again on November 7. That was the second time we met this year. I did not force her into it and I had her consent before doing it”.

Asked why she reported the matter to the police, Adedapo said: “I promised to give her N2,000 which she asked for before we did it. But after the sex I was able to give her N1,000 only. That could be the reason why she alleged that I raped her. I later found out that she was bleeding as a result of the sex.

“I did not even ejaculate because I used my children’s room, so I had to rush.”

However, the police image maker in the state, Mr. Victor Babayemi, ASP, insisted that the investigation carried out by the police revealed that the old woman was actually raped by the suspect.

He said: “In the course of investigation, facts emerged that the suspect knew the victim to be of old age, 75, and in menopause.

“She could not have been bleeding without tampering with her organ.

Medical report shows that there was a violent sexual assault on her; she was also said to be distressed with her genital smeared with fresh blood.

“It shows that he invited the woman with criminal intent to have intercourse with her.

a nearby hospital.

The Nteje Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Sunday Joseph, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with newsmen, however, said he was aware of the death of only one policeman, while 11 others were injured.

SABA — AN Asaba High Court, yesterday, sentenced the wife of an Asaba-based pastor to two years imprisonment with hard labour for issuing a dud cheque worth N4 million to a bank where she obtained an overdraft facility.

Convicted was Mrs. Esther Onekpe who is also the proprietress of Bukky J. Nursery and Primary School, Asaba.

Prosecution stated that Mrs. Onekpe, aged 38 years, had on October 8, 2012 at Asaba within the Asaba judicial division issued a Wema Bank cheque NO 1182114718 of N4 million to UBA Plc which was dishonoured when presented on account of insufficient fund in the account and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(b) of the dishonoured cheque (offences) Act Cap D11, Volume 5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

40 dead, 10 injured as gunmen invade Plateau villages

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS— NO fewer than 40 people were killed yesterday, when gunmen attacked four villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Among those killed, according to villagers, were a oneyear old boy shot at close range, a four-year old and

several women and other children. 10 persons have been hospitalised as a result of injuries sustained during the attack.

The attackers were said to have struck between 12.30a.m. and 1a.m., completely wiping out two families.

The village head of Tatu, Da Pam Gyang Tsok, told newsmen that they started

hearing sporadic gunshots at about 1a.m. and later discovered that 15 women and children had been killed by the assailants.

Ten people were confirmed killed at Bwok village and seven at Dorong.

He confirmed the killing of every member of two households in the village during the attack, adding, “we

were shocked by the attack because we had no quarrel with any group or person and have been living in peace with non natives in our midst.”

‘They wore military uniform' A similar story was told by a community leader at Rawure village, Mr. Job Chollom, who said the attackers wore military uniform.

He said they surrounded the village before launching the attack, killing a man, his wife and their young children aged one, four and 10 years. He added that five people were injured in the attack.

Confirming the attack, the Interim Administrator of Barakin-Ladi Local Government, Mr. Habila Dungs said a total of 40 people were killed in the four villages in what he described as a well coordinated attack.

Spokesman of the Special Task Force, STF, in the state, Captain Salisu Mustapha, also confirmed the incident in a statement.

According to the statement, STF personnel on receiving the report moved to the scenes to restore order, adding that the gunmen fled on sighting the troops.

Villagers accuse security agents However, some of the villagers complained to newsmen that no help came from security men, who were not too far away while the attack lasted.

Speaking after the mass burial for those killed at Tatu, the outgoing President of Church of Christ in All Nations, COCIN, Reverend Soja Bewarang condemned the killings, wondering why it COMMISSIONING: From left— Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb could happen with security Olubolade and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, at the commissioninig of Inspector Sunday Bada Police men around.

He urged government and Housing Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, yesterday. the security agencies to take necessary steps to check the frequent attacks on innocent communities as the attackers appeared bent on wiping out the people of the state.

BY SAMUEL million ransom being confusion among his victim’s family, said the police OYADONGHA demanded by the kidnappers. kidnappers to release his are on the trail of the STF kills 3 The commissioner had, father unconditionally just as kidnappers.

Meanwhile, three people He said: “We have deployed were reportedly shot dead by ENAGOA— THE weekend, told Vanguard that he he expressed optimism in the kidnappers of Pa Uroh had handed over everything to ability of the security agencies a crack team of operatives members of the STF at from the anti-kidnapping Shishiri, Pajat Ward of Nelson Tempurah, father of God and had prayed for divine to rise up to the occasion.

Contacted, the state Police squad to strategic locations in Langtang North Local Bayelsa State Commissioner intervention, wondering why for Tourism Development, Mr. anybody would want to Public Relations Officer, Mr. the creeks and they are on the Government Area of Plateau Nelson Belief, have demanded subject his aged father to such Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed trail of the kidnappers. They State, following a commotion that the kidnappers had would be fish out and brought during the councillorship for N98 million ransom before trauma.

He prayed God to cause established contact with their to book.” they would be set him free. primaries of Peoples The septuagenarian was Democratic Party, PDP, in the seized from his Minibeleu area. country home at Akassa on the A group of young men, Atlantic fringe of Brass last alleged to have been drunk, Wednesday by armed gunmen. were said to have attacked one

BY IKECHUKWU The heavily armed of NBA, Chief Okey Wali impunity and make of the officials conducting the NNOCHIRI kidnappers were said to have (SAN), said the National allegations against members primaries. stormed the coastal settlement Executive Committee, NEC, of the bench, and are not The security men attempted BUJA— CONCERNED of the organisation, at the end called upon to substantiate the to rescue him but were in a speedboat at 2.56a.m. about the level of of its meeting in Lafia, claims cannot be good for our allegedly attacked, forcing It was, however, learnt that the gunmen contacted Mr. corruption within the justice Nasarawa State on November judiciary.” them to open fire on the Belief Monday night, sector, the Nigerian Bar 22, “resolved to welcome Consequently, it urged the rampaging youths. demanding for the N98 million Association, NBA, yesterday, prompt action on such NJC and security agencies to The youths allegedly threw urged the Economic and investigations ransom. and thoroughly investigate such stones and other missiles at the Crimes developments.”

A source close to the troubled Financial allegations, and when soldiers, who reportedly family told Vanguard that the Commission, EFCC, to make NBA said it would not stand established, “punish the repelled them by firing shots. kidnappers allowed the old public the names of all sitting by and watch politicians judicial officer involved and The killings resulted in man to speak with his son on judges currently under rubbish the reputation of any if the allegation is found to be pandemonium as angry youths investigation, saying it will be good and hard working judge false and a mere smear began a protest, creating phone.

The commissioner, who in the interest of the nation across the federation through campaign and blackmail, mayhem. confirmed the development, to ‘name and shame’ such frivolous petitions to anti- prosecute and punish the The STF Media Officer, said: “Yes. I spoke with my judicial officers. graft agencies. person making such spurious Captain Salisu Mustapha, Briefing newsmen in Abuja, father yesterday” (Monday).

It said: “A situation where allegation for false could not be reached for He also confirmed the N98 yesterday, National President people go on air with information. comments at press time.

Kidnappers of Bayelsa commissioner's father want N98m

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NBA TO EFCC: Publicise name of corrupt judges

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—9

Ecobank in anonymous e-mail, hacking row

BY OMOH GABRIEL, Business Editor

E

CONVOCATION: From left— Vice-Chancellor, Joseph Ayodele Babalola University, JABU; Prof. Sola Fajana; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Guest Lecturer, Governor Kayode Fayemi; and Chairman/Pro-Chancellor, JABU, Prof. Anthony Ihimevbore, during the 4th convocation lecture of JABU at Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Monday.

MURDERED NIGERIAN: UK Police place £10,000 bounty on killer

BY UDUMA KALU, with agency report

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HE London Metropolitan Police has offered £10,000 reward for information that will help track down and arrest a convicted murderer on the run for killing a Nigerian student in London.

Lerone Boye, 27, the alleged murderer, was sentenced to 28 years last December for the murder of 17-year-old Nigerian, Kelvin Chibueze.

Boye had stabbed Chibueze to death at a birthday party in Ilford in August 2011. He has not been seen since he escaped from the John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road in Homerton on October 16.

Scotland Yard said there is “some intelligence to suggest” that Boye may be in the east London area . He is also known to have links to Barking, Newham and Ilford.

The London police officers describe Boye as a “black man who is 5 feet 10 inches tall and of slim build.

He had a distinctive horseshoe shape scar on his right cheek and a gold tooth in his upper row of teeth.

When last seen, he was said to be wearing a grey-blue sweat-shirt with a grey vest over the top. He was also wearing grey jogging bottoms. He had short hair and a goatee beard.

Members of the public are advised not to approach Boye, but to call 999 if they see him.

Four killers stabbed Chibueze to death after chasing him out of a nightclub brandishing champagne and brandy bottles.

Kelvin Chibueze, 17, rushed out of a private party at an east London venue after he was

attacked in a mass brawl involving knives and bar stools.

The youth tripped outside a supermarket and the rival gang members sat on his legs to stop him running away before stabbing him repeatedly with a foot-long blade.

Dale Williams, 21, Lerone Boye, 25, Hugo Nwankwo, 18, and Roger Damali, 31, denied murder, but were convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey.

A judge condemned Britain’s ‘endemic’ knife culture as he jailed the four members of the Barking-based

Harts Lane street gang for 93 years in total.

A fifth man, deaf-mute Ibrahim Zakari, 21, who threw a bottle at Kelvin during the chase, was earlier jailed for two years, but walked free because he had already served more than a year in jail on remand.

Asari-Dokubo arrested in Benin Republic

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HE leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, was yesterday arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

A statement by his lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said Dokubo was picked up by the police between 1p.m. and 2p.m. around the Lubeleyi Roundabout, and taken to an unknown destination.

The wealthy former militant reportedly opened a private university in the Benin Republic, the King Amachree

African University that is preparing to start degreeawarding programmes in 2014.

Keyamo said: “We want to emphasise that Alhaji AsariDokubo carries on legitimate business and has been living partly in Benin Republic for many years now.

“In fact, he owns houses, schools and an academy in that country. All these places have been searched and nothing incriminating was found.”

He suggested that Dokubo’s arrest and detention may be a

ploy by “certain forces in Nigeria in unholy alliance with the Beninoise government” to keep his client away as 2015 approaches.

“We call on the Nigerian government to immediately intervene and ensure that no harm befalls him and to use all diplomatic means to secure his immediate release and safe return to Nigeria,” he added.

Dokubo has in recent times vowed that unless Mr. President Jonathan retains the presidency in 2015, Nigeria would break up.

C O B A N K Transnational is embroiled in yet another row over an anonymous e-mail accusing the chief executive of the bank of mismanagement.

The bank, in a move to get to the root of the email, sued a top executive who left the company in November, naming him in a civil complaint in Togo as the author of an anonymous e-mail accusing chief executive, Thierry Tanoh of mismanagement.

The executive, David Lawson, denied that he wrote the e-mail and said he had been unfairly dismissed.

He accused Ecobank executives, including Tanoh, of hacking his phone and e-mail account in a fruitless search for evidence against him.

The company denied wrongdoing.

The row comes as Ecobank tries to shore up confidence in its governance after a Nigerian industry watchdog, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, began investigating the way it reported financial results.

The bank’s chairman Mr. Kolapo Lawson, had earlier stepped aside from the bank and he is expected to retire from the Board of Directors by December 31.

How terrorism tag on Boko Haram affects Nigerians— USA's agency

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IGERIANS travelling to the United States of America, USA, will be affected by the country’s recent tagging of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, as a terrorist group.

On November 13, the U.S. designated the sect and Ansaru militant groups as foreign terrorist organisations with the State Department describing the move as “an important” step to help Nigeria “root out violent extremism.”

A statement by the State Department said: “These designations are an important and appropriate step, but only

one tool in what must be a comprehensive approach by the Nigerian government to counter these groups.”

It means that the U.S. justice system was now empowered to block all financial dealings or transactions between America and these organisations.

However, the influential US think-tank, Council of Foreign Policy, has said that the designation goes beyond blocking of the group’s financial transactions.

Reacting to the tag, the council through former ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.

John Campbell, said: “The response to Boko Haram and other jihadist insurgencies is shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Nigeria and the Sahel.

“But despite rhetoric to the contrary, the region remains a marginal U.S. priority.

“Though the November 13 Foreign Terrorist Organizations, FTO, designation received media attention, its practical consequences are limited, most involving visa restrictions and checks on financial support of American origins.

“But the vague wording of

the designation could pose administrative difficulties for Nigerians not connected to jihadist movements.

“Official U.S. rhetoric is focused increasingly on security issues, rather than development or other conventional goals in the Sahel.

“Announcing the November 13 designation of Boko Haram and its splinter, Ansaru, as FTO would assist U.S. and other law enforcement partners in efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist suspects.”

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Builder jailed 7 years for rape

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44 year old builder, Tony Okogwu has been sentenced by an Ogwashi-Uku High Court to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine, for raping a 16 year old secondary school girl in the bush.

He was found guilty on a two count charge of assault and rape, punishable under sections 355 and 358 of the Criminal Law Code, Cap C.21, Volume 1 Laws of Delta State, 2006.

Prosecution had told the court that, “Tony Okogwu on or about the 28th day of February, 2012 at Ogwashi-Uku within the Ogwashi-Uku Judicial Division made love to the 16 year old secondary school girl without her consent after forcefully dragging the girl, who cried helplessly, into the bush."

The victim (names withheld) while narrating her ordeal in tears, said she was returning from an errand when the convict accosted her, grabbed her and before she knew what was happening, he bundled her into a nearby bush and raped her.

Attack on women: OPD prosecutes over 7,000 cases

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS — THE Office of the Public Defender, OPD, has prosecuted more than 7000 court cases of violence against women and other related cases in Lagos State from January 2013 till date.

Director of OPD, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, disclosed this at an interactive session, organised by a group in collaboration with Women Arise for Change Initiative at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

According to Rotimi: "OPD was established in the year 2000 to provide free legal representation to all residents of Lagos State irrespective of their social status.

Fashola approves 5 pedestrian bridges along Lagos Epe highway

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has ordered the construction of five pedestrian bridges along Lagos Epe Expressway in the state This came a week after some

pupils of Ikota Primary School, Ikota, along the busy road were killed by a truck.

Fashola disclosed this, yesterday, through his deputy, Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, at the '2013 Be Road Friendly, BRF' competition organised by the Lagos State School Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme, at Alausa,

Ikeja, with the theme, 'Promoting Child Safety through Media Jingles.'

The governor said: "The construction of the five pedestrian bridges for this axis has taken off, and relevant agencies have been mandated to ensure that the construction is completed."

Fashola while speaking on the

COMPETITION: From left, Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Fashola on Transport Education; Mr. Oluseyi Coker, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation; Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, representing Governor Fashola, and Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Commissioner for Transportation, during the Final of the '2013 Be Road Friendly, BRF,' competition, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

accident, said the driver of the vehicle which allegedly killed the students had been apprehended and would be made to face the full weight of the law.

According to him: "This will serve as a deterrent to other drivers in the state, to drive carefully and adhere to the traffic signs and symbols on the road."

He appealed to officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, to ensure that students crossing where there were no pedestrian bridges were assisted.

Also, speaking at the 2013 Community Day Celebration with the theme, 'Community Transformation through People's Empowerment,' Fashola noted that several challenges had been identified in various local government areas, urging the community dwellers to exercise patience as government would soon tackle such challenges.

He stressed that the success of the society and the state depended on the success of the communities, pointing out that each community is yearning for government attention according to their needs.

Four Lagos land bureau officials docked over N100m fraud

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS —Four officials of the Land Bureau of the Lagos State government were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate court over alleged conspiracy and stealing of N100 million belonging to the government.

Three of the officials, Iyabo Ogunde, Ahmed Kolawole and Yemisi Okewole were charged separately on a 17 count while Kehinde Kenku was arraigned on a three count charge.

Another five count of stealing

and conversion of government fund was preffered against Yemisi Okewole.

They were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe. Moment the charges were read to them they all pleaded not guilty.

While the trio of Iyabo Ogunde, Ahmed Kolawole, Yemisi Okewole are facing 17 count charge for alleged fraudulent transactions and stealing of government revenue to the tune of N87,078,000, Yemisi Okewole and Kehinde Kenku are facing two separate 5 count and 3 count charges respectively to the tune of N13,340,143.94.

Mr Femi Adamson who was prosecuting the case from the ministry of justice, Alausa said the offences committed by the defendants was contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17 Law of Lagos State 2003.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants whilst in the employment of the Lagos State Government at the Lands Bureau between July and December 2011 did conspire to commit felony to wit - stealing.

The charge read in part: “That you, Iyabo Ogunde ‘F’ whilst in the employment of the Lagos State Government, and one Sodiq

‘M’ now at large on or about the 1st of July, 2011 at the Lands Bureau, Ikeja, Lagos in the Ikeja Magisterial District did steal the sum of N10,000,000 in the Oceanic Bank Draft No. 00001236 dated 1st of July, 2011 as evident in the forged Lagos State Revenue receipt No. 15370230 dated July, issued in favour of Messrs. Abiodun Doherty and Joseph Olufemi Williams and having converted the proceeds to your personal use thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (1) and punishable under Section 390(6) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17 Law of Lagos State 2003.”

Unity schools, others begin nationwide strike

BY VICTOR AHIUMAdiate past Minister of Education, YOUNG & KELECHI AZUBUIKE Professor Rukayyatu Ahmed

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BUJA — MEMBERS of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, in the Federal Ministry of Education including the Headquarters of the Ministry, the Inspectorate Departments and the 104 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide, yesterday, began a four-day warning strike over alleged government refusal to implement agreement between Federal Government and Labour on members’ conditions of service, among others.

ASCSN and management of the Federal Ministry of Education presided over by the imme-

Rufai, had on March 11, 2013, reached agreement on pending labour issues affecting members of the union in the ministry.

Leaders of ASCSN in a letter to the supervising Minister of Education, and cpoied the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister, Labour and Productivity, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the Director General, Department of State Service, DSS, intimating them about the commencement of the warning strike, threatened that if government did not address the union’s demands between yesterday and the end of the warning

strike, other actions including a full blown nationwide strike would be declared to force government to implement the agreement and improve the living conditions of members in the ministry.

ASCSN in the letter through its Secretary General Secretary, Alade Bashir Lawal dated November 25, noted that “it is pertinent to state here that the ultimatum given to the Ministry has now expired and nothing concrete was done to implement the agreement even though we have been able to confirm the release of about N825 million by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to the Federal Ministry of Education to pay outstanding promotion ar-

rears to members of staff in the Ministry.

The sum of N298,297,913 out of this amount was actually released in December, 2012, representing promotion arrears for 2011 while N527,643,440 was released for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 promotion arrears.”

The letter, however, stated that “It is, however, disheartening to note that eight months after the signing of the agreement and three months after the August 27, 2013 meeting, almost all the issues agreed upon, particularly payment of promotion arrears to affected members of staff were not implemented by the Ministry."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—11

HID Awolowo, source of inspiration — Amosun

Osun spends N2bn on waterways expansion

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BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — OSUN State Government has in the last three years spent about N2 billion to expand water ways in the state to prevent the perenial flooding ravaging the state.

Osun State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye made this disclosure, yesterday, while featuring on the programme, ‘Newspoint,’ by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents’ Chapel, Osun State.

Professor Oyawoye explained that the present administration had been able to stop the menace of flood in the state in the past three years, stressing that the proactive measure of the government had saved many lives and property in the state.

According to him: “Flooding was the order of the day when this administration came on board in 2011, but in the last three years of this government nothing of such has happened. The government has been able to expand over 120 kilometres of water ways in over 100 communities.”

LAW WEEK: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Gloria Olagoke; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), and National First Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Osas Erhabor, representing NBA president, during the annual Sapara Williams Memorial Law Week, at Kings Centre, Ilesa, Osun State, yesterday.

Ex-Nigeria Airways workers vow to sabotage new national carrier zSenate denies suspending national carrier

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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UNDREDS OF exNigeria Airways workers, yesterday, stormed the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, threatening to sabotage the floating of a new national carrier, Nigerian Eagle as proposed by the Federal Government until their N70billion severance benefits were fully paid.

The ex-Nigeria Airways staff, who protested peacefully at the airport, chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards with inscriptions such “A labourer deserves his wages,” “Pay us our

CHANGE OF NAME EPHRAIM—I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IBIYE THEODORE EPHRAIM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IBIYE THEODORE ABIYE ROBERTS. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

20 years benefits,” among others.

The workers lamented that they were only paid five years benefits in 2007 out of the 25 years pay off that was recommended by the inter ministerial report to the government.

They claimed other ex-workers of Nigeria Airways in London, USA, Italy and other parts of the world were fully paid 25 years severance benefits, arguing that all they wanted at the moment was for the government to pay them the remaining 20 years.

Speaking, an ex-worker of Nigeria Airways, Mr. Austin Njoku said: “You are aware that since they liquidated Nigeria Airways after telling us lies, they decided to pay a fraction of what government had computed for us, but they paid the foreign based workers their 25 years severance package fully.”

“It has been six years since we were paid the five years benefit, all we are asking for is for the government to pay us the outstanding 20 years or else we will ground the aviation industry.”

Lending his voice, Chairman of both the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, and Aviation Union Grand Alliance, AUGA, in Nigeria Airways, Ibrahim Husseni said he was surprised by the way the government was treating the former workers.

According to him: “Is it because we are blacks, you pay the exNigeria Always workers living in London, USA, Italy and other parts of the world, yet they only paid us five years out of 25 years severance package, you know that is not right.

“Since they are changing to a new pension scheme, all we are saying is that they should pay us off.,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, denied the report that it has suspended the proposal to make Eagle Airline the national carrier, saying it has no such report before it.

Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation, Hope Uzodinma, Imo West while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, said his committee was not aware of such a proposal.

Senator Uzodinma who said the matter had not been brought before the aviation committee, pointed out that the issue would be dealt with if it was eventually brought before the committee.

He, however, said it was possible that some lawmakers may have had individually spoken with some newsmen on the proposed national carrier.

“It is not before us and whosoever speaks on it did that as an individual; not as a position of the committee which I chair”, he said.

FAAN terminates MMIA access toll concession agreement

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

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HE FEDERAL Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday, took over the operations of the access toll gate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos after terminating its concession agreement with I Cube West Africa Limited.

Confirming the development, General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati claimed the take-over of the access tollgate became necessary because I Cube West Africa Limited could not remit N40million to the agency as agreed by both parties, arguing that the take-over would bring in more revenue to the agency.

GUN STATE Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has expressed his heartfelt felicitations to the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Yeye Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, who clocked 98, Monday.

Amosun, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser, Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama said Mama Awolowo remained a source of inspiration to all, as generations upon generations continued to draw from her wealth of experience.

“HID remains the quintessence of honesty, discipline, integrity, modesty and compassion,” the governor said.

Mysterious goat delivers human-like kid in Ekiti

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO EKITI — A mystery was recorded in the rural community of Olori Oko near Ogotun Ekiti in Ekiti South-West Local Government of Ekiti State as a goat allegedly gave birth to a strange creature .

Olori- Oko, a farm stead dominated by people of Ede and Modakeke in Osun State is about six kilometres to Ogotun Ekiti and three kilometres away from Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State, with about 500 residents, witnessed a huge, bewildered crowd that stormed the serene community from the neighboring towns and villages to catch a glimpse at the strange birth.

According to an eye witness, who is also a member of the community, Mr. Ganiyu Adetokun, the strange goat delivered the kid at about 6a.m., yesterday, after a long and protracted labour which lasting for about 10 hours.

According to him, a Pastor, Daniel Odedele, resident in the community had to intervene by forcing the baby out of the goat’s genital when it was apparent that it could not deliver it unaided.

His words: “Strangely, the kid had human hairs on its head and female genital similar to that of human being. Then people started raising alarm.”

The kid was said to have survived for about one and a half hours before it died.

12 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Edo youths vow to resist pumping of crude oil from Edo to Delta

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—YOUTHS from Orogho, an oil producing community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have vowed to resist any attempt by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited to continue pumping crude oil produced from the community to Okpororo in Delta State.

The youths, who staged a peaceful protest at the Edo State House of Assembly, in Benin, against the operations of Seplat Petroleum and Newcross Petroleum Limited, expressed dissatisfaction with the operations of the companies, insisting that their operations and attitude smack of deceit and infidelity to the community.

A protest letter by Charles Eghaghe (Chairman) and Osasogie Omoruyi (Secretary), for Orogho Community Development Association, which was handled to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Uyi Igbe and copied to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, accused both companies of lacking transparency, honesty and sincerity.

They accused the oil exploitation companies of trying to weaken the productive base and capacity of Edo State in

favour of neigbouring Delta State.

“We can no longer tolerate the fraudulent manipulations to cede oil wells to Delta State. Well 4 is clearly in Orogholand and by extension, Edo State. Evidence produced through joint efforts by Edo and Delta States Surveyor-Generals, speaks volume of this fact,” the youths said.

They also demanded the appointment of one of their own as Community Liaison Officer to act as intermediary between the companies and the community, adding that the companies should wake up to their corporate social responsibilities to the community.

The youths appealed to Governor Oshiomhole and

the Speaker of the state House of Assembly to intervene to avert restiveness, rancour and possible breach of the peace in the area.

Receiving the protesting youths, the Speaker commended them for their orderly manner and behaviour, promising that the House Committee on Oil and Gas had been mandated to look into their petition.

WORKSHOP: From left: Representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Fikpabo Ikibe; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie and Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, at Tetfund 2013 Strategic Planning Workshop, in Abuja, yesterday.

Edo Assembly lifts ban on suspended council boss

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—EDO State House of Assembly, yes-

Garden of Life Assembly celebrates Gideon 2013 festival of seeds

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ARDEN of Life Assembly celebrates its annual festivals of seeds on December 1, 2013.

The event will hold at 7, All Saints Lane, off Okere/Ugborikoko, Efferun, Delta State.

A statement by the host, Bishop Philip Edward, said Chief Thomas Ereyitomi will be the Royal Guest of Honour, while Visiting Guest will be High Chief Government Ekpemopolo, alias Tompolo.

terday, lifted the suspension placed on the chairman of Uhumnwonde Local Government Area of the state, Mr Roland Alari.

The decision was sequel to the report of the Adhoc Committee headed by the lawmaker representing Egor constituency in the House, Mr. Paul Ohonbanmu, which was set up by the House to investigate what led to fight between some councillors and the Special Adviser to the chairman on Security Matters, Mr Ajayi.

Alari, was suspended by the House last week after a fight between some of his aides and some councillors, following which the House set up a committee to investigate the matter.

However, Ohonbanmu, who read the report of the committee, said that the council

boss was not at the scene of the incident during the fracas, adding that it would be unfair to punish him for what he was not part of.

However, the committee recommended that the chairman’s Adviser on Security, who fought the councillors be sacked immediately and warned that he must not be allowed to work at the coun-

cil in any capacity.

Consequently, the House lifted the suspension on Mr Alari and directed that he should resume immediately.

The House further directed the Clerk of the House to forward the resolution to the state governor.

Delta Govt nominates dead man for Assembly’s screening

BY AUSITN OGWUDA

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SABA—THERE was a mild drama, yesterday, at the sitting of the Delta State House of Assembly, as one of the seven persons nominated to be appointed into Delta State Tourism Board, was discovered to be deceased.

The executive had sent the seven nominees to the House for confirmation, namely, Efe Afe, Peter Okolotu, Hyacinth Iyere, James Youmu, Amah Agbajoh, Abel Eyube and Joe Morgan.

However, during the screening, when the fourth nominee on the list, James Youmu, was called up, Efe Afe, who was screened as chairman of the board and a former member of the House, drew the attention of the House that James Youmu had since died even before the names were sent to the House.

Also, one Mrs. Gift Gomere, nominated for appointment into Delta State Broadcasting Service, DBS, Warri, was sent back when she appeared for screening,for being “improperly dressed,” while another person nominated for appointment into Delta State Rural Development Agency, RDA, Friday Okoh, was also sent back for unruly behaviour, as he was spotted chewing gum while standing before the Mace.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 13

Group lauds Jonathan on new NDDC Board

Court strikes out rape charge against student

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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ORT HARC O U R T — YOUTHS under the aegis of Niger Delta Youths for Positive Attitude Change and Progress, NDYPACP, have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for constituting a new board for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and the appointment of Mr Bassey Dan Abia to head the commission.

In a statement by its President, Enisuo Emmanuel, the group called on the Senate to quickly ratify the appointment of the new board, so that it could move into action without further delay.

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CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY: From left: Chief Faith Gbagi, Chairman, Anniversary Committee; Mr Mike Eboh, a security official, HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom; one of his palace chiefs and Mr. Okponu Gabriel, during the monarch’s arrival for Sapele Athletic Club’s Centenary Anniversary.

Ex-militants warned to stop blackmailing Kuku

BY SONI DANIEL

Foundation boosts hospitals, orphanages in Delta with beddings

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—AFRICAN Child Foundation has donated hospital beddings to selected hospitals and orphanage homes in Delta State as part of its activities to mark the end of the year.

President of the Foundation, Prince Donald Onos, while presenting the items at Eku Baptist Hospital, Eku, Shepherd Care International Centre Eku and the General Hospital, Ekpan, noted that the exercise was in fulfilment of the foundation’s desire to provide care and succor for the African child.

Onos urged the recipients to make judicious use of the items donated to them for the benefit of the African child.

Director of Administration of Eku Baptist Hospital, Dr. Joseph Ogbemudia, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, expressed appreciation to the foundation for considering the hospital among the recipients.

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SSOCIATION for NonViolence in the Niger Delta, ANND, has warned persons and groups attacking the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to desist forthwith or face its wrath.

The ex-militants had, in a statement by their Publicity Secretary, Diepreye Dikibo, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sack Kuku, whom they accused of incompetence and mismanagement of the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme for former agitators in the Niger Delta.

ANND, in a statement by its President, Mr. Kennedy West, dismissed the accusations as tissues of lies meant to tarnish Kuku’s reputation, adding that no such group exists in the Niger Delta region.

It said: “The so-called ELF allegations against Kuku are laughable, blatant lies and a cheap blackmail. The public and Mr. President should dicountenance the allegation because these people are ghosts.

“For instance, who are the people in the Ex-militants’ Leadership Forum? Where is their office and who is their

president? Is Diepreye Dikibo, an ex-militant and from which camp? Who knows him among the ex-militants? We know the ‘General’ Reuben Wilson-led group of former ex-militant leaders. We know the one led by ‘General’ Busta Rhymes. So, who is the ELF leader?”

West said that the ELF was a creation of political detractors bent on tarnishing the image of Kuku, who he said, has been working hard to bring the presidential amnesty programme to where it is today, leading to the training of thousands of youths from the Niger Delta, within and outside the country.

Delta confirms kidnap of expatriate engineer

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ELTA State Government, yesterday, confirmed the kidnap of an expatriate engineer, Mr Haitham Jamarkami, a Syrian working for Palmyra Construction Company.

The Commissioner for Works, Chief Funkekeme Solomon, confirmed this to journalists when he visited the site of the construction company in Orhonor, Ethiope East Local Government Area.

He said that Jamarkami, who was abducted while on duty, was kidnapped around noon on Monday.

Solomon appealed to members of the community to assist security agencies with relevant information which could facilitate the rescue of the kidnapped expatriate.

The commissioner also appealed to construction firms in the state not to be deterred by the incident, assuring them that the state government would provide adequate security for them.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday

Onoriode, the Transition Chairman of Ethiope East council, appealed to the community not to thwart the efforts of the state government in ensuring that the dividends of democracy got to the grassroots.

Onoriode, however, bemoaned

the incidence of kidnapping in the area, appealing to members of the community to cooperate with security agencies in efforts to secure the release of the abducted engineer and ensure the culprits’ arrest.

AGOS—MAGISTRATE Sule Hamzat of an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, has struck out the rape charge against a 22year-old undergraduate of Caleb University, Lagos, Ugochukwu Agud o s i .

Agudosi, was arraigned on September 16, 2013 before the court for allegedly raping a 22yearold lady.

At the resumed hearing in the matter, tdefence counsel said: “We have complied with the order for an affidavit of undertaking that the defendant will be of good behaviour. We apply that the case be struck out.”

Magistrate Hamzat in her ruling, said: “In view of the peculiarity of this matter, the court is of the view that there is a need to bind the defendant over to be of good behaviour. The defendant was once arraigned before court 6, Ikeja, on similar charge which was eventually struck out only to be arraigned on a similar offence on September 16.

“The complainant in this matter having written a letter of withdrawal forgiving the defendant, but to strike out the charge against the defendant, the defendant is hereby bound over to be of good behaviour for a period of one year failing which he shall be taken to prison custody for a period not less than 150 days. The charge against the defendant is hereby, struck out.”

C-River guber race: Group urges support for NNPC boss

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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HEAD of the 2015 governorship election in Cross River State, the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, has been urged to keep its promise of ensuring that the governorship position of the state was zoned to Cross River North senatorial district after Governor Liyel Imoke’s second term.

Jedy Solidarity Movement, JSM, a socio-cultural organisation, which made the call while briefing newsmen in Lagos, charged the people of Cross River State to support the aspiration of a Group General Manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Goddy JedyAgba, to succeed the incumbent governor in 2015.

The Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Utsu Atsu, said

though Mr. Jedy-Agba was yet to make public his intention to contest the election, he was convinced that he wants to run for the governorship position.

Commending Governor Imoke and PDP’s courage for insisting that the governorship of the state be zoned to the North senatorial district, Atsu called on Cross Riverians to chart a new course by supporting Jedy-Agba for the political office.

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Anambra CP meets with Area Commanders, DPOs

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—THE new Anambra State commissioner of police, Mr. Gwary Usman Akila yesterday, met with area commanders and divisional police officers in the state on how to ensure security, assuring that those returning for the Yuletide would be properly secured.

Akila replaced Mr. Bala Nasarawa who has been posted to Umuahia as the AIG in charge of Zone nine.

Addressing reporters in his office, Akila said Anambra is a state that needed proper policing, but insisted that since the police cannot do it alone, the cooperation of the public was highly needed.

He said: “My predecessors had done well and I want to improve on what they did. So, I am prepared to take the bull by the horn and my men have assured me that they will cooperate with me.”

Ma Chibuzor dies @ 86

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RS. CHIBUZOR C a r o l y n e Onwuzuruike (nee) Mbanaso, 86, of Amawom Mbom Ibeku in Afarata Autonomous Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State is dead.

A statement by Emmanuel Ibeleme, said she will be buried in her husband’s compound on Friday, November 29, after a funeral service at the Christian Foundation Pentecostal Church, Umuahia Ibeku, Abia State.

She is survived by the wodower, Elder Peter Onwuzuruike, nine children, including Dr. Felix Ikechi Onwuzuruike, Hon Eric Onyekachi Onwuzuruike and Dr Eddie O’ike.

Late Ma Onwuzuruike

Count PDP out of Anambra supplementary poll —NWOYE

BY VINCENT UJUMADU & ENYIMENYIM WKA—THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Anambra gubernatorial election, Mr. Tony Nwoye said yesterday that his party will not be part of the supplementary election in 211 polling units as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for next Saturday, November 30.

Briefing reporters in Awka, director-general of Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation, Prince Osita Ezenwa said the national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, who said PDP would participate in the supplementary election, is on his own.

Ezenwa said: “We want to dispel and of course reiterate our earlier stand that we are not part of the November 30 supplementary governorship election. We wonder when Olisa Metuh, a national spokesman of the party suddenly fell from the Olympian heights to be the spokesman of our candidate without consultation.

“We want to make it clear that since the November 16 gubernatorial election, no meeting had been held by any officer of the party or National Working Committee, NWC, to discuss whether the party or our candidate should participate in the Saturday election or not.

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“Our candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye, has said it over and over, that he will not be part of it and that if PDP participates in the said election, it means giving credibility to an illegal act.

“Metuh should realize the limit of his office. He cannot continue putting words into the mouth of the PDP candidate in the state.

“The position of our party is

that we are not going to be part of the election. Metuh is on his own and what he is doing is at variance with the views of the majority of the people of Anambra State.”

Also speaking, the director of protocol of the campaign organization, Mr. Ken Arinze said PDP would pursue the matter legally to ensure that

justice was done.

He commended the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga, Tukur for standing behind the PDP governorship candidate in the November 16 election and urged PDP supporters in the state to remain calm and stay at home on Saturday during the supplementary election by INEC.

MEETING: Outgoing chairman, Chief Israel Ogbue (right) congratulating the new Chairman, Ambassador Joe Keshi, during the meeting of the board of directors of United Bank for Africa Plc in Lagos.

....Rights groups protest ‘failed’ guber poll O

BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—A coalition of human rights groups, comprising Movement for the Survival of Democracy, MSD, World Alliance Against Terrorism, Violence and Inhuman Treatment, WAATVIT, and Institute for Peace and Justice, IPJ, yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration against what they termed as malpractices

that marred the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

During the demonstration that lasted about two hours, the groups threatened to sue the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukogu to court if he failed to

Ngige is deceiving Nwoye, says Obi’s aide

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BY CHARLES KUMOLU

WKA—SENIOR Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Anambra State governor, Mr. Valentine Obienyem has accused the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Chris Ngige of deceiving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate Comrade Tony Nwoye against participating in the rescheduled supplementary election, in order to garner more votes.

He also alleged Ngige was soliciting secretly for votes ahead the exercise, against his party’s decision not to participate in the election.

A statement by Obineyem urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to be distracted by what he described as unfounded allegations by the APC candidate.

give account of how he applied the funds voted for the conduct of the election.

Addressing the demonstrators at the BridgeHead, Onitsha, spokesman for the coalition , Mr Anthony.

Orunkoya, asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to as a

matter of urgency, investigate the tax payers’ money that was voted for the exercise.

Orunkoya threatened that the coalition would go to court to compel EFCC to probe the huge expenditure for the flawed election using the Freedom of Information, FOI, Act as a guide.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 2013 —15

NPDP’S

MERGER WITH APC IN ABUJA, YESTERDAY. PIX: GBENGA OLAMIKAN

From left: Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako, Kano State governor, Musa Kwankawso, All Pressives Congress, APC, Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC Leader, Ogbonnaya Onu, former nPDP Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, APC National Chairman, Bisi Akande and others, after the merger between nPDP and APC in Abuja.

Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi (right) and former Kwara State governor, Senator Bukola Saraki.

Former Osun State governor and National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande (right) and former Peoples Demcratic Party, PDP, Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Chief Ogbonnaya Onu (left) and former nPDP Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, at the event.

Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso (leff) and APC Leader, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

APC Leader and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, fielding questions from newsmen.

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

3 killed in Jos councillorship primaries

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS—THREE people were reportedly shot dead by members of the Special Task Force, STF, at Shishiri, Pajat Ward of Langtang North LG of Plateau State following a commotion during the councillorship primaries of the PDP in the area.

A group of young men alleged to have been drunk were said to have

attacked one of the officials conducting the primaries and the security men in an attempt to rescue him, were also allegedly attacked forcing them to open fire on the rampaging youths.

The youths allegedly threw stones and other missiles at the soldiers

who were said to have repelled them by firing shots. The killings resulted in pandemonium as angry youths in protest blocked the highway and created mayhem.

The STF Media Officer, Captain Salisu Mustapha, could not be reached for comments at the time of this report.

Police confirm theft of 20 camels by gunmen

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USAU—THE Zamfara Police Command, yesterday, confirmed the stealing of 20 camels, weekend, by suspected gunmen at Kawaye village of Anka Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, who said this while addressing newsmen in Gusau noted that the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of the area had been instructed to arrest the suspects.

The police spokesman gave assurance that the police would continue to ensure the continuous protection of persons and their property.

Abdullahi appealed to the people to always give the police useful information that would lead to the arrest of undesirable elements in the state.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, giving medication to a sickle cell patient, Master John Moses, during his visit to Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation as part of activities marking his 67th birthday celebrations in Abuja

SURE-P: Kaduna to train 7,600 youths, women

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ADUNA— KADUNA State Government, yesterday, said it would train 7,600 youths and women in various skills under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P. Governor Mukhtar Yero, who announced this at the onset of the training in Kaduna, said the

Kano completes 1,500 houses for flood victims

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A N O — S TAT E Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Idris Dambazau, said, yesterday, that the government completed the construction of 1,500 houses for flood victims in 2012.

Dambazzau told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the figure was out of the 3,000 houses it was building for victims in three local government areas.

He said the houses were constructed at the cost of N2.4 billion in Warawa, Kunci and Makoda Local Government Areas.

The commissioner said the State Government found it necessary to construct the houses so as to relocate the victims from the river banks and other flood prone areas, adding that as soon as the

second phase of the houses currently under construction was completed, they would be allocated to the victims.

He said, “We want to settle all the affected persons at the same time. That is why we have not allocated the houses so far completed.”

Dambazau who urged the victims to be patient as the state government was making effort to ensure that the houses were completed according to contractual agreement, however, declined to give time frame for the completion of the project, which he said costs N800,000 each.

programme would improve the welfare of Nigerians via the provision of infrastructure, jobs and wealth creation.

He said, “We have a total of 7,600 youths and women drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. 1,500 will be trained under women empowerment, 2,300 under youth development and 2,300 under agriculture.”

Yero noted that the youth empowerment training would cost the government N42.9 million, while its women empowerment component would cost N39.9 million.

While stressing that N66.6 million would be spent on the training on agriculture, the governor said, “At the end of the training, each beneficiary will be given a starter pack, relevant to his or her training, to enable them to establish their businesses. I call on the beneficiaries to take due advantage of this opportunity to improve on their lives.”

The Deputy Governor, Mr Nuhu Bajoga, said that the state government resolved to invest the SURE-P funds in human development so as to promote the people’s wellbeing and reverse youth restiveness.

F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar just turned 67. Naturally, friends and well-wishers, employees and political associates rolled out the drums and took volumes of pages in newspapers to remind the nation that he is still in the market, calling on Nigerians to come forward for service. The nation will take note, in the same manner it will note the rather abject prayers for forgiveness from chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Batarawa for a seeming slight. The same nation will note that a huge crowd of assorted elite had attended the installation of General T.Y. Danjuma as the Gam Gbaro Douga a few days in his native Taraba State. It will be the same nation which is watching the unfolding drama over the prospects of a Jonathan candidature in 2015; the possibility that General Muhammadu Buhari may fly APC’s flag in 2015, and the alarming lessons being drawn from the furore in the elections in Anambra State.

Atiku deserves his day in the sun. He is, by any standard, a veteran with the deep scars to show for it. He never really left the trenches, and it is quite possible that he wouldn’t know where to go outside it. He is not the last man standing, but he is standing with the best of them. At 67, with an enviable warchest to deploy and an ambition burning as hot as ever, Atiku is not easy to ignore. He represents the best and the worst faces of Nigerian politics, but he has many people who will contest this.

Here is a man that has earned his stripes by taking huge risks, often coming unstuck.

He cut his teeth playing the awesome game orchestrated by the late Shehu Yar’Adua which was designed to show that Nigerians can emerge as leaders enjoying nationwide support if they deploy intelligence and resources all over the place in equal measure. His boss paid the supreme sacrifice when he dared too far, and left behind a veritable machine that showed all the promises of providing a solid pan-Nigeria leadership. Come 1999, it made the fatal mistake of succumbing to the temptations to submit to a resurgent PDP, a party made up of people the late Yar’Adua barely tolerated. Elected as Governor in Adamawa State, he was tempted to play second fiddle to Obasanjo rather than stay and build a model state in Adamawa. As Vice President, he started with the image of the man who pulled Obasanjo’s strings; the politician who brought politics into governance in a presidency of an ex-military leader who was initially unsure over how deep he can go. The more Obasanjo gained confidence and space, the more Atiku lost that grip.

By the end of his first term, Obasanjo had come to the realisation that he needed to build his own political base and his own warchest to create autonomy from Atiku, PDM, PDP and Northern politicians. The botched attempt to abandon Obasanjo and

Atiku

*Atiku Abubakar his ambitions to run again in 2003 was visited on Atiku, and while many attempts were made to reconcile the two, there was too much suspicion and bitterness on all sides to engineer a real and lasting reconciliation.

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basanjo started his second term with a Vice President he did not trust, a realisation that real power cannot be shared, and a worrying perception that he alone represented the key to building a nation that will meet the minimum standards of Nigerians and the global community. The routine business of governance was basically run without Atiku. New ministers with technocratic backgrounds ignored him.

There was more than a word around town that he was out of favour. He began to have state anti-corruption agencies sniffing around him and his business affairs. Any association with Atiku by businessmen was guarantee that they will not receive any more patronage from the Federal Government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, F.B.I, poured over evidence of links between him and an indicted congressman. Banks with known associations with him were raided for evidence. A sitting Vice President had everything thrown at him, and you just wondered how much he could take. To leave the Vice Presidency would have been suicidal. To stay was to make himself available for more humiliation. He stayed.

Atiku says he tried to warn Obasanjo

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 —17 the PDP in Abuja who had deep-rooted issues to settle with him.

When in 2010 leading PDP politicians from the North saw an opportunity to challenge Jonathan’s insistence at violating the party’s zoning policy by agreeing on a Northern candidate to run against him, Atiku saw his chance once again. The conclave picked him out as the best Northerner to take on Jonathan. By the time it made that decision, the damage had been done. Jonathan was portrayed as an underdog; a victim of a Northern gang-up who needed every ounce of sympathy from all non-Northerners and Christians against attempting to engineer a third term to defeat Atiku. The North also had anfor himself, for which he invoked all the other candidate in General Muhammadu wrath. Since Obasanjo has not given his Buhari, so the space available to Atiku in own version of the third term fiasco, we a region he could lay claim to was exshould believe Atiku, although it is diffitremely tight. Most people in the North cult to accept that the falling out over knew that it was going to be a Buhari – Obasanjo’s ambition was the trigger to the Jonathan fight. Atiku was taken to the spectacular collapse of a relationship that cleaners at the convention, and retreated began as if it was made in heaven. into potential oblivion again.

In any case, Obasanjo completed his secSince then, he had expanded his busiond term without Atiku even as a spare ness empire. He has one of the best prityre. You will think a man who went through vate universities in the country. He is the type of experience Atiku went through quite possibly the wealthiest of all the prowill think many times over before seeking spective presidential candidates from the another elective office. You will be wrong.

North. He started hobnobbing with the Atiku dusted himself up and went to the rebel PDP governors, but between his Action Congress looking for a ticket. He deep animosity with Governor Nyako and had to run against a virtual younger brother, Obasano’s nightmare over an Atiku ascendancy, he appears to have been dropped along the way. When the PDM was registered, people thought Atiku was building a plan B. PDP field commanders therefore turned their sights on demolishing it as a party. It is still there as a party, fighting to stay afloat in the face of massive assaults at its foundations.

Atiku is still in the PDP, a party we say he founded, and will not leave.

Perhaps Atiku sees himself again as the best PDP Northern response to Jonathan’s provocations, and waiting in the wings in the event that all the nPDP governors would have been too badlydamaged to take on Jonathan in 2015.

Perhaps he has plans to run on another platform in the event that he and the the late Umaru Yar’Adua, with substantial nPDP would have damaged PDP beyond push from many former PDM allies such repairs in the North by 2015. Perhaps he as Tinubu. He lost to Obasanjo’s hand- has plans to convince APC to give him a picked man, and went through another chance, in case General Buhari chooses not to run. Perhaps he has deeper knowlsearch for entry points.

This was where Atiku made one of his edge of the terrain, the type that lets you many questionable decisions. Abandoning hedge your bets, keep your head visible the ACN and returning to the PDP sug- above water, and strike at the right mogested that he was merely looking for op- ment.

Whatever his plans are, Atiku repreportunities to become president and realise sents the best and worst of Nigerian polia desperate, personal ambition. The ACN had nothing to lose, but the PDP saw the tics. The best because few people have opportunity to close the door in the face of remained in the bruising arena showing a politician whose personal desire to be faith that the democratic process is worth president, driven by huge wealth was likely fighting for. The worst because he stands to be disruptive and a threat to others. Atiku essentially to realise a personal ambition, spent a considerable amount of time fight- in a nation desperate to have a new gening for space in his state with minions who eration of leaders with fresh vision to give wouldn’t pick his shoes at a wedding cer- it a new lease of life. emony in his home state, and leaders of

,

“An elephant never fails to carry its tusk.--” South African Proverb.

Whatever his plans are, Atiku represents the best and worst of Nigerian politics; the best because few people have remained in the bruising arena showing faith that the democratic process is worth fighting for

,

OPINION

BY MUSILIU OBANIKORO

Continues from yesterday

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ERHAPS, the only way to cover up this disaster in waiting is the buyback of the concession right; the question is what is the state government buying?

Since it is the concession right that is being bought, it means that the state government is simply paying the other equity holdersARM and HiTech, off the project while assuming the entire liabilities of the LCC. The asset that comes with that is the completed 15km section of the road with toll revenue from one toll point. At the buy out costs of N25.3 billion the state government would have incurred a total of N30.3 billion on the road, including the N5billion officially committed at inception.

It would also inherit the total outstanding debt of N32 billion currently outstanding

Lekki-Epe Expressway concession buy-back: Begging posers on the project.

In other words, at the end of the buy back, the 15km completed section of the LekkiEpe road and the two alternative roads would have effectively costs the state government about N62.3 billion.

That is N4.15 billion per km of road in costs to the state government after purchasing the concession right. No one knows how much the state government has received in toll revenue. The newly awarded 127.6km Lagos-Ibadan express way reconstruction is expected to cost N167 billion. That represents N1.30 billion per km.

The remaining 34.4km of the road may now have to be financed with additional debt if it is to be speedily completed. At the LCC base rate of N2.3 billion per km

in construction costs, additional funding requirement to complete the road could be in excess of N83 billion. And the debt would be repaid by a combination of tax payers’ money and proceeds from toll collection. The current administration of Lagos State is poised to go down the history lane for construction of the most expensive infrastructure projects using tax payers’ money and making them pay for it again. The recently completed Admiralty hanging bridge- a 1.35km bridge with less than 500m of that bridge in the hanging section, costs the state government N29 billion in direct funding. Users now pay a minimum of N250 per vehicle to another pseudo agent of the state government- Lagos Tolling Company, (working with two foreign technical partners) - to

use the road.

There is no way, given the above, that the buyback of the concession right can be in the interest of Lagosians. It is hard to understand how the state House of Assembly was hoodwinked into allowing the request to pass without properly conducting a critical stakeholder review of the entire project considering the level of interest in that project. Lagosians deserve more than the amount of information that is available on the reacquisition of the Lekki-Epe concession right. They deserve to decide whether truly it is in their best interest that this administration is acting in relation to this project. I do not think it is in the interest of Lagosians.

Concluded •Obanikoro is a former High Commissioner to Ghana.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER NCE again, the Federal Government came out hotly in self-defence over charges of worsening poverty rate in Nigeria. The Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, MarieFrancoise Marie-Nelly, had recently reiterated the already published figures that 100 million Nigerians live in destitution, another term for extreme poverty. In a sharp repartee, the Presidency, through the Chief Economic Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, debunked the claim.

He said with 112 million GSM lines active in Nigeria, the World Bank's claim could not be correct, adding that most Nigerians could afford “a plate of food” for one meal, which he priced at N200 or approximately $1.25, the benchmark for measuring the poverty line.

In the first place, we consider the response from the Presidency as tepid and unconvincing. They did not provide adequate information to counter the assertion of the World Bank officer.

Secondly, the information used by the World Bank was a mere confirmation of the figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

27, 2013

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Tackling poverty in Nigeria which earlier in the year alerted that in spite of favourable economic growth and performance, poverty rate jumped from 54.7 per cent in 2004 to 60.9 per cent in 2010. It had also added that while 100 million Nigerians lived in absolute poverty, 12.6 million were moderately poor in 2011.

We are very conscious of the fact that the President Jonathan administration is making a telling effort to reduce poverty through massive ventures into the agricultural sector. The regime has also instituted the YOU-WIN programme, aimed at growing new entrepreneurs and assisting them to create jobs. There is also the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUREP), in which the Federal Government is also trying to create jobs through proceeds from fuel sub-

sidy partial withdrawal.

But these are drops in the ocean, as the army of unemployed youth, which constitute the quantum of the poor, litter the Ngerian landscape. Some of them have broken bounds to engage in violent crimes, such as piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking and terrorism.

There is nothing to gain by engaging in empty arguments as to whether the figures quoted were correct. The message is clear: The scourge of poverty and increasing destitution must be tackled with every effort, and the time to start is now.

Nothing in this direction can be achieved unless the incidence of runaway corruption is curbed.

The cost of governance must be brought down drastically. Let capital expenditure take lion's share of budgets at all levels, rather than recurrent which takes as much as 70 per cent. This will free up funds for investment in the social sector for job and wealth creation.

Also the privatisation of power must be vigorously pursued to raise productivity of Nigerians.

It requires more effective governance, across board to bring down poverty level in Nigeria.

OPINION

By JEFFREY HAWKINS

Continued from yesterday

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OW and why could this happen to one of the strongest democracies on earth? In my view, it all came down to a focus on politics over people.

As you may recall, rival Republican lawmakers of the right-wing populist Tea Party movement championed the two-week paralysis last month, which set back vital government functions and nearly led to a US government default, in a bid to force President Obama to change his signature reform of expanding health care coverage.

The shutdown delayed security aid to several countries and also held up work on everything from scientific research to trade negotiations. The government’s key tool for spotting and tracking the source of food-borne illnesses was shut down for days, while a dangerous outbreak of salmonella from raw chicken spread to 20 states. Secretary Kerry noted that: “The shutdown didn’t just shutter the Statue of Liberty –- it temporarily closed the doors to refugees and students who were seeking visas to learn here and to contribute to our economy.”

In a democracy where the voice of all sides must be heard, boxing the opponent into a corner with no room for compromise is a tempting vision for ideologues on both sides, but it is a warped image of a viable democracy. In a country so sharply divided as ours, there can be no final victories, only incremental wins leading to future battles. With all too blustery bravado and arrogance, however, there could be overwhelming defeat — for the nation. To the extent that leaders step away from that brink, there would be cause, if not for rejoicing, at least for relief. So what we need are strong leaders who will look to meet the overall common good for all the people, for the long-term.

So, in Nigeria, it is my hope that legislators

The democratic journey in Nigeria:

Learning from the American experience will find collaborative approaches to resolving common challenges. The current electoral reform efforts by the Nigerian law makers should be pursued in order to draft enforceable and effective electoral laws that could confront the menace of electoral malpractices, including electoral violence. Politicians found guilty of electoral fraud and all those that benefited from it should be punished without fear or favour.

They must be made to face stringent and long lasting legal penalties and sanctions. The practice of using public office for private gain should be discouraged. It is hoped that these measure will serve as deterrence against any form of political lawlessness and violence.

In addition, to equip Nigeria for the 2015 general elections, the government should sustain a credible national election management body, improve public awareness and confidence in the electoral bodies, promote credible, transparent and sustainable electoral processes, improve the democratic quality of political engagement, and strengthen channels of civic engagement. For elected officials, those who abuse the public trust through fraud and corruption should be held accountable and required to make amends.

By way of positive example, citizens in the U.S. shape their government and its policies by getting involved in their communities and fully participating in the American political process. Nigerians can learn from the core values of American democracy which include the rule of law, separation of power, representative government, fundamental human rights, and a system of checks and balances.

Democratic institutions may not ensure stable, civilian government if other conditions are not present, however. First, a firm belief in the rights of the individual promotes the fair and equal treatment of citizens. Second, rule of law helps prevent leaders from abusing power without fear of punishment. Third, a sense of national identity helps encourage citizens to work together for the good of the nation.

Other conditions advance democracy. The participation of a nation’s citizens in government is essential to democracy. Education and literacy give citizens the tools they need to make political decisions. Also, a stable economy with opportunities for advancement helps democracy. It does so by giving citizens a stake in the future of their nation.

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s earlier noted, Nigeria’s present demo cratic journey commenced in May 1999.

Observers note that this nascent democratic process has been hampered by electoral fraud, postelection violence, and political godfatherism.

Based on their enormous wealth and power, political godfathers determine electoral victories of their preferred candidates. They dictate ‘who gets what, when and how’ in the distribution of scarce resources in a country. They seize power to serve personal political interest and to enrich themselves. Therefore, the role of godfathers goes beyond the elections, and gets stronger over time. Competition amongst godfathers to control state powers has corrupted the electorate’s right to freely elect their preferred candidates, thereby rendering elections a mere formality. Moreover, it has been observed that in elective politics and governance, youths

are either side-lined or excluded. When they are involved at all, they are mainly manipulated to promote the political ambitions of a selfish political class. It has been said that youth are the main perpetrators and at the same time the victims of electoral violence.

Youth form about 70% of the 167 million people in Nigeria. This stunning population could act as a catalyst and leader of positive change. Young people are at the heart of many of today’s great strategic challenges, from building sustainable democracies and good governance, to rebuilding the global economy, to combating violent extremism. In President Obama’s remarks to Young African Leaders when he launched and hosted 115 young African delegates in August 2010 at the White House, he noted that: “It will be up to you — young people full of talent and imagination — to build the Africa for the next 50 years.” The United States’ goal is to empower young people to solve their own problems by empowering them to be self-reliant, and have a voice in the future of their countries. Youth should also be empowered politically through meaningful political socialization and constructive participation in politics. For a sustained participation of youths in the political processes and structures, they should be educated to know and defend their fundamental human rights.

As your general election draws nearer, I call on young men and women ... to explore abundant resources and great opportunities in your nation; take up responsibility and make your voices heard for peace and progress. Project a powerful voice against corruption, advocate for positive change, provide generational insight to developmental issues, invoke creativity and innovation at all levels, and get involved in leadership roles.

*Hawkins, US Consul General, presented this at the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria's annual lecture

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013— —19

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OBODY with some knowl edge of Nigerian politics would be surprised by the outcome of the so-called election that took place in Anambra on November 16. The result of the charade which has been declared inconclusive by INEC was always going to end up as such. This was not because that was the only outcome possible. No, not in the least.

But the determination of APGA symbolised by the outgoing governor of the State, Peter Obi, to hold on to power could never have produced a result different from what we now have today. This is terrible for a man whose path to power ought to have taught him some lessons in fair play. But fair play is the most unlikely attribute of a Nigerian politician. Given the harmful use of what is known as the power of incumbency in our parts of the world, perhaps, APGA could still have won the election even if narrowly. But the fact that the other parties, especially APC, paraded candidates whose names

carry some weight no doubt led APGA down the path of devilry, leaving it no use for caution.

That APC had a formidable candidate in the person of Chris Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State and now a senator on the APC platform, definitely made matters more complicated for APGA. This goaded it into leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in its effort to win the election, including taking its campaign into a religious camp and thereby causing the death of at least 27 people, dispensable fodder in its power mongering. The Adoration Ground deaths for which Gov Obi should bear full responsibility, even though he has failed to do this, only promising to pick the medical expenses of the injured aside setting up a panel of inquiry into the sordid affair- the disaster at this religious camp-turned-political rally foreshadowed the extent to which Obi would go to hold on to power by proxy. No option was foreclosed. And in this, the

party appeared to have enjoyed the tacit support of INEC. What more is there to say about INEC other than the fact that its role as an impartial umpire following the 2011 elections now looks overhyped? It has progressively failed to live up to expectation and followed the path of previous electoral bodies before it such as the Federal Electoral Commission and the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria. With polls in no less than 208 units cancelled by official account, one wonders what credibility can be attached to votes in the many other units declared satisfactory. After the annulment of the June 12 elections, Nigerians have been very wary of polls cancellation. This has left the field clear for electoral fraudsters to operate, knowing outcomes of cancelled polls are often fraught and even more contentious than what

Ibori: Is there justice in this world?

BY MAGNUS ONYIBE

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HE weird thing about the ongoing Chief James Onanefe lbori, former governor of Delta State, assets confiscation trial saga in the Uk is that the British court presided over by Justice Anthony Pitts has on Monday 7,October,2013,come to the conclusion that there is no evidence to support Ibori’s conviction. It is a decision which a Nigerian court presided over by Justice Marcel Awokulehin had arrived at on Thursday, December 17,2009, nearly four years ago.

However, the difference between the UK court and her Nigerian counterpart is that while the case was quashed in Nigeria for lack of evidence, Judge Pitts has admitted that the case lacked evidence as argued by lbori’s defence counsel in the UK ,but decided to adjourn for retrial to enable prosecution gather evidence against lbori. This decision has sent legal tongues wagging across the world because: (1)About 50 trips had been made to Nigeria in search of evidence against Ibori

by Metropolitan police officer Peter Clark in a period of eight years, (2)Peter Clark, under cross examination by defence counsel has also admitted under oath that the evidence he used to convict Ibori were fabricated,(3)Both prosecution and defence had made their concluding submissions in a three-week long trial which procedurally should have been brought to a close.

So what in the world justifies Judge Pitts decision to adjourn for retrial?

Recall that Judge Pitts himself had pointed out the previous day that the Crown Prosecution Counsel,Sasha Wass’s argument that the case be adjourned instead of concluded as required by legal procedures was tantamount to asking a referee in a football match to move the goal post when the match is about to end.That the respected judge turned around dramatically to grant Wass’s weird request while over ruling Ibori defence counsel,Queens

,

Counsel,QC, Ivan Krolic’s plea for a conclusive judgement is curious and at the same time ominous.

Curious because the decision goes against the grain of legal procedures and ominous because it reinforces the belief in some quarters that Ibori had been targeted for jail by hook or crook by the British authorities for reasons yet unknown, particularly because the procedure being adopted by the British court smacks of working from the answer to the question.

Fortuitously, Ibori’s case in the UK is poised to be a game changer if not a landmark or watershed in the annals of British legal system because if Judge Pitts' decision to send the case back for fresh retrial is sustained,it would probably be appealed again, perhaps up to the Supreme Court level and if he grants Ibori’s counsel’s request that the charges should be quashed and dismissed as the Nigerian judge did, the Crown maybe faced with a deluge of civil suits for wrongful conviction of Ibori,his only sister Christine,his wife Nkoyo and Udoamaka, the mother of his child. The challenge of how the system would remedy the jail terms these evidently innocent people have served is obviously a dilemma which sounds more like the proverbial standing between the devil and deep blue sea.

As things now stand,Nigerian judiciary with particular reference to lbori’s case ,in my view,has been more upright than the muchvaunted stellar performance of UK judiciary because both courts came to the same conclusion of not enough evidence to nail Ibori. But only the Nigerian court passed judgement without external interference by quashing the case, while the UK court appear to be equivocating through a dramatic decision to adjourn for a retrial even after admitting that the request was absurd. In my view, that is something to celebrate by the learned judge Justice Awokulehin and by extension the Nigerian judiciary that was lampooned and poohpoohed by the vociferous social critics and human rights activists who alleged that the 'feat' that could not be accomplished in

led to them. But which is better, to turn a blind eye to electoral frauds or to insist on the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process? The latter option is in my view the better and appropriate choice.

In a situation as Nigerians find themselves in Anambra the role of a supposed impartial arbiter as INEC ought to be clear, to be on the side of probity. But this appears too much to ask of a body that sees itself as the sidekick of the ruling parties in the states or Abuja. INEC seems to have abdicated its role of impartial arbiter implicit in the ‘independent’ bit of its name for that of an appendage of the party that controls any of the state where it operates. The reason for this is obvious. It is less demanding and indeed far rewarding to align with the powersthat-be than to function as an impartial judge of impeccable repute with nothing by way of material reward which only a ‘ruling’ party can adequately provide. Where INEC has failed, as is obviously the case now, one ought to expect that Abuja would try to be upright without usurping the powers of the courts which INEC says has authority to void elections. But Abuja is under the control of a rival party, the PDP, which is more at home with its dog-in-the- manger role right now.

T

he PDP knows the only party able to give APGA a real run for its money and possibly beat it at its own game in Anambra is APC. But it would rather have

Nigeria was achieved in the UK. In pursuing their nefarious ambition to nail Ibori by all means, the pair of Sasha Wass and Peter Clark along with their co-travellers in Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission,EFCC, at that time , did not consider the social upheavals that jailing Ibori,wife,sister,and mother of his child would cause their victims whose kids were between ages three to15.We do not need social scientists to enlighten us on the consequential damage arising from lack of parental care for adolescent and teenage children whose parents were locked away by inefficient and vindictive judicial officials, but suffice it to say that those long suffering children may never recover from and would continue to bear

APGA retain Anambra by both fair and fouls means than see APC spread its tentacles at a time it, the PDP, is reeling from internal combustion. The impasse in Anambra requires statesmen not mere politicians. The PDP government, even President Goodluck Jonathan, must therefore learn to view events leading to the 2015 election in less partisan light because even though theirs is one of several political parties, it has a historic duty it must not balk as the face of Nigerian democracy.

The event in Anambra has highlighted the fault line in our electoral process where members of the electoral body assume partisan responsibilities and work in the pay of rival political parties.

It is a shame that in spite of the promises by INEC to live up to its arbiter role and the overt militarisation of a civil process

by Abuja, all in a bid to convince the skeptical of its good faith and determination to ensure respect for the electoral process- in spite of its display of good faith, INEC managed to sabotage itself. Cases of missing electoral registers, missing names of registered voters and late or non-provision of electoral materials are means through which electoral frauds are increasingly perpetrated by INEC. This is a dangerous and unacceptable trend that must be addressed now or we would have laid the foundation, yet again, for the reversal of what few steps have been taken in our march towards constitutional democracy in the post-military years.

in bringing the Crown to disrepute since Judge Pitts has heard and agreed that evidence against lbori was fabricated and as such concluded that the evidence available to him is not enough to rule against Ibori on a case that has been ongoing for eight years.

Globally, the judiciary is considered the last bastion of justice for the ordinary man,and it is particularly so in the advanced societies like the UK and USA but the Ibori persecution if allowed to persist would cast aspersions on the integrity of the UK and USA judicial systems because the United Nations,UN,body in charge of Narcotics that was funding the EFCC and causing the organisation to be more loyal to paymasters in New York than the Nigerian government when it sends

,

Anambra’s stalemated (s)election

The event in Anambra has highlighted the fault line in our electoral process where members of the electoral body assume partisan responsibilities

The judiciary is considered the last bastion of justice for the ordinary man,and it is particularly so in the advanced societies like the UK and USA but the Ibori persecution, if allowed to persist, would cast aspersions on the integrity of the UK and USA judicial systems

the scar from the trauma of being forcefully separated from their parents at the period they needed them the most due to unjustifiable incarceration.

I

t is obnoxious and unfathomable that an advanced democracy like the UK is involved in such horrendous subversion of justice.The errant investigators may argue that they were mislead by their investigation counterparts in Nigeria but such would be puerile because the editor of the Daily Mail in the UK would not rush to publish an article alleging that Her Majesty,the Queen of England is a lesbian or that the president of the United States of America,Barack Obama is gay without making sure about the source and veracity of the claim?So the pair of Wass and Clark have attracted public opprobrium of international dimension to the UK and ideally, they should be investigated for their roles

,

unverified information directly to international agencies without clearance by the Attorney General ,AG or Inspector General of Police,IGP, office as stipulated by protocol is also complicit.This is perhaps one of the negative fallouts of granting and receiving of aids from the advanced society by emerging economies.So also does the recent revelation

by Wikileaks that some unsavoury reports about a former president was surreptitiously written to US authorities by a former head of EFCC testify to how dangerously compromised a nation could be if it cedes it sovereignty by allowing its agency to report directly to a foreign organisation.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 •Mr Onyibe,a former commissioner in Delta State, wrote from Abuja.

20— Vanguard ,

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, NOVEMBER 27 , 2013

Missing UNILAG undergraduate: •Father, friends cry out

Debate of the masses

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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HE lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has taken its toll on the University of Lagos, where a final year student of Actuarial Science, Mr Ayinde Kehinde Monsuru 32, has been reported missing.

Monsuru popularly called Living Thing allegedly left his home at No. 26 Ebun Street, Abule-Oja, off University Road, Akoka on Saturday, October 12 but has since not returned and his whereabouts have remained unknown.

A staunch Muslim, the missing student was also a committed member of Concerned Citizens Against Education Commercialization, COSATEC. He was said to have left Lagos for Ibadan on Thursday, October 10, 2013 to attend lectures at the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan. Two days later, he allegedly left his Ibadan residence located at Baba Ijebu House, off Akeke Mosque in the Bashorun area of Bode Wasinmi, Ibadan. Vanguard Metro, VM, learnt that the clothes which Monsuru washed were left hanging outside, one week after his disappearance. Nobody could confirm whether he actually attended the lecture.

The sudden disappearance of Monsuru hit the Muslim

‘

were switched off for days.

We have combed all nooks and crannies of Lagos and Ibadan for him without any positive results,’’ he said.

Asked if the case was reported to the Police, Usman brought out a copy of the police report.

According to him, the case Ayinde Kehinde Monsuru...Missing was reported to the Police in Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states assistance. But they were on Saturday, October 19, allegedly chased out of the 2013. ‘’Since we filed the re- premises. “We also took the port, we have also made a fruit- Police report to his mobile less effort to reach the Force phone operator for assistance Police Public Relations Officer, but we were chased out of the Mr. Frank Mbah and his La- office. Right now, we don’t gos State counterpart, Ngozi know the next line of action to Braide. In fact, they have take. Nigerians should please stopped picking our calls,’’ he come to our aid and help us alleged. find our friend’’ Usman When assistance from the pleaded.

Police was not forth-coming, ‘Living thing’ as Monsuru the COSATEC President was fondly called, was said to decided to post a report of the have completed his studies in missing student in the social Banking and Finance as well as media. According to him, this Statistics at Yaba College of Techyielded a positive response as nology, YABATECH, Lagos before enrolling for a degree programme in Actuarial Science in UNILAG. Being a devout Muslim, he was expected back in Lagos for the ‘’Ileya’’ festival which took place on Wednesday October 15, 2013 but his friends became worried when he failed to show up for the a student of Adekunle Ajasin festival or call any of them.

University, Akungba, Ondo Monsuru’s father lives in the State (names withheld) who United States of America while his saw his photograph in the mother lives in here in Nigeria. social media, came up to say VM sent text messages to both but that he boarded a “pick and only the father called back The drop car” with Monsuru at Iwo man who identified himself as the Road, Ibadan on Saturday Oc- national president of Ilorin inditober 19, 2013. According to the genes in North America said: ‘’We source, Monsuru was “seated are from Ilorin, Kwara State and in the cab with two other Monsuru is my first son. guys”. The missing student “I have been weeping here and was allegedly seated in be- doing all I can to search for him. I tween the guys who spoke have tried to contact the Kwara glowingly about him State Governor for assistance but (Monsuru). But to their con- have not got a response yet. I sternation, he (the missing stu- am a devout Muslim who believes dent) did not utter a word as prayer can move mountains. My he dozed off . The informant son also studied Economics at claimed that he alighted from Olabisi Onabanjo University the cab at Cathedral Bus-Stop OAU. He is a member of ICAN before boarding another vehi- and has been lecturing others. cle to Akure, Monsuru was planning to join me Armed with this piece of in the USA for his post-graduate information, Usman and other programme. Nigerians should students went to the operators help fish out my son,” he of the mobile phone that pleaded.

Monsuru subscribed to for

The news of Monsuru’s disappearance was said to have affected the President of COSATEC, Usman Oloyede who took ill and was hospitalised

‘

students and COSATEC members at UNILAG like a thunderbolt, hence they have swung into action to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of their colleague. The news of Monsuru’s disappearance was said to have affected the President of COSATEC, Usman Oloyede who took ill and was hospitalised.

Speaking to VM in a voice laden with an emotion, Usman who said he saw his friend for the last time on October 10, 2013 before he embarked on the illfated journey to Ibadan, explained that all efforts to reach Monsuru on phone yielded no fruits as all his cell phones were switched off. ‘’We have been friends for almost six years and his cell phones were never switched off. He likes to send text messages when unable to respond to people’s calls. We were therefore very worried when his cell phones

Delay on drainage work: Who to blame?

BY MIKE EBONUGWO

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ANY Nigerians are often quick to blame government for their travails, which they readily attribute to the failings associated with a faulty system. As far as they are concerned, the postulation of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, that the problems of Nigeria are traceable to poor leadership, holds true in most cases, including the most trivial.

It is a sentiment shared by some parliamentarians, who passionately espouced same during a recent commercial bus ride to Ikotun from the Cele Express in Lagos.

It all began when a passenger in the bus bemoaned the slow pace of the drainage construction at the Iyana Ejigbo leading to traffic chaos as several vehicles, especially the commercial buses, tried to cut corners in a bid to beat the traffic jam, thereby worsening the situation.

According to the parliamentarian who gave his name simply as Joseph: “One expects that they should have finished this drainage construction work before now. Why are they so slow? Or are they happy seeing people suffering like this in the traffic everyday? Just imagine spending almost two hours to move from Jakande Gate to Ile Epo because of this Iyana Ejigbo construction wahala”.

R e s p o n d i n g , parliamentarian Wale posited thus: “What do you expect when they gave the work to a direct labour contractor instead of a reputable contractor that will do the work well and on time. I blame the local government chairman for this because he didn’t do what is expected of him”.

But parliamentarian Ifeanyi Obi objected, arguing that the problem had nothing to do with government failure. He pointedly blamed impatience and reckless driving by motorists for the traffic confusion.

According to him: “Is it everything that we will be blaming government for?

Why not blame the drivers of these vehicles that have formed multiple lanes instead of trying to pass the junction one after the other?

For Christ’s sake the local government chairman is trying. If he does not care will he go to Alausa to beg them to come and gandle the job the moment he realised that the Iyana Ejigbo drainage problem was beyond him? And why are we even complaining about using direct labour to execute a job of this nature?

Are we not the same ones that have been complaining that the engineers in most government establishments are idle or under-utilized. So why not engage them by using them in direct labour construction. And I know that many of them are competent...”.

“Which kind of competence have we seen in this work they ’re doing here,” interjected Joseph. “Have you seen where a competent contractor will be moulding drainage rings at the construction site before? And that is what they are doing here. Apart from that, the way they are digging the drainage sef does not make sense. How do you expect water to flow from here to the canal at Ori-Oke when the gutter is lower at this place than Ori-Oke? It shows they don’t know what they ’re doing,” he submitted heatedly.

But Ifeanyi would have none of that as he said: “Like I said before, we should be patient and allow this people to do their work instead of rushing and causing confusion on the road”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 21

Lagos executive, legislature seek better policy, budget implementation

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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FORUM: From left: Mr Rilwan Belo-Osagie, Managing Director, FSDH Merchant Bank; Mrs Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO, AVON HMO and Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, Group CEO, UBA Capital during the Businessday CEO forum, in Lagos.

EMBERS of the Lagos State Executive and Legislative arms of have resolved that the state should intensify its policy making, planning and budgeting as a means to facilitate better implementation of its policies.

Rising from its three-day th brainstorming at the 10 Lagos State Government-organized Executive/Legislative parley with the theme: “Towards Perpetuating the Culture and Practice of Excellence”, the Lagos State Executive and Legislature also resolved that to institutionalize best practice in the state, capacity building

ECOWAS decries Africa’s 3% share of global trade T

HE ECOWAS Commis sion has decried the “global trade imbalance against Africa” as the continent’s share of the global trade stood at a paltry 3 per cent. The Commissioner for Trade, Customs, Industry, Mines and Free Movement, Ahmed Hamid, made the remarks at the opening of a workshop on “Trade and Environment” in Abuja.

“The global trade increased from 13 trillion dollars in 2000 to an estimated 30 trillion dollars in 2010. Africa’s share in world trade has been declining since 1980 and currently stands at about three per cent.

As such, African countries have not benefitted from the steady increase in the volume of international trade,” he said.

Hamid said the crucial role of trade flows and investments in growth and development was well recognised. According to him, there is a strong and justifiable drive by African countries to expand their share of global trade. Hamid was represented by Dr. Gbenga Obideyi, Acting Director, Trade, ECOWAS Commission.

He said African countries were increasingly taking steps to address challenges that hampered intra-African trade with the objective of expanding trade flows.

According to him, there is need to address the challenges in the relationship between

trade and other economic, social and environmental sectors. He urged African countries to embrace environmentally sound production and distribution of commodities which could expand their domestic and international market access.

The Chief, Green Economy and Natural Resources Section, Special Initiatives Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Ms Isatou Gaye, said trade played a vital role in economic diversification of Africa.

According to her, trade is important in accessing and diffusion technologies and practices that can be deployed for enhancing the integrity and productivity of ecosystems. “This is important to West African countries in which the well-being of the majority of the people and the prospects for sustained economic growth are intricately and inextricably linked to environmental sustainability.”

Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr John

Maughan, said that Africa currently had its share of global warming more than ever before. Maughan urged African countries to be conscious of climate change by embracing environment-friendly industrialisation and engage only in trade that was “environmentally relevant”. Mr Devin McDaniels, representing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the workshop, said WTO rules provided sufficient policy space for members to implement environmental protection measures.

CBN, Finance Ministry’ll sustain structural reforms — Sanusi

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi has said that the apex bank and the Ministry of Finance will sustain the ongoing structural reforms in the economy, Sanusi said this 4th founders’ day and 1st convocation ceremony of the Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, where he and the Minister of Finance, Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala been simultaneously conferred with honourary degrees by the governing council of the institution.

The University awarded honourary doctorate degree in Economics to Sanusi and of Doctor of Science in Accounting to Okonjo-Iweala. In his remarks, Sanusi said that the institution to awards to him and the Minister is a good reflection of

the realization by Nigerians of the importance of managing the economy and keeping it strong for all of us.

“I will also say that while we both recognize that the Gross Domestic Product growth, inflation, exchange rates and fiscal deficits are under control, we will like to say that we will have to continue pursuing the structural reforms that will ensure that these growths translate into improvements in the life of the average man.” Okonjo-Iweala on her part said that said that the Federal Government is deeply committed to tackling the challenges facing tertiary education in the country.

“The government knows that it needs to do more as the years pass by, but I am assuring that the political will to support the improvement of tertiary education in this country is very high in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

for staff both at both arms of government should be enhanced for efficiency.

The parley resolved that as a matter of necessity, a civil service that is organized, well staffed and equipped to the level required to deliver its responsibilities, and formulate effective policies must be achieved, adding that performance must be observed, tracked and evaluated, so that people could see whether or not targets were being met to be able to improve approaches where lapses are noted.

They also resolved that “a Whistle-blower Law” should be enacted to offer protection and support for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Law while the state should strive to attain the culture and practice of excellence in public administration which, according to them, “will require critical reforms and reorientation of the state civil service into a modern professional bureaucracy that must constantly innovate and brand its entire processes as an institutionalized model that leaves no resident in doubt about its paradigm shift”.

On the subject of harnessing the potentials of the state to be an environment friendly society, the parley resolved to improve on policies, legislation, regulations, and planning requirements on environmental matters in order to further compel individual and corporate compliance.

108.3

0.2

2,803.00

-5.00

17.3

-0.02

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

154.72 250.6464 209.2433 169.9473 1.5198 0.2999 236.1248 25.3897 41.2532 28.0513 236.8763

111.09

+0.09

94.62

+0.53

SELLING 155.22 251.4564 209.9195 170.4965 1.5248 0.3099 236.8878 25.4722 41.3865 28.142 237.6418

155.72 252.2664 210.5957 171.0457 1.5297 0.3199 237.6509 25.5547 41.5198 28.2326 238.4073

CBN Exchange rate as at 26/11/2013

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

How no claims bonus works (2) Continued from last week Where applicable Given our knowledge and understanding of the types of motor insurance covers in the market viz: i. The Comprehensive ii. The Third Party Fire and Theft and iii. The Third Party Only It is important for all insured motorists and the general public at large to appreciate that the reward system of No Claim Bonus is only applicable under the Motor Comprehensive Insurance cover. Hence, only insured

By Dr. Wole motorists that have bought Adetimehin, a Comprehensive cover can Managing Director, earn and enjoy the No Claim Jully Insurance Bonus or Discount.

Brokers and The current trend and perImmediate Past ception of no claim bonus President, Chartered Lately, the objectives and Insurance Institute of reasoning underlying the Nigeria, CIIN system of rewarding and encouraging insured motorists by granting No Claim Bonus are not just being portant arm of the market have distorted, but virtually eroded. been overwhelmed by the atIn practical terms, no insurer tractive and non – resistible talks of, or applies the No premium discounts offered in Claim Bonus in the motor the market, to the extent that insurance any longer. Rather, it is now common knowledge all prospective motorists are that a first time motorist withoffered an over bearing or out any driving experience or extraordinary premium the much needed road sense discounts sometimes up to can earn the highest premium 60% or even more. This is discount possible in the mooften done out of desperation tor market which negates the by insurers and their market- standard motor underwriting and rating ing representaprinciples. tives to win or Challenge to capture an inIt is high time industry operacreased size of industry operatives the motor insurtors’ rise up to It is high time ance market. industry operaThis latest de- the challenges tors’ rise up to velopment has in confronting the challenges no small mea- their market by confronting sure adversely promoting their market by affected the capromoting pability of insur- standardization standardizaers to meet their of applicable tion of applicontract obliga- underwriting cable undertions as they and rating prinwriting and rathave deprived ciples, ing principles, themselves the while strict adequitable rights to earning commensurate premium for the motor risks they are bearing. This also explains why insured motorist can only earn a flat premium discount year in year out and throughout the life/span period of keeping or maintaining their motor comprehensive insurance cover. Example abound in the market as there are instances where first time buyer of a comprehensive cover are offered 50% premium discount which he keeps enjoying as longer as the comprehensive cover is sustained.

Also, the insurance buying public that constitute an im-

herence to market ethics should not be compromised.

An appeal to the Insurance buying public is to always ensure courteousness in their purchase decisions and be weary in seeking the cheapest motor insurance cover as it may not necessarily offer the much sought – after protection.

The biggest challenge to all operators in the insurance market is to be able to offer and deliver their products and services to the ultimate satisfaction of the Insurance buying public at the most equitable premium.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com

NAICOM seeks integration of West African markets

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has called for integration of the West African insurance markets to yield higher benefits to the economy of the region.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, who made the call, said that the West African financial markets are small and fragmented, and consolidating markets through integration and harmonisation could yield several benefits.

Daniel said this on the occasion of the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) educational conference held in Lagos.

According to him, such integration could bring together scarce savings, viable investment projects and financial infrastructure; increase the numbers and types of financial institutions and instruments; increase competition and innovation; as well as increase underwriting capacity of insurance companies in the sub-region.

Others are that it will enhance reinsurance capacity and thereby reduce capital flight; reduce inefficiencies in lending given a wider pool of bankable projects; and expand opportunities for risk diversification.

Daniel said “Integration and harmonisation of the insurance industry in West Africa could help improve regulatory and supervisory bodies, insulate insurance institutions from domestic excesses, harmonise

regional laws and institutions, and create additional opportunities for learning by doing.”

Daniel said that achieving an integrated and harmonized insurance industry in West Africa could refer to efforts to broaden and deepen insurance financial links within the sub-region, whether through marketdriven or institutionalised processes, adding, “Integration requires the elimination of barriers to cross-border investments and differential treatment of foreign investors within the region. It also extend to harmonising legislations, policies and institutions, which over time can lead to national financial markets effectively functioning as one.”

To achieve an integrated and harmonised insurance industry in West Africa, Daniel said that a number of issues pose some challenges, but there are also huge opportunities.

According to him, the key challenges include: inadequate and poor regional infrastructure network, weak institutions and human capacity, and insecurity and political instability. Other challenges are diversity across the economies and divergent country attitudes towards regional integration.

He said that the availability of abundant natural resources and a growing population of the middle and upper class of the society, offers opportunities for insurance business.

“Likewise, the political commitment at the highest government level also holds the prospect for heightened infrastructure development and trade expansion efforts in the sub-region. Furthermore, enabling the flow of capital, management know-how and technologies within the subregion, and between the subregion and the rest of the continent is a priority outcome of the sub-regional integration process.

“In this respect, the pattern of intra-regional investment, led by Nigerian private insurance companies operating across the subregional and East African market, of the emerging footprint of pan-African financial institutions and increasing presence and interest of investors particularly from other African countries in the Nigerian insurance industry are a positive development, which should be further encouraged,” Daniel said.

According to Daniel, insurance remains the key driver in the economies of countries, and the industry has remain a 3rd-level player in the financial services sector of West African States. While the other components of the financial services sector in the subregion have all moved on and firmed up processes for their integration and harmonisation.”

“It is regrettable that same cannot be said about the insurance sector. Similar efforts to integrate both the banking and stock market sectors in the sub-region were successful and it is expected that WAICA and the WAMI, will drive this course in the insurance sector,” Daniel said.

From left: Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB); Mr Fatai Adegbenro; UK based Insurance Broker, Mr Terry Hodges; President of NCRIB, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu and Chairman of Fountain Insurance Brokers Ltd, Mr Clive Stewart, during a visit by the expatriates to NCRIB Secretariat in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 23

BRIEFS IoD upgrades SA Life MD

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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f the renewed vigour for micro-insurance is to thrive in the country, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, says the Commission cannot afford to joke with a firm regulatory environment where operators play by the rules of the game.

By this submission, any insurance company which is solely licensed as a microinsurance firm cannot upgrade to a conventional insurance company, the Commission stated.

With a required capital base of N200million for general business and N150million for life for companies that desired to operate solely as microinsurance firms, the Commission says it will not welcome any request from microinsurance firms to upgrade.

The target population typically consists of persons ignored by mainstream commercial and social insurance schemes, as well as persons who have not previously had access to appropriate insurance products Micro-insurance is defined as “insurance that is accessed by low income populations, provided by licensed institutions, run in accordance with generally accepted insurance principles, and funded by premiums”.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, made this clear there must of sanctity in the conduct of microinsurance business in the country.

“We will not allow anyone to do anything above what is required; you cannot obtain a micro-insurance licence in disguise and say you want to do aviation business, we will not let that happen.

“It is going to be very stringent, we are not going to issue any licence to just anybody, and as soon as you start writing business in excess of the threshold that we agreed upfront, we will stop you from doing that business.

We are not going to allow you to take micro-insurance with a view to getting you upgraded to the other side.”

He added, “majority of Nigerians are rural dwellers and they are exposed to different forms of risks in the course of their businesses, so, they need micro insurance.

Although, few insurance companies are already in that market, we believe this guideline will allow new entrants, making Nigerians access insurance services at affordable rate.”

The idea to develop and market micro-insurance, the Nigeria’s insurance commissioner informed, was mooted by the commission which invited a combination

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Officials of FUG Pensions attending to retirees at the company’s retiree forum held in Lagos.

NAICOM firms up regulation on microinsurance …Says no upgrade to conventional insurance of experts from Brazil, Canada, India, etc, under the German’s Deutsche Gasellschaft fur Internationele Zusam-menarbeit, GIZ to help the country and undertake a research study of the country’s micro-insurance, leveraging on their experience and success stories in the interest of the country ’s insurance sector.

Since then, NAICOM revised the Microinsurance Draft Guidelines which are about to be finalized and implemented. At the same time, guidelines around the payment of claims are being developed. In order to ensure adequate understanding and increase capacity among stakeholders, a series of workshops and seminars for stakeholders in the insurance industry have also been conducted.

No single measure will bridge the insurance gap.

Widening the reach of insurance services requires actions across many fronts, including the firm commitment of all stakeholders including the media to build and implement a realistic plan of action.

NAICOM explains that any person or persons wishing to operate as a specialised micro-insurer must meet certain requirements including being a limited liability company, the company must be registered by the commission as a microinsurance company, and have the minimum capital

requirement as prescribed by the nation’s insurance regulatory body.

Besides, would be specialised micro-insurance underwriter is required to have micro-insurance forms, terms and conditions approved by the commission, have competent and professional qualified persons to run the company, while the directors must have attended the promoters’ interview and adjudged suitable based on the provisions of the Insurance Act 2003.

Additionally, companies applying to operate as microinsurance underwriters are required to pay the fee prescribed for registration, and submit a satisfactory business plan and feasibility study of the micro-insurance business to be transacted within the next succeeding five years from the date of their application.

Though licensed insurance institutions are eligible to underwrite micro-insurance business in the country will the regulatory body also be registering specialised microinsurance underwriters.

Some of the insurance firms, Vanguard learnt had opened separate offices to effectively operate microinsurance business and are recruiting agents to drive policies to the grass roots while some others are already putting in place structures to establish strong microinsurance firms so as to enable them to penetrate the retail end of the market instead of focusing just on corporate

businesses.

He assured that the commission would grant operating license to any firm that is willing to take part in micro insurance scheme, while the commission intends selling micro insurance products through co-operative societies, micro finance banks among others to Nigerians.

The NAICOM’s Chief Executive added that micro insurance was very profitable as the sell of millions of premiums would translate into millions of profit with low premium margin..

He noted that micro insurance would grant grassroots access to insurance policies with low premium and quick compensations in case of claim.

Daniel said, “We have also put in place a draft guideline for micro insurance business in Nigeria. The draft is being exposed to industry experts and other stakeholders for their inputs and contribution before the final draft will be drawn and subsequently released to the market. We also intend to collaborate with other relevant agencies in this drive”.

Daniel maintained that microinsurance holds great potential for developing the insurance sector in the country, taken into consideration the fact that the population size of the country gives an added advantage to the insurance industry to grow its market.

he Institute of Directors of Nigeria, IoD, has upgraded the Managing Director of SA Life Assurance Ltd, Mr. Austin Enajemo -Isire, alongside nine other deserving Nigerian directors to Fellows membership grade during its Fellows’ Evening held in Lagos.

Making her welcome remarks, the Institute’s President, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi, explained that yearly, the Institute confers status on deserving members who have served in varying capacities while making notable contribution to the business community.

Fadayomi said “Financial members with a minimum of 10 years unblemished character of directorship experience who have sustained their IoD membership for not less than five years are upgraded annually to the Fellowship status of the Institute. Mr. Isire and his fellow recipients have been found worthy to be so honoured by the Institute this year.”

Leigh brought tremendous growth to Lasaco – Dosunmu

D

eputy General Manager (Business Services) of Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mr. Biodun Dosunmu, has said that the tenure of Sir Edward Akin Leigh as Chairman of the company witnessed tremendous growth.

According to him, Leigh led the company to recapitalisation in year 2007 and subsequently initiated the transformation and growth agenda for the organisation.

Dosunmu made the assertion in a statement announcing the funeral programme of Leigh whose Christian wake keep will take place at 4, Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island Lagos, today, between 4 to 7pm.

The funeral services will come up on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at Methodist Church of Trinity Tinubu, Lagos at 11am and interment follows immediately at Vaults and Garden Ikoyi Lagos. The reception after the interment will be at the same Harbour Point.

Akin Leigh passed on, on Monday 4th Nov. 2013.

24 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Lame student emerges NSE 2013 essay competition winner I

t was an exceptional end to the 2013 Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Essay Completion Award as Mahmud Abdullahi, a lame student representing Government College Azare, Bauchi State emerged the overall best student, reaffirming that disability is not inability. The competition, which inspires thousands of young people across Nigeria to showcase their practical knowledge of the financial and capital market concepts learned in the classroom, has the aim of developing a culture of wealth creation among youths in the country.

This year’s competition targeted only at senior secondary school students produced 24 finalists from the six geopolitical zones of the country out of which three top winners - Mahmud Abdullahi, Government College Azare, Bauchi State; Idara Tomilola Effiom, the Lagoon Secondary School, Lagos and Promise Ezinne Eleke representing Prizemates Model Academy, Aba, Abia State, emerged first, second and third winners respectively.

Presenting their awards at the event in Lagos, Mr. Oscar Onyema, NSE

CEO, said, “We believe that the impact of this initiative is commendable as we have recorded an increase in the number of participants, high level of interest, and created awareness of the dynamics of the stock exchange.

“In recognition of the outstanding performance of these brilliant young minds, the Nigerian Stock Exchange in partnership with Access Bank plc, MTN Nigeria, Forte Oil, Oando, Central Securities Cleaning System, CSCS, and Nestle Nigeria is rewarding the winners with equity investments, scholarship fund and mini computers. The exceptional schools that produced the top three winners will also receive computers and printers. “To all the students and finalists here today, the real task lies with you to continue to strive for greater success. As we recognise the three winners today, we celebrate every one of you, for you have become advocates of The Exchange. We are also counting on you to carry on the torch of excellence. “Today we are particularly thrilled at being able to support and foster sound financial literacy amongst our youths. We have been very impressed with the concepts our young people have expressed in this year’s edition.

AWARDS: From left: Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; winner, 2013 NSE Essay Competition award, Mr. Mahmud Abdullahi of Government College, Azare, Bauchi State and Vice President, NSE/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede at NSE 2013 awards, in Lagos.

FBN Holdings, others bag laurels at PEARL awards

F

BN Holdings Plc and other organi sations were amongst institutions that received sundry honours at the 2013 PEARL awards over the weekend in Lagos. FBN Holdings emerged the sectoral leader in the Other Financial Institutions category. The organisers applied indices including turnover growth, return on equity, earnings yield, share price appreciation, dividend cover, dividend yield, net asset ratio, dividend growth and profit margin ratio in determining the winners.

Other winners include Dangote Cement Plc (highest dividend growth/highest profit margin ratio), Pharmadeko Plc, (highest earnings yield), MRS Oil (highest net asset ratio), UAC Plc (sectoral leader, conglomerates), Nigeria Breweries Plc (sectoral leader, consumer goods), and Aiico Insurance (sectoral leader, insurC M Y K

ance), among others.

PEARL’s President/CEO, Tayo Orekoya, said the awards since inception 18 years ago, have been guided by principles of transparency and objectivity in its selection process. “Our scientific approach in determining nominee companies as well as emergent winners has positioned the awards as a unique and exceptional initiative,” he said.

Speaking on the company’s award, Chief Executive Officer, FBN Holdings Plc, Bello Maccido said it reinforced the leading role of the FBN Group in the sector barely one year after it adopted the holding company structure. PEARL based its rankings from data sourced from the annual reports of quoted companies duly filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Stock Exchange Daily Official list for the year under consideration.

The Nigerian capital market and a national conference (2)

T

he previous week, we mentioned that the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, would like to have several more companies listed on the Exchange and we suggested that the NSE could be the lead promoter of one such company that would eventually be listed on the Exchange. One expects that the NSE would want companies whose operations yield profits to be listed.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, and the state governments spend considerable amounts of money on construction projects each year. There are therefore several construction companies in Nigeria but only about seven construction companies have been listed on the NSE. Of the listed companies, Julius Berger Nigeria, JBN, and one other company have paid dividends regularly since the 2008 market crash. There are at least four other construction companies that are not listed on the NSE and which companies could match the profit profile of JBN. These are the sort of companies that would attract Nigerian investors if their shares are made available on the NSE. However, these construction companies receive huge advance payments on their government contracts. The companies do not need to raise capital from existing shareholders and there is no compelling reason for them to invite additional shareholders. Also, these advance payments are invariably exported from Nigeria to cover equipment purchases and payments for licensing, technical services and management agreements. These construction companies may therefore not show much interest in getting their shares listed on the NSE. The telecommunications companies that offer mobile telephone, GSM, services would have substantial capital value if they were listed on the NSE. These companies command huge revenues and one would expect them to show huge profits. There are Nigerian citizens and associations, especially Nigerian banks, who are shareholders in these telecommunications companies. The Nigerian banks have not at any time indicated receipt of dividends on their investments in the telecommunications companies. The investment of the banks in these telecommunications companies raises issues about whether it is appropriate for a company quoted on the NSE to have substantial investments in an unquoted company that does not present its balance sheet to the public. Also, reports about one of the companies suggest that unwholesome management practices may be the

reason why the company has not declared a dividend in all its years of operations. The Nigerian Communications Commission has not had much success in ensuring consumer rights with respect to the operations of the telecommunications companies. The NSE would have to ask itself if it would be in a position to enforce a corporate governance code on these telecommunications companies if and when they are listed on the NSE. The examples presented the previous week and here indicate some of the limiting factors that the NSE would encounter in its efforts to get more companies listed.

National questions with respect to the capital market can be framed as follows: What are the common goals and aspirations of the capital market and the Nigerian population and can the capital market provide the lead in the development of strategies and

,

By WILLIAM JIMOH

The telecommunications companies that offer mobile telephone, GSM, services would have substantial capital value if they were listed on the NSE

,

policies that would make the capital market meet the needs of the Nigerian economy?

About 12 years or so ago, the FGN realised it could no longer meet its obligations to its pensioners from its current earnings. The Pension Reform Act 2004 was introduced so as put an end to the FGN’s problems.

We have seen from the operations of the Pension Reform Act that monthly contributions from individuals when pooled together could become formidable amounts for investments.

The pension funds are an important national savings.

The other significant area where we could and we should mobilise savings across all income levels in the population is by making home ownership possible through mortgages to all income levels. We have to put together financial packages, land development packages, packages for the construction of affordable homes and project ownership structures that involve home owners from the inception of the project. The pension funds were not the idea of the capital market. The capital market should lead a home ownership revolution in Nigeria with the creation of a housing market for all income levels.

CONCLUDED

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—25

DIARY

Select ICT events z GITEX Technology Week 2013. Holds 20-24 Oct 2013 in Dubai, UAE.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

z FUTURECOM 2013. Holds 21-24 Oct 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. zSAP TechEd 2013.

Holds 21-25 Oct 2013 in Las Vegas, USA. zBroadband World Forum Europe 2013.

Holds 22-24 Oct 2013 in Amsterdam, Holland. zSMAU 2013.

Holds 23-25 Oct 2013 in Milan, Italy.

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

• Nigeria’s stand at ITU

T

HE Eyes-On Sys tem features a head-mounted display that uses vascular imaging technology to let doctors and nurses “see” the veins beneath the surface of the skin.

While technology to image veins has been in use for some time, previous iterations required the staff to carry around a separate, stand-alone device. In contrast, the Eyes-On system is self-contained and easier to use, and the head-worn display allows staff to keep their hands free.

According to Frank Ball, Evena Medical President and CEO “Studies have shown that up to 40 percent of IV starts require multiple attempts to locate and access a vein, which not only wastes valuable nursing time but also delays therapy and causes patient discomfort and dissatisfaction.”

Nigeria’s $25bn telecom market, haven for businessmen — TOURE ...MTN, Etisalat testify

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU (Who was in Bangkok, Thailand)

T

RAFFIC to the Nigerian pavilion, at the just concluded International Telecommunications Union, ITU Telecom world summit became unprecedented as the Secretary General of the union, Dr Hamadoun Toure encouraged investors to head to Nigeria, stoutly claiming that the country ’s telecom market is haven for technology businesses.

This was as the Executive Vice

I N CommTech S Ministry at I Silicon Valley D E

Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah had highlighted several prospects that could benefit interested investors in the Nigerian economy, in an attempt

,

,

See through the skin with "Eyes-on"

to woo investors to the new broadband sector the country was nurturing .

Juwah also had his path ways cut with two prominent business entities in the Nigerian telecom sector, MTN and Etisalat testifing to

Nigerian telecom industry is well over $25 billion and we can say that it is well invested. ICT sectoral growth is at 30 percent for the past 3 years

Asus adds two devices to Nigeria’s mobile market

having turned their economies around with their Nigerian investments.

At that point, it was a matter of who is fit to come and where his business plans are fit to compete. The stage was set when on the first day of the event, Nigeria snapped the golden opportunity of hosting the Leaders Lunch Forum, capitalising on the opportunity to showcase to thousands of participants from across the world, pathways to revitalising its economy with broadband business. Toure was there, savouring the details, particularly when Juwah’s diplomatic presentation

Anambra: Microsoft to provide 450 schools with ICT education

of Nigeria’s broadband business plan held everybody spell bound: ‘“I do not need to bore you on the figures of our population because you already know that Nigeria is the most populated black Nation in the world. You are also aware of the high ratings of Nigeria in terms of mobile penetration and general ICT growth.

Investment in the Nigerian telecom industry is well over $25 billion and we can say that it is well invested.

ICT sectoral growth is at 30 percent for the past 3 years, sectoral contribution to GDP was 7.05 % in 2012 and currently stands at 8.53 Continues on Page 31

NITDA targets 100,000 jobs via outsourcing

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

BY EFEM NKANGA

T

HE positioning of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and software development was boosted by a recent visit of the Ministry of Communication Technology to Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley is known for spawning globally acclaimed innovative technologies, software, electronics and internet services that have birthed some of the most successful and largest companies in the world – Apple, Google, Facebook and Twitter to name a few.

The purpose of the trip was, therefore, to explore and understand the innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley with a view to boosting innovation in the ICT sector in Nigeria and also strengthen the fledgling, but fast growing Incubation Hubs/Accelerators including the recently established iDEA Hub – a collaboration between NITDA and the private sector that will drive the creation of innovative ICT companies in Nigeria.

T

he Minister was ac companied by a strong representation of young but extremely upwardly mobile ICT companies including Interswitch, online travel booking company Wakanow, e-commerce player Jumia, mobile Payments Company Scratch and Pay, online music company NotJustOk and internet advertising consultancy Wild Fusion and Jumia to showcase the potential of the industry. Also on the trip were representatives of Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), IDEA and Venia Business Hub. The Nigerian Ambassador to the US Ambassador Adekunle Adefuye gave his full support and actively participated in the three day event.

The visit which was organized in partnership with Echo VC, managers for the $15 M Nigerian ICT Innovation Fund – a venture capital fund specifically focused on the software development industry, included discussions with the Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business-Dean Garth Saloner and the leadership of SEED West Africa, a Stanford Business School Initiative to improve the success of SMEs in Africa; as well as visits to the wellknown 500 startups and Plug and Play Incubation Hubs and investment presentations to VC/Investor funds based in Sil-

icon Valley hosted by Bloomberg TV. Successful outcomes of the trip included a commitment to run Stanford Business school’s Global Innovation programme for young ICT entrepreneurs in Nigeria, establishment of linkages between a well know incubation hub and opportunity for partnerships between Nigerian owned tech companies based in Silicon Valley and US companies that have an appetite for or have been seeking entry into the Nigerian market and a wide awareness creation of the investment opportunities in the ICT sector.

T

he Silicon Valley trip comes at a time when the Ministry is working to refocus the efforts of talented software developers in the country of not just writing code and developing applications, but creating successful and viable companies around the software that they are developing to create jobs and wealth – what has been called a ‘Companies not Code” approach.

One of the approaches to implementing this philosophy is the Techlaunchpad and IDEA initiatives.

Techlaunch pad identified six entrepreneurs through a competitive process, and they have been admitted and are being mentored in the IDEA incubation hub/ accelerator to fine tune their software solutions that innovatively solve problems confronting critical sectors of the economy whilst also nurturing and building commercially viable businesses.

I

t is expected that, by the end of their incubation period, they will be eligible for the first round of funding from the recently established IT Innovation Fund solely focused on ICT businesses.

The fund will raise needed capital for ICT entrepreneurs to boost growth in the sector and scale up the innovation process.

The Silicon Valley visit ended on an optimistic note and the linkages and synergies created will be further explored to the advantage of the young Nigerian Start-Ups that are innovating and creating value adding solutions to aid the transformation of Nigerian into a digital economy. lEfem Nkanga, SA Media to the Minister of Communication T echTechnology nology,, writes from Abuja.

ORLD’s third largest PC manufacturers, Asustek, last week joined technical forces with Intel corporation to launch two Intelpowered devices comprising the Asus fonepad 7 and the Asus Transformer Book T100, saying the features suited the Nigerian market.

Both tablets are powered by Intel Atom processors, Intel Atom Z2560 and Intel Atom Bay Trail-T Z3740 quadcore processor respectively.

Unveiling the devices, Regional Director of ASUS for Africa, Turkey and Israel, Mr. Shawn Chang, said that “the two devices that we’ve launched today, the Fonepad 7 and the Transformer Book T100, are all run by the latest Intel processors. They are

BY EMEKA AGINAM

A

LTHOUGH t h e p r o p o s e d broadband industry structure, based on Open Access model has been applauded for its strategic goals and objectives, Information technology experts who gathered last week in Lagos at the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) industry stakeholder’s forum on Broadband Nigeria were still worried that issues around high cost and approval of right of way, long delay in approving permits, multiple taxation, multiple regulation, damage to infrastructure, lack of reliable, clean grid electricity supply among others need to be resolved urgently to make sense of the whole plan.

Benefits of Open Access Model: The Open Access Model when fully implemented will potentially help optimize the cost of broadband access across Nigeria and ensure that all operators, whether large or small, have equal access to broadband infrastructure.

However, the plan is envisaged to be an openaccess carrier-neutral backbone and metropolitan fibre network that spurs service innovation.

The framework will provide an open access, nondiscriminatory and nonexclusive pricing to all service providers.

It would also see to the licensing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos) that are geographically focused.

InfraCos as entities The proposed industry structure offers InfraCos as entities that complement the existing industry

Asus adds two devices to Nigeria’s mobile market Asus Transformer Book T100

designed to fit the Nigerian market. From battery life to the performance of their processors, and to their retail prices, everything is right. These are the devices you want to offer to your loved ones as Christmas gift”

Atom Bay Trail-T Z3740 quad-core processor not only Asusdeliver Fonepadpower, 7 they are also guaranteed to drive the quality of performance and flexibility that accommodates a range of devices and market needs”. The Asus Fonepad promises to offer the dual value of voice communication of a Smartphone and the entertainment opportunities afforded by a tablet, and comes with the convenience of carrying just one device.

Also Country Manager of Intel West Africa, Mr. Bunmi Ekundare said the partnership between Intel and Asus was a welcome development, adding that “Intel is glad to be able to extend our long collaborative history, including our most recent, the Ultrabook and Intel-based tablets and again, to Asus. Our partnership with this company is recurring and we are pleased with that.”

Ekundayo also saidContinuing, he added that “Intel’s new Atom Z2560 and Intel - By PRINCE OSUAGWU

Stakeholders worry over multiple taxation, as 2.3 GHz frequency set for auction

Kit Wignall, National Pratice Lead, Telco Businss Consulting, Dr. Ebie Mike Onyia, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Commissioner, Dr. Eugene Juwah, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, and Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Communications Technology Minister at the industry stakeholders forum on Open Access Model for Broadband Nigeria organized recently by the NCC. Photo by EMEKA AGINAM

players by focusing on the market gap (primarily metropolitan fibre) and offering nondiscriminatory open access wholesale bandwidth services to the industry players.

Presenting the plan, Executive V i c e XChairman of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah said that InfraCos will be established in each geopolitical region , adding that one will be in Lagos as the commercial hub of the country.

Going by the current proposition, InfraCos, according to NCC, will leverage the existing

,

CommTech Ministry at Silicon Valley

W

intercity fibre to offer a more seamless wholesale service delivery at Layer 1 and Layer 2.

This proposed industry structure consists of the following players including InfraCos (Layer 1B and Layer 2), Licensed InfraCo(s) that are geographically focused.

Under the new arrangement, InfraCos would provide wholesale Layer 2 transmission services on a non discriminatory, open access, price regulated basis. InfraCos may also provide Layer 1 (dark fibre) services on commercial basis.

The Open Access Model when fully implemented will potentially help optimize the cost of broadband access across Nigeria and ensure that all operators, whether large or small, have equal access

The infrastructure company is also expected to focus on the deployment of metropolitan fibre and provide transmission services, available at access points (Fibre to the Node or Neighborhood FTTN) to access seekers.

It will also leverage existing inter-city fibre to deploy their services, purchase/lease transmission or long haul fibre capacity from other providers, where available, for the purpose of interconnection.

Nigeria is positioned to transit to digital economy: Earlier in her keynote speech, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson while expressing optimism to the actualisation of the target, told the gathering that Nigeria was well positioned to transit to the knowledge economy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 27

Ceragon sets new microwave standard; unveils Multi-Core Radio Technology

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

Anambra: Microsoft to provide 450 schools with ICT education L-R: Mrs. Enanigha Okpu, Branch Coordinator, Abuja Branch, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mr. Eugene Ejeregbe, winner of an all-expense paid trip to the Formula One in Dubai 2014; his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ejeregbe, and Mr. Timothy Okwu, Public Releations Executive, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the prize presentation to winners of the MultiChoice Nigeria 20th Anniversary Promo held in Abuja recently

BY EMEKA AGINAM

C

OMMITTED to empowering global teachers with ICT skills and knowledge needed to face the 21st century t e a c h i n g environment,Microsoft and its partners will provide teachers in 450 schools in Anambra State with ICT education.

To achieve this, the Anambra State Government has signed a school agreement with the device and service giant.

The IT academy initiative will also provide the teachers tools needed to effectively train students on Microsoft technologies, with a bid to enable students develop self-reliance and then create a skilled community.

The Microsoft IT Academy provides over 175 eLearning courses to students wanting to advance their software knowledge.

Accordingly, Microsoft will provide free email and collaboration tools as part of the Microsoft IT Academy.

The Microsoft IT Academy programme schools offer a world-

class IT curriculum allowing students utilize the latest Microsoft technologies while learning about information technology and earning Microsoft t e c h n o l o g y certifications.

The programme also aims to link academic learning to job skills, thus allowing students to graduate with the IT skills that they will need to advance in their future careers with minimal adjustment in the working world and contributing positively to the global economy.

“Microsoft is pleased to

be part of this partnership with the Anambra State Government. As a technology enabler, we believe IT education contributes significantly to economic empowerment, growth and development, offering the appropriate skills to use technology in innovative ways” Marc Israel, Office Group Director,Microsoft West East and Central Africa and the Indian Oceans Island told the gathering at the event.

According to him, ICT Academy would provide children with all

necessary ICT skill to keep the state on global map of ICT technology and assist in long and short term planning.

Speaking at the event.

The state Governor, Peter Obi said, “The Anambra State Government aimed at creating positive change in education in the State.

We are determined to provide quality IT education to our youth, giving them the skills and knowledge to make them self-reliant and economically productive.

Our partnership with Microsoft means we are fulfilling this vision”.

NIMS targets Nigerians in diaspora

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

he Director General of National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Chris Onyemenam, says the commission is developing a blueprint that would capture Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Barr. Onyemenam disclosed this at a meeting with stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria held in Abuja .

He said the commission was working on a blueprint to seek partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fasttrack the process of registering all Nigerians in diaspora.

He said the blue print, when completed, would be beneficial to Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He said although, the commission lacked the capacity to travel around the world to capture Nigerians, it would collaborate with the country’s foreign missions to

achieve wide coverage.

He appealed to the diplomatic missions in Nigeria to incorporate the NIMC identity verification component into visa issuance.

According to him, the agency had since created a database that would allow other agencies of government access to information on all Nigerians, adding that the commission had registered more than one million Nigerians in the ongoing enrolment.

Onyemenam said the commission currently registered 30,000 Nigerians weekly and planned to meet the target of registering 100,000 citizens weekly by 2014.

On the authentication of the new national identity card, the NIMS boss said “the card is 100 per cent polycarbonate and had protection against tampering and counterfeiting.”

According to him, the card also has seven layers with different features fused together without

adhesives.

He said the card when issued, would serve as identification for the holders in the National Health Insurance Scheme, driver’s licence, pension, bank transactions, immigration purposes, among others, pointing out that the current exercise also had the capacity to capture the data of 200 million people.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martins Uhoumoibhi, represented by the Director, UN Division in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeoma AkaboguChinwuba, commended the NIMC for living up to expectation of Nigerians in the project.

According to him, the project would further strengthen efforts to secure the country against terrorist activities.

W

IRELESS backhaul specialist, Ceragon Network Limited has announced the introduction of its new generation of packet radio solutions, called Fi beAir IP-200C. The company said the introduction was informed by its efforts to meet the unique demands of 4 G/ LTE-A networks in Nigeria and provide mobile operators with long-term network planning peace of mind.

Disclosing the development, the Managing Director and Country Manager of Ceragon Networks, Nigeria, Mr Bekele Tadesse, said, the FibeAirr IP20C is coming to break the traditional capacity barriers, and is the only microwave radio to offer a virtual fiber solution in licensed bands. FibeAir IP20C features a breakthrough multi-core technology that employs a parallel radio processing engine to double the link performance.

This, he said allows FibeAir IP-20C to deliver multi-Gbps capacity on a single frequency channel, setting a new standard for efficient spectrum usage and significantly improving operators’ total cost of ownership (TCO).

By employing line-of-sight (LoS)) 4X4 MIMO, operators, he said can even reach capacities that quadruple those of existing solutions, at half the formfactor.

Ceragon’s FibeAir IP-20C is designed to boost spectral efficiency to meet the increasingly demanding capacity requirements of advanced HetNet backhaul and fronthaul scenarios.

Built around Ceragon’s own baseband modem and RRFIC technologies, it is said to be the next leap in Ceragon’s Holistic HetNet Hauling (3H) vision which redefines wireless connectivity in heterogeneous networrks.

21CTLProcureTiger to cprb Procurement corruption

2

1st Century Technologies Limited (21CTL), Nigeria’s information and communications technologies (ICTs) powerhouse has launched eProcurement Solution known as 21CTLProcureTiger that will address all the bottlenecks associated with tendering and awarding bids. 21CTLProcureTiger’s eTendering engine is power packed with more than 150 features allowing users the chance to seek information for tenders online, submit tenders, maintain and communicate information.

Wale Ajisebutu, vice chairman and CEO, 21st Century Technologies, said that the 21CTLProcureTiger supports single & multiple envelopes tendering as well as single & multiple currencies tender.

“Our eProcurement solution allows governments and corporate organizations to remove inefficiencies from their processes and build integrated supply chains. It also reduces administrative tasks while guaranteeing maximum benefits,” Ajisebutu added.

21CTLProcureTiger also supports multiple evaluation methods T1, L1, T1L1; supports International competitive bidding (ICB) & national competitive bidding (NCB); integrated dynamic form engine that supports excel, or any other spread sheets; and add evaluation formula on the fly, covert figure to words.

Spectranet launches 4G LTE wireless service in Abuja

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

Leading National Internet Service provider, Spectranet limited, has launched Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) in Abuja last week. The 4G LTE allows users to stream movies, music, pictures etc with more speed and efficiency.

4G LTE has regis-

tered highest growth globally across various technologies and offers cutting edge experience to users.

The spokesman for the company at the launching in Abuja recently said: “Today, reliable and fast access to the internet is no more a luxury but a necessity, broadband penetration has a direct impact on

country ’s growth, proved time and again in many countries and across continents. We at spectranet are committed to bringing first class internet ser vices to our country, and helping customers to experience and enjoy what the world is experiencing and enjoying. We have plans suiting every custom-

er ranging from corporate individuals and bringing great value to every customer.”

Based on the pattern of usage, Spectranet 4G LTE internet services are now available in Abuja and Lagos.

Spectranet intends to cover other states across Nigeria soon.

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 29

Nigeria’s $25bn telecom market, haven for businessmen

NITDA targets 100,000 jobs via outsourcing

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

S part of initiatives to fulfil it mandate, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA says over 100,000 jobs will be created in the country annually through Information Technology, IT outsourcing sector. The Director General of the agency, Dr. Ashiru Daura, made this known during the second National Outsourcing Conference held in Abuja.

Daura said, though the sector is in its infant stage, it has the capacity to create over 100,000 jobs in the economy, given the efforts of the agency in making Nigeria a leading IT hub in Africa.

He stated that thousands of Nigerian unemployed youths would be gainfully employed in different IT outsourcing jobs within and outside the country, when the ojectives are achieved.

“NITDA is aware of the priority place job creation is given in Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.

It is our resolve to support the President on this agenda by creating an enabling environment for providing job opportunities for our teeming youths through the use of IT-enabled services. We have no doubt that IT outsourcing will go a long way in complementing the federal government’s effort to tackle the challenge of unemployment in the country,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of Nigerian Association of Information Technology Enabled Outsourcing Companies, NAITEOC, David Onu, boasted that outsourcing industry in Nigeria was capable of generating N1.3trillion annually if it is well developed and would be able create over five million jobs in the next ten years.

He stated that over 10,000 unemployed Nigerians have so far been engaged in the sector.

The NAITEOC Chairman, while calling for more support of the sector by both government and the private sector, said the sector, if given the priority attention is capable of boosting the country’s gross domestic product.

Continued fromPage 25 percent. You can’t get it better anywhere, in terms of robust and steady favourable business climate” However, Juwah also quipped in : “But we still have low broadband penetration. However, we have a lot of international broadband cable lying on our shores, amounting to about 10 tetra bytes but we have inadequate fibre infrastructure in several states leading to high cost of services.

The problem we have in Nigeria is actually that of distribution to the last mile. Although, this may be a challenge, we also see it as an opportunity that investors can come and take advantage of “ “However, in order to address the paucity of broadband penetration in Nigeria, government had introduced some regulatory initiatives. First of all, government has released a national broadband plan from 20132017. We as NCC, representing government, have also been holding consultation on a proper framework for broadband investment and services in Nigeria. We have announced open for auction, our free 2.3Ghz spectrum, for wholesale service operators to provide last mile broadband services to our regions and hinterlands.

This will commence in January 2014. We are also getting ready to license what we call Infrastructure companies, InfraCo, to roll out high speed broadband backbone in 2014. Nigerian broadband map has mandated what is called the open access model as a strategy and we as a regulatory agency have out rightly decided to solve the tactical issues involved in owning access by developing what we call the Nigerian Open Access Model. So there are mountains of opportunities now for any investor that would want to tap into the huge growing Nigerian broadband market” he added.

But it was on the second day, as a special guest, when Nigeria again hosted participants to an event tagged ‘Nigeria Day’ at the pavilion, that Toure spilled his mind: “Nigeria is the largest country in Africa by population and the engine of the continent in terms of business. There are enviable human and natural resources in this country and I can say that the natural resources we can see standing are even far more than the ones deposited in the ground.

I

have observed that Nigeria’s growth has remained steady over a few years and this is a good sign for prospective businesses that crave for returns on their investments.

Nigeria was ranked the highest mobile growth by ITU for five consecutive times and that means that there are things they are doing right. It’s not possible to retain that for such a long time by fraud.

Today, we are moving from connect Africa to transform Africa and Nigeria being the business hub of Africa is important in this transformation. It has taken the lead for this in many respects because they have visionary leaders. The country’s First Lady is the ITU’s child online protection champion and she is acknowledged worldwide for protecting children and empowering women. I would like to thank her.

However, the appointment of the First Lady as children online protection champion by ITU, was significant and an opportunity for Nigeria to correct its image which criminals from other countries, unfortunately, are trying to tarnish. Every day, you see someone purported to be from Nigeria, trying to sell one thing or the other online. But we know they are not Nigerians. Nigerians are industrious and their economy is friendly to business people” he added

M

eanwhile, part sponsors of the Nigerian pavilion, MTN, Etisalat and Airtel, capped the accolades with testimonies of how the Nigerian business climate had treated them, encouraging other investors to dismiss whatever negative impressions they had about the country because they were mostly unfounded.

On behalf of the operators, Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mr Akinwale Goodluck noted: “MTN’s decision to invest in Nigeria in 2001 was a decision highly criticised in South Africa. But it is a risk that has now paid off. I could still remember that the day the license was granted in 2001, the share price of MTN dropped by 40 percent but today, the share price in South Africa is over two thousand rands, I also remember that a lot of people said that GSM will not work in Nigeria because there was no light but we came in and have been posting good returns. we also can say that Policy wise, the government has been responsive enough. We want you to come and join us and together we shall share the good news”

30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 31

C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 33

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPL ASH

Ronaldo riding high C

Asamoah eyes goals in Brazil

M

idfielder Kwadwo Asamoah looks to end his goal drought to help Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Juventus star scored just once throughout Ghana’s successful World Cup qualification campaign.

The 24-year-old hopes to unleash his goals at the tournament to boost Ghana’s progress in the competition.

“Personally I’ve had a good qualifying campaign and been involved and around the team in all the matches,” he said. “I would have loved to score a few goals but the objective was to get to Brazil and we secured it as a team.

“I would like to think I have saved my goals for the World Cup.” Asamoah is one of Ghana’s most regular players at club level with Italian champions Juventus

F

ERNANDO Llorente has insisted that his only focus at the moment is to do well with Juventus, and get his team to the Champions League knockout round.

The Bianconeri host Copenhagen tomorrow in a must-win match for Antonio Conte’s men, but the striker has claimed that his only worry is doing well for the club, not peaking for the World Cup. “The more I play, the better I feel,” he told a Press conference. “I’ve always said that I want to improve every day.

“I want to be a better player and I believe I’m doing a good job here, where I’m also able to help the team. I think that I can still develop a lot more.

“There’s still a long way to go until the World Cup, now isn’t the moment to talk about that. I know that I have to do really well here, that’s the main thing on my mind, and helping this team to win could be what gives me the chance to be there..

I want to help Juve win”

ccording to Steven Gerrard, teammate Luis Suarez is a machine. Best not to let the FA know, as that’s probably against the rules “Luis is a machine,” said Gerrard following Saturday’s derby, with the glow of Daniel Sturridge’s late equaliser still fighting it out in the background with Liverpool’s second half midfield collapse to define the narrative of the day. “He’s right up there with the best in the world.

Luis is the type of player who won’t be thinking about his free-kick after the game, he’ll be thinking about the header he missed.

City will keep firing — Zabaleta M

ANCHESTER City defender Pablo Zabaleta has warned Viktoria Plzen there will be no let-up from his free-scoring team in today’s Champions League clash at •Zabaleta

Eastlands.

City have scored 18 goals in their last three home games as Norwich, CSKA Moscow and, most impressively, Tottenham have all been put to

Conte reads riot act to Juve J

UVENTUS coach Antonio Conte is desper ate for his players to recreate their Serie A form in the crunch Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen today The Turin giants host the Danes in search of their first win in the competition this season after three draws and one defeat in Group B. Those results have left Juve at the foot of the pool, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.

“My team is doing really well in Serie A,” Conte said.

“To have collected 34 points in 13 games is very positive.

“We hope to continue on this path and achieve something important at the end of the season. “We hope we can take a good result on Wednesday.

“We are in an interesting situation in the Champions League as qualification is in our hands and we don’t depend on anyone but ourselves.

Antonio Conte

itive competitions of the season are included.

The finalists are those most voted for by MARCA readers who are then ranked by the judging panel. In the event of a tie, the final decision rests with Alfredo Di Stéfano, president of the judging panel.

The award was created in the 2007-08 season and the first trophy went to Raúl González, who collected it from Di Stéfano, from whom the award gets its name, on the pitch at the Bernabéu prior to a Real Madrid-Numancia game. Leo Messi received the trophy the following three years, utterly dominant with three straight La Liga titles, while Ronaldo has been honoured for the last two campaigns.

Ayew undergoes surgery G

•Llorente

Gerrard: Suarez is a machine

A

•Ronaldo

RISTIANO Ronaldo has again won the Di Stéfano Trophy for the best Spanish league player, awarded by MARCA for the 2012-13 season.

The Portuguese player also won the trophy last year ahead of Leo Messi, winner of the previous three. CR7, with 32 points, surpassed the ‘Azulgrana’ by 6 (26). Andrés Iniesta came third with 11 points, the top 3 remaining as it was last year. Falcao (three points), Valdés, Di María (two) and Diego Costa (one) completed the line-up.

All players in the elite division are eligible for the award.

The voting period begins with the Spanish Super Cup and closes with the last national team match and all the compet-

“I see the team really motivated to do well and we will do all we can to progress to the next round.” The players know that failure to deliver on Wednesday could prove costly.

the sword in east Manchester.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side — 6-0 winners against Spurs on Sunday — are already assured of their place in the last 16 of the Champions League and it would be understandable if they took it easy ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Swansea on Sunday.

But, with first place in Group D still a slender possibility if leaders Bayern Munich slip up against CSKA Moscow, City’s Argentine right-back Zabaleta believes they should keep their foot on the gas against the Czech minnows.

•Andre Ayew

HANA midfielder Andre Ayew has undergone a successful operation on a torn meniscus in his knee.

Ayew suffered the injury playing for Ghana in the World Cup playoffs against Egypt last week when he twisted his knee.

He underwent the surgery in Marseille on Monday which was done by Dr JeanPierre Franceschi. “Andre Ayew has been operated on successfully,” a statement on the club’s official website read.

“Andre will leave hospital tomorrow and his unavailability is estimated at about two months.”

ABRIEL Batistuta has admitted that he would like to return to Europe to kickstart his coaching career.

The Fiorentina idol has been in-and-out of the game since retiring in 2005, claiming, and then subsequently losing, a backroom role at Colon in Argentina.

But the ex-striker has revealed that he wants to come back to coach in Europe soon.

“The job of a Coach is not an easy one,” he told Adkronos. “It should only be done with seriousness.

“You have to have real patience, because you’re always encountering various problems.

“I can’t seem to get a job in Argentina, so I would like to return to Europe to •Batistuta get started.”

B

•Sidney Sam

AYER Leverkusen have been dealt a blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter with Manchester United FC today, as winger Sidney Sam has been ruled out through injury.

Sam limped off just four minutes into Leverkusen’s 1-0 victory at Hertha BSC Berlin.

The German international underwent a scan on Sunday morning and doctors have diagnosed muscle damage in his left thigh. “This is very bad news for us,” Sporting Direc-

Pacquiao’s bank accounts frozen

B

•Manny Pacquiao in action

B

¶Sami Hyypia

G

Sam missing in action against Man U

We can surprise Man U—Kiessling AYER Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling believes his side have done enough to convince themselves they can beat Manchester United in the Champions League today.

The German outfit left Old Trafford with regrets in September, when they lost 4-2 to David Moyes’ men. Coach Sami Hyypia felt Leverkusen were too tentative and nervous of their surroundings, and failed to reach the standard he knows they are capable of.

“The first time we played them, we showed Manchester United too much respect and were very anxious,” said Kiessling, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions this term but has already written off his chances of making Germany’s World Cup squad next summer.

Batistuta wants European return

OXING champion Manny Pacquiao has revealed that authorities have frozen all his domestic bank accounts over allegations of

unpaid taxes from lucrative fights in the United States, crippling him financially.

The millionaire Filipino sporting superstar said the

move meant he had been forced to borrow money to fulfil pledges to help victims of the devastating super typhoon in the Philippines, which has

claimed more than 5,000 lives.

Pacquiao, 34, has branded as “harassment” the freeze order issued by the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue. Pacquiao said the tax office took the action because it believed he had evaded paying 2.2 billion pesos (£31m) in taxes on his fights in the United States in 2008 and 2009, when he was at the peak of his career and earning tens of millions of dollars.

He said he had broken no laws because he had already paid taxes on those earnings in the United States, which has a treaty with the Philippines that allows citizens of both countries avoid double taxation.

However, he said the tax bureau had rejected the documents he provided as proof that he had already paid the money. “I am not a criminal or a thief. I am not hiding anything. I will face my problems as they come,” Pacquiao said.

“I have already paid my taxes in America. Had I not paid the correct taxes they (US authorities) would have come after me and I would not have been able to travel there.”

tor Rudi Völler said in a club statement. “But the match against United is of huge importance for us and we need to make every effort without Sidney.”

“Federer can play until he is 60”

R

oger Federer should play until he is 60 if he wants to, according to Romanian former world number one Ilie Nastase.

Nastase the former bad boy of tennis, believes Federer should not listen to the naysayers, however.

“I wish people wouldn’t say that Roger Federer has to retire,” the 67-year-old former French Open and US Open champion was quoted as saying in Romanian media.

“I think he should play for as long as he wants.

“I don’t agree with those people who say that you should retire when you’re past your absolute best or prime. “No, Federer doesn’t have to prove anything, he can play to 60 if he wants to.”

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 33

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPL ASH

Ronaldo riding high C

Asamoah eyes goals in Brazil

M

idfielder Kwadwo Asamoah looks to end his goal drought to help Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Juventus star scored just once throughout Ghana’s successful World Cup qualification campaign.

The 24-year-old hopes to unleash his goals at the tournament to boost Ghana’s progress in the competition.

“Personally I’ve had a good qualifying campaign and been involved and around the team in all the matches,” he said. “I would have loved to score a few goals but the objective was to get to Brazil and we secured it as a team.

“I would like to think I have saved my goals for the World Cup.” Asamoah is one of Ghana’s most regular players at club level with Italian champions Juventus

F

ERNANDO Llorente has insisted that his only focus at the moment is to do well with Juventus, and get his team to the Champions League knockout round.

The Bianconeri host Copenhagen tomorrow in a must-win match for Antonio Conte’s men, but the striker has claimed that his only worry is doing well for the club, not peaking for the World Cup. “The more I play, the better I feel,” he told a Press conference. “I’ve always said that I want to improve every day.

“I want to be a better player and I believe I’m doing a good job here, where I’m also able to help the team. I think that I can still develop a lot more.

“There’s still a long way to go until the World Cup, now isn’t the moment to talk about that. I know that I have to do really well here, that’s the main thing on my mind, and helping this team to win could be what gives me the chance to be there..

I want to help Juve win”

ccording to Steven Gerrard, teammate Luis Suarez is a machine. Best not to let the FA know, as that’s probably against the rules “Luis is a machine,” said Gerrard following Saturday’s derby, with the glow of Daniel Sturridge’s late equaliser still fighting it out in the background with Liverpool’s second half midfield collapse to define the narrative of the day. “He’s right up there with the best in the world.

Luis is the type of player who won’t be thinking about his free-kick after the game, he’ll be thinking about the header he missed.

City will keep firing — Zabaleta M

ANCHESTER City defender Pablo Zabaleta has warned Viktoria Plzen there will be no let-up from his free-scoring team in today’s Champions League clash at •Zabaleta

Eastlands.

City have scored 18 goals in their last three home games as Norwich, CSKA Moscow and, most impressively, Tottenham have all been put to

Conte reads riot act to Juve J

UVENTUS coach Antonio Conte is desper ate for his players to recreate their Serie A form in the crunch Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen today The Turin giants host the Danes in search of their first win in the competition this season after three draws and one defeat in Group B. Those results have left Juve at the foot of the pool, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.

“My team is doing really well in Serie A,” Conte said.

“To have collected 34 points in 13 games is very positive.

“We hope to continue on this path and achieve something important at the end of the season. “We hope we can take a good result on Wednesday.

“We are in an interesting situation in the Champions League as qualification is in our hands and we don’t depend on anyone but ourselves.

Antonio Conte

itive competitions of the season are included.

The finalists are those most voted for by MARCA readers who are then ranked by the judging panel. In the event of a tie, the final decision rests with Alfredo Di Stéfano, president of the judging panel.

The award was created in the 2007-08 season and the first trophy went to Raúl González, who collected it from Di Stéfano, from whom the award gets its name, on the pitch at the Bernabéu prior to a Real Madrid-Numancia game. Leo Messi received the trophy the following three years, utterly dominant with three straight La Liga titles, while Ronaldo has been honoured for the last two campaigns.

Ayew undergoes surgery G

•Llorente

Gerrard: Suarez is a machine

A

•Ronaldo

RISTIANO Ronaldo has again won the Di Stéfano Trophy for the best Spanish league player, awarded by MARCA for the 2012-13 season.

The Portuguese player also won the trophy last year ahead of Leo Messi, winner of the previous three. CR7, with 32 points, surpassed the ‘Azulgrana’ by 6 (26). Andrés Iniesta came third with 11 points, the top 3 remaining as it was last year. Falcao (three points), Valdés, Di María (two) and Diego Costa (one) completed the line-up.

All players in the elite division are eligible for the award.

The voting period begins with the Spanish Super Cup and closes with the last national team match and all the compet-

“I see the team really motivated to do well and we will do all we can to progress to the next round.” The players know that failure to deliver on Wednesday could prove costly.

the sword in east Manchester.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side — 6-0 winners against Spurs on Sunday — are already assured of their place in the last 16 of the Champions League and it would be understandable if they took it easy ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Swansea on Sunday.

But, with first place in Group D still a slender possibility if leaders Bayern Munich slip up against CSKA Moscow, City’s Argentine right-back Zabaleta believes they should keep their foot on the gas against the Czech minnows.

•Andre Ayew

HANA midfielder Andre Ayew has undergone a successful operation on a torn meniscus in his knee.

Ayew suffered the injury playing for Ghana in the World Cup playoffs against Egypt last week when he twisted his knee.

He underwent the surgery in Marseille on Monday which was done by Dr JeanPierre Franceschi. “Andre Ayew has been operated on successfully,” a statement on the club’s official website read.

“Andre will leave hospital tomorrow and his unavailability is estimated at about two months.”

ABRIEL Batistuta has admitted that he would like to return to Europe to kickstart his coaching career.

The Fiorentina idol has been in-and-out of the game since retiring in 2005, claiming, and then subsequently losing, a backroom role at Colon in Argentina.

But the ex-striker has revealed that he wants to come back to coach in Europe soon.

“The job of a Coach is not an easy one,” he told Adkronos. “It should only be done with seriousness.

“You have to have real patience, because you’re always encountering various problems.

“I can’t seem to get a job in Argentina, so I would like to return to Europe to •Batistuta get started.”

B

•Sidney Sam

AYER Leverkusen have been dealt a blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter with Manchester United FC today, as winger Sidney Sam has been ruled out through injury.

Sam limped off just four minutes into Leverkusen’s 1-0 victory at Hertha BSC Berlin.

The German international underwent a scan on Sunday morning and doctors have diagnosed muscle damage in his left thigh. “This is very bad news for us,” Sporting Direc-

Pacquiao’s bank accounts frozen

B

•Manny Pacquiao in action

B

¶Sami Hyypia

G

Sam missing in action against Man U

We can surprise Man U—Kiessling AYER Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling believes his side have done enough to convince themselves they can beat Manchester United in the Champions League today.

The German outfit left Old Trafford with regrets in September, when they lost 4-2 to David Moyes’ men. Coach Sami Hyypia felt Leverkusen were too tentative and nervous of their surroundings, and failed to reach the standard he knows they are capable of.

“The first time we played them, we showed Manchester United too much respect and were very anxious,” said Kiessling, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions this term but has already written off his chances of making Germany’s World Cup squad next summer.

Batistuta wants European return

OXING champion Manny Pacquiao has revealed that authorities have frozen all his domestic bank accounts over allegations of

unpaid taxes from lucrative fights in the United States, crippling him financially.

The millionaire Filipino sporting superstar said the

move meant he had been forced to borrow money to fulfil pledges to help victims of the devastating super typhoon in the Philippines, which has

claimed more than 5,000 lives.

Pacquiao, 34, has branded as “harassment” the freeze order issued by the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue. Pacquiao said the tax office took the action because it believed he had evaded paying 2.2 billion pesos (£31m) in taxes on his fights in the United States in 2008 and 2009, when he was at the peak of his career and earning tens of millions of dollars.

He said he had broken no laws because he had already paid taxes on those earnings in the United States, which has a treaty with the Philippines that allows citizens of both countries avoid double taxation.

However, he said the tax bureau had rejected the documents he provided as proof that he had already paid the money. “I am not a criminal or a thief. I am not hiding anything. I will face my problems as they come,” Pacquiao said.

“I have already paid my taxes in America. Had I not paid the correct taxes they (US authorities) would have come after me and I would not have been able to travel there.”

tor Rudi Völler said in a club statement. “But the match against United is of huge importance for us and we need to make every effort without Sidney.”

“Federer can play until he is 60”

R

oger Federer should play until he is 60 if he wants to, according to Romanian former world number one Ilie Nastase.

Nastase the former bad boy of tennis, believes Federer should not listen to the naysayers, however.

“I wish people wouldn’t say that Roger Federer has to retire,” the 67-year-old former French Open and US Open champion was quoted as saying in Romanian media.

“I think he should play for as long as he wants.

“I don’t agree with those people who say that you should retire when you’re past your absolute best or prime. “No, Federer doesn’t have to prove anything, he can play to 60 if he wants to.”

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Before embarking on that trip to the UK•• A

S Christmas season draws closer, interested persons who wish to embark on a trip to United Kingdom should, in the course of their preparations, ensure that they familiarise themselves with what and what not to carry along with them into the country.

This is because the country’s Customs officials are committed in their efforts towards ensuring

that U.K is protected from infiltration of illegal and harmful items.

In exercising their duty with support from the immigration checks and with the aim of fishing out unauthorised and illegitimate persons, travellers are expected to cooperate with the officials by declaring contents of their baggage when requested to do so, without any form of resistance. This is to ascertain they are free of any item that is banned and or restricted from entering the

country. Any traveller who is found with any banned or restricted goods or item would be penalized as stipulated by the U.K law.

It is also important for intended travellers to ensure that the documents provided to back up their applications contain information about them, information about their finances and employment, as well as their accommodation and travel details, in addition to information about their visit to the U.K. In a situation whereby

• Travellers to the United Kingdom travellers’ documentations fail to declare them eligible for entry into the U.K, their applications, may be refused.

In view of this, intended travellers are prompted to furnish the U.K mission with as many relevant documents as they can provide to declare they are qualified to enter the UK., bearing in mind that goods, which could attract duty or value added tax (VAT) levy, are better avoided.

Smuggling intention: In a s i m i l a r development, travellers have been advised to avoid getting involved in any smuggling

,

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

are completely banned from entering the country, so it is important for travellers to have proper understanding of these items, by contacting the U.K missions in their respective home countries, so as to avoid being penalised.

Exit channels: Most ports and airports in the UK have three exits, known as channels, and as the law stipulates, travellers are expected to make use of one of the three exit channels within their category. Those who fall in the category of travellers, who are expected to use the red channel, are travellers who have goods, and or commercial goods, to declare, as well as those who are not sure of what or not they should declare.

The green channel is meant for travellers who are from a country outside the European Union. These groups of individuals are expected not to

Most ports and airports in the UK have three exits, known as channels, and as the law stipulates, travellers are expected to make use of one of the three exit channels within their category

activities as the U.K government has stipulated heavy penalties on persons who engage in any form of smuggling or illegal, restricted or banned items into the country.

Travellers are also advised not to accept any baggage on behalf of anyone, under any circumstance.

They should also note that certain goods, such as offensive weapons and firearms are completely banned or restricted from entering the U.K, in addition to endangered species and items made from such species. There are also some types of food and plants that

,

have more than the customs allowance. They should also not carry goods that are banned, or restricted into the country.

Same applies to users of the blue channel, with the exception that they would not be in possession of goods that are banned or restricted.

There are also some ports and airports in the U.K, which have just one exit point, with a redpoint phone positioned beside them. Travellers are expected to make use of this red-point phone, only in a situation whereby, they think they may need to declare their goods.

By and large, these checks are relevant in assisting the U.K Customs Service protect influx of items which are not endorsed such as firearms, drugs and other health hazard goods into the country. Conducting these checks appears to top the list of duties of the U.K Customs, in ensuring that visitors and citizens are safe, during the yuletide.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—35

FG overspends

by N110bn as 3rd quarter revenue falls —CBN

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

C

President Rotary Club of Effurun GRA, Rotarian Kingsley Gborhohwo (PHF) presenting hospital equipment on behalf of his Induction of Dr. Caroline Ajuyah, Permanent Secretary, Delta State by club to Dr Ebunu Ezekiel, Consultant Gynaecologist, Zonal Medical Chief C A Ajuyah SAN, Attorney General Delta State at the Graduation Director, Ekpan General Hospital, Effurun. With them are DGSR Ceremony of Senior Executive Course 35 at National Institute of Policy and Rotarian Sampson Asamogha and PAG Rotarian Sam Odjoji.

Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday said that the Federal Government overspent by N110 billion in the third quarter of the year while it recorded 25.5 per cent decline in revenue.

In its economic report for the third quarter of the year, the apex bank revealed that the total federal-collected revenue for the third quarter declined by 4.2 per cent below the budget estimate.

It also revealed that the three tiers of government shared N106.65 billion as the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) fund for the quarter.

The report stated, “At N964.86 billion, the Federal Government retained revenue for the third quarter of 2013 was lower than the proportionate budget estimate by 21.3 per cent, but exceeded the receipts in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012 by 9.0 and 9.2 per cent, respectively. Of this amount, the Federal Government share from the Federation Account, VAT Pool Account, FGN Independent Revenue and Sure-P were N769.83 billion, N27.99 billion, N118.16 billion and N48.88 billion, respectively.

“Total estimated expenditure for the third quarter 2013 stood at N1, 078.91 billion, indicating a decline of 25.5 and 6.1 per cent below the quarterly budget estimate and the level in the preceding quarter, respectively. The development relative to the quarterly budget estimate was attributed to the decline in both recurrent and capital components during the period.

“A breakdown of the total expenditure showed that the recurrent component accounted for 69.5 per cent, while capital and statutory transfers components accounted for 24.0 and 6.5 per cent, respectively. Further breakdown of the recurrent expenditure showed that the non-debt component accounted for 79.0 per cent, while debt service payments accounted for the balance of 21.0 per cent.

“Thus, the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated deficit of N114.05 billion or 0.95 per cent of GDP, compared with a proportionate budget deficit of N221.77 billion or 1.9 per cent of GDP for the third quarter 2013.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 37

38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 —39

Coping with menopause Dear Bunmi, WILL soon be 50 and a lot of my friends keep on giving conflicting meanings of the menopause. My period is now irregular and I suspect I must be starting menopause.

My husband has insisted I should let him know when I start as he would not want to make love to me then because traditional chiefs from his village are not expected to sleep with menopausal women. I don’t intend to tell him when I eventually get to that stage but what exactly do I expect?

Amina, by e-mail

I

Other women turn me on, not my wife!

Dear Bunmi, ’M IN my early 40's and have been married for over 12 years. In the last four years, I’d made love with a lot of women and had relationships with quite a few. My wife is a wonderful woman and a good mother to our four children and although I care for her a great deal I’m no longer in love with

I

her. Our love life has been nonexistent for a while now and was very irregular before then. The truth is that I no longer find her romantically appealing. We’ve discussed our problems but found no acceptable solutions.

I’m racked with guilt as I fear I’m turning into some sort of pervert; I’m deeply unhappy in my marriage.

Will he still fancy me?

Dear Bunmi, HERE IS this man from my neighbourhood that I’d been seeing a lot of recently. It started off platonic; we would go out to parties or just listen to music together, though nothing happened romantically. Then, a few weeks ago, we went to his co-worker's bachelor's eve party.

I got drunk and ended up sleeping with one of his colleagues.

I know it was stupid of me to have thrown caution to the wind, but then, we weren’t lovers in the real sense of the word. I still fancy him though. Do you think I’ve ruined my chances with him?

T

Hadiza, by e-mail Dear Hadiza, There are very few rules men are supposed to hold dear; the offside rule, the buying a round system and the 'Thou shall not mess around with a mate’s girl’ rule. So, you weren’t officially seeing him, although, unconsciously, maybe you did it to make him jealous, and offset your feeling unloved by members of the opposite sex.

Men and women who feel inadequate hide from the intimacy of friendship and this compounds their loneliness.

Only a positive attitude can make you have your love life back.

Gbenga, by e-mail Dear Gbenga, It sounds as if your marriage has been in trouble from day one and you’re seeking light relief and an escape from the reality of your life. In the process, you’re making yourself and your wife miserable. It’s a good thing that you know what you’re doing is wrong but as the various talks you’ve had with each other haven’t worked, it’s time to make the one decision you’ve, so far, been avoiding, and that is whether to continue in a marriage that isn’t working or to walk away.

It’s obvious you don’t want to hurt your wife, but the way things are between both of you, it’s now unavoidable. If you leave, she’ll be hurt, but if you stay, chances are that your philandering would make her resentful and hateful. If your reasons for getting married no longer hold true, then you must face the fact that it’s over and you must find the courage to tell your wife. The children needn’t suffer if this is handled with a lot of caution.

I resent my husband for running two homes Dear Bunmi, Y HUSBAND and I have been married for almost 20 years and we have three children.

Some five years ago, a longterm girl-friend of his got pregnant and he said he would have to marry her because she was a decent girl whose parents would not condone an unmarried daughter. He said the girl had gone through three abortions and was not prepared to have another one. To cut a long story short, he married her through the native customs and put her in a house he bought for her in her name.

The woman has three children of her own and, about two years ago, my husband started staying weekends with her.

He leaves on Friday evening and comes home on Sunday. We have had a lengthy talk on this and he has made me see the reason he needs to spend time with this second wife and her children. Weekends are the only relaxed time we used to have together.

I feel humiliated at times and there are times I feel very sorry for myself.

Daisy, by e-mail

M

Dear Daisy, Though marriage isn’t about being stuck together like glue, it

is about trust and commitment to consider and care for each other.

Sadly, the society we live in is also polygamous. Your husband has tried to be fair to both of you under the circumstance. Believe me, the other wife too would have loved to have a monogamous marriage and it takes two (or

three) for this kind of relationship to thrive, and it’s not devoid of tension as you’ve realised.

Your time together with your husband, though limited, must be precious. In the meantime, why don’t you find other interests that will take your mind off your resentment?

Betrayed by my family Dear Bunmi, RETURNED to Lagos from our house in the North to escape an unhappy marriage that had become unbearably violent. I moved back to the family home with my five children.

Unfortunately, the accommodation was choky as my three siblings still live at home but we managed. We had been living with my family for almost a year when I discovered that my 13 year old daughter was being abused by my father. I was so enraged that I called a family meeting but my brothers and sisters wanted to keep the whole business hushed up, especially since my mum was not well.

I was so frustrated that I moved out and cut my family off. I don’t speak to my only sister because she didn’t back me up to deal with our father. I just feel sad that I couldn’t protect my daughter from a father I thought was above board. Thankfully, my daughter

I

seems to have forgotten about the incident and is now at the polytechnic.

Yosoye, by e-mail Dear Yosoye, Your sister is not accountable for your father’s bad behaviour.

Like you, she too has to live with the knowledge that her father assaulted his young granddaughter. Abuse within the family is often concealed because of the sense of shame. Family members often deny to themselves that abuse has taken place or continues within the home. Unfortunately, this only serves to protect the abuser.

I sympathise with what you and your daughter went through but bitterness towards your sister is misplaced. Rejoice that your daughter is living a happy life.

The person to feel really sorry for is your father, the abuser, who is either wicked or tragically weak.

Dear Amina, Roughly, between the ages of 45 and 53, a woman normally becomes incapable of childbearing. Sometimes, the periods stop suddenly, but in some, they become scanty or irregular before they finally cease.

Many important bodily functions are controlled by various glands (including the ovaries) which pour hormones into the blood streams. These glands are under control of a “master” gland, the pituitary gland, which is connected with the brain.

At menopause, the ovaries

gradually cease to function, and this often upsets the balance between the pituitary and other glands, so that it takes time for the body to settle down to normal.

Various unpleasant symptoms may result. Hot flushes due to excess of one particular hormone, are often troublesome.

There may be some weight gain, although this might be due to decreased physical activities and enjoyment of sweet food rather than the true glandular effects.

Minor mental upsets may occur. Depression is common at menopause and if it does not seem to improve with plenty of company and activities, see your doctor in case treatment is needed. Migraines may also begin at this time, but fortunately, there are many forms of help from this. There is a lot of old wives tales attached to the menopause just as you have some with having a period.

Instead of shutting your husband out, let him see that the onset of the menopause could be the beginning of a new love life for both of you.

Not only is there no fear of unwanted pregnancy, your husband would have to keep up with you as women tend to be randier during menopause.

At menopause, the ovaries gradually cease to function, and this often upsets the balance between the pituitary and other glands, so that it takes time for the body to settle down to normal.

Various unpleasant symptoms may result.

Instead of shutting your husband out, let him see that the onset of the menopause could be the beginning of a new love life for both of you.

Not only is there no fear of unwanted pregnancy, your husband would have to keep up with you as women tend to be randier during menopause

Does he prefer women with large boobs?

Dear Bunmi, NEVER said anything yet to my boyfriend but I think he is obsessed with abnormally large breasts. I always catch him staring at women’s chest. I have boobs that are on the small side and his attitude is making me feel inadequate. I have a good mind to ask him if he would rather be with a busty woman!

Ada, By e-mail

1

Dear Ada, Your boyfriend, obviously, cares about you because he chooses to be with you instead of a busty woman. However, courteous men don’t check out girls when they are out with a woman they care about. It

sounds like this man needs a few lessons in etiquette.

Let him know that when he ogles other women, it makes you feel bad. Even if he can’t help himself, he’ll, at least, try to be more discreet about it. As for your feeling “inadequate,” you must realise that big boobs don’t do anything that small ones can’t do as well or better.

Romatically, small breasts are even more sensitive than big ones; they can nourish off springs just as well; and when it comes to attracting admiring looks, women with small breasts can wear sleek clothes that don’t suit big busts. So, ignore your beau and walk just as tall and proud as any busty woman does.

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

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

•Empty chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly

Rivers Assembly:

Gone with the wind THE National Assembly took over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly almost four months ago. The action may have stopped the steep decline to Armageddon, but following that what else?

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

T

HE takeover of the Rivers State House of Assembly last July was informed by the fracas that engulfed the House on Tuesday, July 9 on the floor of the chambers.

Lawmakers had on that day engaged in a free for all with 27 members loyal to Governor Chibuke Amaechi pitched against five who are known to be hostile to the governor. Following the fight, the House sharply divided into two with acrimonious bearing towards one another until the House of Representatives intervened.

One of the 27, Tonye Harry, who was also, a former Speaker of the House, recently passed on, leaving the majority supportive of the governor at 26.

The five anti Amaechi lawmakers claimed to have impeached the Speaker of the House, Hon Otelemaba Amachree during the crisis on the floor of the House and elected a Speaker, Hon Evans Bipi.

While the pro Amaechi legislators maintained that there was no impeachment. They also insisted that the impeachment claim by the anti Amaechi lawmakers could not have been possible with only four members.

Because the one who was

purportedly elected Speaker would not have voted for himself in the alleged election.

Meantime, attempt to reconvene the House by the pro Amaechi lawmakers about two months after the show of shame on the floor of the House resulted in another free for all by supporters of the two factions in the premises of the assembly.

The supporters moved their fight closer to the Government House, Port Harcourt that same day. Security men who stepped in to quell the ugly situation allegedly fired canisters of teargas into the Government House.

The House of Assembly has since remained under lock and key after that botched attempt to resume sittings by the pro Amaechi lawmakers. None of the factions have been allowed access into the premises.

A valedictory session for the late member of the House who represented Degema constituency, Late Hon Harry had to hold at the Port Harcourt club because of the crisis.

The situation also affected staff of the assembly as they have been denied access to their offices.

It is not clear if the lawmakers are getting their salaries since the fracas. Although, Hon Bipi

who claimed to be Speaker of the five anti Amaechi lawmakers said the others were being paid while they the five lawmakers were not getting their salaries.

But leader of the House, Hon Chid Lloyd in several newspaper reports before the National Assembly took over the functions of the House said no member of the House had been paid salaries since the place was sealed up by security operatives.

Corroborating the position of the Leader of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee said there was no way anybody could talk of payment of salaries at a time fierce looking security operatives had taken over the complex.

“Fierce looking policemen have taken over the Assembly.

The Clerk of the Assembly, the Accountant and the Administrative staff of the

Assembly cannot do anything. Do you discuss salaries in such situation? These things are very worrisome,” he asked?

Continuing, he said the whole nation was looking up to the National Assembly for leadership. “The National Assembly has to give direction to the country now. It is sad nobody is ready to come to the aide of Rivers people”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon Kwanee also told Vanguard that he was not aware if the National Assembly had sat over any issue relating to the Rivers State House of Assembly since it took over its functions.

“It is not to my knowledge. We had expected that the motion passed by the National Assembly would have been respected by now especially the one urging Mbu (the state Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu) to leave. We are so shocked and surprised that since they returned they had not said anything. There had been no comment. The whole nation is looking up to the National Assembly for direction at this very critical moment of our democracy”, he stressed.

The ugly situation is also delaying the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge for the state.

Governor Amaechi appointed Justice Peter Agumagu as the Acting Chief Judge of the state in August and he has remained in that capacity since then.

Kwanee added that it is the duty of the House of Assembly to ratify recommendations of the governor for the office. “It is in the place of the governor as enshrined in the 1999 constitution to appoint and the Assembly will ratify. As it is now the man is in acting capacity,” he said.

There is no doubt that this is certainly not the best of times for the Rivers State House of Assembly. Indeed, many are perplexed that the National Assembly that took over its functions seems to have forgotten that it has taken up additional challenges.

Osun: Innovations and the harvests SEMIU OKANLAWON

B

Y November 2010 when the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola took over the baton, Osun was barely a year less than two decades. What the entire state could boast of in internally generated revenue (IGR) in almost twenty years was no more than N300 million every month at the very highest. Records indicate it fell short of that many times.

However, by November 2013, a period of three years, by merely blocking all the

leakages, Osun now rakes in N1.6bn in IGR monthly without expanding the tax net and the prospects are high and encouraging. What this indicates in clear terms, is that in all of its 19 years of existence as a state before the advent of the Aregbesola administration, Osun could muster a paltry N300million in what its people could contribute for its survival and continued existence. Conversely, in three years, the state grew its IGR by 433 percent.

Glimpsed from the perspective of this phenomenal growth, Nigerians are wont

to go back to such statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics in terms of development indices to reason why Osun shows the highest capacity for outstanding growth in the whole country at the moment despite the unenviable 34th place in the revenue allocation ladder and meagre opportunities to generate funds internally.

The National Bureau of Statistics announced to the world that Osun ranks highest in public school enrolment in the country in a national environment where public school enrolment figures make very Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 41

Anambra: Why I won't justify Jega’s jumbles — Nwoye COMRADE Tony Nwoye, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial candidate in the Anambra State gubernatorial election made his name as National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS. Following that, he was chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the PDP. In this interview he gives his perspectives on the controversial gubernatorial election that took place penultimate Saturday. Excerpts:

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

W

HAT are your plans for the supplementary election?

My friend Victor Umeh has summarized everything and the election has been won and lost according to him. He said that our participation does not add anything or remove anything and I agree with him. I cannot, I cannot and I am talking as myself and my supporters we are not part of it.

If Jega wanted us to participate he would have done the needful, and he still has the opportunity to do the needful as required by the Electoral Act and conduct a free and fair election. A situation where most of my supporters where harassed, beaten up, and not even by only political thugs but also by security agents, an election where many people were disenfranchised, where results sheets were not produced and Jega decided to uphold it and say he is going to do supplementary.

Exercising franchise He has not cancelled anything, he has not attended to any of my petitions, so if anyone says he is going to contest, he can go ahead, me I am not participating.

That is my stand. I am sorry if my stand is hurting anybody but that is my stand after I have consulted widely and looked at issues.So, the summary of the thing is that I am not participating.

How did you feel when you didn’t find your name in the voters register?

I was shocked. You know it was an INEC staff that called me to tell me. That polling booth has more than 900 voters, but why I was not so shocked was that a friend working in INEC called me that my name is not in the register, that they have removed my name from the register.

Since I was born and started exercising my franchise as a young man, that is the polling booth I have been voting and there is no election in Nigeria that I didn’t vote in that polling booth.

The INEC voter’s card was the one I used to fill PDP form for

2011 House of Representatives contest, was the one I used to fill the PDP governorship form and INEC governorship form for this election. So, where did I get the card from? I was captured, my name was in the register but suddenly they de-listed my name and that of my family members, my townspeople and not only in my home town where 3,000 persons were disenfranchised, but across the state.

So somebody expects me, just because Prof. Jega wants to justify such an irregularity.

Remember my background in activism. So my stand is that I am not going to be part of that sham called supplementary election.

Some allege that you may have been careless by not checking your name during the review of voters register?

Osun:

•Nwoye: Count me out I checked and the name was there. But how could it be? I have been voting since I attained the

mandatory age of 18 at that polling unit and all of a sudden when I was running for governor

I could not vote and somebody says carelessness. How could I have been so careless?

They intentionally decided to disenfranchise over 2,900 persons in my hometown and they also went to other areas where PDP is strong like in Auguleri they used security agents to harass people not to vote. I have left everything in the hands of God. You say they, who are the they?

INEC and security agencies in collision with APGA and this was something that they did in places they felt APGA was not strong enough.

You don’t play the hand of the PDP Federal Government in this?

I am not aware of that one. But everybody should search his or her conscience.

What message will you tell your supporters?

Let them remain calm, whatsoever God wants is what will happen. Let them have faith in God as we have good intentions to transform Anambra State. If God says that we are going to be governor, we will be governor. If God says we are not going to be governor no matter what we do or struggle, we will not be.

I feel so much for my supporters, they came out to vote for us and not just the ones that were disenfranchised, but what especially pained me was that some were wounded and harassed by APGA agents and security agents.

Innovations and the harvests

Continues from page 40 loud statements of the rot in the country’s education sector.

Within the same period and owing to the same factors, the National Bureau of Statistics placed Osun in the league of states with the lowest unemployment rate with the lowest figure of 3.0 where even Kwara ranks 7.1, Lagos ranks 8.3 and Oyo 8.9.

Of course, the obviously low crime rate in the state did not elude the observation of Participants of the Course 22 of the National War College Abuja which spent some days in the state on an assessment tour within the last two months.

All these indications of success cannot be happenstance. If anything, they represent the direct outcomes of ingenious, coordinated and determined interventions in the affairs of a state that was brought to its knees in all spheres of life.

In a country with mounting restiveness in all her regional parts, the Osun job creation specimen provides development experts fresh vistas of ideas to solve not only Nigeria’s but Africa’s bourgeoning unemployment predicament.

That the World Bank adapted this model and presented it to the Federal Government culminating in the Youth Employment Social Support Operations, YESSO speaks volume about the Osun’s now established thinking out of the box.

Yes! The reforms in the education sector have brought about hoopla. But that is only to the very extent that humans must naturally resist change even when they are to transit from hell to paradise. This is coupled with the fact that the everopportunistic opposition camp, boxed to a corner and dazed by the chains of innovative projects, is poised to confuse the citizens with its dubious manipulative characterization.

Ranking Opon Imo, the Tablet of Knowledge among four best global learning tools by the United Nations-backed World Summit Award Global Congress strengthens the claim that from Osun has emerged “powerful solutions” to the problem facing quality education.

A combination of uninspiring learning environments, illmotivated and unqualified teaching personnel, inadequately prepared

curriculum and other problems had all conspired against quality learning.

If governance means responsibility to the people at all, the solutions proffered have addressed the roots of failure and ignited fresh passion for learning. The years to come are to confirm the ingenuity that lies in the solutions as examinations results are already indicating that the rot is disappearing.

Education sector The Senate Committee on Education, led by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, did not just recommend the Osun education model for the entire country for nothing. There is no argument about the fact that Nigeria has lost its grip on the education sector with the concomitant huge costs to progress, order and development.

A large illiterate population readily promotes poverty, diseases, stagnation and violence. The Senate’s assessment of the Osun model and subsequent recommendations for national acceptance and adoption as a way out of the present

conundrum is a powerful endorsement of the creative governance in the state.

The creativity resonates in tourism to attract people to Osun; it resonates in agriculture to cause massive food production; in youths engagements to reorientate youth and create the new total man who is useful to his society. In environmental cares, the government has demonstrated a rare foresight in the management of its affairs that a hitherto uninspiring environment now greens with order and coordination.

It is also on record that this foresight made the state to stay afloat when many states of the federation came under the mercy of massive floods; a national catastrophe that had forced the Federal Government to belatedly spend billions of Naira to limit loses of lives and properties.

Just before the current administration took over, it was tragedy galore as flood swept humans and goods away even before the very eyes of those who had no solutions to society’s pressing problems.

*Semiu Okanlawon, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Osogbo, Osun.

42— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

A toll gate...do we need them on our roads again?

Re-introduction of tolling: Motorists demand better roads T

HE Director, Public, Pri vate Partnership, Federal Ministry of Works, Babatunde Ekusinmi flew the kite when he told newsmen last month that the Federal Government would soon reintroduce tolling on major roads across the country, to raise funds that would be utilised in the maintenance of such roads.

Coming from a Director and not the the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, many Nigerians wished and prayed that Ekusinmi was either not well reported or he was beside himself. But barely one week after the kite was flown, the Ministry announced the convocation of a stakeholders conference to put finishing touches to the draft policy that Onolememen would take to the Federal Executive Council for ratification and implementation.

Reintroduction of tolling At that conference, the Minister of State in the Works Ministry, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda justified the reintroduction of tolling, saying it would open the sector to both local and international investors.

He said that the fact that over 90 per cent of economic and social activities are run on the Nigerian roads put so much

pressure on them, adding that as such so much funds are needed to maintain the roads to keep them in motorable condition.

“The economy is doing well, the road transport account for over 90 percent of the movement of goods and services in the country and that calls for regular maintenance,” he said.

Yuguda noted that toll gates to be erected would be run on a public-private partnership basis unlike in the past when it was run in a public service manner with all its trappings of inadequacies and mismanagement.

The government, he said, has come up with a comprehensive policy to back up the tolling system with a view to avoiding the pitfalls of the past. Since the confirmation, Nigerians have been speaking with divergent voices on the pros and cons of the reintroduction. While some have taken to the social media to vent their anger on the government, others have taken a swipe at the critics of the reintroduction, insisting that “you cannot enjoy a delicious meal without paying for it”.

Built environment professionals differ Built environment professionals who usually speak with one voice on topical national issues concerning the sector, this time around, differed in their views.

While some of them spoke with subdued approval, others vehemently opposed the reintroduc-

tion because it would bring more hardships on an already impoverished citizenry.

The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi described the proposed reintroduction of tolls on major highways as a welcome development so long as the bidding process to select the company that will collect the tolls is done in a very transparent manner.

Mr. Shonubi, who noted that the budgetary allocation for roads maintenance is inadequate to put the roads in motorable conditions, suggested that the company which is saddled with the management of the tolls should also be given the mandate to manage and maintain such roads from the money collected.

Performance bond He warned against remitting the proceeds from toll gates into government coffers as such monies usually ended in private pockets. The Lagos NIQS chairman suggested that the tolls collectors should sign a performance bond and if they fail to live up to the agreement, the concession should be terminated after three years. Alternatively, he said the government should sign a concession agreement in which the bid winner will con-

struct the road and collect tolls for a period not exceeding 15 years.

A civil engineer and facility manager, Mr. Afolabi Adedeji aligned with the views expressed by Shonubi. According to him, the truth is that the public cannot continue to shy away from contributing financially to the development and maintenance of public infrastructure like roads.

Adedeji explained that tolling would serve as a cost recovery plan by the government and if properly monitored, would serve

,

By JUDE NJOKU

State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, said.

Continuing, Jagun who noted that billions of Naira have been spent on the reconstruction of the Lagos -Ibadan Expressway and yet the road remains impassable, maintained that reintroduction of tolling would only increase the sufferings of a traumatized people because transporters would pass the increase to their passengers. It is when you produce service that you can charge the people for it,” he said.

More reactions: An anonymous online contributor berated those kicking against the reintroduction of toll fees. “Nigerians can be very funny. How can we expect to have world class facilities without paying for them.

Government is just interested in revenue generation; they should first of all fix the roads and make them motorable before they can add a little money for their maintenance

as a viable revenue yielding scheme.

Another facility manager, Pastor Stephen Jagun toed a different path. “Have they (government) done a study to find out why tolls were cancelled in the first place? The government is just interested in revenue generation. Even the South African model of tolling which Nigeria wants to copy is still very contentious. They should first of all, fix the roads and make them motorable before they can add a little money for their maintenance,” Jagun who is a former President of the International Facility Management Association, IFMA, Nigeria chapter and current chairman of the Lagos

,

When we travel abroad and see clean and beautiful road networks, we condemn the Nigerian government, forgetting that the roads abroad are heavily paid for. For instance, in Malaysia, almost every Nigerian resident there drives(majority are students) and they pay the toll fees there without raising questions,” he said.

Mr. Benjamin Ebeshi of Niger Delta University aligned with this viewpoint. He suggested that the tolling must be electronic based and the proceeds made public on monthly basis. “This will enable members of the public to match that particular road or bridge maintenance to the total amount Continues on page 45

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 —43

Nigerians demand better roads before tolling Continues from page 44 collected from tolling of that particular road or bridge,” he said.

But toeing a different line, a banker, Mr. Ayodeji Obelawo stated that it amounts to insanity to introduce tolls on roads that are not motorable. “Have they forgotten that the removed toll gate revenue has been added as a tax to the petrol motorists are buying? Are we that forgetful that we have developmental tax of N2.50k on every litre of fuel being bought? This was clearly stated in the 2003 speech of OBJ when he was removing the toll gates.

Is it not insanity to be tolling roads that are practically not motorable such as the LagosIbadan expressway? Before the Federal Government can toll the roads again, they should first fix the roads and remove the development tax on fuel. The coming of the toll gates again is a conscious effort to enrich some and probably a bargain for some in the race for 2015,” he said.

Mr. Abdul Basit Ahmed alleged that money realised from tolls will be squandered and not put into roads reconstruction His views were corroborated by Mr. Ajibola Dada who described the reintroduction of tolls on federal highways as double taxation. “Why is it that this government can’t come up with a better idea on how to fix the roads?

Dismantling of weigh bridges ill-advised Lending his support to the proposed reintroduction of tolls, a former member of the Governing Board of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Chief Adeyemi Adedipe, however, criticised the dismantling of weigh bridges. Adedipe, who represented the South West on the board of FERMA, further explained that the earmarked fund for road maintenance had gone beyond the annual budgetary grants approved by the National Assembly. Noting that this had been grossly inadequate for the huge task, he attributed the rot in roads and bridges infrastructure to poor funding.

He stated that all over the world, citizens pay a token to ensure construction of new roads and maintenance of existing network and Nigeria cannot be an exception. “It is on this premise that the decision of government to introduce five percent fuel tax to form a road fund, the re-introduction of the toll levies and construction of weigh bridges on the highways and the rejuvenation of the concessionaire arrangement should be hailed by everybody,” he said.

The former FERMA director decried the dismantling of weigh bridges on major highways like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

He stated that it was a mistake that shouldn’t have been allowed to happen . Similarly, the canC M Y K

*Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works cellation of toll levies and subsequent demolition of toll gates by the Obasanjo administration was totally ill-advised.

He posited that criticisms against the reintroduction of toll levies from the labour movement and other aggrieved Nigerians should go beyond mere rhetoric and grandstanding but should take into consideration the positive effect for the general good.

Vanguard Features, VF, observed that whereas weigh bridges are being used in neigh-

bouring countries to ensure that trailers shed excess weight or pay for such extra loads, the few weigh bridges in the country like the one at the old toll gate in Lagos, were dismantled. The outcome is that overloaded trailers, tankers and other articulated vehicles, ply the roads unchecked. They contribute to the dilapidation of our roads without paying for their maintenance.

Adoption of South African model of tolling The Federal Government had

given the indication that it would adopt the South African model of tolled roads management.

Managing Director of the Infrastructure Bank, Mr. Abdulrasaq Oyinloye, who made this known in Abuja at the opening of a training programme on tolled roads and road management, said the bank is working in partnership with the Development Bank of South Africa, DBSA, to organise a two-day training programme for stakeholders in the sector.

The training tagged, “Tolled Roads and Roads Management: A Sustainable Approach”, was convened to empower stakeholders in the sector. Said he, “In Nigeria, we are trying to establish a Federal Roads Authority that will be in charge of tolled roads and we want to learn from how they do their things, what they have done right and how they did it,” he said. But this decision has drawn flak from a cross-section of Nigerians. An analyst, Dr. Peregrino Brimah noted that unlike South Africa, Nigeria did not first revamp its roads before trying to tax the citizens for the “charity.”

Writing in an online publication, Dr Brimah said: “Unlike Nigeria, South Africa’s government first paid for massive upgrades to its road network, ac-

cruing more than $2 billion in debt before hosting the 2010 Johannesburg World Cup. Despite upgrading the roads ahead of any plans to initiate a toll, the institution of the tolls has been blocked by heavy opposition and protests from South African worker unions and other groups to date”.

He explained that the Congress of SA Trade Unions, COSATU, South Africa’s largest labour union representing over two million workers organised serial protests and strongly blocked the institution of the tolls.

“Currently, slow-drive protests are being staged to cause an artificial traffic hold-up as part of organised protests against the planned tolls. The public have been told not to buy the e-toll cards”.

Dr Brimah gave an insight on how the South African model of tolling works. “The South Africa road tolls levy motor drivers 40 cents and motorbikes 23 cents per kilometer traveled. COSATU calls these harsh road tolls a “modernised privatisation” of the nation’s road network. For the Nigerian planned implementation, the money from the masses will either be added as a surcharge to petrol costs or read via vehicle movement monitoring devices and toll gates. South African Bishops have also protested strongly against the tolls, describing them as “immoral.”

Agbami partners kick out malaria in flood-ravaged communities

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

T

HE World Health Organisation, WHO, statistics shows malaria is currently endemic in 99 countries, causing an estimated 660,000 deaths per year. About 80 percent of these cases and 90 percent of deaths are said to occur in Africa. In fact, the West African sub-continent was nicknamed the ‘White man’s grave’ due to the devastating blow it dealt on the early white missionaries who died in their large numbers due to the effect of malaria.

It was against this backdrop that the Agbami Partners made up of Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Petrobas, NAPIMS, Famfa Oil and Statoil decided to offer succour to four communities in Edo, Kogi and Delta states, namely Idah, Agenebode, Ogbe-Ijoh and Koko which were affected by last year’s flooding of the River Niger. The companies launched a Malaria Control and Health Promotion project under the implementation of Africare, a leading non-governmental organisation, NGO, committed to addressing African development and policy issues by working in partnership with African people to build sustainable, healthy and productive communities. Since 1970, Africare has provided well over $1 billion of assistance and support through more than 2,500 projects in agriculture and food security; water, sanitation and hygiene; women’s empowerment; and health, HIV & AIDS that have impacted millions of beneficiaries in 36 countries in Africa.

The Malaria Control and Health Promotion programme was well received at the four communities that were affected by flooding of the River Niger last year as children, men and women and elders were

given various drugs and treated mosquito nets. Africare workers had a hectic time controlling the surging crowd of people that came to benefit from the project.

Apart from the distribution of treated mosquito nets, giving of free drugs to those who were tested and found to have malaria in their blood, there was also intensive community sensitisation to encourage the utilization of malaria commodities at the health centres and A baby in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Governcommunity mobilization to inment Council receiving Rapid Diagnostic Test crease malaria awareness in the (RDT) for malaria during the Malaria Control and Health Promotion in Flood Affected Populations communities. Two major factors (MCHP-FAP) project launch in Edo State militating the elimination of malaria were identified and they include On his part, General Manager, Policy, wrong use of malaria drugs and low utiGovernment and Public Affairs, Chevron lisation of available preventive measures.

Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, said Representatives of the Agbami Partners the Agbami Partners were partnering with who were present during the programme the government as part of their corporate said they were adding values to the lives responsibility commitments on the roll back of the people in the affected populations malaria project. Chevron, he said, and contributing positively to the sociobelieves that good health holds the key to economic development of the country. the sustainable development of any The Director, Star Deepwater Petrol society.

Limited, Mr. Jeffery Ewing who spoke “Chevron believes that malaria is preon the involvement of his company in the ventable.

It can be treated and it could be programme said: “The programe is eradicated. That is why we are partnering another indication of the partners’ deterwith relevant organisations and state govmined efforts to improve primary health ernments to deploy the roll back malaria care delivery in Nigeria. Malaria is a major in various parts of the country since 2009,” killer disease severely affecting mostly he said. Others who gave their good will children under five years of age and messages included Mr. Modupe Alakija pregnant women. Through this from Famfa Oil Limited, chairmen of the programme, we are demonstrating our revarious local government areas whose sponsiveness to the clarion call for colcommunities were affected, state laborative efforts to stamp out malaria Commissioners of Health and community pandemic from the society”. leaders.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Delta 2015: Ika youths back Ochei

T

HE IKA Youth Forum for Change has dumped all governorship aspirants of Ika origin jostling to become governor of Delta State in 2015 for the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, saying that he is the most qualified aspirant in the state.

The youths spoke during the visit of Delta Focus Group, DFG, to members of the Ika Youth Forum for Change in Sapele, yesterday.

They said that their decision to dump candidates of Ika origin was to enthrone a capable person as governor of the state come 2015.

Chairman of the Ika Youth, Mr. Godfrey Morka, thanked members of the group for their commitment towards ensuring that Ochei becomes the governor of the state come 2015.

He described Ochei as a leader, who is

Promo

S

TARTING from Friday, November 29, one of the leading cargo shipping giant, American AirSea Cargo, said it will begin to reward its customers around the world, particularly in Nigeria with special holiday shopping and shipping offers that will last through the Yuletide.

Operational Manager, Hauwa Odebisi, said that the firm had rewarded it customers in this manner in the past four years.

She said: “We will ensure that our customers benefit as low shipping cost as $15 to ship items from America to Nigeria.”

Burial

M

ADAM Joanna Onipede, who died, November 7, aged 81, will be buried, Friday, November 29.

The burial will be preceded by service of songs tomorrow at the Redemption House of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, NuruOniwo Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, and a farewell service at same venue.

detribalised and believes in collective approach to governance, adding that he was a generally accepted candidate with people-oriented initiatives.

Morka said that they had to join forces with DFG to make Deltans know that the people of Ika were fully in support of Ochei to emerge as the next governor of Delta State after Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure.

He said: “Ochei is well known to us. He is not a new person in Delta State politics. We know how he has empowered Deltans no matter where you are from and we know that the man has the ability to move Delta State to the next level.”

AWARD: From left— Alhaji Aliyu Musa, Regional Manager, MTN, North-West; Deputy Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar; Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, and Hajia Amina Usman, Senior Manager, Sales, MTN, Northern Region, at the maiden edition of MTN Kannywood Award in Kano.

Bellview: Family of late pilot sues airline

BY INNOCENT ANABA

T

HE family of late Captain Lambert Imasuen, pilot of the Bellview aircraft, Boeing 737-200, that crashed on October 22, 2005, has dragged the airline before the National Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Lagos over non-payment of compensation.

The aircraft was on its way to Abuja from Lagos, when it crashed in Lisa Village area of Ogun State, killing all 117 persons on board.

The suit was filed in representative capacity on behalf of the family members

by Imuwahen Lenita Imasuen, who is the eldest child and administrator of late Captain Imaseun’s estate.

Other defendants are Kayode Odukoya, Tunde Yusuf, Gabriel Olowo, Emmanuel Ombu, Abisoye Mohammed, Kola Sobande, Chimara Imediegwu and Alex Iheuwa— all directors of the airline.

The suit

The family in the suit is contending that despite several demands, the airline and its directors had failed to pay them their entitlements eight years after their father died while working for the company.

Imuwahen, in an affidavit in support of the suit, averred that immediately after the death of her father, she and other family members proceeded to Bellview’s office as was required of the victims of the crash, but were informed of their entitlement to $100,000 as compensation for the death of Captain Imasuen as a victim of the air crash.

She averred that the defendant made an advance payment of $10,000, with the assurance that the balance of $90,000 compensation would

be paid upon production of letter of administration of late Captain Imasuen’s estate.

Damages, defence

However, upon presentation of the said letter of administration, Imuwahen averred that the defendants refused to pay the outstanding balance of $90,000 despite repeated demands.

The family is asking the court to compel the airline to pay the said $90,000 and N82 million damages, as well as the cost of the suit and other benefits and entitlement accruing to the estate of late Captain Imasuen both as air crash victim and

staff of Bellview Airlines.

However, the defendants in their statement of defence, denied admitting to pay the claimant $100,000 compensation, contending that at no time did they give any assurance to pay $90,000 balance.

The defendants contended that on December 22, 2005, Bellview Airlines benevolently offered to pay the family of late Captain Imaseun $10,000 to alleviate any hardship occasioned to the family as a result of the crash, adding that the suit was brought in obvious bad faith, and same should be dismissed with substantial cost.

Adjournment

When the matter came up before Justice Lawal Mani, the family opened their case with the testimony of the claimant, Imuwahen.

While being led in evidence by their counsel, Imuwahen lamented that despite the express assurances given to her by Bellview Airlines through its company secretary, one Andrew Orji, the company refused to pay the compensation thereby, neglecting the family.

Meanwhile, Justice Mani, adjourned till February 12 and 13, 2014 for ruling and continuation of trial.

CIPM identifies challenges of human resources mgt

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

R

IVERS State chapter of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, has identified quackery among the challenges confronting human resources practice in Nigeria.

Chairman of Rivers State CIPM and Employee/Industrial Relations and Employee Communications Manager for Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Steve Ojeh, said this at the branch's 15th annual conference in Port Harcourt.

He said that the practice of human resources in Nigeria has been vibrant and aiding business growth.

According to him, key among the challenges confronting the practice in Nigeria include poor knowledge of the business. He said: “For instance, how well do we speak the language of the business or make human resources distinct from the business by being in

the business?

“How do we use the table when we get on to a Board?

“Another aspect is poor use of metrics, where we are generally unskilled in generating and using data to make informed decisions or use same to demonstrate

human resources impact on business performance.

“We have allowed poor service orientation that had crept into our national culture to also affect us and have limited mindset of end-to-end delivery and tend to attach more value to tasks over impacts.”

Omo-Agege sets up burial c'ttee for Oboba

U

G H E L L I — DETERMINED to give a befitting burial to the late former chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Austin Oboba, former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has setup a 16-man committee to organise the burial ceremony.

Oboba died last Thursday in Lagos after a protracted illness, aged 56. Ovie OmoAgege in a statement by Chief

Austin Uloho, named the committee members to include Olorogun Jaro Egbo, Chairman and Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Secretary.

Other members are Mr. Tonye Timi, Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chief Friday Akpoyibo, Chief Uto Oviri, Mr. Sam Mariere, Chief Ominimini Obuivwevbi, Chief John Idogu, Dr. Issac Akpoveta, Mrs Kevwe Akpojotor, Mrs Florence Ayomanor, Sir Joe Enakerakpor, Mr. Peter Majemite, Mr. Clement Oboba and Mr. Festus Ahon.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—45

Civil servants're productive hands of govt, says Utuama

SMEDAN, N-Delta Affairs Ministry to train 2,200 youths

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BY FESTUS AHON

B

A

SABA—DELTA State deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, has described civil servants as the productive hands of government programmes and expressed the state government’s commitment to maintaining the existing harmony between it and labour.

Playing host to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, in Asaba, Utuama said: “As a state government, we regard workers as great assets. They are the productive hands of all government programmes.

“Our policy is that our workers are not liabilities but assets. I think that is one policy that has informed our relationship with labour. We believe they are part of the government and government is part of them and we work together to ensure that we implement our three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital development and infrastructur-

Auchi Poly student nabbed for alleged impersonation

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—MEN of the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Ogorode, Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, paraded a 20-year-old Business Administration student of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Amiegbebhor Amierelu, who was allegedly arrested inUromi, Edo State, by the Uromi Division of the Nigeria Police, which subsequently handed him over to them.

The Commanding Officer of the College, Commodore Bello Odofin, who briefed newsmen, said “We have handed over Amiegbebhor Amierelu, a suspect impersonating the authority of the Nigerian Navy to the Nigeria Police, Sapele Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and subsequent trial."

VISIT: Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, (left) receives Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, mother of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, during a courtesy visit by the governor’s mother to the royal father in his palace, yesterday.

Kidnappers of Bayelsa commissioner’s father demand N98m ransom

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE kidnappers of Pa Uroh Tempurah, father of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Mr. Nelson Belief, have demanded for N98 million ransom to set him free.

The septuagenarian was seized and taken away from his Minibeleu country home in Akassa on the Atlantic fringe of Brass last Wednesday by gunmen.

The heavily armed kidnappers were said to have stormed the coastal settlement in a speed-

boat at 2.56am and made away with their victim.

It was, however, learnt that the gunmen, who seized the aged man, described “as a man of peace” by his community folks, Monday night contacted his son, Belief, demanding N98 million before he would be set free.

A source close to the family told Vanguard that the kidnappers allowed the old man to speak with his son before they took away the phone from him and made their demand.

The commissioner, who confirmed the development, said: “Yes, I spoke with my

father yesterday (Monday).”

He also confirmed the N98 million ransom demand by the kidnappers.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed that the kidnappers had established contact with their victim’s family, said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers.

“We have deployed a crack team of operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad to strategic locations in the creek and they are on the trail of the kidnappers. They will be fished out and brought to book,” he said.

Oshiomhole sets up peace c'ttee to resolve communal conflicts

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has set up a peace and conflict resolution committee with a mandate to reconcile and mediate between warring com-

GCUOBA holds annual luncheon

G

OVERNMENT College Ughelli Old Boys Association, Lagos Branch, holds its annual luncheon party, December 1, at Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 2 p.m.

A statement by the organisers said dress code is formal.

munities in the state.

Inaugurating the committee, headed by Chief Eduwu Ekhator, the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, the governor said: “If we can nip in the bud any sign of discontent, disagreement and tension, we would have saved the police the task of having to mobilise men and materials to manage riots. We recognise that as government we cannot maintain peace without the support of the people. There are all sorts of conflicts within communities and sometimes, interest groups and all sorts of possible discontent and even within associations, there are all sorts of conflicts and areas of potential conflicts. Conflict is as old as the society.

“There is nothing surpris-

ing if we find that within families, local governments and among royal fathers, that we sometimes have disagreement and discontent. What will be strange is if we do not have enough men of goodwill to rise to the occasion in order to mediate, reconcile and build bridges and ensure that there is peace and harmony.

“We recognise that along the areas of conflict, there can be groups or individuals, who can be more familiar to our history, traditions and sometimes old boundaries where they exist, and any of those that sometimes, result in disagreement. So, when the Royal Majesty suggested that we set up this committee, we readily agreed,” he said.

ENIN—DIRECTOR General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Mr. Umar, has said that the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is to train no fewer than 2,200 non- militant Niger Delta youths in agro-allied industry, which covers crop production, food preservation, livestock and poultry.

Umar, at the 2nd Niger Delta Development Forum in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, said that SMEDAN was now starting small businesses for some of the ex-militants in the region in collaboration with the ministry.

He said: “SMEDAN is working with several private sector organisations to impact positively on the communities in the region.

We are also working with some of the state governments in advancing entrepreneurship and enterprise development that will bring about wealth and employment creation, generate income, reduce crime and restiveness and ensure self sufficiency in food production.”

Madam Biredeni for burial

L

ATE Mama Obogbemera Biredeni, nee Adagbabiri who died July 17, 2013 aged 113 will be buried, November 30.

A statement by the families of Adagbabiri and Ogidigo of Apono and Gbale quarter of Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, said that the burial will be preceded by service of songs at her residence at Lokpobiri Street, Bokon, Kiagbodo on Friday. It will be followed by an open air service and interment at her compound on Saturday.

Late Mama Biredeni

46—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Ojukwu tasks INEC on credible supplementary poll

BY ENYIM ENYIM

O

NITSHA—A chieftain of the All Progress Grand Alliance, APGA, in Idemili South Local Government Area, Prince Chuma Ojukwu, yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a free and fair supplementary governorship election in Anambra State on Saturday, Addressing reporters at Awka-Etiti, Ojukwu who is the crown Prince of Awka Etiti royal dynasty also, advised INEC to engage adequate security personnel and ad-hoc staff to attend to voters at the scheduled time, adding that the issue of late arrival of electoral materials and missing names of voters from the voters’ register must be seriously addressed before the poll.

He also asked the commission to ignore the call for cancellation of the November 16 governorship election to avoid violence that might erupt between some political parties.

Abia Central endorses Orji for Senate in 2015

BY ANAYOOKOLI MUAHIA—THE people of Abia Central Senatorial District, comprising of six local government areas have adopted Governor Theodore Orji as their 2015 senatorial candidate for the zone under the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, saying that they believe Orji would give them good representation in the Senate.

They also said that they would purchase the nomination forms for the election for the governor at the appropriate time.

The decision to adopt Orji was reached weekend in Umuahia, at an enlarged stakeholders meeting convened by nine members of the State House of Assembly from the district led by the Majority Leader, Chidebere Nwoke.

U

C M Y K

INAUGURATION: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (3rd right), his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba (2nd right), Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Udeh Okochukwu (right), new Chairman of the seventh Session of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Eze Eberechi Dike (left), Vice Chairman, HRM, Eze Godson Chijioke Chionye (2nd left) and the 2nd Vice Chairman, HRM, Eze S.A.Okorie, after their inauguration in Umuahia.

SAN decries alleged flouting of court orders

by Imo govt

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—AN Owerribased legal practitioner, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, has lamented what he described as the penchant to disobey court orders by alleged officials of the Imo State Government.

According to him, “nothing can be more hostile to a judicial system than contempt for judicial orders emanating from perceived partners in

governance.”

Ahamba spoke in Owerri, the Imo State capital at the opening of the 2013/2014 Legal year in the state.

His words: “This phenomenon is regrettably assuming a cultural dimension in this state.”

On corruption, Ahamba wondered why the people of the state had not been told why the N1.5 billion bribe scandal which led to the impeachment of the former

Deputy Governor was yet to be recovered from a contractor.

“May I respectfully recall that some months back, there was an impeachment proceeding in Imo State.

One’s concern or interest in this issue is justice to the people of Imo State, who are interested in knowing where their N1.5 billion is and what has become of it.”

Ahamba stated that justice must prevail in the matter, in

Anambra 2013: Obiano campaign faults Ekwunife’s suit

BY VINCENTUJUMADU& IKENNAASOMBA

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Information and Director General of Willie Obiano Campaign Organisation, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, yesterday, described the suit by a member of APGA representing Anaocha/ Njikoka/Dunukofia in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife asking for the disqualification of Obiano as the party ’s candidate in the November 16, governorship election in the state as an exercise in futility.

Mrs. Ekwunife who was the runner-up to Mr. Obiano during the party’s primary, having scored the second highest votes, filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Awka, Anambra State, praying it to declare her as the rightful candidate for APGA, in

the election, in view of Obiano’s alleged ‘’multiple registration as a voter, which is a serious election offence and by the combined effect of Sections 9(1), (2) and (24(1) (e) of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended and Section 178 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.’’

Joined in the suit filed by her counsel, Chief Ugo Ugahamadu, are APGA and INEC. But Uzodike told a news conference in Awka that though APGA had not been served with the court summons, Ekwunife’s action, if true, was disturbingly laughable.

He said: “I expect Ekwunife or whoever that is behind her to know that a court of competent jurisdiction had ruled on that matter by saying that Obiano did not do double registration. Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

had made a categorical statement on that issue.

“Ekwunife was part of the APGA campaign and even collapsed her structure into the campaign organisation and for her to begin to do this at this time is something many people do not understand. Maybe she is not acting on her own, but it is unfortunate that she is being used for something that would not benefit her.”

According to Udodike, all the media establishments that covered the Anambra election went to Aguleri, the home town of Obiano, to know if he would vote based on the allegation of double registration and they all saw him vote.

He also recalled that INEC had earlier stated that anybody who did double registration would not vote and when Obiano voted, the argument ought to have ended.

view of the state’s scarce resources.

Furthermore, Ahamba wondered the person accused of stealing N458 million from the said contract money was yet to be prosecuted, ‘’since he had lost his immunity, if there are facts against him.

“Why is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, sitting on the investigation of this matter? Why is it taking almost a year for the good people of Imo State to know the ownership of the accounts into which the money was said to have been divided and paid?”

Passage

M

R. PATRICK Uzoma Kaduru, aged 48, is dead. He died on November 6, 2013 following a protracted illness.

He will be buried at his Umuokoro-Amuzi, Ahiara Mbaise country home, on Thursday, November 28.

He is survived by a widow, Kelechi, children and other relations.

Late Patrick Kaduru

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—47

,

VISIT: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (4th right); National President, Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Fred Achem (4th left); Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Professor Tokunbo Fabamwo (left); PRO, Local Organising Committee, Dr. Tolu Fagorala (2nd left); Vice Chairman, Dr. Sola Akinde (3rd left); Personal Physician to the Governor, Dr. John Okoh (right), and others, during a courtesy visit by the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics to Lagos House, Ikeja.

LAUNCH: From left, Mrs. Ronke Bello, CEO, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Ltd; Commissioner for Education, Plateau State, Mr. Athanasius Dashen; Mr. Adekunle Adenuga, Regional Sales Manager, North, MultiChoice Nigeria, and Mr. Timothy Okwu, Public Relations Executive, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the launch of additional 10 MultiChoice Resource Centres in Plateau State, at Government Secondary School, Jos, Plateau State.

FAIR: Mrs. Yewande Amusan, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, and Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, Corporate Affairs Director, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, at the stand of the new cooking oil, Mamador, at the Lagos Trade Fair

LAUNCH: From left, Mr. Boukali Mounir, Manager, Public Relations/Marketing Dept, Tecno Telecom Limited; Mr. Kayode Olapade, representing Lagos State Commissioner for Information; Mr. Arif Chowdhury, Vice President, Tecno Group; Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Managing Director, CMC Connent Limited, and Mr. Layi Onafowokan, Head, Devices Terminal, Etisalat Nigeria Limited, during the launch of Tecno Smart Phantom A, 111 Phone, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

DINNER: From left, Mr. Mike Purves, Director, United Kingdom Trade and Investment; Prince Yemi Adefulu, President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, NBCC; Mr. Kayode Falomo, Chairman, Programmes Committee, and Fidelia Nzekwe-Chinwuko, DG, NBCC, at NBCC press conference to announce the forth-coming NBCC annual dinner, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

AWARD: Sergeant Adesuyi Alonge (right), and Mr. M. Rabiu, Chair man of the Wetland Community (comprising Owode, Idera, Ajewole, Ajegunle, Ekitan, Odo-Ogun, Itowolo, Majidun, Ogunlonto and Agboyi 3), during the community's honouring of Sergeant Alonge with good service award.

AWARD: From left, Finance Director, Mr. Murray Jonathan; Head, Financial Services, Nelson Sanni; Company Secretary/Legal Director, Mr. Uche Uwechia; Managing Director, Mr. Chidi Okoro; Communication Manager, Mrs. Bolaji Sanyaolu, and Marketing Director, Mr. Mark Pfister, all of GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc, displaying the awards won by the company, at the 2013 Pearl Awards Nigeria, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

PROGRAMME: From left, Programme Manager of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, TCF, of India, Dr. M. Sathyanarayana; Branch Manager (Kebbi 1) of First City Monument Bank, FCMB, Limited, Mr. Musa Salihu; Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, and Corporate Communications Officer of the Bank, Mr. Rafiu Mohammed, during community outreach for the 'Priceless Gift of Sight' programme, sponsored by FCMB to provide free eye screening and surgery for people suffering from cataract, at Maiyama Local Government, in Kebbi State.

SEMINAR: From left, Chief J.M. Barovbe, JP, Proprietor, Westminster College Lagos; Onimisi Adaba (Group Operations Manager, Cool, Wazobia, Nig. Info FM); Dr. Taiwo Idemudia, JP; Mercy Arigo Ighofose, Editor-In-Chief, Harmony Life Family Magazine; Chief J.J. Akpieyi, Chairman of the event; Sir Godwin Omene, former DMD of Shell Petroleum; Alfred Okoigun, MD/CEO, ARCO Petrochemical Nigeria Ltd, during Harmony Life family magazine seminar on child abuse, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Kukah tasks elected reps on exemplary leadership

Kaduna Gov seeks house's approval for 24 new aides

S

K

ADUNA —GOV. Mukhktar Yero of Kaduna State, yesterday, forwarded the names of 24 persons for the approval of the state Assembly to serve as commissioners.

This came as his Katsina State counterpart, Gov. Ibrahim Shema also, approved the appointment of Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, as Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB. This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Rabi’un Rumah, in Katsina.

Until his appointment, Danbaba was the Executive Director of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He replaces Dr Suleman Dikko who was recently appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC.

Groups move to restore sanity in Taraba

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH AGOS—THE Mid dle Belt Consultative Forum, MBFC, and 134 other human rights organisations have decried what it described as lack of identifiable leadership in the running of the affairs of Taraba State and threatened to embark on mass campaign to restore sanity into the state.

The coalition spoke at a news conference in Lagos.

President and Coordinator of the forum, Samuel Olorunwa and Abuka Omobaba, respectively who addressed newsmen, however, urged the Taraba State House of Assembly to institute the process of ascertaining the state of health of the governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai as well as making the position of the law clear about the health of the governor and the position of the acting governor.

L

INDUCTION—From left: Rev.Canon (Arc) Akinwale & Arc.Mrs Foluke Olafimihan with the Bishop of Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Most Rev'd Josiah Idowu-Fearon and Ven. Joshua & Mrs Rahila Mallam at the Institution,Induction and Installation Service at St.Paul's Anglican Church, Kakuri, Kaduna on Sunday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

UNIJOS V-Chancellor urges ASUU to suspend strike J

OS—PROF.Hayward Mafuyai, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, yesterday, appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its strike in the interest of the nation.

Mafuyai, said this, while exchanging views with newsmen in Jos. He said that the university lecturers should consider the plight of their students by calling off their long-drawn-out strike.

“The fact of the matter is that the Federal Government has done well by agreeing to set aside billions of naira yearly for the rehabilitation and development of the nation’s universities.

“The ASUU officials and members should at least look at what the government has offered and call off the strike,” he said.

Mafuyai said that the government had agreed to be releasing N30 billion yearly for the rehabilitation and the maintenance of the nation's universities. He added that the government had also inaugurated the Needs’ Assessment Committee of the Nigerian Universities, with the view to solving the problems facing the universities.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has a listening ear; that is why the government has been negotiating, with a view to resolving the impasse between it and the union,” he said.

Mafuyai appealed to ASUU

to reconsider its “hard stance”.

He said that the ASUU members, after receiving what was offered to them, could still continue negotiations with the government.

The vice chancellor, however, said that he had a cor-

dial relationship with the local branch of ASUU in his university.

He said that the university authorities were ready to provide a favourable working environment for the lecturers to operate without any fear of harassment.

OKOTO—BISHOP Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto D i o c e s e , y e s t e r d a y, urged elected representatives to imbibe the teachings of the two major religions in their daily activities to provide good democratic governance.

Kukah told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto that “if the teachings of the religions are strictly adhered to, the country can overcome its challenges”.

He said that exemplary leadership would ensure peace, progress and political growth of the country.

He explained that the time had come for elected and appointed leaders to imbibe and practise what their religions admonished them.

“This is in order to have good democratic governance that would facilitate the nation’s political growth."

National Confab: Jonathan acting Nwabueze's script — ACF

BY EMEKA MAMAH

L

AGOS—APPARENTLY miffed by the suggestion

by Professor Ben Nwabueze, that he should be allowed to produce the working paper for proposed National Conference, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, once again reacted to the idea, accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of of acting Nwabueze’s script on the matter.

ACF made similar accusation against Nwabueze last week saying that he should not be allowed to produce the working paper for the conference.

The National Working Committee, NWC, of ACF, which rose from its National Executive meeting in Kaduna, yesterday, reacted to the alleged request by Nwabueze, in a

communiqué signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani.

The communiqué entitled "ACF’s reactions to Prof Nwabueze’s request to the President," read: "President Jonathan had previously been against the convocation of a national conference of any nature. He had on many occasion dismissed the idea with a sleight of hand. ‘’To the surprise of everyone, the President in his independence day speech of October 1, 2013, announced the government’s decision to convene a National Conference/Dialogue, and set up an Advisory Committee to collect and collate the views of Nigerians on the agenda, participants and other modalities for the conference.

"Prof Nwabueze was one of

the eminent persons announced by the President as a member of the Advisory Committee on the National Conference. Prof Nwabueze promptly declined membership of the Advisory Committee. His statement disclosed that he has been battling with prostate cancer and has been surviving by ‘consultation from time to time with treatment by a consultant oncologist at Charing Cross Hospital in London.’

"Prof Nwabueze, inspite of the reason for declining membership of the Advisory Committee, has now requested the President to commission him to single-handedly produce a draft new constitution for Nigeria which will become the sole working paper for the conference; and did so without any request from the Committee or the Presidency."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—49

APC, NPDP MERGER Gridlock government

By EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

40 indigent students bag F Oritsejafor scholarship awards

By SAM EYOBOKA

W

ORD of Life Bible Church, Warri in Delta State, recently gave scholarship awards to 40 indigent students to study courses of their choice ranging from mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, medic-al sciences to economics at different tertiary institutions of higher learning in the country and overseas.

The list included 36 fresh students in 100 level, three in 200 level while the remaining one is a 300 level student. One of the lucky students, Toritse-weju Mene is admitted to read Economics at Memorial Uni-versity in Canada.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony which took place during the 26th Jubilee Word Festival at the church headquarters in Ajamimogha, Warri, the general overseer, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said the scholarship was a way the church encourages the growth of education in the society, stating “it is better to have many unemployed graduates than to have a society with uneducated people.

“I believe we are coming to a time when graduates will be proud to work in every sector of the society,” the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said, adding that he had a covenant with God to empower as many indigent students in and around Delta State as long as possible.

Underprivileged children He therefore enjoined the benefitting students to take advantage of the opportunity to study hard and carve a niche for themselves because very soon they would be the persons who would determine the future of this country.

Stressing the need for the Christians to be their brothers' keepers, Oritsejafor warned that “the underprivileged children you fail to help today may be the ones that would torment your privileged children tomorrow”.

The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who handed the awards to the 40 recepients, congratulated the Word of Life Bible Church on its 26th anniversary. He commended the church for awarding scholarship to 40 indigent students, noting that an educated society is that which can grow positively.

The governor also commended the first family of Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor and

*Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (2nd r) handing over a scholarship award to one of the recepients while CAN president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (r) and Prof. Gabriel Yomere (l) and others look on.

*Wife of CAN president, Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oritsejafor (2nd r) presidenting keys and documents of a 16-seater bus to a representative of Society for the Blind, Delta State wing, Evangelist Ayodele (r) during the just concluded Word of Life Bible Church Jubilee Word Festival in Warri.

Pastor (Mrs.) Ayo Oritsejafor for their unrelenting desire to always lend a helping hand to the underprivileged in the state and the nation as a whole.

He warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against any primary and postprimary school head or teacher who is found to be charging fees in any form from students, pointing out that a task force has been set up in the state to monitor activities of teachers to

ensure that his administration's free education programme was not sabotaged, stressing that education is free at primary and post-primary levels in the state.

The governor warned that anyone found wanting would be made to face the full weight of the law, adding "we lay a lot of emphasis on education that is why we instituted a free education policy but our efforts are being sabotaged.”

Witnesses study Bible with prisoners

By FRANKLIN ALLI

J

EHOVAH’S Witnesses said they have been helping prisoners to break free from the world of crime in a number of countries through their Bible education work.

In a statement online, the organisation cited instances; “In Spain, 68 prisons receive visits from Jehovah’s Witness-es, and some 600 inmates study the Bible. Each day, inmates in US correctional institutions write dozens of letters to the offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, requesting spiritual help,” the organisation said.

“We respond to such requests,

arranging for ministers in local congregations to visit and study the Bible with those in jails, prisons, state hospitals, youth facilities, and substance-abuse facilities.

“In some prisons, our ministers conduct regular congregation meetings. At one facility, for example, 32 attended a public lecture given in two of the prison yards.

“The results have been encouraging. A man incarcerated in the state of Indiana, who had received a life sentence for firstdegree murder, made positive changes in his personality and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

OR the first time since the advent of the fourth republic, Nigeria was, yesterday, heading towards gridlock in government with different parties in control of different levers of government. The development has reduced the number of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors to 18, increased the number of All Progressives Congress, APC, governors to 16 while the Labour Party and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA hold on to one governor apiece.

The development was, however, more fundamental in the National Assembly with the PDP’s control of the Senate narrowed down to single digits down from 74 to 58 and the number of APC governors risen to 48. Labour and APGA have two and one senator respectively.

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who was elected on the platform of the PDP would mathematically remain safe given constitutional provisions that he can only be removed from office by the vote of at least a two third majority, a number that the APC is very far from achieving. It, however, would make the Senate president to tread more carefully and remain ever loyal to his bosses, as he normally refers to fellow senators.

The PDP is, however, set to lose control of the House of Representatives with the APC about to take commanding control with 199 members as against the 147

members loyal to the PDP. Following the announcements of the merger between the nPDP and the APC, nPDP members in the House went into a secret meeting, yesterday, where they were said to have pondered their options. It could not be confirmed last night if Speaker Aminu Tambuwal was in that meeting.

However, at the end of that meeting Speaker Tambuwal in a text message to enquiries said that lawmakers would take a collective decision on when to defect. He said: “MPs will decide collectively on when to defect.

They have their internal process if they decide to cross carpet, let’s wait and see whether they can activate the process or not.”

Tambuwal’s assertion, yesterday, was not far from the expectation of many stakeholders, given what has been regarded as his popularity among members.

Aides of the speaker were very circumspect on Speaker Tambuwal’s political movement though many expect him to move along with Governor Aliyu Wamakko into the APC. His defection to the APC would even be more assured given the fact that the APC is now expected to have control of the House. It would be the first time that a party different from the PDP would control any of the chambers of the National Assembly.

The development is expected to lead to greater friction in the wheels of governance as has recently been demonstrated by the brouhaha over President Goodluck Jonathan’s presentation of the 2014 budget proposals.

PGF lauds G7 defection to APC •says progressive revolution has started in Nigeria

BY SONI DANIEL

A

LL Progressive Congress governors, yesterday, welcomed the G7 governors who defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, with open arms to their fold.

The governors said in a statement signed by the Director General of the PGF, Salihu Muktar, that the defecting governors had by their action proved that there was hope for Nigeria’s democracy.

The statement read in part:”The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, wishes to congratulate and welcome the courageous G7 Governors for taking the historic step of leaving the governing, albeit, fast crumbling PDP into the progressives fold.

“Their coming to the All Progressives Congress, APC, despite all manner of intimidation, harassment and persecution by the Federal Government and the PDP is worthy of commendation and is indicative of strong personal principles and commitment to the progress of Nigeria.

“Indeed, considering the nature of achievements recorded in their respective states, the truth is that they had no business belonging to a party with no dem-

ocratic traditions and no vision for Nigeria beyond wasting public resources and further impoverishing Nigerians in spite of unprecedented oil revenues.

“If anything, PGF is only welcoming them back home where they belong; to the party that feels the pains of Nigerians and understands that power and responsibility are merely exercised on behalf of the people and only to serve the collective interests of all Nigerians.

“By coming into the fold of the progressives, the G7 opted to discard the politics of corruption, nepotism and deception in favour of transparent and accountable leadership that is governed by the principles of progress, integrity and equity.

Together, we shall forge stronger alliances by joining forces with other like-minded progressives to rescue Nigeria from imminent collapse.

“To all Nigerians, our message is clear: It can be done. One LGA at a time, one State at a time, we will rescue Nigeria from imminent state failure under the PDP and work to ensure security, economic development and progress. The Progressive Revolution has started!

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 51

52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

SCORPIO ; Creativity may take front in what’s happening within your base of operation and the best for you is to join them. Lovers are fairly favoured.

SAGITTARIUS ; Tomorrow is your great day. Yet your being creative today can earn you un-expected good result at the end of the day. Be family minded now.

CAPRICORN ; Needed solution to challenges along your career/business lines will come through your being creative. Prepare to take good advice on your finances.

AQUARIUS; If you take unusual ideas coming to your mind today more seriously, thins’ll work favourably for you. The more financially ambitious you’re the better.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

E

XPLANATION simply put is the reason for doing something. It is a statement of fact stating why what h a p p e n e d , happened. It is also a statement throwing

What is your explanation? more light on an issue whether of law, fact, story, myths, tales, etc.

The problem with some of us is that we find it difficult to explain ourselves.

And if we can’t explain ourselves, there is no

TERROR MUDA

way people can understand us. There is no way we can reach out to people.

There is no way we can convince people.

Without the ability to explain, we can’t be

in “Never say goodbye”

convincing in our dealings with our neighbours.

The ability to explain is a skill. And like every other skill, it can be learned.

Learn the know how of explaining that point of yours today.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; The Moon in your Star sign favours aggressive approach in a favourable way. Here is a day Artist among you can create master piece. Be stead-fast.

ARIES You’ll have much to gain if you’re more cooperative and embrace creative ideas of your close associates. And it’s good to be friendly, loving and caring.

TAURUS ; Aggressive approach is not what you need at work now, but creative approach. You’ve got nothing to lose if you take good advice from your friends.

GEMINI ; Whatever anybody says about your ambition and desire success will crown your efforts today. The more creative you are the better for your cause. And lovers can make it an exciting and happy day. Show your sex appeal and be loving.

CANCER; Your ideas are brilliant and if you blend them creatively the sky’ll be the limit. Let people within your home base know that you truly care for them.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; It does not matter who initiates creative idea that lead to success what is important is you should not be left in the cold all alone. The more co-operative you are the better for you. Don’t ignore your magnetic seappeal.

VIRGO.; Good luck and happiness indicated for you today. But then, the scope of your success’ll depend on how co-operative and creative you are both with your loved one and at work. Prepare to take good advice especially from younger person(s).

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send 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,

Basic characteristics of Capricorn Because they rarely day dream, Capricorn natives are set of practical people. This is because Capricorn is ruled by Saturn - the planet of career, sceptical and material things Although, the spirit of pessimism often times tempt the Capricorn born people, to succeed they will need to develop strong will that is indispensable to achievements of higher order because, series of challenges will come his/her way before he/she finally makes it to the top. Most natives of Capricorn are forced to shoulder many responsibilities early in life. Career building comes first in their priority lists which often leads to enviable career achievements that guarantee recognition. And another name for Capricorn is PATIENCE. Yet, he/ she can appear mean in the business circle. And tell you that seriousness and business are synonymous.

Above all, they are endowed with leadership capacity.

Capricorn ‘s quality is cardinal, element is the earth.

The cardinal aspect makes a natural leader with strong ability for hard work. Natives of cardinal signs crave for action and strongly desire prominence and often times make success of their love of action and desire for importance through relentless efforts.

The earthly connection with Capricorn further confirms innate ability for hard work and practicality . Saturn is the planet of hard task, delay, depression, frustration, frustration but reward after so much struggles. Being a difficult teacher, Saturn usually takes its natives through many different tasks, challenges and delay. All these are meant to teach them virtues of patience and hard work. However, Saturn usually brings its natives recognition and reward.

The cautious side of Saturn always manifest in all Capricorn born people thus, but it is necessary for them to watch that side of their characteristics as they often push their cautious side too far and most of the time it results to black mood.

53

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Happenings within your working arena’ll give genuine cause to smile and with efforts on your part you’re in for a rewarding day. Take advantage of your sex-appeal to enhance your love life. Experiment with ideas creatively.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 —

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Mixed feelings in NASS

BY BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU, & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA— Though ten sion enveloped the National Assembly with the defection of some G7 governors to the All Progressives Congress, APC, PDP lawmakers were nevertheless insistent that the ship of governance would not be derailed.

PDP Chief Whip, Rep Isiaka Bawa who could turn to minority whip if the merger sails through welcomed the development, saying it was, however, not yet uhuru for the APC. He said: “But what I want Nigerians to know is that PDP will continue to wax stronger despite all that is happening.

“This is not the first time in PDP; this is not the first time in the political development of Nigeria.”

Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, House Minority Leader who could become majority leader said: “We receive them and all others who are committed to change and who are progressives in inclination with open arms.

The change that all Nigerians desire has only just started.”

For Rep Sani Madaki, PDP, Kano: “We’ll follow our governors; there’s no doubt about it. We can’t continue to stay and face injustice.

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, and this will eventually change the leadership in the House.

It’s not yet Uhuru

—Rep Nnanna Igbokwe, PDP, Imo: “It is not yet uhuru for APC because we know this development will make PDP stronger. Though it is not coming as a surprise to us in PDP. My concern is that they could not finalise the peace talks. Well, may be both parties were not ready to shift grounds.

Rep Razaq Bello-Osagie, (APC, Oredo Federal Constituency), Edo said: “The G7 Governors are Nigerians whose rights are protected in the 1999 constitution including the right of association with an alternative and truly progressive APC platform. Nigerians have lost faith in the ability of PDP as a party to provide leadership in a country so blessed with human and material resources.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (right) and Senator representing Lagos Central District, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu during the meeting of the leadership of APC at the party secretariat, Abuja, yesterday.

Presidency dismisses defection of G7 govs as non-issue

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA — THE Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak, has dismissed the defection of some G-7 governors from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC, saying their action does not pose any threat to the ruling party.

SpeakingtoStateHousecorrespondents at the Presidential Villa shortly after news of the defection was broken, Gulak said the presidency and the PDP perceived the development as a non-issue, adding that the distraction the activities of the governors posed to the party has finally been removed.

According to him, the action of the governors was only a confirmation of his long held beliefthat their hearts have long left the PDP. Said he: “The presidency does not feel threatened, the PDP does not feel threatened. PDP is the party to beat.

We have had it before, even people who occupied higher offices left the partyandcamebacktotheparty.Outside, there is nothing, PDP is the only party. It is good that they have shown theworldthattheyhavetakenastand so that PDP will not be distracted.

“I know as of fact that five of them said they will now join APC, but I know two issued statements that they were not part of that, governor of Niger and governor of Jigawa. And I believe those others, for a long time I have said it before that their hearts have not been in PDP.” He, however, said the PDP was still open to reconciliation with the governors if they wish to pursue the path of reconciliation.

Hesaid:“Wearetalkingaboutpeace, reconciliation is an ongoing thing. If they go outside there like those that went before them and tested that

outside is empty, they are always welcome back home like we did before.

“So PDP as a party will be fo-

cused to build up our party, because a lot of people are waiting for this moment. A lot of people, even in the APC, ACN

ANPP have contacted me that they want to come back to the PDP and were just waiting for what happened today. To us, it is a good development.”

....Sagay, Babatope, Doherty, Maeba, others react

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, DAPO AKINREFON & GBENGA OKE

L

AGOS — YESTERDAY’S de camping of most G-7 governors and members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) to the All Peoples Congress (APC) elicited mixed reactions in the polity.

Lagos-based lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, said the movement of the G-7 governors to APC is not a loss to the PDP, adding that the movement of the rebel governors who are nursing a personal agenda, into APC may amount to inviting trouble into the APC. Sagay also berated the northern governors, saying while the APC was preoccupied with salvaging Nigeria from years of misrule, the motive of the northern governors is principally for power to return to the north.

“Concerning the Northern governors decamping to the APC, I really don’t think it is a loss to the PDP. If you look at these rebel governors, with the exclusion of Rotimi Amaechi, you will find out that their agenda is a very narrow agenda, a very personal one.

And that agenda is for the North to produce the president so that a Northerner can control the Niger Delta oil and Lagos State VAT and so on.

In his own reaction, Bamidele Aturu said the primary motive of the gladiators in the present arrangement is to feather their nests and not to advance the cause of Nigerians.

The human rights activist said the movement of the rebel governors to the APC had proved to Nigerians that there is no clear-cut difference between the political parties in Nigeria.

They’ve taken a gamble – Babatope Former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, wished the defectors luck, saying: “Now that they have announced it, I wish those from the PDP going to join the APC the very best of luck. They have taken a gamble and I hope they are ready to face the consequences of that gamble. No rebellion of any group within an established political party has ever succeeded either in Nigeria or even abroad.

“But in their case, well, they have taken a gamble and like I said they must face the consequence of that gamble. We have no fear about the APC because the APC is not yet a party. But we will remain with the Nigerian people, PDP will never desert the Nigerian peo-

ple. So, we shall meet on the political battle field, that is why I said we wish them the best of luck.”

Merger took Oni by surprise For former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, who was with the nPDP, Vanguard gathered that the news of the merger came to him as a surprise.

A source close to him told Vanguard that “as it stands now, he got the news like every other person.

He is studying the situation as events unfold and he will have to consult with his supporters at home before taking any decision.

It’s better we know our enemies —Doherty Coordinator of the PDP in the South-West, Mr Deji Doherty, said the defectors took an honourable decision.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, he said: “It is better we know our enemies than our enemies being in the same party with us. It is an honourable decision and I believe we still have more people in the PDP that are APC at night and PDP during the day. It will be honourable for them to come out and choose a party that they can be loyal to. So, if Olagunsoye Oyinlola believes that he can be more loyal to the APC, it is his fundamental human right to choose whichever political party he wants to be.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013—55

Ernest Shonekan and ex-defence Minister, Lt Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).

Timeline of the reluctant journey to APC

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A

ugust 31: On a day it marked the 15th anniversary of its formation, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was factionalised, resulting to the formation of a splinter group known as New PDP by a group of seven governors. The formation of the group was hinged on the emergence of a ‘Unity List’ at the special national convention of PDP held in Abuja, which allegedly left out the names of some supporters of the seven governors from contesting.

September 2: President Goodluck Jonathan met with the New PDP governors, in a bid to find a lasting solution to the impasse.

The battle for the soul of the PDP escalated further with the Baraje chaired faction filing a lawsuit at a Lagos State High Court seeking to sack the Tukur-led executive from office. The plaintiffs in the suit are factional chairman Baraje, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the PDP. The plaintiffs asked Justice Ganiyu S. Safari to restrain the Defendants - Tukur, Prince Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Woman Leader, Olisah Metuh, National Publicity Secretary, and other persons, who were elected on Saturday at the party’s mini congress in Abuja, from parading themselves as members of the National Executive of the party.

September 4: PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, said rebel PDP governors and lawmakers would lose their seats. Tukur threatened that, “all persons elected on the platform of our great party at all levels who identify with these enemies of the oneness and greatness of our party shall have their seats declared vacant as required by law.”

September 7: Security agents deployed Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, tanks to seal off the secretariat of New PDP, the splinter group within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. Leaders and governors of the New PDP had planned to open the office located at 4, Oyi Street, off Ibrahim Babangida Way, Maitama District, Abuja, on September 9.

September 15: President Jonathan met with seven rebel governors in Abuja with a view to resolving the crisis rocking the PDP. September 17: There was uproar at the House of Representatives with the arrival of the leader of the break-away faction of the PDP, Abubakar Baraje, who had requested earlier to come to the lower chambers on a courtesy visit. Break-away faction of the PDP

denied ever reaching any agreement with President Goodluck Jonathan. The group in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, while denying any truce with the Presidency and the Bamanga Tukur-led faction of the PDP, also accused Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, of being “a serial liar.”

September 20: The chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum and governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, accused the foot soldiers of President Jonathan of reneging in their agreement at their last peace meeting.

October 2: Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State urged his Niger State counterpart, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, to retrace his steps back to the mainstream PDP. October 7: October 7 peace parley postponed indefinitely.

The new PDP, in a statement issued by it National Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said the caucus of the faction of the party took the decision for a number of reasons.

October 17: Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered Kawu Baraje, Olagunsoye

November 6: A Court of Appeal in Abuja, reinstated a former Osun State g o v e r n o r, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the National Secretary of the PDP.

From left, APC Leader Bola Tinubu with Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso chatting shortly after merger of nPDP with APC in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

Oyinlola, and Sam Jaja to stop parading themselves as national officers of the PDP. Chukwu said this in his judgment in a suit brought to it, September 6, by the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and 12 others. The Judge further restrained the Baraje-led new PDP from interfering with the duties of “Bamanga Tukur-led leadership of the party”.

November 3: A gathering of the New PDP was disrupted by the Divisional Police Officer of Asokoro Division, Nnana Ama, at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro district of Abuja,

alongside his men. Explaining what transpired, Oyinlola said, “We were holding our meeting with the governors when the DPO of Asokoro came in to say that he had instructions to disperse us from holding meeting or else effect arrest.

November 4: Five of the seven aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta, Ogun State, residence to deliberate on the crisis rocking the party. The governors also visited former Head of Interim National Government, Chief

November 10: The PDP suspended its former National Secretary now National Secretary of the new PDP, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; National Chairman of the breakaway faction, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje; Deputy National Chairman, Sam Sam Jaja and former Senator Ibrahim Kazaure.

The party ’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said the four were suspended for alleged anti-party activities, warning other party members to avoid having any dealings with the four and further asking them to report to the party’s disciplinary committee for appropriate sanctions.

November 25: Another opportunity for the resolution of the crisis was lost, as President Jonathan postponed his meeting with the G7 governors, citing health challenges. The meeting, earlier billed for November 23 at the presidential villa, was rescheduled for another day.

G5, Baraje joining APC: PDP is not moved— Metuh •Says party's doors still open •Dikko’s Disciplinary still meets today to finally expel them

BY HENRY UMORU

N

ATIONAL leadership of the Peo ples Democratic Party, PDP, said, yesterday, that it was not moved by the movement of some members of the G7 governors and the Abubakar Kawu Baraje led splinter group to the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress, APC. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said while addressing newsmen, that in politics and democracy, the beauty is that some people must leave a political party, while others come in, adding that with the actions of the governors and members of the Baraje group, Nigerians now know their true colours.

Metuh said, “The attention of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been drawn to an announcement by members of the so called New PDP declaring their membership of the All Progressive Congress, APC. We recognise the rights of freedom of association for all Nigerians and declare that it is within the rights of any Nigerian citizen to associate with anybody he/she deems fit."

Vanguard learnt that in spite of the

defection of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Abubakar Kawu Baraje and Dr. Sam Sam Jaja to APC, the Alhaji Umaru Dikko led National Disciplinary Committee will still meet today in Legacy House, PDP Presidential Campaign office, Maitama, Abuja. A source said that the Committee will meet at the end of which it will submit its report to the Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee, NWC. Speaking further on the defection of Oyinlola and others, Metuh said, “By this open declaration today, those individuals have unveiled their true intent which most Nigerians suspected ab initio. They have chosen to abandon a broad based national platform and embraced a narrow group of ethnic and religious bigots whose main intention is to unleash a state of anarchy on Nigeria.

“We wish to state categorically that the PDP remains unperturbed as we are now rid of detractors and distractions. We urge all our members nationwide to remain focused and close ranks, now that agents of distraction have finally left our ranks. We wish to remind our members that from the rulings of the court there are no factions whatsoever in the PDP.

In the eyes of the law, the PDP remains one and an indivisible entity under the leadership of Dr. Bamanga Tukur, CON. "We wish to commend the wise decision of some of the aggrieved governors to dissociate themselves from the action of some of their colleagues. We assure all Nigerians that the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength and will definitely emerge stronger from this event. We reiterate that the position of the law is very clear that there is no faction whatsoever in the PDP.” Hailing President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts at restoring peace to the party, Metuh disclosed that the peace process initiated by the president was still on course, adding, “We wish to use this opportunity to remind all PDP members that the peace process initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan is still on course and we wish to thank him for his patience, humility and spirit of accommodation. The meeting between the President and aggrieved members shall hold on Sunday, December 01, 2013.

“Finally, we wish to reassure our teeming members that our doors remain open to address all grievances. We shall, however, not condone any acts of internal subversion from any quarters. The beauty of Democracy is that in a political party system, some members are bound to leave while others come in.”

56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

— 57

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Lagos couple in court over paternity of children first husband, who felt he was psychologically traumatized latter filed a civil suit before an Ikeja High Court against the defendants. Joined as defendants in the suit were the wife, Babatunde Ogunmefun and the 75- year old mother of the first defendant, Mrs Comfort Ajaba.

The claimant was asking the court to declare that the act of the second defendant (Ogunmefun) in contracting a purported marriage with the first defendant and actively supported by the third defendant, while the marriage between the claimant and the first defendant was still on, is unlawful and injurious to the claimant which has occasioned for special and general damages, harm and psychological trauma it has caused the claimant.

By ONOZURE DANIA

I

D-A-N-G-E-R A-T K-I-R-I-K-I-R-I

By EMMA NNADOZIE

A

SIDE the consistent cries by concerned Nigerians over the grave danger posed by the innumerable fuel-laden articulated vehicles that daily invade Kirikiri town, a suburb of Lagos State, without regard to safety of residents of the area, Crime Alert has unearthed a greater danger posed to the country’s foremost prisons located in the area.

The popular but dreaded Maximum, Medium and Female prisons strategically located in the area have been exposed to imminent infiltration

•Maximum, Medium and female prisons prone to attacks •Prison barracks turned into expressways •Guards threaten to pull out •Total collapse of security imminent of the huge security lapses in the area.

In the beginning: For years, no fewer than 200 lock up stalls adorned the stretch of road that leads into Kirikiri. The stalls owned by Prison Officer ’s

,

Formerly, the stalls acted as fence and barrier for the prison barracks with fewer trespasses but now that they have been pulled down, the place is wide open

and attacks by intruders as a result of porosity of security in and around the prison. The situation has been made worse by the recent demolition of a stretch of lock-up stalls belonging to Prison Officers Wife’s Association, PROWA, which had hitherto shielded the prison from the prying eyes of members of the public. Investigations have shown that escape by prisoners has been made easy as a result

,

Wive’s Association, PROWA, were converted to restaurants, beer parlours and all kinds of makeshift eateries and joints.

In fact, the place was a beehive of social activities and people from far and near throng to the numerous eateries for relaxation and entertainment.

Suddenly, threats of closure rented the air as prison officials including armed soldiers started carrying out all kinds of

checks in the ever-busy stalls.

It later culminated into demolition amidst cries of anguish and deprivation by occupants of the stalls. They complained bitterly that their stalls were on lease for ten years and had not elapsed while prison authorities clamped down on them. However, while carrying out the demolition of all the structures there, prison authorities assured that new ones would be ready within few months. Unfortunately, the reverse has turned out to be the case as work on the site has been abandoned due to lack of funds. The skeletal foundation stones seen at the site is the only reminder that stalls were once erected at the site.

Reactions: People interviewed

by Crime Alert expressed total disenchantment with prison authorities for not just the way the stalls were recklessly demolished without regards to the fate

of its occupants that invested their life savings there, but their inability to fulfill the firm promise of erecting new stalls, over six months after the demolition thereby worsening the plight of the former occupants whose fate lie solely on the project.

Controller of prisons Chief Nwakasi Alfred bared his mind, “The stalls have been there for over ten years. There were lots of mismanagement in the administration, things were muddled up, places built for shops were rented for beer parlours, restaurants, etc without making adequate preparations.

When a new Controller of Prisons came on board, the situation took a dramatic dimension.

Demolition was ordered because there were no funds to maintain the place. It was giv-

en out to one company to maintain but they could not erect suitable structures, it was now re-awarded to another company and a grace of three months was given for new structures to come up. Unfortunately, the new company could not do much and ended up abandoning the site after laying few blocks as foundation. Before the demolition, they were telling us of threats by Boko Haram to bomb the prison but now that the whole place has been left open, we wounder what constitutes more threats?.

A female owner of one of the demolished stalls who pleaded anonymity told Crime Alert that many of her colleagues whose stalls were demolished had died while others relocated to their villages after investing their life savings on leasing the stalls and half way, prison authorities demolished their stalls when the period of the lease had

•Prisons boss, Zakari Ibrahim not elapsed., “The sickening aspect of the whole thing is that the prison barracks has been turned into express way as result of the porous nature of the area.

Formerly, the stalls acted as fence and barrier for the prison barracks with fewer trespasses but now that they have been pulled down, the place is wide open.

Reconstruction of gutters The reconstruction of gutters

by FERMA has even worsened the security situation in the area as both motorists, private and commercial including Okada have turned the prison barracks into expressway.

The whole place is open now, from Dillion street to the Church, Church to the main gate, from Karimu to Sokunbi and warders are expressing fears of jail break because of the porosity of security in the area.

We also learnt that guards, both soldiers and warders, stationed at the main gate, have threatened to pull out because they are not doing any thing again.

Honestly, the whole Kirikiri prison is in danger, the area is no longer safe again.”

,

•The demolished stalls and open space

T was love in the air seven years ago, when Mr and Mrs Abraham Okoro got married and the marriage was the talk of town. If some one had told them and the wellwishers present at the ceremony then that the relationship will go sour and finally end in court, no one would have believed it.

Today, the union which was blessed with two kids, is been dragged in the mud.

Mrs Adedoyin Okoro •Okoro and his estranged wife (Nee Ajaba), 33, while still legally married to Abraham Okoro, who paid her dowry in 2006 and had an elaborate traditional marriage, purportedly deserted the Special and general marriage and allegedly damages went to marry one Babatunde Ogunmefun, 38, He was also asking the court in 2008 and in 2009, had to award the sum of N500 mila baby girl for her new lion against the defendants husband. for special and general damNot done with, the said ages made up as follows, Mrs Adedoyin Okoro N200 million, being general (Nee Ajaba) dragged her and special against the first husband, Mr Abraham defendant for damages of liOkoro to court over the bel and slander or malicious issues of paternity of falsehoods contained in series their kids. of text messages sent by the Crime Alert gathered first defendant through her that the couple lived to- •The couple-when the going was good phone, to the claimant begether between 2000 and tween December 29 2012 and 2007 and gave birth to two children in wrote him a letter through her lawyer April 9, 2013.

Nigeria and USA respectively before Taiwo and Taiwo in December 2012 In a counter affidavit filled by the the wife deserted the marriage for claiming that the two children she had defendants through their counsel KunOgunmefun, who she had a daughter earlier were not for Okoro. le Adegoke, the defendants asked the for in 2009.

It was gathered that on March 26, court to dismiss and strike out the 2013, Okoro Traditional rites got a court They allegedly presented a fake DNA for cleansing summon and the petitioners result and forged birth certificates purIt was also learnt that between 2010 were Adedoyin portedly to embarrass Okoro and his and 2012,the wife came back to beg her Ogunmefun estranged husband for reconciliation, and Babachildren but was told that for her to be accepted tunde Oguninto her matrimonial home, she would mefun, claimhave to perform some Benin traditioning that the children of the first mar- claimants application filed on August al rites for cleansing, which she conriage were not his own. They allegedly 20, 2013, on the grounds that the suit ceded to demonstrate her love and loypresentedly a fake DNA result and of the claimant is incompetent. The alty. forged birth certificates purported to defendants further objected on the Eventually, she moved back to Okoembarrass Okoro and his children. grounds that the court lacks jurisdicro’s house on February 14,2012 and Though the matter had since been tion to entertain the matter. However, they started living together as husband struck out by magistrate A. A Oshoniyi, the matter was adjourned till Decemand wife, until May 17,2012, when she of Surulere Magistrate Court on May ber 4, 2013, for hearing.

Meanwhile, the marriage nullificaapproached an Ikeja High Court to file 8, 2013 and similarly dismissed before tion filed by Adedoyin Okoro against an action to nullify her marriage with Justice B. A Oke-Lawal of an Ikeja her second husband, Babatunde her second husband, Mr Ogunmefun High court on August 7, 2013. before Justice Oyewole, which she Earlier, the estranged woman and her Ogunmefun,which is still on going at deposed an affidavit. second husband, Ogunmefun, were de- the Ikeja High court before Justice However, the story took another dratained in Kirikiri prison after they were J.O.K Oyewole, has now been transmatic turn when the same estranged unable to fulfill the bail condition grant- ferred to a new trial Judge Justice Oyekan Abdullahi. wife moved out of the first husband’s ed them by the magistrate court. house again on November 3, 2012 and However, Mr. Abraham Okoro, her

,

56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

— 57

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Lagos couple in court over paternity of children first husband, who felt he was psychologically traumatized latter filed a civil suit before an Ikeja High Court against the defendants. Joined as defendants in the suit were the wife, Babatunde Ogunmefun and the 75- year old mother of the first defendant, Mrs Comfort Ajaba.

The claimant was asking the court to declare that the act of the second defendant (Ogunmefun) in contracting a purported marriage with the first defendant and actively supported by the third defendant, while the marriage between the claimant and the first defendant was still on, is unlawful and injurious to the claimant which has occasioned for special and general damages, harm and psychological trauma it has caused the claimant.

By ONOZURE DANIA

I

D-A-N-G-E-R A-T K-I-R-I-K-I-R-I

By EMMA NNADOZIE

A

SIDE the consistent cries by concerned Nigerians over the grave danger posed by the innumerable fuel-laden articulated vehicles that daily invade Kirikiri town, a suburb of Lagos State, without regard to safety of residents of the area, Crime Alert has unearthed a greater danger posed to the country’s foremost prisons located in the area.

The popular but dreaded Maximum, Medium and Female prisons strategically located in the area have been exposed to imminent infiltration

•Maximum, Medium and female prisons prone to attacks •Prison barracks turned into expressways •Guards threaten to pull out •Total collapse of security imminent of the huge security lapses in the area.

In the beginning: For years, no fewer than 200 lock up stalls adorned the stretch of road that leads into Kirikiri. The stalls owned by Prison Officer ’s

,

Formerly, the stalls acted as fence and barrier for the prison barracks with fewer trespasses but now that they have been pulled down, the place is wide open

and attacks by intruders as a result of porosity of security in and around the prison. The situation has been made worse by the recent demolition of a stretch of lock-up stalls belonging to Prison Officers Wife’s Association, PROWA, which had hitherto shielded the prison from the prying eyes of members of the public. Investigations have shown that escape by prisoners has been made easy as a result

,

Wive’s Association, PROWA, were converted to restaurants, beer parlours and all kinds of makeshift eateries and joints.

In fact, the place was a beehive of social activities and people from far and near throng to the numerous eateries for relaxation and entertainment.

Suddenly, threats of closure rented the air as prison officials including armed soldiers started carrying out all kinds of

checks in the ever-busy stalls.

It later culminated into demolition amidst cries of anguish and deprivation by occupants of the stalls. They complained bitterly that their stalls were on lease for ten years and had not elapsed while prison authorities clamped down on them. However, while carrying out the demolition of all the structures there, prison authorities assured that new ones would be ready within few months. Unfortunately, the reverse has turned out to be the case as work on the site has been abandoned due to lack of funds. The skeletal foundation stones seen at the site is the only reminder that stalls were once erected at the site.

Reactions: People interviewed

by Crime Alert expressed total disenchantment with prison authorities for not just the way the stalls were recklessly demolished without regards to the fate

of its occupants that invested their life savings there, but their inability to fulfill the firm promise of erecting new stalls, over six months after the demolition thereby worsening the plight of the former occupants whose fate lie solely on the project.

Controller of prisons Chief Nwakasi Alfred bared his mind, “The stalls have been there for over ten years. There were lots of mismanagement in the administration, things were muddled up, places built for shops were rented for beer parlours, restaurants, etc without making adequate preparations.

When a new Controller of Prisons came on board, the situation took a dramatic dimension.

Demolition was ordered because there were no funds to maintain the place. It was giv-

en out to one company to maintain but they could not erect suitable structures, it was now re-awarded to another company and a grace of three months was given for new structures to come up. Unfortunately, the new company could not do much and ended up abandoning the site after laying few blocks as foundation. Before the demolition, they were telling us of threats by Boko Haram to bomb the prison but now that the whole place has been left open, we wounder what constitutes more threats?.

A female owner of one of the demolished stalls who pleaded anonymity told Crime Alert that many of her colleagues whose stalls were demolished had died while others relocated to their villages after investing their life savings on leasing the stalls and half way, prison authorities demolished their stalls when the period of the lease had

•Prisons boss, Zakari Ibrahim not elapsed., “The sickening aspect of the whole thing is that the prison barracks has been turned into express way as result of the porous nature of the area.

Formerly, the stalls acted as fence and barrier for the prison barracks with fewer trespasses but now that they have been pulled down, the place is wide open.

Reconstruction of gutters The reconstruction of gutters

by FERMA has even worsened the security situation in the area as both motorists, private and commercial including Okada have turned the prison barracks into expressway.

The whole place is open now, from Dillion street to the Church, Church to the main gate, from Karimu to Sokunbi and warders are expressing fears of jail break because of the porosity of security in the area.

We also learnt that guards, both soldiers and warders, stationed at the main gate, have threatened to pull out because they are not doing any thing again.

Honestly, the whole Kirikiri prison is in danger, the area is no longer safe again.”

,

•The demolished stalls and open space

T was love in the air seven years ago, when Mr and Mrs Abraham Okoro got married and the marriage was the talk of town. If some one had told them and the wellwishers present at the ceremony then that the relationship will go sour and finally end in court, no one would have believed it.

Today, the union which was blessed with two kids, is been dragged in the mud.

Mrs Adedoyin Okoro •Okoro and his estranged wife (Nee Ajaba), 33, while still legally married to Abraham Okoro, who paid her dowry in 2006 and had an elaborate traditional marriage, purportedly deserted the Special and general marriage and allegedly damages went to marry one Babatunde Ogunmefun, 38, He was also asking the court in 2008 and in 2009, had to award the sum of N500 mila baby girl for her new lion against the defendants husband. for special and general damNot done with, the said ages made up as follows, Mrs Adedoyin Okoro N200 million, being general (Nee Ajaba) dragged her and special against the first husband, Mr Abraham defendant for damages of liOkoro to court over the bel and slander or malicious issues of paternity of falsehoods contained in series their kids. of text messages sent by the Crime Alert gathered first defendant through her that the couple lived to- •The couple-when the going was good phone, to the claimant begether between 2000 and tween December 29 2012 and 2007 and gave birth to two children in wrote him a letter through her lawyer April 9, 2013.

Nigeria and USA respectively before Taiwo and Taiwo in December 2012 In a counter affidavit filled by the the wife deserted the marriage for claiming that the two children she had defendants through their counsel KunOgunmefun, who she had a daughter earlier were not for Okoro. le Adegoke, the defendants asked the for in 2009.

It was gathered that on March 26, court to dismiss and strike out the 2013, Okoro Traditional rites got a court They allegedly presented a fake DNA for cleansing summon and the petitioners result and forged birth certificates purIt was also learnt that between 2010 were Adedoyin portedly to embarrass Okoro and his and 2012,the wife came back to beg her Ogunmefun estranged husband for reconciliation, and Babachildren but was told that for her to be accepted tunde Oguninto her matrimonial home, she would mefun, claimhave to perform some Benin traditioning that the children of the first mar- claimants application filed on August al rites for cleansing, which she conriage were not his own. They allegedly 20, 2013, on the grounds that the suit ceded to demonstrate her love and loypresentedly a fake DNA result and of the claimant is incompetent. The alty. forged birth certificates purported to defendants further objected on the Eventually, she moved back to Okoembarrass Okoro and his children. grounds that the court lacks jurisdicro’s house on February 14,2012 and Though the matter had since been tion to entertain the matter. However, they started living together as husband struck out by magistrate A. A Oshoniyi, the matter was adjourned till Decemand wife, until May 17,2012, when she of Surulere Magistrate Court on May ber 4, 2013, for hearing.

Meanwhile, the marriage nullificaapproached an Ikeja High Court to file 8, 2013 and similarly dismissed before tion filed by Adedoyin Okoro against an action to nullify her marriage with Justice B. A Oke-Lawal of an Ikeja her second husband, Babatunde her second husband, Mr Ogunmefun High court on August 7, 2013. before Justice Oyewole, which she Earlier, the estranged woman and her Ogunmefun,which is still on going at deposed an affidavit. second husband, Ogunmefun, were de- the Ikeja High court before Justice However, the story took another dratained in Kirikiri prison after they were J.O.K Oyewole, has now been transmatic turn when the same estranged unable to fulfill the bail condition grant- ferred to a new trial Judge Justice Oyekan Abdullahi. wife moved out of the first husband’s ed them by the magistrate court. house again on November 3, 2012 and However, Mr. Abraham Okoro, her

,

58 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

B-R-I-E-F-S

Pope Francis issues mission statement P OPE Francis issued the mission statement for his papacy yesterday, outlining how the Catholic Church and the Papacy itself must be reformed to create a more missionary and merciful church that gets its hands dirty as it seeks out the poor and oppressed.

In the 85-page document, Francis pulled together the priorities he has laid out in eight months of homilies, speeches and interviews and put them in the broader context of how to reinvigorate the church’s evangelical zeal in a world marked by indifference, secularization and vast income inequalities.

He explained his most controversial remarks criticizing the church’s “obsession” with transmitting a disjointed set of moral

doctrines, saying that in the church’s “hierarchy of truths,” mercy is paramount, proportion is necessary, and that what counts is inviting the faithful in.

He went even further yesterday, saying some of the church’s historical customs can even be cast aside if they no longer serve to communicate the faith. Citing St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, Francis stressed the need for moderation in norms “so as to not burden the lives of the faithful.”

At the same time, Francis restated the church’s opposition to abortion, making clear that this doctrine is non-negotiable and is at the core of the church’s insistence on the dignity of every human being.

The document, Evangelii Gaudium, (The Joy of the Gospel), is the second ma-

Ambassador Entwistle presenting his credentials to President Jonathan with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri (middle) watching.

New US envoy presents credentials

T

•Pope Francis jor teaching document issued by Francis but is the first actually written by him since the encyclical “The

Light of Faith,” issued in July, was penned almost entirely by Pope Benedict XVI before he resigned.

Thai protesters call for govt's resignation

P

ROTESTERS in Thailand vowed yesterday to force the closure of more government offices throughout the country in a bid to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Their leader announced for the first time that their goal is to topple the government and replace it with a non-elected council.

Suthep Thaugsuban, who resigned as an opposition lawmaker to lead the protests, said the change is necessary to eradicate the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, Yingluck’s older brother, was ousted by a 2006 military coup and fled the coun-

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra try to avoid a two-year prison term on a corruption conviction. He continues to sharply divide the nation, with his sup-

porters and opponents battling for power. ProThaksin parties have won every election since 2001.

The protesters began occupying and besieging several government ministries on Monday, and made the Finance Ministry their headquarters.

Police issued an arrest warrant on Tuesday for Suthep, who served as deputy prime minister under a previous Dem-

CAR president promises to restore security

E

MBATTLED Central African Republic’s interim president Michel Djotodia, has announced “exceptional measures” designed to

quell violence by rebels.

The statement issued yesterday from Michel Djotodia’s office did not provide details on the measures, but said that

ICC reserves ruling on Kenyatta's trial

T

HE International Criminal Court yes-

•President Uhuru Kenyatta

ocrat Party administration, for leading the storming of the ministry.

But police said he would not be arrested at the rally as part of a pledge to avoid clashes with protesters.

However, protesters late Tuesday blocked roads near the Finance Ministry and surrounded more than 10 police vans that had stopped at a nearby gas station. The standoff extended past midnight.

terday reversed a ruling that allowed Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta to attend only parts of his trial, saying the African leader “as a general rule must be present” in court.

“Any future requests to be excused from attending parts of his trial will be considered on a caseby-case basis,” The Hague-based ICC said in a statement.

Kenyatta’s trial on charges of masterminding some of the 2007-8 post-election violence in Kenya that left over 1,000 people dead and several hundred thousands displaced, is set to start on February 5.

Judges on October 18 partially excused Kenyatta in order for him to deal with the aftermath of a Nairobi mall siege in September in which at least 67 people died.

security was a priority for his administration. ”The president wants to assure the Central African people of his determination to hunt down all criminals, looters, troublemakers, human rights violators and their accomplices,” the statement said.

•President Michel Djotodia

HE new U.S. Ambas sador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle has presented his credentials to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at a brief ceremony in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Ambassador Entwistle, whose appointment was confirmed on August 1, 2013 succeeds Mr. Terrence McCulley after he was he was sworn in as US Ambassador to Nigeria on October 28, 2013 in Washington, D.C. He was nominated for the

position by U.S. President Barack Obama on May 23, 2013.

Ambassador Entwistle joined the Foreign Service in January 1981.

He had served in Yaounde, Douala, and Niamey from 19811986. From 1986-1990, the ambassador was a watch officer in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the desk officer for Kenya and Uganda in the Bureau of African Affairs. He has also served in CAR.

US hails Mali’s vote

T

HE United States has urged Mali to build on its democratic progress after largely peaceful parliamentary elections.

“Mali has taken an important step forward by holding the first round of legislative elections,” said Secretary of State John Kerry.

“These elections speak volumes about the resilience of Mali’s democratic tradition and the progress it has made over the past two years,” he stressed.

Kerry said Washington applauded the “technical improvements to the voting process it has implemented since the presidential elections in July and August.

“We call on Mali’s new government to build on these efforts in preparing for an anticipated second round of legislative elections on December 15, and we encourage the Malian people’s peaceful and active participation in those polls,” he added.

Libyan oil workers join strike

O

IL company work ers in Benghazi, eastern Libya, will join a strike of civil servants and private companies to protest deteriorating security situation in the port city, an oil official said.

It was not immediately clear how long the strike was intended to last.

At least nine people were killed on Monday during clashes between the army and Islamist militants in Benghazi where the security situation has deteriorated sharply in the past few months.

Militants and Islamists roam the city unchallenged as the government struggles to rein in groups who helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in a NATObacked uprising in 2011 but kept their weapons.

Civilian servants and staff at some private firms went on strike on Tuesday to demand all militias to leave Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city.

“Staff in the oil sector in Benghazi... will join the civil obedience starting today,” said Saad Fakhri, deputy head of Libya’s union of oil workers.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 59

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Jese, Di Maria to replace Ronaldo

Mandzukic out of CSKA trip

B

C

RISTIANO Ronaldo will be replaced by either Jese Rodriguez or Angel Di Maria when Real Madrid face Galatasaray today.

The Portuguese attacker picked up a thigh injury in Saturday ’s 5-0 win over Almeria and was withdrawn nine minutes into the second half.

Ronaldo had scored his 25th goal of the season for Madrid in just the third minute, but will be unavailable for their UEFA Champions League clash against the Turkish side.

Carlo Ancelotti revealed Jese or Di Maria would be selected in Ronaldo’s place and also confirmed Raphael Varane is unavailable for the meeting with Roberto Mancini’s side.

The Italian said: “Cristiano won’t play tomorrow because he has a small injury. We will need to wait and see if he can play on Saturday.

“Di Maria or Jese could replace Ronaldo. We have two options and I will decide tomorrow.

“Varane needs a break for his knee to recover well. He won’t be available for 10 or 12 days.

“We won’t risk and play

Ronaldo Ronaldo on Saturday (against Real Valladolid) unless he is 100 per cent fit.”

Ancelotti will also have to make do without the services of Fabio Coentrao (thigh), Sami Khedira (knee), and the suspended Luka Modric,

ANCHESTER United midfielder Darren Fletcher remains some way off a return to first-team action, according to manager David Moyes.

The 29-year-old has not played for United since December 2012 due to a bowel problem and has

Fletcher

He added: “The players know that it’s difficult to choose a starting lineup. Rotations are made to keep everyone motivated.

“It’s difficult to play 43-3 without Khedira but we will try to do it.''

Mandzukic slip up at home to Viktoria Plzen.

CSKA will hope that home advantage can help them secure third place, and UEFA Europa League football in the new year.

Mandzukic has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances this season, while his replacement, Americanborn Green, has netted 15 times in 18 outings for Bayern’s reserve team and could make his professional debut.

Leverkusen steeled for United test

T

HEY had to defend 44 crosses and had just 37% of possession, but yet again Bayer Leverkusen found a way to win on Saturday.

Ahead of the vital Champions League clash against Manchester United to day, Stefan Kiessling’s goal against Hertha Berlin was enough to see Leverkusen move second in the Bundesliga.

Moyes: Fletcher not yet ready for return been limited to appearanc-

M

while he also hinted Xabi Alonso could miss out after returning from injury only recently.

But the former Chelsea manager remains bullish about his side’s chances as they chase a win that would confirm top spot in Group B.

AYERN Munich will be without striker Mario Mandzukic for Wednesday ’s UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow.

The Croatia international has sustained a calf problem and has been replaced in Bayern’s squad by 18-year-old Julian Green.

Mandzukic played 56 minutes of the Bavarians’ 3-0 win at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, before being replaced by Mario Gotze, who went on to score the opener on his return to Signal Iduna Park.

Pep Guardiola’s side head into the Group D clash having already qualified for the round of 16 with four wins from as many games and another three points on Wednesday will seal top spot, if Manchester City

es for the Under-21 side, completing a fixture earlier in November.

Moyes feels Fletcher needs to play more with the youth team before he can be considered for a return to first-team action.

“I don’t think he’s quite ready yet,” Moyes told the club’s official website.

“He has a bit to do in terms of more reserve games. It’s great to see him training regularly, that’s a big thing. He’s beginning to look like a footballer again, and that in itself is a real plus for him.”

Following their tenth win in 13 league matches, the club sporting director, Rudi Voeller, said that he hoped Leverkusen could continue to be a “nuisance” to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

They risk being much more than that to Manchester United, as another victory in Germany would see Leverkusen replace David Moyes’ side at the top of their Champions League group.

For Leverkusen manager Sami Hyypia, Saturday ’s game in Berlin was much more satisfying than preparations for their last European outing.

Three weeks ago, in view of a forthcoming trip to face Shakhtar Donetsk, the former Liverpool defender rested several players against Eintracht Braunschweig. Without the regular front three of Kiessling, Sidney Sam and Heung-Min Son, they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the Bundesliga’s bottom club.

Rooney

Stefan

Ancelotti slams Real's Champions League drought year with (Jose) Mourin-

R

EAL Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says the club’s failure to reach the UEFA Champions League final since 2002 is unacceptable.

The record nine-time European champions have bowed out in the semi-finals of the

competition in the past three seasons.

Ancelotti insists his side are not obsessed with trying to win the Champions League but said a club of Real’s stature needed to at least make the final more often.

“The club hasn’t spoken about what happened last

ho and I haven’t asked,” the Italian told The Times.

“To reach the semi-finals of the Champions League is not bad. It’s not good enough for some clubs but it’s not bad. “‘La Decima’ is not an obsession but it’s a motivation. For the club it’s very important.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 61

Nigeria Sports Award: Moses floors Mikel •Uduaghan wins Sports Governor of the Year

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•Mikel

•Moses Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State also won the Sports Governor of the Year Award. Uduaghan who was present in the hall received the award and said the other nominees, Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State were equally winners.

G

”I am aware that all the other governors are equally doing a lot in terms of grassroots development.

The way we are going, Nigeria will win at least one gold medal at the next Olympics,” an elated Uduaghan said.

Mikel Obi however won the Sports man of the year award while Blessing Okagbare won the sports woman of the year award.

•Gov Uduaghan

NAMBRA State has won the gold and silver medals in the high jump event for Primary School at the ongoing Sterling Banksponsored 6th National School Sports Festival taking place in Ilorin.

While Bassey Chinazor, the reigning champion in the category retained his title as compatriots Ekene Elias clinched the silver medal in the same category.

Speaking after the feat, High jump coach of the state Osita Okagwu expressed satisfaction, saying that it was expected.

“I feel so happy because I had expected Chinaza to win he has done it before he is doing it again. Of course I have confidence in the boy and there was no

threat whatsoever. He won it last year in the primary school games he won it there and this time around he said he was going to win it again and he did.

He called on the state government to increase the scholarship he is enjoying at the moment.

“He has scholarship to the University level but I will expect them to increase it so that he can study more”.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Gymnastic Team dominated the event after clinching 13 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals to increase the state’s medal hall.

Also in Swimming, the Lagos team added 4 gold medals bringing the total number of gold medal to five among the already decided events in swimming.

Gombe sparkles for NOC’s AGM

OMBE, the Gombe State capital will be abuzz with activities as stakeholders in sports

•Elegbeleye

Keshi Continues from BP said he would rather put his club ahead of his country after he suffered a long-term shin injury in the build-up to the last World Cup. However, Keshi has now thrown the West Bromwich Albion striker a chance to feature at his first World Cup. “It was Anichebe who chose not to play for Nigeria at a point in time, so if he decides he is ready to play, why not?,” Keshi told Complete S p o r t s .

“If he calls me today that

Anambra claims gold in high jump, Lagos rules in gymnastics

A

BY JACOB AJOM ICTOR Moses was yesterday named the Nigerian Footballer of the Year,2013. He was conferred with the honour by the Nigerian Sports Award. Moses defeated John Obi Mikel and Sunday Mba who were the other nominees for the award.

In an elaborate ceremony at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was presented with the Nigerian Coach of the Year award while Perpetual Nkwocha of the Super Falcons won the female footballer of the year.

Ball Sports Personality of the year award was won by Portugal based Nigeria table tennis international Aruna Quadri. He defeated Olumide Oyedeji and Ike Diogu, both of De Tigers.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari won the sports administrator of the year award. He dedicated the award to every Nigerian.

Blessing Okagbare won the Track and Field Star of the Year award while junior athlete Divine Oduduru won the discovery of the year award.

6th National School Sports Festival

he wants to play for the Eagles again, of course I will give him a chance to prove himself and possibly go to the World Cup in Brazil next year.”

The 25-year-old Anichebe, who was also eligible to play for England, debuted for Nigeria in 2008 and featured at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

The big, direct-playing centre forward has a goal in a dozen appearances for the Eagles.

A shin injury caused him to miss a final cut for the 2010 World Cup.

gather for the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, tomorrow.

Sports-loving Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo would play host to the sports federations Presidents and invited guests who would gather at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Gombe, Gombe State Sports Minister and

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi would be the Special Guest of Honour while the Director General of the NSC, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye would be the Special Guest.

President of the NOC, Engineer Sani M. Ndanusa said yesterday that all was set for the AGM as the federation Presidents deliberate on ways to make Team Nigeria a success at

Iheanacho Continues from BP ‘Monday Night Football’, before appearing to correct himself by saying: “I have told you that he is going to Manchester City.”

Iheanacho senior later said that the player ’s family made a joint decision on where he would go in a meeting on Monday night. “We prayed [on Monday] and, after due consultations with family members, we came up with Manchester City, believing he has a future there,” he explained.

“That is where he will be

uplifted.”

The young striker had been declared missing by his father on Friday after he had left his home in Owerri without alerting his family but returned early on Monday morning before a decision on his future was made.

James has been integral in his son’s fledgling career, with rumours that he had valued the starlet at €1 million (£840,000), though he denied those claims, declaring: “No, those people are my enemies. I never said that.”

the forth-coming Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

One of the issues on the front burner would be a presentation on antidoping as Nigeria reiterates its zero tolerance on doping at any level of sports.Other issues include President’s report for 2012 and a paper tagged from

grassroot to podium among others. ‘’The Governor is indeed delighted to be hosting the who is who in Nigerian sports and I think that we will come out with a position paper after the AGM’’, Engineer Ndanusa who is also the President of Nigeria Tennis Federation said.

FIFA

Continues from BP Ghanaian capital that President Mahama kissed the trophy, raised it up and said it was his prayer that Ghana would win the 2014 competition in Brazil to enable him to have another privilege to lift it again.

“As I lift the trophy, I pray that I get the chance to hold it again for Ghana,” he said at a special Presidential Gala dinner in Accra on Monday night.

Minister of Youth and Sports Elvis AfriyieAnkrah, Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi, Ghana’s football legend Abedi Ayew and other key football and sports per-

sonalities had earlier welcomed the FIFA delegation accompanying the trophy.

The Trophy was also sent to the Lizzy’s Sports Complex in Accra operated by Marcel Desailly, a retired Ghanaian-born French footballer and star of the France national football team squad, with which he won the 1998 World Cup. The trophy will be on public display at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Ghana qualified for its third straight World Cup finals on Nov. 19 when it beat Egypt 7-3 on aggregate.

Ghana joins Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria to fly Africa’s flag at the Brazil finals.

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Sports Awards in pix Zenith hold Atletico

Z

ENIT St Petersburg enjoyed a huge slice of fortune but have still yet to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

Atletico had already qualified from Group G but Zenit failed to take advantage and second place is still up for grabs between the Russians and FC Porto.

While Zenit enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, Atletico were clinical, Adrian pouncing to put them ahead in the 53rd minute.

However, an absolute fluke goal - when highlyrated goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois completely miscalculated a straightforward tip-over from Toby Alderweireld’s defensive header - saved Zenit in the 74th minute.

Today’s Fixtures Leverkusen Shakhtar Juventus Real Madrid Anderlecht PSG CSKA Moscow Man City

v v v v v v v v

Man U Sociedad Copenhagen Galatasaray Benfica Olympiakos Bayern Munich Viktoria Plzen

8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:4pm 6pm 8:45pm

Rio 2016 Olympics: IOC reduces number of competitors in athletics

T SPORTS GOVERNOR .... Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan receives his Sports Governor award yesterday in Lagos Chuka Momah (r) gives Aruna Quadri,Winner, Ball Sports Personality of the Year his award last night. Photos: AKEEM SALAU

HE International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Tuesday said the number of athletes to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics has been reduced by 231.

A statement by the IAAF noted that a record 2,231 athletes competed at the London 2012 Games, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has now effected a reduction.

“The IOC has capped

the figure for Rio 2016 at 2,000, thus cutting off 231,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports however that athletics will be the only sport to have its numbers cut for the Rio 2016.

The statement quoted IAAF deputy general secretary, Nick Davies, as saying in reaction that “it is no problem for us and this has been done in consultation with us and with our full support”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — 63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

2014 FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Accra

T

HE FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Accra on Monday from Morocco as part of a tour of 88 countries sponsored by Coca-

Cola, to the excitement of Ghanaian President John Mahama, sports officials and fans.

PANA reports from the Continues on Page 61

Wonderkid Iheanacho to sign for Man City W

ONDERKID K e l e c h i Iheanacho will sign a deal with Manchester City, according to the player ’s father.

Iheanacho was named the best player at November ’s Under-17s World Cup after scoring six goals, including one in the final, as the Golden Eaglets triumphed in the United Arab Emirates.

He has since been linked with moves to Porto and Chelsea but his father, James, said that the Etihad Stadium will be his boys’ next destination. ”As I am talking to you, I have chosen that Kelechi is going to Manchester United,” he told Super Sport’s

Continues on Page 61

•Iheanacho

Keshi offers Anichebe last chance

E

NGLAND-based striker Victor Anichebe will be considered by Super Eagles for next year ’s World Cup, the country’s coach, Stephen Keshi has said.

Anichebe has not played for the Eagles since 2010 and he has

Continues on Page 61

•Anichebe

Champions League CSKA Leverkusen Shakhtar R/Madrid Juventus Anderlecht PSG Man City

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Bayern Münich Man United Real Sociedad Galatasaray København Benfica Olympiakos Viktoria Plzen

6.00 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm 8.45 pm

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Housey-housey (5) 5 Remember (6) 8 Confuse (5) 10 Pace (6) 11 Cupid (4) 14 Plan (6) 15 Ruler (7) 18 Through (3) 19 Fish (3) 21 Adroit (4) 23 Revolt (5) 24 Scheme (4) 27 Noise (3) 29 Favourite (3) 31 Ousted (7) 32 Complained (6) 34 Thoroughfare (40 35 Threefold (6) 38 Pale (5) 39 Hired (6) 40 Evade (5)

DOWN 2 Abroad (3) 3 Followed (6) 4 Strange (3) 5 Rush (4) 6 Shut (6) 7 Finch (6) 9 Deciphered (7) 12 Material (3) 13 Father (4) 16 Repast (4) 17 Wild (5) 20 Under (7) 22 Confront (4) 24 Cosset (6) 25 Gemstone (4) 26 Occupant (6) 28 Cloak (6) 30 Number (3) 33 Deceased (4) 36 Colour (3) 37 Loiter (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Bald 4, Sad 6, Wise 9, Ore 10, Perceive 11, Veil 14, Gem 16, Infer 19, Wasteful 21, Leverage 24, Tacky 27, Dip 31, Bust 33, Vigilant 34, Lac 35, Itch 36, Wry 37, Look.

DOWN: 2, Aped 3, Dock 4, Spiteful 5, Diet 6, Woven 7, Ire 8, Sieze 12, Twist 13, Aspic 14, Get 15, Muted 17, Float 18, Revel 20, Lovingly 22, Rep 25, Adult 26, Ketch 28, Avow 29, Elap 30, Once 32, Sac.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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